were already saved, we need only observe the short account of
Good News to the Poor 9. In order clearly to see how they [the Christians at Pentecost] were already saved, we need only observe the short account of them which is recorded in the latter part of the second and in fourth chapter. "They continued steadfastly in the Apostles' doctrine, and in the fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers:" That is, they were daily taught by the Apostles, and had all things common, and daily received the Lord's supper, and attended all the public service. (ii. 42) "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." (ii. 44, 45)
And again: "The multitude of them that believed," now greatly increased, "were of one heart and of one soul: Neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common." (iv. 32) And yet again: "Great grace was upon them all. Neither was there among them that lacked: For as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them at the Apostles' feet: And distribution was made unto every man according as he had need." (Verses 33-35)
10. But here a question will naturally occur: "How came they to act thus, to have all things in common, seeing we do not read of any positive command to do this?" I answer, there needed no outward command: The command was written upon their hearts.
It naturally and necessarily resulted from the degree of love which they enjoyed. Observe! "They were of one heart, and of one soul:"
And not so much as one (so the words run) said, (they could not, while their hearts so overflowed with love,) "that any of the things which he possessed was his own." And wheresoever the same cause shall prevail, the same effect will naturally follow. ("The Mystery of Iniquity," V1:255-56) It was, of course, Wesley's intent to foment the "cause" that would have this effect.
This vision of Christian communalism had a strange history in Wesley's thought. In an explanation of his reasons for going to Georgia, Wesley speaks first, as was his wont in those early days, of the ways in which this would benefit his own soul. Among the benefits he expected to derive was the possibility of actualizing this vision by living among the Indians.
The same faithfulness I hope to show, through His grace, in dispensing the rest of my Master's goods, if it please him to send