|
|
Collected Works of John Wesley, Volume XII
Contents:
CCCCV. — To the Same.
My Dear Sister,Manchester, March 29, 1766.
One of our Preachers has lately advanced a new position among us, — that there is no direct or immediate witness of sanctification, but only a perception or consciousness that we are changed, filled with love, and cleansed from sin. But, if I understand you right, you find a direct testimony that you are a child of God.
Now, certainly, if God has given you this light, he did not intend that you should hide it under a bushel. "It is good to conceal the secrets of a King; but it is good to tell the loving-kindness of the Lord." Every one ought to declare what God has done for his soul, and that with all simplicity: Only care is to be taken to declare to several persons that part of our experience which they are severally able to bear; and some parts of it, to such alone as are upright and simple of heart.
One reason why those who are saved from sin should freely declare it to believers is, because nothing is a stronger incitement to them to seek after the same blessing. And we ought, by every possible means, to press every serious believer to forget the things which are behind, and with all earnestness go on to perfection. Indeed, if they are not thirsting after this, it is scarce possible to keep what they have: They can hardly retain any power of faith, if they are not panting after holiness.
A thousand infirmities are consistent, even with the highest degree of holiness; which is in other than pure love, an heart devoted to God; one design and one desire. Then, whatever is done, either in word or deed, may be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Press after all the residue of the promises.
I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
Contents:
Chicago:
John Wesley, "CCCCV. — To the Same.," Collected Works of John Wesley, Volume XII, ed. Thomas Jackson in Collected Works of John Wesley, Volume XII (London: Wesleyan Methodist Book Room, 1872), Original Sources, accessed July 9, 2025, http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=4W4IXIFS8L8VTVB.
MLA:
Wesley, John. "CCCCV. — To the Same." Collected Works of John Wesley, Volume XII, edited by Thomas Jackson, in Collected Works of John Wesley, Volume XII, London, Wesleyan Methodist Book Room, 1872, Original Sources. 9 Jul. 2025. http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=4W4IXIFS8L8VTVB.
Harvard:
Wesley, J, 'CCCCV. — To the Same.' in Collected Works of John Wesley, Volume XII, ed. . cited in 1872, Collected Works of John Wesley, Volume XII, Wesleyan Methodist Book Room, London. Original Sources, retrieved 9 July 2025, from http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=4W4IXIFS8L8VTVB.
|