Wesley (or Westley), John (1)

an English clergyman of the Established Church, grandfather of the founder of Methodism, was born about 1636; and educated at New in Hall, Oxford, where he was distinguished for piety, diligence, and special attainments in the Oriental languages. After graduation he was connected with the Church at Melcombe, Dorsetshire, by which he was sent as a lay preacher to labor among the seamen and others Ra Radipole, near Weymouth.. In .1658 he became the minister of Winterboulrn WNiitchurch, Dorsetshire, under the authority of Cromwell. After the Restoration he was summoned before Gilbert Ironside, bishop of Bristol, who dismissed him without interference. But he was afterwards twice imprisoned, and in 1661 ejected from his living. He was then persecuted from place to place, and finally took refuge in Preston. He was then called to preach to a society in Poole, but on account of the Five-mile Act performed the duties of pastor still residing at Ireston. He was several times arrested and four times imprisoned; and died about 1670. Application was made to bury him in the Church at Preston, but permission was refused by the vicar.