The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 02 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 02 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
If thou _follow a multitude_ at all, it must be, _to do evil_. Let not
custom or fashion be thy guide; but reason and religion. The practice
of others is nothing to thee: _every man_ must _give an account of
himself to_ God. Indeed if thou canst save the soul of another, do: but
at least, save one, thy own. Walk not in the path of death, because it
is broad, and many walk therein. Nay, by this very token thou mayest
know it. Is the way wherein thou now walkest, a broad, well-frequented,
fashionable way? Then it infallibly leads to destruction. O be not thou
“damned for company:” cease from evil; fly from sin as from the face
of a serpent. At least, do no harm. _He that committeth sin is of the
devil._ Be not thou found in that number. Touching outward sins, surely
the grace of God is even now sufficient for thee. _Herein_ at least,
_exercise_ thyself _to have a conscience void of offence, toward_ God
_and toward man_.
Secondly, Let not thy righteousness fall short of theirs, with regard
to the ordinances of God. If thy labour or bodily strength will not
allow of thy fasting _twice in the week_, however deal faithfully with
thy own soul, and fast as often as thy strength will permit. Omit no
public, no private opportunity, of pouring out thy soul in prayer.
Neglect no occasion of eating that bread and drinking that cup, which
is the communion of the body and blood of _Christ_. Be diligent in
searching the scriptures; read as thou mayest, and meditate therein
day and night. Rejoice to embrace every opportunity, of hearing _the
word of reconciliation_ declared by _the ambassadors of_ Christ, _the
stewards of the mysteries of_ God. In using all the means of grace, in
a constant and careful attendance on every ordinance of God, live up to
(at least, till thou canst go beyond) _the righteousness of the Scribes
and Pharisees_.
Thirdly, Fall not short of a Pharisee in doing good. Give alms of all
thou dost possess. Is any hungry? Feed him. Is he a-thirst? Give him
drink. Naked? Cover him with a garment. If thou hast this world’s goods,
do not limit thy beneficence to a scanty proportion. Be merciful to
the uttermost of thy power. Why not, even as this Pharisee? Now _make
thyself friends_, while the time is, _of the mammon of unrighteousness,
that when_ thou _failest_, when this earthly tabernacle is dissolved,
they _may receive thee into everlasting habitations_.
13. But rest not here. Let thy _righteousness exceed the righteousness
of the Scribes and Pharisees_. Be not thou content, to _keep the whole
law, and offend in one point. Hold thou fast all his commandments, and
all false ways_ do thou _utterly abhor_. Do all the things, whatsoever
he hath commanded, and that with all thy might. Thou canst do all
things through _Christ_ strengthning thee, though without him thou
canst do nothing.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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