Wesley Corpus

But to proceed: Were there “drunkards in Ephraim, mighty to drink wine, men of strength to mingle strong drink?” And are there not in England? Are they not the growth of every county, city, and town therein P These do not indeed, or not often, “rise up early, that they may follow strong drink; ” and so “continue till night, till wine inflame them.” They have found a readier way; namely, to begin at night, and continue following their wine or strong drink till the morning. And what numbers are there of these throughout the land 1 lost to reason and humanity, as well as to religion; so that no wonder “they regard not the works of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands.” Nor indeed have our drunkards need to continue from morn ing “to night, until wine inflame them; ” seeing they have found a far more compendious method of casting aside all sensc. and reason, and disencumbering themselves of all remains either of conscience or understanding So that whatever work of darkness is speedily to be done, and that without any danger of being interrupted, either by fear, compassion, or remorse, they may be in a few moments, by one draught, as effectually quali fied for it, as if they could swallow a legion of devils. Or, (if that be all their concern,) they may, at a moderate expense, destroy their own body as well as soul, and plunge through this liquid fire into that “prepared for the devil and his angels.” Friend! stop. You have the form of a man still ; and per haps some remains of understanding. O may the merciful God lay hold of that Unto him all things are possible. Think a little for once. What is it you are doing? Why should you destroy yourself? I could not use the worst enemy I have in the world as you use yourself. Why should you murder your self inch by inch? Why should you burn yourself alive? O spare your own body at least, if you have no pity for your soul! But have you a soul then? Do you really believe it? What, a soul that must live for ever! O spare thy soul! Do not destroy thy own soul with an everlasting destruction | 1t was made for God.