Treatise Preface To Treatise On Justification
| Author | John Wesley |
|---|---|
| Type | treatise |
| Year | None |
| Passage ID | jw-treatise-preface-to-treatise-on-justification-017 |
| Words | 353 |
God, through him, first accounts
and then makes us righteous. Accordingly,
“‘The righteousness which is of God by faith, is both
imputed and inherent.” (Page 152.)
“My faith fixes on both the meritorious life and atoning
death of Christ.” (Page 153.) Here we clearly agree. Hold then to this, and never talk of the former without the
latter. If you do, you cannot say, “Here we are exposed to
no hazard.” Yes, you are to an exceeding great one; even
the hazard of living and dying without holiness. And then
we are lost for ever. The Sixth Letter contains an admirable account of the
earth and atmosphere, and comprises abundance of sense in
a narrow compass, expressed in beautiful language. Gems have “a seat on the virtuous fair one’s breast.” (Page
177.) I cannot reconcile this with St. Paul. He says, “Not
with pearls;” by a parity of reason, Not with diamonds. But in
all things I perceive you are too favourable, both to “the desire
of the flesh, and the desire of the eye.” You are a gentle casuist
as to every self-indulgence which a plentiful fortune can furnish. “Our Saviour’s obedience.” (Page 182.) O say, with the
good old Puritans, “Our Saviour's death or merits!” We
swarm with Antinomians on every side. Why are you at
such pains to increase their number? “My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness and thy salva
tion;” thy mercy, which brings my salvation. (Page 194.)
The Eighth Letter is an excellent description of the
supreme greatness of Christ. I do not observe one sentence
in it, which I cannot cheerfully subscribe to. The Ninth Letter, containing a description of the sea, with
various inferences deduced therefrom, is likewise a masterpiece,
for justness of sentiment, as well as beauty of language. But I
doubt whether “mere shrimps” (page 241) be not too low an
expression; and whether you might not as well have said nothing
of “cod, the standing repast of lent;” or concerning “the
exquisite relish of turbot, or the deliciousness of sturgeon.”
Are not such observations beneath the dignity of a Minister of
Christ?