Wesley Corpus

“Much foolish discourse.” Take the preceding advice, and it will be just the reverse. “Nothing helpful toward the renewal of my soul in the image of Jesus Christ.” What a deep mistake is this ! Is it not helpful to speak closely of the nature of his inward kingdom ? to encourage one another in casting off every weight, in removing every hinderance of it? to inure ourselves to the bearing his cross? to bring Christianity into common life, and accustom ourselves to conduct even our minutest actions by the great rules of reason and religion? 30. Is it “not of any importance” to do this? I think, it is of vast importance. However, “it is a very small circumstance in self-denial.” It is well if you find it so. I am sure I did not. And I believe the case is the same with many others at this day. But you say, “I have so many other assaults of self-indulgence, that this is nothing.” “It is nothing,” said one to a young woman, “to fast once or twice a week; to deny yourself a little food. Why do not you deny yourself as to anger and fretfulness, as to peevish mess and discontent?” She replied, “That I want; so I ThouGHTS ON NERVOUS DISORDERS. 515 deny myself in little things first, till I am able to do it in greater.” Neither you nor I can mend her reply. Go thou and do likewise. 31. I have done what I proposed; and indeed in many more words than I at first intended. I have told you the occasions of every step I have taken, and the motives induc ing me thereto; and have considered what either you or others have urged on the contrary side of the question. And now, the advice I would give upon the whole is this: First, Pray earnestly to God for clear light; for a full, piercing, and steady conviction, that this is the more excel lent way. Pray for a spirit of universal self-denial, of cheerful temperance, of wise frugality; for bowels of mercies; for a kind, compassionate spirit, tenderly sensible of the various wants of your brethren; and for firmness of mind; for a mild, even courage, without fear, anger, or shame.