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
17. Is thy heart right toward thy neighbour? Dost thou _love as
thyself_, all mankind without exception? _If you love those only that
love you, what thank have you?_ Do you _love your enemies_? Is your
soul full of good-will, of tender affection toward them? Do you love
even the enemies of God? The unthankful and unholy? Do your bowels
yearn over them? Could you _wish yourself_ (temporally) _accurst_ for
their sake? And do you shew this, by _blessing them that curse you, and
praying for those that despitefully use you and persecute you_?
18. Do you shew your love by your works? While you have time, as you
have opportunity, do you in fact _do good to all men_, neighbours or
strangers, friends, or enemies, good or bad? Do you do them all the
good you can? Endeavouring to supply all their wants, assisting them
both in body and soul, to the uttermost of your power? If thou art
thus minded, may every Christian say, yea, if thou art but sincerely
desirous of it, and following on till thou attain, then _thy heart is
right, as my heart is with thy heart_.
II. 1. _If it be, give me thine hand._ I do not mean, “Be of my
opinion.” You need not. I do not expect or desire it. Neither do I
mean, “I will be of your opinion.” I cannot. It does not depend on my
choice: I can no more think, than I can see or hear as I will. Keep you
your opinion, I mine: and that as steadily as ever. You need not even
endeavour to come over to me, or bring me over to you. I do not desire
you to dispute those points, or to hear or speak one word concerning
them. Let all opinions alone on one side and the other. Only _give me
thine hand_.
2. I do not mean, “embrace my modes of worship; or, I will embrace
yours.” This also is a thing which does not depend either on your
choice or mine. We must both act, as each is fully persuaded in his
own mind. Hold you fast that which you believe is most acceptable
to God, and I will do the same. I believe the _Episcopal_ form of
church-government to be scriptural and apostolical. It you think the
_Presbyterian_ or _Independent_ is better, think so still and act
accordingly. I believe infants ought to be baptized, and that this
may be done either by dipping or sprinkling. If you are otherwise
persuaded, be so still, and follow your own persuasion. It appears
to me, that forms of prayer are of excellent use, particularly in the
great congregation. If you judge extemporary prayer to be of more use,
act suitable to your own judgment. My sentiment is, that I ought not to
forbid water, wherein persons may be baptized: and, that I ought to eat
bread and drink wine, as a memorial of my dying Master. However, if you
are not convinced of this, act according to the light you have. I have
no desire to dispute with you one moment, upon any of the preceding
heads. Let all these smaller points stand aside. Let them never come
into sight. _If thine heart is as my heart_, if thou lovest God and all
mankind, I ask no more: _give me thine hand_.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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