John Wesley (1703-1791) is the chief architect and source of inspiration to
the teaching commonly referred to as Christian perfection. Among his many
publications, the book that best summarizes his teachings on holiness is A
Plain Account of Christian Perfection, as believed and taught by the
Reverend Mr. John Wesley, from the year 1725 to the year 1777. For many
years this timeless classic has been reproduced in various formats. Now, for
the first time, John Wesley's 'A Plain Account of Christian Perfection' is
being offered in a definitive Annotated Edition by Mark K. Olson. This
edition is volume one in a projected three volume series. The Annotated
Edition offers the following:
· The entire text has been divided into chapters and verses for detailed
study and cross-referencing.
· The introduction examines in detail when and why Wesley wrote A Plain
Account.
· The verse by verse commentary discusses the history and background behind
the text, offering unsurpassed explanation of Wesley's doctrine of perfect
love.
· Five end notes address Wesley's early doctrinal development, the impact of
Aldersgate on his perfection doctrine, many testimonies of attaining
perfection, and other relevant material from early Methodism.
· Over 150 quotations from Wesley's sermons, writings, and letters offer
unlimited clarification to his views on perfection.
· The insights of many Wesley scholars are included: Albert Outler, Randy
Maddox, Kenneth Collins, William Greathouse, Thomas Oden, Harold Lindstrom,
Stephen Gunter, H. Ray Dunning, Theodore Runyon, plus many others.
· A timeline details every event in Wesley's lifetime corresponding to A
Plain Account.
· Several exhaustive indexes are included: scripture, annotation, subject,
author, Wesley quotations, and two synonym indexes from Wesley's Journal and
A Plain Account.
· The Essential Reading Section further empowers the study of Wesley's
theology of perfection. Included are:
o Twenty key sermons, along with their dates and locations in Wesley's Works
(both the Jackson and Bicentennial editions).
o Wesley's most important writings on perfection, listing their date and
location in his Works.
o 250 letters relevant to his theology of perfection. The index includes
their date and location in Wesley's Works, with a brief description of their
contents.
Two additional volumes are planned in the series. John Wesley's Theology of
Perfection will offer specialized studies for those wanting to dig deeper
into Wesley's theology of perfection. The third volume, John Wesley's
Doctrine of Christian Perfection, will present in systematic format every
facet of Wesley's views on perfection. The projected release for both
volumes is 2006 and 2007. Together, these three volumes will present one of
the most thorough and exhaustive studies ever done on Wesley's most beloved,
yet, most controversial doctrine.
