John Wesley (1703-1791) was a cleric in the Church of England, a Christian theologian, and a founder of the Methodist movement. In 1755 Wesley published a version of the New Testament which was based on the Authorized Version and included about 12,000 changes to the text. In addition, Wesley’s New Testament included notes which embody his distinctive theological perspective. Several editions of Wesley’s New Testament were published during Wesley’s lifetime, each of which includes additional changes. The first American Edition was published in 1791 and many editions followed in the 19th and 20th Century. The United Methodist Church continues to consider Wesley’s New Testament a foundational document of the denomination.
Click here for sample verses from the version by John Wesley.
The preface to Wesley's New Testament may be found here.
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Table of Contents
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Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament
Early British Editions
1755 - First Edition
Title: Explanatory | Notes | upon | The New Testament. | by | John Wesley, M.A. | Late Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. | London, | Printed by William Bowyer. MDCCLV.
Date: 1755
Publisher: William Bowyer: London
Contents: New Testament (with Wesley's notes and comments)
Description: The First Edition was published in quarto form in 1755 by William Bowyer in London. In addition to the four page Preface, the text takes up 759 pages and a three page index “chiefly of words explained in the preceding comment.” A portrait of Wesley appears opposite the title page. The biblical text is printed in paragraphs in a single column with verse numbers in the margins. Wesley’s comments are at the bottom of the page in two columns in a smaller font. They are introduced by the verse number. In the notes, the biblical text is presented in italics and the comments in a plain font. The volume collates as follows: 4to., p. vi, 1-386, 381-758, 765, (3), errata.
References: Herbert 1114; Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.100.
Images: Title page
Location: A copy is available at the Harvard Library
1757 - Second Edition
Title: Explanatory | Notes | upon | The New Testament. | by | John Wesley, M.A. | Late Fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford. | The Second Edition. | London: | Printed in the Year M.DCC.LVII.
Date: 1757
Publisher: not given
Contents: New Testament (with Wesley's notes and comments)
Description: The Second Edition was published in quarto form in 1757, but no publisher or printer is listed, only the location, London. The biblical text is printed in paragraphs in a single column with verse numbers in the margins. Wesley’s comments are at the bottom of the page in two columns in a smaller font. They are introduced by the verse number. In the notes, the biblical text is presented in italics and the comments in a plain font. The Preface from the first edition is printed at the beginning and the index is printed at the end. The volume collates as follows: 4to., p. vi, 765, [b].
References: Herbert see 1114; Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.101.
Images: Title page
Facsimile: A pdf facsimile of the Second Edition is available at books.google.com.
Location: A copy is available at the Harvard Library
Sales: A copy of Wesley's 1757 New Testament (complete but lacking Wesley's portrait) sold on eBay (item 231729465135) for GBP 284.00 (approximately US $438.61) on October 31, 2015.
1760 - Third Edition
The Third Edition, Corrected was published as a three volume 12mo. set over three years with volume 1 published in 1760, volume 2 in 1761 and volume 3 in 1762. Volume 1 was published in Bristol by Grabham and Pine; volumes 2 and 3 were published in Bristol by William Pine. In all three volumes the text is arranged in paragraphs in a single column with verse numbers in the margins. Wesley’s comments are at the bottom of the page in a single column and introduced by the verse number. In the notes, the biblical text is presented in italics and the comments in a plain font. The Preface from the first edition is printed at the beginning of volume 1 and the index is printed at the end of volume 3. The volumes collate as follows: Volume 1 (Gospels): 12mo., p. vii, [b], 9-416; Volume 2 (Acts to Ephesians): 12mo., p. 349; Volume 3 (Philippians to Revelation plus index): 12mo., p. 349.
Title: Explanatory | Notes | upon | The New Testament. | by | John Wesley, M.A. | Late Fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford. | The Third Edition, Corrected. | Bristol: | Printed by Grabham and Pine, in Wine-Street, 1760.
Date: 1760
Publisher: Volume 1: Bristol: Grabham and Pine, Volumes 2 & 3: Bristol: William Pine
Contents: New Testament (with Wesley's notes and comments) (Volume 1: Matthew-John, Volume 2: Acts-Ephesians, Volume 3: Philippians-Revelation)
References: Herbert see 1114; Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.102.
Images: Volume 1 Title page, Volume 2 Title page, Volume 3 Title page
Location: A Copy is available at the Harvard Library
1768 - Fourth Edition
Title: Explanatory | Notes | upon | The New Testament. | by John Wesley, M.A. | Late Fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford. | The Fourth Edition. | Bristol: | Printed by William Pine, in Wine-Street. | MDCCLXVIII.
Date: 1768
Publisher: Bristol: William Pine
Contents: New Testament (with Wesley's notes and comments)
Description: The Fourth Edition was published in quarto form in 1768 by William Pine in Bristol. A portrait of Wesley (different from the 1755 edition) appears opposite the title page. The biblical text is printed in paragraphs in a single column with verse numbers in the margins. Wesley’s comments are at the bottom of the page in two columns in a smaller font. They are introduced by the verse number. In the notes, the biblical text is presented in italics and the comments in a plain font. The Preface from the first edition is printed at the beginning and the index is printed at the end. The volume collates as follows: 4to., [portrait], [title], [b], (iii)-vi, 7-245, 246 as 446, 247-322, 323 as 325, 324-344, 345 as 343, 344-508, 509 as 409, 510-614, 615 as 617, 618-672, 673 as 671, 672-845, 846 as 864, 847-885, [index].
References: Herbert see 1114; Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.103.
Images: Title page, Portrait
Comments: Luke II,4 reads "Joseph also went up to Galilee" instead of "Joseph also went up from Galilee."
1788 - Fifth Edition
Title: Explanatory | Notes | upon The | New Testament. | by John Wesley, M.A. | Late Fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford. | The Fifth Edition. | London: Printed for the Author: | And sold at the New-Chapel, City-Road, and by all the Booksellers | in Town and Country | M,DCC,LXXXVIII
Date: 1788
Publisher: London: for the Author
Contents: New Testament (with Wesley's notes and comments)
Description: The Fifth Edition was published in quarto form in 1788 “for the Author” in London. The biblical text is printed in paragraphs in a single column with verse numbers in the margins. Wesley’s comments are at the bottom of the page in two columns in a smaller font. They are introduced by the verse number. In the notes, the biblical text is presented in italics and the comments in a plain font. The Preface from the first edition is printed at the beginning and the index is printed at the end. The volume collates as follows: 4to., p. vi, 7-914; 565 mis-numbered as 569.
References: Herbert see 1114; Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.104.
Images: Title page
Location: A copy is available at the Lovely Lane Museum and Archive. A Copy is also available at Harvard Library
Title: Notes on the New Testament. By John Wesley, A.M. Late Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. In Three Volumes. First Vol. The Fifth Edition.
Date: 1805
Publisher: Dublin: Printed by John Jones, Bride-street, for the Methodist Book-room, Whitefriar-street.
Contents: Volume 1: The Gospels with Wesley's notes and comments
Description: This edition of the Fifth Edition was published as a three volume 12mo. set. The text is arranged in paragraphs in a single column with verse numbers in the margins. Wesley’s comments are at the bottom of the page in a single column and introduced by the verse number. In the notes, the biblical text is presented in italics and the comments in a plain font. The Preface from the first edition is printed at the beginning of volume 1. The first volume collate as follows: Volume 1 (Gospels): 12mo., p. [title], vi, 1-400.
Images: Title page
Comments: This appears to be the only edition of Wesley's New Testament printed in Ireland. Despite the fact that this was printed after the Fifth Edition, Corrected, the text is the Fifth Edition.
1795 - Fifth Edition, Corrected
The Fifth Edition, Corrected was published as a three volume 12mo. set. It was published over two years with volumes 1 and 2 published in 1795, and volume 3 in 1796. The first two volumes were printed in London by G. Paramore; the printer for volume 3 is not given on the title page. In all three volumes the text is arranged in paragraphs in a single column with verse numbers in the margins. Wesley’s comments are at the bottom of the page in a single column and introduced by the verse number. In the notes, the biblical text is presented in italics and the comments in a plain font. The Preface from the first edition is printed at the beginning of vol. 1 and the index is printed at the end of volume 3. The volumes collate as follows: Volume 1 (Gospels): 12mo., p. 307, [b], [2]; Volume 2 (Acts to Ephesians): 12mo., p. 310 [2]; Volume 3 (Philippians to Revelation plus index): 12mo., p. 299, [5]. This is the first edition of Wesley's Notes published after his death in 1791.
Title: Explanatory | Notes | upon The | New Testament. | by John Wesley, M.A. | Late Fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford. | The Fifth Edition, Corrected. | Volume I. | Containing the Four Gospels | London: | Printed for G. Paramore, North Green, Worship-Street. | Sold by G. Whitfield, at the Chapel, City-Road; and at the | Methodist Preaching-Houses in Town and Country. 1795.
Date: 1795
Publisher: London: Printed for G. Paramore, North Green, Worship-Street. Sold by G. Whitfield, at the Chapel, City-Road; and at the Methodist Preaching-Houses in Town and Country.
Contents: New Testament (with Wesley's notes and comments) Volume I: Gospels.
References: Herbert see 1114; Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.104.
Images: Volume 1 Title page
Title: Explanatory Notes upon The New Testament. By John Wesley, M.A. Late Fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford. The Fifth Edition, Corrected. Volume II.
Date: 1795
Publisher: London: Printed by G. Paramore, North-Green, Worship-Street. Sold by G. Whitfield, at the Chapel, City-Road; and at the Methodist Preaching-Houses in Town and Country.
Contents: New Testament (with Wesley's notes and comments) Volume II: Acts to Ephesians
References: Herbert see 1114; Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.104.
Images: Volume 2 Title page
Title: Explanatory Notes upon The New Testament. By John Wesley, M.A. Late Fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford. The Fifth Edition, Corrected. Volume III.
Date: 1796
Publisher: London: Printed for and Sold by G. Whitfield, at the Chapel, City-Road; and at the Methodist Preaching-Houses in Town and Country.
Contents: New Testament (with Wesley's notes and comments) Volume III: Philippians to Revelation
References: Herbert see 1114; Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.104.
Images: Volume 3 Title page
1817 - Diamond Edition
Title: The | New Testament, | with | Explanatory Notes; | by | John Wesley, M.A. | Late fellow of Lincoln College, | Oxford | (bar) | Diamond Edition. | (bar) | London: | Printed for the Proprietors | (bar) | 1817.
Date: 1817
Publisher: London: Printed for the Proprietors (Printed by J. McGowanm Great Windmill Street, Haymarket.)
Contents: New Testament (with Wesley's notes and comments. Also contains "The Life of Mr. Wesley."
Description: Small 12mo. (p. [722], xx)
References: Herbert see 1114; Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.
Images: Title page, Portrait
Comments: This is called the "Diamond Edition" because it uses a diamond sized font, approximately 4.5 pts.
Early American Editions
1791 - First American Edition
The First American Edition is a close reprint of the Third Edition, Corrected. The two are paginated exactly the same and many pages are identical in layout. It appears one volume was given to each of the three printers, Joseph Crukshank, Charles Cist, and Prichard & Hall so the work could proceed in parallel.
Title: Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament by John Wesley M.A. Late Fellow of Lincoln-College. Oxford. The First American Edition. Philadelphia: Printed by Joseph Crukshank: Sold by John Dickins, No. 43 Fourth Street, near the corner of Race-Street. M DCC XCI.
Date: 1791
Publisher: John Dickins: Philadelphia (Volume 1 printed by Joseph Crukshank, Volume 2 by Charles Cist, Volume 3 by Prichard and Hall)
Contents: New Testament (Volume 1: Matthew-John, Volume 2: Acts-Ephesians, Volume 3: Philippians-Revelation)
Description: As with the Third Edition, Corrected, the First American Edition was published in a three volume 12mo. set. All three volumes were sold by John Dickins, the Methodist Church book agent at the time, but printed by three different printers. Joseph Crukshank printed volume 1, Charles Cist printed volume 2 and Prichard & Hall printed volume 3. The biblical text is arranged in paragraphs in a single column with verse numbers in the margins. Wesley’s comments are at the bottom of the page in a single column and introduced by the verse number. In the notes the text is presented in italics and the comments in a plain font. The Preface from the first edition is printed at the beginning of volume 1 and the index is printed at the end of volume 3. The volumes collate as follows: Volume 1 (Gospels): 12mo., p. vii,[b], 9- 416; Volume 2 (Acts to Ephesians): 12mo., p. 348; Volume 3 (Philippians to Revelation plus Index): 12to., p. 342, [4 index].
References: Chamberlin 538-3; Hills 35, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.200.
Images: Volume 1 Title page, Volume 2 Title page, Volume 3 Title page, Page from 1791 edition (Title page images courtesy of the Lovely Lane Museum and Archive ([http://www.lovelylanemuseum.org/])
1806 - Second American Edition
Title: Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament. In Two Volumes. By John Wesley, M.A. Late Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. The Second American Edition. Volume First. New York: Published by Ezekiel Cooper and John Wilson, No. 249, Pearl Street. William C. Robinson, Printer. 1806.
Date: 1806
Publisher: Ezekiel Cooper and John Wilson: New York
Contents: Volume I: Matthew-Acts; Volume II: Romans-Revelation
Description: The Second American Edition was published in a two volume octavo set. Both volumes were published by Ezekiel Cooper and John Wilson, the Methodist Church book agents at the time, and printed in New York by William C. Robinson. The biblical text is arranged in paragraphs in a single column with verse numbers in the margins. Wesley’s comments are at the bottom of the page in a single column and introduced by the verse number. In the notes the text is presented in italics and the comments in a plain font. The Preface from the first edition is printed at the beginning on the first volume and the index is printed at the end of the second volume. The volumes collate as follows: Volume 1 (Matthew to Acts): 8vo., p. vi, 7-368; Volume 2 (Romans to Revelation plus Index): 8vo. p. 400.
References: Chamberlin 538-3, Hills 137, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.201.
Images: Volume I Title page, Volume II Title page
Comments: A complete two-volume set sold on eBay for $279.99 in August 2014 (item 191275658153).
1812 - Third American Edition
Title: Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament. By John Wesley, M.A. Late Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. Vol. I. The Third American Edition. New York: Published by Daniel Hitt and Thomas Ware, for the Methodist Connection in the United States. John C. Totten, Printer. 1812
Date: 1812
Publisher: Daniel Hitt and Thomas Ware: New York
Contents: Volume I: Matthew-Acts (printed by John C. Totten); Volume II: Romans-Revelation (printed by Paul & Thomas)
Description: The Third American Edition was published in a two volume octavo set. Both volumes were published by Daniel Hitt and Thomas Ware, the Methodist Church book agents at the time, and printed in New York. Volume 1 was printed by John C. Totten and volume 2 was printed by Paul & Thomas. The two volumes were sometimes combined into a single volume with both title pages present. The biblical text is arranged in paragraphs in a single column with verse numbers in the margins. Wesley’s comments are at the bottom of the page in a single column and introduced by the verse number. In the notes the text is presented in italics and the comments in a plain font. The Preface from the first edition is printed at the beginning of the first volume and the index is printed at the end of the second volume. The volumes collate as follows: Volume 1 (Matthews to Acts): 8vo., p. vi, 7-368; Volume 2 (Romans to Revelation plus Index): 8vo., p. 400.
References: Chamberlin 538-3, Hills 222, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.202
Images: Title page
Comments: This was bound as either one or two volumes.
1818 - Fourth American Edition
Title: Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament. By John Wesley, M.A. Late Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. Fourth American Edition. New York: Published by J. Soule and T. Mason, for the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States. Abraham Paul, Printer. 1818
Date: 1818
Publisher: J. Soule and T. Mason: New York
Contents: New Testament
Description: The Fourth American Edition was published in a single octavo volume. It was published by J[oshua] Soule and T[homas] Mason, the Methodist Church book agents at the time, and printed in New York by Abraham Paul. The biblical text is arranged in paragraphs in a single column with verse numbers in the margins. Wesley’s comments are at the bottom of the page in a single column and introduced by the verse number. In the notes the text is presented in italics and the comments in a plain font. The Preface from the first edition is printed at the beginning and the index is printed at the end. The volume collates as follows: 8vo., p. vi, 7-768.
References: Chamberlin 538-3, Hills 356, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.203.
Images: Title page
Later 19th Century American Editions
1844 - American Edition
Title: Explanatory Notes Upon The New Testament. By John Wesley, M.A., Late Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford.
Date: 1844
Publisher: New York: Published by G. Lane and P.P. Sandford, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the Conference Office, 200 Mulberry-Street. J. Collord, Printer.
Contents: New Testament
References: Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.
Images: Title page
1845 - American Edition
Title: Explanatory Notes Upon The New Testament. By John Wesley, M.A., Sometime Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. New Edition. With the Manuscript Corrections of the Author. George Peck, Editor.
Date: 1845
Publisher: New York: Published by G. Lane and C.B. Tippett, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the Conference Office, 200 Mulberry-Street. J. Collord, Printer.
Contents: New Testament
References: Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.
Images: Title page
1847 - American Edition
Title: Explanatory Notes Upon The New Testament. By John Wesley, M.A., Late Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford.
Date: 1847
Publisher: New York: Published by Lane & Tippett, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, 200 Mulberry-Street. Joseph Longking, Printer.
Contents: New Testament
References: Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.
Images: Title page (from the online facsimile)
Facsimile: A pdf facsimile of this edition is available at archive.org
1850 - American Edition
Title: Explanatory Notes Upon The New Testament. By John Wesley, M.A., Sometime Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. New Edition.
Date: 1850
Publisher: New York: Published by Lane & Scott, 200 Mulberry-Street. Joseph Longking, Printer.
Contents: New Testament
References: Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.
Images: Title page (from the online facsimile)
Facsimile: A pdf facsimile of this edition is available at archive.org
1855 - American Edition
Title: Explanatory Notes Upon The New Testament. By John Wesley, M.A. Late Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford.
Date: 1855
Publisher: New York: Published by Carlton & Phillips
Contents: New Testament
References: Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.
Images: Title page
c. 1856 - American Edition - Twelfth Edition
Title: Explanatory Notes Upon The New Testament. By John Wesley, M.A. Late Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. Twelfth Edition.
Date: c. 1856
Publisher: New York: Published by Carlton & Porter.
Contents: New Testament
References: Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.
Images: Title page (from the online facsimile)
Facsimile: A pdf facsimile of this edition is available at archive.org
c. 1868 - American Edition (Schmul facsimile)
Title: Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament by John Wesley, M.A.
Translation: Wesley, John
Date: c. 1868 (Facsimile 1975)
Publisher: Schmul Publishers: Salem, OH
Contents: Volume IV: New Testament
References: Chamberlin p. 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.
Images: Title page
Comments: Based on the Carlton and Lanahan publishers, the original edition was published c. 1868.
c. 1896 - American Edition - Nineteenth Edition
Title: Explanatory Notes Upon The New Testament. By John Wesley, M.A. Late Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford Nineteenth Edition
Date: c. 1896
Publisher: New York: Eaton & Mains Cincinnati: Jennings & Graham
Contents: New Testament
References: Chamberlin 538-3, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.
Images: Title page
Facsimile: A pdf facsimile of this edition is available at archive.org
Modern Reprints
Title: Explanatory Notes upon The New Testament by John Wesley, M.A.
Date: 1755 (reprinted 1954)
Publisher: The Epworth Press: London
Contents: New Testament
References: Chamberlin 538-3; Herbert 1114, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.
Images: Jacket, Title page
Dating 19th Century American Reprints
During the 19th Century Wesley's Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament was reprinted many times in the United States. Unfortunately, some of these editions are undated. However, it is possible to get an approximate date by looking at the publisher. During the 19th Century, the Methodist Episcopal Church elected "Book Agents" every four years and these men were listed as the publisher on all Methodist books during their tenure. The following table lists the Book Agents from 1789 to 1896.
| 1789 | John Dickins | 1st Edition - 1791 |
| 1798 | Ezekiel Cooper | |
| 1804 | Ezekiel Cooper, John Wilson | 2nd Edition - 1806 |
| 1808 | John Wilson, Daniel Hitt | |
| 1812 | Daniel Hitt, Thomas Ware | 3rd Edition - 1812 |
| 1816 | Joshua Soule, Thomas Mason | 4th Edition - 1818 |
| 1820 | Nathan Bangs, Thomas Mason | |
| 1824 | Nathan Bangs, John Emory | |
| 1828 | John Emory, Beverly Waugh | |
| 1832 | Beverly Waugh, Thomas Mason | |
| 1836 | Thomas Mason, George Lane | |
| 1840 | Thomas Mason, George Lane | |
| 1843 | George Lane, Peter Sandford | 1844 edition |
| 1844 | George Lane, C.B. Tippett | 1845 & 1847 Editions |
| 1848 | George Lane, Levi Scott | 1850 Edition |
| 1852 | Thomas Carlton, Zebulon Phillips | 1853 & 1855 Editions |
| 1856 | Thomas Carlton, James Porter | n.d. - 12th Edition |
| 1860 | Thomas Carlton, James Porter | |
| 1864 | Thomas Carlton, James Porter | |
| 1868 | Thomas Carlton, John Lanahan, Eleazer Thomas | n.d. - (Schmul Facsimile) |
| 1872 | Reuben Nelson, John M. Phillips | |
| 1876 | Reuben Nelson, John M. Phillips | |
| 1880 | John M. Phillips, Sandford Hunt | |
| 1884 | John M. Phillips, Sandford Hunt | |
| 1888 | John M. Phillips, Sandford Hunt | |
| 1892 | Sandford Hunt, Homer Eaton | |
| 1896 | Homer Eaton, George P. Mains | n.d. - 19th Edition |
New Testament With an Analysis of the Several Books
This is the text of Wesley's New Testament without the notes. An analysis or outline precedes each book. This was originally published in 1790 in London; one of Wesley's last publications. An American edition was published in 1815. Another edition was published in Dunfermline, Scotland in 1818. No other editions were published until the 1930s.
Title: The New Testament with An Analysis of The several Books and Chapters. By the Rev. J. Wesley, M.A. London: Printed and sold at the New-Chapel, City-Road; and at the Rev. J. Wesley's Preaching-Houses in Town and Country. 1790.
Date: 1790
Publisher: London: Printed and sold at the New-Chapel, City-Road; and at the Rev. J. Wesley's Preaching-Houses in Town and Country.
Contents: New Testament
References: Herbert 1351
Description: The 1790 edition was printed in paragraphs in a single column with the verse numbers in the margins. The volume collates as follows: 16mo., p. 424.
Images: Title page
Title: The New Testament with an Analysis of the Several Books and Chapters. By the Rev. J. Wesley, M.A. New York: Published by D. Hitt and T. Ware, for the Methodist Connection in the U. States. A. Paul, Printer. 1815.
Date: 1815
Publisher: D. Hitt and T Ware for the Methodist Connection: New York
Contents: New Testament
References: Hills 291
Description: The 1815 edition was published by Daniel Hitt and Thomas Ware and printed by A. Paul in New York. This volume collates as follows: 16mo., p. 459.
Images: Title page, Wesley's "To the Reader", Binding
Comments: Hills 291 says "this seems to the the AV text with Wesley introductions." After examining the text, it is clear this is Wesley's version and not the Authorized Version.
Title:A New Translation and Analysis, Of all the Books of the New Testament, In which the Subjects are Properly Distributed into Paragraphs, by the Rev. John Wesley, M.A. Late Fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford. "Always carry a New Testament about you." Adam Clarke. Printed for Robert Harley, and Co. Dumfermline. 1818.
Date: 1818
Publisher: Dumfermline (sic): Printed for Robert Harley, and Co.
Contents: New Testament
References:
Images: Title page
Title: John Wesley's New Testament Compared with the Authorized Version
Translation: Wesley, John
Date: 1953 (reprinted 1975)
Publisher: The John C. Winston Company: Philadelphia
Contents: New Testament
References: Chamberlin 538-3; Herbert 2271; Hills see 2369, 2533, Taliaferro-BVE CN00077, Taliaferro-EELBV 7170.
Comments: This edition reprints Wesley's 1790 New Testament and omits the notes. It indicates all the places where Wesley changed the Authorized Version with either italics or ellipses. It includes a facsimile of the Title Page from the 1790 edition.
Images: Jacket, Cover, Title page
Explanatory Notes Upon the Old Testament
Wesley's Notes upon the Old Testament were published in 1765. According to the Preface, Wesley said, "I have here and there taken the liberty of altering a word in the text." The text is largely the Authorized or King James Version.
1765 Edition
Title: Explanatory Notes upon the Old Testament by John Wesley, M.A.
Date: 1765
Publisher: William Pine, in Wine-Street: Bristol
Contents: Volume I: Genesis-Judges 14, Volume II: Judges 15-Psalms 62, Volume III: Psalms 63-Malachi
References: Chamberlin 113-3; Herbert 1166
Images: Volume I Title page and portrait, Volume II Title page, Volume III Title page
Schmul Facsimile
Title: Explanatory Notes upon the Old Testament by John Wesley, M.A.
Date: 1765 (facsimile 1975)
Publisher: Schmul Publishers: Salem, OH
Contents: Volume I: Genesis-Judges 14, Volume II: Judges 15-Psalms 62, Volume III: Psalms 63-Malachi
References: Chamberlin 113-3; Herbert 1166
Images: Volume I Title page, Volume II Title page, Volume III Title page
Comments: In 1975 Schmul Publishers reprinted Wesley's Explanatory Notes upon the Old Testament in facsimile. The Old Testament is a facsimile of the first edition of 1765.
Welsh Translation of Wesley's New Testament
John Wesley's commentary on the New Testament was first translated into Welsh and published in 1825. The translators were the Revs. Hugh Hughes and John Williams 2nd, Wesleyan ministers. It was issued in twenty shilling parts. Another translation was made by Rowland Hughes, Wesleyan minister, and published in a small 8vo. volume in 1850. (From The Bible in Wales A Study in the History of the Welsh People, with an Introductory Address and a Bibliography published by Henry Sotheram & Co.: London, 1906, by John Ballinger. Available here)
Title: Esboniad ar y Testament Newydd; gan y Parch. John Wesley, M.A. Gynt Cymrawd o Goleg Lincoln, Rhydychain. Wedi ei Cyfiethu Gan y Parch. Rowland Hughes.
Date: Ballinger gives a date of 1850 for the first edition, but his description does not match this volume. He does not list any later editions, but it is possible that another edition was printed later. The only clue to the date of this edition is an inscription dated 1891.
Publisher: H. Humphreys: Caernarfon
Contents: Wesley's New Testament in Welsh
Images: Spine, Title page.
