The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 02 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 02 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
3. _And shall teach men so_――In some sense it may be said, that
whosoever openly breaks any commandment, teaches others to do the same:
for example speaks, and many times louder than precept. In this sense
it is apparent every open drunkard, is a teacher of drunkenness: every
sabbath-breaker is constantly teaching his neighbour, to profane the
day of the Lord. But this is not all: an habitual breaker of the law,
is seldom content to stop here. He generally teaches other men to do so
too, by word as well as example: especially when he hardens his neck,
and hateth to be reproved. Such a sinner soon commences an advocate for
sin: he defends what he is resolved not to forsake. He excuses the sin
which he will not leave, and thus directly teaches every sin which he
commits.
_He shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven_: that is, shall
have no part therein. He is a stranger to the kingdom of heaven which
is on earth; he hath no portion in that inheritance; no share of that
righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Nor by consequence
can he have any part, in the glory which shall be revealed.
4. But if those who even thus _break and teach_ others to break,
_one of the least of these commandments, shall be called least in the
kingdom of heaven_, shall have no part in the kingdom of _Christ_ and
of God; if even these shall be cast into _outer darkness, where is
wailing and gnashing of teeth_: then where will they appear, whom our
Lord chiefly and primarily intends in these words? They who bearing the
character of teachers sent from God, do nevertheless themselves break
his commandments, yea and openly teach others so to do: being corrupt
both in life and doctrine.
5. *These are of several sorts. Of the first sort are they, who live
in some wilful, habitual sin. Now if an ordinary sinner teaches by his
example, how much more a sinful minister? Even if he does not attempt
to defend, excuse or extenuate his sin. If he does, he is a murderer
indeed, yea, the murderer-general of his congregation. He peoples
the regions of death. He is the choicest instrument of the prince
of darkness. When he goes hence, _Hell from beneath is moved to meet
him at his coming_. Nor can he sink into the bottomless pit, without
dragging a multitude after him.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account