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
6. I mean, thirdly, provoke me to love and to good works. Second thy
prayer as thou hast opportunity, by speaking to me in love whatsoever
thou believest to be for my soul’s health. Quicken me in the work which
God has given me to do, and instruct me how to do it more perfectly.
Yea _smite me friendly and reprove me_, wherein soever I appear to thee,
to be doing rather my own will, than the will of him that sent me. O
speak and spare not, whatever thou believest may conduce, either to the
amending my faults, the strengthning my weakness, the building me up in
love, or the making me more fit in any kind for the master’s use.
7. I mean, lastly, Love me not in word only, but in deed and in truth.
So far as in conscience thou canst (retaining still thy own opinions,
and thy own manner of worshipping God) join with me in the work of
God, and let us go on hand in hand. And thus far, it is certain, thou
mayst go. Speak honourably wherever thou art, of the work of God by
whomsoever he works, and kindly of his messengers. And if it be in thy
power, not only sympathize with them when they are in any difficulty or
distress, but give them a chearful and effectual assistance, that they
may glorify God on thy behalf.
8. Two things should be observed, with regard to what has been spoken
under this last head. The one, that whatsoever love, whatsoever offices
of love, whatsoever spiritual or temporal assistance, I claim from him
whose heart is right, as my heart is with his: the same I am ready, by
the grace of God, according to my measure, to give him. The other, that
I have not made this claim, in behalf of myself only, but of all whose
heart is right toward God and man, that we may all love one another, as
Christ hath loved us.
III. 1. One inference we may make from what has been said. We may learn
from hence, what is a _Catholic spirit_.
There is scarce any expression which has been more grosly misunderstood,
and more dangerously misapplied than this. But it will be easy for any
who calmly consider the preceding observations, to correct any such
misapprehensions of it, and to prevent any such misapplication.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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