The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 07 (of 32)

*THE greatest part of mankind, nay of Christians, may be said to be asleep; and that particular way of life, which takes up each man’s mind, thoughts, and actions, may well be c...

*ALL our salvation consists in the _manifestation of the nature, life, and Spirit of Jesus Christ in us_. Enter with all thy heart into this truth, let thy eye be always upon it...

_Theophilus._ ACADEMICUS, your education has so accustomed you to the pleasure of reading variety of books, that you hardly propose any other end in reading, than the entertainm...

YOU had no occasion to make any apology for the manner of your letter to me; for tho’ you very well know, that I have as utter an aversion to waste my time and thoughts in matte...

_Theophilus._ MY heart embraces you both with the greatest affection, and I am much pleased at the occasion of your coming, which calls me to the most delightful subject in the...

_Eusebius._ THE doctrine of the spirit of love, cannot have more power over me, or be more deeply rooted in me, than it is already. It has so gained possession of my whole heart...

_First_, As to any defects in the outward form, and performance of _baptism and the supper of the Lord in the church, I am under little or no concern about them;――Because all th...

IT is a great pleasure to me to think (as you ♦you say) that my letter to you, will also be to two of your brethren, who stand in the same state of earnestness to know how to be...

I AM much surprised, my friend, that you should still want more to be said about the doctrine of _imputation_, whether of _Adam_’s sin, or the _righteousness_ of Christ to his f...

WHEN a man first finds himself stirred up with religious zeal, what does he generally do? He turns all his thoughts _outwards_, he runs after this or that man, he is at the beck...

THERE is nothing more plain and simple than the way of religion. But piety makes little progress till it has no schemes of its own, no thoughts or contrivances to be any thing,...

YOUR letter, though full of complaints about the state of your heart, was very much according to my mind, and gives me great hopes that God will carry on the good work he has be...

You seem to apprehend, I may be much surprized at the account you have given of yourself; but I am neither surprized nor offended at it; I neither condemn nor lament your estate...

THE variety of trials you have lately met with, are but a specimen of what you are to expect, in some form or other, so long as you breathe the air of this fallen world.――The lo...

THE large account you have given of yourself, is very affecting, and I hope God will turn all the variety of your past distress, into means of a future solid peace, and rest in...

TAMPER with no physicians, but content yourself, to have that share of health, which a regular and good life can help you to.――Reflect not upon your predominant complexion, or h...

ADAM’s turning from God, to hear the voice of his own _reason_ and _imagination_, and the suggestions of a satanical serpent, was that which created in him a new hardened heart,...

HE _that followeth me walketh not in darkness_, saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ, by which we are admonished, that we ought to imitate his life and manners, if we w...

If I understood all things in the world, and had not charity, what would that help me in the sight of God, who will judge me according to my works?

*A pure, simple, and stable spirit is not dissipated, tho’ it be employed in many works; because it does all to the glory of God, and seeks not itself in any thing it doth.

IT is good that we have sometimes troubles and crosses; for they often make a man enter into himself, and consider that he ought not to place his trust in any worldly thing.

THE outward work, without charity, profiteth nothing; but whatsoever is done out of charity, be it never so little and contemptible in the sight of the world, is wholly fruitful.

*2. If one that is once or twice warned will not give over, contend not with him; but commit all to God, that his will may be done, and his name honoured in all his servants, wh...

O how strict and self-renouncing a life led those holy fathers in the wilderness! How long and grievous temptations suffered they! How often were they assaulted by the enemy! Wh...

*Wherefore it is more profitable to many, not to be altogether free from temptations, lest they should be too secure, lest they should be puffed up with pride, or too freely inc...

2. The levity of our minds, and want of concern for our faults, make us lose the sense of our inward state, and often laugh when we have cause to weep.

*But alas! that thou shouldst spend thy time no better here, where thou mightest purchase life eternal! The time will come when thou shalt desire one day or hour to amend in, an...

IN all things remember the end, and how thou wilt be able to stand before that severe Judge, from whom nothing is hid: who is not pacified with gifts, nor admitteth any excuses;...

*WHEN one that was in great anxiety of mind, often wavering between fear and hope, once humbly prostrated himself in prayer, and said, O if I knew that I should persevere! He pr...

THE kingdom of God is within you, saith the Lord. Turn thee with thy whole heart unto the Lord, and forsake this wretched world, and thy soul shall find rest.

Behold, how far thou art yet from true charity and humility, which knoweth not how to be angry with any, but one’s self. It is no great matter to live peaceable with the good an...

If there be joy in the world, surely a man of a pure heart possesseth it. And if there be any where tribulation and affliction, an evil conscience feels it.