Wesley Corpus

“The authority of our Church, and of those eminent Divines,” (Letter 4, p. 105,) does not touch those “particular forms of expression;” neither do any of the texts which you afterwards cite. As to the doctrine, we are agreed. “The righteousness of God signifies the righteousness which God-Man wrought out.” (Ibid.) No; it signifies God’s method of justifying sinners. “The victims figured the expiation by Christ’s death; the clothing with skins, the imputation of his righteousness.” (Page 107.) That does not appear. Did not the one rather figure our justification; the other, our sanctification ? Almost every text quoted in this and the following letter in support of that particular form of expression is distorted above measure from the plain, obvious meaning which is pointed out by the context. I shall instance in a few, and just set down their true meaning without any farther remarks. (Page 109.) To “show unto man his uprightness;” to convince him of God’s justice in so punishing him. “He shall receive the blessing,” pardon, “from the Lord, and righteousness,” holiness, “from the God of his salva tion;” the God who saveth him both from the guilt and from the power of sin. (Page 110.) I will “make mention of thy righteousness only:” Of thy mercy; so the word frequently means in the Old Testament. So it unquestionably means in that text, “In’’ or by “thy righteousness shall they be exalted.” (Page 111.) “Sion shall be redeemed with judgment,” after severe punishment, “and her converts with righteousness,” with the tender mercy of God following that punishment. (Page 112.) 330 PREFACE To “In,” or through, “the Lord I have righteousness and strength,” justification and sanctification; “he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation,” saved me from the guilt and power of sin; both of which are again expressed by, “He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” (Page 113.) “My righteousness,” my mercy, “shall not be abolished.” (Page 114.)• “To make reconciliation for iniquity,” to atone for all our sins, “and to bring in everlasting righteousness,” spotless holiness into our souls. And this righteousness is not human, but divine. It is the gift and the work of God. (Page 116.) “The Lord our Righteousness;” the author both of our justification and sanctification. (Page 117.) “What righteousness shall give us peace at the last day, inherent or imputed?” (Page 127.) Both.