Wesley Corpus

8. Observe the remark which our Lord has left upon the whole occurrence: "So is every one who layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God," -- such a fool, such an egregious madman, as it is beyond the power of language to express! However wise he may be in his own eyes, and perhaps in those of his neighbour, he is in reality the greatest fool under heaven, who heapeth up things from which he must soon be separated for ever: And whoever is seeking happiness in the things that perish is laying up treasure for himself. This is absolutely inconsistent with being "rich" (or rather, growing) "toward God;" with obeying that scriptural command, -- "My son, give me thy heart." He who is child of God can truly say. -- All my riches are above; All my treasure is thy love: He can testify, "All my desire is unto thee, and to the remembrance of thy name!" 9. Let every one who readeth these words, narrowly search his own heart. Where hast thou laid up thy treasure hitherto Where art thou laying it up now Art thou labouring to be rich toward God, or to lay up earthly goods which takes up the greater part of thy thoughts Thou that art careful for outward things, diligent in doing good, and exact in outward duties, -- beware of covetousness; of decent, honourable love of money; and of a desire to lay up treasures on earth. Lay up treasure in heaven! A few days hence, thou wilt step into a land of darkness; where earthly fruits will be of no avail; where thou wilt not be capable of eating and drinking, or gratifying any of thy senses. What benefit wilt thou then receive from all thou hast laid up in this world What satisfaction in all which thou hast treasured up, -- all thou hast left behind thee Left behind thee! What! couldest thou then take nothing with thee into the everlasting habitations Nay then, lay up treasure, before thou go hence, which fadeth not away. Preached at Balham, February 19, 1790