Wesley Corpus

If it does, not unto me, but unto God be the praise ! If it does not, “God be merciful to me a sinner !” At least, do I feel such a concern for the glory of God, and such a thirst after the salvation of men, that I am ready to do any thing, however contrary to my natural inclination, to part with anything, however agreeable to me, to suffer anything, however grievous to flesh and blood, so I may save one soul from hell? Is this my ruling temper at all times and in all places? Does it make all my labour light? If not, what a weariness is it! what a drudgery ! Had I not far better hold the plough? But is it possible this should be my ruling temper, if I still love the world? No, certainly, if I “love the world, the love of the Father is not in” me. The love of God is not in me, if I love money, if I love pleasure, so called, or diversion. Neither is it in me, if I am a lover of honour or praise, or of dress, or of good eating and drinking. Nay, even indolence, or the love of ease, is inconsistent with the love of God. What a creature then is a covetous, an ambitious, a 'luxurious, an indolent, a diversion-loving Clergyman | Is it any wonder that infidelity should increase, where any of these are to be found? that many, comparing their spirit with their profession, should blaspheme that worthy name whereby they are called? But “woe be unto him by whom the offence cometh ! It were good for that man if he had never been born.” It were good for him now, rather than he should continue to turn the lame out of the way, “that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the depth of the sea!” (3.) May not you who are of a better spirit consider, Thirdly, Am I such as I ought to be with regard to my practice? Am I, in my private life, wholly devoted to God? Am I intent upon this one thing,-to do in every point “not my own will, but the will of Him that sent me?” Do I carefully and resolutely abstain from every evil word and work?