The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 01 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 01 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
2. Such is the inbred corruption of thy heart, of thy very inmost
nature. And what manner of branches canst thou expect to grow, from
such an evil root? Hence springs unbelief, ever departing from the
living God: Saying, “Who is the Lord that I should serve him? Tush!
Thou, God, carest not for it.” Hence independence, affecting to be like
the Most High; hence pride in all its forms, teaching thee to say, “I
am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing.” From this
evil fountain flow forth the bitter streams of vanity, thirst of praise;
ambition, covetousness; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and
the pride of life. From this arise anger, hatred, malice, revenge, envy,
jealousy, evil-surmisings: from this all the foolish and hurtful lusts,
that now _pierce thee through with many sorrows_, and if not timely
prevented, will at length _drown thy soul in everlasting perdition_.
3. And what fruits can grow on such branches as these? Only such as are
bitter and evil continually. Of pride cometh contention, vain boasting,
seeking and receiving praise of men, and so robbing God of that glory
which he cannot give unto another. Of the lust of the flesh come
gluttony or drunkenness, luxury or sensuality: fornication, uncleanness,
variously defiling that body, which was designed for a temple of the
Holy Ghost: of unbelief, every evil word and work. But the time would
fail, shouldst thou reckon up all; all the idle words thou hast spoken,
provoking the Most High, grieving the Holy One of _Israel_: all the
evil works thou hast done, either wholly evil in themselves, or at
least, not done to the glory of God. For thy actual sins are more than
thou art able to express, more than the hairs of thy head. Who can
number the sands of the sea, or the drops of rain, or thy iniquities?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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