Wesley Corpus

Perhaps the first thing that now occurs to your mind relates to the doctrine which we teach. You have heard that we say, “Men may live without sin.” And have you not heard that the Scripture says the same;--we mean, without committing sin? Does not St. Paul say plainly, that those who believe “do not continue insin,” that they cannot “live any longertherein?” (Rom. vi. 1, 2.) Does not St. Peter say, “He that hath suf fered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live to the desires of men, but to the will of God?” (1 Peter iv. 1, 2.) Aad does not St. John say expressly, “He that com mitteth sin is of the devil? For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: And he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” (1 John iii. 8, &c.) And again: “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not.” (v. 18.) 54. You see then it is not we that say this, but the Lord. These are not our words, but his. And who is he that replieth against God? Who is able to make God a liar? Surely he will be justified in his saying, and clear when he is judged ! Can you deny it? Have you not often felt a secret check when you was contradicting this great truth? And how often have you wished for what you was taught to deny P Nay, can you help wishing for it this moment? Do you not now earnestly desire to cease from sin? to commit it no more? Does not your soul pant after this glorious liberty of the sons of God? And what strong reason have you to expect it! Have you not had a foretaste of it already? Do you not remember the time when God first lifted up the light of his countenance upon you? Can it ever be forgotten? the day when the candle of the Lord first shone upon your head? Butter and honey did you eat; And, lifted up on high, You saw the clouds beneath your feet, And rode upon the sky.