The Letter of September 15, 1770

On September 15, 1770, the aging evangelist John Wesley put into a sentence what his long life of preaching had proved: “To use the grace given is the certain way to obtain more grace. To use all the faith you have will bring an increase of faith.” Nearing seventy, Wesley was still traveling, organizing societies, urging holiness, and pressing believers to treat Christianity as lived obedience rather than admired ideas. His counsel carried the weight of miles walked, sermons preached, and prayers offered in seasons of opposition, weariness, and spiritual struggle.

A Practical Theology of Growth

Wesley’s reminder reflects a plain biblical pattern: God increases what is exercised. Grace is not permission to drift; it is power to walk. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Help is given for real need—temptation resisted, duty embraced, a neighbor served, sin confessed, a hard conversation spoken in love.

Faith, likewise, is strengthened by faithful use. Scripture does not commend passive listening detached from action: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). Obedience is not earning; it is the appointed pathway where God meets His people with fresh supply.

Heroism in Ordinary Holiness

Wesley’s life highlighted a quiet kind of heroism: perseverance in truth, disciplined devotion, and courageous compassion. He called believers to repent quickly, to pray steadily, to search the Scriptures daily, and to serve the overlooked. Such habits are not glamorous, but they form resilient saints—men and women who endure trials, forgive offenses, give generously, and keep their word when it costs them.

The promise embedded in Wesley’s line remains steady: use what God has already given. Take the next step of obedience you can take today. God is faithful to deepen faith, broaden love, and provide “grace to help” for the next step after that.