Early Methodist Life and Spirituality

Representative writings of early American Methodists illustrating their spirituality and lives. This book presents primary source material from the writings of early American Methodists (ca. 1770-1820). Ruth topically organizes and sets each reading in context. Materials from Francis Asbury, Thomas Coke, Peter Cartwright, as well as rank-and-file Methodists are included. Ruth's book demonstrates that early Methodism was made up of both men and women and both Black and White persons. The primary material includes sermon outlines, journal and diary entries, excerpts from correspondence, hymnody and poetry, theological reflections, and contemporaneous historical descriptions.

Lester Ruth is Assistant Professor of Worship and Liturgy at Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky.