Wesley Corpus

Reason, rally, laugh them out of their dead, empty forms, void of spirit, of faith, of love. Convince them, that such mean pageantry (for such it manifestly is, if there is nothing in the heart correspondent with the outward show) is absolutely unworthy, you need not say of God, but even of any man that is endued with common understanding. Show them, that while they are endeavouring to please God thus, they are only beating the air. Know your time; press on; push your victories, till you have conquered all that know not God. And then He, whom neither they nor you know now, shall rise and gird himself with strength, and go forth in his almighty love, and sweetly conquer you all together. 9. O that the time were come ! How do I long for you to be partakers of the exceeding great and precious promise ! How am I pained when I hear any of you using those silly terms, which the men of form have taught you, calling the mention of the only thing you want, cant 1 the deepest wisdom, the highest happiness, enthusiasm What ignorance is this ! How extremely despicable would it make you in the eyes of any but a Christian | But he cannot despise you, who loves you as his own soul, who is ready to lay down his life for your sake. 10. Perhaps you will say, “But this internal evidence of Christianity affects only those in whom the promise is fulfilled. It is no evidence to me.” There is truth in this objection. It does affect them chiefly, but it does not affect them only. It cannot, in the nature of things, be so strong an evidence to others as it is to them. And yet it may bring a degree of evidence, it may reflect some light on you also. For, First, you see the beauty and loveliness of Christianity, when it is rightly understood; and you are sure there is nothing to be desired in comparison of it. Secondly. You know the Scripture promises this, and says, it is attained by faith, and by no other way. Thirdly. You see clearly how desirable Christian faith is, even on account of its own intrinsic value. Fourthly. You are a witness, that the holiness and happiness above described can be attained no other way.