Throw Mr Wesley's Hymns Overboard
John Wesley warns against the dangers of worldly literature and emphasizes the importance of Godly knowledge and poetry that honors God.
John Wesley reflects on the value of his brother's hymns, contrasting them with the works of contemporary writers who may charm with their eloquence but lack true understanding of God. He recounts an anecdote about Mr. Garrick allegedly throwing Wesley's hymns overboard, which he finds hard to believe, asserting that his brother's poetic and theological depth surpasses that of many celebrated authors. Wesley emphasizes the importance of recognizing the spiritual significance of hymns and their role in guiding believers towards a deeper relationship with God. He concludes with a powerful sermon that resonates with his audience, many of whom are visibly moved.
Text
Mon 28 1789: I retired to Peckham; and at leisure hours read part of a very pretty trifle, the Life of Mrs. Bellamy. Surely never did any, since John Dryden, study more to make vice pleasing, and damnation shine, than this lively and elegant writer. She has a fine imagination; a strong understanding; an easy style, improved by much reading; a fine, benevolent temper; and every qualification that could consist with a total ignorance of God. But God was not in all her thoughts. Abundance of anecdotes she inserts, which may be true or false. One of them, concerning Mr. Garrick, is curious. She says, "When he was taking ship for England, a lady presented him with a parcel, which she desired him not to open till he was at sea.
When he did he found Wesley's Hymns, which he immediately threw overboard." I cannot believe it. I think Mr. G had more sense. He knew my brother well; and he knew him to be not only far superior in learning, but in poetry, to Mr. Thomson, and all his theatrical writers put together: None of them can equal him, either in strong, nervous sense, or purity and elegance of language. The musical compositions of his sons are not more excellent than the poetical ones of their father.
In the evening I preached to a crowded congregation, some of whom seemed a good deal affected
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Worldly Literature
- The Importance of Godly Knowledge
- The Example of Mr. Garrick
- The unlikely story of throwing Wesley's Hymns overboard
- The contrast between Mr. Garrick's actions and his true character
Key Quotes
“Surely never did any, since John Dryden, study more to make vice pleasing, and damnation shine, than this lively and elegant writer.” — John Wesley
“He knew my brother well; and he knew him to be not only far superior in learning, but in poetry, to Mr. Thomson, and all his theatrical writers put together:” — John Wesley
“The musical compositions of his sons are not more excellent than the poetical ones of their father.” — John Wesley
Application Points
- Prioritize Godly knowledge and be mindful of the literature you consume.
- Strive to produce works that honor God and promote virtue.
- Be cautious not to imitate the vices of worldly writers and ignore their spiritual ignorance.