John Wesley SERMON 4
(text of the 1872 edition)
SCRIPTURAL CHRISTIANITY
[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, almost in every corner of the
nation, constrain me to publish the whole, just as it was
preached; that men of reason may judge for themselves.--EDIT]
Preached at St. Mary's, Oxford, before the
University, August 24, 1744.
Whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not
warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall
be upon his own head. Ezek. 33:4. "And they were all filled with
the Holy Ghost." Acts 4:31.
1. The same expression occurs in the second chapter, where we
read, "When the day of Pentecost was 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 there came
a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind. And there
appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat
upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy
Ghost:" one immediate effect whereof was, they "began to speak
with other tongues;" insomuch that both the Parthians, Medes,
Elamites, and the other strangers who "came together, when this
was noised abroad, heard them speak, in their several tongues,
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 was shaken where
they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the
Holy Ghost." 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 Ghost 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
divers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues (1
Cor. 12:9, 10).
3. Whether these gifts of the Holy Ghost were designed to remain
in the church throughout all ages, and whether or no they will
be restored at the nearer approach of the "restitution of all
things," are questions which it is not needful to decide. But it
is needful 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? Had all the gifts of
healing? Did all speak with tongues? No, in no wise. Perhaps not
one in a thousand. Probably none but the teachers in the church,
and only some of them (1 Cor. 12:28-30). It was therefore, for a
more excellent purpose than this, that "they were all filled
with the Holy Ghost."
4. It was, to give them (what none can deny to be essential to
all Christians in all ages) the mind which was in Christ, those
holy fruits of the Spirit, which whosoever hath not, is none of
his; to fill them with "love, joy, peace, long-suffering,
gentleness, goodness" (Gal. 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 in
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 Thess.
1:3).
5. Without busying ourselves, then, in curious, needless
inquiries, touching those extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, let
us take a nearer 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 used 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 this Christianity it may be useful to consider under three
distinct views:
I. As beginning to exist in individuals:
II. As spreading from one to another:
III. As covering the earth.
I design to close these considerations with a plain, practical
application.
I. 1. And, first, let us consider Christianity in its rise, as
beginning to exist in individuals.
Suppose, then, 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 of the operation of God, which was the very
substance, or subsistence, of things hoped for (Heb. 11:1,) the
demonstrative evidence of invisible things, he instantly
received the Spirit of adoption, whereby he now cried, "Abba,
Father" (Rom. 8:15). Now first it was that he could call Jesus
Lord, by the Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 12:3), the Spirit itself bearing
witness with his spirit, that he was a child of God (Rom. 8:16).
Now it was that he could truly say, "I live not, but Christ
liveth 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" (Gal. 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"
(Rom. 5:1), yea, "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 feared not what
man could do unto him, knowing the very hairs of his head were
all numbered. he feared not all the powers of darkness, whom God
was daily bruising under his feet. Least of all was he afraid to
die; nay, he desired to "depart, and to be with Christ" (Phil.
1:23); who, "through death, had destroyed him that had the power
of death, even the devil; and delivered them who, through fear
of death, were all their life-time," till then, "subject to
bondage" (Heb. 2:15).
3. his soul, therefore, magnified the Lord, and his spirit
rejoiced in God his Saviour. "He rejoiced in him with joy
unspeakable," 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
hope of the glory of God;" in hope of the glorious image of God,
and full renewal of his soul in righteousness and true holiness,
and in ho~pe of that crown of glory, that "inheritance,
incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away."
4. "The love of God was also shed abroad in his heart by the
Holy Ghost which was given unto him" (Rom. 5:5). "Because he was
a son God had sent forth the Spirit of his Son into his heart,
crying Abba, Father!" (Gal. 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 that thus loved God could not but love his brother also;
and "not in word only, but in deed and in truth." "If God," said
he, "so loved us, we ought also to love one another" (1 John
4:11); yea, every soul of man, as "the mercy of God is over all
his works" (Ps. 145:9). Agreeably hereto, 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 despitefully 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 Cor. 13:4). It abases to the
dust every soul wherein 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 cometh of God
only. he was meek and long-suffering, gentle to all, and easy to
be entreated. Faithfulness and truth never forsook him: they
were "bound about his neck, and wrote on the table of his
heart." By the same spirit he was enabled to be temperate in all
things, refraining his soul even as 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 was he 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, 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 did he "set a watch before his
mouth, and keep the door of his lips," lest he should offend in
tongue, either against justice, or against mercy or truth. he
put away all lying, falsehood; and fraud; neither was guile
found in his mouth. he spake evil of no man; nor did an unkind
word ever come out of his lips.
8. And as he was deeply sensible of the truth of that word
"Without me ye can do nothing," and, consequently, of the need
he had to be watered of 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
continually was, "`My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.' My
Lord went about doing good; and shall not I tread in his steps?"
As he had opportunity therefore, if he could do no good of a
higher kind, he fed the hungry, clothed the naked, helped the
fatherless or stranger, visited and assisted them that were sick
or in prison. he gave all his goods to feed the poor. he
rejoiced to labour or to suffer for them; and whereinsoever 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, "Inasmuch as ye have done it
unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto
Me" (Matt. 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 Ghost. The multitude of them that believed were of one
heart and of one soul:" So did the love of him in whom they had
believed constrain them to love one another! "Neither said any
of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own
but they had all things common:" So fully were they crucified to
the world, and the world crucified to them! "And they continued
steadfastly with one accord in the Apostles" doctrine, and in
the breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). "And great
grace was upon them all; neither was there any among them that
lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold
them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and
laid them down at the Apostles' feet: And distribution was made
unto every man according as he had need." (Acts 4:31-35.)
II. 1. Let us take a view, in the Second place, of this
Christianity, as spreading 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 that it might give light to all that were in the
house." And this our Lord had declared to his first disciples,
"Ye 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 which is in heaven." (Matt. 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 they
would be unconcerned at the sight, at the misery of those for
whom their Lord died? Would not their bowels yearn over them,
and their hearts melt away for very 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
whomsoever they could of those poor "sheep that had gone astray,
to the great Shepherd and Bishop of their souls" (1 Pet. 2:25).
3. So the Christians of old did. They laboured, having
opportunity, "to do good unto all men" (Gal. 6:10), warning them
to flee from the wrath to come; now, now to escape the damnation
of hell. They declared, "The times of ignorance God winked at;
but now he calleth all men everywhere to repent." (Acts 17:30)
They cried aloud, Turn ye, turn ye, from your evil ways: "so
iniquity shall not be your ruin" (Ezek. 18:30). They "reasoned"
with them of "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 in that day when he should judge the world (Acts
24:25).
4. They endeavoured herein to speak to every man severally as he
had need. To the careless, to those who lay unconcerned in
darkness and in the shadow of death, they thundered, "Awake thou
that sleepest; arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee
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." Meantime, those who had believed, they provoked to
love and to good works; to patient continuance in well-doing;
and to abound more and more in that holiness without which no
man can see the Lord. (Heb 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 were
offended, "because they testified of it, that the works thereof
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 professeth," said they, "to have the knowledge of
God; he calleth himself the child of the Lord, his life is not
like other men's; his ways are of another fashion; he abstaineth
from our ways, as from filthiness; he maketh his boast, that God
is his Father" Wis. 2:13-16;) but much more, because so many of
their companions were taken away, and would no more run with
them to "the same excess of riot." (1 Pet. 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, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth:
but ye see and hear that these men have persuaded and turned
away much people; so that this our craft is in danger to be set
at nought" (Acts 19:25ff.). 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 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 amain. For the more Christianity spread, the more
hurt was done, in the account of those who received it not; 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;)
insomuch that more and more cried out, "Away with such fellows
from the earth; it is not fit that they should live;" yea, and
sincerely believed, that whosoever should kill them would do God
service.
7. Meanwhile they did not fail to cast out their name as evil;
(Luke 6:22;) so that this "sect was everywhere spoken against."
(Acts 27:22.) Men said all manner of evil of them, even as had
been done of the prophets that were before them (Matt. 5:12).
And whatsoever any would affirm, others would believe; so that
offences grew as the stars of heaven for multitude. And hence
arose, at the time fore-ordained of the Father, persecution in
all its forms. Some, for a season, suffered only shame and
reproach; some, "the spoiling of their goods;" "some had trial
of mocking and scourging; some of bonds and imprisonment;" and
others "resisted unto blood" (Heb. 10:34; 11:36ff.)
8. Now it was that the pillars of hell were shaken, and the
kingdom of God spread more and more. Sinners were everywhere
"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
spake to all the world. They "approved themselves the servants
of God, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in
stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours; in perils in
the sea, in perils in the wilderness, in weariness and
painfulness, in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness" (2
Cor. 6:4ff.). And when, having fought the good fight, they were
led as 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 speaketh."
9. Thus did Christianity spread itself in 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 minished
from the children of men!" here we tread a beaten path: the
still unceasing 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." (Matt. 16:18.)
III. 1. But shall we not see greater things than these? Yea,
greater than have been yet from the beginning of the world. Can
Satan cause the truth of God to fail, or his promises to be of
none 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 inquired
and searched diligently (1 Pet. 1:10, 11ff.:) 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
in the top 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;
neither shall they learn war any more." (Isa. 2:1-4.) "In that
day there shall be a Root of Jesse, which shall stand for an
Ensign of the people. To it shall the Gentiles seek: and his
rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in 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." (Isa.
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, saith the Lord, in all my
holy mountain. For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of
the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" (Isa. 11:6-9).
2. To the same effect are the words of the great Apostle, which
it is evident have never yet been fulfilled. "Hath God cast away
his people? God forbid." "But through their fall salvation is
come to the Gentiles." "And if the diminishing of them be the
riches of the Gentiles, how much more their fullness?" "For I
would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery;
that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness
of the Gentiles be come in: And so all Israel shall be saved."
(Rom. 11:1, 11, 25, 26.)
3. Suppose now the fullness of time to be come, and the
prophecies to be accomplished. What a prospect is this! All is
peace, "quietness, and assurance for ever." here is no din of
arms, no "confused noise," no "garments rolled in blood."
"Destructions are come to a perpetual end." Wars are ceased from
the earth. Neither 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 none is left either to destroy or
hurt his neighbour. here is no oppression 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;" (Ps. 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 habitations. The Lord hath
destroyed both the blood-thirsty and malicious, the envious and
revengeful man. Were there any provocation, there is none that
now knoweth to return evil for evil; but indeed there is none
that doeth evil, no, not one; for all are 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. "Neither saith any of them, that
aught of the things which he possesseth is his own." There is
none among them that lacketh: for every man loveth his neighbour
as himself. And all walk by one rule: "Whatever ye would that
men should do unto you, even so do unto 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 every one "opens his mouth with wisdom, and
in his tongue there is the law of kindness." Equally incapable
are they 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, that whosoever desires may
look into their hearts, and see that only love and God are
there.
6. Thus, where the Lord Omnipotent taketh to himself his mighty
power and reigneth, doth he "subdue all things to himself,"
cause every heart to overflow with love, and fill every mouth
with praise. "Happy are the people that are in such a case: yea,
blessed are the people who have the Lord for their God" (Psalm
144:15.) "Arise, shine;" (saith the Lord;) "for thy light is
come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." "Thou hast
known that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the
mighty God of Jacob. I have made thy officers peace, and thy
exactors righteousness. Violence shall no more be heard in thy
land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt
call thy walls Salvation and thy gates Praise." "Thy people are
all righteous; they shall inherit the land for ever; the branch
of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified."
"The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for
brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord
shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory"
(Isa. 60:1, 16-19).
IV. Having thus briefly considered Christianity, as beginning,
as going on, and as covering the earth, it remains only 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 whereof are all thus filled with the
Holy Ghost? --are all of one heart and of one soul? cannot
suffer one among them to lack anything, but continually give to
every man as he hath 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 bowels of mercy,
humbleness of mind, gentleness, long-suffering?" who offend not
in any kind, either by word or deed, against justice, mercy, or
truth; but in every point do unto all men; as they would these
should 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 ye do
account me a madman or a fool, yet, as a fool bear with me. It
is utterly needful that some one should use great plainness of
speech towards you. It is more especially needful at this time;
for who knoweth but it is the last? Who knoweth how soon the
righteous Judge may say, "I will no more be entreated for this
people?" "Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in this land, they
should but 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 ye steel not your breasts
against receiving a blessing at my hands. Do not say in your
hearts, _Non persuadebis, etiamsi persuaseris_;" [Your
persuasions shall not prevail with us, even though they should
really convince us.--EDIT.] or, in other words, "Lord, thou
shalt not send by whom thou wilt send; let me rather perish in
my blood, than be saved by this man!"
3. Brethren, "I am persuaded better things of you, though I thus
speak." 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 Ghost," 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
thereto? Are we "holy as he who hath called us is holy in all
manner of conversation?"
4. I entreat you to observe, that here are no peculiar notions
now under consideration; that the question moved is not
concerning doubtful opinions of one kind or another, but
concerning the undoubted, fundamental branches (if there be any
such) of our common Christianity. And for the decision thereof,
I appeal to your own conscience, guided by the Word of God. he
therefore that 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 pray you that
are in authority over us, whom I reverence for your office sake,
to consider (and not after the manner of dissemblers with God),
are you "filled with the Holy Ghost?" Are you lively
portraitures of him whom ye are appointed to represent among
men? "I have said, Ye are gods," ye magistrates and rulers; ye
are by office so nearly allied to the God of heaven! In your
several stations and degrees, ye are to show forth unto 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 unto those which come out of the mouth of God?
Is there in all your actions dignity and love? --a greatness
which words cannot express, which can flow only from a heart
"full of God;" and yet consistent with the character of "man
that is a worm, and the son of man that is a worm?"
6. Ye venerable men, who are more especially called to form the
tender minds of youth, to dispel thence the shades of ignorance
and error, and train them up to be wise unto salvation, are you
"filled with the Holy Ghost?" 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 hath
sent?" Do you inculcate upon them day by day, that love alone
never faileth (whereas, whether there be 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 herein with all your might?
exerting every faculty of your soul, using every talent which
God hath 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 ye, 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 wants, 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 ground? 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 conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in
purity" (1 Tim. 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
Ghost 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 in us lies, 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 of God, that we may be able to teach
others also? Do we know God? Do we know Jesus Christ? Hath "God
revealed his Son in us?" And hath he "made us able ministers of
the new covenant?" Where then are the "seals of our
apostleship?" Who, that were dead in trespasses and sins, have
been quickened by our word? Have we a burning zeal to save souls
from death, so that for their sake we often forget even to eat
our bread? Do we speak plain, "by manifestation of the truth
commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of
God" (2 Cor. 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 heavy upon us?
Or do we rejoice therein? When we are smitten on the one cheek,
do we resent it? Are we impatient of affronts? Or do we turn the
other also; not resisting the evil, but overcoming evil with
good? Have we a bitter zeal, inciting us to strive sharply and
passionately with them that 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? Have you either the form or the power of Christian
godliness? Are you humble, teachable, advisable; or stubborn,
self-willed, heady, and highminded? 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 ye not conscious to yourselves, 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 that is
invisible?" Do you know how to possess your bodies in
sanctification and honour?" Are not drunkenness and uncleanness
found among you? Yea, are there not of you who "glory in their
shame?" Do not many of you "take the name of God in vain,"
perhaps habitually, without either remorse or fear? Yea, are
there not a multitude of you that are forsworn? I fear, a
swiftly-increasing multitude. Be not surprised, brethren. Before
God and this congregation, I own myself to have been of the
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 be, O what a weight of sin,
yea, sin of no common dye, lieth upon us! And doth 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
conversation! 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 Ghost? 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, ye cannot, will not bear. O
my brethren, what a Christian city is this! "It is time for
Thee, Lord, to lay to Thine hand!"
11. For, indeed, what probability, what possibility, rather
(speaking after the manner of men), is there that Christianity,
scriptural Christianity, should be again the religion of this
place? that all orders of men among us should speak and live as
men "filled with the Holy Ghost?" By whom should this
Christianity be restored? By those of you that are in authority?
Are you convinced then that this is scriptural Christianity? Are
you desirous it should be restored? And do ye not count your
fortune, liberty, life, dear unto yourselves, so ye may be
instrumental in the restoring of it? But suppose ye have this
desire, who hath any power proportioned to the effect? Perhaps
some of you have made a few faint attempts, but with how small
success! Shall Christianity then be restored by young, unknown,
inconsiderable men? I know not whether ye yourselves could
suffer it. Would not some of you cry out, "Young man, in so
doing thou reproachest us?" But there is no danger of your being
put to the proof; so hath iniquity 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? Nay,
"rather let us fall into thy hand, O Lord, and let us not fall
into the hand of man." Lord, save, or we perish! Take us out of
the mire, that we sink not! O help us against these enemies! for
vain is the help of man. Unto thee all things are possible.
According to the greatness of thy power, preserve thou those
that are appointed to die; and preserve us in the manner that
seemeth to thee good; not as we will, but as thou wilt!
[Edited anonymously at the Memorial University of Newfoundland
with corrections by George Lyons of Northwest Nazarene College
(Nampa, Idaho) for the Wesley Center for Applied Theology.] _