Wesley Corpus

Nay, from such a conversation, if duly improved, numberless good effects may flow. For how few understand, “Whether ye eat or drink, or whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God l” And how glad ought you to be of a fair occasion to observe, that though the kingdom of God does not consist in “meats and drinks,” yet, without exact temperance in these, we cannot have either “righteousness, or peace, or joy in the Holy Ghost !” It may therefore have a very happy effect, if, whenever people introduce the subject, you directly close in, and push it home, that they may understand a little more of this important truth. 28. But “I find at present very little desire to change either my thoughts or practice.” Shall I speak plain? I fear, by not standing your ground, by easiness, cowardice, and false shame, you have grieved the Spirit of God, and thereby lost your conviction and desire at once. Yet you add: “I advise every one to leave off tea, if it hurts their health, or is inconsistent with frugality; as I advise every one to avoid dainties in meat, and vanity in dress, from the same principle.” Enough, enough ! Let this only be well pursued, and it will secure all that I contend for. I advise no persons living to leave it off, if it does not hurt the health either of them or their brethren; and if it is not inconsistent with the Christian frugality of cutting off every needless expense. 29. But “to be subject to the consequences of leaving it off again! this I cannot bear.” I answer, First, It may be so. You cannot easily bear it. For, by your giving up the point once, you have made it much harder to stand your ground now than it was at first. Yet still it is worth all your courage and labour; since the reasons for it are as strong as at the beginning. Secondly, As to the consequences you fear, they are shadowy all; they are a mere lion in the streets. “Much trouble to others.” Absolutely none at all, if you take the tea-kettle, and fill your cup with water. “Much foolish discourse.” Take the preceding advice, and it will be just the reverse.