Wesley Corpus

(10.) Have I, when taxed with any act of obedience, avowed it, and turned the attack with sweetness and firmness? (11.) Have I disputed upon any practical point, unless it was to be practised just then ? (12.) Have I in disputing, (i.) Desired him to define the terms of the question; to limit it; what he grants, what denies? (ii) Delayed speaking my opinion? let him explain and prove his? then insinuated and pressed objections? (13.) Have I after every visit asked him who went with me, “Did I say anything wrong?” (14.) Have I when any one asked advice, directed and exhorted him with all my power? 2. Have I rejoiced with and for my neighbour in virtue or pleasure? grieved with him in pain, for him in sin? 3. Have I received his infirmities with pity, not anger? 4. Have I thought or spoke unkindly of or to him ? Have I revealed any evil of any one, unless it was necessary to some particular good I had in view? Have I then done it with all the tenderness of phrase and manner consistent with that end? Have I anyway appeared to approve them that did otherwise? 5. Has good-will been, and appeared to be, the spring of all my actions toward others? 6. Have I duly used intercession? (1.) Before, (2.) After, speaking to any? (3.) For my friends on Sunday? (4.) For my pupils on Monday? (5.) For those who have parti cularly desired it, on Wednesday and Friday? (6.) For the family in which I am, every day? 1. PERHAPs nothing can be more seasonable at the present time than to bestow a few thoughts on this. It is a fashion able subject, very frequently spoken of, especially in good company. An ingenious writer has lately given us an essay upon the subject. When it fell into my hands a few days since, I was filled with a pleasing expectation of seeing it thoroughly explained. But my expectation was not answered; for although many just and lively things are said there, yet in above twenty pages I could find no definition of dissipa tion, either bad or good. 252. But “the love of dissipation,” says the author, “is the reigning evil of the present day.” Allowing it is; I ask, What do you mean by dissipation?