The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 09 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 09 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
First, _He hath bestowed more on them than on others_: now where
much is given, much shall be required; can you think of that without
trembling? He hath bestowed on them singular love; _Thee only have I
known of all the families on earth_: and he looks that his love should
be a constraining argument to obedience. Again, he hath laid out a
singular care for his people, more than for others: he cares for no men,
for nothing in the world, in comparison of them. He reproveth kings
for their sakes. He will give nations and kingdoms for their ransom.
So precious are they in his sight, and so dearly beloved, that he will
give men for them, and people for their life. He withdraweth not his
eyes from the righteous, he will not endure them out of his sight. The
eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and first the eye of his more
accurate observation: God can wink at others as it were, and overlook
what they do with little notice, but he has a most curious eye upon his
people, he marketh their steps, and booketh their words, he weigheth
their actions, and pondereth all their goings. And should they not
walk more cautiously than any alive, that are under so exact an eye?
Secondly, the eye of special care and protection. Behold the eye of
the Lord is upon them that fear him, I will guide thee with mine eye:
and should not they be infinitely tender and careful how to please the
Lord, who have his singular care laid out on them? In short, God hath
bestowed on them singular privileges: these are a peculiar treasure
to him above all people, a kingdom of priests, an holy nation; they
dwell alone, they are diverse from all people. When the whole world
lies in wickedness, these are called and chosen, and faithful, washed,
and justified, and sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by
the Spirit of our God. The rest are the refuse; these the jewels. Shall
not God’s priests be cloathed with righteousness, and shall not princes
live above the rate of peasants?
Secondly, _He hath entrusted them with more than others_: not only
with the talents of his grace, (for the increase whereof they must give
a strict account) but also with the jewel of his glory. How tenderly
should they walk, that are entrusted with such a jewel? Remember, your
Maker’s glory is bound up in your fruitful walking.
Thirdly, _He hath qualified them more than others_. He hath put into
them a principle of life, having quickened them together with Christ.
He hath set up a light in their minds, when others lie in darkness. He
hath given them other aids, than others have, even his Spirit to help
their infirmities, when others lie like vessels that are wind-bound,
and cannot stir.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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