these induced a plain man to write the follow-
Christian Perfection ment in all things and 'fill us with all the fullness of God,' that so we may be 'perfect and entire, wanting nothing.' "
22. About the same time five or six honest enthusiasts foretold the world was to end on the 28th of February. I immediately withstood them by every possible means, both in public and private. I preached expressly upon the subject, both at Weststreet and Spitalfields. I warned the society again and again, and spoke severally to as many as I could, and I saw the fruit of my labor.
They made exceeding few converts, I believe scarce thirty in our whole society. Nevertheless, they made abundance of noise, gave huge occasion of offense to those who took care to improve to the uttermost every occasion against me, and greatly increased both the number and courage of those who opposed Christian perfection.
23. Some questions now published by one of these induced a plain man to write the following:
"Queries, humbly proposed to those who deny perfection to be attainable in this life.
"(1) Has there not been a larger measure of the Holy Spirit given under the gospel than under the Jewish dispensation? If not, in what sense was the Spirit not given before Christ was glorified? (John
7:39-) "(2) Was that 'glory which followed the suffer-
John Wesley
ings of Christ' (I Peter 1:11) an external glory or an internal, namely, the glory of holiness?
"(3) Has God anywhere in Scripture commanded us more than He has promised to us?
"(4) Are the promises of God respecting holiness to be fulfilled in this life, or only in the next?
"(5) Is a Christian under any other laws than those which God promises to 'write in our hearts'?
(Jeremiah 31:31, etc.; Hebrews 8:10. ) "(6) In what sense is 'the righteousness of the law fulfilled in those who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit'? (Romans 8:4.) "(7) Is it impossible for anyone in this life to 'love God with all his heart, and mind, and soul, and strength'? And is the Christian under any law which is not fulfilled in this love?
"(8) Does the soul's going out of the body effect its purification from indwelling sin?
"(g) If so, is it not something else, not 'the blood of Christ, which cleanseth' it 'from all sin'?
"(10) If His blood cleanseth us from all sin while the soul and body are united, is it not in this life?
"(11) If when that union ceases, is it not in the next? And is not this too late?
"(12) If in the article of death, what situation is the soul in when it is neither in the body nor out of it?
"(13) Has Christ anywhere taught us to pray for what He never designs to give?
Christian Perfection "(14) Has He not taught us to pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven'? And is it not done perfectly in heaven?
"(15) If so, has He not taught us to pray for perfection on earth? Does He not, then, design to give itP "(16) Did not Saint Paul pray according to the will of God when he prayed that the Thessalonians might be 'sanctified wholly, and preserved' (in this world, not the next, unless he was praying for the dead ) 'blameless in body, soul, and spirit, unto the coming of Jesus Christ'?
"(17) Do you sincerely desire to be freed from indwelling sin in this life?
"(18) If you do, did not God give you that desire?
"(19) If so, did He not give it you to mock you, since it is impossible it should ever be fulfilled?
"(20) If you have not sincerity enough even to desire it, are you not disputing about matters too high for you?
"(21) Do you ever pray God to 'cleanse the thoughts of your heart, that' you 'may perfectly love Him'?
"(22) If you neither desire what you ask, nor believe it attainable, pray you not as a fool prayeth?
"God help thee to consider these questions calmly and impartially!"