Wesley Corpus

O let us herein follow the example of St. Paul | (1.) For our general business, “Serving the Lord with all humility of mind.” (2.) Our special work, “Take heed to your selves, and to all the flock.” (3.) Our doctrine, “Repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (4.) The place, “I have taught you publicly, and from house to house.” The object and manner of teaching: “I ceased not to warn every one, night and day, with tears.” (5.) His innocence and self-denial herein: “I have coveted no man’s silver or gold.” (6.) His patience: “Neither count Imy life dear unto myself.” And among all our motives, let these be ever before our eyes: (1) “The Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (2.) “Grievous wolves shall enter in ; yea, of yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things.” Write this upon your hearts, and it will do you more good than twenty years’ study. Let every Preacher, having a catalogue of those in each society, go to each house. Deal gently with them, that the report of it may move others to desire your coming. Give the children the “Instructions for Children,” and encourage them to get them by heart. Indeed, you will find it no easy matter to teach the ignorant the principles of religion. So true is the remark of Archbishop Usher: “Great scholars may think this work beneath them. But they should consider, the laying the foundation skilfully, as it is of the greatest importance, so it is the masterpiece of the wisest builder. And let the wisest of us all try, whenever we please, we shall find, that to lay this ground-work rightly, to make the ignorant understand the grounds of religion, will put us to the trial of all our skill.” Perhaps in doing this it may be well, (1.) After a few loving words spoken to all in the house, to take each person singly into another room, where you may deal closely with him, about his sin, and misery, and duty. Set these home, or you lose all your labour. (At least, let none be present but those who are familiar with each other.) (2.) Hear what the children have learned by heart. (3) Choose some of the weightiest points, and try if they understand them.