The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 10 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 10 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
_Secondly_, With respect to Christ, nothing has been able (since
it was first given me) to shake my full conviction of the following
particulars: that Jesus Christ is such a Saviour as it became the
goodness, justice, wisdom, and power of God to provide; and such as
became the desires and needs of sinners, as being sufficient _to save
all that come to_ God _through him_, and that _to the uttermost, his
blood_ being able _to cleanse from all sin_, his power _to subdue all
things to himself_, and his Spirit _to lead into all truth_: that I
need him in all his offices; there being no time when I durst once
think of parting them: God knows that my heart is as much reconciled to
his kingly as to his priestly office, and that it would for ever damp
me, had he not power to captivate _every thought to the obedience_ of
himself; that all my hope of freedom from that darkness which is my
burden, is from Christ’s prophetical office; and my hope of freedom
from the guilt and power of sin, arises from his priestly and kingly
offices. In one word, I have no hope of any mercy in time or eternity,
but through him. ’Tis through him I expect all, from the least drop of
water to the immense riches of his glory.
_Thirdly_, With respect to this law, notwithstanding my frequent
breaches of it, I dare take God to witness, that I count all his
commandments concerning all things, to be holy, and just, and good;
insomuch that I would not desire any alteration in any, and least of
all in those which most cross my inclinations: that I desire inward,
universal conformity to them all, and that in the spiritual meaning
and extent, as reaching all thoughts, words, and actions, and even the
minutest circumstances of them. _Lastly_, That since the commencement
of this affair particularly, I have seen a peculiar beauty in the law,
as exemplified in the life of our Lord; more especially in his absolute
submission to the divine will, even in those things which were most
contrary to his innocent nature. And though I could scarce reach this
submission at some times, yet I earnestly desired it, I look’d upon it
as exceedingly amiable, and condemned myself so far as I came short of
it.
7. As to the whole, my spirit was in a calm and composed frame: but
contrary to my positive resolution, and under fears of a refusal, I was
carried out to be more peremptory than usual as to the success. Yea,
when I was in the most submissive frame, I was more peremptory as to
the event, than when my heart was most eagerly set upon it.
8. _January 7, 1701_, was a day set apart by us both, to be kept with
fasting and prayer, for obtaining a blessing on our marriage. I began
it with prayer, wherein I endeavoured to trace back sin to my very
infancy. Lord, I have been in all sin: not one of thy commands but I
have broken in almost all instances; save in the outward acts, and from
them, O Lord, only thy free grace restrained me.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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