Portrait of John Wesley

John Wesley

Founder of Methodism

Early Modern influential 140 sayings

Sayings by John Wesley

Though I am an old man, I am but a little child; for I am just beginning to learn the alphabet of salvation.

1791 — Last words, often quoted
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The best of all is, God is with us.

1791 — Last words, often quoted
General Unverifiable

Satan has no objection to our being religious, provided we are not too religious.

c. 1740s — Sermon 'The Nature of Enthusiasm'
General Unverifiable

It is not possible for a man to be a Christian without being a saint.

c. 1765 — Sermon 'The Scripture Way of Salvation'
General Unverifiable

I found myself much out of order, and apprehended that my end was near. I had no fear of death, but I was concerned for the cause of God, which I apprehended would suffer by my removal.

1770 — Journal entry
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

It is not the being of sin, but the love of sin, that condemns us.

c. 1740s — Sermon 'The Nature of Sin'
Relationships Unverifiable

I was much struck with the spirit of the people, who, though poor, were neat, clean, and cheerful. They seemed to have no care, but to please God.

1760 — Journal entry
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The Gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness.

1739 — Preface to 'Hymns and Sacred Poems'
General Unverifiable

I have often thought that the difference between the Church of England and the Dissenters is not so great as some imagine.

1764 — Letter to a friend
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

What is the Lord’s Supper? It is a feast upon a sacrifice.

c. 1740s — Sermon 'The Duty of Constant Communion'
General Unverifiable

Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength.

1761 — Directions for Congregational Singing
Life & Aging Unverifiable

And are we not to use our reason? Unquestionably. But no more than we are to use our hands or feet. We are to use it as a servant, not as a master.

c. 1740s — Sermon 'The Nature of Enthusiasm'
General Unverifiable

I have no time to be little.

c. late 18th century — Attributed, often quoted
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I am not afraid of the devil himself.

1741 — Journal entry
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

God grant that we may all make a good end!

1789 — Letter to a friend
General Unverifiable

It is not the being in a place, but the being in a state, that makes us happy.

c. 1740s — Sermon 'The Way to the Kingdom'
General Unverifiable

I am never long in one place. I am a bird of passage, always on the wing.

1750 — Journal entry
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I had rather have a thousand common people to hear me, than a thousand fine gentlemen.

1741 — Journal entry
General Unverifiable

As to my own comfort, I know not that I ever felt any, from the time I was born.

c. 1770s — Remark to a friend, often cited as evidence of his austere disposition
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I wish to have no other evidence of the truth of Christianity than the power of God upon my own heart.

c. 1740s — Sermon 'The Witness of the Spirit'
General Unverifiable
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