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ON ZEAL
AUTHOR: Wesley, John
PUBLISHED ON: April 9, 2003
DOC SOURCE: CCN
PUBLISHED IN: Sermons

John Wesley: SERMON XCII. “ON ZEAL.”

“It is good to be always zealously affected in a good thing.”
Galatians iv. 18.

  1. THERE are few subjects in the whole compass of religion, that are of
greater importance than this. For without zeal it is impossible, either
to make any considerable progress in religion ourselves, or to do any
considerable service to our neighbour, whether in temporal or spiritual
things. And yet nothing has done more disservice to religion, or more
mischief to mankind, than a sort of zeal which has for several ages
prevailed, both in Pagan, Mahometan, and Christian nations. Insomuch that
it may truly be said, pride, covetousness, ambition, revenge, have in all
parts of the world slain their thousands; but zeal its ten thousands.
Terrible instances of this have occurred in ancient times, in the most
civilized heathen nations. To this chiefly were owing the inhuman
persecutions of the primitive Christians; and, in later ages, the no less
inhuman persecutions of the Protestants by the Church of Rome. It was
zeal that kindled fires in our nation during the reign of bloody Queen
Mary. It was zeal that soon after made so many provinces of France a
field of blood. It was zeal that murdered so many thousand unresisting
Protestants, in the never-to-be-forgotten massacre of Paris. It was zeal
that occasioned the still more horrid massacre in Ireland- the like
whereof, both with regard to the number of the murdered, and the shocking
circumstances wherewith many of those murders were perpetrated, I verily
believe never occurred before since the world began. As to the other
parts of Europe, an eminent German writer has taken immense pains to
search both the records in various places and the most authentic
histories, in order to gain some competent knowledge of the blood which
has been shed since the Reformation, and computes that, partly by private
persecution, partly by religious wars, in the course of forty years,
reckoning from the year 1520, above forty millions of persons have been
destroyed!

  2. But is it not possible to distinguish right zeal from wrong?
Undoubtedly it is possible. But it is difficult; such is the
deceitfulness of the human heart; so skilfully do the passions justify
themselves. And there are exceeding few treatises on the subject; at
least, in the English language. To this day I have seen or heard of only
one sermon; and that was wrote above a hundred years ago, by Dr. Sprat,
then Bishop of Rochester; so that it is now exceeding scarce.

  3. I would gladly cast in my mite, by God’s assistance toward the
clearing up this important question, in order to enable well-meaning men,
who are desirous of pleasing God, to distinguish true Christian zeal from
its various counterfeits. And this is more necessary at this time than it
has been for many years. Sixty years ago there seemed to be scarce any
such thing as religious zeal left in the nation. People in general were
wonderfully cool and undisturbed about that trifle, religion. But since
then, it is easy to observe, there has been a very considerable altera-
tion. Many thousands, almost in every part of the nation, have felt a
real desire to save their souls. And I am persuaded there is at this day
more religious zeal in England, than there has been for a century past.

  4. But has this zeal been of the right or the wrong kind?

  Probably both the one and the other. Let us see if we cannot separate
these, that we may avoid the latter, and cleave to the former. In order
to this. I would first inquire,

  I. What is the nature of true Christian zeal?

  II. What are the properties of it? And,

  III. Draw some practical inferences.

  I. And, first, What is the nature of zeal in general, and of true
Christian zeal in particular?

  1. The original word, in its primary signification, means heat; such as
the heat of boiling water. When it is figuratively applied to the mind,
it means any warm emotion or affection. Sometimes it is taken for envy.
So we render it, Acts v. 17, where we read, “The High Priest, and all
that were with him, were filled with envy,” – eplisthisan chilou;
although it might as well be rendered, were filled with zeal. Sometimes,
it is taken for anger and indignation; sometimes, for vehement desire.
And when any of our passions are strongly moved on a religious account,
whether for any thing good, or against any thing which we conceive to be
evil, this we term religious zeal.

  2. But it is not all that is called religious zeal which is worthy of
that name. It is not properly religious or Christian zeal, if it be not
joined with charity. A fine writer (Bishop Sprat) carries the matter
farther still. “It has been affirmed,” says that great man, “no zeal is
right, which is not charitable, but is mostly so. Charity, or love, is
not only one ingredient, but the chief ingredient in its composition.”
May we not go further still? May we not say, that true zeal is not mostly
charitable, but wholly so? that is, if we take charity, in St. Paul’s
sense, for love; the love of God and our neighbour. For it is a certain
truth, (although little understood in the world,) that Christian zeal is
all love. It is nothing else. The love of God and man fills up its whole
nature.

  3. Yet it is not every degree of that love to which this appellation is
given. There may be some love, a small degree of it, where there is no
zeal. But it is, properly, love in a higher degree. It is fervent love.
True Christian zeal is no other than the flame of love. This is the
nature, the inmost essence, of it.

  II. 1. From hence it follows, that the properties of love are the
properties of zeal also. Now, one of the chief properties of love is
humility: “Love is not puffed up.” Accordingly, this is a property of
true zeal: humility is inseparable from it. As is the degree of zeal,
such is the degree of humility: they must rise and fall together. The
same love which fills a man with zeal for God, makes him little, and
poor, and vile in his own eyes.

  2. Another of the properties of love is meekness: consequently, it is
one of the properties of zeal. It teaches us to be meek, as well as
lowly; to be equally superior to anger or pride. Like as the wax melteth
at the fire, so before this sacred flame all turbulent passions melt
away, and leave the soul unruffled and serene.

  3. Yet another property of love, and consequently of zeal, is unwearied
patience: for “love endureth all things.” It arms the soul with entire
resignation to all the disposals of divine Providence, and teaches us to
say, in every occurrence, “It is the Lord; let him do what seemeth him
good.” It enables us, in whatever state, therewith to be content; to
repine at nothing, to murmur at nothing, “but in every thing to give
thanks.”

  4. There is a fourth property of Christian zeal, which deserves to be
more particularly considered. This we learn from the very words of the
Apostle, “It is good to be jealously affected always” (not to have
transient touches of veal, but a steady, rooted disposition) “in a good
thing: “in that which is good: for the proper object of zeal is, good in
general; that is, everything that is good, really such, in the sight of
God.

  5. But what is good in the sight of God? What is that religion,
wherewith God is always well pleased? How do the parts of this rise one
above another? and what is the comparative value of them?

  This is a point exceeding little considered, and therefore little
understood. Positive divinity, many have some knowledge of. But few know
anything of comparative divinity. I never saw but one tract upon this
head; a sketch of which it may be of use to subjoin.

  In a Christian believer love sits upon the throne which is erected in
the inmost soul; namely, love of God and man, which fills the whole
heart, and reigns without a rival. In a circle near the throne are all
holy tempers; – longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, fidelity,
temperance; and if any other were comprised in “the mind which was in
Christ Jesus.” In an exterior circle are all the works of mercy, whether
to the souls or bodies of men. By these we exercise all holy tempers- by
these we continually improve them, so that all these are real means of
grace, although this is not commonly adverted to. Next to these are those
that are usually termed works of piety – reading and hearing the word,
public, family, private prayer, receiving the Lord’s supper, fasting or
abstinence. Lastly, that his followers may the more effectually provoke
one another to love, holy tempers, and good works, our blessed Lord has
united them together in one body, the church, dispersed all over the
earth- a little emblem of which, of the church universal, we have in
every particular Christian congregation.

  6. This is that religion which our Lord has established upon earth,
ever since the descent of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. This is
the entire, connected system of Christianity: and thus the several parts
of it rise one above another, from that lowest point, the assembling
ourselves together, to the highest, – love enthroned in the heart. And
hence it is easy to learn the comparative value of every branch of
religion. Hence also we learn a fifth property of true zeal: that as it
is always exercised en chalo, in that which is good, so it is always
proportioned to that good, to the degree of goodness that is in its
object.

  7. For example. Every Christian ought, undoubtedly, to be zealous for
the church, bearing a strong affection to it, and earnestly desiring its
prosperity and increase. He ought to be thus zealous, as for the church
universal, praying for it continually, so especially for that particular
church or Christian society whereof he himself is a member. For this he
ought to wrestle with God in prayer; meantime using every means in his
power to enlarge its borders, and to strengthen his brethren, that they
may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.

  8. But he should be more zealous for the ordinances of Christ than for
the church itself; for prayer in public and private; for the Lord’s
supper, for reading, hearing, and meditating on his word; and for the
much-neglected duty of fasting. These he should earnestly recommend;
first, by his example; and then by advice, by argument, persuasion, and
exhortation, as often as occasion offers.

  9. Thus should he show his zeal for works of piety; but much more for
works of mercy; seeing “God will have mercy and not sacrifice,” that is,
rather than sacrifice. Whenever, therefore, one interferes with the
other, works of mercy are to be preferred. Even reading, hearing, prayer
are to be omitted, or to be postponed, “at charity’s almighty call;” when
we are called to relieve the distress of our neighbour, whether in body
or soul.

  10. But as zealous as we are for all good works, we should still be
more zealous for holy tempers; for planting and promoting, both in our
own souls, and in all we have any intercourse with, lowliness of mind,
meekness. gentleness, longsuffering, contentedness, resignation unto the
will of God, deadness to the world and the things of the world, as the
only means of being truly alive to God. For these proofs and fruits of
living faith we cannot be too zealous. We should “talk of them as we sit
in our house,” and “when we walk by the way,” and “when we lie down,” and
“when we rise up.” We should make them continual matter of prayer; as
being far more excellent than any outward works whatever: seeing those
will fail when the body drops off; but these will accompany us into
eternity.

  11. But our choicest zeal should be reserved for love itself, – the
end of the commandment, the fulfilling of the law. The church, the
ordinances, outward works of every kind, yea, all other holy tempers, are
inferior to this, and rise in value only as they approach nearer and
nearer to it. Here then is the great object of Christian zeal. Let every
true believer in Christ apply, with all fervency of spirit, to the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that his heart may be more and more
enlarged in love to God and to all mankind. This one thing let him do:
let him “press on to this prize of our high calling of God in Christ
Jesus.”

  III. It remains only to draw some practical inferences from the
preceding observations.

  1. And, first, if zeal, true Christian zeal, be nothing but the flame
of love, then hatred, in every kind and degree, then every sort of
bitterness toward them that oppose us, is so far from deserving the name
of zeal, that it is directly opposite to it. If zeal be only fervent
love, then it stands at the utmost distance from prejudice, jealousy,
evil surmising; seeing “love thinketh no evil.” Then bigotry of every
sort, and, above all, the spirit of persecutor, are totally inconsistent
with it. Let not, therefore, any of these unholy tempers screen
themselves under that sacred name. As all these are the works of the
devil, let them appear in their own shape, and no longer under that
specious disguise deceive the unwary children of God.

  2. Secondly. If lowliness be a property of zeal, then pride is
inconsistent with it. It is true, some degree of pride may remain after
the love of God is shed abroad in the heart; as this is one of the last
evils that is rooted out, when God creates all things new; but it cannot
reign, nor retain any considerable power, where fervent love is found.
Yea, were we to give way to it but a little, it would damp that holy
fervour, and, if we did not immediately fly back to Christ. would utterly
quench the Spirit.

  3. Thirdly. If meekness be an inseparable property of zeal, what shall
we say of those who call their auger by that name? Why, that they mistake
the truth totally; that they, in the fullest sense, put darkness for
light, and light for darkness. We cannot be too watchful against this
delusion, because it spreads over the whole Christian world. Almost in
all places, zeal and anger pass for equivalent terms; and exceeding few
persons are convinced, that there is any difference between them. How
commonly do we hear it said, “See how zealous the man is!” Nay, he cannot
be zealous; that is impossible, for he is in a passion- and passion is as
inconsistent with zeal, as light with darkness, or heaven with hell!

  It were well that this point were thoroughly understood. Let us
consider it a little farther. We frequently observe one that bears the
character of a religious man vehemently angry at his neighbour. Perhaps
he calls his brother Raca, or Thou fool: he brings a railing accusation
against him. You mildly admonish him of his warmth. He answers, “It is my
zeal!’ No: it is your sin, and, unless you repent of it, will sink you
lower than the grave. There is much such zeal as this in the bottomless
pit. Thence all zeal of this kind comes; and thither it will go, and you
with it, unless you are saved from it before you go hence!

  4. Fourthly. If patience, contentedness, and resignation are the
properties of zeal, then murmuring, fretfulness, discontent, impatience
are wholly inconsistent with it. And yet how ignorant are mankind of
this! How often do we see men fretting at the ungodly, or telling you
they are out of patience with such or such things, and terming all this
their zeal! O spare no pains to undeceive them! If it be possible, show
them what zeal is; and convince them that all murmuring, or fretting at
sin, is a species of sin, and has no resemblance of, or connexion with,
the true zeal of the Gospel.

  5. Fifthly. If the object of zeal be that which is good, then fervour
for any evil thing is not Christian zeal. I instance in idolatry, –
worshipping of angels, saints, images, the cross. Although, therefore, a
man were so earnestly attached to any kind of idolatrous worship, that he
would even “give his body to be burned,” rather than refrain from it,
call this bigotry or superstition, if you please, but call it not zeal;
that is quite another thing.

  From the same premises it follows, that fervour for indifferent things
is not Christian zeal. But how exceedingly common is this mistake too!
Indeed one would think that men of understanding could not be capable of
such weakness. But, alas! the history of all ages proves the contrary.
Who were men of stronger understandings than Bishop Ridley and Bishop
Hooper? And how warmly did these, and other great men of that age,
dispute about the sacerdotal vestments! How eager was the contention for
almost a hundred years, for and against wearing a surplice! O shame to
man! I would as soon have disputed about a straw or a barley-corn. And
this, indeed, shall be called zeal! And why was it not rather called
wisdom or holiness?

  6. It follows also, from the same premises, that fervour for opinions
is not Christian zeal. But how few are sensible of this! And how
innumerable are the mischiefs which even this species of false zeal has
occasioned in the Christian world! How many thousand lives have been cast
away by those who were zealous for the Romish opinions! How many of the
excellent ones of the earth have been cut off by zealots, for the
senseless opinion of transubstantiation! But does not every unprejudiced
person see, that this zeal is ‘ earthly, sensual, devilish;” and that it
stands at the utmost contrariety to that zeal which is here recommended
by the Apostle?

  What an excess of charity is it then which our great poet expresses, in
his “Poem on the Last Day,” where he talks of meeting in heaven –

    “Those who by mutual wounds expired,
    By zeal for their distinct persuasions fired!”

  Zeal indeed! What manner of zeal was this, which led them to cut one
another’s throats? Those who were fired with this spirit, aud died
therein, will undoubtedly have their portion, not in heaven, (only love
is there,) but in the “fire that never shall be quenched.”

  7. Lastly. If true zeal be always proportioned to the degree of
goodness which is in its object, then should it rise higher and higher
according to the scale mentioned above; according to the comparative
value of the several parts of religion. For instance, all that truly fear
God should be zealous for the church; both for the catholic or universal
church, and for that part of it whereof they are members. This is not the
appointment of men, but of God. He saw it was “not good for men to be
alone,” even in this sense. but that the whole body of his children
should be “knit together, and strengthened, by that which every joint
supplieth.” At the same time they should be more zealous for the
ordinances of God; for public and private prayer, for hearing and reading
the word of God, and for fasting and the Lord’s supper. But they should
be more zealous for works of mercy, than even for works of piety. Yet
ought they to be more zealous still for all holy tempers, lowliness,
meekness, resignation: but most zealous of all, for that which is the sum
and the perfection of religion, the love of God and man.

  8. It remains only to make a close and honest application of these
things to our own souls. We all know the general truth, that “it is good
to be always zealously affected in a good thing.” Let us now, every one
of us, apply it to his own soul in particular.

  9. Those, indeed, who are still dead in trespasses and sins have
neither part nor lot in this matter; nor those that live in any open sin,
such as drunkenness, Sabbath-breaking, or profane swearing. These have
nothing to do with zeal; they have no business at all even to take the
word in their mouth. It is utter folly and impertinence for any to talk
of zeal for God, while he is doing the works of the devil. But if you
have renounced the devil and all his works, and have settled it in your
heart, I will “worship the Lord my God, and him only will I serve,” then
beware of being neither cold nor hot; then be zealous for God. You may
begin at the lowest step. Be zealous for the church, more especially for
that particular branch thereof wherein your lot is cast. Study the
welfare of this, and carefully observe all the rules of it, for
conscience’ sake. But, in the mean time, take heed that you do not
neglect any of the ordinances of God; for the sake of which, in a great
measure, the church itself was constituted: so that it would be highly
absurd to talk of zeal for the church, if you were not more zealous for
them. But are you more zealous for works of mercy, than even for works of
piety? Do you follow the example of your Lord, and prefer mercy even
before sacrifice? Do you use all diligence in feeding the hungry,
clothing the naked, visiting them that are sick and in prison? And, above
all, do you use every means in your power to save souls from death? If,
as you have time, “you do good unto all men,” though “especially to them
that are of the household of faith,” your zeal for the church is pleasing
to God: but if not, if you are not “careful to maintain good works,” what
have you to do with the church? If you have not “compassion on your
fellow-servants,” neither will your Lord have pity on you. “Bring no more
vain oblations.” All your service is “an abomination to the Lord.”

  10. Are you better instructed than to put asunder what God has joined?
than to separate works of piety from works of mercy? Are you uniformly
zealous of both? So far you walk acceptably to God; that is, if you
continually bear in mind, that God “searcheth the heart and reins;” that
“he is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and
in truth;” that, consequently, no outward works are acceptable to him,
unless they spring from holy tempers, without which no man can have a
place in the kingdom of Christ and God.

  11. But of all holy tempers, and above all others, see that you be most
zealous for love. Count all things loss in comparison of this, – the love
of God and all mankind. It is most sure, that if you give all your goods
to feed the poor, yea, and your body to be burned, and have not humble,
gentle, patient love, it profiteth you nothing. O let this be deep
engraved upon your heart: “All is nothing without love!”

  12. Take then the whole of religion together, just as God has revealed
it in his word; and be uniformly zealous for every part of it, according
to its degree of excellence. Grounding all your zeal on the one
foundation, “Jesus Christ and him crucified;” holding fast this one
principle, “The life I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God, who
loved ME, and gave himself for ME;” proportion your zeal to the value of
its object. Be calmly zealous, therefore, first, for the church; “the
whole state of Christ’s church militant here on earth:” and in particular
for that branch thereof with which you are more immediately connected. Be
more zealous for all those ordinances which our blessed Lord hath
appointed, to continue therein to the end of the world. Be more zealous
for those works of mercy, those “sacrifices wherewith God is well
pleased,” those marks whereby the Shepherd of Israel will know his sheep
at the last day. Be more zealous still for holy tempers, for long-
suffering, gentleness, meekness, lowliness, and resignation; but be most
zealous of all for love, the queen of all graces, the highest perfection
in earth or heaven, the very image of the invisible God, as in men below,
so in angels above. For “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love,
dwelleth in God, and God in him.”

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