The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 15 (of 32)Wesley, John
History
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 15 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
11. Agreeable to this his one desire, is the one design of his life,
namely, _not to do his own will, but the will of him that sent him_.
His one intention at all times and in all things is, not to please
himself, but him whom his soul loveth. He has a single eye. And because
_his eye is single, his whole body is full of light_. Indeed where the
loving eye of the soul is continually fixed upon God, there can be no
darkness at all, _but the whole is light; as when the bright shining of
a candle doth enlighten the house_. God then reigns alone. All that is
in the soul is holiness to the Lord. There is not a motion in his heart,
but is according to his will. Every thought that arises points to him,
and is in obedience to the law of Christ.
12. And the tree is known by its fruits. For as he loves God, so he
keeps his commandments: not only some, or most of them, but all, from
the least to the greatest. He is not content to _keep the whole law,
and offend in one point_; but has in all points, _a conscience void
of offence, towards God and towards man_. Whatever God has forbidden,
he avoids; whatever God hath enjoined, he doth; and that whether it
be little or great, hard or easy, joyous or grievous to the flesh. _He
runs the way of |God|’s commandments_, now he hath set his _heart at
liberty_. It is his glory so to do; it is his daily crown of rejoicing,
_to do the will of_ God _on earth, as it is done in heaven_; knowing it
is the highest privilege of _the angels of_ God, _of those that excel
in strength, to fulfil his commandments, and hearken to the voice ♦of
his word_.
♦ inserted “of”
13. All the commandments of God he accordingly keeps, and that with all
his might. For his obedience is in proportion to his love, the source
from whence it flows. And therefore, loving God with all his heart, he
serves him with all his strength. He continually presents his soul and
body, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God; entirely and without
reserve devoting himself, all he has, and all he is, to his glory. All
the talents he has received, he constantly employs, according to his
master’s will; every power and faculty of his soul, every member of his
body. Once he _yielded_ them _unto sin_ and the devil, _as instruments
of unrighteousness_: but now, _being a live from the dead, he yields_
them all, _as instruments of righteousness unto_ God.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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