Wesley Corpus

92, 93, to be another instance of madness, I contend not. It was because I did not understand that uncommon case that I prefaced it with this reflection: “The fact I nakedly relate, and leave every man to his own judgment upon it.” Only be pleased to observe, that this madness, if such it was, is no more chargeable upon me than upon you. For the subject of it had no relation to, or commerce with, me; nor had I ever seen her before that hour. 5. Query the Fifth:--“Whether those exalted strains in religion, and an imagination of being already in a state of per fection, are not apt to lead men to spiritual pride, and to a con tempt of their fellow Christians; while they consider them as only going on in what they call the low and imperfect way, (that is, as growing in grace and goodness only by degrees,) even though it appear by the lives of those who are considered by them as in that low and imperfect way, that they are persons who are gradually working out their salvation by their own honest endeavours, and through the ordinary assistances of God’s grace; with an humble reliance upon the merits of Christ for the pardon of their sins, and the acceptance of their sincere though imperfect services.” I must divide this query too; but first permit me to ask, What do you mean by “those exalted strains in religion?” I have said again and again, I know of no more exalted strain than, “I will love thee, O Lord my God:” Especially accord ing to the propriety of David’s expression, Tris Tort-s: Ex intimis visceribus diligam te, Domine.” This premised, let us go on step by step. Query 1. Whether the preaching of “loving God from our inmost bowels,” is not apt to lead men to spiritual pride, and to a contempt of their fellow Christians. Answer. No : But, so far as it takes place, it will humble them to the dust. Q. 2. Whether an imagination of being already in a state of perfection is not apt to lead men into spiritual pride. * I will love thee from my inmost bowels. A. (1) If it be a false imagination, it is spiritual pride. (2.) But true Christian perfection is no other than humble love. Q. 3.