Page:The works of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A., late fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford (IA worksofrevjohnwe3wesl).pdf/132

 not be far better then, to use other expressions, which are not liable to such objections? For example. Instead of saying, on any particular occasion, "I want to know what is the will of God." Would it not be better to say, "I want to know, what will be most for my improvement: and, what will make me most useful." This way of speaking is clear and unexceptionable. It is putting the matter on a plain scriptural issue, and that without any danger of Enthusiasm.

27. A third very common sort of Enthusiasm (if it does not co-incide with the former) is that of those who think to attain the end without using the means, by the immediate power of God. If indeed those means were providentially with-held, they would not fall under this charge. God can, and sometimes does, in cases of this nature, exert his own immediate power. But they who expect this when they have those means, and will not use them, are proper Enthusiasts. Such are they who expect to understand the holy scriptures, without reading them and meditating thereon: yea, without using all such helps as are in their power, and may probably conduce to that end. Such are they who designedly speak in the public assembly, without any premeditation. I say designedly: because there may be such circumstances, as at some times make it unavoidable. But whoever despises that great means of speaking profitably, is so far an Enthusiast.