The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 08 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 08 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
10. That it is so by the positive order and appointment of God, is
plain from the whole tenor of the gospel. And equally plain it is, that
he therefore appointed these means, because they naturally conduce to
our happiness. For some things are, by the very original constitution
of their being, conducive to our good, as others to our hurt; the
former he commands, and the latter he forbids. That there is this
difference in things with regard to our present happiness, is evident
from experience. Temperance, for instance, is more conducive than
intemperance to the health of the body, and consequently to the health
of the mind too, as depending upon the other. The power which plants
have variously to affect our bodies, either by the way of physic or
poison, is not more plain and certain than the different influence
which different dispositions have upon the well or ill being of our
souls. And God in his laws concerning these things, does but what a
physician does for those, whose health he takes care of; he prescribes
the wholsome diet or physic, and forbids the poison.
11. The same observation will hold as to future happiness; which
resulting (as all happiness does) from a certain proportion and
agreement between the faculty and the object, must depend upon, and
require a certain temper and disposition of the mind, as a natural
qualification for it. We find it is ♦so even in the pleasures of
sense. Let the ear be unmusically disposed, and the sweetest sounds put
together with the greatest art, will give it no entertainment. And if
the organs of taste are indisposed, either naturally or by a disease,
the most delicious food is brought in vain, which, as it finds no
taste, will give no relish. And if it be thus in the lowest pleasures,
can it be otherwise in the highest? If a guest sits idle at a nice and
plentiful table, merely because he wants a stomach to eat, or a palate
to relish what he finds there, shall an indisposed soul enjoy God? Is
there no disposition requisite to make it relish the heavenly banquet?
Are these the _only_ pleasures that are to be enjoyed at any rate,
and however disposed we come to them? No, without doubt there are
dispositions for this, as well as for other enjoyments, a certain
temper of mind, which as the apostle speaks, is to make us _meet
partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light_.
♦ “even so” replaced with “so even” per Errata
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account