Wesley Corpus

“5. God out of his infinite love hath so loved the world that he gave his only Son, to the end that whosoever believeth on him might have everlasting life. And he enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world, as he tasted death for every man. “6. The benefit of the death of Christ is not only extended to such as have the distinct knowledge of his death and sufferings, but even unto those who are inevitably excluded from this knowledge. Even these may be partakers of the benefit of his death, though ignorant of the history, if they suffer his grace to take place in their hearts, so as of wicked men to become holy.” In these points there is no difference between Quakerism and Christianity. “7. As many as receive the light, in them is produced a holy and spiritual birth, bringing forth holiness, righteous ness, purity, and all other blessed fruits. By which holy birth, as we are sanctified, so we are justified.” Here is a wide difference between Quakerism and Chris tianity. This is flat justification by works. Whereas, the Christian doctrine is, that “we are justified by faith;” that “unto him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted to him for righteousness.” The ground of this mistake is, the not understanding the meaning of the word justification. For Robert Barclay takes it in the same sense as the Papists do, confounding it with sanctification. So in page 208 of his “Apology,” he says, in express terms, “Justification, taken in its proper signification, is making one just; and is all one with sanctification.” “8. In whom this holy birth is fully brought forth, the body of sin and death is crucified, and their hearts are subjected to the truth, so as not to obey any suggestion of the evil one; but to be free from actual sinning and transgressing of the law of God, and, in that respect, perfect. “9. They in whom his grace hath wrought in part to purify and sanctify them, may yet by disobedience fall from it, and make shipwreck of the faith.” In these propositions there is no difference between Quakerism and Christianity. The uncommon expression, “This holy birth brought forth,” is taken from Jacob Behmen.