Wesley Covenant Service

Greetings,

      The following is a reading from the Covenant Service: Directions for Renewing our Covenant with God, by John Wesley, written in 1780.  We traditionally use the Wesley Covenant Service at the New Year.  However, I thought that part of Wesley’s commentary on the service would be useful for us to read in July, as we need to be reminded of our commitment more than just in January.

     

      Yield yourselves to the Lord, that is, as his servants, give up the dominion and government of yourselves to Christ.  Pray that he put you to whatsoever work he pleaseth.  Servants, as they must do their master’s work, so they must be for any work their master has for them to do; they must not say this is too hard, or this is to mean, or this may be well enough, let alone.  Good servants, when they have chosen their master, will let their master choose their work, and will not dispute his will, but do it.

      Christ has many services to be done, some are more easy and honourable, others more difficult and disgraceful; some are suitable to our inclinations and interests, others are contrary to both; in some we may please Christ and please ourselves, as when he requires us to feed and clothe ourselves, to provide things honest for our maintenance, yes, and there are some spiritual duties that are more pleasing than others; as to rejoice in the Lord, to be blessing and praising of God, to be feeding ourselves with the delights and comforts of religion: these are sweet works of a Christian.  But then there are other works wherein we cannot please Christ but by denying ourselves, as giving and lending, bearing and forbearing, reproving men for their sins, withdrawing from their company, witnessing against wickedness, when it will cost us shame and reproach; sailing against the wind; parting with our ease, our liberties, and accommodations for the name of our Lord Jesus.

      It is necessary, beloved, to sit down and consider what it will cost you to be the servants of Christ, and to take a thorough survey of the whole business of Christianity and not engage hand over head, to you know not what.

      First, see what it is that Christ expects, and then yield yourselves to his whole will: do not think of compounding, or making your own terms with Christ, that will never be allowed you.

      Go in Christ, and tell him, Lord Jesus, if you will receive me into your house, if you will but own me as your servant, I will not stand upon terms; impose upon me what conditions you will please, write down your own articles, command me what you will, put me  to anything you see as good; let me come under your roof, let me be your servant, and spare not to command me; I will be no longer my own, but give up myself to your will in all things.

Yours & His,

DED