Wesley Corpus

3. But it may be said, "We have public prayers both morning and evening in all our Colleges." It is true; and it were to be wished that all the members thereof; more especially the elder, those of note and character, would, by constantly attending them, show how sensible they are of the invaluable privilege. But have all who attend them the form of godliness Before those solemn addresses to God begin, does the behaviour of all who are present show that they know before whom they stand What impression appears to be left on their minds when those holy offices are ended And even during their continuance, can it be reasonably inferred from the tenor of their outward behaviour, that their hearts are earnestly fixed on Him who standeth in the midst of them I much fear, were a Heathen, who understood not our tongue, to come into one of these our assemblies, he would suspect nothing less than that we were pouring out our hearts before the Majesty of heaven and earth. What then shall we say, (if indeed "God is not mocked,") but, "What a man soweth, that also shall he reap" 4. "On Sundays, however," say some, "it cannot be denied that we have the form of godliness, having sermons preached both morning and afternoon, over and above the morning and evening Service." But do we keep the rest of the Sabbath-day holy Is there no needless visiting upon it no trifling, no impertinence of conversation Do neither you yourself do any unnecessary work upon it, nor suffer others over whom you have any power, to break the laws of God and man herein If you do, even in this you have nothing whereof to boast. But herein also you are guilty before God. 5. But if we have the form of godliness on one day in a week, is there not on other days what is quite contrary thereto Are not the best of our conversing hours spent in foolish talking and jesting, which are not convenient nay, perhaps, in wanton talking too; such as modest ears could not hear Are there not many among us found to eat and drink with the drunken And if so, what marvel is it that our profaneness should also go up into the heavens, and our oaths and curses into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth