Wesley Corpus

“They think none can be saved but those of their own way.” Most surely they do. For as there is but one heaven, so there is but one way to it, even the way of faith in Christ, (for we speak not of opinions or outward modes of worship,) the way of love to God and man, the high way of holiness. And is it uncharitable to think or say that none can be saved but those who walk in this way? Was He then uncharitable who declared, “He that believeth not shall be damned?” or he that said, “Follow holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord?” and again: “Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,” yet, “if I have not ayatnv, charity,” love, all this “profiteth me nothing.” “But they damn all,” you say, “beside themselves.” Damn all ! What kind of word is this? They damn no man. None is able to damn any man, but the Lord aud Judge of all. What you probably mean by that strange expression is, they declare that God condemns all beside those who believe in Jesus Christ, and love him and keep his commandments. And so must you also, or you sin against God, and your neighbour, and your own soul. But is there any uncharitableness in this, in warning sinners to flee from the wrath to come On the contrary, not to warn a poor, blind, stupid wretch that he is hanging over the mouth of hell, would be so inexcusable a want of charity, as would bring his blood upon our own head. 4. But there is no room for dispute, touching these doctrines in general, seeing our Lord gives you so plain a rule, by which you may easily and infallibly know whether they be of God: “The tree is known by its fruit: Either therefore make the tree good, and its fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt.” (Matt. xii. 33.) Now, what fruit does the tree before us bring forth? Look and see; believe your own eyes and ears. Sinners leave their sins: The servants of the devil become the servants of God. Is this good or evil fruit; that vice loses ground, and virtue, practical religion, gains? Odispute no more! Know the tree by its fruit.