I have scanned some old books and am making the results of these scans freely available through this site. These texts may be of interest to Christians of Methodist or Wesleyan or Pentecostal persuasion. These are primarily books that discuss the Wesleyan doctrine of Christian Perfection. The arguments and perspectives in these texts are not often heard today, but are definitely worthy of consideration.

I have chosen authors who argue for a balanced and "classical" view of the Wesleyan doctrine. I believe these books to be helpful in understanding the spiritual life and the deeper stages of Christian experience. The materials here should also help you to understand what John Wesley himself actually taught, and how his followers have expanded or modified his views.

While I consider myself a "Wesleyan" and have a certain sympathy with the views expressed in these books, this does not mean that I personally endorse everything advocated or taught in these books. This is not an attempt at propaganda or persuasion. This is an attempt to provide materials that will be helpful to those who are interested in this subject. I have also not sought, in any way, to censor or "tone down" the sentiments or opinions of the authors presented here.

The basic book to read on this subject is John Wesley's 1777 book A Plain Account of Christian Perfection. While that text is here [click to go directly to it], it can also be found in its entirety by clicking here: A Plain Account of Christian Perfection. Numerous other texts by John Wesley can be found at: The Wesleys and Their Times, and at the Wesley Center for Applied Theology at: John Wesley.

The Holiness tradition was also strongly influenced by the teachings of John Wesley's friend and defender John Fletcher. Fletcher's works may be found online at: John Fletcher . Fletcher wrote voluminously, and much of his writing concerns the controversies between Calvinism and Arminianism. Another early influence on the development of Methodist theology was Adam Clarke, the famous Bible commentator.

So where am I coming from?

I'm one of those evangelical United Methodists that identifies with the goals and purposes of the "Confessing Movement." I believe the United Methodist Church is in need of "doctrinal renewal." I believe that renewal will not come until we learn again from our own evangelical and revivalistic roots. I believe there are two themes (closely intertwined for Methodists) that must be recovered: Scriptural Christianity and Scriptural Holiness. The way seems to be blocked. The rise of historical-critical Biblical studies seems to block the way to Scriptural Christianity. The pervasive modern sense of human evil and societal evil seems to block the way to Holiness teaching. The historical excesses and legalisms of Holiness revivalism are an embarrassment for many.

But, I believe it is time to hear these arguments again and see if the way is really blocked. I don't think it is.

PLEASE NOTE: Only the books with active links are currently here in their entirety. This is an ongoing project. If there is one you are especially interested in, send me a note and I may put that one at the top of my list. Craig.

Scholarly study of Wesleyan Theology.

Books in this category are written in a more scholarly and less "popular" style. While much more rigorous, and more demanding to read than the others listed below, they will provide a far more accurate understanding of Wesley's doctrines of salvation and the spiritual life. Thus far, I have only one in this category here.

Wesley and Sanctification by Harald Lindström. (1947).

Timothy Smith says of this book: "Harald Lindström's classic study of John Wesley's doctrine of sanctification, long out of print, remains the most accurate and comprehensive description we have of the theology of the founder of Methodism." This web edition appears in a framed display, with the author's extensive footnotes in the lower frame.

Books by J. A. Wood.

These books could serve as a very good introduction or summary of the Wesleyan Holiness teachings on Christian Perfection. Wood quotes extensively from Wesley and other writers.

Wesley on Perfection (1921).

The first part of this book is a topically arranged compilation of quotes from John Wesley. The final section is the complete text of A Plain Account of Christian Perfection with subject headings. This book is a basic resource for understanding Wesley's teaching on this subject.

Perfect Love (1880, revised ~1900).

Written in a question-and-answer format, this book provides a sort of Holiness catechism. Wood quotes extensively from other authors. The exposition is clear enough to expose both the strengths and the difficulties of the common Holiness views.

Books by Daniel Steele.

Daniel Steele (1824-1914) was the first great Bible scholar and theologian of the Holiness movement. He was professor of theology at Boston University and, later, became the first president of Syracuse University. His writing style may take some getting used to, but his writings are well worth reading, in large part because of their emphasis on Biblical interpretation. Steele was an able defender of the teachings of Wesley and Fletcher.

Love Enthroned (1875, revised 1908).

This exposition of the doctrine of entire sanctification includes the author's personal testimony to the experience. This was the first of Steele's "holiness books." Material was added in 1908.

Milestone Papers (1878).

A collection of essays on entire sanctification. If you only read one of Steele's works, this is the one to read. Chapter 8 on "Tense Readings" in the Greek New Testament is especially interesting.

Half-Hours with St. Paul (c. 1894).

Several Bible study articles, mostly addressing the interpretation of the writings of the apostle Paul. Most of them (but not all) are quite brief.

A Defense of Christian Perfection (1896)

This "defense" was written to refute Dr. James Mudge's book Growth in Holiness Toward Perfection. But, the book is brief, many of the chapters are very brief and the argument is not difficult to follow.

The Gospel of the Comforter (1898)

This book on the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life is regarded by some as Steele's greatest book.

Jesus Exultant (1899)

A collection of sermons. This is the only book solely devoted to Steele's sermons. The sermons are long, but the topics are interesting. Steele's theology was hopeful, gracious and optimistic.

Half-Hours with St. John (1901)

This volume is poorly titled. This is actually a verse by verse commentary on 1, 2 & 3 John. This edition appears in a framed display with the Bible text in the upper frame, and Steele's comments below.

Steele's Answers (1912)

Some old Holiness magazine must have had an "Ask Dr. Steele" column. This book is a compilation of Steele's responses to specific questions that were posed to him. The questions appear in no particular thematic order.

Books by Bishop W. F. Mallalieu

Mallalieu (1828-1911) was elected Bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1884 and presided in many Annual Conferences in the U.S.A. He writes: "Methodism builds on the Word of God. It has no new doctrines, no new and strange theories, no recently invented experiences. Its doctrines, theories, and experiences are those of the Pentecostal Church, and of the earliest centuries of Christianity."

The Fullness of the Blessing of the Gospel of Christ (1903)

A brief, and very basic, overview of Methodist teachings on the Christian life. The author writes: "Back to the Wesleys and the Bible. The Bible in its simplicity and power, the Bible as unfolded and illustrated in the poetry and prose of the Wesleys, is really the foundation of [Methodism]."

Books by Harmon A. Baldwin.

Free Methodist evangelist and writer Harmon Allen Baldwin (1869-1936) wrote several books defending and explaining the Wesleyan doctrine of Christian Perfection. He went back to the classical sources in the teachings of Wesley and Fletcher. But, his aim was very practical: to assist people in their understanding of God's will and to assist them in their spiritual growth.

Lessons for Seekers of Holiness (c. 1907).

This book contains lots of quotations from Wesley, Fletcher, Clarke, Peck and Steele. The author seeks to explain the Holiness doctrine so that people can enter into the experience. A good statement of the traditional Wesleyan teaching on the spiritual life.

Objections to Entire Sanctification Considered (c. 1911)

This very brief volume replies to sixteen common objections to Holiness teachings. In replying to these, Baldwin also considers some alternative views of the Christian life. A very helpful and brief attempt to clarify what Holiness teachers do & do not teach.

The Indwelling Christ (1912)

The author says: "In the following pages the writer desires to defend the old-fashioned doctrine of experimental religion, and teach the possibility of having Christ, the hope of glory, formed within. There is very little attempt to refute errors or meet objections; the matter, for the most part, has been viewed from the positive side."

Holiness and the Human Element (c. 1919)

Brief chapters on various aspects of human nature and their relation to life in sanctification.

Overviews of Methodist Theology.

These books, written for the general reader, give an overview of the teachings of the Methodists in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Adam Clarke's Christian Theology (1835) edited by Samuel Dunn.

Adam Clarke's teachings were edited and systematically arranged after his death by Samuel Dunn. The book also contains an overview of Clarke's life and writings.

Binney's Theological Compend Improved (1874) by Amos Binney & Daniel Steele.

A sketchy overview of Christian theology written originally for Methodist youth. It became unexpectedly popular in its day. Originally written by Amos Binney, it was expanded and "improved" in 1874 by Binney's son-in-law, Daniel Steele.