A Serious Call

I found a treasure at Half-Priced Books yesterday, The Nature of Revival by John & Charles Wesley & George Whitefield. Before I got to the end of chapter one John Wesley spoke of the effect of reading William Law’s book, A Serious Call. I had just placed an order with amazon.com last week, and accidentally ordered ALL the books in my shopping cart, many having been there for months. One was A Serious Call, and it arrived yesterday, too. I thought reading those 2 books together would be a real treat (well, maybe that’s not the right word).
I always welcome a dose of the stern teachings from the classical writers since our culture, and our sinful nature seem to deaden our awareness of the depths of our depravity, and their teachings help me refocus on how serious God is about holiness and obedience. William Law’s (1686-1761) writings had a great impact on leaders of the revival begun under George Whitefield, and later the Wesleys.
Here’s a brief quote to challenge us to holiness:
“Bended knees, whilst you are clothed with pride; heavenly petitions, whilst you are hoarding up treasure upon earth; holy devotions, whilst you live in the follies of the world; prayers of meekness and charity, whilst your heart is the seat of pride and resentment; hours of prayer, whilst you give up days and years to idle diversions, impertinent visits, and foolish pleasures, are as absurd, unacceptable services to God as forms of thanksgiving from a person that lives in repining and discontent.” I shall ponder that today.