Upon Our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount Discourse IV · §33 · John Wesley

The depths of Satan

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One might imagine that where both scripture and the reason of things speak so clearly and expressly, there could not be much advanced on the other side, at least not with any appearance of truth. But those who imagine this know little of the depths of Satan (Revelation 2:24). After all that scripture and reason have said, so exceedingly plausible are the pretenses for solitary religion, for a Christian's going out of the world, or at least hiding himself in it, that we need all the wisdom of God to see through the snare, and all the power of God to escape it. So many and strong are the objections which have been brought against being social, open, active Christians.

1771 text

7. One might imagine, that where both scripture and the reason of things speak so clearly and expresly, there could not be much advanced on the other side, at least, not with any appearance of truth. But they who imagine thus, know little of the depths of Satan. After all that scripture and reason have said, so exceeding plausible are the pretences for solitary religion, for a Christian’s going out of the world, or at least hiding himself in it, that we need all the wisdom of God to see through the snare, and all the power of God to escape it: so many and strong are the objections which have been brought against being social, open, active Christians.

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About this text

The fourth sermon on the Sermon on the Mount, on Matthew 5:13-16: Christians as salt and light, and why Christianity is a social religion that cannot be hidden.

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 24 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:13-16.

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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