The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 09 (of 32)

Name: The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 09 (of 32)
Author: Wesley, John

Wesley, John

Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century

Well, let us be wholly swallowed up in religion, and know no other
interest but Jesus Christ. I cannot say, I have already attained; but
this is what my heart is set to learn. That in all that I do, whether
sacred or civil actions, still I may be doing but one work, and driving
on one design, _That God may be pleased by me, and glorified in me_;
That not only my praying, preaching, alms, may be found upon my account;
but even my eating, drinking, sleeping, visits, discourses, because
they are done to God. Too often do I miss my mark; but I will tell you
what are the rules I set myself: _Never to lie down but in the name of
God_; nor barely for natural refreshment, but that a wearied servant
of Christ may be recruited and fitted to serve him better the next day.
_Never to rise up but with this resolution, I will go forth this day
in the name of God, and will make religion my business, and spend the
day for eternity. Never to enter upon my calling, but first thinking, I
will do these things as unto God_, because he requireth these things at
my hands, in the place and station he hath put me into. _Never to sit
down to the table, but resolving, I will not eat meerly to please my
appetite, but to strengthen myself for my Master’s work. Never to make
a visit, but to leave something of God where I go; and in every company
to leave some good savor behind._ This is that which I am pressing hard
after: and if I strive not to walk by these rules, let this paper be a
witness against me.

I perceive you are otherwise persuaded in some things than I am: but
however, I trust we meet in our end. May it be your whole study to gain
souls, and to build them up in holiness, which is with too many the
least of their cares. One duty (miserably neglected) I shall be bold to
recommend from my own experience, and that is, the visiting your whole
flock from house to house, and enquiring into their spiritual estates
particularly, and dealing plainly and truly with them about their
conversion to God.

You see how free I am with you: but I know your candour. I rejoice in
your happy yoke-fellow: salute her from your old friend, and accept of
the unfeigned respects of him who is, Sir,

                   _Your real and faithful friend_,

                                                        JOS. ALLEINE.




                             LETTER XXIX.

                      [To a minister in prison.]


_Worthy Sir_,

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

Opening the text

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

Well, let us be wholly swallowed up in religion, and know no other
interest but Jesus Christ. I cannot say, I have already attained; but
this is what my heart is set to learn. That in all that I do, whether
sacred or civil actions, still I may be doing but one work, and driving
on one design, _That God may be pleased by me, and glorified in me_;
That not only my praying, preaching, alms, may be found upon my account;
but even my eating, drinking, sleeping, visits, discourses, because
they are done to God. Too often do I miss my mark; but I will tell you
what are the rules I set myself: _Never to lie down but in the name of
God_; nor barely for natural refreshment, but that a wearied servant
of Christ may be recruited and fitted to serve him better the next day.
_Never to rise up but with this resolution, I will go forth this day
in the name of God, and will make religion my business, and spend the
day for eternity. Never to enter upon my calling, but first thinking, I
will do these things as unto God_, because he requireth these things at
my hands, in the place and station he hath put me into. _Never to sit
down to the table, but resolving, I will not eat meerly to please my
appetite, but to strengthen myself for my Master’s work. Never to make
a visit, but to leave something of God where I go; and in every company
to leave some good savor behind._ This is that which I am pressing hard
after: and if I strive not to walk by these rules, let this paper be a
witness against me.

I perceive you are otherwise persuaded in some things than I am: but
however, I trust we meet in our end. May it be your whole study to gain
souls, and to build them up in holiness, which is with too many the
least of their cares. One duty (miserably neglected) I shall be bold to
recommend from my own experience, and that is, the visiting your whole
flock from house to house, and enquiring into their spiritual estates
particularly, and dealing plainly and truly with them about their
conversion to God.

You see how free I am with you: but I know your candour. I rejoice in
your happy yoke-fellow: salute her from your old friend, and accept of
the unfeigned respects of him who is, Sir,

                   _Your real and faithful friend_,

                                                        JOS. ALLEINE.




                             LETTER XXIX.

                      [To a minister in prison.]


_Worthy Sir_,

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 09 (of 32)

The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 09 (of 32)

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