Wesley Corpus

7. However, in some parts, both of England and Ireland, scriptural Christianity is well known; especially in London, Bristol, Dublin, and almost all the large and populous cities and towns of both kingdoms. In these, every branch of Christianity is openly and largely declared; and thousands upon thousands continually hear and receive "the truth as it is in Jesus." Why is it then, that even in these parts Christianity has had so little effect Why are the generality of the people, in all these places, Heathens still no better than the Heathens of Africa or America, either in their tempers or in their lives Now, how is this to be accounted for I conceive, thus: It was a common saying among the Christians in the primitive Church, "The soul and the body make a man; the spirit and discipline make a Christian;" implying, that none could be real Christians, without the help of Christian discipline. But if this be so, is it any wonder that we find so few Christians; for where is Christian discipline In what part of England (to go no farther) is Christian discipline added to Christian doctrine Now, whatever doctrine is preached, where there is not discipline, it cannot have its full effect upon the hearers.