Wesley Corpus

What is the proof of perfect love? Assertions bold that "I am he Whom God assures I cannot move, And sin is all destroy'd in me?" No pompous words the tokens are: Words are but leaves, and not the fruit: The leaves may spread, and flourish fair, While nature's pride is at the root. Great words an evil tree may bear: Partners of real holiness By purity of life declare, By deeds their perfect love confess: True goodness grows on a good tree, Meekness which no affront can move, Patience, conceal'd humility, And all the fruits of silent love.24 "Every tree is known by its own fruit." Luke vi. 44. Howe'er the softning art of man May subtle, learn'd distinctions make, And sin in perfect saints explain As nature's innocent mistake;25 Howe'er we may the rule bring down, And make it our experience suit, That tree is good, and that alone, Which cannot bring forth evil fruit. "Every tree is known by its own fruit." Luke vi. 44. Shall those who evil act or speak, Our vouchers for perfection be, Allow'd by man thy law to break, And call it an infirmity? Ah, no: the trees of righteousness, Thy planting, O Almighty Lord, They never can thy law transgress,26 Or sin, in deed, or thought, or word. 24John Wesley underlined "conceal'd humility" in line 7 and "silent love" in line 8 in his personal copy, drawing an exclamation point in the margin near line 7. 25John Wesley underlined "nature's innocent" in his personal copy, drawing a "Q" (for Question) in the margin. 26John Wesley underlined "man thy law" in line 3 and "never can thy law" in line 7 in his personal copy, drawing an exclamation point in the margin near line 3. Page 217 "Every tree is known by its own fruit." Luke vi. 44. Away with all your boastings vain, Proofs more substantial we demand, Ye cannot sin, if born again, Ye can the fiery trial stand; The proof in facts and tempers give, Sorrow, disgrace, and pain endure, Live without sin, like Jesus live, And tell us thus your hearts are pure.27 "They bring forth fruit with patience." Luke viii. 15.