Controversy between John Wesley and the Countess of Huntingdon: its origin, development and consequences
Abstract
The uncompromising individualism which characterized all of
Eighteenth Century England also penetrated the religious scene and
was incorporated in the life and work of both Jotm Wesley and the
Countess of Huntingdon. The treatment of the major controversy
between these two rugged individualists naturally must begin, in
Chapter One, with a brief survey of their period, its specific
characteristics and needs, and the climate which it provided for
the development of the children of the Evangelical Revival.
Chapters Two and Three are a brief study of the two major figures
in this controversy, but are not primarily biographical. However,
since Lady Huntingdon has been so unfortunate in her biographers,
it was necessary to ascertain exact dates and to amplify relevant
facts about her life in Chapter Three. It was also necessary to
re-evaluate her hitherto largely overlooked contribution to the
Eighteenth Century and to the Evangelical Revival, this being
unnecessary in the case of John Wesley who has always held the
prominent place. In Chapter Four a specific analysis is made of
Wesley's and Lady Huntingdon's basic character traits and theological
presuppositions which brought them into open conflict. The myth
that Lady Huntingdon held a hyper-Calvinistic viewpoint from the
moment of her religious "awakening" is examined and rejected, and
the personal determinant in this theological controversy is
examined in detail. Chapters Five, Six and Seven deal directly
with the controversy itself, tracing its development from the time
of their first meeting to their deaths in 1791. The final chapter
assesses the disastrous consequences of this controversy for all
parties concerned, and for the Church universal.