Charles Spurgeon and John Wesley were famous leaders in opposing camps of Protestant Christianity. Spurgeon was a dedicated Calvinist, and Wesley an Arminian who provided the foundation for the Methodist and Holiness movements.
Given the hostility that too often exists between these groups and their followers, it is refreshing to see what Charles Spurgeon had to say about a saint with whom he disagreed on some major issues.
Most atrocious things have been spoken about the character and spiritual condition of John Wesley, the modern prince of Arminians. I can only say concerning him that, while I detest many of the doctrines which he preached, yet for the man himself I have a reverence second to no Wesleyan; and if there were wanted two apostles to be added to the number of the twelve, I do not believe that there could be found two men more fit to be so added than George Whitefield and John Wesley.
The character of John Wesley stands beyond all imputation for self-sacrifice, zeal, holiness, and communion with God; he lived far above the ordinary level of common Christians, and was one “of whom the world was not worthy.”
You can read the full essay “In Defense of Calvinism,” from which this excerpt was taken.
