"Natural science, in its widest sense, aims at setting forth a coherent system of knowledge of how Nature works. The scientist is concerned not with the 'how we know' but with the 'what we know' of the objective world. He assumes from the outset that it is 'real', that it exists apart from the individual knower, is con...sistently measurable, and is a realm of law" (The Wings Of Faith p44-45).

Susanna

A story about John and Charles Wesley’s mother caught my eye while I was reading “Streams Of Living Water” by Richard Foster as part of an assignment for school. I want to know what you all think about what she did and why you think what you do.

“When Samuel was away in London on church matters for an extended period one time, his assistant did a poor job of nurturing the congregation. Consequently, Susanna decided to have Sunday evening services at home for the family, in order to bring some added spiritual influence. They gathered in the kitchen to sing psalms, pray, and read a short sermon selected from Mr. Wesley’s library shelves. Soon friends and neighbors asked to join in, and before anyone knew it, two hundred souls were crowded into Susanna’s home.

Mr. Inman, the church assistant, was insulted and scandalized, mainly because the Sunday night gatherings were outdrawing Sunday mornings. He contacted Samuel Wesley in London and protested these irregular worship services. Mr. Wesley, in turn, wrote his wife, asking her to desist. Her response was a masterful balance of deference and defiance.

Susanna began by responding to his three major objections to the meetings: these were ‘first, that it will look particular; secondly, my sex; and lastly, your being at present in a public station and character.’ She took up each objection with the most deference providing an extended and definitive answer. She then concluded, ‘If you do after all think it fit to dissolve this assembly, do not tell me any more that you desire me to do it, for that will not satisfy my conscience; but send me your positive command in such full and express terms as may absolve me from all guilt and punishment for neglecting this opportunity of doing good to souls, when you and I shall appear before the great and awful tribunal of our Lord Jesus Christ’” (244).

The meetings continued unabated.