The last sermon Wesley preached before the University of Oxford. A bold portrait of what Christianity looks like when it spreads — and a rebuke of the University's cold formality.
Sermon 4 of 44 · 1744 · Acts 4:31
Scriptural Christianity
A passage from the sermon
I would consider, first, what Christianity, in its proper sense, was at first, and so ought always to be; secondly, by what means this Christianity, which once filled the earth, came to be no more.
The first Christians were of one heart and of one soul. They were 'filled with the Holy Ghost.' They 'continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, and in fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.' Such were the lives, and such was the religion, of the first Christians.
And is not this kind of Christianity manifestly to be desired, even now? Where shall we find it? Where, in any city, in any nation, on the face of the earth? Is this poor religion to be quite swallowed up by the world?
The full sermon is in the public domain and freely available from CCEL and other archives.