The excerpt below comes from his writing entitled Christian Perfection. It's not so much advice to Christians to be sinless as it is advice to nurture our desire to be wholly devoted in love with God. Pretty easy to tell from this passage if Wesley was an activist or a contemplative.
The Danger of Sins of Omission
"Sins of omission are avoiding to do good of any kind when we have the opportunity. We must beware of these sins and, instead, be zealous of good works. Do all the good you possibly can to the bodies and souls of your neighbors. Be active. Give no place to laziness. Be always busy, losing no shred of time. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.
Also be slow to speak. It is said, "In a multitude of words sin abounds." Try not to talk too much, or for a long period of time. Not many people can converse profitably beyond an hour's time. Especially avoid pious "chit-chat" or religious gossip."
I could use a little practice on the reduction of words from my days....anybody else?
Honestly, I went to bed last night convicted that I need to go on a "word fast" for a while. I hit "play back" on the words I've spoken recently, and could clearly see how sin nudged its way in the door.
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