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
24. We grant, nothing is more unreasonable, than to imagine that
such mighty effects as these, can be wrought by that poor, empty,
insignificant thing, which the world _calls_ faith, and you among
them. But supposing there be such a faith on the earth, as that which
the apostle speaks of, such an intercourse between God and the soul,
what is too hard for such a faith? You yourselves may conceive, that
_all things are possible to him that thus believeth_: to him that thus
_walks with God_, that is now a citizen of heaven, an inhabitant of
eternity. If therefore you will contend with _us_, you must change the
ground of your attack. You must flatly deny there is any faith upon
earth: but perhaps this you might think too large step. You cannot
do this, without a secret condemnation in your own breast. O that you
would at length cry to God for that heavenly gift! Whereby alone this
truly reasonable religion, this beneficent love of God and man, can be
planted in your heart.
25. If you say, “But those that profess this faith are the most
unreasonable of all men;” I ask, “Who are those that profess this
faith?” Perhaps you do not personally know such a man in the world. Who
are they that so much as profess to have _this evidence_ of things not
seen? That profess to _see him that is invisible_? To _hear the voice_
of God, and to have _his Spirit_ ever _witnessing with their spirits,
that they are the children of_ God? I fear you will find few that even
profess _this faith_, among the large numbers of those who are called
believers.
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