Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

is in it; and, as these are not sent by the Lord, therefore they shall not
profit the people at all.
It is requisite that he who is to be judge of so many cases of conscience
should clearly understand them. But is this possible, unless he have
passed through those states and circumstances on which these cases are
founded? I trow not. He who has not been deeply exercised in the furnace
of affliction and trial is never likely to be a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. How can a man
unexperienced in spiritual trials build up the church of Christ!
He who boasts of his ancestry, talks of his mighty sacrifices, and
insinuates that he has descended from much dignity, respectability, ease,
and affluence, in order to become a Methodist preacher, is the character
of which Mr. Wesley speaks, Rule 8. Such a one affects the gentleman,
wishes to be thought so by others, may be thought so by persons as empty
as himself; but, in the light of every man of good common sense, is a
vain, conceited, empty ass; is unworthy of the ministry, should be cast out
of the vineyard, and hooted from society.
Preach the law and its terrors to make way for the gospel of Christ
crucified. But take heed, lest, while you announce the terrors of the Lord,
in order to awaken sinners and prepare them for Christ, that you do not
give way to your own spirit, especially if you meet with opposition.
Beware of discouraging the people; therefore, avoid continually
finding fault with them. This does very much hurt. If you find a society
fallen or falling, examine as closely as you can to find out all the good
that is among them; and, copying Christ's conduct toward the seven
Asiatic churches, preface all that you have to say on the head of their
backsliding with the good that remains in them; and make that good
which they still possess, the reason why they should shake themselves
from the dust, take courage, and earnestly strive for more.