Wesley Corpus

Brethren, whatever ye are accounted by men, I would not have you fools in God’s account. “Walk ye circum spectly, not as fools, but as wise;” not in those ways which God may possibly forgive, (to put things in the most favour able light,) but in those which he will certainly reward. “In wickedness be ye children” still; “but in understanding be ye men.” I want to see a visible body of people who are standing examples of this wisdom; patterns of doing all things, great and small, with an eye to God and etermity. 472 ADVICE To METhonists, V. l. But we may be assured, the wisdom of the world will find out abundance of objections to this. Accordingly, it is objected, First, “If God has given us plentiful fortunes, if we are placed in the higher ranks of life, we must act suitably to our fortune. We ought to dress according to our rank; that is, in gold and costly apparel.” Not to insist that mone of you are of this rank, I answer, Where is this written? Our Saviour once occasionally said, “Behold, they who wear gorgeous” (splendid) “apparel, are in Kings’ courts;” but he docs not say, they ought to be even there; he neither enjoins nor countenances it. And where is this either enjoined or allowed by IIim or any of his Apostles? Bring me plain, scriptural proof for your assertion, or I cannot allow it. 2. “But did not God give express command by Moses, that some even among his chosen people should be adorned in the most exquisite manner with gold and precious stones, and costly array?” Indeed he did; he expressly commanded this with regard to Aaron and his successors in the IIigh Priesthood. But to this I answer, First, This direction which God gave, with regard to thc Jewish IIigh Priest, cau certainly affect no person in England, unless the Archbishop of Canterbury; and I apprehend, he docs not plead the precedent. Secondly, The Jews and we are under different dispensations. The glory of the whole Mosaic dispensation was chiefly visible and cxternal; whereas the glory of the Christian dispensation is of an invisible and spiritual nature. 3. “But what then are gold and precious stones for? Why have they a place in the creation?” What, if I say I cannot tell?