Treatise Preface To Treatise On Justification
| Author | John Wesley |
|---|---|
| Type | treatise |
| Year | None |
| Passage ID | jw-treatise-preface-to-treatise-on-justification-018 |
| Words | 374 |
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? I have the same doubt concerning what is said of
“delicately flavoured tea, finely scented coffee, the friendly
bowl, the pyramid of Italian figs, and the pastacia-nut of
Aleppo.” (Page 264) Beside that the mentioning these in
such a manner is a strong encouragement of luxury and
sensuality. And does the world need this? The English
in particular ! Si non insaniunt satis sua sponte, instiga.*
“Those treasures which spring from the imputation of
Christ's righteousness.” (Letter 10, p. 271.) Not a word of
his atoning blood | Why do so many men love to speak of
his righteousness, rather than his atonement? I fear, because
it affords a fairer excuse for their own unrighteousness. To
cut off this, is it not better to mention both together? at
least, never to name the former without the latter? “Faith is a persuasion that Christ has shed his blood for me,
and fulfilled all righteousness in my stead.” (Page 285.) I
* This quotation from Terence is thus translated by Colman :
“If he raves not of himself enough,
Do irritate him.”-EDIT. can by no means subscribe to this definition. There are
hundreds, yea, thousands of true believers, who never once
thought one way or the other of Christ's fulfilling all
righteousness in their stead. I personally know many who,
to this very hour, have no idea of it; and yet have each of
them a divine evidence and conviction, “Christ loved me,
and gave himself for me.” This is St. Paul’s account of
faith; and it is sufficient. He that thus believes is justified. “It is a sure means of purifying the heart, and never fails
to work by love.” (Page 287.) It surely purifies the heart,
--if we abide in it; but not if we “draw back to perdition.”
It never fails to work by love while it continues; but if itself
fail, farewell both love and good works.