Treatise Character Of A Methodist
| Author | John Wesley |
|---|---|
| Type | treatise |
| Year | None |
| Passage ID | jw-treatise-character-of-a-methodist-007 |
| Words | 386 |
He is not con
tent to “keep the whole law, and offend in one point; ” but
has, in all points, “a conscience void of offence towards God
and towards man.” Whatever God has forbidden, he avoids;
whatever God hath enjoined, he doeth; and that whether it be
little or great, hard or easy, joyous or grievous to the flesh. He
“runs the way of God’s commandments,” now he hath set his
heart at liberty. It is his glory so to do; it is his daily crown
of rejoicing, “to do the will of God on earth, as it is done in
heaven; ” knowing it is the highest privilege of “the angels
of God, of those that excel in strength, to fulfil his command
ments, and hearken to the voice of his word.”
13. All the commandments of God he accordingly keeps, and
that with all his might. For his obedience is in proportion to
his love, the source from whence it flows. And therefore, loving
God with all his heart, he serves him with all his strength. He
continually presents his soul and body a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable toGod; entirely and without reserve devoting him
self, all he has, and all he is, to his glory. All the talents he
has received, he constantly employs according to his Master’s
will; every power and faculty of his soul, every member of
his body. Once he “ yielded” them “unto sin” and the
devil, “as instruments of unrighteousness;” but now, “being
alive from the dead, he yields” them all “as instruments of
righteousness unto God.”
14. By consequence, whatsoever he doeth, it is all to the
glory of God. In all his employments of every kind, he not
only aims at this, (which is implied in having a single eye,)
but actually attains it. His business and refreshments, as
well as his prayers, all serve this great end. Whether he sit
in his house or walk by the way, whether he lie down or rise
up, he is promoting, in all he speaks or does, the one business
of his life; whether he put on his apparel, or labour, or eat
and drink, or divert himself from too wasting labour, it all
tends to advance the glory of God, by peace and good-will
among men.