Wesley Corpus

6. But you have made an ample amends for this, by pro viding so short and easy a way to heaven; not a long, narrow, troublesome, round-about path, like that described in the Bible; but one that will as compendiously save the soul, as Dr. Ward’s “pill and drop” heal the body: A way so plain, that they who follow it need no Bible, no human teaching, no outward means whatever; being every one able to stand alone, every one sufficient for himself! “The first step is, to turn wholly from yourself, and to give up yourself wholly unto God.” (Part II., p. 22.) If it be, no flesh living shall be saved. How grievously do we stumble at the threshold! Do you seriously call this the first step,-to turn wholly from myself, and give up myself wholly unto God? Am I then to step first on the highest round of the ladder? Not unless you turn it upside down. The way to heaven would be short indeed, if the first and the last step were all one; if we were to step as far the moment we set out, as we can do till we enter into glory. But what do you mean by giving up myself to God? You. answer: “Every sincere wish and desire after Christian virtues, is giving up yourself to him, and the very perfection of faith.” (Spirit of Love, Part II., p. 217.) Far, very far from it: I know from the experience of a thousand persons, as well as from Scripture, and the very reason of the thing, that a man may have sincere desires. after all these, long before he attains them. He may sincerely wish to give himself up to God, long before he is able so to do. He may desire this, not only before he has the per fection, but before he has any degree, of saving faith. More marvellous still is that which follows: “You may easily and immediately, by the mere turning of your mind, have all these virtues,--patience, meekness, humility, and resignation to God.” (Page 212.) Who may ? Not I; not you; not any that is born of a. woman; as is proved by the daily experience of all that know what patience, meekness, or resignation means. But how shall I know whether I have faith or not? “I will give you an infallible touchstone.