We open this section with Wesley date-stamping it for us through the notation of the publication of The Character of a Methodist, which was first published in 1742. He references “the latter end of this year.” p.16. In 1742, John Wesley was in England primarily preaching at Epworth. This is the timeframe when we have a rather well-known painting done of Wesley preaching while standing on top of his father’s grave outside the church at Epworth, England.
To open this section, Wesley quotes from his pamphlet The Character of a Methodist, but prefaces that quote by quote scripture. The scripture is used to explain that John Wesley did not believe he had attained perfection, merely a better understanding of it. Here’s the scripture.
12Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
13Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12–14 (NASB95)
In that quote, we have another passage of scripture from the Psalms. This highlights what Wesley believes all Methodists should desire, and that is God alone as He is in Heaven.
25Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
26My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25–26 (NASB95)
The next passage quoted is Peter’s refrain of joy, which Wesley suggests we should emulate. While the first part of the passage appears in a lot of scripture, to the point that I started to quote the wrong passage, only one contains the entire sentiment Peter expresses.
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:3 (NASB95)
This quoted section is Wesley’s “perfect Christian.” We are to seek only God in all things. We are to rejoice only in God for all things. This is Wesley’s desire for us, for all God’s children. It is a good desire, and one Wesley frames as hope as he picks up writing after the quote suggesting we give thanks as Paul directs in 1 Thessalonians.
18in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB95)
In everything, everything…give thanks. All of it. That’s a tall order.
Wesley quotes scripture with “good is the will of the Lord” p.17, but I cannot find a scripture with that wording. There are plenty of scriptures that tell us God’s intentions for His children are good and not ill, but that exact turn of phrase I cannot find.
The rest of this paragraph reminds me of Job. Wesley wants to impress upon us that regardless of our circumstances, be it for good or bad, we need to seek God’s purpose in that circumstance. Further, we are to rejoice in it because it is God who can make use of it for His good purposes. I think Wesley implies that if we dedicate ourselves to God’s purposes rather than Man’s purposes in the World, we find joy and rejoicing in that knowledge that we are walking in His purpose.
17For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?
19Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
1 Peter 4:17–19 (NASB95)
Prov 11:31
Verse 19 is the one Wesley quotes.
