God through Jesus Christ?
WRITINGS OF JOHN WESLEY
do good for those of the family of faith. \f there be a surplus still, whenever you have an opportunity, work for the good of all. In so doing, you give all you can; nay, in a real sense, all you have.
For all that is laid out in this manner is really given to God.
You give to God the things that are God's, not only by what you give to the poor, but also by what you spend in providing things needful for yourself and your household.
If then a doubt should at any time arise in your mind concerning what you are going to spend, either on yourself or any part of your family, you have an easy way to remove it. Calmly and seriously inquire, 1. In expending this, am I acting according to my character? Am I acting herein, not as a proprietor, but as a steward of my Lord's goods?
2. Am I doing this in obedience to his word? In what scripture does he require me so to do?
3. Can I offer up this action, this expense, as a sacrifice to God through Jesus Christ?
4. Have I reason to believe that for this very work I shall have a reward at the resurrection of the just?
You will seldom need anything more to remove any doubt that arises on this head; but, by this fourfold consideration, you will receive clear light as to the way you should go.
If any doubt still remain, you may further examine yourself by prayer, according to those categories of inquiry. Try whether you can say to the Searcher of hearts, your conscience