PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 09 (of 32)
Wesley, John, 1703-1791 · 82,523 words · 142 reading sections
Part 1
The Works of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A. ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ Transcriber’s Notes │ │ │ │ …
257 wordsSECTION 2VOLUME IX.
BRISTOL: Printed by WILLIAM PINE, in _Wine-Street_. MDCCLXXII. THE CONTENTS Of the NINTH VOLUME. The manners of the ancient Christians.…
20 wordsSECTION 3Chapter VIII. _Of their care of the poor sick, their hospitality, and patience._
The doctrine of Salvation, Faith, and Good Works; extracted from the homilies of the church of England. An Abridgment of the Pilgrim’s Progress. A Word of Advice to Saints and Sinners. Christian Letters by Joseph Alleine. A Word to a Sabbath-Breaker. A Word to a Swearer. A Word to a Drunkard. A Word to an unhapp…
104 wordsSECTION 4CHAPTER I.
_Of the life of_ Christ. 1. AS the Christian religion is not an invention of men, but the work of God, it received its full perfection at the beginning of it. For who can imagine, the apostles were ignorant of any truth necessary or useful to salvation? Or that any thing has been since found out touching the conduct o…
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8. As he came into the world to instruct mankind, he taught continually both in public and private: insomuch that men admired the power by which he spoke, and the gracious words that came out of his mouth. His discourse was simple and clear, without any ornament, but lively and natural figures. Sometimes, he speaks by …
660 wordsSECTION 6CHAPTER II.
_Of the church at_ Jerusalem. 1. AFTER the apostles had received the Holy Ghost, they were living images of Jesus Christ. And by them all the following servants of Christ were to form their hearts and lives. So St. _Paul_ to the _Corinthians_, _Be ye followers of me, as I am of_ Christ: and to the _♦Philippians_, _Bre…
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6. The other part of their daily service mentioned here, is _the breaking of bread_, or the _Lord’s supper_, as the phrase signifies, not in this place alone, but in many others of the New Testament. It was followed by a repast, the use of which continued long in the ♦church, under the name of _Agapæ_, or _feasts of lo…
188 wordsSECTION 8CHAPTER III.
_The state of the Heathens before their conversion._ 1. THEY who are unacquainted with history, suppose, that the men who lived seventeen hundred years ago, were more artless, more innocent and more teachable, than those that are now alive. But the writings of those times which still remain, clearly prove the contrary…
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8. The day of baptism being come, the _Catechumen_ was brought to the baptistery. This was at first near the church, or in the church porch: afterwards in the church itself. Here, after he had renounced the devil and all his works, he was questioned concerning the faith, and concerning his purpose of leading a Christia…
200 wordsSECTION 10CHAPTER IV.
_Of their prayer and study of the scriptures._ 1. THOSE who were baptized began to lead a new life, wholly spiritual and supernatural: a life of faith and prayer: remembring the words of their Lord, that _men ought always to pray and not to faint_; they endeavoured to _pray without ceasing_, and used all sorts of mean…
721 wordsSECTION 11CHAPTER V.
_Of their fasts, meals, modesty and seriousness._ 1. THE fasts of the ancients were either yearly, as that of _Lent_, which they observed daily till six in the evening; or weekly, as those of _Wednesday_ and _Friday_, which they observed till three in the afternoon. The yearly they kept in memory of their Lord, and in…
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7. Nor did the care of their posterity give them any inquietude. The happiness they wished their children was no other, than that they desired for themselves, even to finish their course with joy. If they left them orphans, they knew the church would be their mother, and supply all their wants. Thus they lived without …
132 wordsSECTION 13CHAPTER VI.
_Of their marriages, their union and public assemblies._ 1. WITH all this disengagement from the world, the greatest part of the first Christians were married. They were sensible indeed of the vast advantages, which St. _Paul_ observes belong to a single life. And many accordingly chose it, both men and women, for the…
771 wordsSECTION 14CHAPTER VII.
_Of their persecutions._ 1. BUT notwithstanding the purity of their doctrine, and the unblameableness of their lives, the Christians found what their Lord had told them before, that they should be _hated of all men. Because they were not of the world, therefore the world hated them._ Therefore was their _name cast out…
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6. In the mean time their fellow Christians did not forget them. They prayed for them without ceasing. If they were not permitted to minister to them in prison, at least they attended them to the place of their martyrdom. They exhorted them (often to the loss of their own lives) to endure unto the end. They observed th…
105 wordsSECTION 16CHAPTER VIII.
_Their care of the poor and sick. Their hospitality. Their patience._ 1. THE church took care of all who were unable to help themselves, of whatever age or sex: the blind, the lame, the maimed, the decrepit; and these they esteemed the treasure of the church. They took likewise a particular care of children; not only …
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7. This invincible patience forced at length all the powers of the world to submit to the gospel. The persecutions continued, till in little more than _three hundred_ years, there was a prodigious number of Christians of all ranks and conditions. And hence came the extreme cruelty of the last persecution. But this like…
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5. In these places the apostle toucheth especially three things, which must go together in our justification. Upon God’s part, his great mercy and grace; upon Christ’s part, the satisfaction of God’s justice, by the offering his body, and shedding his blood; and upon our part, true and lively faith in the merits of Jes…
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11. As then _John_ Baptist, as great and godly a man as he was, yet in this matter of forgiving sin put the people from him, and pointed them to Christ, saying, _Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world_: even so as great and godly a virtue as faith is, it putteth us from itself, and pointeth us t…
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1. THE first coming unto God is through faith, whereby we are justified before God; but lest any man should be deceived, for want of a right understanding thereof, it is diligently to be noted, that faith is taken in scripture two ways: there is one faith, which the scripture calleth a dead faith. And this, by St. _Jam…
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7. Every man therefore must diligently examine himself, whether he hath this faith in his heart or not. He that feeleth his heart set to seek God’s honour and leadeth not his life after his own desire, but setteth his mind to serve God, and for his sake to love all his neighbours, whether they be friends or adversaries…
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13. Wherefore as ye have any regard for everlasting life, apply yourselves above all things to read and hear God’s word; mark diligently what his commandments are, and with all your endeavour follow the same. First, you must have an assured faith in God, and give yourselves wholly unto him; love him in prosperity and a…
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The neighbours also came out, and as he ran some mocked, others threatened, and some called to him to return. And of these, two resolved to fetch him back by force; the name of the one was _Obstinate_, of the other _♦Pliable_. He was now got a good distance from them; however, in a little time they overtook him. Then s…
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_Christian._ One that appeared to me, a great and honourable person. His name I think, is _Evangelist_. _World._ Beshrew him for his counsel. There is not a more dangerous or troublesome way in the world than this. Hear me; I am older than thou. Thou art like to meet in the way thou now goest, weariness, painfulness, …
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Now _Christian_ looked for nothing but death, and cried out with a bitter cry: nevertheless, turning to _Evangelist_, he said, “Sir, Is there any hope? May my sin be forgiven? May I yet go back, and enter in at that gate? Shall I not be sent away with shame?” Then _Evangelist_ said, “Thy sin is great; yet it may be fo…
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The _Interpreter_ answered, This is Christ, who continually, with the oil of his grace, maintains the work already begun in the heart, so that the devil cannot quench it. And he stands behind the wall, to shew it is hard for the tempted to see how this work is maintained in his soul. He then took him by the hand, and …
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Then he stood awhile to look and wonder, even till the tears ran down his cheeks; and as he stood, three shining ones came and saluted him with, _Peace be unto thee_. Then the first said unto him, _thy sins are forgiven thee_; the second striped him of _his rags, and cloathed_ him with change of raiment; and the third …
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The next day they took him into the armory, where they shewed him all manner of furniture, provided for pilgrims; swords, shields, helmets, breast-plates, and shoes that would never wear out. And there was here enough of these to arm as many men as there are stars in heaven for multitude. They then armed him from head…
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_Apollyon_ seeing this, came up close to _Christian_, and wrestling with him, gave him a dreadful fall; and withal _Christian_’s sword flew out of his hand. Then said _Apollyon_, “I am sure of thee now.” But as he was fetching his last blow, _Christian_ nimbly stretched out his hand for his sword, and caught it, saying…
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_Faith._ Till I could stay no longer; it being in every one’s mouth, that the city would shortly be destroyed with fire from heaven. _Christian._ But why then did no more of them come with you? _Faith._ I do not think they firmly believed it, else they could not have staid there. _Christian._ Did you hear no talk of…
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_Faith._ No; for I had sunshine all the rest of the way, and also through the _valley of the Shadow of Death_. As they went on, _Faithful_ looking on one side, saw one walking at a distance. He was a tall man, and more comely at a distance than at hand. _Faithful_ accosted him in this manner: _Faith._ Friend, whither…
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_Faith._ This sign should have been first: but, first or last, it is good for nothing. For there may be great knowledge, of the mysteries of the gospel, and yet no work of grace in the heart: yea, though a man have all knowledge, he may yet be nothing; and consequently no child of God. When Christ said, Do ye know all …
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Now the way to mount _Zion_ lies just thro’ the place where this fair is kept; and he that would not go thro’ this fair, must needs go out of the world. Hither therefore _Christian_ and _Faithful_ came: but no sooner did they appear, than all the people in the fair were moved, and the town itself was in an uproar; and …
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_Jury._ We are all agreed. He is guilty of death. Immediately after, sentence was past, they brought him out, to do with him according to their law. And, after they had scourged him, and buffeted him, they tied him to a stake, and then burnt him to ashes. Now I saw that there stood behind the multitude a chariot and …
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He that went before (_Vain-confidence_ by name) not seeing the way, (for it was very dark) fell into a deep pit, which was dug there on purpose, and was dashed to pieces with his fall. Now they heard him fall, and called to know what was the matter; but there was none to answer, except with groans. Then said _Hopeful_…
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The next morning the giant took them into the castle-yard, and shewed them the bones and sculls with which it was strewed. “These, said he, were once pilgrims as you are, and they trespassed on my ground; and, when I saw fit, I tore them in pieces, as within ten days I will do you, get you down till then into your dung…
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_Ignorance._ Gentlemen, you are strangers to me; be content to follow the religion of your country, and I will follow that in which I was born and bred. I won’t leave the church. As for the gate you talk of, all the world knows, it is a great way off our country. I cannot think that any men in all our parts do so much …
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_Hopeful._ They also gave us a note of direction about the way; but we forgot to read it, else we should have _kept ourselves from the paths of the destroyer_. Thus they lay bewailing themselves in the net, when they saw a shining one coming toward them, with a whip of small cords in his hand. He asked, What do ye here…
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Besides, I still saw sin mixing itself with the best actions I could do: So that I was forced to conclude, that, notwithstanding my former opinion of myself, I committed sin enough in one day to send me to hell, though my former life had been faultless. _Christian._ And what did you do then? _Hopeful._ I knew not wha…
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_Ignorance._ You talk too high for me? I am a poor sinner, and I believe in Christ, and that is enough. _Christian._ I fear, hell is full of such poor sinners as thou. But how dost thou believe in Christ? _Ignorance._ Why, I believe Christ died for sinners, and that my sins will be forgiven, through God’s gracious ac…
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As they walked in this land, they rejoiced evermore; yea, with joy unspeakable and full of glory. And drawing near to the city, they had a more perfect view thereof. It was built of pearls and precious stones, and the streets were paved with gold. So that _Christian_ with desire fell sick; nor indeed was _Hopeful_ much…
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The talk they had mean while with the shining ones was concerning the glory of the place. There, said they, with the innumerable company of angels, are the spirits of just men made perfect. There is the paradise of God, wherein you will see the _tree of life_, and eat of the fruits thereof. You shall be cloathed with l…
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*_Soaring professor!_ See to thy waxen wings betimes; they will melt with the heat of temptations. What a misery is it, to trade much, and break at length; and to have no stock, no foundation laid for eternity! *_Gifted professor!_ Look there be not a worm at the root that will spoil all thy fine gourd, and make it di…
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*5. To believing, there must go a clear conviction of sin, and the merits of the _blood of Christ_, and of Christ’s willingness to save upon this consideration merely, _that thou art a sinner_: things all harder than to make a world. All the power in nature cannot get up so high, in a storm of sin and guilt, as really …
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When we come to God, we must bring nothing but Christ with us. Any ingredients of our own, will poison faith. He that builds upon duties or graces, knows not the merits of Christ. This makes believing so hard, so far above nature; if thou believest, thou must every day renounce thy obedience, thy sanctification, thy du…
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12. To say in compliment, _I am a sinner_, is easy; but to pray with the Publican indeed, _Lord, be merciful to me a sinner_, is the hardest prayer in the world. It is easy to say, _I believe in Christ_; but not to see him full of grace and truth, _of whole fullness thou mayst receive grace for grace_. It is easy to pr…
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15. Sin will hinder from glorying in the cross of Christ. And omitting little things against light may breed hell in the conscience, as well as committing the greatest sins. If thou hast been taken out of the belly of hell into Christ’s bosom, and made sit among princes in the houshold of God, Oh, how shouldest thou li…
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If you would pray and cannot, and so are discouraged, see Christ praying for you: if you are troubled, see Christ your peace leaving you peace when he went up into heaven, again and again charging you not to be troubled, so as to obstruct your comfort or your believing. He is now upon the throne, having spoiled upon hi…
162 wordsSECTION 49CHRISTIAN LETTERS.
By Mr. JOSEPH ALLEINE. To the READER. THE letters of Mr. _Samuel Rutherford_, have been generally admired by all the children of God, into whose hands they have fallen, for the vein of piety, trust in God, and holy zeal, which runs through them. The same piety, zeal, and confidence in God, shine through all the lette…
196 wordsSECTION 50JOHN WESLEY.
LONDON, _March 7, 1767_.…
4 wordsSECTION 51LETTER I.
_To his wife concerning his acceptance of_ Taunton. _My dear heart_, BY this time I hope thou hast received mine, touching _Taunton_. I find my heart much inclining that way. I will tell thee the principles upon which I go. _First_, I lay this for a foundation, That a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the …
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_Fifthly_, That what is wanting in the means, God will make up in the blessing. This I take for a certain truth, while a man commits himself and his affairs to God, and is in any way that God put him into; and if a man have but a little income, if he have a great blessing, that will make it up. Alas, we must not accoun…
387 wordsSECTION 53JOS. ALLEINE.
OXON, _May 27, 1659_.…
4 wordsSECTION 54LETTER II.
_To my most dearly beloved, my Christian friends in |Taunton|, salvation_. _Most loving brethren_, I SHALL never forget your old kindnesses; would I never so fain forget them, yet I could not, they are so continually renewed; for there is never a day but I hear of them: nay, more than hear of them, I feel and taste t…
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Ah my brethren! Why should you not be all happy? I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, lest a promise being left you of entering into his rest, any of you should come short of it. O look diligently, lest any man fail of the grace of God! How it grieves me that any of you should fall short of mercy at last! That a…
778 wordsSECTION 56JOS. ALLEINE.
_From the common ♦goal at |Ivelchester|, June 13th, 1663._ ♦ “goal” is an old English form of the word “gaol”…
20 wordsSECTION 57LETTER III.
_To the beloved people, the inhabitants of the town of |Taunton|, grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ._ _Most endeared and beloved friends_: I READILY acknowledge myself a debtor to you all, and a servant of all, and therefore I have sent to salute you all. My lines fell in a …
835 wordsSECTION 58JOS. ALLEINE.
_From the common goal, in |Ivelchester|, July 4th, 1663._…
10 wordsSECTION 59LETTER IV.
_To my most endeared friends, the servants of Christ in |Taunton|, grace and peace_. _Most dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown_:…
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MY heart’s desire and prayer to God for you is, that you may be saved. I know that you are the butt of men’s rage and malice: but you may satisfy yourselves as _David_ in sustaining _Shimei_’s curses: it may be the Lord will look upon your affliction, and requite good for their cursing this day. But however that be, ho…
984 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.