A Brighter Day Begins with His Word.

Wesley, John, 1703-1791 • SECTION 135

Part 135

← The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 09 (of 32)

13. Do you desire to escape the scourge of God? Then I entreat you, first, Be a _real Protestant_. By the Spirit of God assisting you (for without him you know you can do nothing) cast away all that _trust_ in your own righteousness, all hope of being saved by your own works. Own, your _merit_ is everlasting damnation; that you _deserve_ the damnation of hell. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. Lie in the dust. Let your mouth be stopt. And let all your confidence be in the _blood of sprinkling_; all your hope in JESUS CHRIST _the righteous_; all your faith in _him that justifieth the ungodly, thro’ the redemption that is in_ Jesus.

O put away your _idols_ out of your heart. _Love not the world, neither the things of the world._ Having food to eat and raiment to put on, be content: desire nothing more but God. To-day, hear his voice, who continually cries, _My son, give me thy heart_. Give yourself to him, who gave himself for _you_. May you love God, as he has loved us! Let him be your desire, your delight, your joy, your portion, in time and in eternity.

And if you love God, you _will_ love your brother also: you will be ready to lay down your life for his sake: so far from any desire to take away his life, or hurt a hair of his head. You will then leave his _conscience_ uncontrolled; you will no more think of _forcing_ him into your own opinions, as neither can he force _you_, to judge by _his_ conscience. But each shall _give an account of himself to God_.

14. It is true, if his conscience be misinformed, you should endeavour to inform him better. But whatever you do, let it be done in charity, in love and meekness of wisdom. Be zealous for God: but remember, that _the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of_ God: that angry zeal, though opposing sin, is the servant of sin; that true zeal is only the flame of love. Let this be your truly _Protestant_ zeal: while you abhor every kind and degree of _persecution_, let your heart burn with love to all mankind, to friends and enemies, neighbours and strangers; to Christians, Heathens, Jews, Turks, Papists, Heretics; to every soul which God hath made. _Let |this| your light shine before men, that they may glorify your Father which is in heaven._

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