One of the reasons I love writing is that it allows me to be friends with people who live on a different continent—even in a different century.
One of the people who has influenced my life is John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement. Here is a collection of gems from his prolific writings.
The World Is My Parish
"I look on the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that, in whatever part of it I am, I judge it meet, right, and my bounden duty, to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation.”
"I look on the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that, in whatever part of it I am, I judge it meet, right, and my bounden duty, to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation.”
Journal (June 11, 1739)
We Think and Let Think
“But as to all opinions
which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think.
“The Character of a
Methodist” (1739)
We Grow by Degrees
“Every one, though
born of God in an instant, yet undoubtedly grows by slow degrees.”
Letter (June 17, 1760)
More from Myself, Less from Others
“The longer I live,
the larger allowances I make for human infirmities. I exact more from
myself, and less from others. Go thou and do likewise!”
Letter to Reverend Samuel Furley
(January 25, 1762)
An Ounce of Love
“Beware you be not
swallowed up in books! An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge.”
Letter to Joseph Benson
(November 7, 1768)
Religion and Reason
“Passion and
prejudice govern the world; only under the name of reason. It is our
part, by religion and reason joined, to counteract them all we can.”
Letter to John Benson (October 5, 1770)
Hardly Sure of Anything
“When I was young I
was sure of everything. In a few years, having been mistaken a thousand
times, I was not half so sure of most things as I was before. At present, I am
hardly sure of anything but what God has revealed to man.
Reply to a letter
signed “Philosophaster,” London Magazine (1775)
Never in a Hurry
“Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.”
Letter (December 10,
1777)
Earn All You Can
“Having, First,
gained all you can, and, Secondly saved all you can, Then give all you can.”
Sermon 50, “The Use of
Money”
God Is with Us
“The best of it all is,
God is with us.”
Wesley’s last words
What historic writer has influenced you?
