Wesley Corpus

A. We cannot, without the miraculous discernment of spirits, be infallibly certain of those who are thus saved. But we apprehend, these would be the best proofs which the nature of the thing admits: (1) If we had sufficient evidence of their unblamable behaviour preceding. (2.) If they gave a dis tinct account of the time and manner wherein they were saved from sin, and of the circumstances thereof, with such sound speech as could not be reproved. And, (3.) If, upon a strict inquiry afterwards from time to time, it appeared that all their tempers, and words, and actions, were holy and unreprovable. Q. 6. How should we treat those who think they have attained this? A. Exhort them to forget the things that are behind, and to watch and pray always, that God may search the ground of their hearts. WEDNESDAY, June 27th, we BEGAN To considER PoinTs WITH regard to which, the questions asked, and the sub stance of the answers given, were as follows: Q. 1. What is the Church of England? A. According to the Twentieth Article, the visible Church of England is the congregation of English believers, in which the pure word of God is preached, and the sacraments duly administered. (But the word “Church” is sometimes taken, in a looser sense, for “a congregation professing to believe.” So it is taken in the Twenty-sixth Article; and in the first, second, and third chapters of the Revelation.) Q. 2. Who is a member of the Church of England? A. A believer, hearing the pure word of God preached, and partaking of the sacraments duly administered, in that Church. Q. 3. What is it to be zealous for the Church? A. To be earnestly desirous of its welfare and increase: Of its welfare, by the confirmation of its present members, in faith, hearing, and communicating; and of its increase, by the addition of new members. Q. 4. How are we to defend the doctrine of the Church? A. Both by our preaching and living. Q. 5. How should we behave at a false or railing sermon? A. If it only contain personal reflections, we may quietly suffer it: If it blaspheme the work and Spirit of God, it may be better to go out of the Church. In either case, if opportu nity serve, it would be well to speak or write to the Minister.