John Wesley
John Wesley
Anglican cleric, Christian theologian, founder of Methodism
(1703-1791)
"I believe in my heart that faith in Jesus Christ can and will lead us beyond
an exclusive concern for the well-being of other human beings to the broader
concern for the well-being of the birds in our backyards, the fish in our
rivers, and every living creature on the face of the earth."
~ God's Covenant with Animals, Lantern Books, 2000, xii
"By 'extraordinary strictnesses and severities,' I presume your Lordship
means the abstaining from wine and animal food; which, it is sure,
Christianity does not require. But if you do, I fear your Lordship is not
throughly informed of the matter of fact. I began to do this about twelve
years ago, when I had no thought of 'annoying parochial ministers,' or of
'captivating' any 'people' thereby, unless it were the Chicasaw or Choctaw
Indians. But I resumed the use of them both, about two years after, for the
sake of some who thought I made it a point of conscience; telling them, 'I
will eat flesh while the world standeth' rather than 'make my brother to
offend.' Dr. Cheyne advised me to leave them off again, assuring me, 'Till
you do, you will never be free from fevers.' And since I have taken his
advice, I have been free (blessed be God) from all bodily disorders."
~ The source: letter to the Dr. Gibson, Bishop of London, LONDON, June 11,
1747, in The Letters of John Wesley Edited by John Telford, London:
Epworth Press, 1931.
"I am persuaded you are not insensible of the pain given to every Christian, every humane heart, by those savage diversions, bull-baiting, cock-fighting, horse-racing, and hunting."
