Wesley Corpus

Nay, but from “foolishness” of heart also; from error, from malice, hatred, envy, evil desire; all which are inward corruptions. You add: “From all this we may gather, that “God’s creating the new man after his own image in righteousness and true holiness, means his erecting the Christian Church with a view to promote righteousness and holiness among men. For ‘we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.’” (Page 155.) Surely you do not cite this verse also to prove, that the “renewing of our mind” implies no inward change | It must be something more than an outward profession, or the reforming a vicious course of life, by reason of which we are said to be “God’s workman ship, created anew in Christ Jesus.” These texts, therefore, do manifestly refer to personal, inter mal holiness; and clearly prove, that this is the chief part of that “image of God” in which man was originally created. The other text which you re-consider, is Eccles. vii. 29: “God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.” (Pages 156-160.) But this, you say, does not mean, that God made man righteous; but that he made him right, as having those powers, means, and encourage ments, by a due use of which he may become righteous. In order to prove that this is the true meaning of the words, you affirm, 1. “That man here is not to be understood of Adam, but of all mankind.” This cannot be granted without full proof. You affirm, 2. “This appears from the latter part of the sentence: ‘They sought out many inventions.’” Adam and Eve did so, in and after their fall. This, therefore, proves nothing. You affirm, 8. “The word jashar” (which we translate upright) “does not always imply uprightness or righteousness.” But this is its proper meaning, as will appear to any who seriously considers the following texts:-- 1. “When thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the Lord.” (Deut. xii. 25.) It is taken in the very same sense, verse 28; xiii. 18, and xxi. 9. In all these texts, it undeniably implies, morally good, or righteous. 2. “A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is he.” (Deut. xxxii. 4.) “Good and upright is the Lord.” (Psalm xxv. 8.) 3. “The word of the Lord is right.” (Psalm xxxiii.