Wesley Corpus

His very words are, “If you have not these, to pretend to any other feelings is vain and delusive.” I say so too. Meantime, he is undoubtedly sensible, that there is a “consolation in love;” a “peace that passeth all under standing,” and a “joy that is unspeakable and full of glory.” Nor can we imagine him to deny, that these must be felt, inwardly felt, wherever they exist. Upon the whole, I cannot but observe, how extremely difficult it is, even for men who have an upright intention, and are not wanting either in natural or acquired abilities, to understand one another: And how hard it is to do even justice to those whom we do not throughly understand; much more to treat them with that gentleness, tenderness, and brotherly kindness, with which, upon a change of circumstances, we might reasonably desire to be treated ourselves. O when shall men know whose disciples we are, by our “loving one another, as He hath loved us!” The God of love hasten the time ! I am, Dear Sir, Your affectionate servant, oN 1. A TRACT has lately been published in my name, con cerning the imputed righteousness of Christ. This calls me to explain myself upon that head; which I will do with all the clearness I can. But I quarrel with no man for thinking or speaking otherwise than I do: I blame none for using those expressions which he believes to be scriptural. If he quarrels with me for not using them, at least not so frequently as himself, I can only pity him, and wish him more of “the mind which was in Christ.” 2. “The righteousness of Christ” is an expression which I do not find in the Bible. “The righteousness of God” is an expression which I do find there. I believe this means, First, the mercy of God; as 2 Peter i. 1 : “Them that have obtained like precious faith with us, through the righteous ness of God.” How does it appear that “the righteousness CHRIST's 1MPUTED RIGHTEoUsNEss. 313 of God” here, means either more or less than his mercy? “My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness and thy salvation;” thy mercy in delivering me. “I will make mention of thy righteousness only. Thy righteousness, O God, is very high.” (Psalm lxxi.