[1]: 139 The 44 "standard sermons" are intended to equip Wesley's lay preachers with "a solid doctrinal basis and boundary for homiletical proclamation".
[3] Wesley was apparently influenced by the Anglican Book of Homilies, in terms of the form (i.e. using sermons as a primary means of communication) and content.
[1]: 135–137 In 1763 Wesley prepared a 'Model Deed' for his preaching-houses, which guided who would be authorised to preach.
This deed stipulated that preaching must be in accordance with the doctrines contained in his Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament and "the first four volumes of Sermons".
The Notes and Forty-four Sermons remain the doctrinal standards (norms) of the Methodist Church of Great Britain.