Wesley Corpus

ians enjoyed ? so much as God would give them too, if they would receive it ? If not, let none wonder that a low degree of holiness gives (if any) but a low degree of hap piness. If they have a deep humility, a strong faith, a lively hope, and a fervent love, at some seasons, do they not at others so droop and faint in their minds, as to become like common men ; if they do, no one can expect their joy should extend further than the cause of it : they cannot be always happy till they are al ways holy; and when they are always heavenlyminded, then they shall rejoice evermore. Yet is it most certain, as was before remark ed, that till that happy hour when God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, even they who bear forth this seed of joy may go on their way weeping. They may, nay they must, endure affliction, for so did the Captain of their salvation. But it is as certain that a Christian knows how to rejoice, not only after, ' but in tribulation : for as in the laughter of the wicked the heart is sorrowful, so in the tears of the righteous there is joy ; he does not wait till his afflictions are overpast, but in every thing giveth thanks ; though he cannot but feel when he