Some biographers have noted a fascination with death in the life and ministry of Charles Wesley. Throughout the years of his itinerant ministry, Charles wrote much about his own desire to depart and be with his Lord. He also witnessed this desire appear in converts.
Charles Wesley had much to say about death. Here are some of the best quotes on death. These quotes show that Charles was not morbid. He was eagerly awaiting the fullness of salvation which required the setting aside of the earthly for the heavenly.
All of these quotes are from shortly after Charles’s evangelical conversion on May 21, 1738, through 1751. After 1751 Charles travelled and preached less. Charles Wesley also wrote many hymns and poems on death. Those will covered in a separate post.
1. Desirous To Die
Sunday, June 11 [1738]. While Mr Piers was preaching upon death, I found great joy in feeling myself willing, or rather desirous, to die.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry.
Less than a month after being converted, Charles heard preaching on the subject of death. In response to this message, a joy welled up in Charles in his willingness and even desire to die.
Charles’s fear of death had been removed in and through Christ.
This joy and desire would not fail in him. Accordingly, Charles also began seeking this same sign and fruit in other converts as evidence of their genuine conversion.
2. Not Wishing For Death
Here I was stopped by the return of my pain and forced to bed. Desires of death continually rose in me, which I laboured to check, not daring to form any wish concerning it.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Saturday, June 17, 1738.
Although Charles desired death, he was careful not to wish for it.
This is an important distinction.
Charles was content to live his life for his Lord and Savior. He wanted to be in the presence of Christ, but only when his course was complete.
3. Could You Lay Down Your Life For The Truth?
In the evening Mr Washington of Queen’s came to dispute with me. I simply testified my want of faith three months ago, and my having it now. Asked whether he could lay down his life for the truth of his being in the faith, whether he allowed Christ to be as really present in the believing soul as in the third heavens.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Wednesday, July 12, 1738, bold added.
Charles appealed to his willingness to die as a mark of true conversion.
When a disputant came, Charles testified of his own lack of willingness to die in the recent past before he was truly in the faith. He posed the question: are you willing to die for the truth of your salvation?
4. Seeking The Lost
Yes, and God sent me to seek this lost sheep, and shall I now cast her off? No, but I would again leave the ninety-nine sheep to seek the one, and though I lost my life in so doing, I should find it again.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Tuesday, March 13, 1739, bold added.
This quote is in the context of a tense conversation. In the midst of the tension, Charles affirms his willingness to seek the lost even if it should cost him his life.
Charles was committed to minister the gospel, even unto his own death, because of his confidence that his life was found in Christ.
If you’re interested in more on witnessing, you can read my posts regarding Charles Wesley’s thoughts on evangelism and the gospel.
5. Whatever The Lord Appoints
Wednesday, March 28 [1739]. We dissuaded my brother from going to Bristol, from an unaccountable fear that it would prove fatal to him. … He offered himself willingly to whatsoever the Lord should appoint. … I desired to die with him.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal, bold added.
Charles’s brother likewise demonstrated a willingness to obey his Lord even unto death. The willingness to accept whatever the Lord appoints relieved Charles’s fears.
Charles again expressed his own desire to die and be with Christ.
6. Weighed Down With Fear
Mrs Wheeler tells me she received Christ last Saturday, being weighed down with the fear of death, and delivered in a moment, melted into love, able to apply Christ and all the promises to herself.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Monday, February 12, 1739.
Charles records the testimony of a woman delivered from the fear of death in a moment.
As the promises of Christ are applied, the weight of the fear of death is removed.
7. Losing Its Sting
I prayed by a young woman, afraid of death, because it had not lost its sting.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Saturday, August 25, 1739.
Fear of death was a sure sign to Charles that the person had not yet received salvation. To receive justification and be found in Christ was to have death lose its sting.
Therefore, Charles prayed for those who still feared death. He prayed that death would lose its sting.
8. Delighting in Death-bed Repentance
I went to see one in her last agony, but thoroughly sensible of her dreadful condition. Preached Christ to her, and prayed in faith. She showed all imaginable signs of eager desire, and died within an hour. How comfortable it is that I can now hope for her, so often as I have disputed the possibility of a death-bed repentance!
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Friday, September 7, 1739, bold added.
Prior to his own conversion, Charles had a sharp argument with his brother about instant conversion being possible. Charles was against.
His mind had been radically changed at his own instant conversion. Now, he delighted in the instant conversion of another on their death-bed. If you’re interested, be sure to read my post on the conversion of Charles for more information.
9. Holy Impatience
On Sunday he desired longer life, but now he only longs, with an holy impatience, to depart and be with the Lord, which is far better.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Tuesday, September 27, 1739.
Charles had opportunity to preach the gospel to a dying man on Sunday. On Thursday, he heard news of that man’s coming to saving faith in Christ.
Accompanying his saving faith was a radical change in desires. Knowing his death was near, he had testified his desire for long-life on Sunday. On Thursday, he was now expressing a holy impatience to depart and be with the Lord.
Charles acknowledged that being with the Lord is far better.
10. The Thin Veil
She was now full of his Spirit, ready for the Bridegroom. No cloud interposed between her Beloved and her on the thin veil of flesh and blood, which was well nigh rent asunder. What would I give to be on that death-bed!
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Sunday, November 4, 1739.
Charles’s flair for the poetic shines through in this description of a believer nearing death.
11. Death Precedes Life
Death must precede life, and condemnation justification.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Friday, December 5, 1740.
Charles was refreshed by reading from a Quaker with whom he agreed entirely on this fact.
Charles wasn’t obsessed with death any more than he was obsessed with condemnation. Since Charles sought life and justification, he necessarily sought the first steps toward them.
Both for himself and for others.
12. Meeting the King of Terrors
Prayed by one supposed at the point of death. He rejoiced to meet the king of terrors and appeared so sweetly resigned, so ready for the Bridegroom, that I longed to change places with him.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Monday, April 6, 1741.
Charles again states his desire to trade places with someone about to enter into eternity.
He was moved by this man’s rejoicing and sweet resignation to his earthly end.
13. Witnessing Universal Love
Found a dying sinner rejoicing in God her Saviour. At sight of me she cried out, “O how loving is God to me, but he is loving to every man. He loves every soul, as well as he loves mine.” Many like words she uttered in triumphant faith, and witnessed in death the universal love of Christ Jesus.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Friday, April 10, 1741, bold added.
One of the major theological themes of Charles Wesley’s gospel ministry is the preaching of the universal love of Christ toward all. In modern terms, this is the view of unlimited atonement.
Charles was moved by the testimony of this sister in Christ. He saw in her dying testimony a witness of Christ’s universal love.
Some think this view made Charles Wesley an Arminian theologian. However, you can read my post on why Charles was not an Arminian for why that isn’t the best view to take.
14. Dying For Reprobation?
Who will show me a predestinarian that dares die for the truth of reprobation?
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Saturday, April 11, 1741.
In contrast to the growing examples Charles found giving testimony of Christ’s universal love on their death-bed or by their willingness to die, Charles asks the rhetorical question of those holding the contrary view.
Charles is clearly expecting that none can be found among the predestinarians who are willing to die for the truth of reprobation.
For Charles, this was strong evidence of the divine approval on his ministry and preaching and against his opponents. Charles was definitely not a Calvinist. For more of his quotes against Calvinism, check out my post here.
15. Dispute Among The Bands
While I was in great love warning the bands, the Spirit of power came down, the fountain was set open, my mouth and heart enlarged, and I spoke such words as I cannot repeat. Many sunk under the love of Christ crucified, and were constrained to break out, “Christ died for all.” Some confessed with tears of joy, they were going to leave us, but could now die for the truth of the doctrine.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry, Monday, April 13, 1741, bold added.
The Methodists were in the midst of no small dispute over the doctrines of reprobation and Christ’s universal love. This entry records some who were prepared to leave having their minds changed powerfully.
Not only were they persuaded. They were now able even to die for the truth of Christ dying for all.
16. Time Is In Thy Hand
My soul was filled with strong consolation and struggled, as it were, to go out after her—”as heavenward endeavouring.” Jesu! My time is in thy hand. Only let me follow her as she has followed thee!
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Sunday, April 19, 1741.
Upon hearing of the death of a sister in Christ, Charles once again felt the desire rise in himself to depart and be with Christ. He was greatly encouraged in the faithfulness of this beloved sister who had finished her course in a manner befitting of her Lord.
Charles was encouraged to likewise finish his course and follow in her steps to be united with Christ in heaven.
17. Die For Fear Of Dying
I spoke with her physician, who said he had little hope of her recovery. “Only,” added he, “she has no dread upon her spirits, which is generally the worst symptom. Most people die for fear of dying, but I never met with such people as yours. They are, none of them, afraid of death, but calm, and patient, and resigned to the last.”
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry May 4, 1741, bold added.
Charles records this testimony from a physician. This doctor had taken notice of the difference between the people of God and others under his care.
Those converted under Charles Wesley, and other ministers like him, had an uncharacteristic freedom from the fear of death. Their confident hope was built on Christ’s undying and universal love.
For them. And for all.
18. None Grieved To Hear
No dying man is grieved to hear Christ died for all!
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry, June 16, 1741.
Charles’s view of universal redemption does not mean he believes all will be saved. It only means that all can be saved, should they turn to Christ and believe.
This is in contrast to others preaching that Christ died only for the elect. Not for all.
Charles’s comment is that no one who is about to enter eternity is grieved to find that God loved them and sent His Son so that they could be saved, if they believe.
19. Breaking The Cage
At the sight of her coffin my soul was moved within me and struggled as a bird to break its cage.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Sunday, August 2, 1741.
Another quote that demonstrates Charles’s poetic tendencies.
This quote is filled with imagery and depth. It shows that Charles’s longs to be truly free in Christ. A freedom that only comes after death.
20. Dying Like a Lamb
Even when speechless, he showed all the tokens of happiness and died like a lamb of Jesus’ fold.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Sunday, January 16, 1743.
Charles continued to affirm the truth that those who are truly partakers of the new birth have lost their fear of death.
With the sting of death removed, there is a death befitting of a lamb of Jesus’ fold. This is qualitatively different than those who are clothed in only the trappings of external, not internal, religion.
21. Leaving A Legacy
Rejoiced to hear of the triumphant death of our sister Marsh, in London, whose last breath was spent in prayer for me. None of our children die without leaving us a legacy.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Thursday, September 13, 1744.
Hearing of the death of the saints often brought encouragement to Charles. In this case, the testimony that the dying breaths of this faithful believer were for him.
Charles rejoiced in the legacy left by true converts in their life and in their death.
22. Nothing But Death
I could speak, sing, pray for nothing but death.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Sunday, January 27, 1745.
Charles was mourning the death of a Christian with the Methodists. He described their assembly as both solemn and mournful.
Accordingly, Charles could only speak, sing, and pray for death.
23. The Glory To Follow
It was a solemn season at the Society, while I spake of death, and the glory which shall follow.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Sunday, April 7, 1745.
Charles’s fascination with death is really an obsession with the glory to follow.
Death is the door. The necessary first step.
This short quote helps keep all the others in their appropriate context. Charles sought the glory to follow, not death itself.
24. Without Exception
I have observed that all our people, without exception, be they ever so dark or weak before, when they come to die, recover their confidence. Would to God every soul, of every Christian denomination, might witness the same confession of eternal life in them when they turn their faces to the wall!
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Friday, June 21, 1745, bold added.
Charles sent this account to a friend. He earnestly desired that all who claimed faith in Christ would share the same witness of eternal life abiding in them!
Charles preached and taught a strong assurance of salvation. This strong assurance was evident, by his observation, in all of their people. Without exception.
25. The Fulness of Eternal Life
Gave the sacrament to our sister H., who is coming to the grave as a ripe shock of corn. A poor trembling tempted soul she has been. But at the approach of death all her fears are vanished, and she lies gasping for the fulness of eternal life.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Monday, July 22, 1745, bold added.
Charles’s language describes in vivid language the desperation for the fulness of eternal life. While salvation must be acquired in life, it is only fully grasped in the life after death.
Charles compares this sister’s earthly existence with her coming heavenly one. Upon her death-bed, her attitude matches her expectation.
26. Free From Pain
At hearing the child cry, she had broke out into vehement thanksgiving, and soon after fell into convulsions, which set her soul at liberty from all pain and suffering.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Wednesday, February 5, 1746.
Charles describes the scene of a mother dying shortly after giving birth. His description of this scene includes the reality that the mother had been set free from all pain and suffering.
She died a believer’s death. Her reward was in the presence of Christ.
27. Real Christians
It was the exemplary behaviour of our Society, with the deaths of two or three, which convinced the ministers that this new sect, everywhere spoken against, is no other than the sect of the Nazarenes, or real Christians.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Friday, October 31, 1746.
The disposition of the Methodists toward death was continuing its powerful testimony.
In this case, minds were being changed that this group was made up of real Christians. Despite the testimony of others against them.
Their conduct was overpowering the words of their opposition.
28. Death-Bed Conversions
We have several such instances of persons departing in the Lord, who never heard the gospel till we preached it to them on their death-beds.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Saturday, November 7, 1747.
As long as someone had breath in their lungs, Charles viewed them as capable of receiving salvation. As a result, many were added to the kingdom of heaven through his ministry.
Charles often visited people on their death-beds. He also often saw them receive salvation by grace through faith in Christ.
29. Escaping Out Of Life
My old desire of escaping out of life possessed me all day.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Wednesday, July 20, 1748.
This desire was not fleeting. At this point, Charles had been wrestling with thoughts and desires of death for more than ten years.
This old desire was still capable of consuming his thoughts as it did this entire day.
30. Dropping The Body
I could gladly have dropped the body in that hour.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Friday, July 22, 1748.
Charles certainly had a way with words.
He had just preached. He found himself pierced with desires for the full salvation that comes only after death. It’s in this line of thought that he says he could have “gladly dropped the body.”
In doing so, he looked for the liberty of his soul.
31. The Death of the Righteous
As he lived the life, he died the death of the righteous. O might my last end be like his!
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Wednesday, March 14, 1750.
Charles believed there was a life of the righteous. He also believed there was a death of the righteous.
At the funeral of a dear brother in Christ, Charles remarked that this man had both. Charles desired that his own death would resemble the death of this righteous man who died in Christ.
32. A Short Season
Another was gathered into the garner. I buried her earthly part—for a short season.
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Monday, April 9, 1750.
Some of the above quotes may be misinterpreted as thinking Charles thought the heavenly existence would be one of disembodied saints.
This quote shows Charles had a full theology of death which included the future resurrection. Charles speaks of the burial of a body as a temporary and short storage place.
A resurrection is coming. Guaranteed by Jesus’s resurrection as the firsts fruits from the dead.
33. Going To Sleep
Visited a sick believer, who talked of death as going to sleep. “When I think of the grave,” said she, “I think it is a sweet, soft place. But my spirit shall mount above.”
-Charles Wesley, MS Journal entry Wednesday, January 2, 1751.
This shouldn’t be confused with soul sleep. Instead, this believer viewed the death of her body as temporary. The sting had been removed, so it was a sweet and soft thing.
Even so, she believed her spirit would mount above.
Charles records this sentiment without correction. He, too, viewed death as a sweet and soft rest from a life of hard labor for the glory of the Lord.
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