Wesley Corpus

Let this only be well pursued, and it will secure all that I contend for. I advise no persons living to leave it off, if it does not hurt the health either of them or their brethren; and if it is not inconsistent with the Christian frugality of cutting off every needless expense. 29. But “to be subject to the consequences of leaving it off again! this I cannot bear.” I answer, First, It may be so. You cannot easily bear it. For, by your giving up the point once, you have made it much harder to stand your ground now than it was at first. Yet still it is worth all your courage and labour; since the reasons for it are as strong as at the beginning. Secondly, As to the consequences you fear, they are shadowy all; they are a mere lion in the streets. “Much trouble to others.” Absolutely none at all, if you take the tea-kettle, and fill your cup with water. “Much foolish discourse.” Take the preceding advice, and it will be just the reverse. “Nothing helpful toward the renewal of my soul in the image of Jesus Christ.” What a deep mistake is this ! Is it not helpful to speak closely of the nature of his inward kingdom ? to encourage one another in casting off every weight, in removing every hinderance of it? to inure ourselves to the bearing his cross? to bring Christianity into common life, and accustom ourselves to conduct even our minutest actions by the great rules of reason and religion? 30. Is it “not of any importance” to do this? I think, it is of vast importance. However, “it is a very small circumstance in self-denial.” It is well if you find it so. I am sure I did not. And I believe the case is the same with many others at this day. But you say, “I have so many other assaults of self-indulgence, that this is nothing.” “It is nothing,” said one to a young woman, “to fast once or twice a week; to deny yourself a little food. Why do not you deny yourself as to anger and fretfulness, as to peevish mess and discontent?” She replied, “That I want; so I deny myself in little things first, till I am able to do it in greater.” Neither you nor I can mend her reply.