PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 08 (of 32)
Wesley, John, 1703-1791 · 82,712 words · 149 reading sections
Part 1
The Works of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A. ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ Transcriber’s Notes │ │ │ │ …
249 wordsSECTION 2BRISTOL:
Printed by WILLIAM PINE, in _Wine-Street_. MDCCLXXII. THE CONTENTS Of the EIGHTH VOLUME. An Extract from the Christian Pattern.…
19 wordsSECTION 3Book II. Book III. Book IV. (_An exhortation to the Holy Communion._)
A Treatise on Christian Prudence.…
5 wordsSECTION 4Chapter V. _A persuasive to the study of Christian Prudence, with some advices relating to the practice of it._
Nicodemus: Or a Treatise on the Fear of Man.…
9 wordsSECTION 5Chapter VII. _Of the good which arises from the boldness of faith, conquering the fear of man._
Reflections on the Conduct of Human Life; with reference to Learning and Knowledge. The Life of God in the Soul of Man. Illustration: (‡ decoration) An Extract of the CHRISTIAN PATTERN: Or, a treatise on the imitation of Christ. Written in Latin by _Thomas a Kempis_.…
45 wordsSECTION 6CHAPTER VI.
_Of the joy of a good conscience._ THE glory of a good man is the testimony of a good conscience. Have a good conscience, and thou shalt ever have joy. Thou shalt rest sweetly if thy heart condemn thee not. Never rejoice but when thou hast done well. Sinners have never true joy, nor feel inward peace; because _The…
316 wordsSECTION 7CHAPTER VII.
_Of the love of Jesus._ BLESSED is he that understandeth what it is to love _Jesus_, and to despise himself for _Jesus_. Thou oughtest to leave what thou hast loved hitherto, for the sake of Jesus; for he will be loved alone. The love of things created is deceitful and inconstant: the love of Jesus is faithful and c…
270 wordsSECTION 8CHAPTER VIII.
_Of familiar friendship with Jesus._ *WHEN Jesus is present, all is well; but when Jesus is absent every thing is hard. When Jesus speaketh not inwardly, we have no true comfort: but if Jesus speak but one word, we feel much consolation. Did not _Mary_ presently rise from the place where she wept, when _Martha_ said…
556 wordsSECTION 9CHAPTER IX.
_Of the want of all comfort._ IT is not hard to despise human comfort, when we have divine. It is much to be able to want both human and divine comfort; and for the glory of God to be willing to endure desolation of heart. What great matter is it, if thou be chearful and devout at the coming of grace? This hour is t…
564 wordsSECTION 10CHAPTER X.
_Of thankfulness for the grace of God._ WHY seekest thou rest, since thou art born to labour? *Dispose thyself to patience, rather than to comfort; and to the bearing of the cross, rather than to joy. What worldly man would not willingly receive spiritual joy and comfort, if he could always have it? For spiritual c…
467 wordsSECTION 11CHAPTER XI.
_That there are few who love the cross of Christ._ JESUS hath many lovers of his heavenly kingdom; but few bearers of his cross. He hath many desirous of comfort, but few of tribulation. He findeth many companions of his table, but few of his abstinence. All desire to rejoice with him, but few will suffer any thing…
408 wordsSECTION 12CHAPTER XII.
_Of the royal way of the holy cross._ THIS speech seemeth hard to many, _Renounce thyself, take up thy cross, and follow Jesus_. But it will be much harder to hear that last word, _Depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire_. This sign of the cross shall be in heaven, when our Lord shall come to judgment. Then…
917 wordsSECTION 13Part 13
Although thou hadst been wrapt into the third heaven with Paul, thou wouldst not for this be secure from suffering. _I_ (saith _Jesus_) _will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name_. It remaineth, therefore, that thou suffer, if thou wilt love Jesus, and perpetually serve him. 10. O that thou wert worth…
344 wordsSECTION 14CHAPTER I.
_Of the inward speech of Christ unto a faithful soul._ _Christian._ I WILL hear what the Lord God will speak in me. Blessed is the soul that heareth the Lord speaking _in her_, and receiveth from his mouth the word of comfort. Blessed are those ears that receive the whispers of the divine voice, and listen not to the…
217 wordsSECTION 15CHAPTER II.
_That truth speaketh inwardly, without noise of words._ *_Christian._ SPEAK, Lord, for thy servant heareth. *I am thy servant, grant me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. *Incline my heart to the words of thy mouth. Let thy speech distil as the dew. The children of Israel said unto _Moses_, _Speak thou…
330 wordsSECTION 16CHAPTER III.
_That the words of God are to be heard with humility, and that many weigh them not._ _Christ._ SON, hear my words, words of the greatest sweetness, excelling all the knowledge of the philosophers and wise men of this world. My words are spirit and life, not to be weighed by the understanding of man. They are to be h…
573 wordsSECTION 17CHAPTER IV.
_That we ought to live in truth and humility before God._ _Christ._ SON, walk before me in truth, and ever seek me in simplicity of heart. He that walketh before me in truth, shall be defended from evil; and the truth shall deliver him from seducers, and from the detractions of the wicked. If the truth have made the…
440 wordsSECTION 18CHAPTER V.
_Of the wonderful effects of divine love._ *_Christian._ I PRAISE thee, O heavenly Father, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, for that thou hast vouchsafed to remember me a poor creature. O Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, thanks be unto thee, who, with thy comfort refreshest me, unworthy of all comfort. I ev…
730 wordsSECTION 19CHAPTER VI.
_Of a proof of a true lover._ _Christ._ SON, thou art not a valiant and prudent lover. _Christian._ Wherefore, Lord? _Christ._ Because thou givest over thy undertakings for a small difficulty, and too greedily seekest after comfort. A valiant lover standeth firmly in temptations, and giveth not credit to the crafty…
305 wordsSECTION 20CHAPTER VII.
_That grace is to be guarded by humility._ _Christ._ THINK, when thou art in grace, how miserable thou art wont to be without grace. The way of man is not in his power, but it belongeth to God to comfort when he will, and how much he will, and whom he will; as it shall please him, and no more. They that are unacquai…
411 wordsSECTION 21CHAPTER VIII.
_That all things are to be referred unto God, as unto their last end._ _Christ._ SON, I ought to be thy last end, if thou desirest to be truly blessed. By this intention thy affection shall be purified, which is often inordinately bent down to itself, and unto creatures. For if in any thing thou seekest thyself, tho…
273 wordsSECTION 22CHAPTER IX.
_That it is a sweet thing to despise the world, and serve God._ _Christian._ NOW I will speak again, O Lord, and will not be silent; I will speak in the ears of my God, my Lord, and my King that is on high. *O how great is the abundance of thy goodness, O Lord, which thou hast laid up for those that fear thee! *But …
447 wordsSECTION 23CHAPTER X.
_That the desires of our hearts are to be examined._ _Christ._ SON, thou must still learn many things, which thou hast not yet well learned. _Christian._ What are those, Lord? _Christ._ That thou frame thy desires wholly according to my pleasure: and be not a lover of thyself, but a zealous follower of my will. Thy…
398 wordsSECTION 24CHAPTER XI.
_Of the considering the secret judgments of God, lest we be exalted on account of our good deeds._ _Christian._ THOU thunderest forth thy judgments over me, O Lord; thou shakest all my bones with fear and trembling, and my soul is sore afraid. I stand astonished, when I consider that the heavens are not pure in thy s…
366 wordsSECTION 25CHAPTER XII.
_How we are to be affected, and what we are to say, in every thing which we desire._ _Christ._ SON, say thus, in every thing; Lord if it be pleasing to thee, let this be thus. Lord, if it be to thy honour, let this be done in thy name. Lord, if thou seest it expedient for me, and knowest it to be profitable, then gr…
494 wordsSECTION 26CHAPTER XIII.
_That true comfort is to be sought in God alone._ MY soul, thou canst not be fully comforted, but in God, the comforter of the poor, and the helper of the humble. Wait ♦awhile, O my soul, wait the divine promise, and thou shalt have abundance of all good things. ♦ “awile” replaced with “awhile” per Errata *Use temp…
198 wordsSECTION 27CHAPTER XIV.
_That all our care is to be cast on God._ _Christ._ SON, suffer me to do with thee what I please: I know what is expedient for thee. Thou thinkest like a man; thou judgest in many things as human affection persuadeth thee. _Christian._ Lord, what thou sayest is true. Thy care for me is greater than all the care that…
281 wordsSECTION 28CHAPTER XV.
_Of suffering injuries; and who is proved to be truly patient._ _Christ._ WHAT is it thou sayest, son? Cease to complain, considering my passion, and that of my other saints. Thou hast not yet resisted unto blood. Do not say, I cannot suffer these things at the hand of such a person, nor ought I to suffer these thin…
518 wordsSECTION 29CHAPTER XVI.
_That we are to rest in God above all his gifts and benefits._ _Christian._ ABOVE all things, and in all things, O my soul, rest in the Lord: for he is the everlasting rest of the saints. *Grant me, O most sweet and loving Jesus, to rest in thee above all creatures: Above all health and beauty, above all glory and h…
682 wordsSECTION 30CHAPTER XVII.
_Of the remembrance of the manifold benefits of God._ _Christian._ OPEN, O Lord, my heart in thy law, and teach me to walk in thy commandments. Grant me to understand thy will, and remember thy benefits; that henceforward I may be able worthily to give thee thanks. But I know and confess that I am not able to give t…
431 wordsSECTION 31CHAPTER XVIII.
_Of four things that bring much peace._ _Christ._ SON, now will I teach thee the way of peace, and true liberty. *Endeavour to do rather the will of another than thy own. *Ever chuse rather to have less than more. *Always seek the lowest place, and to be beneath every one. *Continually wish and pray, that the will…
496 wordsSECTION 32CHAPTER XIX.
_Of avoiding curious enquiry into the life of others._ _Christ._ SON, be not curious, trouble not thyself with idle cares. What is this or that to thee? Follow thou me. For what is it to thee whether that man be such or no? Whether this man do or speak this or that? Thou shalt not need to answer for others, but sha…
215 wordsSECTION 33CHAPTER XX.
_Wherein firm peace of heart and true profiting consisteth._ _Christ._ SON, I have said, _Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you_. All desire peace, but all care not for those things that appertain unto peace. My peace is with the humble and meek of heart; thy peac…
324 wordsSECTION 34CHAPTER XXI.
_Of the excellent liberty which humble prayer sooner gaineth than reading._ _Christian._ LORD, it is the work of a perfect man, never to slacken his mind from the attentive thought of heavenly things, and to pass without care among many cares; not like a dull sluggard; but by a free mind, adhering to no creature with …
237 wordsSECTION 35CHAPTER XXII.
_That self-love most hindereth our attainment of the supreme love._ _Christ._ SON, thou oughtest to give all for all, and to retain nothing of thyself. Know, that the love of thyself doth hurt thee more than any thing in the world. According to the love and affection thou bearest to it, every thing cleaves unto thee…
368 wordsSECTION 36CHAPTER XXIII.
_How we ought to call upon God, and bless him in tribulation._ _Christian._ BLESSED, O Lord, be thy name for ever, who art pleased that this temptation and tribulation should come upon me. I cannot fly it; but must needs fly to thee, that thou mayst help me, and turn it to my good. Lord, I am now afflicted. I am muc…
260 wordsSECTION 37CHAPTER XXIV.
_Of craving the divine aid, and confidence of recovering grace._ _Christ._ SON, I am the Lord, that giveth strength in the day of tribulation. Come unto me when it is not well with thee. This is that which most of all hindereth heavenly consolation, that thou art slow in turning thyself unto prayer. For before thou…
383 wordsSECTION 38CHAPTER XXV.
_Of the contempt of all creatures, in order to find out the Creator._ *_Christian._ LORD, I stand in need of greater grace, to attain that state wherein no man or creature may be a hindrance to me. For as long as any thing detains me, I cannot freely take my flight unto thee. What is more quiet than a single eye? An…
541 wordsSECTION 39CHAPTER XXVI.
_That God is sweet above all things, and in all things, to him that loveth._ _Christian._ MY God and my all. What would I have more, and what greater happiness can I desire? O sweet and pleasing word! But to him that loveth the word; not the world, nor those things that are in the world. My God and my all! Enough is…
331 wordsSECTION 40CHAPTER XXVII.
_Of a pure and entire resignation of ourselves, for the obtaining freedom of heart._ _Christ._ SON, forsake thyself, and thou shalt find me. Stand without chusing any thing and without seeking to have any thing as thy own. Resign thyself, without resuming thy claim. _Christian._ Lord, how often shall I resign mysel…
294 wordsSECTION 41CHAPTER XXVIII.
_Of the good government of ourselves in outward things, and of recourse to God in danger._ _Christ._ SON, thou oughtest with all diligence to endeavour, that in every place and action of business, thou be inwardly free, and master of thyself, and that things be under thee, and not thou under them. That thou mayst be …
428 wordsSECTION 42CHAPTER XXIX.
_That man hath no good of himself, nor any thing whereof he can glory._ _Christian._ LORD, what is man, that thou art mindful of him; or the son of man that thou visitest him? What hath man deserved, that thou shouldst give him thy grace? Lord, what cause have I to complain, if thou forsakest me; or if thou dost not…
429 wordsSECTION 43CHAPTER XXX.
_That our peace is not to be placed in men._ *_Christ._ SON, if thou placest thy peace in any one, because he thinketh like thee, and liveth with thee, thou shalt be unstable and entangled, But if thou hast recourse unto the ever-living and eternal truth, a friend going from thee or dying shall not grieve thee. *The…
225 wordsSECTION 44CHAPTER XXXI.
_Against vain knowledge._ _Christ._ SON, let not the fair speeches and subtle sayings of men move thee: for the kingdom of God consisteth not in word but in power. Labour to mortify thy sins; for that will profit thee more than the knowledge of many difficult questions. 2. When thou hast read and knowest many things…
274 wordsSECTION 45CHAPTER XXXII.
_Of putting our trust in God when we are evil spoken of._ _Christ._ SON, stand firm, and put thy trust in me: for what are words but words? They fly through the air, but hurt not a stone. If thou be guilty, see that thou be willing to amend: if thou be innocent, suffer this willingly for God. It is but a small matte…
235 wordsSECTION 46CHAPTER XXXIII.
_Of eternity, and the shortness of this life._ _Christian._ O MOST blessed mansion of the heavenly city! O most clear day of eternity, which night obscureth not, but the highest truth ever enlighteneth! A day of continual joy, of perpetual quietness, and never changing into a contrary state! O that that day would on…
361 wordsSECTION 47CHAPTER XXXIV.
_Of the desire of everlasting life, and how great rewards are promised to those who fight valiantly._ _Christ._ SON, when thou perceivest the desire of everlasting bliss given thee from above, open thy heart wide, and receive this holy inspiration with thy whole soul. Give most ardent thanks to the heavenly goodness,…
387 wordsSECTION 48CHAPTER XXXV.
_How a person in heaviness ought to give up himself into the hands of God._ _Christian._ LORD God, holy Father, be thou blessed both now and for evermore; because as thou willest, so it is done, and what thou dost is good. Let thy servant rejoice in thee, not in himself, nor in any thing else; for thou alone art the …
843 wordsSECTION 49CHAPTER XXXVI.
_That a man ought to esteem himself not worthy of any comfort._ _Christian._ LORD, I am not worthy of any comfort nor of any spiritual visitation. And therefore thou dealest justly with me; when thou leavest me poor and desolate. For though I could shed a sea of tears, yet I were not worthy of thy comfort. For, ala…
388 wordsSECTION 50CHAPTER XXXVII.
_Of the different motions of nature and grace._ _Christ._ SON, mark diligently the motions of nature and grace, for they move in a very subtle manner, and cannot be discerned but by him that is spiritually enlightened. All men pretend some good in their words and deeds; and therefore under the shew of good many are d…
725 wordsSECTION 51CHAPTER XXXVIII.
_Of the corruption of nature, and efficacy of Divine grace._ _Christian._ O LORD, my God, who ♦hast created me after thy likeness, grant me this grace which thou hast shewed to be so necessary to salvation, that I may overcome my wicked nature, which draweth me to sin and perdition. ♦ “has” replaced with “hast” per E…
267 wordsSECTION 52CHAPTER XXXIX.
_That we ought to deny ourselves and imitate Christ._ _Christ._ FOLLOW Me, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I am the way, which thou oughtest to follow; the truth which thou oughtest to trust; the life which thou oughtest to hope for. I am the strait way, the supreme truth, the true life: yea, the blessed life…
335 wordsSECTION 53CHAPTER XL.
_That a man be not too much dejected when he feeleth some defect._ _Christ._ SON, patience and humility in adversity are more pleasing to me, than much devotion in prosperity. Why art thou grieved for every little trifle spoken against thee? Although it had been much more, thou oughtest not to have been moved. But …
275 wordsSECTION 54CHAPTER XLI.
_Of searching the secret judgments of God._ _Christ._ SON, beware thou disputest not of high matters, nor of the secret judgments of God. Why this man is left, and that man taken into favour; why this is so much afflicted, and that so greatly advanced: These things are beyond the reach of man; neither can reason sea…
175 wordsSECTION 55CHAPTER XLII.
_That all our hope and trust is to be fixed in God alone._ _Christian._ LORD, what is my trust in this life? Or what is my greatest comfort of all things under heaven? Is it thou, my Lord God, whose mercies are without number? Where hath it been well with me without thee? Or when could it be ill with me, when thou w…
535 wordsSECTION 56BOOK IV.
_An_ Exhortation _unto the_ Holy Communion. _The voice of Christ._ COME unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden and I will refresh you. The bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world. Take, eat, this ♦is my body that is given for you: do this in remembrance of me. ♦ “in” replaced with …
90 wordsSECTION 57CHAPTER I.
_With how great reverence Christ ought to be received._ _The voice of the disciple._ THESE are thy words, O Christ, the everlasting truth. Because therefore they are thine, and true, they are all thankfully and faithfully to be received by me. They are thine, and thou hast spoken them; and they are mine also, becau…
884 wordsSECTION 58Part 58
For he is our sanctification and redemption: he is the comforter of us travellers, and the everlasting fruition of saints. O the blindness and hardness of man’s heart, that doth not more deeply weigh so unspeakable a gift! 11. If the most holy sacrament was celebrated in one place only, and consecrated by one only pe…
175 wordsSECTION 59CHAPTER II.
_That the great goodness and love of God is exhibited to man in this sacrament._ _The voice of the disciple._ *IN confidence of thy goodness and mercy, I come, O Lord, a sick man unto my Saviour, hungry and thirsty to the fountain of life, needy to the king of heaven, a servant unto my Lord, a creature to my Creator,…
720 wordsSECTION 60CHAPTER III.
_That it is profitable to communicate often._ _The voice of the disciple._ *BEHOLD, O Lord, I come unto thee, that I may be comforted by thy gift, and delighted in thy holy banquet, which thou, O God, hast prepared in thy goodness for the poor. Behold in thee is all I can or ought to desire; thou art my salvation, a…
448 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.