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
I. 1. We _establish the law_, first, By our doctrine: by endeavouring
to preach it in its whole extent, to explain and inforce every part of
it, in the same manner as our great Teacher did, while upon earth. We
establish it, by following St. _Peter_’s advice, _If any man speak let
him speak as the oracles of God_; as the holy men of old moved by the
Holy Ghost, spoke and wrote for our instruction, and as the apostles
of our blessed Lord, by the direction of the same spirit. We establish
it whenever we speak in his name, by keeping back nothing from them
that hear; by declaring to them, without any limitation or reserve, the
whole counsel of God. And in order the more effectually to establish
it, we use herein great plainness of speech. _We are not as many that
corrupt the word of God_, καπηλεύουσι· (as artful men their bad wines)
we do not cauponize, mix, adulterate or soften it, to make it suit
the taste of the hearers. _But as of sincerity, but as of God in the
sight of God, speak we in Christ_: as having no other aim, than _by
manifestation of the truth_, to _commend ourselves to every man’s
conscience in the sight of God_.
2. We then by our doctrine establish the law, when we thus openly
declare it to all men: and that, in the fulness wherein it is delivered
by our blessed Lord and his apostles: when we publish it in the height
and depth and length and breadth thereof. We then establish the law,
when we declare every part of it, every commandment contained therein,
not only in its full literal sense, but likewise in its spiritual
meaning: not only with regard to the outward actions, which it either
forbids or enjoins: but also with respect to the inward principle, to
the thoughts, desires and intents of the heart.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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