The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 05 (of 32) — John Shaqi
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 05 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 05 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
*It ought to be observed, that there must be something very
_extraordinary_ in these dispositions, from the manner in which we are
taught them. It is only in this place, that our Saviour says expresly,
_Learn of me_; and when he says, _Learn of me_, he does not say, for
I am just and equitable, or kind, or holy, but _I am meek and lowly in
heart_; as if he would teach us, that these are the tempers which most
of all _distinguish_ his Spirit, and which he most of all requires
his followers to learn of him. For consider, does Christ, when he
describes himself, chuse to do it by _these tempers_? When he calls
upon us to learn of him, does he only mention _these tempers_? And is
not this a sufficient proof that these are tempers which the followers
of Christ are most of all obliged to learn; and that we are then most
_unlike_ to Christ, when we are wanting in them? Now as our great Lord
and Master has made these characters the _distinguishing_ characters
of his Spirit, it is plain that they are to be the _distinguishing_
characters of our spirit; for we are only so far his, as we are like
him. Consider also, was he _more lowly_ than he need have been? Did he
practise any degrees of humility that were _unnecessary_? This can no
more be said, than he can be charged with folly. But can there be any
instances of lowliness which became him, that are not necessary for
us? Does our state and condition excuse us from any kind of humility
that was necessary for him? Are we higher in our nature, more raised
in our condition, or more in the favour of God than he was? Are
there _dignities_, _honours_, and _ornaments_ of life, which we may
delight in, tho’ he might not? We must own these absurdities, or else
acknowledge that we are to breathe the same _lowly spirit_, act with
the _same meekness_, and practise the _same humble_ behaviour that he
did. So that the matter comes plainly to this conclusion, either that
Christ was more humble than his nature and condition required, or we
are under a necessity of the same humility, till we can prove, that we
are in a higher state than he was.
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