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
2. The _saying, Lord, Lord!_ may, secondly, imply, the doing no harm.
We may abstain from every presumptuous sin, from every kind of outward
wickedness. We may refrain from all those ways of acting or speaking,
which are forbidden in holy writ. We may be able to say to all those
among whom we live, Which of you convinceth me of sin? We may have a
conscience void of any external offence, towards God and towards man.
We may be clear of all uncleanness, ungodliness and unrighteousness, as
to the outward act: or (as the apostle testifies concerning himself,)
_touching the righteousness of the law_, i. e. outward righteousness,
_blameless_. But yet we are not hereby justified. Still this is no more
than _saying, Lord, Lord!_ And if we go no farther than this, we shall
never _enter into the kingdom of heaven_.
3. The _saying, Lord, Lord!_ may imply, thirdly, many of what are
usually stiled good works. A man may attend the supper of the Lord,
may hear abundance of excellent sermons, and omit no opportunity
of partaking all the other ordinances of God. I may do good to my
neighbour, deal my bread to the hungry, and cover the naked with a
garment. I may be so zealous of good works, as even to _give all my
goods to feed the poor_. Yea, and I may do all this, with a desire to
please God, and a real belief that I do please him thereby: (which is
undeniably the case of those our Lord introduces, _saying unto_ him,
_Lord, Lord!_) and still I may have no part, in the glory which shall
be revealed.
4. If any man marvels at this, let him acknowledge he is a stranger to
the whole religion of Jesus Christ: and in particular, to that perfect
portraiture thereof, which he has set before us in this discourse. For
how far short is all this, of that righteousness and true holiness,
which he has described therein! how widely distant from that inward
kingdom of heaven, which is now opened in the believing soul? Which
is first sown in the heart as a grain of mustard-seed, but afterwards
putteth forth great branches, on which grow all the fruits of
righteousness, every good temper and word and work.
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.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account