Wesley Corpus

‘Here is a mystery. Here the wise men of the world are lost, are taken in their own craftiness. This the learned of the world cannot comprehend. It is foolishness unto them: sin is the only thing which divides men from God. Sin (let him that heareth understand) is the only thing which unites them to God; that is, the only thing which moves the Lamb of God to have compassion upon, and, by his blood, to give them access to the Father. 86 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [ Aug. 1738. “This is the ‘ word of reconciliation’ which we preach. This is the foundation which never can be moved. By faith we are built upon this foundation; and this faith also is the gift of God. It is his free gift, which he now and ever giveth to every one that is willing to receive it. And when they have received this gift of God, then their hearts will melt for sorrow that they have uffended him. But this gift of God lives in the heart, notinthe head. The faith of the head, learned from men or books is nothing worth. It brings neither remission of sins, nor peace with God. Labour then to believe with your whole heart. So shall you have redemption through the blood of Christ." So shall you be cleansed from all sin. So shall ye go on from strength to strength, being renewed day by day in righteousness and all true holiness.” Sat. 12.--Was the Intercession day, when many strangers were present, some of whom came twenty or thirty miles. I would gladly have spent my life here ; but my Master calling me to labour in another part of his vineyard, on Monday, 14, I was constrained to take my leave ot this happy place; Martin Déber, and a few others of the brethren, walking with us about an hour. O when shall ruis eS cover the earth, as the ‘* waters cover the sea ?”’