Spiritual Literacy in John Wesley's Methodism

Vicki Tolar Burton (Ph.D. Auburn University) is Associate Professor of English and Director, Writing Intensive Curriculum, Oregon State University.

Acknowledgments Preface Abbreviations 1. Introduction: John Wesley and the Rhetorical and Literacy Practices of Early Methodism 2. John Wesley's Literacy Genealogy: Parental Patterns and Practices 3. Writing to Believe: Diaries and Journals as Spiritual Literacy 4. Speaking to Believe: Literacy and Rhetorical Practices of Traveling Preachers 5. Walking in Light, Walking in Darkness: Methodist Women's Changing Rhetorical Space 6. The Mystic and the Methodists: Account of the Experience of Hester Ann Rogers 7. Reading to Believe: John Wesley's Book Inventory (1791) 8. Climbing Boys and Spinning Girls: School on Sunday for Laboring Children Conclusion: The Witness of Their Own Spirits Appendix A: Samuel Bradburn's Rules for Preaching Appendix B: John Wesley's Book Inventory Compiled at the Time of His Death (1791) Notes Bibliography Index

"Spiritual Literacy illumines an underappreciated aspect of the Methodist movement--John Wesley's concern for the literary abilities of ordinary citizens."--Randy L. Maddox, Professor of Theology and Wesleyan Studies, Duke University Divinity School "Through close examination of primary sources, Tolar Burton offers a rich account of leading Methodist women such as Sarah Crosby, Mary Fletcher and Hester Ann Rogers?.... Historians of early Methodism should regard her study as essential reading."--Barry W. Hamilton, Northeastern Seminary "Here is the counter history to the elitist rhetoric of Hugh Blair and George Campbell. Vicki Tolar Burton's close reading of the actual day-to-day texts of early Methodism's founder and followers expands our knowledge of how a democratizing rhetoric gave cultural voice to women and to working class men in early Methodism."--Robert Stephen Reid, Communication Department Chair, University of Dubuque