The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 12 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 12 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
*While he was here, his conversation from first to last was much on
the same subjects as it had been in Boston. He was much in speaking
of the nature of _true religion_, as distinguished from its various
_counterfeits_; expressing his great concern, that the latter did
so much prevail in so many places. He often manifested his great
abhorrence of all such _doctrines_ and _principles_, as in any
wise savoured of, and had any (though but a remote) tendency to
Antinomianism; of all such notions as seemed to diminish the necessity
of holiness of life, or to abate men’s regard to the commands of God,
and a strict, diligent, and universal practice of virtue, under a
pretence of depreciating our works, and magnifying God’s free grace.
He spake often with much detestation, of such discoveries and joys
as have nothing of the nature of _sanctification_ in them, and do not
tend to strictness, tenderness, and diligence in religion, and meekness
and benevolence toward mankind: and he also declared, that he looked
on such pretended _humility_ as worthy of no regard, that was not
manifested by _modesty_ of _conduct_ and _conversation_.
*After he came hither, as long as he lived, he was much in speaking of
the future prosperity of Zion that is so often promised in scripture:
and his mind seemed to be carried forth with intense desires, that
religion might speedily revive and flourish; yea, the nearer death
advanced, still the more did his mind seem to be taken up with this
subject. He told me, when near his end, that “he never in all his
life had his mind so led forth in desires and earnest prayers for the
flourishing of _Christ’s kingdom_ on earth, as since he was brought
so exceeding low at Boston.” He seemed much to wonder, that there
appeared no more of a disposition in ministers and people to pray for
the flourishing of religion through the world; that so little a part
of their prayers was generally taken up about it, in their families,
and elsewhere; and particularly, he several times expressed his wonder,
that there appeared no more forwardness to comply with the _proposal_
lately made in a memorial from a number of ministers in Scotland,
and sent over into America, for _united extraordinary prayer_, among
Christ’s ministers and people, for the _coming of Christ’s kingdom_:
and he sent as his dying advice to _his own congregation_, that they
should practise agreeably to that proposal.¹
¹ His congregation, since this, have with great chearfulness
and unanimity fallen in with this advice, and have practised
agreeably to the proposal from Scotland; and have at times
appeared with uncommon engagedness and fervency of spirit
in their united devotions, pursuant to that proposal. Also
the presbyteries of New-York, and New-Brunswick, since
this, have with one consent, fallen in with the proposal,
as likewise some others of God’s people in those parts.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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