The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 14 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 14 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
11. You object farther, “That the _methodists_ do not observe the
rubrick before the communion service; which directs, so many as desire
to partake of the holy communion, to signify their names to the curate
the day before.” What curate desires they should? Whenever any minister
will give but one week’s notice of this, I undertake, all that have any
relation to me, shall signify their names within the time appointed.
You object also, that they break through the twenty-eighth canon,
which requires, “That if strangers come often to any church from other
parishes, they should be remitted to their own churches, there to
receive the communion with their neighbours.”
But what if there be no communion there? Then this canon does not touch
the case; nor does any one break it, by coming to another church purely
because there is no communion at his own.
As to your next advice, “To have a greater regard to the rules and
orders of the church,” _I cannot_; for I now regard them, next to
the word of God. And as to your last, “To renounce communion with the
church,” _I dare not._ Nay but let them thrust us out. We _will not_
leave the ship: if you _cast us_ out of it, then our Lord will take us
up.
12. To the same head may be referred the objection some time urged,
by a friendly and candid man, viz. “That it was unlawful to use
extemporary prayer, because there was a canon against it.”
It was not quite clear to me, that the canon he cited was against
extemporary prayer. But supposing it were, my plain answer would be,
“That the canon I dare not obey: because the law of man binds only so
far as it is consistent with the word of God.”
The same person objected, my not obeying the bishops and governors of
the church. I answer, I both do and will obey them, in whatsoever I
can with a clear conscience. So that there is no just ground for that
charge, that I despise either the rules, or the governors of the church.
I obey them in all things where I do not apprehend there is some
particular law of God to the contrary. Even in that case, I shew all
the deference I can; I endeavour to act as inoffensively as possible:
and am ready to submit to any penalty, which can by law be inflicted
upon me. Would to God every minister and member of the church, were
herein altogether as I am!
VII. 1. I have considered the chief objections that have lately been
urged against the _doctrines_ I teach. The main arguments brought
against this _manner of teaching_, have been considered also. It
remains, to examine the most current objections, concerning _the
effects_ of this teaching.
Many affirm, “That it does abundance of hurt: that it has had very bad
effects; insomuch that if any good at all has been done, yet it bears
no proportion to the evil.”
But to come to particulars, “First then, you are disturbers of the
public peace.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account