The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 13 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 13 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
I am sensible of the difficulties you will have to encounter, in thus
changing your manner of preaching: but though the battle be hard to
fight, great will be the glory of the victory. ’Tis true, your enemies
are strong and powerful; the devil, the world, all the wicked, and
all the self righteous will be joined together against you: but look
up with an eye of faith, and see how many more are for you. Think of
the holy angels rejoicing over every sinner converted by your means;
think that the Captain of your salvation, your God and Redeemer, will
be ever near to help, to strengthen and comfort you! And consider
what unutterable joy your soul will feel, when at that period of time
which is the most delightful to the true Christian, you can with firm
confidence cry out with St. _Paul_, “I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth is laid up for me
a crown of righteousness.”
_I am, (though your unknown and unworthy)
Your truly affectionate friend._
* * * * *
To Mr. G****.
I AM much obliged to you for your letter to me; and if it will increase
your joy to know that I love my Saviour more than _health_, or _light_,
or _life_, be assured that I do; and that I should think myself the
most ungrateful and vile of all creatures if I did not. It is my
constant and earnest desire every day, nay every hour, to increase in
the knowledge and love of God, and to be saved not only from the guilt,
but also from the power of sin. I know that the grace of God through
Christ is sufficient for me; I know that the blood of Christ cleanseth
from all sin; and I know (blessed be God for giving me that knowledge)
that I _have_ redemption through his blood, even the _forgiveness_ of
my sins. Think now, what a wretch I should be, if I did not love this
Redeemer, and if I did not wish above all things to be conformed to
his image?――And in consequence of my thus loving God because he first
loved me, I love every creature which God has made, and every soul of
man, without any regard had to sects, names, or parties. The _Moravian_
church, though I am certain at this time it is over-run with _dreadful
errors_, I love, pity, and pray for. Oh may the God of love and
unbounded mercy, convince and restore it!――I thank you for the glorious
advice you give me, of “living very near the cross:” _there_ is life
indeed! Life freely given, to every soul that seeks it. And that you
and I may ever partake of this life, is the hearty wish of, your
****
* * * * *
To the Rev. Mr. ****.
_November 30, 1755._
_Dear Sir_,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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