Wesley Corpus

5. In the year 1729, I began not only to read, but to study, the Bible, as the one, the only standard of truth, and the only model of pure religion. Hence I saw, in a clearer and clearer light, the indispensable necessity of having “the mind which was in Christ,” and of “walking as Christ also walked;” even of having, not some part only, but all the mind which was in him; and of walking as he walked, not only in many or in most respects, but in all things. And this was the light, wherein at this time I generally considered religion, as an uniform following of Christ, an entire inward and outward conformity to our Master. Nor was I afraid of anything more, than of bending this rule to the experience of myself, or of other men; of allowing myself in any the least disconformity to our grand Exemplar. 6. On January 1, 1733, I preached before the University, in St. Mary’s church, on “the Circumcision of the Heart;” an account of which I gave in these words: “It is that habitual disposition of soul which, in the sacred writings, is termed holiness; and which directly implies, the being cleansed from sin, ‘from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit; and, by consequence, the being endued with those virtues which were in Christ Jesus; the being so ‘renewed in the image of our mind, as to be “per fect as our Father in heaven is perfect.’” (Vol. V., p. 203.) In the same sermon I observed, “‘Love is the fulfilling of the law, the end of the commandment. It is not only ‘the first andgreat command, but all the commandments in one. “What soever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, they are all comprisedin this one word, love. In this is perfection, and glory, and happi mess: The royal law of heaven and earth is this, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. The one perfect good shall be your one ultimate end. One thing shall ye desire for its own sake,--the fruition of Him who is all in all.