Wesley Collected Works Vol 8
| Author | John Wesley |
|---|---|
| Type | treatise |
| Year | None |
| Passage ID | jw-wesley-collected-works-vol-8-583 |
| Words | 399 |
And
I am the more concerned to take notice of this, because so many
have fallen into the same mistake. It is indeed, and has been
from the beginning, the Tpotov Wrevôos, “the capital blunder,”
of our bitterest adversaries; though how they can advance it,
I see not, without “loving,” if not “making, a lie.” It is not
our care, endeavour, or desire, to proselyte any from one man
to another; or from one Church, (so called,) from one congre
gation or society, to another; (we would not move a finger to
494 LETTER. To
do this, to make ten thousand such proselytes;) but from
darkness to light, from Belial to Christ, from the power of
Satan to God. Our one aim is, to proselyte sinners to repent
ance; the servants of the devil, to serve the living and true
God. If this be not done, in fact, we will stand condemned:
not as well-meaning fools, but as devils incarnate. But if it
be, if the instances glare in the face of the sun, if they increase
daily, maugre all the power of earth and hell; then, my Lord,
neither you nor any man beside (let me use great plainness of
speech) can “oppose” and “fortify people against us,” with
out being found even “to fight against God.”
20. I would fain set this point in a clearer light. Here are,
in and near Moorfields, ten thousand poor souls for whom
Christ died, rushing headlong into hell. Is Dr. Bulkely, the
parochial Minister, both willing and able to stop them? If
so, let it be done, and I have no place in these parts. I go
and call other sinners to repentance. But if, after all he has
done, and all he can do, they are still in the broad way to
destruction, let me see if God will put a word even in my
mouth. True, I am a poor worm that of myself can do nothing. But if God sends by whomsoever he will send, his word shall
not return empty. All the messenger of God asks is, Aos Trov
aro; (no help of man ) cat ym cuvmao." The arm of the
Lord is revealed. The lion roars, having the prey plucked out
of his teeth. And “there is joy in the presence of the angels
of God, over” more than “one sinner that repenteth.”
21.