Wesley Corpus

8. But is not such a trust in the love of God, though it be as yet without a distinct sight of God reconciled to me through Christ Jesus, a low degree of justifying faith? A. It is an earnest of it. But this abides for a short time only; nor is this the proper Christian faith. Q. 9. By what faith were the Apostles clean before Christ died? A. By such a faith as this; by a Jewish faith: For “the Holy Ghost was not then given.” Q. 10. Of whom then do you understand those words,-- “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light?” (Isaiah l. 10.) A. Of a believer under the Jewish dispensation; one in whose heart God hath not yet shined, to give him the light of the glorious love of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Q. 11. Who is a Jew, inwardly? A. A servant of God: One who sincerely obeys him out of fear. Whereas a Christian, inwardly, is a child of God: One who sincerely obeys him out of love. But was not you sincere before Christ was revealed in you? J. R. It seemed to me that I was, in some measure. Q. 12. What is sincerity? A. Willingness to know and do the whole will of God. The lowest species thereof seems to be “faithfulness in that which is little.” Q. 13. Has God any regard to man's sincerity? A. So far, that no man in any state can possibly please God without it; neither, indeed, in any moment wherein he is not sincere. Q. 14. But can it be conceived that God has any regard to the sincerity of an unbeliever? A. Yes, so much, that, if he persevere therein, God will infal libly give him faith. Q. 15. What regard may we conceive him to have to the sincerity of a believer? A. So much, that in every sincere believer he fulfils all the great and precious promises. Q. 16. Whom do you term a sincere believer? A. One that walks in the light, as God is in the light. Q. 17. Is sincerity the same with a single eye? A. Not altogether. The latter refers to our intention; the former, to our will or desires. Q. 18.