Wesley's purpose to
save and care
Odilon Massolar Chaves
Copyright © 2026, Odilon Massolar Chaves
All rights reserved to the author.
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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.
"Ah, what a thing it is to have curam
animarum! ['The care of souls.'] You and I are called to this; to save souls
from death, to care for them as those who must render an account!" [1]
(Letter from Wesley
to Charles Wesley)
Table of Contents
· Introduction
·
Wesley's Thought on Saving and Caring for
Souls
·
The human being in Wesley's teaching
·
The mission to save the soul and heal the
body
·
The soul needs to be sanctified
·
You have only one business on earth—saving
souls
·
We are called to save souls from death, to
care for them
·
If they do not know how to write or read,
they can save souls from death
·
Visiting the poor and saving living souls
·
I hope that this affliction in Manchester
will be the means of saving many souls
·
The salvation of souls is almost a sin, if it
has not been done in a church
·
When her soul and body were healed
·
Saving bodies and also the souls of orphans
·
Save your own soul and those who hear you
·
Preachers, true evangelical ministers to save
souls
·
Almighty power can heal both your soul and
your body
·
If you love the souls or bodies of men
·
I must and will save as many souls as I can
as long as I live
·
For saving so many souls from death
·
Wesley explains why he needs to care for and
sanctify souls
·
To know how their souls prosper
·
And may all that you are, soul and body, be
His
· Save a living soul
· But a soul is worth all the merchandise in the world
· If he converted just an immortal soul, it would be worth all his work
Introduction
"Wesley's Purpose to Save and Care" is a
33-page book based on Wesley's letters and diary.
"The
purpose of saving and caring perfectly sums up the theology and practice of John Wesley,
the founder of the Methodist movement. For Wesley, the Gospel was never just
about saving the soul to heaven (the "saving"), but also about the
active transformation of earthly reality and the alleviation of human suffering
(the "caring")." [2]
To Christopher Hopper, on October
8, 1755, Wesley writes: "You have only one business on earth—saving souls.
Devote yourself fully to it. Do the work of preacher and assistant as never
before." [3]
But in addition to saving, leaders had a duty
to care for the people entrusted to them. To Joseph Benson, on February 22,
1776, Wesley recommended, "And I beg without fear or favor, remove the
leaders, whether of classes or bands, who do not care for the souls entrusted
to them 'as those who must give an account." [4]
The
fact is that the "care for souls did not end at the moment of conversion.
Wesley knew that the human being needs community support to remain firm".[5] He
organized the Methodists into societies, classes and Bands. He established
discipleship.
A letter to his
brother Charles, March 25, 1772, sums up well the purpose of Wesley and Charles
Wesley: "Ah, what a thing it is to have curam animarum! ['The care of
souls.'] You and I are called to this; to save souls from death, to care for
them as those who must render an account!" [6]
Every soul was important.
Writing on February 26, 1786, Wesley speaks of the importance of saving a soul:
"'If an angel,' says one, 'could be sent down from heaven, and dwell in a
body eighty years old, and in that time convert only an immortal soul, it would
be worth all his labor." [7]
Wesley did not believe in a solitary
Christianity. To him, religion is social. It is not possible to save a soul
without taking care of it. The bands and classes had that purpose.
The "Bands" consisted of even
smaller and more intimate subgroups (3 to 5 participants). They were divided
strictly by gender and marital status (married men, single women, etc.). There
took place the mutual and profound confession of sins and failures to achieve
spiritual healing and full holiness of heart, based on James 5:16." [8]
The soul must be sanctified, for without
holiness no one will see the Lord. That was Wesley's teaching.
A study to reflect on the original purpose of
Methodism and our vision and practice today.
The Author
Wesley's
Thought on Saving and Caring for Souls
- The only task: Wesley often
directed his preachers and co-workers by stating that their great and only
calling on earth was to save
souls at any cost.
- Community purpose: He described the
church as a body of people united to first seek each other's salvation;
second, to assist one another in this pursuit.
- Practical and social action:
For Wesley, the care of the soul was not dissociated from love of
neighbor. He combined the preaching of the Gospel with assistance to the
sick, orphans, poor and marginalized, defending that genuine faith is
proven through practical witness and active love".[9]
The human being in
Wesley's teaching
For Wesley, the human
being is made up of body, soul and spirit.
Writing to John
Newton on May 14, 1765, Wesley said, "In 1727 I read Mr. Law's Christian
Perfection and Earnest Calling, and resolved more explicitly to be wholly
devoted to God in body, soul, and spirit." [10]
Wesley explains of
the sanctification of body, soul, and spirit: "... ' a perfect man,' the
one in whom God has fulfilled His faithful word—'From all your filthiness, and
from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will save you from all your
filthiness.' We mean here the one whom God has sanctified for all time, even in
'body, soul, and spirit'; the one who 'walks in the light, as He is in the
light,' in whom 'there is no darkness; the blood of Jesus Christ His Son,'
having cleansed 'from all sin.'"[11]
The mission to save
the soul and heal the body
To Dr. Erskine, on
April 24, 1765, Wesley said, "I can only say, as I have always done
before, may the Lord Jesus bless you in your soul, in your body, in your
relations, in your work, in whatever is for his glory--I am, dear sir, your
affectionate brother." [12]
In his
diary of April 30, 1739, Wesley speaks of the healing of both soul and body:
"But when her soul and body were suddenly healed, he recognized the finger
of God!" [13]
Writing to George Whitefield on February 21, 1770, Wesley recognizes the value of saving the souls of students as well. He said, "I know the value of learning, and I am more in danger of valuing it too much than too little. But still, I cannot place the endowment for five hundred students, on the same level as saving the bodies, if not the souls also, of five hundred orphans." [14]
To Alexander Knox, on
August 29, 1777, Wesley said, "In spite of all this, I have no doubt that
I see you as a healthy and happy man. But it is true that nothing less than
almighty power can heal both your soul and your body. And is that not enough?
Do you not have reason to rejoice that 'salvation is of the Lord'?" [15]
To
William Black, on June 14, 1790, Wesley speaks of the importance of saving the
soul: "Your work as quickly with you as in some provinces. But one soul is
worth all the merchandise in the world; And, he who receives money, you win
souls." [16]
Wesley believed in the healing of soul and body. To Robert Carr Brackenbury, on February 13, 1784, he said, "It would not be advisable, if you continue weak, to return to England as soon as possible; especially if you have reason to believe that the air of ~Jersey does not agree with your constitution, I commend you to him who can heal both your soul and your body."
The soul needs to be
sanctified
Wesley spoke of the prosperity of the soul:
"I think her soul prospers more and more."
Wesley created the classes for the prosperity of
souls. To Vincent Perronet, on December 25, 1748, Wesley said of the leader's
role: "To see each person of his class, at least once a week, to know how
their souls prosper; to counsel, rebuke, comfort, or exhort." [17]
Wesley explains why
he needs to care for and sanctify souls
To Elizabeth Hardy,
on April 5, 1758, Wesley said, "'Is it proper or necessary, in the nature
of things, that a soul should be saved from all sin before it enters into
glory?' I answer, It is. And so it is written, 'Nothing unclean shall enter
into it.'" [18]
Wesley explains of Christian perfection, the perfect
man: "'a perfect man,' one in whom God has fulfilled His faithful
word—'From all your filthiness and from all your idols I will cleanse you. I
will also save you from all your filthiness.' Here we mean the one whom God has
sanctified for all time, even in 'body, soul, and spirit'; the one who 'walks
in the light, as He is in the light,' in whom 'there is no darkness; the blood
of Jesus Christ His Son,' having cleansed 'from all sin.'"[19]
In his letters and
diary, Wesley talks about the salvation of the soul and the care of it:
You have only one
business on earth—saving souls
For Christopher
Hopper
BRISTOL, October 8,
1755
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- There is
something of openness and frankness in your temper which I adore; but that same
temper sometimes exposes you to inconveniences, unless you always have an eye
on God, that He may give you firmness and determination. O keep your heart with
all diligence, and do not take a step without first consulting your best
friend.
You have only one business on
earth—saving souls. Dedicate yourself completely to it. Do the work of preacher
and assistant like never before. Be
another Thomas Walsh. Pursue all biblical Christianity. Stand
At the edge of this world, ready
to take flight; To have my feet on the ground, eyes and heart in the sky. –I am
Your affectionate friend and
brother. [20]
We are called to save
souls from death, to care for them
Ah, what a thing it
is to have curam animarum! ['The care of souls.'] You and I are called to this;
to save souls from death, to care for them as those who must render an account!
CONGLETON,
March 25, 1772.
DEAR
BROTHER,--Giles Ball (as Oliver [Oliver Cromwell] said on his deathbed: 'I am
safe, for I know I was once in grace.' See Morley's Cromwell, p. 486.] said)
was once a good man! I hope we shall have no more of that kind. There is still
a famous man in Bristol. Now I understand why he could not join us. Poor Mr.
B--.! [See letter of April 26.] I used to imagine better things from him.
I think
almost all of our preachers in all circuits have done it with Christian
perfection. They say they believe it; but they never preach it, or not once
every quarter. What is to be done? Let's let it go or make a point of it
Ah, what a
thing it is to have curam animarum! ['The care of souls.'] You and I are called
to this; to save souls from death, to care for them as those who must render an
account! If our office meant no more than preaching a few times a week, I could
play with it; You might be too. But how small is the part of our duty (yours
and mine) too! God says to you and me, 'Do all you can, whether more or less,
to save the souls for whom My Son died.' May this voice continue to ring in our
ears; Then we will give up our account with joy. Hey, age; Rumpe Moras! [See
letter of 28 February 1766 to him.] I am ashamed of my indolence and
inactivity. May the good Lord help us both! Farewell! 'Errwsqe. ['Good-bye.'] [21]
If they do not know how to write or read, they can
save souls from death
If they do not know how to write or read, they can save souls from death; they can, by the grace of God, bring sinners from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God
To John Baily
LIMERICK,
June 8, 1750.
Wesley
defends the Methodist preachers.
“(...) Of
all these, Mr. Williams, Cownley, Reeves, Haughton, Larwood, Skelton,
Swindells, Tucker, and Wheatley, you jointly declare that you are 'a bunch of
chattering illiterate vagabonds' (pages 3-4), of whom 'everyone who is less
right must know' that, though they 'amuse the populace with nonsense, nonsense,
and blasphemies, they are not capable of spelling or common sense.' Sir, this
is not a case judged. Some who are a little right think that they are capable
of both speaking and writing with common sense. But if they are not, if they
cannot write or read, they can save souls from death; they can, by the grace of
God, bring sinners out of darkness into light, and from the power of Satan into
God..."[22]
Visiting
the poor and saving living souls
And
why shouldn't you add that real Christian distraction, visit the poor, whether
they are sick or well? Who knows, but our Lord sent you to Wotton on purpose to
save some living souls
To
Elizabeth Morgan
BRISTOL, March 13, 1781.
MY DEAR MISS MORGAN, -- I
am in awe of you; I am surprised at your steadfastness. How is it possible that
you should hold any regard for me when your fate is so often chosen among those
who think they do God service by saying all manner of evil of me. I do not
ascribe it to natural generosity (little good is due to nature), but to His
grace which has protected you from childhood, and which now sustains you in the
slippery paths of youth. I trust that He will yet allow you to be
Against example, singularly
good. [Paradise Lost, xi. 809: 'against good example.']
With a prudent mixture of
reading, meditation, prayer, and conversation, you may improve your present
retirement. But you should add every day more or less exercise (as your
strength permits) to the open air. And why should you not add that true
Christian distraction, to visit the poor, whether they are sick or well? Who
knows, but our Lord sent you to Wotton on purpose to save some living souls
A letter I have recently
received from Yorkshire informs me: 'Our friends think Miss Ritchie is in a
state of agony.' If she continues like this until I get to Manchester, I will
go there to see her. I should never think much of going a hundred miles to see
her or you.
A sentence of yours will
always be acceptable to, my dear Miss Morgan. Morgan,
His affectionate servant.
To Miss Morgan. Morgan,
Rev. Rowland Hill, Wotton-under-Edge. [23]
I hope that this
affliction in Manchester will be the means of saving many souls
For
Thomas Taylor
NEAR NEWCASTLE, JUNE 7,
1788.
DEAR TOMMY, -- I have no
time to spend in controversy about the Church, unless I have time free to write
a folio. You did well to send your daughters to Cork. You will most likely
restore their health.
No wonder that all who care
about this excreant exchange of letters are ruined. In London, I expel from our
Society everyone who has anything to do with it. Whoever supports a law (i.e.,
promises to pay) for more than it is worth is either a fool or a scoundrel. I
hope that this affliction in Manchester will be the means of saving many souls.
Peace be upon you and yours! -- I am, dear Tommy,
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [24]
The salvation of
souls is almost a sin, if it has not been done in a church
I have
been all my life (until very lately) so tenacious in regard to decency and
order, that I should have thought that the salvation of souls is almost a sin,
if it had not been done in a church!
March 29,
1739, Thursday. I left London, and in the evening exhibited at a small society
at Basingstoke. On Saturday, the 31st, I arrived at Bristol in the evening, and
found Mr. Whitefield there. I could scarcely be reconciled to myself, at first,
by this strange mode of preaching in the fields, of which he gave me an example
on Sunday. I have been all my life, (until much lately) so tenacious in regard
to decency and order, that I should have thought that the salvation of souls is
almost a sin, if it had not been done in a church! [25]
When her
soul and body were healed
Then he
did not know what to think, being clearly convinced that it was not a fraud or
a natural disorder. But when her soul and body were suddenly healed, he recognized
the finger of God!
04/30/1739
– Monday. We understand that many were distressed by the cries of those to whom
the power of God came. Among them was a physician, very much afraid that there
might be fraud or deception in the case. Today, a young woman whom he had been
known for many years was the first (while I was preaching in Newgate) to break
out "in strong cries and tears." He could hardly believe his own eyes
and ears. He approached and stood near her, watching every symptom, until great
beads of sweat rolled down his face, and all her bones trembled. Then he did
not know what to think, being clearly convinced that it was not a fraud or a
natural disorder. But when her soul and body were suddenly healed, he
recognized the finger of God! [26]
Saving bodies and also the
souls of orphans
But still, I can't put the donation to five hundred students on the same level as saving the bodies, if not the souls as well, of five hundred orphans
To George Whitefield
LEWISHAM, February 21,
1770.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- Mr. Keen
informed me some time ago of his safe arrival at Carolina; which, indeed, he
could not doubt for a moment, notwithstanding the empty rumor of his expulsion,
which was so common in London. I trust that our Lord has more work for you to
do in Europe, as well as in America. And who knows, but before you return to
England perhaps I shall make another visit to the New World? [See letters of
February 17th and December 14th.] I have been strongly solicited by several
friends of ours in New York and Philadelphia. They invoke many motives, some of
which seem to carry considerable weight. And my age is no problem at all; for I
bless God that my health is not nearly as good, but abundantly better in
several respects than when I was twenty-five. But there are so many reasons on
the other side that, as yet, I cannot determine anything; so I must wait for
more in-depth light. Here I am, may the Lord make me as it seems that He is
good. For the present, I must beg you to make up for my lack of service by
encouraging our preachers, as you may best judge, who are still comparatively
young and inexperienced, by giving them such counsel as they think fit, and,
above all, by exhorting them, not only to love one another, but, if it be
possible, as far as they can live in peace with all men.
Some time ago, since you
left, I heard a circumstance which greatly concerned me—namely, that the
College or Academy in Georgia had swallowed up the Orphan House. Shall I give
my judgment without being asked? I think friendship demands that I should. Are
there not, then, two points that come into consideration—a point of mercy and a
point of justice? As to the former, it cannot be asked, Can there be greater
charity on earth than to raise orphans? What is a college or academy compared
to this? Unless you can have a college such as perhaps there is not on earth. I
know the value of learning, and I am more in danger of valuing it too much than
too little. But still, I cannot put the endowment to five hundred students, on
the same level as saving the bodies, if not the souls also, of five hundred
orphans. But let us pass from the point of mercy to that of justice. You have
been given land and raised money for an Orphan House; Can you apply this to
another purpose—at least, while there are still orphans in Georgia? I only
touch upon it, though it is an important point, and leave it to your own
consideration whether some of it may not be adequately applied to maintain the
original design. By speaking thus freely on so delicate a subject, I have given
you a fresh proof of the sincerity with which I am
His always affectionate
friend and brother. [27]
Save your own soul
and those who hear you
Let your eye be
single. Seek one thing—to save your own soul and those who hear you
To Thomas Broadbent
LONDON, January 29, 1791.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- You
have great reason to praise God for His giving a blessing to your labors. Then
He will do more and more if you do not engage in the affairs of this life. If
you seek your happiness in God alone, you will never be disappointed: if in
anything else, you will certainly do so; for all creatures are broken cisterns.
Let your eye be single. Seek one thing—to save your own soul and those who hear
you. -- I am, dear Tommy, your affectionate friend and brother. [28]
Preachers, true
evangelical ministers to save souls
I think he is a true
evangelical minister, diakonos, a servant of Christ and His Church, who
surpassed diakonei, so that they would minister, save souls from death, to
rescue sinners from their sins; and that every Christian, if he can do it, has
the authority to save a dying soul.
For the Clergyman
TULLAMORE, May 4,
1748.
REVEREND SIR,-- At
present I have neither the time nor the desire to enter into a formal
controversy; but let me only offer a few loose clues on the subject of last
night's conversation.
I. 1. Seeing life and
health are things of such great importance that it is, no doubt, highly
expedient that physicians should have all the possible advantages of learning
and education.
2. That the judgment
be made by competent judges before they act publicly.
3. That after such
judgment they shall be authorized to exercise by those who have power to
exercise that authority.
4. And that, while
preserving the lives of others, they should have what is sufficient to sustain
their own.
5. But, supposing a
gentleman brought up in the University of Dublin, with all the advantages of
education, after passing through all the usual trials and then being regularly
allowed to exercise,--
6. Suppose, I say,
that this physician should dwell on --for some years, and yet make no cure;
but, after testing his skill on five hundred persons, he cannot prove that he
has cured one, many of his patients dying at his hands, and the rest remaining
as they were before his arrival,--
7. You will condemn a
man who, with some medical skill and a tender compassion for those who are sick
or dying around him, heals many of those without pay or reward which the
physician could not cure--
8. At least, he had
not; which is the same thing as for the case in question, if it were only for
that reason—because he did not go to them, and they would not come to him.
9. You will condemn
him because he did not learn or had a college education. Then he heals those
whom the man of learning and education cannot heal.
10. Do you object
that he is not a physician or has no authority to act? I cannot give an opinion
on you. I think medicus est qui medetur, 'he is a physician who heals,' and
that every man has authority to save the life of a dying man. But if you only
mean that he has no authority to charge fees, I maintain that he does not; for
he takes none.
11. No, and I am
afraid that this is true, on the other hand, medicus non est qui non
medetur;--I am afraid that, if we use speech correction, 'he is not a doctor
who does not work a cure.'
12. 'Ah, but he has
obtained the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and therefore has authority.'
Authority to do what 'Why, to cure all the sick who will employ him.' But (to
dispense with the case of those who do not employ him; and you would like even
their lives to be thrown away) he does not cure those who employ him. He who
was sick before is still sick; or else he goes away and is no longer seen.
Therefore his authority is not worth the hurry; for it serves no end for which
it was given.
13. And surely he has
no authority to kill them by preventing another from saving their lives!
14. Whether he tries
or wishes to hinder you, whether he condemns you or dislikes you for it, it is
clear to all thinking men that he values his own fees more than the lives of
his patients.
II. Now to subscribe.
1. To see eternal life and holiness, or health of the soul, are things of such
great importance that it was highly expedient that ministers, being physicians
of the soul, should have all the advantages of education and learning.
2. That a full
judgment be made in all respects, and that it be made by the most competent
judges, before they enter into the public exercise of their office, the saviors
of souls from death.
3. That after such a
judgment they shall be authorized to exercise that office by those who have
power to exercise that authority. (I believe that bishops have power to do so,
and have had it since the apostolic age.) 4. And that those whose souls they save
should, in the meantime, provide for what is necessary for the body.
5. But, suppose a
gentleman brought up in the University of Dublin, with all the advantages of
education, after passing through the usual trials and being regularly allowed
to save souls from death,--
6. Suppose, I say,
that this minister stays for a few years, and yet saves no soul, does not save
sinners from their sins; but, after preaching all this time to five or six
hundred persons, he cannot show that he has converted one of them from the
error of his ways, many of his parishioners dying as they lived, and the rest
remaining as they were before his arrival,--
7. You will condemn a
man who, having compassion for dying souls, and some knowledge of the gospel of
Christ, without any temporal reward, saves many of their sins which the
minister could not save-—
8. At least he did
not: nor was it ever probable that he would; for he did not go to them, and
they would not come to him.
9. You will condemn
such a preacher because he has no knowledge or has not had a university
education. Then, He saves those sinners from their sins which the man of
knowledge and education cannot save. A peasant being taken to the College of
Physicians in Paris, a learned doctor approached him: 'What, friend, do you
pretend to prescribe to people who have agues? Do you know what an ague is?' He
replied, 'Yes, sir. An ague is what I can cure and you cannot.'
10. You object, 'But
he is not a minister, nor has he authority to save souls.' I must ask
permission to disagree with you on this. I think he is a true evangelical
minister, diakonos, a servant of Christ and of His Church, who has surpassed
diakonei, that they might minister, save souls from death, to rescue sinners
from their sins; and that every Christian, if he can do so, has authority to
save a dying soul. But, if you only mean that he has no authority to receive
tithes, I grant it. He accepts none; just as he has received freely, so he
freely offers.
11. But to take the
matter a little further. I am afraid that, on the other hand, it will be
considered that both soul and body are medicus non est qui non medetur; — I am
afraid that reasonable men are very much inclined to think that he who does not
save souls is not a minister of Christ.
12. 'Oh, but he is
ordained, and therefore has authority.' Authority to do what 'To save all souls
who shall place themselves under his care.' True; but (to renounce the case of
those who do not want to; and you would like even those to perish) he does not,
indeed, save those who are in his care. Wherefore what is his authority for? He
that was a drunkard is still a drunkard. The same is true of the
Sabbath-breaker, the thief, the common expletive. This is the best of the case;
for many have died in their iniquity, and their blood God will require by the
hand of the watchman.
13. For surely he has
no authority to kill souls, either through negligence, for his mild, if not
false, doctrine, or for hindering another from plucking them out of the fire
and bringing them to eternal life!
14. If he tries or
desires to hinder him, if he condemns or is displeased with him for it, what
great reason is there to fear that he values his own benefit more than the
salvation of souls. "I am, reverend sir,
Your affectionate
brother. [29]
Almighty power can heal
both your soul and your body
Despite all this, I have no
doubt that I see you as a healthy and happy man. But it is true that nothing
less than almighty power can heal both your soul and your body. And is that not
enough? Is there no reason to rejoice that 'salvation is from the Lord'?
To Alexander Knox
PENRHYN, August 29, 1777.
MY DEAR ALLECK,-- You should read Mr. Fletcher's Essay on Truth. He has put there, without any doubt, that there is a medium between a child of God and a child of the devil—that is, a servant of God. This is your state. You are not yet a son, but you are a servant; and you wait for the Spirit of adoption, who will cry out in your hearts, 'Abba, Father.' You have 'received the Spirit of grace,' and in some measure you realize righteousness. Without suffering for what you do not have, you have reason to bless God for what you have, and wait patiently until He gives rest by revealing His Son in your heart.
In spite of all this, I
have no doubt that I see you as a healthy and happy man. But it is true that
nothing short of almighty power can heal both your soul and your body. And is
that not enough? Is there no reason to rejoice that 'salvation is from the Lord'?
I pray, whom can you trust better? Who loves you more than He? Then out, in
despair! Hope to the end. To Him I commend you all; and I am,
Dear Alleck,
With all the affection. [30]
If you
love the souls or bodies of men
If you
love the souls or bodies of men, everywhere recommend Primitive Physick and
small lands
For Christopher
Hopper
LONDON, November 20,
1769.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- If
she returns of her own accord, I will welcome her with open arms. But I will
not hire her to return. I think that would be foolish, or rather sinful. [Mrs.
Wesley often left him and returned in response to his requests. She was with
her daughter in Newcastle. See the letters of December 17, 1768, and January
15, 1770.]
Brother Fazzard was a
good man, though for some years his head was quite wrong. I hope Brother
Greenwood remains right and will no longer be puzzled by the soft speakers.
If you love the souls
or bodies of men, everywhere recommend the Primitive Physick and the little
plots. It is true that most Methodists are poor; but then nine out of ten of
them would not be poorer if they spent a penny buying a book every two weeks of
the year. By this means the work of God is both enlarged and deepened
everywhere. —With love to Sister Hopper,
Your affectionate
friend and brother. [31]
I must and will save
as many souls as I can as long as I live
To his brother Carlos
BATH,
September 13, 1785.
DEAR
BROTHER, - I see no point in you and I arguing together; for neither of us is
likely to convince the other. You say I separate myself from the Church; I say
no. Then leave it as it is.
Your verse
is a sad truth. I see fifty times more of England than you do, and find few
exceptions.
I believe
that Dr. Coke is as free from ambition as he is from greed. He has done nothing
rash that I know of; but he has spoken rashly, which he withdrew the moment I
spoke to him about it. To publish as current thoughts what he had before
portrayed was not fair. He is now as much right hand to me as Thomas Walsh was.
If you do not want or cannot help me personally, do not hinder those who can
and will. I must and will save as many souls as I can while I live, without
worrying what may happen when I die.
I pray
that you will not confuse the intelligence of the people in London. You may
weaken my hands a little, but you will weaken yours a little. "I am
Your
affectionate brother. [32]
For saving so many souls from death
And whatever
may be the fruits of lay preaching, when you and I depart for our long home,
every earnest man has reason to bless God for those whom he can now see with
his eyes, for saving so many souls from death, and for hiding a multitude of
sin
For 'John Smith'
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE,
25 March 1747.
I am not careful for
what may be a hundred years hence. He who ruled the world before I was born
will take care of it as well as when I die. My part is to improve the present
moment. And whatever may be the fruits of lay preaching, when you and I depart for
our long home, every earnest man has reason to bless God for those he can now
see with his eyes, for saving so many souls from death, and hiding a multitude
of sins. Cases shine before the sun. Many, indeed, God has appropriated; but
many others remain, young and old, who now fear God and do righteousness. [33]
Wesley explains why he needs to care for and sanctify souls
'Is it proper or necessary, in the nature of things,
that a soul should be saved from all sin before it enters into glory?' I
answer, "It is. And so it is written, "Nothing unclean shall enter
into it
To Elizabeth Hardy
DUBLIN,
April 5, 1758.
"The nature and
fitness of things" is such an ambiguous expression that I never use it.
But if you ask me, 'Is it proper or necessary, in the nature of things, that a
soul should be saved from all sin before it enters into glory?' I answer, "It
is. And so it is written, 'Nothing unclean shall enter into it.' Therefore,
whatever degrees of holiness they may or may not attain in earlier stages of
life, neither Jews nor heathen, nor Christians, have ever entered or will ever
enter into the New Jerusalem, unless they are cleansed from all sin before they
enter eternity. [34]
To know how their
souls prosper
See each person in
your class at least once a week to learn how their souls thrive
Vincent Perronet
December 25, 1748
Wesley explained to
Mr. Perronet about the function of the Society Leader; "5. It is the
business of a Leader (1) To see each person of his class, at least once a week,
to know how their souls prosper; to counsel, rebuke, comfort, or exhort as
occasion may require; to receive what they are willing to give for the relief
of the poor. (2) To meet with the Minister and the Stewards of the Society, in
order to inform the Minister of any sick or disorderly person who is not
rebuked; to pay the Stewards what they have received from their various classes
in the preceding week." [35]
And may all that you are, soul and body, be
His
Don't discard that trust that brings great
reward! Christ is yours! Yes, all that He has and is yours! And may all that
you are, soul and body, be His! Don't back down! Hold Him! Trust Him in
everything
For Hannah Ball
LONDON, January 28, 1768.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- I have
found a special love for you from the time when you spoke so freely to me on
this beautiful subject; especially when I found that you had a resolution to
give up everything for Christ, and even to pluck out your right eye and turn it
away from you. Use the same freedom still. From time to time tell me anything
that tempts or bothers you. Surely you will have judgments of various kinds.
Wait one after another, and overcome everything through him who loves you. Just
hold fast to your shield! Do not discard that trust that brings great reward!
Christ is yours! Yes, all that He has and is is yours! And may all that you
are, soul and body, be His! Do not shrink back! Hold Him! Trust Him in
everything! and love for Him, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
To Miss Ball. Ball, at Mr.
Ball's house, Laceman, in High Wycombe. [36]
Save a living soul
And it will probably
be a way of tearing off a mark of burning, of saving a living soul. Ah, what
would not be done, what would not be suffered, for this glorious end!
To Mary Stokes
ABERDEEN, May 1,
1772.
MY DEAR
SISTER,--Sally James [See letters of February 11th and September 20th.] is a
letter indebted to me. I have received only one letter from her since I left
Bristol: and which I replied almost as soon as I received it. I was a little
puzzled that I heard not from you; but as I know both the constancy and
tenderness of your affection, there was no danger of my attributing it to
ingratitude.
I think your present
exercise, though it is one of the most challenging, is one of the most
profitable that a good providence could prepare for you. And it will probably
be a way of tearing a mark from the burning, of saving a living soul. Ah, what
one would not do, what one would not suffer, for this glorious end! You
certainly have good reason for this—to wait; Anyone who feels himself a sinner
is unlikely to perish, especially if he sees where to turn for help, and is
willing to give up all requests to the contrary.
You must never
separate repentance and faith; the knowledge of your emptiness and the fullness
of Him.
Naked, blind, poor
and naked,
You still want to
find everything.
But at the same time
(such is the mystery of Christian experience) you may say,
Jesus, all things
have in You!
Our blessed Lord
continues His work in our souls, giving us either to do or to suffer. So far,
you are most guided by the last of these paths. I hope that when you have more
to do for Him, you will suffer less. Every morning and often during the day you
are very near, my dear sister,
Your affectionate
brother. [37]
But a soul is worth all the merchandise in
the world
His work as quickly with you as in some
provinces. But a soul is worth all the merchandise in the world; And he who
receives money, you win souls
To
William Black
SUNDERLAND, June 14, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- You
have done well to send me an account of your little Societies. Here is a good
start, though it is still in many places a day of little things, and though it
does not please God to continue His work so quickly with you as in some provinces.
But one soul is worth all the merchandise in the world; And he who receives
money, you win souls.
There never was in all
England, Scotland, and Ireland such a thirst for the pure word of God as there
is to this day. The same as we find in the little Isles of Man, Wight, Jersey,
Guernsey, and Alderney, in the Western Ocean. In the Isle of Man alone (thirty
miles long), the Societies have about twenty and two hundred members. I have
just finished my route through Scotland, where I have never had congregations
like this before. Therefore it pleases God to give me a little more to do
before I call here.
What Happened to Brother
Scurr, Dodson, and Our Other Yorkshire Friends Some of them, no doubt, have
gone to a more distant country; but some, I suppose, remain. I doubt whether
you do not have constant relations with each other. Love as Brothers—I am, dear
William, your affectionate friend and brother. [38]
If
he converted just an immortal soul, it would be worth all his work
'If
an angel,' says one, 'could be sent down from heaven, and dwell in a body
eighty years old, and at that time convert only an immortal soul, it would be
worth all his labour.' But now you have seen more than one sinner converted to
God. Probably the number now is not small of those
LONDON,
February 26, 1786.
MY DEAR BROTHER, - It
pleases God that my health and strength are the same now as they were forty
years ago. But there is a difference in one point: I was often tired, my body
sunk under work; while now, a week or a month, I do not know what weariness means.
By removing instruments
like Arthur Thorney [Arthur Thorney, or Thomey, seems to have been the victim
of hardship and persecution.] and Mr. Fletcher, our Lord reminds us of what we
tend to forget—that the help made on earth He Himself does it, and that He has
no need of man. The pillars fall, but the building stands. Why the Hand of the
Most High supports it.
Your affectionate brother.
To Mr. Stretton, Harbor
Grace, [39]
[1]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1772/
[2] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[3]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1755/
[4]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1776/
[5] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[6]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1772/
[7]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1786/
[8] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[9] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[10]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1765/
[11]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1747/
[12]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1765/
[13] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[14]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1770/
[15]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1777/
[16]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790/
[17]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1748/
[18]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1758/
[19]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1747/
[20]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1755/
[21]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1772/
[22]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1750/
[23]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1781/
[24]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1788/
[25] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[26] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[27]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1770/
[28]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1791/
[29]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1748/
[30]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1778/
[31]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1769/
[32]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785/
[33]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1747/
[34]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1758/
[35]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-17478/
[36]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1768/
[37]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1772/
[38]https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790/
[39]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1786/
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