MARCH 3

Religion has nothing sour, austere, unsociable, unfriendly in it; but, on the contrary, implies the most winning sweetness, the most amiable softness and gentleness.
Works, xii. 47; Letter, 29th March, 1737


I have heard my mother say: ‘I have frequently been as fully assured that my father’s spirit was with me as if I had seen him with my eyes.” But she did not explain herself any farther. I have myself many times found on a sudden so lively an apprehension of a deceased friend that I have sometimes turned about to look; at the same time I have felt an uncommon affection for them. But I have never had anything of this kind with regard to any but those that died in faith. In dreams I have had exceeding lively conversations with them; and I doubt not but they were then very near.
to Lady Maxwell, 1769

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 8:06 AM |


MARCH 2


The world may not like our Methodists and Evangelical people, but the world cannot deny that they die well.
Lecky, England, iii, 150


In every congregation in England which I remember to have observed there was undeniably a faulty respect of persons. In our Chapel* there is a place kept for Lady Huntingdon till the Creed; if she does not come before then, any one takes it that is next, as also when she is out of town. I doubt whether this respect to her be not too great; but I yield in this point to my brother’s judgment.

We have no 5s. or 2s 6d. places at the Foundery, nor ever had, nor ever will. If any one asks me for a place in the gallery (we make no distinction but between men and women), he has it; I refuse none. And some hundreds have places there who pay nothing at all. First come also is first served, at every time of preaching. And the poorest have frequently the best places, because they come first.
to Mrs. Hutton, 1744

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 8:04 AM |



MARCH 1

The best of all is, God is with us!
Deathbed saying


I can truly say I neither fear nor desire anything from your Lordship; to speak a rough truth, I do not desire any intercourse with any persons of quality in England. I mean, for my own sake; they do me no good, and I fear I can do none for them. …

Were I not afraid of giving your Lordship pain, I would speak yet still further. Methinks you desire I should; that is, to tell you, once for all, every thought that rises in my heart. I will then. At present I do not want you, but I really thin you want me. For have you a person in all England who speaks to your Lordship so plain and downright as I do? Who remembers not the peer but the man, not the earl but the immortal spirit?
to the Earl of Dartmouth, 1764

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 8:00 AM |


FEBRUARY 29

How necessary for everyone to be on the right foundation! We must be justified by faith, and then go on to sanctification.
Deathbed Saying


There is no way into the holies but by the blood of Jesus.
Deathbed Saying


The longer I am absent from London, and the more I attend the Service of the Church in other places, the more I am convinced of the unspeakable advantage which the people called Methodists enjoy: I mean with regard to public worship. The Church where they assemble is not gay or splendid, which might be a hindrance on the one hand; nor sordid or dirty, which might give distaste on the other; but plain as well as clean. The persons who assemble there are not a gay, giddy crowd, who come chiefly to see and be seen; nor a company of goodly, formal outside Christians, whose religion lies in a dull round of duties; but a people most of whom do, and the rest earnestly seek to, worship God in spirit and in truth.
to a friend, 1757


Whatever enemies you have, it is enough that you have a Friend who is mightier than them all. O let Him reign in your heart alone!
Letter, 14th June, 1757

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 4:18 PM |


FEBRUARY 28

God grant I may never live to be useless!
Journal, 28th June, 1783


Some time ago, since you went hence, I heard a circumstance which gave me a good deal of concern – namely, that the College or Academy in Georgia had swallowed up the Orphan House. Shall I give my judgment without being asked? Methinks friendship requires that I should. Are there not, then, two points which come in view – a point of mercy and a point of justice? With regard to the former, may it not be inquired; Can anything on earth be a great charity than to bring up orphans? What is a college or an academy compared to this? … I know the value of learning, and am more in danger of prizing it too much than too little. But still, I cannot place the giving it to five hundred students, on a level with saving the bodies, if not the souls too, of five hundred orphans.
to George Whitefield, 1770


Our comfort is, He that made the heart can heal the heart.
Letter, 14th February, 1786

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 4:17 PM |


FEBRUARY 27

I did my best; if I did wrong, it was not the error of my will, but of my judgment.
Works, xiii. 249


While we live let us work our Lord’s work betimes; and in His time He will give us our full reward.
Letter, 3rd February, 1790


“Child,” said my father to me when I was young, “you think to carry everything by dint of argument. But you will find by-and-by how very little is ever done in the world by clear reason.” Very little indeed! … 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.
to Joseph Benson, 1770

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 4:16 PM |


FEBRUARY 26

I have often thought of you as possessing everything which the world calls enviable or delightful: health, friends, leisure. … Permit me to entreat you to look beyond all these for happiness.

The dangers of prosperity are great; and you seem aware of them. If poverty contracts and depresses the mind, riches sap its fortitude, destroy its vigor, and nourish its caprices.

But the chief disadvantage of an elevated situation is this: it removes us from scenes of misery and indigence; we are apt to charge the great with want of feeling, but it is rather want of consideration.
to Dr. Wrangel, 1770

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 4:15 PM |


FEBRUARY 25

You need not be reminded that there is no rank in life which exempts us from disappointment and sorrow in some kind or degree; but I must remind you there is but one belief which can support us under it.

Neither hypocrisy nor bigotry, neither the subtle arguments of infidels nor the shameful lives of Christians have yet been able to overturn the truths of revealed religion.

They contain all that is cheering – all that is consoling to the mind of man – that is congenial to the heart and adapted to his nature.

You admit their importance; you reverence their mysteries; cherish their influences.
to Dr. Wrangel, 1770

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 4:14 PM |


FEBRUARY 24

I do only one thing at a time, and I do it with all my might.
Reynolds’ Anecdotes of Wesley


Be diligent. Never be unemployed, never be triflingly employed.
Twelve Rules of a Helper


Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.
Letter, 10th December, 1777


I have frequently observed that there are two very different ranks of Christians, both of whom may be in the favor of God – a higher and a lower rank. The latter avoid all known sin, do much good, use all the means of grace, but have little of the life of God in their souls and are much conformed to the world. The former make the Bible their whole rule, and their sole aim is the will and image of God. This they steadily and uniformly pursue, through honour and dishonour, denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily; considering one point only – how may I attain most of the mind that was in Christ, and how may I please Him most?
to the Earl of Dartmouth, 1770

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 2:41 PM |


FEBRUARY 23

If it be objected: “This conscience will make cowards of us all,” I answer: Let us judge by matter of fact. Let either friends or enemies speak. Did those who feared God behave as cowards at Fontenoy? Did John Haine, the dragoon, betray any cowardice before or after his horse sunk under him? Or did William Clements when he received the first ball in his left and the second in his right arm? Or John Evans, when the cannon-ball took off both his legs? Did he not call all about him, as long as he could speak, to praise and fear God and honour the King? as one who feared nothing but lest his last breath should be spent in vain.

. . . . . . .

Having myself no knowledge of the General, I took the liberty to make this offer to you. I have no interest herein; but I should rejoice to serve as I am able my King and country. If it be judged that this will be of no real service, let the proposal die and be forgotten.
to the Mayor of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, 1745

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 2:39 PM |


FEBRUARY 22

Is there no man that careth for these souls? Doubtless there are some who ought to do so. But many of these, if I am rightly informed, receive large pay and just do nothing.

I would to God it were in my power in any degree to supply their lack of service. I am ready to do what in me lies to call these poor sinners to repentance, once or twice a day (while I remain in these parts), at any hour or at any place. And I desire no pay at all for doing this, unless what my Lord shall give me at His appearing …

If it were objected that I should only fill their heads with peculiar whims and notions, that might easily be known. Only let the officers hear with their own ears; and they may judge whether I do not preach the plain principles of manly, rational religion.
to the Mayor of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, 1745

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 2:38 PM |


FEBRUARY 21

My soul has been pained day by day, even in walking the streets of Newcastle, at the senseless, shameless wickedness, the ignorant profaneness, of the poor men to whom our lives are entrusted.* The continual cursing and swearing, the wanton blasphemy of the soldiers in general, must needs be a torture to the sober ear, whether of a Christian or an honest infidel. Can any that either fear God or love their neighbour hear this without concern? especially if they consider the interest of our country, as well as of these unhappy men themselves. For can it be expected that God should be on their side who are daily affronting Him to His face? And if God be not on their side, how little will either their number or courage or strength avail!
to the Mayor of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, 1745

(* -- Newcastle Moor was the site of a military encampment of approximately 15,000 troops.)

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 2:37 PM |


FEBRUARY 20

Do a little at a time that you may do more.
Letter, 19th February, 1791


My not waiting upon you at the Town Hall was not owing to any want of respect. I reverence you for your office’s sake, and much more for your zeal in the execution of it. I would to God every magistrate in the land would copy after such an example! Muss less was it owing to any disaffection to His Majesty King George. But I knew not how far it might be either necessary or proper for me to appear on such an occasion. I have no fortune at Newcastle: I have only the bread I eat, and the use of a little room for a few weeks in the year.

All I can do for His Majesty, whom I honour and love (I think not less than I did my own father) is this: I cry unto God day by day, in public and in private, to put all his enemies to confusion; and I exhort all that hear me to do the same, and in their several stations to exert themselves as loyal subjects, who, so long as they fear God, cannot but honour the King.
to the Mayor of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, 1745

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 2:36 PM |



FEBRUARY 19

Why is it that not only provisions and land but well-nigh everything else is so dear? Because of the enormous taxes which are laid on almost everything that can be named. Not only abundant taxes are raised form the earth and fire and water, but in England the ingenious statesmen have found a way to tax the very light! Only one element remains, and surely some man of honour will ere long contrive to tax this also. For how long shall the saucy air blow in the face of a gentleman, nay a lord, without paying for it?

But why are the taxes so high? Because of the national debt. They must while this continues.
to Lloyd’s Evening Post, 1772

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 2:33 PM |


FEBRUARY 18

O what mischief may be done by one who means well!
Journal, 12th October, 1760


Why are thousands of people starving, perishing for want, in every part of England? The fact I know; I have seen it with my eyes in every corner of the land. I have known those who could only afford to eat a little coarse food every other day. I have known one picking up stinking sprats from a dunghill and carrying them home for herself and her children.

I have known another gathering bones which the dogs had left in the streets and making broth of them to prolong a wretched life. Such is the case at this day of multitudes of people in a land flowing, as it were, with milk and honey, abounding with all the necessities, the conveniences, the superfluities of life!
to Lloyd’s Evening Post, 1772

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 12:33 PM |


FEBRUARY 17

Give Him your heart and it sufficeth.
Letter, 21st December, 1776


It gives me pleasure indeed to hear that God has given you resolution to join the Society. Undoubtedly you will suffer reproach on this account; but it is the reproach of Christ. And you will have large amends when the Spirit of glory and of God shall rest upon you. Yet I foresee a danger: at first you will be inclined to think that all the members of the Society are in earnest. And when you find that some are otherwise (which will always be the case in so large a body of people), then prejudice may easily steal in and exceedingly weaken your soul. O beware of this rock of offence! When you see anything amiss, remember our Lord’s word: “What is that to thee? Follow thou me.” And I entreat you do not regard the half-Methodists – if we must use the name. Do not mind them who endeavour to hold Christ in one hand and the world in the other.
to Lady Maxwell, 1764

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 12:32 PM |


FEBRUARY 16

You cannot live on what God did yesterday. Therefore He comes today.
Letter, 11th November, 1760


The weekly contributions of our community (which are freely given, not squeezed out of any) as well as the gifts and offerings at the Lord’s Table never come into my hands. I have no concern with them, not so much as the beholding of them with my eyes. They are received every week by the stewards.
to John Downes, 1759

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 3:29 PM |


FEBRUARY 15

Duty is all I consider. Trouble and reproach I value not.
Letter, 6th May, 1774


One charge remains, which you repeat over and over, and lay a peculiar stress upon. It is the poor old worn-out tale of “getting money by preaching”. … But blessed be God, my conscience is clear. My heart does not condemn me in this matter. I know, and God knoweth, that I have no desire to load myself with thick clay; that I love money no more than I love the mire in the streets; that I seek it not. And I have it not, any more than suffices for food and raiment, for the plain conveniences of life. I pay no court to it at all or to those that have it, either with cunning or without. For myself, for my own use, I raise no contributions, either great or small.
to John Downes, 1759

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 3:28 PM |


FEBRUARY 14

Do not encourage young raw men to exhort among you. It does little good either to you or them. Rather in every Society, where you have not an experienced preacher, let one of the leaders read the Notes upon the New Testament or the Christian Library. By this, the wisest among you may profit much, a thousand times more than by listening to forward youths who neither speak English or common sense.

. . . . . . .

Whoever misses his class thrice together thereby excludes himself, and the preacher that comes next ought to put out his name. … Meet the brethren or leave them. It is not honest to profess yourself of a Society and not observe the rules of it.
to the societies at Bristol, 1764


Disappoint those who wait for your halting.
Letter, 5th September, 1785

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 3:25 PM |


FEBRUARY 13

This religion we long to see established in the world, a religion of love, and joy, and peace.
Earnest Appeal, section 4


Beware of bribery.

. . . . . . .

Have nothing to do with stolen goods. Neither sell nor buy anything that has not paid the duty – no, not if you could have it at half-price. Defraud not the King anymore than your fellow subject. Never think of being religious unless you are honest. What has a thief to do with religion? … Whatever others do, keep yourselves pure.

. . . . . . .

Lose no opportunity of receiving the Sacrament. All who have neglected this have suffered loss; most of them are as dead as stones; therefore be you constant therein, not only for example, but for the sake of your souls.
to the societies at Bristol, 1764

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 3:23 PM |



FEBRUARY 12

You have need continually to be as a little child, simply looking up for whatever you want.
Letter, 21st December, 1776


I think it great pity that the few clergymen in England who preach the three grand Scriptural doctrines – Original Sin, Justification by Faith, and Holiness consequent thereon – should have any jealousies or misunderstandings between them. What advantage must this give to the common enemy! What a hindrance it is to the great work wherein they are all engaged! How desirable is it that there should be the most open, avowed intercourse between them! …

For many years I have been labouring after this – labouring to unite, not scatter, the messengers of God.
to the Rev. George Downing, 1761

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 3:17 PM |



FEBRUARY 11

Do what in you lies, and He will do the rest.
Letter, 14th December, 1785


I am one who for twenty years used outward works, not only as ‘acts of goodness’, but as commutations (though I did not indeed profess this), instead of inward holiness. I knew I was not holy. But I quieted my conscience by doing such-and-such outward works; and therefore I hoped I should go to heaven, even without inward holiness. …

Abundance of people I have likewise known, and many I do know at this day, who ‘are so grossly superstitious as to think that devotion may be put upon God instead of honesty’; as to fancy, going to Church and Sacrament will bring them to heaven, though they practise (sic) neither justice nor mercy. These are the men who make Christianity vile, who, above all others, contribute to the growth of infidelity.
to John Smith, 1745

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 3:11 PM |


FEBRUARY 10

What is the real value of a thing but the price it will bear in eternity?
Letter, 30th November, 1770

I have often replied: (1) It were better for me to die than not to preach the gospel of Christ; yea, and in the fields, either where I may not preach in the Church or where the Church will not contain the congregation. (2) That I use the Service of the Church every Lord’s Day, and it has never yet appeared to me that any rule of the Church forbids my using extemporary prayer on other occasions.

But methinks I would go deeper. I would enquire, What is the end of all ecclesiastical order? Is it not to bring souls from the power of Satan to God, and to build them up in his fear and love? Order, then, is so far valuable as it answers these ends; and if it answers them not, it is nothing worth.
to John Smith, 1746

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 3:08 PM |



FEBRUARY 9

About eleven it came into my mind that this was the very day and hour in which I was taken out of the flames. I stopped and gave a short account of that wonderful Providence.
Journal, 9th February, 1750


I cannot deny that every follower of Christ is in his proportion the light of the world; that whosoever is such can no more be concealed than the sun in the midst of heaven; that, being set as a light in a dark place, his shining out must be the more conspicuous; that to this very end was his light given, that it might shine at least to all that look towards him; and, indeed, that there is one only way of hiding it, which is to put it out. Neither can I deny that it is the indispensable duty of every Christian to impart both light and heat to all who are willing to receive it. I am obliged likewise, unless I lie against the truth, to grant that there is not so contemptible an animal upon earth as one that drones away life, without ever labouring to promote the glory of God and the good of men.
to his father, 1734

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 10:40 AM |



FEBRUARY 8

They think and let think, and insist upon nothing but Faith working by Love.
Letter, 3rd October, 1783

Now, this it is certain a man may want – a true test and confidence of the mercy of God through our Lord Jesus Christ – although he can truly say: “I am chaste; I am sober; I am just in my dealings; I help my neighbour, and use the ordinances of God.” And, however such a man may have behaved in these respects, he is not to think well of his own state till he experiences something within himself which he has not yet experienced, but which he may be beforehand assured he shall if the promises of God are true. That something is a living faith, “sure trust and confidence in God that, by the merits of Christ, his sins are forgiven and he (is) reconciled to the favour of God”. And from this will spring many other things, which till then he experienced not, as, the love of God which passeth all understanding, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
to Dr. Stebbing, 1739

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 10:39 AM |



FEBRUARY 7

It is the glory of the people called Methodists that they condemn none for their opinions or modes of worship.
Letter, 3rd October, 1783


About eight in the morning, we first set foot on American ground. It was a small uninhabited island, over against Tybee. Mr. Oglethorpe led us to a rising ground, where we all kneeled down to give thanks. He then took boat for Savannah. When the rest of the people were come on shore, we called our little flock together to prayers. Several parts of the second lesson (Mark 6) were wonderfully suited to the occasion; in particular, the account of the courage and sufferings of John the Baptist; our Lord’s directions to the first preachers of His Gospel, and their toiling at sea and deliverance; with these comfortable words: “It is I, be not afraid.”
Journal, 6th February, 1736

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 10:38 AM |



FEBRUARY 6

Vive hodie! (Live today).
Letter, 21st September, 1760


Many years ago, when I was at Oxford, in a cold winter’s day, a young maid (one of those we kept at school) called upon me. I said: “You seem half-starved. Have you nothing to cover you but that thin linen gown?” She said: “Sir, this is all I have!” I put my hand in my pocket, but I found I had scarce any money left, having just paid what I had. It immediately struck me: “Will thy Master say, ‘Well done, good and faithful steward? Thou hast adorned thy walls with the money which might have screened this poor creature from the cold!’”
Dress

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 10:37 AM |



FEBRUARY 5

By the grace of God I never fret; I repine at nothing; I am discontented with nothing. And to have persons at my ear fretting and murmuring at everything, is like tearing the flesh off my bones.
Letter, 31st August, 1755


Carefully shun every temptation, and all opportunities of sin; especially shun as a rock the company of any person apt to tempt or to be tempted, and consider, that the coldest water will be hot if it be set near the fire.
The Duties of Husbands and Wives


If you find anything hurts you or draws your soul from God, I conjure you flee for your life! In that case, you must not stand upon ceremony; you must escape without delay.
to Lady Maxwell, 1767


Prepare your soul for temptations. For how shall we conquer if we do not fight? Go on, then, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
to John Ogilvie, 1786

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 10:34 AM |



FEBRUARY 4

Be fruitful therefore in every good work, and God shall see very soon His whole image.
Letter, 26th November, 1785


Pray, whether you can or not; when you are cheerful, when you are heavy, pray – with many or few words, or none at all. You will surely find an answer of peace.
to J. Valton, 1764


“I love one,” said a holy man, “that perseveres in a dry duty.” Beware of thinking even this is labour lost. God does much work in the heart even at those seasons.
Miss March, 1771


One great office of prayer is to increase our desire of the things we ask for.
Notes on the New Testament, Matthew 6:8

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 10:31 AM |



FEBRUARY 3

It is safer to think too little than too much of yourself.
Letter, 30th October, 1785


It is expedient that the Methodists in every part of the globe should be united together as closely as possible.
to Thomas Morrell, 1790


Let the preachers stand firm together, and then the people will be regular; but if any of you take their part against the preacher, all will be confusion.
to Samuel Bardsley, 1789


Unity and holiness are the two things I want among the Methodists.
to the Reverend John Fletcher, 1766

Posted by The Husky Wesleyan at 10:30 AM |