any objection against that tract to this day; and
John Wesley
I maintained eight-and-thirty years ago? And it is the same which, by the grace of God, I have continued to teach from that time till now, as will appear to every impartial person from the extracts subjoined below.
11. I do not know that any writer has made any objection against that tract to this day; and for some time I did not find much opposition upon the head—at least, not from serious persons.
But after a time a cry arose, and, what a little surprised me, among religious men, who affirmed not that I stated perfection wrong, but that "there ~~ is no perfection on earth"; nay, and fell vehemently on my brother and me for affirming the contrary. We scarce expected so rough an attack from these, especially as we were clear on justification by faith, and careful to ascribe the whole of salvation to the mere grace of God. But what most surprised us was that we were said to "dishonor Christ" by asserting that he "saveth to the uttermost," by maintaining He will reign in our hearts alone, and subdue all things to Himself.
12. I think it was in the latter end of the year 1740 that I had a conversation with Dr. Gibson, then bishop of London, at Whitehall. He asked me what I meant by perfection. I told him without any disguise or reserve. When I ceased speaking he said, "Mr. Wesley, if this be all you mean, publish it to all the world. If anyone then can