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
3. Hence we may, thirdly, learn. That a _Catholick spirit_ is
not indifference to all congregations. This is another sort of
latitudinarianism no less absurd and unscriptural than the former. But
it is far from a man of a truly _Catholick spirit_. He is fixt in his
congregation as well as his principles. He is united to one, not only
in spirit, but by all the outward ties of Christian fellowship. There
he partakes of all the ordinances of God. There he receives the supper
of the Lord. There he pours out his soul in public prayer, and joins in
public praise and thanksgiving. There he rejoices to hear the word of
reconciliation, the gospel of the grace of God. With these his nearest,
his best beloved brethren, on solemn occasions he seeks God by fasting.
These particularly he watches over in love, as they do over his soul,
admonishing, exhorting, comforting, reproving, and every way building
up each other in the faith. These he regards as his own houshold, and
therefore according to the ability God has given him, naturally cares
for them, and provides that they may have all the things that are
needful for life and godliness.
4. *But while he is steadily fixt in his religious principles, in what
he believes to be the truth as it is in Jesus; while he firmly adheres
to that worship of God, which he judges to be most acceptable in his
sight, and while he is united by the tenderest and closest ties, to
one particular congregation: his heart is enlarged toward all mankind,
those he knows and those he does not: he embraces with strong and
cordial affection, neighbours and strangers, friends and enemies. This
is Catholic or universal love. And he that has this, is of a _Catholic
spirit_. For love alone gives the title to this character. Catholic
love is a _Catholic spirit_.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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