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
And without question the same purity of intention, “which makes our
alms and devotions acceptable, must also make our labour or employment,
a proper offering to God. If a man pursues his business, that he may
raise himself to a state of figure and riches in the world, he is no
longer serving God in his employment, and has no more title to a reward
from God, than he who gives alms that he may be _seen_, or prays that
he may be _heard_ of men. For vain and earthly designs are no more
allowable in our employments, than in our alms and devotions. They are
not only evil when they mix with our good works,” with our religious
actions, “but they have the same evil nature when they enter into the
common business of our employments. If it were allowable to pursue them
in our worldly employments, it would be allowable to pursue them in our
devotions. But as our alms and devotions are not an acceptable service,
but when they proceed from a pure intention, so our common employment
cannot be reckoned a service to him, but when it is performed with the
same piety of heart.”
2. This our blessed Lord declares in the liveliest manner, in those
strong and comprehensive words which he explains, inforces and inlarges
upon, throughout this whole chapter. _The light of the body is the eye.
If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light:
but if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness._
The eye is the intention: what the eye is to the body, the intention
is to the soul. As the one guides all the motions of the body, so does
the other those of the soul. This eye of the soul is then said to be
_single_, when it looks at one thing only; when we have no other design,
but to _know_ God, _and_ Jesus Christ _whom he hath sent_: to know him
with suitable affections, loving him as he hath loved us: to please
God in all things: to serve God (as we love him) with all our heart
and mind and soul and strength: and to enjoy God in all and above all
things, in time and in eternity.
3. _If thine eye be_ thus _single_, thus fixed on God, _thy whole body
shall be full of light. Thy whole body_,――All that is guided by the
intention, as the body is by the eye. All thou art: all thou dost: thy
desires, tempers, affections; thy thoughts and words and actions. The
whole of these _shall be full of light_: full of true, divine knowledge.
This is the first thing we may here understand by light. _In his light
thou shalt see light. He which_ of old _commanded light to shine out
of darkness, shall shine in thy heart_. He shall enlighten the eyes of
thy understanding, with the knowledge of the glory of God. His Spirit
shall reveal unto thee the deep things of God. The inspiration of the
Holy One shall give thee understanding, and cause thee to know wisdom
secretly. Yea, _the anointing_ which thou receivest of him, _shall
abide in thee and teach thee of all things_.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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