Page:The works of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A., late fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford (IA worksofrevjohnwe3wesl).pdf/333



4. But perhaps you are not conscious of even any sin of omission, which impairs your peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Is there not then some inward sin, which as a root of bitterness springs up in your heart to trouble you? Is not your dryness and barrenness of soul occasioned by your hearts departing from the living God? Has not ''the foot of pride come against'' you? Have you not thought of yourself more highly than you ought to think? Have you not in any respect ''sacrificed to your own net, and burnt incense to your own drag''? Have you not ascribed your success in any undertaking, to your own courage, or strength, or wisdom? Have you not boasted of something ''you have received, as though you have not received it''? Have you not gloried in any thing save the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ? Have you not sought after or desired the praise of men? Have you not taken pleasure in it? If so, you see the way you are to take. If you have fallen by pride, ''humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, and he will exalt you in due time''. Have not you forced him to depart from you, by giving place to anger? Have you not ''fretted yourself because of the ungodly, or been envious against the evil-doers''? Have you not been offended at any of your brethren? Looking at their (real or imagined) sin, so as to sin yourself against the great law of love, by estranging your heart from them? Then look