John Wesley: Advocate for the Eucharist

I have recently read Recapturing the Wesleys' Vision: An Introduction to the Faith of John and Charles Wesley by Paul Wesley Chilcote. Among other topics, Chilcote addresses John Wesley's sacramental theology. He argues that Wesley was unique among Anglican priests for not only his staunch advocacy for evangelism, but also for a revived sacramental Christian practice:

Most Methodists do not realize that the Wesleyan revival was both evangelical (a rediscovery of the importance of the Word) and eucharistic (a rediscovery of the importance of the sacrament of Holy Communion)...Sacramental grace and evangelical experience were viewed as necessary counterparts of a balanced Christian life. (81)

Wesley called for a rekindling of evangelistic theology in response to the deadened formalism in the Church of England in his day, but also for a renewed practice of the eucharist:

The general neglect of the sacrament of Holy Communion in the Church of England during Wesley's day is well documented. In many parishes the sacrament was celebrated only three times a year. This makes the facts concerning the Wesleyan revival all the more astounding. John Wesley communion on an average of once every four days throughout his lifetime. (84)

Wesley did not restrict this frequent communion to himself, but also provided it to gatherings of believers whenever possible. Chilcote provides a number of examples, including a gathering on July 29, 1784, when with the assistance of five priests, Wesley served communion to 1,600-1,700 people.