Sermons on several occasions: in four volumes. / By John Wesley, M.A. late fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford. ; Vol. I[-IV].

The Nature of Enthusiasm. A SERMON

ON ACTS. xxvi. 24.

And Festus said with a loud Voice, Paul, Thou art beside thyself.

1. AND so say all the world, the men who know not God, of all that are of Paul's religion; of every one who is so a follower of him, as he was of Christ. It is true, there is a sort of religion, nay and it is called christianity too, which may be practised without any such imputations, which is generally allowed to be consistent with common sense. That is, a religion of form, a round of outward duties, performed in a decent, regular manner. You may add orthodoxy thereto, a system of right opinions, yea, and some quantity of heathen morality. And yet not many will pro∣nounce, that much religion hath made you mad. But if you aim at the religion of the heart, if you talk of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, then it will not be long before your sentence is past, Thou art beside thyself.

2. And it is no compliment which the men of the world ••ay you herein. They, for once, mean what they say. They not only affirm, but cordially believe, that every man is beside him∣self, who says, the love of God is shed abroad in his heart, by the Holy Ghost given unto him,

and that God has enabled him to rejoice in Christ, with joy unspeakable and full of glory. If a man is indeed alive to God, and dead to all things here below; if he continually sees him that is invisible, and accordingly walks by faith and not by sight: then they account it a clear case; beyond all dispute, much religion hath made him mad.

3. It is easy to observe, that the determinate thing which the world accounts madness, is that utter contempt of all temporal things, and steady pursuit of things eternal; that di∣vine conviction of things not seen; that re∣joicing in the favour of God; that happy, holy love of God; and that testimony of his spirit with our spirit, that we are the children of God. That is, in truth, the whole spirit and life and power of the religion of Jesus Christ.

4. They will however allow, in other respects, the man acts and talks like one in his senses. In other things, he is a reasonable man: 'tis in these instances only his head is touched. It is therefore acknowledged, that the madness under which he labours, is of a particular kind. And accordingly they are accustomed to distinguish it by a particular name, ENTHUSIASM.

5. A term this, which is exceeding frequently used, which is scarce ever out of some men's mouths. And yet it is exceeding rarely under∣stood, even by those who use it most. It may be therefore not unacceptable to serious men, to all who desire to understand what they speak or hear, if I endeavour to explain the meaning of this term, to shew what enthusiasm is. It may be

an encouragement to those who are unjustly charg∣ed therewith: and may possibly be of use to some who are justly charged with it, at least to others, who might be so, were they not cautioned against it.

6. As to the word itself, it is generally al∣lowed to be of Greek extraction. But whence the Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is derived, none has yet been able to shew. Some have endeavoured to derive it from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in God, because all en∣thusiasm has reference to him. But this is quite forced; there being small resemblance between the word derived, and those they strive to de∣rive it from. Others would derive it from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉in sacrifice, because many of the enthu∣siasts of old, were affected in the most violent manner, during the time of sacrifice. Per∣haps it is a fictitious word, invented from the noise, which some of those made who were so affected.

7. It is not improbable, that one reason why this uncouth word has been retained in so many Languages, was because men were no better agreed, concerning the meaning than concern∣ing the derivation of it. They therefore adopted the Greek word, because they did not under∣stand it: they did not translate it into their own tongues, because they knew not how to translate it: it having been always a word of a loose, un∣certain sense, to which no determinate meaning was affixed.

8. It is not therefore at all surprising, that it is so variously taken at this day: different per∣sons understanding it in different senses, quite inconsistent with each other. Some take it in a

good sense, for a divine impulse or impression, superior to all the natural faculties, and suspend∣ing for the time, either in whole or in part, both the reason and the outward senses. In this meaning of the word, both the prophets of old, and the apostles were proper enthusiasts: being at divers times so filled with the spirit, and so influenced by him who dwelt in their hearts, that the exercise of their own reason, their senses, and all their natural faculties being suspended, they were wholly actuated by the power of God, and spake only as they were moved by the Holy Ghost

9. Others take the word in an indifferent sense, such as is neither morally good nor evil. Thus they speak of the enthusiasm of the poets; of Homer and Virgil in particular. And this a late eminent writer extends so far as to assert, there is no man excellent in his profession, what soever it be, who has not in his temper a strong tincture of enthusiasm. By enthusiasm these appear to understand, an uncommon vigor of thought, a peculiar fervor of spirit, a vivacity and strength not to be found in common men: elevating the soul to greater and higher things, than cool rea∣son could have attained.

10. But neither of these is the sense wherein the word enthusiasm is most usually understood. The generality of men, if no farther agreed, at least agree thus far concerning it, that it is something evil: and this is plainly the sen∣timent of all those, who call the religion of the heart, enthusiasm. Accordingly I shall take it in the following pages, as an evil; a misfortune, if not a fault.

11. As to the nature of enthusiasm, it is un∣doubtedly a disorder of the mind; and such a disorder, as greatly hinders the exercise of rea∣son. Nay, sometimes, it wholly sets it aside: it not only dims, but shuts the eyes of the under∣standing. It may therefore well be accounted a species of madness; of madness rather than of folly: seeing a fool is properly one who draws wrong conclusions from right premises: where∣as a madman draws right conclusions, but from wrong premises. And so does an enthusiast. Suppose his premises true, and his conclusions would necessarily follow. But here lies his mis∣take, his premises are false. He imagines him∣self to be what he is not. And therefore setting out wrong, the farther he goes, the more he wan∣ders out of the way.

12. Every enthusiast then is properly a mad∣man. Yet his is not an ordinary, but a religious madness. By religious, I do not mean, that it is any part of religion. Quite the reverse: Re∣ligion is, the spirit of a sound mind, and con∣sequently stands in direct opposition to madness of every kind. But I mean, it has religion for its object; it is conversant about religion. And so the enthusiast is generally talking of religion, of God or of the things of God; but talk∣ing in such a manner that every reasonable chris∣tian may discern the disorder of his mind. en∣thusiasm in general may then be described in some such manner as this: a religious madness arising from some falsely imagined influence or inspira∣tion of God: at least, from imputing some∣thing to God which ought not to be imputed to

him, or expecting something from God which ought not to be expected from him.

13. There are innumerable sorts of enthu∣siasm. Those which are most common and for that reason most dangerous, I shall endeavour to reduce under a few general heads, that they may be more easily understood and avoided.

The first sort of enthusiasm which I shall mention, is that of those who imagine they have the grace which they have not. Thus some ima∣gine, when it is not so, that they have redemp∣tion thro' Christ, even the forgiveness of sin. These are usually such as have no root in them∣selves; no deep repentance, or thorough con∣viction. Therefore they receive the word with joy. And because they have no deepness of earth, no deep work in their heart, therefore the seed im∣mediately springs up. There is immediately a superficial change, which together with that light joy, striking in with the pride of their unbroken heart, and with their inerdinate self-love, easily persuades them, they have already tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come.

14. This is properly an instance of the first sort of enthusiasm: It is a kind of madness, arising from the imagination, that they have that grace which in truth they have not: So that they only deceive their own souls. Madness it may justly be termed: For the reasonings of these poor men are right, were their premises good: But as those are a mere creature of their own imagination, so all that is built on them falls to the ground. The foundation of all their reveries is this: 〈…〉〈…〉 themselves to have faith in Christ 〈…〉〈…〉

had this, they would be Kings and Priests to God, possest of a kingdom which cannot be moved. But they have it not. Consequently, all their follow∣ing behaviour, is as wide of truth and soberness, as that of the ordinary madman, who fancying himself an earthly king, speaks and acts in that character.

15. There are many other enthusiasts of this sort. Such, for instance, is the fiery zealot for religion; or (more probably) for the opinions and modes of worship, which he dignifies with that name. This man also strongly imagines himself to be a believer in Jesus, yea, that he is a cham∣pion for the faith, which was once delivered to the saints. Accordingly all his conduct is formed, upon that vain imagination. And al∣lowing his supposition to be just, he would have some tolerable plea for his behaviour: Whereas now it is evidently the effect of a distempered brain as well as a distempered heart.

16. But the most common of all the enthusi∣asts of this kind, are those who imagine them∣selves Christians, and are not. These abound not only in all parts of our land, but in most parts of the habitable earth. That they are not Christ∣ians is clear and undeniable, if we believe the o∣racles of God. For Christians are holy; these are unholy: Christians love God; these love the world. Christians are humble; these are proud: Christians are gentle; these are passionate. Chris∣tians have the mind which was in Christ; these are at the utmost distance from it. Consequent∣ly they are no more Christians, than they are Archangels. Yet they imagine themselves so

to be; and they can give several reasons for it. For they have been called so ever since they can remember: They were christened many years ago: They embrace the Christian opinions, vul∣garly termed, The Christian or Catholic faith. They use the Christian Modes of Worship, as their fathers did before them. They live what is called a good, Christian life, as the rest of their neighbours do. And who shall presume to think or say, that these men are not Christians? Tho' without one grain of true faith in Christ, or of real, inward holiness! without ever having tasted the love of God, or been made partakers of the Holy Ghost.

17. Ah poor self-deceivers! Christians ye are not. But you are enthusiasts in an high degree. Physicians, heal yourselves. But first, know your disease: Your whole life is enthusiasm: As being all suitable to the imagination, that you have re∣ceived that grace of God which you have not. In consequence of this grand mistake, you blunder on, day by day, speaking and acting under a cha∣racter, which does in no wise belong to you. Hence arises that palpable, glaring inconsistency, that runs thro' your whole behaviour: Which is an aukward mixture of real heathenism and imaginary Christianity. Yet still, as you have so vast a majority on your side, you will always car∣ry it by mere dint of numbers, "That you are the only men in your senses, and all are lunatics who are not as you are." But this alters not the nature of things. In the sight of God and his holy angels, yea, and all the children of God upon earth, you are mere madmen, mere enthusiasts

all. Are you not? Are you not walking in a vain shadow, a shadow of religion, a shadow of happiness? Are you not still ••squieting yourselves in vain? With misfortunes as imaginary as your happiness or religion? Do you not fancy your∣selves great or good? Very knowing, and very wise! How long? perhaps till death brings you back to your senses; to be wail your folly for ever and ever!

18. A second sort of enthusiasm, is that of those, who imagine they have such gifts from God as they have not. Thus some have ima∣gined themselves to be endued with a power of working miracles, of healing the sick by a word or a touch, of restoring sight to the blind; yea, even of raising the dead, a notorious instance of which is still fresh in our own history. Others have undertaken to prophesy, to foretel things to come, and that with the utmost certainty and exactness. But a little time usually convinces these enthusiasts. When pla••n facts run counter to their predictions, experience performs what reason could not, and sinks them down into their senses.

19. To the same class belong those, who in preaching or prayer, imagine themselves to be so influenced by the spirit of God as in fact they are not. I am sensible indeed, that without him we can do nothing; more especially in our pub∣lic ministry: That all our preaching is utterly vain, unless it be attended with his power; and all our prayer, unless his spirit therein help our infirmities. I know, if we do not both preach and pray by the spirit, it is all but lost labour:

Seeing the help that is done upon earth, he doth it himself, who worketh all in all. But this does not affect the case before us. Though there is a real influence of the spirit of God, there is al∣so an imaginary one; and many there are who mistake the one for the other. Many suppose themselves to be under that influence, when they are not, when it is far from them. And many others suppose, they are more under that influ∣ence than they really are. Of this number, I fear, are all they who imagine, that God dictates the very words they speak: And that consequent∣ly it is impossible they should speak any thing amiss, either as to the matter or manner of it. It is well known, how many enthusiasts of this sort also, have appeared during the present cen∣tury: Some of whom speak in a far more autho∣ritative manner than either St. Paul or any of the Apostles.

20. The same sort of enthusiasm, though in a lower degree, is frequently found in men of a private character. They may likewise imagine themselves to be influenced or directed by the spirit when they are not. I allow, if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his: And that if ever we either think, speak, or act aright, it is through the assistance of that blessed spirit. But how many impute things to him, or expect things from him, without any rational or scrip∣tural ground? such are they who imagine, they either do or shall receive particular directions from God, not only in points of importance, but in things of no moment, in the most trifling circumstances of life. Whereas in these cases God has given us our own reason for a guide:

Tho' never excluding th•• secret assistance of his Spirit.

21. To this kind of enthusiasm they are pe∣culiarly exposed, who expect to be directed of God, either in spiritual things or in common life, in what is justly called, an extraordinary manner. I mean, by visions or dreams, by strong impressions or sudden impulses on the mind. I do not deny, that God has of old times mani∣fested his will in this manner. Or, that he can do so now. Nay, I believe, he does, in some very rare instances. But how frequently do men mis∣take herein? How are they misled by pride and a warm imagination, to ascribe such impulses or impressions, dreams or visions to God, as are utterly unworthy of him? Now this is all pure enthusiasm, all as wide of religion, as it is of truth and soberness.

22. Perhaps some may ask, "Ought we not then to inquire, what is the will of God in all things? And ought not his will to be the rule of our practice?" Unquestionably it ought. But how is a sober Christian to make this inquiry? To know, what is the will of God? Not by waiting for supernatural dreams. Not by ex∣pecting God to reveal it in visions. Not by looking for any particular impressions, or sudden impulses on his mind. No: But by consulting the oracles of God. To the law and to the testi∣mony. This is the general method of knowing what i•• the holy and acceptable will of God.

23. "But how shall I know what is the will of God, in such and such a particular case? The thing proposed is in itself of an indifferent nature, and so lest undetermined in Scripture." I

answer, the Scripture itself gives you a ge∣neral rule, applicable to all particular cases. The will of God is our sanctification. It is his will that we should be inwardly and outwardly holy; that we should be good and do good in every kind, and in the highest degree whereof we are capa∣ble. Thus far we tread upon firm ground. This is as clear as the shining of the sun. In order therefore to know, what is the will of God, in a particular case, we have only to apply this ge∣neral rule.

24. Suppose, for instance, it were proposed to a reasonable man, to marry, or to enter into a new business: In order to know, whether this is the will of God, being assured, "It is the will of God, concerning me, that I should be as holy and do as much good as I can," he has only to inquire, "In which of these states can I be most holy, and do the most good?" And this is to be determined, partly by reason, and partly by experience. Experience tells him what ad∣vantages he has in his present state, either for being or doing good: And reason is to shew, what he certainly or probably will have in the state proposed. By comparing these, he is to judge, which of the two may most conduce to his being and doing good: And as far as he knows this, so far he is certain, what is the will of God.

25. Mean time, the assistance of his spirit is supposed, during the whole process of the in∣quiry. Indeed 'tis not easy to say, in how many ways, that assistance is conveyed. He may bring many circumstances to our remembrance, may place others in a stronger and clearer light; may in∣sensibly

sensibly open our mind to receive conviction, and fix that conviction upon our heart. And to a concurrence of many circumstances of this kind, in favour of what is acceptable in his sight, he may superadd such an unutterable peace of mind, and so uncommon a measure of his love, as will leave us no possibility of doubting, that this, even this, is his will concerning us.

26. This is the plain, scriptural, rational way to know, what is the will of God in a particular case. But considering how seldom this way is taken, and what a flood of enthusiasm must needs break in, on those who endeavour to know the will of God, by unscriptural, irrational ways: It were to be wished, that the expression itself, were far more sparingly used. The using it, as some do, on the most trivial occasions, is a plain breach of the third commandment. It is a gross way of taking the name of God in vain, and betrays great irreverence toward him. Would it not be far better then, to use other expressions, which are not liable to such objections? For ex∣ample—Instead of saying, on any particular oc∣casion, "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 is∣sue, and that without any danger of enthusiasm.

27. A third very common sort of enthusiasm (if it does not coincide 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 providen∣tially

withheld, 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 en∣thusiasts. Such as 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 design∣edly 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.

28. It may be expected that I should mention what some have accounted, a fourth sort of en∣thusiasm, namely, The imagining those things to be owing to the providence of God, which are not owing thereto. But I doubt. I know not what things they are, which are not owing to the providence of God: In ordering, or, at least, in governing of which, this is not either directly or remotely concerned. I except nothing but sin: And even in the sins of others, I see the providence of God to me. I do not say, his general Providence; for this I take to be a sounding word, which means just nothing. And if there be a particular Providence; it must extend to all persons and all things. So our Lord un∣derstood it, or he could never have said, Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. And, Not a sparrow falleth to the ground, without the will of your Father which is in Heaven. But if it be so,

if God presides universis tanquem singulis, et sin∣gulus tanquam universis; over the whole universe as over every single person, over every single per∣son as over the whole universe: What is it (ex∣cept only our own sins) which we are not to ascribe to the providence of God? So that I can∣not apprehend, there is any room here, for the charge of enthusiasm.

29. If it be said, The charge lies here: "When you impute this to Providence, you ima∣gine yourself the peculiar favourite of heaven." I answer, you have forgot some of the last words I spoke, Praesidet universis tanquam singulis. His Providence is over all men in the universe, as much as over any single person. Don't you see, that he who believing this, imputes any thing which befalls him to Providence, does not therein make himself any more the favourite of heaven, than he supposes every man under heaven to be? Therefore you have no pretence, upon this ground, to charge him with enthusiasm.

30. Against every sort of this, it behoves us to guard, with the utmost diligence: Considering the dreadful effects it has so often produced, and which indeed naturally result from it. Its imme∣diate offspring is pride; it continually increases this source from whence it flows, and hereby it alienates us more and more, from the favour and from the life of God. It dries up the very springs of faith and love: of righteousness and true holiness: Seeing all these flow from grace. But God resisteth the proud and giveth grace only to the humble.

31. Together with pride there will naturally arise an unadvisable and unconvincible Spirit. So

that into whatever error or fault the enthu∣siast falls, there is small hope of his recovery. For reason will have little weight with him (as has been justly and frequently observed) who ima∣gines he is led by an higher guide, by the immedi∣ate wisdom of God. And as he grows in pride, so he must grow in unadvisableness and in stub∣bornness also. He must be less and less capa∣ble of being convinced, less susceptible of per∣suasion; more and more attached to his own judg∣ment and his own will, 'till he is altogether fixt and immoveable.

32. Being thus fortified both against the grace of God, and against all advice and help from man, he is wholly left to the guidance of his own heart, and of the king of the children of pride. No marvel then that he is daily more rooted and grounded in contempt of all mankind, in furious anger, in every unkind disposition, in every earthly and devilish temper. Neither can we wonder at the terrible outward effects, which have flowed from such dispositions in all ages: Even all manner of wickedness, all the works of darkness, committed by those who call themselves christians, while they wrought with greediness such things, as were hardly named even among the heathens.

Such is the nature, such the dreadful effects, of that many-headed monster enthusiasm! From the consideration of which, we may now draw some plain inferences, with regard to our own practice.

33. And, First, if enthusiasm be a term, tho' so frequently used, yet so rarely understood,

take you care, not to talk of you know not what, not to use the word, till you understand it. As in all other points, so likewise in this, learn to think before you speak. First, know the mean∣ing of this hard word; and then use it, if need require.

34. But if so few, even among men of edu∣cation and learning, much more among the com∣mon sort of men, understand this dark, ambi∣guous word, or have any fixt notion of what it means: Then, Secondly, beware of judging or calling any man an enthusiast upon common re∣port. This is by no means a sufficient ground, for giving any name of reproach to any man: Least of all is it a sufficient ground for so black a term of reproach as this. The more evil it con∣tains, the more cautious you should be, how you apply it to any one: To bring so heavy an accu∣sation without full proof, being neither consist∣ent with justice nor mercy.

35. But if enthusiasm be so great an evil, be∣ware you are not entangled therewith yourself. Watch and pray that you fall not into the temp∣tation. It easily besets those who fear or love God. O beware you do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Do not imagine you have attained that grace of God to which you have not attained. You may have much joy: You may have a measure of love, and yet not have living faith. Cry unto God that he would not suffer you, blind as you are, to go out of the way: That you may never fancy yourself a believer in Christ, till Christ is reveal∣ed in you, and till his spirit witnesses with your spirit, that you are a child of God.

36. Beware you are not a fiery, persecuting enthusiast. Do not imagine that God has called you, (just contrary to the spirit of him you stile your master) to destroy men's lives, and not to save them. Never dream of forcing men into the ways of God. Think yourself, and let think. Use no constraint in matters of religion. Even those who are farthest out of the way, never com∣pel to come in, by any other means, than reason, truth and love.

37. Beware you do not run with the common herd of enthusiasts, fancying you are a Christian when you are not Presume not to assume that venerable name, unless you have a clear, scrip∣tural title thereto: Unless you have the mind which was in Christ, and walk as he also walked.

38. Beware you do not fall into the second sort of enthusiasm, fancying you have those gifts from God which you have not. Trust not in visions or dreams; in sudden impressions, or strong im∣pulses of any kind. Remember, it is not by these you are to know, what is the will of God on any particular occasion; but by applying the plain scriptural rule, with the help of experience and reason, and the ordinary assistance of the spirit of God. Do not lightly take the name of God in your mouth: Do not talk of the will of God on every trifling occasion. But let your words as well as your actions be all tempered with reverence and godly fear.

39. Beware, lastly, of imagining you shall obtain the end, without using the means condu∣cive to it. God can give the end, without any means at all: But you have no reason to think he will. Therefore constantly and carefully use all

these means, which he has appointed to be the ordinary channels of his grace. Use every means which either reason or scripture recommends, as conducive (thro' the free love of God in Christ) either to the obtaining, or increasing any of the gifts of God. Thus expect a daily growth in that pure and holy religion, which the world always did, and always will call enthusiasm: But which, to all who are saved from real enthusiasm, from merely nominal christianity, is the wisdom of God and the power of God, the glorious image of the most High: Righteousness and peace: A fountain of living water, springing up into ever∣lasting life!