The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1903-07-29

10 convince England That every man had a
,oul and that life was an immortal stair
way, up or down! 1t taught, of q living
God and the powers of an endless life. 1t
reviewed that standing article of the Ref.
ormation. Justification by faith" 1t car
red the truth afeld and again it lifted the
cotters' roof till it touched the stars. 1t
trod the bottom Of human longing, and
while it arraigned sin in fearful terms, it
brought the news of hope and joy. No
the barren land. No wonder that turbid
emotion accompanied the food OF feeling.
Many things always are rent when Satan
is cast out. Always such upheavals larry
stubbe upon their currents such tides
swing loose unanchored spirits. But par.
odyis a counting proof of power. and the
forces of eternity were shaking a people to
its centre. Much was unwecome when all
was unready.
What real prophets have not met opposi-
tion? These men we're shut out OF the
synagogues" of the establishment. They
faced a frowning world" They knew all
ndignites. Mobs led by squires and clergy.
howled against their lives. Nothing was
too foul to fling at them with hand and
tongue. Not man of all the bishops save
Samuel Butler took their part. But despis.
ing hardships and dangers, they grew, and
upon the church that disowned them they
put an indellible mark. Being DETAINED,
they ,entreated, and they lived to see opin-
ion change.
What diocese waited this apostolic man
John Wesley! He touched two hemis.
pheres. Nay. all the ends of the earth,
and his hand is stretched out still. In 1896
Methodism began in America. Wesley at
his death declared, "The best of all God
is with us" There were then 3l3 of his
preachers in England: in the United States,
N ,to,n
700 communicates, in Canada 100000, in the
United States 100000. who recur to that
new Pentecost. AT length in 1876 Dean
Stanley unveiled in Westminster Abbey a
tablet with the shining prohles of John
Wesley and Charles. Tardily but at last
did a state church-which in their day
knew not the time Of its vistation"-at-
test the reflex influence of its prophets and
own work so grandly done!
In John Wesley tremendous toll and a
rare gift for organization and order and
the loftiest spiritual enthusiasm and a sim.
pie purpose to do one thing were united in
the proportion OF genius. Great he was by
that estimate Wesley survives as Paul does
and Luther and Lovola. He is of the few
who make eras. He had large sense and
system. He wrought with mighty industry
tor half century. No moment was
wasted. With giant energy he preached
500 times year for fifty years; And vet
with this passion for work he had a pure
and calm mind. Sef-denying, refined,
sweet tempered. considerate. he had the
scholars vision and a. sanity heart. "In
seventy years" he said, Il have not lost
nights sleep" 81 save all | can and give
al ! get" Make all you can bv industry,
can by liberality." Thus he was rich to.
ward God. Peculiarities he had; let small
souls count them. Striies there were, but
who cares for the logical differences be-
tween Wesley and Whitfield. since both
preached the evangel of holy and imme-
diate decision. Thank God for that good
home az Epworth and for that Susannah's
sons!
Let us all see that religion is not in ru-
brio and rite. but in devoted hearts and
lives, unsophisticated by the bribes OF GUS
tom, undaunted by the oppositions of hol-
low tradition, instant to serve. tireless to
effect results, believing God! For one may
have all the apparatus of regularity and die
a starveling. Power is granted only to
those who will pay its whole price! Love
is catholic when it is apostolic and can ut
ter Wesley's "All the world is my parish"
The methodical in Gods service are the
conouerors.
Oh, let me say TO you Wesley's great
text, "Seek We the Lord while He may he
found; call ye upon Him while He is near"
Emulate such a mani And considering
the issue of a totally surrendered life, imi-
tate its faith. 1t is success. 1t is triumph.
1t is attainable. Let me quote Wesley's
hymn
Give to the winds thy fears
Hope and be undismayed;
God hears thv sighs and counts thy tears
God shall lift up thy head"