Wesley Corpus

102: “The following page is full of boasting.” “You boast very much of the numbers you have converted;” (p. 113;) and again, “As to myself, I hope I shall never be led to imitate you in boasting.” I think therefore it is needful, once for all, to examine this charge thoroughly; and to show distinctly what that good thing is which you disguise under this bad name. (1.) From the year 1725 to 1729 I preached much, but saw no fruit of my labour. Indeed it could not be that I should; for Incither laid the foundation of repentance, nor of believing the gospel; taking it for granted, that all to whom I preached were believers, and that many of them “needed no repentance.” (2.) From the year 1729 to 1734, laying a deeper foundation of repentance, I saw a little fruit. But it was only a little; and mo wonder: For I did not preach faith in the blood of the cove mant. (3.) From 1734 to 1738, speaking more of faith in Christ, I saw more fruit of my preaching, and visiting from house to house, than ever I had done before; though I know not if any of those who were outwardly reformed were inwardly and thoroughly converted to God. (4.) From 1738 to this time, speaking continually of Jesus Christ, laying Him only for the £oundation of the whole building, making him all in all, the first and the last; preaching only on this plan, “The kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the gospel;” the “word of God ran” as fire among the stubble; it was “glori fied” more and more; multitudes crying out, “What must we do to be saved ?” and afterwards witnessing, “By grace we are saved through faith.” (5.) I considered deeply with myself what I ought to do; whether to declare the things I had seen, or not. I consulted the most serious friends I had. They all agreed, I ought to declare them; that the work itself was of such a kind, as ought in nowise to be concealed; and indeed, that the unusual circumstances now attending it, made it im possible that it should. (6.) This very difficulty occurred : “Will not my speaking of this be boasting ?