Wesley Corpus

All the ancient heretics erred greatly from the truth, as to this; but he was clear in this respect, preaching up repentance, and faith in the name of the Lord Jesus alone, as the one Mediator between God and man. Neither is it denied that he was orthodox in the notion of the Church, as to Christian fellowship, rightly formed, according to the pattern delivered by Christ himself, and knit together by the bond of the Spirit, under Pastors and Officers of several orders, having a clear and certain mission from Him whom they represent; but he, under the character of a Prophet, as an order established in the Church, appeared (without bringing any new doctrine) for reviving what was decayed, and reforming what might be amiss; whereas others that had been judged heretics, were not only preachers of strange and monstrous opinions, but were utter enemies to all manner of discipline in the Church. It seems, therefore, by the best information we can procure at this distance of time, that Montanus was not only a truly good man, but one of the best men then upon earth; and that his real crime was, the severely reproving those who professed themselves Christians, while they neither had the mind that was in Christ, nor walked as Christ walked; but were conformable both in their temper and practice to the present evil world. LoNDoN, December 20, 1751. THE point you speak of in your letter of September 21 is of a very important nature. I have had many serious thoughts concerning it, particularly for some months last past; therefore, I was not willing to speak hastily or slightly of it, but rather delayed till I could consider it thoroughly. I mean by preaching the gospel, preaching the love of God to sinners, preaching the life, death, resurrection, and inter cession of Christ, with all the blessings which, in consequence thereof, are freely given to true believers. By preaching the law, I mean, explaining and enforcing the commands of Christ, briefly comprised in the Sermon on the Mount. Now, it is certain, preaching the gospel to penitent sinners “begets faith; ” that it “sustains and increases spiritual life in true believers.” Nay, sometimes it “teaches and guides” them that believe; yea, and “convinces them that believe not.” So far all are agreed. But what is the stated means of feeding and comforting believers?