Wesley Corpus

And undoubtedly this private application is implied in those solemn words of the Apostle: “I charge thee, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and dead at his appearing, preach the word, be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering.” Obrethren, if we could but set this work on foot in all our societies, and prosecute it zealously, what glory would redound to God! If the common ignorance were banished, and every shop and every house busied in speaking of the word and works of God; surely God would dwell in our habitations, and make us his delight. And this is absolutely necessary to the welfare of our people, many of whom neither believe nor repent to this day. Look round and see how many of them are still in apparent danger of damnation. And how can you walk and talk and be merry with such people, when you know their case? Methinks, when your look them in the face, you should break forth into tears, as the Prophet did when he looked upon Hazael; and then set on them with the most vehement and importunate exhortations. O, for God’s sake, and for the sake of poor souls, bestir your selves, and spare no pains that may conduce to their salvation! What cause have we to bleed before the Lord this day, that we have so long neglected this good work | If we had but set upon it sooner, how many more might have been brought to Christ! And how much holier and happier might we have made our societies before now ! And why might we not have done it sooner? There were many hinderances; and so there always will be. But the greatest hinderance was in ourselves, in our littleness of faith and love. But it is objected, (1) “This will take up so much time, that we shall not have time to follow our studies.” I answer, (1.) Gaining knowledge is a good thing; but saving souls is a better. (2.) By this very thing you will gain the most excellent knowledge, that of God and eternity. (3.) You will have time for gaining other knowledge too, if you spend all your mornings therein. Only sleep not more than you need; and never be idle, or triflingly employed. But, (4.) If you can do.