Wesley Corpus

And, First, by the witness. As, when we were justified, the Spirit bore witness with our spirit, that our sins were forgiven; so, when we were sanctified, he bore witness, that they were taken away. Indeed, the witness of sanctification is not always clear at first; (as neither is that of justification;) neither is it afterward always the same, but, like that of justification, sometimes stronger and sometimes fainter. Yea, and some times it is withdrawn. Yet, in general, the latter testimony of the Spirit is both as clear and as steady as the former. “Q. 17. But what need is there of it, seeing sanctification is a real change, not a relative only, like justification? “A. But is the new birth a relative change only ? Is not this a real change? Therefore, if we need no witness of our sanctification, because it is a real change, for the same reason we should need none, that we are born of or are the children of God. “Q. 18. But does not sanctification shine by its own light? “A. And does not the new birth too? Sometimes it does; and so does sanctification; at others it does not. In the hour of temptation Satan clouds the work of God, and injects various doubts and reasonings, especially in those who have either very weak or very strong understandings. At such times there is absolute need of that witness; without which the work of sanctification not only could not be discerned, but could no longer subsist. Were it not for this, the soul could not then abide in the love of God; much less could it rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks. In these circumstances, therefore, a direct testimony that we are sanctified is necessary in the highest degree. “‘But I have no witness that I am saved from sin. And yet I have no doubt of it.’ Very well: As long as you have no doubt, it is enough; when you have, you will need that witness. Chi RISTIAN PERFECTION. 421 “Q. 19. But what scripture makes mention of any such thing, or gives any reason to expect it? “A. That scripture, ‘We have received, not the spirit that is of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we may know the things which are freely given us of God.” (1 Corinthians ii.