The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 08 (of 32)

by John Wesley

Now, when God is pleased to send forth faithful witnesses of his truth, to awaken men out of their spiritual slumber, then is the devil most busy to second this security with the fear of man; one fearing this, another that, so that both together choak the truth of God in the heart. The best advice that can be given to a man in this case is, that he thoroughly search into his own condition, according to the tenour of the word of God, that he may not be deluded with vain hopes. By this means he may come to a full assurance of the state of his soul, and feel the Spirit of God witnessing with his spirit, that he is a child of God: but till he will thus search into the bottom of his heart, he cannot be freed from this fear. Nor will he be able to make a right use of any means at all that may be offered him: for without the power of the Holy Ghost, which till then he cannot have, a man will never get so far as to eye God only in all his actions; and till he does this, it is impossible he should discharge his duty without the fear of man.

2. As the want of self-denial is one of the chief causes of the fear of man, it will be absolutely necessary, in order to the subduing of it, to labour after a true self-denying frame of spirit: for as long as we fear the loss of our ease, or goods, or honour, or greatness in the world, so long we shall be loth, by a close following the steps of our Lord, to incur the displeasure of men; till therefore a man renounceth himself, he cannot be his disciple. But when once we seek no honour, but what cometh from God, nor any pleasure, but that of doing his will, we shall find it easy to confess the truth, with undauntedness, both in word and deed.

Let him then, who will come after Christ, deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow him. And he that begins to be a proficient in this, will find the fear of man vanishing of itself: for why do we fear men? For no other reason, but because we are afraid of the cross. And why do we fear the cross? Because we understand not the infinite good that lies hid in it. Because we apprehend not, that, since the fall, whatever is really good, must spring up under the cross.

3. And that we may never be weary of bearing it, or faint in our minds, we should frequently and deeply meditate on the vanity, and even nothingness of this world, this idle dream, this vanishing shadow; on the nothingness of man himself, a worm, a vapour, a leaf driven by the wind; even in his best estate, walking in a vain shew, and disquieting himself in vain; on the glorious Majesty of the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth, and the unspeakable joys that are at his right-hand for evermore; on the several degrees of that glory, which shall be proportioned to our several degrees of obedience: and in particular, on the mighty rewards annext to the denial of ourselves, and chearful taking up our cross.

4. The servants of Christ find this also a sure means to conquer, when they are assaulted by the fear of man, to enter immediately into deep meditation on the bitter passion of our Lord. This is the antidote which St. Peter prescribes, [♦]beloved, think it not strange, concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are made partakers of the sufferings of Christ. Ephesians iv. 12.—And so St. Paul, Consider him, that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself. And again, We always bear about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of him also might be made manifest in our mortal body.

[♦] “Belovloved” replaced with “beloved”

This is the true apostolical mind, which few apprehend: but those who do apprehend and obtain it, tread in the same steps, and declare themselves servants of the living God in true chearfulness of faith. They are not afraid of the terror of men, but sanctify the Lord God in their hearts: having determined to know and regard nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

5. Add to this, the consideration of those faithful champions of Christ, mentioned in the scriptures, as well as other histories. This was the way St. Paul took to encourage them that were weak in faith, in the 11th chapter of his epistle to the Hebrews; which being an excellent abstract of the whole Old Testament, ought to be more especially pondered by us, and applied for the support of our faith, in all outward and inward temptations. The histories likewise of the primitive, as well as later martyrs, were they more attentively considered, would contribute much toward our attaining a true boldness of faith, so necessary for our Christian warfare.

But chiefly (I repeat it again) Look ye unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Consider him, (or as the Greek word properly signifies) make a comparison, between what Christ hath suffered, and what ye suffer. Consider what proportion there is between the two: for sure it is, if you will be his followers, you must be ever determined and prepared to resist even unto blood, striving against sin.

This it was that so powerfully inspired St. Paul to expose himself to all manner of sufferings, For the mark he always had in his eye was, To know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. And St. Peter, from the same ground, saith, If when you do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps. Christ himself also giveth us the same instructions: Remember the word which I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. Wherefore, if any man would in good earnest be rid of the fear of man, let him eye continually the example and image of Christ; and know assuredly, he cannot be happier than when he cometh up to the nearest conformity with his suffering, crucified Lord. If his love be sincere, it will kindle in his heart an ardent desire to be like unto him: and this desire will dispel all the fear of man; because it makes the cross, which is so bitter to the flesh, delightful to the spirit; so that it can no more hinder his drinking gladly the cup which his father hath given him.