Treatise Letter To A Roman Catholic
| Author | John Wesley |
|---|---|
| Type | treatise |
| Year | None |
| Passage ID | jw-treatise-letter-to-a-roman-catholic-007 |
| Words | 384 |
Then if we cannot as yet think alike in all things, at
least we may love alike. Herein we cannot possibly do amiss. For of one point none can doubt a moment,-“God is love;
and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him.”
17. In the name, then, and in the strength of God, let us
resolve, First, not to hurt one another; to do nothing unkind
or unfriendly to each other, nothing which we would not have
done to ourselves: Rather let us endeavour after every instance
of a kind, friendly, and Christian behaviour towards each other. Let us resolve, Secondly, God being our helper, to speak
nothing harsh or unkind of each other. The sure way to
avoid this, is to say all the good we can, both of and to one
another: In all our conversation, either with or concerning
each other, to use only the language of love; to speak with
all softness and tenderness; with the most endearing expres
sion which is consistent with truth and sincerity. Let us, Thirdly, resolve to harbour no unkind thought, no
unfriendly temper, towards each other. Let us lay the axe to
the root of the tree; let us examine all that rises in our heart,
and suffer no disposition there which is contrary to tender
affection. Then shall we easily refrain from unkind actions
and words, when the very root of bitterness is cut up. Let us, Fourthly, endeavour to help each other on in what
ever we are agreed leads to the kingdom. So far as we can,
let us always rejoice to strengthen each other's hands in
God. Above all, let us each take heed to himself, (since each
must give an account of himself to God,) that he fall not
short of the religion of love; that he be not condemned in
that he himself approveth. Olet you and I (whatever others
do) press on to the prize of our high calling! that, being
justified by faith, we may have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ; that we may rejoice in God through Jesus
Christ, by whom we have received the atonement; that the
love of God may be shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy
Ghost which is given unto us.