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
Extend, O Lord, thy pity to the whole race of mankind: enlighten the
Gentiles with thy truth, and bring into thy flock thy ancient people
the Jews. Be gracious to the holy Catholic church; and grant she may
always preserve that doctrine and discipline which thou hast delivered
to her. Grant that all of this nation, especially our governors and
the clergy, may, _whatsoever they do, do all to thy glory_. Bless
all nurseries of true religion and useful learning, and let them not
neglect the end of their institution. Be merciful to all that are in
distress, (――――)¹ that struggle with pain, poverty or reproach: be
thou a guide to them that travel by land or by water: give a strong and
quiet spirit to those who are condemned to death, liberty to prisoners
and captives, and ease and chearfulness to every sad heart. O give
spiritual strength and comfort to scrupulous consciences, and to them
that are afflicted by evil spirits. Pity idiots and lunatics, and give
life and salvation to all to whom thou hast given no understanding.
Give to all that are in error the light of thy truth; bring all sinners
to repentance, (――――) and give to all heretics humility and grace to
make amends to thy church, by the public acknowledgement of an holy
faith. Bless all my friends and relations, acquaintance and enemies:
(――――) unite us all to one another by mutual love, and to thyself by
constant holiness; that we, together with all those who are gone before
us in thy faith and fear, may find a merciful acceptance in the last
day, through the merits of thy blessed Son, to whom with thee and the
Holy Ghost, be all glory, world without end!
¹ Here mention the particulars you would pray for.
* * * * *
THURSDAY EVENING.
_Particular questions relating to resignation and meekness._
1. Have I endeavoured to will what God wills, and that only?
2. Have I received every thing that has befallen me, without my choice,
as the choice of infinite wisdom and goodness for me, with thanks?
3. Have I (after doing what he requires of me to do concerning them)
left all future things absolutely to God’s disposal? That is, have I
laboured to be wholly indifferent to whichsoever way he shall ordain
for me?
4. Have I resumed my claim to my body, soul, friends, fame, or fortune,
which I have made over to God; or repented of my gift, when God
accepted any of them at my hands?
5. Have I endeavoured to be chearful, mild and courteous in whatever I
said or did?
6. Have I said any thing with a stern look, accent or gesture?
Particularly with regard to religion?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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