On Schism
On Schism – John Wesley “That there might be no schism in the body.” 1 Cor. 12:25.1. If there be any word in the English tongue as ambiguous and indeterminate in its meaning as the word Church, it is one that is nearly allied to it, — the word Schism. it has been the subject […]
The Way of the Kingdom-John Wesley
The Way of the Kingdom – John Wesley The Way of the Kingdom The kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15 These words naturally lead us to consider, First, the nature of true religion, here termed by our Lord, “the kingdom of God,” which, saith he, “is at […]
The Use of Money-John Wesley
The Use of Money – John Wesley The Use of Money “I say unto you, Make unto yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into the everlasting habitations.” Luke 16:9. 1. Our Lord, having finished the beautiful parable of the Prodigal Son, which he had particularly addressed […]
The Unity of the Divine Being-John Wesley
The Unity of the Divine Being – John Wesley The Unity of the Divine Being “There is one God.” Mark 12:32. 1. And as there is one God, so there is one religion and one happiness for all men. God never intended there should be any more; and it is not possible there should. Indeed, […]
The Trouble and Rest of Good Men-John Wesley
The Trouble and Rest of Good Men – John Wesley The Trouble and Rest of Good Men Preached at St. Mary’s in Oxford, on Sunday, Sept. 21, 1735. Published at the request of several of the hearers. [This appears to have been the first Sermon that Mr. Wesley ever committed to the press. It was preached about […]
The Spirit of Bondage and of Adoption-John Wesley
The Spirit of Bondage and of Adoption – John Wesley The Spirit of Bondage and of Adoption “Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15. 1. ST. PAUL here speaks to those who are the children of […]
The Scripture Way of Salvation-John Wesley
The Scripture Way of Salvation – John Wesley The Scripture Way of Salvation ‘Ye are saved through faith.’ Ephesians 2:8. 1. Nothing can be more intricate, complex, and hard to be understood, than religion, as it has been often described. And this is not only true concerning the religion of the Heathens, even many of the […]
The Righteousness of Faith-John Wesley
The Righteousness of Faith – John Wesley The Righteousness of Faith “Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to […]
The Rich Man and Lazarus-John Wesley
The Rich Man and Lazarus – John Wesley The Rich Man and Lazarus “If they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:31. 1. How strange a paradox is this! How contrary to the common apprehension of men! Who is so confirmed in unbelief […]
The Reward of Righteousness-John Wesley
The Reward of Righteousness – John Wesley The Reward of Righteousness Preached before the Humane Society “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matt. 25:34. 1. Reason alone will convince every fair inquirer, that God “is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” This […]
The Repentance of Believers-John Wesley
The Repentance of Believers – John Wesley The Repentance of Believers “Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15. 1. It is generally supposed, that repentance and faith are only the gate of religion; that they are necessary only at the beginning of our Christian course, when we are setting out in the way to […]
The Reformation of Manners-John Wesley
The Reformation of Manners – John Wesley The Reformation of Manners Preached before the Society for Reformation of Manners On Sunday, January 30, 1763 At the Chapel in West-Street, Seven-Dials “Who will rise up with me against the wicked?” Ps. 94:16. 1. In all ages, men who neither feared God nor regarded man have combined together, and formed […]
The New Creation-John Wesley
The New Creation – John Wesley The New Creation Behold, I make all things new. Rev. 21:5. 1. What a strange scene is here opened to our view! How remote from all our natural apprehensions! Not a glimpse of what is here revealed was ever seen in the heathen world. Not only the modern, barbarous, […]
The New Birth-John Wesley
The New Birth – John Wesley The New Birth “Ye must be born again.” John 3:7. 1. If any doctrines within the whole compass of Christianity may be properly termed fundamental, they are doubtless these two, — the doctrine of justification, and that of the new birth: The former relating to that great work which […]
The Nature of Enthusiasm-John Wesley
The Nature of Enthusiasm – John Wesley The Nature of Enthusiasm “And Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself.” Acts 26:24. 1. And so say all the world, the men who know not God, of all that are of Paul’s religion: of every one who is so a follower of him […]
The Mystery of Iniquity-John Wesley
The Mystery of Iniquity – John Wesley The Mystery of Iniquity “The mystery of iniquity doth already work.” 2 Thess. 2:7. 1. Without inquiring how far these words refer to any particular event in the Christian Church, I would at present take occasion from them to consider that important question, — In what manner the […]
The More Excellent Way-John Wesley
The More Excellent Way – John Wesley The More Excellent Way “Covet earnestly the best gifts; And yet I show to you a more excellent way.” 1 Cor. 12:31. 1. In the preceding verses, St. Paul has been speaking of the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost; such as healing the sick, prophesying (in the […]
The Ministerial Office-John Wesley
The Ministerial Office – John Wesley The Ministerial Office [a.k.a. ^PROPHETS AND PRIESTS^ (Sermon 121 in the Bicentennial Edition)] [Respecting this Sermon the following information is given by Mr. Moore, in his “Life of Mr. Wesley,” vol. ii., p. 339: — “I was with Mr. Wesley in London when he published that Sermon. He had encouraged […]
The Means of Grace-John Wesley
The Means of Grace – John Wesley The Means of Grace “Ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them.” Mal. 3:7. I. 1. But are there any ordinances now, since life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel? Are there, under the Christian dispensation, any means ordained of God, […]
The Marks of the New Birth-John Wesley
The Marks of the New Birth – John Wesley The Marks of the New Birth “So is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8. 1. How is every one that is “born of the Spirit,” — that is, born again, — born of God? What is meant by the being born again, […]
The Lord Our Righteousness-John Wesley
The Lord Our Righteousness – John Wesley The Lord Our Righteousness “This is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord our righteousness.” Jer. 23:6. 1. How dreadful and how innumerable are the contests which have arisen about religion! And not only among the children of this world, among those who knew not what […]
The Important Question-John Wesley
The Important Question – John Wesley The Important Question “What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Matthew 16:26 1. There is a celebrated remark to this effect, (I think in the works of Mr. Pascal,) that if a man of low estate would speak of […]
The Heavenly Treasure in Earthen Vessels-John Wesley
The Heavenly Treasure in Earthen Vessels – John Wesley The Heavenly Treasure in Earthen Vessels “We have this treasure in earthen vessels.” 2 Cor. 4:7. 1. How long was man a mere riddle to himself! For how man~y ages were the wisest of men utterly unable to reveal the myster~y, to reconcile the strange inconsistencies, […]
The Great Assize-John Wesley
The Great Assize – John Wesley The Great Assize Preached at the Assizes held before the Honorable Sir Edward Clive, Knight, one of the Judges of His Majesty’s Court of Common Pleas, in St. Paul’s Church, Bedford, on Friday, March 10, 1758; published at the request of William Cole, Esq., High Sheriff of the county, […]
The Good Steward-John Wesley
The Good Steward – John Wesley The Good Steward “Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.” Luke 16:2. 1. The relation which man bears to God, the creature to his Creator, is exhibited to us in the oracles of God under various representations. Considered as a sinner, a fallen […]
The General Spread of the Gospel-John Wesley
The General Spread of the Gospel – John Wesley The General Spread of the Gospel “The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters covers the sea.” Isa. 11:9. 1. In what a condition is the world at present! How does darkness, intellectual darkness, ignorance, with vice and misery attendant […]
The General Deliverence-John Wesley
The General Deliverence – John Wesley The General Deliverence “The earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him that subjected it: Yet in hope that the creature itself also shall be delivered from the […]
The First Fruits of the Spirit-John Wesley
The First Fruits of the Spirit – John Wesley The First Fruits of the Spirit “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Rom. 8:1 1. By “them which are in Christ Jesus,” St. Paul evidently means, those who truly […]
The End of Christ’s Coming-John Wesley
The End of Christ’s Coming – John Wesley The End of Christ’s Coming “For this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8. 1. Many eminent writers, heathen as well as Christian, both in earlier and later ages, have employed their utmost labour and […]
The Duty of Reproving our Neighbor-John Wesley
The Duty of Reproving our Neighbor – John Wesley The Duty of Reproving our Neighbor “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” Lev. 19:17. A great part of the book of Exodus, and almost the whole of the book […]
The Danger of Riches-John Wesley
The Danger of Riches – John Wesley The Danger of Riches “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful desires, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 1 Tim. 6:9. 1. How innumerable are the ill consequences which have followed from men’s not knowing, or not […]
The Circumcision of the Heart-John Wesley
The Circumcision of the Heart – John Wesley The Circumcision of the Heart Preached at St. Mary’s, Oxford, before the University, on January 1, 1733. “Circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter.” Romans 2:29. 1. It is the melancholy remark of an excellent man, that he who now […]
The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes-John Wesley
The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes – John Wesley The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes [First published ~in the year 1750.] “O come hither, and behold the works of the Lord; what destruction he hath brought upon th~e earth!” Ps. 46:8. O~f all the judgments which the righteous God inflicts on sinners here, the most dreadful […]
The Case of Reason Impartially Considered-John Wesley
The Case of Reason Impartially Considered – John Wesley The Case of Reason Impartially Considered ‘Brethren, be not children in understanding: Howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.’ 1 Cor. 14:20. 1. It is the true remark of an eminent man, who had made many observations on human nature, ‘If reason be […]
The Almost Christian-John Wesley
The Almost Christian – John Wesley The Almost Christian ‘Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.’ Acts 26:28. AND many there are who go thus far: ever since the Christian religion was in the world, there have been many in every age and nation who were almost persuaded to be Christians. But seeing it avails […]
Spiritual Worship-John Wesley
Spiritual Worship – John Wesley Spiritual Worship “This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20. 1. In this Epistle St. John speaks not to any particular Church, but to all the Christians of that age; although more especially to them among whom he then resided. And in them he speaks to the […]
Spiritual Idolatry-John Wesley
Spiritual Idolatry – John Wesley Spiritual Idolatry “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21. 1. There are two words that occur several times in this Epistle, — _paidia_ and _teknia_, — both of which our translators render by the same expression, little children. But their meaning is very different. The former is very […]
Some Account of the Late Work of God…-John Wesley
Some Account of the Late Work of God… – John Wesley Some Account of the Late Work of God… THE LATE WORK OF GOD IN NORTH AMERICA “The appearance was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.” Ezek. 1:16. 1. Whatever may be the primary meaning of this mysterious passage of Scripture, […]
Signs of the Times-John Wesley
Signs of the Times – John Wesley Signs of the Times “Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” Matthew 16:3. 1. The entire passage runs thus: “The Pharisees also, with the Sadducees, came, and tempting, desired him that he would show them a sign […]
Sermon on the Mount, 9-John Wesley
Sermon on the Mount, 9 – John Wesley Sermon on the Mount, 9 “‘No man can serve two masters; For either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. “‘Therefore I say unto you, Take no […]
Sermon on the Mount, 8-John Wesley
Sermon on the Mount, 8 – John Wesley Sermon on the Mount, 8 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break […]
Sermon on the Mount, 7-John Wesley
Sermon on the Mount, 7 – John Wesley Sermon on the Mount, 7 “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine […]
Sermon on the Mount, 6-John Wesley
Sermon on the Mount, 6 – John Wesley Sermon on the Mount, 6 “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: Otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the […]
Sermon on the Mount, 5-John Wesley
Sermon on the Mount, 5 – John Wesley Sermon on the Mount, 5 “Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you: Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise […]
Sermon on the Mount, 4-John Wesley
Sermon on the Mount, 4 – John Wesley Sermon on the Mount, 4 “Ye are the salt of the earth. But if the salt hath lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men. “Ye are the light of […]
Sermon on the Mount, 3-John Wesley
Sermon on the Mount, 3 – John Wesley Sermon on the Mount, 3 “Blessed are the pure in heart: For they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers: For they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are […]
Sermon on the Mount, 2-John Wesley
Sermon on the Mount, 2 – John Wesley Sermon on the Mount, 2 “Blessed are the meek: For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: For they shall obtain mercy.” Matt. 5:5-7 I. 1. When “the winter is […]
Sermon on the Mount, 13-John Wesley
Sermon on the Mount, 13 – John Wesley Sermon on the Mount, 13 “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied […]
Sermon on the Mount, 12-John Wesley
Sermon on the Mount, 12 – John Wesley Sermon on the Mount, 12 “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, […]
Sermon on the Mount, 11-John Wesley
Sermon on the Mount, 11 – John Wesley Sermon on the Mount, 11 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, which leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in threat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto […]
Sermon on the Mount, 10-John Wesley
Sermon on the Mount, 10 – John Wesley Sermon on the Mount, 10 “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, […]
Sermon on the Mount, 1-John Wesley
Sermon on the Mount, 1 – John Wesley Sermon on the Mount, 1 “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: And when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. […]
Self-Denial-John Wesley
Self-Denial – John Wesley Self-Denial “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23 1. It has been frequently imagined, that the direction here given related chiefly, if not wholly, to the Apostles; at least, to […]
Scriptural Christianity-John Wesley
Scriptural Christianity – John Wesley 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 […]
Satan’s Devices-John Wesley
Satan’s Devices – John Wesley Satan’s Devices “We are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Cor. 2:11. 1. The devices whereby the subtle god of this world labours to destroy the children of God — or at least to torment whom he cannot destroy, to perplex and hinder them in running the race which is […]
Original, Nature, Property, and Use of Law-John Wesley
Original, Nature, Property, and Use of Law – John Wesley Original, Nature, Property, and Use of Law “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” Rom. 7:12 1. Perhaps there are few subjects within the whole compass of religion so little understood as this. The reader of this Epistle is […]
Original Sin-John Wesley
Original Sin – John Wesley Original Sin ‘And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.’ Gen. 6:5. 1. How widely different is this from the fair pictures of human nature which men have drawn in all ages! […]
On Zeal-John Wesley
On Zeal – John Wesley On Zeal “It is good to be always zealously affected in a good thing.” Gal. 4:18. 1. There are few subjects in the whole compass of religion, that are of greater importance than this. For without zeal it is impossible, either to make any considerable progress in religion ourselves, or […]
On Worldly Folly-John Wesley
On Worldly Folly – John Wesley On Worldly Folly “But God said unto him, Thou fool!” Luke 12:20. But one of these fools is commonly wiser in his own eyes “than seven men that can render a reason.” If it were possible for a Christian, for one that has the mind which was in Christ, […]
On Working out Own Salvation-John Wesley
On Working out Own Salvation – John Wesley On Working out Own Salvation “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Phil. 2:12-13. 1. Some great truths, as the being and attributes of God, and the […]
On Visiting the Sick-John Wesley
On Visiting the Sick – John Wesley On Visiting the Sick “I was sick, and ye visited me.” Matt. 25:36. 1. It is generally supposed, that the means of grace and the ordinances of God are equivalent terms. We commonly mean by that expression, those that are usually termed, works of piety; viz., hearing and […]
On the Wedding Garment-John Wesley
On the Wedding Garment – John Wesley On the Wedding Garment “How camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? Matt. 22:12. 1. In the verses preceding the text we read, “After these things, Jesus spake to them again in parables, and said, A certain king made a supper for his son. And when […]
On the Trinity-John Wesley
On the Trinity – John Wesley On the Trinity Some days since I was desired to preach on this text. I did so yesterday morning. In the afternoon I was pressed to write down and print my sermon, if possible, before I left Cork. I have wrote it this morning; but I must beg the […]
On the Single Eye-John Wesley
On the Single Eye – John Wesley On the Single Eye “If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. Therefore, if the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matt. 6:22, […]
On the Resurrection of the Dead-John Wesley
On the Resurrection of the Dead – John Wesley On the Resurrection of the Dead Written in the year 1732 [This Sermon was originally written by Benjamin Calamy, D.D., Vicar of St. Lawrence, Jewry, London. It occurs, p. 275, in a volume of Sermons which bears his name, published in 1704; and is here abridged and […]
On the Omnipresence of God-John Wesley
On the Omnipresence of God – John Wesley On the Omnipresence of God “Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.” Jer. 23:24. 1. How strongly and beautifully do these words express the omnipresence of God! And can there be in the whole compass of nature a more sublime subject? Can there be […]
On the Holy Spirit-John Wesley
On the Holy Spirit – John Wesley On the Holy Spirit Preached at St. Mary’s, Oxford, on Whitsunday~, 1736. “Now the Lord is that Spirit.” 2 Cor. 3:17. The Apostle had been showing how the gospel ministry was superior to that of the law: The time being now come when types and shadows should be […]
On the Fall of Man-John Wesley
On the Fall of Man – John Wesley On the Fall of Man “Dust thou are, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Gen. 3:19. 1. Why is there pain in the world; seeing God is “loving to every man, and his mercy is over all his works?” Because there is sin: Had there been no […]
On the Education of Children-John Wesley
On the Education of Children – John Wesley On the Education of Children “Train up a child in the way wherein he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6. 1. We must not imagine that these words are to be understood in an absolute sense, as if […]
On the Discoveries of Faith-John Wesley
On the Discoveries of Faith – John Wesley On the Discoveries of Faith “Now~ faith is the ev~idence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1. 1. For many ages it has been allowed by sensible men, _N~ihil est in intellectu quod non fuit prius in sensu_: That is, “There is nothing in the understanding which was […]
On the Death of Rev. Mr. John Fletcher-John Wesley
On the Death of Rev. Mr. John Fletcher – John Wesley On the Death of Rev. Mr. John Fletcher Preached on Occasion of THE DEATH OF THE REV. MR. JOHN FLETCHER, Vicar of Madeley, Shropshire To the Reader It was a consciousness of my own inability to describe in a manner worthy of the subject such a person as […]
On the Death of Mr. Whitefield-John Wesley
On the Death of Mr. Whitefield – John Wesley On the Death of Mr. Whitefield Preached at the Chapel in Tottenham-Court Road and at the Tabernacle, near Moorfields, on Sunday, November 18, 1770. “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!” Num. 23:10. 1. “Let my last end […]
On the Danger of Increasing Riches-John Wesley
On the Danger of Increasing Riches – John Wesley On the Danger of Increasing Riches “If riches increase, set not thine heart upon them.” Ps. 62:10. 1. From that express declaration of our Lord, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter […]
On Temptation-John Wesley
On Temptation – John Wesley On Temptation “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: And God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear […]
On Sin in Believers-John Wesley
On Sin in Believers – John Wesley On Sin in Believers “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” 2 Cor. 5:17. I. 1. Is there then sin in him that is in Christ? Does sin remain in one that believes in him? Is there any sin in them that are born […]
On Schism-John Wesley
On Schism – John Wesley On Schism “That there might be no schism in the body.” 1 Cor. 12:25. 1. If there be any word in the English tongue as ambiguous and indeterminate in its meaning as the word Church, it is one that is nearly allied to it, — the word Schism. it has […]
On Riches-John Wesley
On Riches – John Wesley On Riches “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24. 1. In the preceding verses we have an account of a young man who came running to our Lord, and […]
On Redeeming the Time-John Wesley
On Redeeming the Time – John Wesley On Redeeming the Time On Redeeming the Time “Redeeming the time.” Eph. 5:16. 1. “See that ye walk circumspectly,” says the Apostle in the preceding verse, “not as fools, but as wise men, redeeming the time;” saving all the time you can for the best purposes; buying up […]
On Public Diversions-John Wesley
On Public Diversions – John Wesley On Public Diversions “Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in the city, and the Lord hath not done it?” Amos 3:6. It is well if there are not too many here who are too nearly concerned in […]
On Predestination-John Wesley
On Predestination – John Wesley On Predestination “Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son: — Whom he did predestinate, them he also called. And whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” Romans 8:29, 30. Our beloved brother […]
On Pleasing all Men-John Wesley
On Pleasing all Men – John Wesley On Pleasing all Men “Let every man please his neighbour for his good to edification.” Rom. 15:2. 1. Undoubtedly the duty here prescribed is incumbent on all mankind; at least on every one of those to whom are entrusted the oracles of God. For it is here enjoined […]
On Perfection-John Wesley
On Perfection – John Wesley On Perfection “Let us go on to perfection.” Heb. 6:1. The whole sentence runs thus: “Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection: Not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God;” which he had just before […]
On Patience-John Wesley
On Patience – John Wesley On Patience “Let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:4. 1. “My brethren,” says the Apostle in the preceding verse, “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” At first view, this may appear a strange direction; seeing most […]
On Obedience to Pastors-John Wesley
On Obedience to Pastors – John Wesley On Obedience to Pastors “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: For they watch over your souls, as they that shall give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: For that is unprofitable for you.” Heb. 13:17. 1. Exceeding […]
On Obedience to Parents-John Wesley
On Obedience to Parents – John Wesley On Obedience to Parents ~~ “Children, obey your parents in all thin~gs.” Col. 3:20 1. It has been a subject of controversy for many years, whether there are any innate principles in the mind of man. But it is allowed on all hands, if there be any practical […]
On Mourning the Dead-John Wesley
On Mourning the Dead – John Wesley On Mourning the Dead Preached at Epworth, January 11, 1726, at the Funeral of John Griffith: A Hopeful Young Man. “Now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” 2 Sam. 12:23. […]
On Love-John Wesley
On Love – John Wesley On Love Preached at Savannah, February 20, 1736 “Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing.” 1 Cor. 13:3. [1.] There is great reason to fear that it will hereafter be said […]
On Living without God-John Wesley
On Living without God – John Wesley On Living without God “Without God in the world.” Eph. 2:12. 1. Perhaps these words might be more properly translated, Atheists in the world. This seems to be a little stronger expression than “without God in the world,” which sounds nearly negative, and does not necessarily imply any […]
On Laying the Foundation of the New Chapel-John Wesley
On Laying the Foundation of the New Chapel – John Wesley On Laying the Foundation of the New Chapel Preached on Monday, April 21, 1777 ON LAYING THE FOUNDATION OF THE NEW CHAPEL, NEAR THE CITY-ROAD, LONDON. “According to this time it shall be said, — What hath God wrought!” Num. 23:23. 1. We need not now […]
On Knowing Christ after the Flesh-John Wesley
On Knowing Christ after the Flesh – John Wesley On Knowing Christ after the Flesh “Henceforth know we no man after the flesh; yea, though we did kno~w Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” 2 Cor. 5:16. 1. I have long desired to see something clearly and intelligibly wrote […]
On Grieving the Holy Spirit-John Wesley
On Grieving the Holy Spirit – John Wesley On Grieving the Holy Spirit Written in the year 1733 “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Eph. 4:30. There can be no point of greater importance to him who knows that it is the Holy Spirit which leads […]
On God’s Vineyard-John Wesley
On God’s Vineyard – John Wesley On God’s Vineyard “What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?” Isa. 5:4. The vineyard of the Lord, taking the word in its widest sense, […]
On Friendship with the World-John Wesley
On Friendship with the World – John Wesley On Friendship with the World “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of this world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore desireth to be a friend of the world is an enemy of God.” Jam. 4:4. 1. There is a passage in St. Paul’s […]
On Family Religion-John Wesley
On Family Religion – John Wesley On Family Religion “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Josh. 24:15. 1. In the foregoing verses we read that Joshua, now grown old, “gathered the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, for their heads, for their judges and […]
On Faith-John Wesley
On Faith – John Wesley On Faith “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” Heb. 11:6. 1. But what is Faith? It is a divine “evidence and conviction of things not seen;” of things which are not seen now, whether they are visible or invisible in their own nature. Particularly, it is a divine […]
On Eternity-John Wesley
On Eternity – John Wesley On Eternity “From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.” Psalm 90:2 1. I would fain speak of that awful subject, — eternity. But how can we grasp it in our thought? It is so vast, that the narrow mind of man is utterly unable to comprehend it. But does it […]
On Dress-John Wesley
On Dress – John Wesley On Dress “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of — wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in […]
On Divine Providence-John Wesley
On Divine Providence – John Wesley On Divine Providence “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Luke 12:7. 1. The doctrine of divine providence has been received by wise men in all ages. It was believed by many of the eminent Heathens, not only philosophers, but orators and poets. Innumerable are the […]
On Dissipation-John Wesley
On Dissipation – John Wesley On Dissipation “This I speak — that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.” 1 Cor. 7:35. 1. Almost in every part of our nation, more especially in the large and populous towns, we hear a general complaint among sensible persons, of the still increasing dissipation. It is observed […]
On Corrupting the Word of God-John Wesley
On Corrupting the Word of God – John Wesley Preached about the year 1728 “We are not as many, who corrupt the word of God: But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Cor. 2:17. [1.] Many have observed, that nothing conduces more to a Preacher’s […]
On Conscience-John Wesley
On Conscience – John Wesley On Conscience “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience.” 2 Cor. 1:12. 1. How few words are there in the world more common than this, Conscience! It is in almost every one’s mouth. And one would thence be apt to conclude, that no word can be found […]
On Charity-John Wesley
On Charity – John Wesley On Charity “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so as […]
On Attending the Church Service-John Wesley
On Attending the Church Service – John Wesley On Attending the Church Service “The sin of the young men was very great.” 1 Sam. 2:17. 1. The corruption, not only of the heathen world, but likewise of them that were called Christians, has been matter of sorrow and lamentation to pious men, almost from the […]
Of the Church-John Wesley
Of the Church – John Wesley Of the Church “I beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, […]
Of Hell-John Wesley
Of Hell – John Wesley Of Hell “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:48. 1. Every truth which is revealed in the oracles of God is undoubtedly of great importance. Yet it may be allowed that some of those which are revealed therein are of greater importance than others, […]
Of Good Angels-John Wesley
Of Good Angels – John Wesley Of Good Angels “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Heb. 1:14. 1. Many of the ancient Heathens had (probably from tradition) some notion of good and evil angels. They had some conception of a superior order of […]
Of Former Times-John Wesley
Of Former Times – John Wesley Of Former Times “Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.” Eccles. 7:10. 1. It is not easy to discern any connexion between this text and the context; between these words and either those […]
Of Evil Angels-John Wesley
Of Evil Angels – John Wesley Of Evil Angels “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in heavenly places.” Eph. 6:12. 1. It has been frequently observed that there are no gaps or chasms in the creation of […]
National Sins and Miseries-John Wesley
National Sins and Miseries – John Wesley National Sins and Miseries Preached at St. Matthew’s, Bethnal-Green, On Sunday, November 12, 1775, For the benefit of the Widows and Orphans of the Soldiers who lately fell, near Boston, in New-England. “Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: But these sheep, what have they done?” 2 Sam. 24:17. […]
Law Established through Faith, 1-John Wesley
Law Established through Faith, 1 – John Wesley Law Established through Faith, 1 “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: Yea, we establish the law.” Romans 3:31. 1. St. Paul, having the beginning of this Epistle laid down his general proposition, namely, that “the gospel of Christ is the power of […]
Justification by Faith-John Wesley
Justification by Faith – John Wesley Justification by Faith “To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:5. 1. How a sinner may be justified before God, the Lord and Judge of all, is a question of no common importance to every child […]
In What Sense We Are to Leave the World-John Wesley
In What Sense We Are to Leave the World – John Wesley In What Sense We Are to Leave the World “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And I will be to you a Father, and ye shall […]
Imperfection of Human Knowledge-John Wesley
Imperfection of Human Knowledge – John Wesley Imperfection of Human Knowledge “We know in part.” 1 Cor. 13:9. 1. The desire of knowledge is an universal principle in man, fixed in his inmost nature. It is not variable, but constant in every rational creature, unless while it is suspended by some stronger desire. And it […]
Human Life a Dream-John Wesley
Human Life a Dream – John Wesley Human Life a Dream “Even like as a dream when one awaketh; so shalt thou make their image to vanish out of the city.” Ps. 73:20. 1. Anyone that considers the foregoing verses will easily observe that the Psalmist is speaking directly of the wicked, that prosper in […]
Heaviness through Manifold Temptations-John Wesley
Heaviness through Manifold Temptations – John Wesley Heaviness through Manifold Temptations “Now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.” 1 Pet. 1:6. 1. In the preceding discourse I have particularly spoken of that darkness of mind into which those are often observed to fall who once walked in the […]
Great Privilege of Those that are Born of God-John Wesley
Great Privilege of Those that are Born of God – John Wesley Great Privilege of Those that are Born of God “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin.” 1 John 3:9. 1. It has been frequently supposed, that the being born of God was all one with the being justified; that the new […]
God’s Love to Fallen Man-John Wesley
God’s Love to Fallen Man – John Wesley God’s Love to Fallen Man “Not as the offence, so also is the free gift.” Rom. 5:15. 1. How exceeding common, and how bitter, is the outcry against our first parent for the mischief which he not only brought upon himself, but entailed upon his latest posterity! […]
God’s Approbation of his Works-John Wesley
God’s Approbation of his Works – John Wesley God’s Approbation of his Works “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” Gen. 1:31. 1. When God created the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, at the conclusion of each day’s work it is said, “And […]
Free Grace-John Wesley
Free Grace – John Wesley Free Grace To The Reader: Nothing but the strongest conviction, not only that what is here advanced is ‘the truth as it is in Jesus,’ but also that I am indispensably obliged to declare this truth to all the world, could have induced me openly to oppose the sentiments of […]
Duty of Constant Communion-John Wesley
Duty of Constant Communion – John Wesley Duty of Constant Communion The following discourse was written above five-and-fifty years ago, for the use of my pupils at Oxford. I have added very little, but retrenched much; as I then used more words than I do now. But, I thank God, I have not yet seen […]
Christian Perfection-John Wesley
Christian Perfection – John Wesley Christian Perfection ‘Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect.’ Phil. 3:12. 1. There is scarce any expression in Holy Writ which has given more offence than this. The word perfect is what many cannot bear. The very sound of it is an abomination to them. And whosoever […]
Causes of the Inefficiency of Christianity-John Wesley
Causes of the Inefficiency of Christianity – John Wesley Causes of the Inefficiency of Christianity “~Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daugh~ter of my people recovered?” Jer. 8:22~~. 1. This question, as here proposed by the Prophet, relates only to a particular […]
Catholic Spirit-John Wesley
Catholic Spirit – John Wesley Catholic Spirit ‘And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him, and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered: It is. If it be, give me thine […]
Case of Reason Impartially Considered-John Wesley
Case of Reason Impartially Considered – John Wesley Case of Reason Impartially Considered “Brethren, be not children in understanding: Howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” 1 Cor. 14:20. 1. It is the true remark of an eminent man, who had made many observations on human nature, “If reason be against […]
Awake, Thou That Sleepest-John Wesley
Thou That Sleepest – John Wesley Awake, Thou That Sleepest ‘Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.’ Eph. 5:14. IN discoursing on these words, I shall, with the help of God, – First. Describe the sleepers, to whom they are spoken: Secondly. Enforce the exhortation, ‘Awake, thou that […]
An Israelite Indeed-John Wesley
An Israelite Indeed – John Wesley An Israelite Indeed “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.” John 1:47. 1. Some years ago a very ingenious man, Professor Hutcheson of Glasgow, published two treatises, The Original of our Ideas of Beauty and Virtue. In the latter of these he maintains that the very essence […]
A Caution against Bigotry-John Wesley
A Caution against Bigotry – John Wesley A Caution against Bigotry “And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name: and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not.” Mark 9:38, 39. 1. In the preceding verses we […]
A Call to Backsliders-John Wesley
A Call to Backsliders – John Wesley A Call to Backsliders ‘Will the Lord absent himself for ever? And will he be no more entreated? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? And is his promise come utterly to an end for evermore?’ Ps. 77:7, 8. 1. Presumption is one grand snare of the devil, in […]
What is Man 2?-John Wesley
What is Man 2? – John Wesley What is Man 2? “What is man?” Psa. 8:4. 1. Nay, what am I? With God’s assistance, I would consider myself. Here is a curious machine, “fearfully and wonderfully made.” It is a little portion of earth, the particles of which cohering, I know not how, lengthen into […]
What is Man?-John Wesley
What is Man? – John Wesley What is Man? “When I consider thy heaven, the work of thy fingers, the moon and stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man?” Psalm 8:3, 4. How often has it been observed, that the Book of Psalms is a rich treasury of devotion, which the wisdom of God […]
Wandering Thoughts-John Wesley
Wandering Thoughts – John Wesley Wandering Thoughts ‘Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.’ 2 Cor. 5:5. 1. But will God so ‘bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,’ that no wandering thought will find a place in the mind, even while we remain in the body? So some have […]
Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith-John Wesley
Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith – John Wesley Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith “We walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor. 5:7. 1. How short is this description of real Christians! And yet how exceeding full! It comprehends, it sums up, the whole experience of those that are truly such, […]
True Christianity Defended-John Wesley
True Christianity Defended – John Wesley True Christianity Defended [The following Sermon was found in a mutilated manuscript among ~Mr. Wesley’s papers. It is dated June 24, 1741. A Latin copy of the same Discourse has also been discovered. ~Mr. Pawson, with great care, copied the former, and I have supplied the deficiencies out of […]
The Witness of the Spirit – Part 2-John Wesley
The Witness of the Spirit – Part 2 – John Wesley The Witness of the Spirit – Part 2 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Rom. 8:l6 I. 1. None who believe the Scriptures to be the word of God, can doubt the importance of such […]
The Witness of the Spirit – Part 1-John Wesley
The Witness of the Spirit – Part 1 – John Wesley The Witness of the Spirit – Part 1 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Rom. 8:16 1. How many vain men, not understanding what they spake, neither whereof they affirmed, have wrested this Scripture to […]
The Witness of our own Spirit-John Wesley
The Witness of our own Spirit – John Wesley The Witness of our own Spirit “This is our rejoicing, the testimony of out conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world.” (2 Cor. 1:12.) 1. Such is the […]
The Wisdom of God’s Counsels-John Wesley
The Wisdom of God’s Counsels – John Wesley The Wisdom of God’s Counsels “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” Rom. 11:33. 1. Some apprehend the wisdom and the knowledge of God to mean one and the same thing. Others believe that the wisdom of God more directly […]