WESLEY’S
GIVING

Topics: Benevolence; Generosity; Giving; Money; Possessions; Stewardship

References: Matthew 6:19–21; 2 Corinthians 9:6–10; 1 Peter 4:10

During John Wesley’s life (1703–91), Britain experienced rapid urbanization and the beginnings of industrialization. This caused the collapse of rural economies and problems in city centers, such as overcrowding, disease, crime, unemployment, debt, substance abuse, and even insanity (London established its first asylum in 1781).

Meanwhile a small upper class spent large sums to distance itself, literally and figuratively, from the growing problems. This top 5 percent of the population controlled nearly one-third of the national income.

Wesley, part of the lower-middle class, interacted mostly with people who worked hard, owned little, and could never be certain of their financial future. But he eventually became so well known as a preacher that he earned 1,400 pounds per year—equivalent to more than $160,000 today. Still, he chose to live simply but comfortably on just 30 pounds while giving the rest away. He donated nearly all of the 30,000 pounds he earned in his lifetime. “If I leave behind me 10 pounds.… you and all mankind [can] bear witness against me that I have lived and died a thief and a robber,” he said.

—Elesha Coffman, ed., Christian History Newsletter (November 30, 2001)