Wesley Collected Works Vol 11
| Author | John Wesley |
|---|---|
| Type | treatise |
| Year | None |
| Passage ID | jw-wesley-collected-works-vol-11-217 |
| Words | 385 |
The windows of heaven begin
to be opened, to rain down judgments on the earth. And
yet, with what tenderness does he proceed ! in the midst of
wrath remembering mercy. By how slow degrees does his
vengeance move | Nor does his whole displeasure yet arise. 8. Brethren, countrymen, Englishmen, what shall we do;
to-day, while it is called to-day, before the season of mercy is
quite expired, and our “destruction cometh as a whirlwind?”
Which way can we remove the evils we feel? which way
prevent those we fear? Is there any better way than the
making God our friend? the securing his help against our
enemies? Other helps are little worth. We see armies
may be destroyed, or even flee away from old men and
children. Fleets may be dashed to pieces in an hour, and
sunk in the depth of the sea. Allies may be treacherous, or
slow, or foolish, or weak, or cowardly; but God is a friend
who cannot betray, and whom none can either bribe or terrify. And who is wise, or swift, or strong like him? Therefore,
whatever we do, let us make God our friend; let us with all
speed remove the cause of his anger; let us cast away our
sins. Then shall his love have free course, and he will send
us help, sufficient help, against all our enemies. 9. Come; will you begin? Will you, by the grace of
God, amend one, and that without delay? First, then, own
those sins which have long cried for vengeance in the ears
of God. Confess, that we, and all, and you in particular,
deserve for our inward and outward abominations, not only
to be swept from the face of the earth, but to suffer the
vengeance of eternal fire. Never aim at excusing either
yourself or others; let your mouth be stopped. Plead guilty
before God. Above all, own that impudence of wickedness,
that utter carelessness, that pert stupidity, which is hardly
to be found in any part of the earth, (at least, not in such a
degree,) except in England. Do you not know what I
mean? You was not long since praying to God for damma
tion upon your soul. One who has heard you said, “Is
that right? Does not God hear?