The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 03 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 03 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
8. *Again, unto them, unto false prophets, undeniably such, is
frequently committed (O grief to speak! For surely these things ought
not so to be) the administration of the sacrament also. To direct
men therefore, not to hear them, would be in effect to cut them off
from the ordinances of God. But this we dare not do, considering the
validity of the ordinance doth not depend on the goodness of him that
administers, but on the faithfulness of him that ordained it, who
will and doth meet us in his appointed ways. Therefore on this account
likewise I scruple to say, hear not even the false prophets. Even by
these who are under a curse themselves, God can, and doth give us his
blessing. For the bread which they break we have experimentally known
to be _the communion of the body of Christ_. And the cup which God
blest even by their unhallowed lips, was to us the communion of the
blood of Christ.
9. *All therefore which I can say is this: in any particular case, wait
upon God by humble and earnest prayer, and then act according to the
best light you have. Act according to what you are persuaded, upon the
whole, will be most for your spiritual advantage. Take great care that
you do not judge rashly; that you do not lightly think any to be false
prophets. And when you have full proof, see that no anger or contempt
have any place in your heart. After this, in the presence and in the
fear of God, determine for yourself. I can only say, if by experience
you find, that the hearing them hurts your soul, then hear them not:
then quietly refrain, and hear those that profit you. If on the other
hand, you find, it does not hurt your soul, you then may hear them
still. Only _take heed how you hear: beware of_ them and of their
doctrine. Hear with fear and trembling, lest _you_ should be deceived,
and given up, like them, to a strong delusion. As they continually
mingle truth and lies, how easily may you take in both together?
Hear with fervent and continual prayer, to him who alone teacheth man
wisdom. And see that you bring whatever you hear, _to the law and to
the testimony_. Receive nothing untried, nothing till it is weighed in
the balance of the sanctuary. Believe nothing they say, unless it is
clearly confirmed by passages of holy writ. Wholly reject whatsoever
differs therefrom, whatever is not confirmed thereby. And in particular,
reject, with the utmost abhorrence, whatsoever is described as the way
of salvation, that is either different from or short of the way, our
Lord has marked out in the foregoing discourse.
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