Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire

In the profound words of John Wesley, we are offered a vision of true power and faith: “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon Earth.” These words transcend the boundaries of time, speaking to the deep and eternal truth that the greatest forces for change and goodness are not those with titles or positions, but those with unwavering faith, a burning desire for God, and a profound fearlessness in confronting the forces of evil. Wesley's insight illuminates the power of the heart and the devotion of the soul, for in the end, it is not titles or earthly power that moves the world, but authentic passion for righteousness and divine will.

The ancients understood well that true power in this world arises not from external authority but from the inner conviction of the individual. Plato spoke of the philosopher-king, one who rules not with an iron fist, but with the wisdom and virtue that stem from a deep understanding of truth and goodness. In Plato's ideal society, it was not the force of the many that shaped the world, but the noble few who, unyielding in their devotion to the greater good, created the foundation for justice and harmony. Wesley's call for preachers who fear only sin and seek only God echoes this ancient understanding: those who are driven by divine purpose, unencumbered by worldly distractions or desires, hold the power to bring forth transformation.

Consider the story of Saint Francis of Assisi, a man who embodied Wesley's ideal. Born into wealth and privilege, Francis turned his back on material riches and chose a life of poverty, humility, and devotion to God. His fearlessness in the face of worldly power, his complete surrender to God's will, and his desire to serve all of creation with a heart full of love led to the founding of the Franciscan Order, which became one of the most powerful spiritual movements in history. Saint Francis did not hold high rank or the title of clergy, yet his life shook the gates of Hell, as Wesley might say, by leading thousands to embrace the kingdom of Heaven on Earth through humility and service.

Similarly, Martin Luther King Jr. embodied Wesley’s vision in the modern world. As a preacher and activist, King’s deep faith in God and his fierce commitment to justice and righteousness led him to confront one of the most profound evils in history—racial segregation and discrimination. King was neither a politician nor a military leader, but through his unwavering devotion to truth and his fearlessness in the face of hatred, he sparked a movement that forever changed the course of history. His strength came not from earthly power but from his absolute reliance on God’s will, and his profound love for humanity. As Wesley foretold, King’s dedication to the kingdom of Heaven here on Earth challenged the very foundations of a broken system and set millions on a path toward equality and justice.

Wesley’s call for preachers—whether clergymen or laymen—who fear only sin and desire only God speaks to the power of uncompromising faith. It is not the multitude who can change the world, but those few who, with burning conviction, dedicate their lives to divine service. These individuals, though few in number, possess the strength and clarity to confront evil wherever it manifests and to bring about lasting change in the world. Their influence is not in their position, but in their heart—for they are driven not by power or personal gain, but by the desire to serve God and to live in accordance with divine truth.

The lesson from Wesley’s words is profound: the power of love, faith, and devotion is the ultimate force for good in the world. In the face of injustice, oppression, and suffering, it is not the power of armies or governments that brings about lasting change, but the courage and conviction of those few who live with unwavering commitment to righteousness and divine will. To live a life driven by these virtues is to embody the true purpose of existence—to make the kingdom of Heaven a reality on Earth.

Let us take action: In our own lives, let us cultivate the fearlessness and devotion Wesley speaks of. Let us be guided not by personal ambition or the distractions of the world, but by the desire to serve God and to bring about good in all that we do. Whether in our personal lives or in the wider world, we are called to be the few—those who live with integrity, those who act with courage, and those whose hearts burn with love for humanity. By doing so, we will not only shake the gates of Hell, but will help build the kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Through uncompromising faith and selfless service, we can change the world, one act of love and devotion at a time.