--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I had a sort of faith during my early…" description: "\"“I had a sort of faith during my early life. But devils also have a sort of faith. Still, neither they nor I received the faith of the covenant of prom..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c9/john-wesley-1398_early-life_i-had-a-sort-of-faith-during-my-early-li_87735.jpg" --- # I had a sort of faith during my early life. But devils… ![“I had a sort of faith during my early life. But devils also have a sort of faith. Still, neither they nor I received the faith of the covenant of promise. Even the apostles had a sort of faith when they were first with Jesus in Cana. Then and there, they “believed on him” in a way. But they did…” quote by John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c9/john-wesley-1398_early-life_i-had-a-sort-of-faith-during-my-early-li_87735.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c9/john-wesley-1398_early-life_i-had-a-sort-of-faith-during-my-early-li_87735.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c9/john-wesley-1398_early-life_i-had-a-sort-of-faith-during-my-early-li_87735.jpg) > ““I had a sort of faith during my early life. But devils also have a sort of faith. Still, neither they nor I received the faith of the covenant of promise. Even the apostles had a sort of faith when they were first with Jesus in Cana. Then and there, they “believed on him” in a way. But they did not yet have the faith which overcomes the world.”” [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Early faith is tentative and often mirrors doubt; true covenant faith transcends circumstances and empowers believers to overcome worldly challenges. **In simple terms:** Mature faith surpasses initial doubts. Key Takeaway Deep covenant faith overcomes the world. Themes faith spiritual growth covenant trust overcoming Mood inspirational thoughtful Type theological reflective When to use this quote - religious conversion - personal crises - missionary work - ethical decision‑making Key Concepts theology of faith spiritual maturity Practical Applications - Cultivate reflective prayer - Study covenant promises Questions to Reflect On - What distinguishes covenant faith from ordinary belief? - How can one nurture a faith that confronts worldly pressures? A Different Perspective The concept of a single ‘covenant faith’ may not resonate across diverse theological traditions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Early life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/early-life/) [Faith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/faith/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) ## Related quotes > [I wish that I myself did have faith in God, that I had a religion, sometimes. But not always.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hutch-harris/i-wish-that-i-myself-did-have-faith-in-god-that-i-had-a-religion/) [Hutch Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hutch-harris/) > [I believe in my heart that faith in Jesus Christ can and will lead us beyond an exclusive concern for the well-being of other…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/i-believe-in-my-heart-that-faith-in-jesus-christ-can-and-will-lead-us/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [“The key, Luther finally realized, was that God’s love and grace were not merited, but freely given and freely received through faith alone.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michelle-derusha/the-key-luther-finally-realized-was-that-god-s-love-and-grace-were/) Michelle DeRusha > [The indwelling presence and power of the Spirit are to be sought and received by faith in God's word of promise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/asa-mahan/the-indwelling-presence-and-power-of-the-spirit-are-to-be-sought-and/) Asa Mahan > [If there had been any unbelief in Mary, that could not prevent God from accomplishing his work in any other way which he might…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-calvin/if-there-had-been-any-unbelief-in-mary-that-could-not-prevent-god/) [John Calvin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-calvin/) > [“Christian doctrine which is presented to the mind and will, and is received by faith, is proved by experience.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-edgcumbe-hughes/christian-doctrine-which-is-presented-to-the-mind-and-will-and-is/) [Philip Edgcumbe Hughes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-edgcumbe-hughes/) > [It is not doubted, and you know it, that Ireland and all those islands which have received the faith, belong to the Church of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pope-adrian-iv/it-is-not-doubted-and-you-know-it-that-ireland-and-all-those-islands/) Pope Adrian IV > [“Because the Holy Spirit is received by faith, our hearts are now renewed, and so put on new affections, so that they are able…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-schaff/because-the-holy-spirit-is-received-by-faith-our-hearts-are-now/) [Philip Schaff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-schaff/) > [The attributes of God, though intelligible to us on their surface yet, for the very reason that they are infinite, transcend our comprehension, when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-henry-newman/the-attributes-of-god-though-intelligible-to-us-on-their-surface-yet/) [John Henry Newman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-henry-newman/) > [“Forgiveness, cleansing, regeneration, the Holy Spirit, all answers to prayer, are given to faith and received by faith. There is no other way. This…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-w-tozer/forgiveness-cleansing-regeneration-the-holy-spirit-all-answers-to/) [A.W. Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-w-tozer/) > [“So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/so-the-promise-is-received-by-faith-it-is-given-as-a-free-gift-and-we/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Faith in Jesus Christ is more than just believing in Him; it is trusting in Him that He loves us, that He knows what’s…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/larry-l-howell/faith-in-jesus-christ-is-more-than-just-believing-in-him-it-is/) Larry L. Howell > [“Nothing is more dangerous, more compelling, more freeing, more radical, more real, more satisfying, more powerful than a person holding a smidgen of faith.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jennie-allen/nothing-is-more-dangerous-more-compelling-more-freeing-more-radical/) [Jennie Allen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennie-allen/) > [If we approach with faith, we too will see Jesus... for the Eucharistic table takes the place of the crib. Here the Body of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saint-john-chrysostom/if-we-approach-with-faith-we-too-will-see-jesus-for-the-eucharistic/) [Saint John Chrysostom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saint-john-chrysostom/) > [We help God's children best by providing ways to build faith in Jesus Christ and in His restored gospel when they are young.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-b-eyring/we-help-god-s-children-best-by-providing-ways-to-build-faith-in-jesus/) [Henry B. Eyring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-b-eyring/) ## More by John Wesley > [I build on Christ, the rock of ages; on his sure mercies described in his word, and on his promises, all which I know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/i-build-on-christ-the-rock-of-ages-on-his-sure-mercies-described-in/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [“I set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/i-set-myself-on-fire-and-people-come-to-watch-me-burn/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [Having, First, gained all you can, and, Secondly saved all you can, Then give all you can.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/having-first-gained-all-you-can-and-secondly-saved-all-you-can-then/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [People who wish to be offended will always find some occasion for taking offense.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/people-who-wish-to-be-offended-will-always-find-some-occasion-for/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [“Those without enough love experience rage, but love drives rage away.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/those-without-enough-love-experience-rage-but-love-drives-rage-away/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [I reflected much on that vain desire, which had pursued me for so many years, of being in solitude in order to be a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/i-reflected-much-on-that-vain-desire-which-had-pursued-me-for-so-many/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [“By salvation I mean not barely according to the vulgar notion deliverance from hell or going to heaven but a present deliverance from sin…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/by-salvation-i-mean-not-barely-according-to-the-vulgar-notion/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [They say I killed six or seven men for snoring. Well, it ain't true. I only killed one man for snoring.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/they-say-i-killed-six-or-seven-men-for-snoring-well-it-ain-t-true-i/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [Preach faith till you have it; and then, because you have it, you will preach faith.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/preach-faith-till-you-have-it-and-then-because-you-have-it-you-will/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/do-all-the-good-you-can-in-all-the-ways-you-can-to-all-the-souls-you/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [If I had 300 men who feared nothing but God, hated nothing but sin, and were determined to know nothing among men but Jesus…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/if-i-had-300-men-who-feared-nothing-but-god-hated-nothing-but-sin-and/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [The case is this: God offers you one of the greatest mercies on this side of heaven and commands you to accept it. Why…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/the-case-is-this-god-offers-you-one-of-the-greatest-mercies-on-this/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/though-i-am-always-in-haste-i-am-never-in-a-hurry/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scripture, not the Scripture by the Church.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/in-all-cases-the-church-is-to-be-judged-by-the-scripture-not-the/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) > [I resolved to dedicate all my life to God, all my thoughts, and words, and actions; being thoroughly convinced, there was no medium; but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/i-resolved-to-dedicate-all-my-life-to-god-all-my-thoughts-and-words/) [John Wesley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) [Explore all 246 John Wesley quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/) ## More Early life quotes > [In my early life, I was a professional folk singer. I used to sing on the national television and radio in Canada. Nobody knows…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-gordon/in-my-early-life-i-was-a-professional-folk-singer-i-used-to-sing-on/) [Mary Gordon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-gordon/) > [I formed, in early life, two purposes to which I have inflexibly adhered, under some very strong pressure from warm personal friends. They were,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucius-quintus-cincinnatus-lamar-ii/i-formed-in-early-life-two-purposes-to-which-i-have-inflexibly/) [Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar II](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucius-quintus-cincinnatus-lamar-ii/) > [My early life was a bit of a mess but it was no one's fault. It was just how it was.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-warner/my-early-life-was-a-bit-of-a-mess-but-it-was-no-one-s-fault-it-was/) [David Warner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-warner/) > [... goodness is of a modest nature, easily discouraged, and when much elbowed in early life by unabashed vices, is apt to retire into…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-eliot/goodness-is-of-a-modest-nature-easily-discouraged-and-when-much/) [George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-eliot/) > [I've lived in so many different countries over the years. I spent most of my early life in the UK, five years in Germany…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-khoo/i-ve-lived-in-so-many-different-countries-over-the-years-i-spent-most/) [Rachel Khoo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-khoo/) > [When I had a baby, I didn't leave the second floor for six months. I nursed my babies. I was a full-time homemaker. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phyllis-schlafly/when-i-had-a-baby-i-didn-t-leave-the-second-floor-for-six-months-i/) [Phyllis Schlafly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phyllis-schlafly/) > [I think if Keith Moon was here today and you asked him to recall most of his early life or most of his life,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-daltrey/i-think-if-keith-moon-was-here-today-and-you-asked-him-to-recall-most/) [Roger Daltrey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-daltrey/) > [I regard the effort to introduce women into colleges for young men as very undesirable, and for many reasons. That the two sexes should…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catharine-beecher/i-regard-the-effort-to-introduce-women-into-colleges-for-young-men-as/) [Catharine Beecher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catharine-beecher/) > [The older you get the more new memories get wiped out, and you end up remembering more about your early life than what you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ken-loach/the-older-you-get-the-more-new-memories-get-wiped-out-and-you-end-up/) [Ken Loach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ken-loach/) > [I don't think of myself as particularly earnest. I have long bouts of cynicism and skepticism. So much of my early life was full…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pankaj-mishra/i-don-t-think-of-myself-as-particularly-earnest-i-have-long-bouts-of/) [Pankaj Mishra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pankaj-mishra/) > [ “\[T\]hey are much to be pitied who have not ... been given a taste for Nature in early life. They lose a great deal.” ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-austen/t-hey-are-much-to-be-pitied-who-have-not-been-given-a-taste-for/) [Jane Austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-austen/) > [My early life has given me a great deal to draw on, certainly - but would I have swapped a happy childhood for the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-robinson/my-early-life-has-given-me-a-great-deal-to-draw-on-certainly-but/) [Bruce Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-robinson/) > [If there is a tendency in modern television I hate, it is the unstoppable march of the dramatic reconstruction to tell the stories of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-macdonald/if-there-is-a-tendency-in-modern-television-i-hate-it-is-the/) [Kevin Macdonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-macdonald/) > [I can't point to any major episodes of sexual discrimination in my early life. But I was so aware of the crime, the shame…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/betty-friedan/i-can-t-point-to-any-major-episodes-of-sexual-discrimination-in-my/) [Betty Friedan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/betty-friedan/) > [We spend so much of our early lives trying to figure out who we really are. And we spend the rest of our lives…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-cameron-mitchell/we-spend-so-much-of-our-early-lives-trying-to-figure-out-who-we/) [John Cameron Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-cameron-mitchell/) [Browse all 119 Early life quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/early-life/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“I had a sort of faith during my early life. But devils also have a sort of faith. Still, neither they nor I received the faith of the covenant of promise. Even the apostles had a sort of faith when they were first with Jesus in Cana. Then and there, they “believed on him” in a way. But they did not yet have the faith which overcomes the world.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "John Wesley" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/i-had-a-sort-of-faith-during-my-early-life-but-devils-also-have-a/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Early life" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/i-had-a-sort-of-faith-during-my-early-life-but-devils-also-have-a/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c9/john-wesley-1398_early-life_i-had-a-sort-of-faith-during-my-early-li_87735.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c9/john-wesley-1398_early-life_i-had-a-sort-of-faith-during-my-early-li_87735.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c9/john-wesley-1398_early-life_i-had-a-sort-of-faith-during-my-early-li_87735.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I had a sort of faith during my early life. But devils also have a sort of faith. Still, neither they nor I…” — John Wesley", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "John Wesley", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wesley/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“I had a sort of faith...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/i-had-a-sort-of-faith-during-my-early-life-but-devils-also-have-a/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wesley/i-had-a-sort-of-faith-during-my-early-life-but-devils-also-have-a/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```