Wesley's
Teaching on the Practice of Fasting
Odilon
Massolar Chaves
Copyright
© 2026, Odilon Massolar Chaves
All rights
reserved to the author.
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allowed to read, copy and share for free.
Article
184 of the Penal Code and Law 96710 of February 19, 1998.
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published in the Wesleyan Digital Library: 850
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Cover: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=m70P2Jq27Kk
Odilon
Massolar Chaves is a retired Methodist pastor, with a doctorate in Theology and
History from the Methodist University of São Paulo.
Son of
Rev. Adherico Ribeiro Chaves and Roza Massolar Chaves.
He is
married to RoseMary.
He has two
daughters: Liliana and Luciana.
His thesis
dealt with the Methodist revival in England in the eighteenth century and its
contribution as a paradigm for our days.
Table of Contents
· Introduction
· The reasons for fasting
·
Have you
scheduled a day of fasting and prayer?
·
After
observing a day of fasting and prayer
·
When two
or three agree to seek God through fasting and prayer
·
Appoint in
America (as we do in England and Ireland) one or more general days of fasting
and prayer
· The Christian Duty of Fasting
·
Recommendation
of fasting, both by precept and by example
·
Especially
fasting, which is almost forgotten throughout this nation
·
God will
hear the prayer that does not come out of false lips, especially when fasting
is united to it
·
I agree
with you that the best method to use in this requirement is fasting and prayer
·
They
observe every Friday of the year as fasting or abstinence days.
·
Our
fasting will have many positive effects
·
You may be more tempted than usual on fasting
days
·
I mean
fasting, that we almost forgot
·
After
fulfilling a day of fasting and prayer
·
He advised
them to keep a day of fasting and prayer. A flame erupted and spread throughout
the circuit
·
But this
type does not come out, but rather by prayer and fasting
·
Exhort all
our brethren to wait upon God in the appointed means of prayer and fasting
·
When you
seek God with fasting added to prayer, you cannot seek His face in vain
·
Many of
our brothers and sisters have agreed to seek God today through fasting and
prayer
· They almost always neglect fasting
===========================
Introduction
"Wesley's Teaching on the Practice of
Fasting" is a 31-page book based especially on Wesley's letters from which
we took his statements and teachings and made a collection, which resulted in
this book. We also use the "Wesley Sermons".
"The practice of fasting was one of the
pillars of the spiritual discipline of early Methodism, being personally
experienced and rigidly defended by John Wesley. For the early Methodists of
the eighteenth century, fasting was not optional, but an essential means of
grace for sanctification, self-control, and social solidarity.
Wesley saw the neglect of fasting as one of
the main causes of the loss of spiritual power in the Church." [1]
Writing to Adam Clarke, February 12, 1785,
Wesley spoke of the "Christian duty of
fasting" that was being neglected. [2]
Its meaning is "to afflict the
soul" In Psalm 35:13 David says: "My garments were of sackcloth; I
afflicted my soul with fasting, and in prayer I reclined on my breast."
The Lord also spoke to Moses, "But at
the tenth of this seventh month shall be the day of atonement: ye shall have an
holy convocation, and ye shall afflict your souls; you will bring an offering
made by fire to the Lord" (Lev 23:27).
Wesley saw many positive results in the
practice of fasting. Writing to John Valton, June 5, 1783. Wesley said, "I
believe that our fasting will have many positive effects." [3]
The practice of fasting was encouraged. To
the Itinerant preachers, Wesley wrote on August 4, 1769, and stated, "Let
them seek God by solemn fasting and prayer." [4]
He used to ask, "Have you scheduled a
day of fasting and prayer?" [5]
To Robert Carr Brackenbury, on November 24,
1785, Wesley stated, "God will hear the prayer that does not proceed from
false lips, especially when fasting is united to it." [6]
Of what the fast day was like, Wesley wrote
to Dr. Free on August 24, 1758: "On our 'fast days' we used no food but
bread; The next day, we feed as on ordinary days." [7]
A somewhat neglected practice that needs to
return in our days.
The Author
===========================
The
reasons for fasting
"John
Wesley based Methodist discipline on the practices of the Early Church and the
Church of England, establishing a rigorous routine:
- Wednesdays and Fridays:
Methodists fasted twice a week, following the tradition of the early
Christians.
- Regular Schedule: The fast
usually began the night before and lasted until 3 p.m . (the biblical "ninth hour").
- Types of Fasting: Both complete fasting (total abstention from food and drink, except water) and abstinence (avoiding fine foods or meats, consuming only very simple meals) were practiced."[8]
Based on
"Wesley's Sermons", volume II, between pages 17 and 36, Wesley
provided guidance on the fundamentals of fasting. He talks about at least five
reasons:
1 -
"To him who is under deep affliction, overwhelmed by the sorrow of sin and
the most alarming expectation of the wrath of God."
Saul
fasted for a whole day and still did something wrong by consulting the medium.
Then the text says: "... strength was lacking, because he had not eaten
bread all that day and all that night" (1 Sam 28:20).
During the shipwreck of the ship in which Paul
led them: "Paul begged all to eat, saying, 'Today is the fourteenth day,
when you are waiting and you are without food, having tasted nothing. I beseech
you to eat something; for your safety depends on it; for none of you will lose
a hair. And when he had said this, he took a loaf of bread, and thanked God in
the presence of all, and when he had broken it, he began to eat" (Acts
27:33-35).
During
this kind of fasting, says Wesley, people "tremble, waver, are inwardly
touched with brokenness of heart, and can accuse none but themselves: they
discover their grief before the Almighty God, and ask Him for mercy."
2 -
"To supply the food of lust and sensuality, to ward off incitement to mad
and dangerous desires, base and futile affections."
This fast
is for people who have been led to the practice of sin: abuse of unlawful
things; overeating; lack of temperance and sobriety; mad excitement of the
intellect and inattention to things of the deepest reach.
Those who have had these practices seek to
deprive themselves of what leads them to perdition.
3 -
"For a pious vengeance on himself"
This fast
is for the one who realizes that the flesh is taking over in his life. You
realize that they are always doing something wrong. So, he seeks revenge on the
soul with fasts. It afflicts the soul, it punishes the soul.
Wesley remembers that David and Paul acted
like this at a certain point in their lives. But Wesley also says that we
should not attach too much importance to this fast.
4 -
"The most powerful reason for the observance of fasting is that it was an
aid to prayer." God rejoices to raise the souls of his male and female
servants above all things on earth, and sometimes to the third heaven.
This
fasting, says Wesley, confirms and increases the "earnestness of the
spirit; penetration, sensitivity and delicacy of conscience; indifference to
the world and, consequently, the love of God."
Wesley
also says that God has chosen fasting so that by this means the wrath of God
may be withdrawn and thus we may obtain blessings.
Wesley
cites several examples of blessings that came after fasting: Ahab humbled
himself and the Lord did not bring evil into his days (1 Kings 21:25-29); it
was for this purpose that Daniel fasted to soften God's wrath and receive His
blessings (Dan. 9:3-16).
The same
happened with the king of Nineveh: "The Ninevites believed in God; and
they proclaimed a fast, and clothed themselves in sackcloth, from the greatest
to the least" (Jon 3:5).
Wesley
says that "fasting is a means, not only of appeasing the wrath of God, but
of attracting also any blessing we need."
He quotes
God's people fighting Benjamin: "... they came to Bethel, and wept, and
stood there before the Lord, and fasted that day until evening; and before the
Lord they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings" (Judges 20:26).
The People
of God were involved with idols, so even the ark of the Lord had been stolen.
They came to their senses and "fasted that day, and there they said, 'We
have sinned against the Lord'" (1 Sam. 7:6). They were victorious (1 Sam.
7:10).
Ezra
proclaimed "a fast by the river Ahava, to humble ourselves before our God,
to ask for a happy journey for ourselves... (Ezra 8:21).
The early
church fasted for the choice of the apostles (Acts 13:1-3). Jesus goes so far
as to say that: "This kind of demons does not cast itself out except by
force of prayer and fasting" (Mt 18:19-20).
Wesley
completes by saying that not only temporal blessings come through fasting, but
also the great gospel promise of the outpouring of the Spirit.
In Wesley's various letters we
find his statements and guidelines on fasting:
Have you scheduled a day of
fasting and prayer?
Raise the hands that hang down; by faith and
prayer, support the tottering knee; Rebuke, encourage. Have you scheduled a day
of fasting and prayer? Invade the throne of grace, and persevere in it, and
mercy shall descend
For
Ms. Bennis
LONDON, March 1, 1774.
MY DEAR SISTER.--Elizabeth
Harper was also often in the clouds; and in this case, it is the best way to
stand still: you can do nothing but simply tell all your desires to the One who
is able and willing to supply them.
I attach James Perfect's
letter, on purpose so you can talk to him. He has both an honest heart and a
good understanding; But you are completely mistaken in his doctrine. He
preaches salvation by faith in the same way that my brother and I did, and as
Mr. Fletcher (one of the best writers of the day) beautifully explained. None
of us talk about being accepted for our jobs; that is, Calvinist calumny. But
we all hold that we are not saved without works, that works are a condition
(though not the meritorious cause) of final salvation. It is by faith in the
righteousness and blood of Christ that we are enabled to perform all good
works; and it is because of these that all who fear God and do justice are
accepted by Him.
It is far better for our
people not to listen to Mr. Hawksworth. Calvinism will not do them any good.
For the rest, I refer my precinct to Mr. M'Donald, with whom I would like you
to have a conversation. Don't be discouraged: I truly believe that God will
visit poor Waterford with love. You can continue. Raise the hands that hang
down; by faith and prayer, support the tottering knee; Rebuke, encourage. Have
you scheduled a day of fasting and prayer? Invade the throne of grace, and
persevere in it, and mercy shall descend.--I am, my dear sister, Your
affectionate brother. [9]
After observing a day of fasting and prayer
After observing a day of fasting and prayer, I knew
the most violent convulsions calmed at once. But, without doubt, all probable
means must be used
To Robert Cart
Brackenbury
BRISTOL, September
24, 1785.
DEAR LORD, - It is
good that the Lord sits above the floods and remains King forever. No wonder
Satan fights for his own kingdom when such advances are made upon him. But
Beyond his chain, he
cannot go;
Our Jesus will awaken
His power
And soon he will
avenge us on our enemy.
After observing a day
of fasting and prayer, I knew the most violent convulsions calmed at once. But,
without a doubt, all probable means must be used. One in particular that might
be worth trying – namely, to soften the spirit of that angry magistrate. [See
letter of November 24.] God has the hearts of all men in His hand; and if the
heart of this warrior was already transformed, then those who had hitherto been
encouraged by him would vanish like smoke. It is not unlikely, but his response
to this scandalous slander may be a means of mitigating his prejudice. - It is
I, dear sir,
Your very
affectionate friend and brother. [10]
When two or three agree to
seek God through fasting and prayer
When
two or three agree to seek God through fasting and prayer, it cannot be that
their work is in vain; especially if they add their efforts to prayers for the
increase of God's work
For
Ms. Bennis
BRISTOL,
September 10, 1773.
MY
DEAR SISTER,-- When two or three agree to seek God through fasting and prayer,
it cannot be that their labor is in vain; especially if they add their efforts
to prayers for the increase of God's work. I hope they will encourage every
preacher to visit the whole Society in order, from house to house: dinner or
tea does not answer the same intention. This can and should be done beyond what
is necessary.
I
thought you were more at risk of being hurt by worldly abundance than by
worldly care. But we cannot stay under one or the other unless we are endowed
with power from above, and that continually from hour to hour, or rather from
moment to moment. However, suffering is not sin; We can be grieving and yet
resigned. And that's acceptable with God. In all these cases, you must remember
that this observation should never escape,--
With
a firm mind, his duty followed:
God
does nothing, not even surfers to be done,
But
you'd do it yourself, if you could see
The
end of all events, just like Him!
[See
letter of July 18].
"My
dear sister, farewell. Your affectionate brother. [11]
Appoint
in America (as we do in England and Ireland) one or more general days of
fasting and prayer
Shouldn't
you appoint in America (as we do in England and Ireland) one or more general
days of fasting and prayer
To
Thomas Rankin
CLONMAIN,
NEAR ARMAGH, JUNE 13, 1775.
DEAR
TOMMY,--I am afraid that our correspondence for the future will be more
uncertain than ever, since the sword has been drawn; and it is better that they
have not thrown away the hem on either side. What will be the end of these
things, whether in Europe or America? There seems to be great confusion and
suffering, as if neither we nor our parents knew about it. But it is enough
that everything be in glory to God, peace and good will among men.
I'm
sorry for poor T--- R---. I hoped that God had completely healed his setback,
and lifted his head so that he would not fall any more. But the case is not yet
hopeless; You should not in any way give it away. Rarely have I met a habitual
drunkard finally recover before he has relapsed more than once or twice. Your
point is: first save him from the occasions of sin, then urge him not to take
away hope. Nothing but that, the desperation to conquer, can utterly destroy
him. As long as he retains the faintest hope, he will fight against sin.
Should
you not appoint in America (as we do in England and Ireland) one or more
general days of fasting and prayer—I am, dear Tommy,
Your
affectionate friend and brother. [12]
The Christian Duty of
Fasting
I am
glad to know that the Lord's work prospers so much in your hands. So it will be
as long as you do not hesitate to declare the whole counsel of God. There is
one part of it which seems to be almost forgotten by Methodists in all three
kingdoms—namely, the Christian duty of fasting
To Adam Clarke
LONDON, February 12, 1785.
DEAR ADAM, - I do not
remember seeing that letter from Norwich, otherwise I would certainly have
replied. If you build in St. Austell, be careful not to make the house too
small. And take note of the guidelines that are given in the Great Proceedings
of the Conference.
I am glad to know that the
Lord's work prospers so much in your hands. So it will be as long as you do not
hesitate to declare the whole counsel of God. There is one part of it which
seems to be almost forgotten by the Methodists in all three kingdoms—namely,
the Christian duty of fasting; and yet our Lord attaches a peculiar promise
even to the secret fast: 'The Father that boileth in secret, He shall reward
thee openly.' You can begin to recommend this by reading the sermon on fasting
to the whole society. [See Works, v. 344-60.] The blessing would soon come. - I
am, dear Adam,
With affection. [13]
Recommendation of fasting,
both by precept and by example
MY DEAR BROTHER,-You do
well to insist on full and present salvation, whether men will listen or
abstain; as well as in preaching abroad, when time permits, and in the
recommendation of fasting, both by precept and by example
To Adam Clarke
LONDON, February 3, 1786.
Your affectionate brother. [14]
Especially fasting, which
is almost forgotten throughout this nation
I suppose they refer to
those who condemn unnecessary self-indulgence, and recommend the means of
grace, especially fasting, which is almost forgotten throughout this nation. I
think it would be helpful if you wrote it down without delay and explained yourself
broadly
ATHXONE. August 8, 1752.
DEAR BROTHER, -- I am
almost surprised that I have not heard a word from you since the trial at
Gloucester. Either Mr. I'Anson or someone else should have written it up to the
next post. Do they all forget me as soon as we have the sea between us
Some of our preachers here
have stated peremptorily that you are not as strict as I am; that you do not
practice, enforce or approve of the Band Rules. I suppose they refer to those
who condemn unnecessary self-indulgence, and recommend the means of grace,
especially fasting, which is almost forgotten throughout this nation. I think
it would be helpful if you wrote it down without delay and explained yourself
broadly.
They also openly stated
that you agree with Mr. Whitefield, mentioning at least Perseverance, if not
Predestination as well. Isn't it very convenient for you to write explicitly
and firmly about this topic as well?
Perhaps the occasion of
this last statement was that both you and I often conceded an absolute and
unconditional election of a few, together with a conditional election of all
men. I have leaned into this scheme for many years; but lately I have doubted this
more and more: (1) because all the texts which I used to think supported, I now
believe prove more or less either absolute reprobation and election, or
neither; (2) because I consider this opinion to serve all the evil purposes of
absolute predestination, particularly that of supposing infallible
perseverance. Talk to anyone who has it, and you'll find it.
Next Friday and Saturday we
have our little Conference in Limerick.
I hope my sister
feels in good hands, and that you can trust Him with her and all things.
[Charles Wesley's first son, named John after his brother, was born on August
21 and died of smallpox on January 7, 1754.] We unite in love. [15]
God will hear the prayer that does not come out of
false lips, especially when fasting is united to it
God will hear the
prayer that does not come out of false lips, especially when fasting is united
to it. And as long as our brethren continue instantly in prayer, the beasts of
the people will no longer lift up their heads
To Robert Carr
Brackenbury
LONDON, November 24,
1785.
DEAR LORD, - God will
hear the prayer that does not come out of false lips, especially when fasting
is united to it. And as long as our brethren instantly continue in prayer, the
beasts of the people will no longer lift up their heads. [See the letters of
September 24, 1785 and January 18, 1786 to him.] The work of God is still
growing in Ireland and in various parts of this kingdom. I commend you and all
our brethren to Him who can preserve them from all evil and build them up in
love; And I am, dear sir,
Your affectionate
friend and brother. [16]
I agree with you that
the best method to use in this requirement is fasting and prayer
Considering that the god of
this world will not cease to fight when his kingdom is in danger, I am not
surprised that persecution comes to Jersey and Guernsey. I agree with you that
the best method to use in this requirement is fasting and prayer.
To Robert Carr Brackenbury
LONDON, December 17, 1787.
DEAR LORD, -- Considering
that the god of this world will not cease to fight when his kingdom is in
danger, I am not surprised that persecution comes to Jersey and Guernsey. [See
letter of December 8.] I agree with you that the best method to use in this
requirement is fasting and prayer. It is clear that his efforts in these places
were not in vain. And I'm hopeful that Guernsey will overtake Jersey.
Wishing you all every
possible blessing, I, dear sir,
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [17]
They observe every Friday
of the year as fasting or abstinence days.
4. They pray together at
nine and then retire to their chambers; So that everyone is in bed before ten.
5. They observe every Friday of the year as days of fasting or abstinence
For
Ms. Ryan
NEWBURY,
November 8, 1757.
MY
DEAR SISTER, -- In the rush of business, I didn't have time to write down what
you wanted -- our family rules. So I take a few minutes to do that now, and
more happily because I know you're going to watch them.
1.
The family gets up, leaves at four, leaves half an hour later.
2.
They eat breakfast at seven, dine at twelve, and dine at six.
3.
They spend the hour, from five to six in the afternoon (after a short joint
prayer), in private.
4.
They pray together at nine o'clock, and then retire to their chambers; So that
everyone is in bed before ten.
5. They observe every
Friday of the year as days of fasting or abstinence.
You,
in particular, I advise, -- Do not tolerate naughty visitors, no useless talk
in the house. It is a city situated on a hill; and all that is in it must be
'holiness to the Lord.'
What
top you stand on! You are in the eye of the whole world, friends and foes
alike. You have no experience in these things, you do not know the people, you
have no advantages of education, you have no great natural abilities, and you
are only a novice, as it were, in the ways of God! It requires all of God's
omnipotent love to preserve him in his present position. Stand firm in the Lord
and in the power of His might! Show that nothing is too hard for Him. Take to
yourself the whole armor of God, and do and suffer all things for Christ
strengthening you. If you keep learning and recommending, I don't know that it
can hurt you.
Your
affectionate brother. [18]
Our fasting will have many
positive effects
I believe that our fasting
will bring many positive effects. Many have found reasons to bless God because
of this
To
John Valton
LONDON, June 5, 1783.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- What
Birstall's assistants (even Thomas Taylor [Taylor was assistant at Bitstall in
1778]) have done these seven years
Sister Rogers [Mrs. Rogers
died in 1784. Her husband married Hester Ann Roe in the same year. See the
letter of May 5, 1784.] It's a jewel of a woman. She has all the spirit of her
husband and desires nothing more than to do and suffer the will of God.
These trustees [In
Birstall. See letter of November 9, 1782.] they are wonderfully reckless. Are
they afraid that their children will think the same way they do? I would not
leave a preaching house for my executioners all over the world. However, do
what you think is best.
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
But your life! I want your
life. [See the letter of January 18, 1782, where Wesley acknowledges receipt of
the first part of the autobiography.] [19]
You may be more tempted
than usual on fasting days
Never fail to accomplish a
task just because you are tempted. You may be more tempted than usual on
fasting days; And yet you can receive a blessing for it
To Henry Brooke
LONDON, March 1, 1762.
MY DEAR BROTHER,--I'm glad
to hear that you're still in the right way. Never fail to accomplish a task
just because you are tempted. You may be more tempted than usual on fasting
days; And yet you can receive a blessing for it. I hope to be in Dublin or Cork
around the end of this month. Since I've been in London, I haven't heard
anything about Tommy Bethel. [The Diary of October 15, 1785 has: '1 dinner,
conversation, prayer, Mr. Bethell.'] I believe the letters were delivered
safely.--I am your affectionate brother. [20]
I mean fasting, that we
almost forgot
Now encourage all believers
to come together in a band and to observe the rules of the band exactly. In one
thing, Dr. Hunt and his people embarrass us; I mean fasting, which we almost
forgot! Let's start again!
For Jonathan Coussins
LONDON, February 25, 1785.
MY DEAR BROTHER, - The Lord
will work; And who can prevent it? But we, against hope, believe in hope and
walk in all the paths that He designates, whether we see present fruits or not.
Now encourage all believers to come together in a band and to observe the rules
of the band exactly. In one thing, Dr. Hunt and his people embarrass us; I mean
fasting, which we almost forgot! Let's start again! - Yes, I am, with love for
Sister Coussins,
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
To Mr. Coussins, in the
preaching house,
In Norwich. [21]
After fulfilling a day of
fasting and prayer
But as we are still at the
beginning of the year, I do not advise you to start until you have signed two
hundred pounds. Try first what you can do in Kent and Norwich, after fulfilling
a day of fasting and prayer
To Zacharias Yewdell
LONDON, February 25, 1785.
MY DEAR BROTHER, - I am
glad to know that the work of God continues in Sheerness, [Sheerness appears in
the minutes of 1785 as one of the houses to be built in that year. Compare
letter of March 21, 1784.] and that there is such a noble spirit among the people
in regard to building. But as we are still at the beginning of the year, I do
not advise you to start until you have signed two hundred pounds. Try first
what you can do in Kent and Norwich, after fulfilling a day of fasting and
prayer. -I am[22]
He advised them to keep a
day of fasting and prayer. A flame erupted and spread throughout the circuit
Many years ago, Barnard's
Castle Society, as large as Derry's, was remarkably dead. When Samuel Meggot
(now with God) came to them, he advised them to keep a day of fasting and
prayer. A flame erupted and spread throughout the circuit
For
John Cricket
LONDON, February 10, 1783.
Many years ago, Barnard's
Castle Society, as large as Derry's, was remarkably dead. When Samuel Meggot
(now with God) came to them, he advised them to keep a day of fasting and
prayer. A flame erupted and spread throughout the circuit [In 1763. See his account
in the Journal, v. I7-19; and letter of July 30, 1775.]; nor is it extinct to
this day.
I advise you to do the same
in Derry. On Sunday morning, strongly rebuke their infidelity and infertility,
and wish that all who fear God will humble themselves with fasting on the
following Friday. I am very inclined to hope that a flame will also be lit in
Londonderry.
But you must immediately
resume the form of a Methodist Society. I categorically forbid you or any
preacher to be a leader; Instead, put the most insignificant person in each
class to be their leader. And try, if you can't convince three men, if not more,
and three women to meet in the band.
I wait until the end! You
will see better days. -- I am
With affection.
PS.--The clearer you speak,
the more good you will do. Derry can speak frankly. I'm as good as I was forty
years ago. [23]
But this type does not come
out, but rather by prayer and fasting
'The devil is a liar. God loves you. Christ
loves you. He will help you. Look up, and He will help you now.' Then wrestle
with Him in prayer for her. Faith will prevail. [There is] the same medicine
and no other for the [person] you speak of. But this type does not come out,
but rather by prayer and fasting.
To Mr. -------
TAUNTON, August 29, 1774.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- Most
likely Mr. Bentley went abroad. If so, we shall hear of it among our Societies
in America. His sister was supposed to take good care of her belongings until
she heard from him again. To Mrs. Pim you must speak strong words of consolation.
Don't try to reason with her; but tell her directly, 'The devil is a liar. God
loves you. Christ loves you. He will help you. Look up, and He will help you
now.' Then wrestle with Him in prayer for her. Faith will prevail. [There is]
the same medicine and no other for the [person] you speak of. But this type
does not come out, but rather by prayer and fasting.
You'd better spend time
with me,
Eternal providence,
overcoming thought,
When it doesn't appear, a
path can be opened.
Sometimes this drowsiness
is not natural, but diabolical; in this case, it is usually taken out in an
instant. When it's natural, cold shower is helpful.--I'm
Your affectionate brother. [24]
Exhort all our brethren to wait upon God in
the appointed means of prayer and fasting
For
James Macdonald
LONDON, October 23, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- You
have great reason to praise God for the late and glorious work in and around
Newry. And I have no doubt that it will continue, yes, and will increase, if
the subjects continue to walk humbly and closely with God. Exhort all our brethren
to wait upon God in the appointed means of prayer and fasting. The last one
almost was. universally neglected by the Methodists in both England and
Ireland. But it is a true observation of Kempis: 'The more you deny yourself,
the more you will grow in grace.' -- I am
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [25]
When you seek God with fasting added to prayer, you
cannot seek His face in vain
When you seek God with fasting added to prayer, you
cannot seek His face in vain. This was exceedingly blessed in many parts, and
the revival of God's work began just at the time. You would do well to hold
several meetings of this type, in addition to frequent meetings for prayer.
To George Cussons
LONDON, November 18,
1768.
MY DEAR BROTHER,--
When you seek God with fasting added to prayer, you cannot seek His face in
vain. This was exceedingly blessed in many parts, and the revival of God's work
began just at the time. You would do well to hold several meetings of this type,
in addition to frequent meetings for prayer. No doubt the visits made by Dr.
Conyers, Mr. Venn, and Mr. King [John King, Dean of Pertonhall, Beds
(1752-1800), Cowper's schoolmate. See Diary, v. 61, 63n.] there were so many
answers to prayers; and He will not withhold anything good from you.
It is by continual
patience in doing well, using all the grace that has ever been given you, that
you should seek the whole gift of God, the total renewal of your soul, the full
deliverance from sin. And don't think too far: that's the voice of disbelief.
He is near to the one who sanctifies: he just believes, and feel Him near. This
is what you must continually insist on, the nearness of the promise. And
indeed, if it be received by naked faith, it may be received now.-- I am, dear
George,
Your affectionate brother. [26]
Many of
our brothers and sisters have agreed to seek God today through fasting and
prayer
To your brother
Charles
BRISTOL, November 7,
1741.
Wednesday,
4. -- Many of our brothers and sisters have agreed to seek God today through
fasting and prayer. Around twelve o'clock my fever began to worsen. At two
o'clock I dozed off for a while, and suddenly woke up with a disturbance as
intense (only more violent) than on Monday. The silver cord seemed to be
loosening at that moment, and the wheel breaking in the cistern. The blood
swirled from side to side, as if it was going to immediately force its way
through all its vessels, especially in the chest, and the excessive burning
heat dried out my whole body, both inside and out. Around three, in a moment
the commotion ceased, the heat passed and the pain disappeared. Soon after, he
made another attack, but not as violent as the first. This lasted until half
past four, and then disappeared immediately. I got better and better until I
was nine years old; then I fell asleep and barely woke up until morning (...).[27]
They almost always
neglect fasting
They almost always neglect fasting.
The preaching houses
are miserable, even the new ones. They have neither light nor air enough; And
they're too low and too small. Look at the Yarm house
To Thomas Rankin
ST. JOHN'S, September
11, 1765.
DEAR TOMMY,-- There
is good work in Cornwall. But where the big work happens, well, we must take
care to be exact in the little things.
I'll tell you several
of these as soon as they come to my mind. Grace Paddy, in Redruth, met in the
selected society, although she wore a large sparkly necklace and did not know
any rings.
They sing all over
Cornwall, a melody so full of repetitions and flourishes that it can hardly be
sung with devotion. It is to these words: Praise the Lord, blessed ones. You
can leave! Listen no more.
They can't sing our
old ordinary melodies. Teach these everywhere. Be careful here.
Societies do not
receive half as many books; not even with the Letters of Jane Cooper, or the
two or three Sermons I printed last year; No, not with the hymnn—Book or
Primitive Physics.
They almost always
neglect fasting.
The preaching houses
are miserable, even the new ones. They have neither light nor air enough; And
they're too low and too small. Look at the Yarm house.
I recommend the Notes
on the Old Testament with great sincerity. Every Society, as a Society, must
sign. Remind them everywhere that two, four, or six can get together for a copy
and take the money to the leader weekly.
We need to
use all the common sense God has given us, as well as all grace.--I am, dear
Tommy, your affectionate friend and brother.[28]
[1] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[2]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1769/
[3]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785/
[4]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1769/
[5]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/
[6]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785/
[7]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1758/
[8] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[9]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/
[10]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785
[11]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1773/
[12]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[13]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785/
[14]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1786/
[15]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1752/
[16]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785
[17]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1787/
[18]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1757/
[19]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1783/
[20]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1762/
[21]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785/
[22]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785/
[23]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1783/
[24]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/
[25]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790/
[26]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1768/
[27]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1741/
[28]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1765/
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