SCRIPTURAL CHRISTIANITY | Sermon 4 | John Wesley

Scriptural Christianity

PREACHED AT

ST. MARY’S, OXFORD, BEFORE THE UNIVERSITY

ON AUGUST 24, 1744

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.

ACTS 4:31

This Sermon was originally published in a separate pamphlet, accompanied by the following address “to the reader,” to which was affixed the author’s signature: “It was not my design, when I wrote, ever to print the latter part of the following sermon; but the false and scurrilous accounts of it which have been published, in almost every corner of the nation, constrain me to publish the whole, just as it was preached; so that men of reason may judge for themselves. - ED

"Whoever hears the sound of the trumpet, and does not take warning; his blood shall be upon his own head if the sword comes and takes him away."

Ezekiel 33:4

The same expression occurs in the second chapter, where we read, “When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all” (the Apostles, with the women, and the mother of Jesus, and his brethren) “with one accord in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven, like a rushing violent wind. And cloven tongues as of fire appeared to them, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit”; one immediate effect of which was that they “began to speak with other tongues”; in as much that both the Parthians, Medes, Elamites and the other strangers who “came together, when a report of this spread, and heard them speaking in their own languages about the wonderful works of God” Acts 2:1-6.

2. In this chapter we read that when the Apostles and brethren had been praying and praising God, “the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” Not that we find any visible appearance here, such as had been in the former instance; nor are we informed that the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit were then given to all or any of them; such as the gifts of “healing, of working” other “miracles, of prophecy, of discerning spirits, the speaking with diverse kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:9-10

3. Whether these gifts of the Holy Spirit were designed to remain in the church throughout all ages, and whether or not they will be restored at the closer approach of the “restitution of all things” are questions which it is not necessary to decide. But it is necessary to observe this: that even in the infancy of the church, God divided them with a sparing hand. Were all even then prophets? Were all workers of miracles? Did all have the gifts of healing? Did all speak with tongues? No, in no way. Perhaps not one in a thousand. Probably none but the teachers in the church, and only some of them.1 Corinthians 12:28-30. It was, therefore, for a more excellent purpose than this that “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.”

4. It was to give them (what no one can deny to be essential to all Christians in all ages) the mind which was in Christ, those holy fruits of the Spirit, which whoever does not have, is none of His; to fill them with “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness”. Galatians 5:22-24; to endue them with faith (perhaps it might be rendered, fidelity), with meekness and temperance; to enable them to crucify the flesh, with its affections and lusts, its passions and desires; and as a consequence of that inward change, to fulfil all outward righteousness; to “walk as Christ also walked,” in “the work of faith, in the patience of hope, the labour of love”. 1 Thessalonians 1:3

5. Without busying ourselves, then, in curious, needless enquiries, touching those extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, let us take a closer view of these His ordinary fruits, which we are assured will remain throughout all ages - of that great work of God among the children of men, which we are accustomed to express by one word: “Christianity”; not as it implies a set of opinions, a system of doctrines, but as it refers to men’s hearts and lives. And it may be useful to consider this Christianity from three distinct views:

I. AS BEGINNING TO EXIST IN INDIVIDUALS;

II. AS SPREADING FROM ONE TO ANOTHER;

III. AS COVERING THE EARTH.

IV. PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

I design to close these considerations with a plain, practical application.

I. AS BEGINNING TO EXIST IN INDIVIDUALS

1. And, first, let us consider Christianity in its rise, as beginning to exist in individuals.

Suppose, then, that one of those who heard the Apostle Peter preaching repentance and remission of sins was pricked to the heart, was convinced of sin, repented and then believed in Jesus. By this faith in the operation of God, which was the actual substance, or subsistence, of things hoped for, Hebrews 11:1 the demonstrative evidence of invisible things, he instantly received the Spirit of adoption, by which he now cried, “Abba, Father”. Romans 8:15. Now, first, it was that he could call Jesus Lord, by the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:3, the Spirit itself bearing witness with his spirit that he was a child of God Romans 8:16. It was now that he could truly say, “I do not live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” Galatians 2:20.

2. This, then, was the very essence of his faith, a divine [elegchos] (evidence or conviction) of the love of God the Father, through the Son of His love, to him a sinner, now accepted in the Beloved. And, “being justified by faith, he had peace with God” Romans 5:1, yes, “the peace of God ruling in his heart”; a peace, which passing all understanding ([panta noun], all barely rational conception), kept his heart and mind from all doubt and fear, through the knowledge of Him in whom he had believed. He could not, therefore, “be afraid of any evil tidings”; for his “heart stood fast, believing in the Lord.” He did not fear what man could do to him, knowing that the very hairs of his head were all numbered. He did not fear all the powers of darkness, whom God was daily bruising under his feet. Least of all was he afraid to die; no, he desired to “depart, and to be with Christ” Philippians 1:23; who, “through death, had destroyed him who had the power of death, even the devil; and delivered those who, through fear of death, were all their life,” until then, “subject to bondage” Hebrews 2:15.

3. His soul, therefore, magnified the Lord, and his spirit rejoiced in God his Saviour. “He rejoiced in him with unspeakable joy,” who had reconciled him to God, even the Father; “in whom he had redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” He rejoiced in that witness of God’s Spirit with his spirit that he was a child of God; and more abundantly, “in the hope of the glory of God”; in the hope of the glorious image of God, and the full renewal of his soul in righteousness and true holiness, and in the hope of that crown of glory, that “inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled and that does not fade away.”

4. “The love of God was also shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Spirit which was given to him” Romans 5:5. “Because he was a son, God had sent forth the Spirit of his Son into his heart, crying ‘Abba, Father!’” Galatians 4:6 And that filial love of God was continually increased by the witness he had in himself 1 John 5:10 of God’s pardoning love to him; by “beholding what manner of love it was which the Father had bestowed upon him, that he should be called a child of God” 1 John 3:1. So that God was the desire of his eyes, and the joy of his heart; his portion in time and in eternity.

5. He who thus loved God could not but love his brother also; and “not in word only, but in deed and in truth.” “If God,” he said, “so loved us, we also ought to love one another” 1 John 4:11; yes, every soul of man, as “the mercy of God is over all his works” Psalm145:9. Agreeable to this: the affection of this lover of God embraced all mankind for His sake; not excepting those whom he had never seen in the flesh, or those of whom he knew nothing more than that they were “the offspring of God,” for whose souls His Son had died; not excepting the “evil” and “unthankful,” and, least of all, his enemies; those who hated, or persecuted, or spitefully used him for his Master’s sake. These had a peculiar place, both in his heart and in his prayers. He loved them “even as Christ loved us.”

6. And “love is not puffed up” 1 Corinthians 13:4. It abases to the dust every soul in which it dwells. Accordingly, he was lowly of heart; little, mean and vile in his own eyes. He neither sought nor received the praise of men, but that which comes from God only. He was meek and longsuffering, gentle to all, and easy to be entreated. Faithfulness and truth never forsook him; they were “bound around his neck, and written on the table of his heart.” By the same spirit he was enabled to be temperate in all things, holding back his soul even like a weaned child. He was “crucified to the world, and the world crucified to him”; superior to “the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eye, and the pride of life.” By the same almighty love he was saved, both from passion and pride; from lust and vanity; from ambition and covetousness; and from every temper which was not in Christ.

7. It may be easily believed that he who had this love in his heart would work no evil to his neighbour. It was impossible for him, knowingly and designedly, to do harm to any man. He was at the greatest distance from cruelty and wrong, from any unjust or unkind action. With the same care he “set a watch before his mouth, and kept the door of his lips,” so that he should not offend in tongue, either against justice, or against mercy or truth. He put away all lying, falsehood and fraud; nor was guile found in his mouth. He spoke evil of no man; nor did an unkind word ever come out of his lips.

8. And as he was deeply aware of the truth of that word, “Without me you can do nothing,” and, consequently, of the need he had to be watered by God every moment; so he continued daily in all the ordinances of God, the stated channels of His grace to man: “in the Apostles’ doctrine,” or teaching, receiving that food of the soul with all readiness of heart; in “the breaking of bread,” which he found to be the communion of the body of Christ; and “in the prayers” and praises offered up by the great congregation. And thus, he daily “grew in grace,” increasing in strength, in the knowledge and love of God.

9. But it did not satisfy him, barely to abstain from doing evil. His soul was athirst to do good. The language of his heart was continually, “‘My Father has worked up till now, and I work.’ My Lord went about doing good, and shall I not tread in His steps?” As he had opportunity, therefore, if he could not do good of a higher kind, he fed the hungry, clothed the naked, helped the fatherless or stranger, visited and assisted those who were sick or in prison. He gave all his goods to feed the poor. He rejoiced to labour or to suffer for them; and in whatever he might profit another, there especially to “deny himself.” He counted nothing too dear to part with for them, as well remembering the word of his Lord, “In as much as you have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it to me” Matthew 25:40.

10. Such was Christianity in its rise. Such was a Christian in ancient days. Such was every one of those who, when they heard the threatenings of the chief priests and elders, “lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and were all filled with the Holy Spirit. The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and of one soul”; so the love of Him in whom they had believed constrained them to love one another! “Nor did any of them say that anything they possessed was his own, but they had all things in common”; so fully were they crucified to the world, and the world crucified to them! “And with one accord they continued steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” Acts 2:42. “And great grace was upon them all; nor was there anyone among them who lacked anything; for as many as possessed lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold and laid them down at the Apostles’ feet; and it was distributed to every man as he had need” Acts 4:31-35.

 

II. AS SPREADING FROM ONE TO ANOTHER

1. Let us take a view, in the second place, of this Christianity, as it spread from one to another, and so gradually making its way into the world; for such was the will of God concerning it - who did not “light a candle to put it under a bushel, but so that it might give light to all who were in the house.” And this our Lord had declared to His first disciples, “You are the salt of the earth,” “the light of the world”; at the same time that He gave that general command, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:13-16.

2. And, indeed, supposing a few of these lovers of mankind to see “the whole world lying in wickedness,” can we believe that they would be unconcerned at that sight, at the misery of those for whom their Lord died? Would not their bowels yearn over them, and their hearts melt away because of that trouble? Could they then stand idle all the day long, even were there no command from Him whom they loved? Rather, would they not labour by all possible means to pluck some of these brands out of the burning? Undoubtedly they would; they would spare no pains to bring back whoever they could of those poor “sheep who had gone astray, to the great Shepherd and Bishop of their souls” 1 Peter 2:25.

3. So the Christians of old did. They laboured, when having an opportunity, “to do good to all men” Galatians 6:10, warning them to flee from the wrath to come; now, now to escape the damnation of hell. They declared, “God winked at the times of ignorance; but now he calls all men everywhere to repent” Acts 17:30. They cried aloud, “Turn, turn, from your evil ways, so that iniquity shall not be your ruin” Ezekiel 18:30. They “reasoned” with them about “temperance and righteousness” or justice - of the virtues opposite to their reigning sins; “and of judgement to come” - of the wrath of God which would surely be executed on evildoers on that day when He should judge the world Acts 24:25.

4. In this they endeavoured to speak to every man, as each had need. To the careless, to those who lay unconcerned in darkness and in the shadow of death, they thundered, “Awake you who sleep; arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” But to those who were already awakened out of sleep, and groaning under a sense of the wrath of God, their language was, “We have an Advocate with the Father; he is the propitiation for our sins.” In the meantime they provoked those who had believed to love and good works; to patiently continue in well-doing; and to abound more and more in that holiness without which no man can see the Lord Hebrews 12:14.

5. And their labour was not in vain in the Lord. His word ran and was glorified. It grew mightily and prevailed. But so much the more did offences prevail also. The world in general was offended, “because they testified of it that it’s works were evil” John 7:7. The men of pleasure were offended, not only because these men were made, as it were, to reprove their thoughts (“He professes,” they said, “to have the knowledge of God; he calls himself the child of the Lord, his life is not like other men’s; his ways are of another fashion; he abstains from our ways, as from filthiness; he makes his boast that God is his Father” (Wisdom 2:13-16)); but much more because so many of their companions were taken away, and would no longer “run with them to the same excess of riot.” 1 Peter 4:4. The men of reputation were offended because, as the gospel spread, they declined in the esteem of the people; and because many no longer dared to give them flattering titles, or to pay man the homage due to God only. The men of trade called one another together, and said, “Sirs, you know that it is by this craft that we create our wealth; but you see and hear that these men have persuaded and turned away many people; so that this our craft is in danger of being set at nought” Acts 19:25 etc.. Above all, the men of religion, so called, the men of outside religion, “the saints of the world,” were offended, and ready at every opportunity to cry out, “Men of Israel, help! We have found these men to be pestilent fellows, movers of sedition throughout the world” Acts 24:5. “These are the men that teach all men everywhere against the people and against this place” Acts 21:28.

6. Thus it was that the heavens grew black with clouds, and the storm gathered strength. For the more Christianity spread, the more hurt was done, in the account of those who did not receive it; and the number increased of those who were more and more enraged at these men who thus “turned the world upside down” Acts 17:6; in as much that more and more cried out, “Away with such fellows from the earth; it is not fit that they should live”; yes, and sincerely believed that whoever killed them would be doing God a service.

7. Meanwhile they did not fail to cast out their name as evil Luke 6:22; so that “this sect was spoken against everywhere” Acts 28:22. Men said all kinds of evil of them, even as had been done of the prophets who were before them Matthew 5:12. And whatever any affirmed, others would believe; so that offences grew like the stars of heaven for multitude. And hence persecution in all its forms arose, at the time foreordained by the Father. Some, for a season, suffered only shame and reproach; some, “the spoiling of their goods”; “some had a trial of mocking and scourging; some of bonds and imprisonment”; and others “resisted unto blood” Hebrews 10:34; 11:36 etc.

8. It was now that the pillars of hell were shaken, and the kingdom of God spread more and more. Sinners everywhere were “turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.” He gave his children “such a mouth, and such wisdom, as all their adversaries could not resist”; and their lives were of equal force with their words. But above all, their sufferings spoke to all the world. They “approved themselves as the servants of God - in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours; in perils on the sea, in perils in the wilderness, in weariness and painfulness, in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness” 2 Corinthians 6:4 etc. And when, having fought the good fight, they were led like sheep to the slaughter, and offered up on the sacrifice and service of their faith, then the blood of each found a voice, and the Heathen owned, “He being dead, yet he speaks.”

9. Thus Christianity spread itself on the earth. But how soon did the tares appear with the wheat, and the mystery of iniquity work, as well as the mystery of godliness! How soon did Satan find a seat, even in the temple of God; “till the woman fled into the wilderness,” and “the faithful were again diminished from the children of men!” Here we tread a beaten path: the still increasing corruptions of the succeeding generations have been largely described, from time to time, by those witnesses God raised up, to show that He had “built his church upon a rock, and the gates of hell should not” wholly “prevail against her” Matthew 16:18.

III. AS COVERING THE EARTH

1. But shall we not see greater things than these? Yes, greater than have yet been since the beginning of the world. Can Satan cause the truth of God to fail, or His promises to be of no effect? If not, the time will come when Christianity will prevail over all, and cover the earth. Let us stand a little and survey (the third thing which was proposed) this strange sight, a Christian World. Of this the Prophets of old enquired and searched diligently 1 Peter 1:10-11 etc; of this the Spirit which was in them testified, “It shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the tops of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it…. And they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; nor shall they learn war any more” Isaiah 2:1-4. “On that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, which shall stand as an Ensign of the people; to it the Gentiles will seek; and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass on that day that the Lord shall set his hand again to recover the remnant of his people; and he shall set up an Ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah, from the four corners of the earth” Isaiah 11:10-12. “The wolf shall then dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. They shall not hurt nor destroy, says the Lord, on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” Isaiah 11:6-9.

2. To the same effect are the words of the great Apostle, which it is evident have never yet been fulfilled. “Has God rejected his people? God forbid.” “But through their fall salvation has come to the Gentiles.” “And if their fall is the riches of the Gentiles, how much more their fullness?” “For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery; that a blindness has in part happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved” Romans11:1, 11, 12, 25, 26.

3. Suppose that the fullness of time has now come, and the accomplishment of all the prophecies. What a prospect is this! All is peace, “quietness, and assurance forever.” There is no din of arms here, no “confused noise,” no “garments rolled in blood.” “Destructions have come to a perpetual end.” Wars have ceased from the earth. Nor are there any intestine jars remaining; no brother rising up against brother; no country or city divided against itself, and tearing out its own bowels. Civil discord is at an end for evermore, and no one is left either to destroy or hurt his neighbour. There is no oppression here to “make” even “the wise man mad”; no extortion to “grind the face of the poor”; no robbery or wrong; no rapine or injustice; for all are “content with such things as they possess.” Thus “righteousness and peace have kissed each other” Psalm 85:10; they have “taken root and filled the land”; “righteousness flourishing out of the earth”; and “peace looking down from heaven.”

4. And with righteousness or justice, mercy is also found. The earth is no longer full of cruel inhabitants. The Lord has destroyed both the bloodthirsty and malicious, the envious and revengeful man. If there were any provocation, there is no one who now knows to return evil for evil; but indeed there is no one who does evil, no, not one; for all are as harmless as doves. And being filled with peace and joy in believing, and united in one body, by one Spirit, they all love as brethren, they are all of one heart and of one soul. “Nor does any of them say that any of the things which he possesses are his own.” There is no one among them who lacks; for every man loves his neighbour as himself. And all walk by one rule: “Whatever you want men to do to you, even so do to them.”

5. It follows that no unkind word can ever be heard among them, no strife of tongues, no contention of any kind, no railing or evil-speaking, but everyone “opens his mouth with wisdom, and in his tongue there is the law of kindness.” Equally, they are incapable of fraud or guile; their love is without dissimulation; their words are always the just expression of their thoughts, opening a window into their breast, so that whoever desires to may look into their hearts, and see that only love and God are there.

6. Thus, where the Lord Omnipotent takes His mighty power to Himself and reigns, He “subdues all things to himself,” causes every heart to overflow with love, and fills every mouth with praise. “Happy are the people who are in such a case; yes, blessed are the people who have the Lord for their God” Psalm 144:15. “Arise, shine,” says the Lord, “for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” “You have known that I the Lord am your Saviour and your Redeemer, the mighty God of Jacob. I have made your officers peace, and your exactors righteousness. No more shall violence be heard in your land, wasting or destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. Your people are all righteous; they shall inherit the land for ever; the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, so that I may be glorified.” “The sun shall no longer be your light by day; nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; but the Lord shall be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory” Isaiah 60:1, 16-19, 21.

 

IV. PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Having thus briefly considered Christianity, as beginning, as going on, and as covering the earth, it only remains that I should close the whole with a plain, practical application.

1. And, first, I would ask: Where does this Christianity now exist? Where, I pray, do the Christians live? Which is the country, the inhabitants of which are all thus filled with the Holy Spirit - are all of one heart and of one soul; cannot allow one among them to lack anything, but continually give to every man as he has need; who, one and all, have the love of God filling their hearts, and constraining them to love their neighbour as themselves; who have all “put on heartfelt compassion, a humble mind, gentleness, longsuffering” - who do not offend in any way, either by word or deed, against justice, mercy or truth; but in every point do unto all men as they would have these do unto them? With what propriety can we term any a Christian country, which does not answer this description? Why then, let us confess we have never yet seen a Christian country upon earth.

2. I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, if you account me a madman or a fool, yet, as a fool bear with me. It is utterly necessary that someone should use great plainness of speech towards you. It is more especially necessary at this time; for who knows but it is the last? Who knows how soon the righteous Judge may say, “I will no longer be entreated for this people?” “Though Noah, Daniel and Job were in this land, they should only deliver their own souls.” And who will use this plainness, if I do not? Therefore I, even I, will speak. And I adjure you, by the living God, that you do not steel your breasts against receiving a blessing at my hands. Do not say in your hearts, Non persuadebis, etiamsi persuaseris1; 1[Your persuasions will not prevail with us, even though they should really convince us - ED.] or, in other words, “Lord, you shall not send by whom you will send; let me perish in my blood, rather than be saved by this man!”

3. Brethren, “I am persuaded of better things about you, though I speak thus.” Let me ask you then, in tender love, and in the spirit of meekness: Is this city a Christian city? Is Christianity, scriptural Christianity, found here? Are we, considered as a community of men, so “filled with the Holy Spirit,” as to enjoy in our hearts, and show forth in our lives, the genuine fruits of that Spirit? Are all the Magistrates, all Heads and Governors of Colleges and Halls, and their respective Societies (not to speak of the inhabitants of the town), “of one heart and one soul?” Is “the love of God shed abroad in our hearts?” Are our tempers the same that were in Him? And are our lives agreeable to it? Are we “holy as he who has called us is holy, in all areas of our lives?”

4. I entreat you to observe that there are no peculiar notions under consideration here now; that the question moved is not concerning doubtful opinions of one kind or another, but concerning the undoubted, fundamental branches (if there are any such) of our common Christianity. And for the decision concerning it, I appeal to your own conscience, guided by the Word of God. Therefore he who is not condemned by his own heart, let him go free.

5. In the fear, then, and in the presence of the great God, before whom both you and I shall shortly appear, I ask you who are in authority over us, whom I reverence for your offices’ sake, to consider (and not after the manner of dissemblers with God), are you “filled with the Holy Spirit?” Are you lively portraitures of Him whom you are appointed to represent among men? “I have said, ‘You are gods,’” you magistrates and rulers; you, by office, are so closely allied to the God of heaven! In your several stations and degrees, you are to show forth to us “the Lord our Governor.” Are all the thoughts of your hearts, all your tempers and desires, suitable to your high calling? Are all your words like those which come out of the mouth of God? Is there dignity and love in all your actions - a greatness which words cannot express, which can flow only from a heart “full of God”; and yet consistent with the character of “man who is a worm, and the son of man who is a worm?”

6. You venerable men, who are more especially called to form the tender minds of youth, to dispel from there, the shades of ignorance and error, and train them up to be wise unto salvation, are you “filled with the Holy Spirit?” With all those “fruits of the Spirit,” which your important office so indispensably requires? Is your heart whole with God; full of love and zeal to set up His kingdom on earth? Do you continually remind those under your care that the one rational end of all our studies is to know, love and serve “the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent?” Do you inculcate upon them day by day that love alone never fails (whereas, whether there are tongues, they shall fail, or philosophical knowledge, it shall vanish away); and that without love, all learning is but splendid ignorance, pompous folly, vexation of spirit? Has all you teach an actual tendency to the love of God, and of all mankind for His sake? Have you an eye to this end in whatever you prescribe, touching the kind, the manner, and the measure of their studies; desiring and labouring that, wherever the lot of these young soldiers of Christ is cast, they may be so many burning and shining lights, adorning the gospel of Christ in all things? And permit me to ask, “Do you put forth all your strength in the vast work you have undertaken? Do you labour in it with all your might, exerting every faculty of your soul, using every talent which God has lent you, and that to the uttermost of your power?”

7. Let it not be said that I speak here as if all under your care were intended to be clergymen. Not so; I only speak as if they were all intended to be Christians. But what example is set them by us who enjoy the beneficence of our forefathers - by Fellows, Students, Scholars; more especially those who are of some rank and eminence? Do you, brethren, abound in the fruits of the Spirit, in lowliness of mind, in self-denial and mortification, in seriousness and composure of spirit, in patience, meekness, sobriety, temperance; and in unwearied, restless endeavours to do good in every kind unto all men, to relieve their outward needs, and to bring their souls to the true knowledge and love of God? Is this the general character of Fellows of Colleges? I fear it is not. Rather, have not pride and haughtiness of spirit, impatience and peevishness, sloth and indolence, gluttony and sensuality, and even a proverbial uselessness, been objected to us, perhaps not always by our enemies, nor wholly without grounds? O that God would roll away this reproach from us, that the very memory of it might perish for ever!

8. Many of us are more immediately consecrated to God, called to minister in holy things. Are we then patterns to the rest, “in word, in conduct, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity?” 1 Timothy 4:12 Is there, written on our forehead and on our heart, “Holiness to the Lord?” From what motives did we enter upon this office? Was it indeed with a single eye “to serve God, trusting that we were inwardly moved by the Holy Spirit to take upon us this ministration, for the promoting of His glory, and the edifying of His people?” And have we “clearly determined, by God’s grace, to give ourselves wholly to this office?” Do we forsake and set aside, as much as lies in us, all worldly cares and studies? Do we apply ourselves wholly to this one thing, and draw all our cares and studies this way? Are we apt to teach? Are we taught by God, so that we may be able to teach others also? Do we know God? Do we know Jesus Christ? Has “God revealed his Son in us?” And has He “made us able ministers of the new covenant?” Where then are the “seals of our apostleship?” Who, who were dead in trespasses and sins, have been quickened by our word? Do we have a burning zeal to save souls from death, so that for their sake we often forget even to eat our bread? Do we speak plainly, “by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God?” 2 Corinthian 4:2 Are we dead to the world, and the things of the world, “laying up all our treasure in heaven?” Do we lord over God’s heritage? Or are we the least, the servants of all? When we bear the reproach of Christ, does it sit upon us heavily? Or do we rejoice in it? When we are smitten on the one cheek, do we resent it? Are we impatient about affronts? Or do we turn the other also; not resisting the evil, but overcoming evil with good? Do we have bitter zeal, inciting us to strive sharply and passionately with those who are out of the way? Or is our zeal the flame of love, so as to direct all our words with sweetness, lowliness and meekness of wisdom?

9. Once more: what shall we say concerning the youth of this place? Do you have either the form or the power of Christian godliness? Are you humble, teachable, advisable; or stubborn, self-willed, heady, and high-minded? Are you obedient to your superiors as to parents? Or do you despise those to whom you owe the tenderest reverence? Are you diligent in your easy business, pursuing your studies with all your strength? Do you redeem the time, crowding as much work into every day as it can contain? Rather, are you not conscious that you waste away day after day, either in reading what has no tendency to Christianity, or in gaming, or in - you know not what? Are you better managers of your fortune than of your time? Do you, out of principle, take care to owe no man anything? Do you “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy”; to spend it in the more immediate worship of God? When you are in His house, do you consider that God is there? Do you behave “as seeing him who is invisible?” Do you know how to “possess your bodies in sanctification and honour?” Are not drunkenness and uncleanness found among you? Yes, are there not from you those who “glory in their shame?” Do not many of you “take the name of God in vain,” perhaps habitually, without either remorse or fear? Yes, are there not a multitude of you who are forsworn? I fear a swiftly increasing multitude. Do not be surprised, brethren. Before God and this congregation, I own myself to have been of that number, solemnly swearing to observe all those customs, which I then knew nothing of; and those statutes, which I did not so much as read over, either then, or for some years after. What is perjury, if this is not? But if it is, O what a weight of sin, yes, sin of no common dye, lies upon us! And does not the Most High regard it?

10. May it not be one of the consequences of this that so many of you are a generation of triflers; triflers with God, with one another, and with your own souls? For, how few of you spend, from one week to another, a single hour in private prayer! How few have any thought of God in the general tenor of your life! Who of you is in any degree acquainted with the work of His Spirit, His supernatural work in the souls of men? Can you bear, unless now and then in a church, any talk of the Holy Spirit? Would you not take it for granted, if one began such a conversation, that it was either hypocrisy or enthusiasm? In the name of the Lord God Almighty, I ask, what religion are you of? Even the talk of Christianity, you cannot, will not bear. O my brethren, what a Christian city is this! “It is time for You, Lord, to lay it to Your hand!”

11. For, indeed, what probability, what possibility, rather (speaking after the manner of men), is there that Christianity, scriptural Christianity, should again be the religion of this place? That all orders of men among us should speak and live as men “filled with the Holy Spirit?” By whom should this Christianity be restored? By those of you that are in authority? Are you convinced then that this is scriptural Christianity? Do you desire that it should be restored? And do you not count your fortune, liberty, life, dear to yourselves, so that you may be instrumental in the restoring of it? But suppose you have this desire, who has any power that is proportional to the effect? Perhaps some of you have made a few faint attempts, but with how little success! Shall Christianity then be restored by young, unknown, inconsiderable men? I do not know whether you yourselves could allow it. Would not some of you cry out, “Young man, in so doing you reproach us?” But there is no danger of your being put to the proof; iniquity has so overspread us like a flood. Whom then shall God send - the famine, the pestilence (the last messengers of God to a guilty land), or the sword, “the armies of the” Romish “aliens,” to reform us into our first love? No, “rather let us fall into your hand, O Lord, and do not let us fall into the hands of man.”

   Lord, save, or we perish! Take us out of the mire, so that we do not sink! O help us against these enemies! - for the help of man is vain. Unto You all things are possible. According to the greatness of Your power, You preserve those who are appointed to die; and preserve us in the manner that seems good to You; not as we will, but as You will!

By John Wesley - 1744 | Re-written in modern English by Nigel Dinneen