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
5. His life was now more laborious, than when he worked with his hands.
Indeed he had not time to work in; insomuch that he suffered women
to minister unto him of their goods, and even kept some money by him.
Of this he made _Judas_ the keeper. So much did Jesus esteem money!
He gave alms of the little he had, and sometimes he had none at all.
Indeed he lived all along in great poverty. He had not where to lay his
head. At his death, he had no goods, but his cloaths. He came, not to
be ministered unto, but to minister. He made his journeys on foot, and
continued walking even till the heat of the day. For it was at noon
that he sat down, weary as he was, on the well, where he met the woman
of _Samaria_. And tho’ he was the Lord of nature, we find not that he
wrought any miracle for his own convenience, or to spare his own pains.
The angels ministered unto him only once, to shew what was his due, had
he pleased to use it.
6. All his carriage was simple, easy, natural, lively. He looked them
in the face, with whom he spake: as the rich young man. It is often
said, “He stretched forth his hand unto them;” often, that he made use
of such other particular gestures, as were suitable to the occasion.
Sometimes his very looks exprest pity, or grief, or indignation: at
other times, tenderness; as when he took up the children in his arms,
and laid his hands upon them.
7. With all this plainness and simplicity of behaviour, he preserved a
wonderful dignity. He was always serious. We find him twice in tears:
but it is not said, that he ever laughed. He asked nothing of any man,
following his own maxim, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
All men sought him out and ran unto him. He conversed with all, without
any meanness of behaviour, and yet with the utmost condescension; being
easy of access to all; yea to Publicans and Sinners. He condescended to
eat, and to lodge with them, yea to let a woman that was a sinner touch
him, and perfume his feet; a delicacy that seemed quite opposite to his
poor and mortified life.
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