Wesley Corpus

Beside, we should still be encompassed with infirmi ties, and liable to mistakes, from which words or actions might follow, even though the heart was all love, which were not exactly right. Therefore, in all these respects, we should still have need of Christ's priestly office; and therefore, as long as he remains in the body, the greatest saint may say, “Every moment, Lord, I need The merit of thy death.” The text cited from Exodus asserts nothing less than, that iniquity “cleaves to all our holy things till death.” “Sin remains, that the righteousness of faith may have its due honour.” (Page 48.) And will the righteousness of faith have its due honour no longer than sin remains in us? Then it must remain not only on earth and in paradise, but in heaven also. “And the sanctification of the Spirit its proper esteem.” Would it not have more esteem, if it were a perfect work? “It’’ (sin) “will make as lowly in our own eyes.” (Ibid.) 328 PREFACE To What! will pride make us lowly? Surely the utter destruc tion of pride would do this more effectually. “It will make us compassionate.” Would not an entire renewal in the image of God make us much more so? “It will teach us to admire the riches of grace.” Yea, but a fuller experience of it, by a thorough sanctification of spirit, soul, and body, will make us admire it more. “It will reconcile us to death.” Indeed it will not; nor will anything do this like perfect love. “It will endear the blood and intercession of Christ.” (Page 49.) Nay, these can never be so dear to any as to those who experience their full virtue, who are “filled with the fulness” of God. Nor can any “feel their continual need” of Christ, or “rely on him,” in the manner which these do. “The claims of the law are all answered.” (Dialogue 14, page 57.) If so, Count Zinzendorf is absolutely in the right: Neither God nor man can claim my obedience to it. Is not this Antinomianism without a mask? “Your sins are expiated through the death of Christ, and a righteousness given you by which you have free access to God.” (Page 59.) This is not scriptural language.