Wesley Corpus

“But what shall the Christians do in the time of public calamities? Be still, look up, and follow providence. Be still, O my soul! in the midst of tumults and the distress of nations. Take no comfort in any thing but in the consciousness of divine love. Listen to his voice, and quietly wait to see the hand of God over all. Ifyou are uncertain what to do, look up, and expect wisdom from above. If you fear, Jook up for courage and faith to act well on all occasions. If the sword is at your throat, look up for submission to the wise and gracious will of God. Look up for power to pray without ceasing, and in every thing to give thanks. Follow providence. Do not run before, but after, the hand that leads the simpilehearted, with a steady attention, and a determinate purpose to do what is pleasing to him. ‘But what shall the Christians do, if the storm come,--if our country be actually invaded’ The general answer must be the same: ‘Be still; leok up; follow providence.’ A particular answer is hard to give yet. Only so far one may say, 1. We must take great care of our spirits. If we sink into the world’s fears or joys, we shall lose our hold on God. The spirit of the Christians and the spirit of the world are entirely different. They can never agree in what appertains to the work of God, either in his dispensations of grace or justice. 2. Every one should deeply consiaer, what he is called to. Some may think it would be a sin to defend themselves. Happy are they, if they can refrain from judging or condemning those that are of a different persuasion. Certain it is, some have fought and died in a just cause, with a conscience void of offence. To some, therefore, it may be matter of duty to repel the common enemy. 3. They who believe they are called to this, should proceed in all things in a Christian spirit. They should, if possible, joinin one body. They should endeavour to avoid trifling company and conversation. They should learn the exercise with prayers and hymns. But who of us is sufficient for these things ?”