Whitfield and the Wesley brothers. (Part 2)

In the rugged terrain of eighteenth-century England, these servants of God, walked a difficult path. They faced relentless opposition from influential individuals and learned minds, even encountering hostility from some clergy members who closed the doors of churches to those preaching a pure faith. Their journey was marked by numerous miraculous escapes from death, demonstrating God’s divine protection.

John Wesley’s encounters with angry mobs vividly illustrate the dangers he faced. On one occasion, as he descended a slippery path, people attempted to throw him down, but miraculously, he remained unharmed. Despite violent attempts, he emerged unscathed, his faith unshaken. He described these events with remarkable calmness, emphasizing God’s protection amid dire circumstances.

The early Methodists, both preachers and ordinary people, endured relentless persecution. They faced ridicule and violence from church members and irreligious individuals, fuelled by distorted beliefs and misrepresentations. Mobs vandalized their homes, attacked them, and subjected them to brutal abuse. Despite this, the Methodists stood firm in their quest to lead sinners to holiness, enduring persecution for their faith.

They ardently opposed antinomian teachings that claimed Christ had abolished the moral law, leading to a rejection of God’s standards. They emphasized the harmony between the law and the gospel, refuting the notion that the law was abolished. Charles argued that the law and the gospel complemented each other, guiding believers toward salvation through faith in Christ and obedience to God’s commandments.

Their itinerant preaching, teachings and unwavering commitment inspired a spiritual revival that transformed countless lives. Their steadfast faith, humility, zeal, and self-sacrifice led to a remarkable impact. By the end of their long and dedicated lives, Methodist followers numbered over half a million. More significantly, the lives touched by their  ministries and the deep spiritual experiences fostered through their teaching are immeasurable.

The legacy of the Whitfield and Wesley brothers offers invaluable lessons to today’s Christians. Their lives exemplify faith, humility, and relentless devotion to God’s work. In the face of adversity, they remained steadfast, trusting in God’s divine protection. Their teachings emphasized the essential balance between faith and obedience, magnifying the law while proclaiming the gospel’s grace of Justification by faith alone, without the works of the law as having any merit towards salvation. Their unwavering faith and commitment serve as an enduring beacon, inspiring contemporary believers to emulate this dedication, humility, and fervor for spreading the gospel.