The Nature of Enthusiasm · §7 · John Wesley

A rarely understood word

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This is a term which is exceedingly frequently used, which is scarcely ever out of some men's mouths. And yet it is exceedingly rarely understood, even by those who use it most. It may therefore not be unacceptable to serious men, to all who desire to understand what they speak or hear, if I endeavor to explain the meaning of this term, to show what enthusiasm is. It may encourage those who are unjustly charged with it, and may possibly be of use to some who are justly charged with it — at least to others who might be, were they not cautioned against it.

1771 text

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 understood, 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 charged 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.

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About this text

On Acts 26:24: what enthusiasm, or religious madness, is, the forms it takes, and how to avoid it without losing true religion.

EditionPrinted in Wesley's 1771 Works, which do not say when he preached it

Wesley's own sermon in updated English wording. The 1771 panel is the text of the Works Wesley himself had printed in 1771. It is public domain.

Reference

Sermon 37 in the 1771 Works. Acts 26:24.

We have not yet re-checked this work against its source. We put this English text into updated wording with AI help. No scholar has yet certified it as faithful and complete. Open the 1771 text under any part to compare.

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