_Q._ 20. Should we not have a care of depreciating justification, in order to exalt the state of full sanctification?
_A._ Undoubtedly we should beware of this: for one may insensibly slide into it.
_Q._ 21. How shall we effectually avoid it?
_A._ When we are going to speak of entire sanctification, let us first describe the blessings of a justified state, as strongly as possible.
_Q._ 22. Does not the truth of the gospel lie very near both to _Calvinism_ and _Antinomianism_?
_A._ Indeed it does: as it were, within a hair’s breadth. So that it is altogether foolish and sinful, because we do not quite agree, either with one or the other, to run from them as far as ever we can.
* _Q._ 23. Wherein may we come to the very edge of _Calvinism_?
_A._ In ascribing all good to the free grace of God: 2. In denying all natural free will, and all power antecedent to grace; and 3. In excluding all merit from man; even for what he has or does by the grace of God.
_Q._ 24. Wherein may we come to the edge of _Antinomianism_?
_A._ 1. In exalting the merits and love of Christ. 2. In rejoicing evermore.
_Q._ 25. Does faith supersede (set aside the necessity of) holiness or good works?
_A._ In no wise. So far from it, that it implies both, as a cause does its effects.
_About ten, we began to speak of sanctification: with regard to which, it was inquired_;
_Q._ 1. WHEN does inward sanctification begin?
_A._ In the moment we are justified. The seed of every virtue is then sown in the soul. From that time the believer gradually dies to sin, and grows in grace. Yet sin remains in him; yea, the seed of all sin, till he is sanctified throughout in spirit, soul and body.
_Q._ 2. What will become of a Heathen? A _Papist_, a church of _England_ man? If he dies without being thus sanctified?
_A._ He cannot see the Lord. But none who seeks it sincerely, shall or can die without it: though possibly he may not attain it, till the very article of death?
_Q._ 3. Is it ordinarily given till a little before death?
_A._ It is not, to those that expect it no sooner, nor consequently ask for it, at least, not in faith.
_Q._ 4. But ought we to expect it sooner?
_A._ Why not? For although we grant, 1. That the generality of believers, whom we have hitherto known, were not so sanctified till near death. 2. That few of those to whom St. _Paul_ wrote his epistles were so at the time he wrote. 3. Nor he himself at the time of writing his former epistles. Yet this does not prove, that we may not to-day.
_Q._ 5. But would not one who was thus sanctified be incapable of worldly business?
_A._ He would be far more capable of it than ever, as going through all without distraction.
_Q._ 6. Would he be capable of marriage?
_A._ Why should he not?
_Q._ 7. Should we not beware of bearing hard on those who think they have attained?
_A._ We should. And the rather, because if they are faithful to the grace they have received, they are in no danger of perishing at last. No, not even if they remain in _luminous faith_, (as some term it) for many months or years: perhaps till within a little time of their spirits returning to God.
* _Q._ 8. In what manner should we preach entire sanctification?
_A._ Scarce at all to those who are not pressing forward. To those who are, always by way of promise: always drawing, rather than driving.
_Q._ 9. How should we wait for the fulfilling of this promise?
_A._ In universal obedience: in keeping all the commandments, in denying ourselves, and taking up our cross daily. These are the general means which God hath ordained for our receiving his sanctifying grace. The particular are, prayer, searching the scripture, communicating and fasting.
Conversation the Third.
TUESDAY, _May 13, 1746_.
THE following persons being met at the New Room in _Bristol_: _John Wesley_, _Charles Wesley_, _John Hodges_, _Jonathan Reeves_, _Thomas Maxfield_, _Thomas Westell_, and _Thomas Willis_, It was inquired:
_Q._ 1. Can an unbeliever (whatever he be in other respects) challenge any thing of God’s justice?
_A._ Absolutely nothing but hell. And this is a point which we cannot too much insist on.
_Q._ 2. Do we empty men of their own ♦righteousness, as we did at first? Do we sufficiently labour, when they begin to be convinced of sin, to take away all they lean upon? Should we not then endeavour with all our might to overturn their false foundations?
♦ “rightousness” replaced with “righteousness”
_A._ This was at first one of our principal points. And it ought to be so still. For, till all other foundations are overturned, they cannot build upon Christ?
_Q._ 3. Did we not _then_ purposely throw them into convictions? Into strong sorrow and fear? Nay, did we not strive to make them inconsolable? Refusing to be comforted?
_A._ We did. And so we should do still. For the stronger the conviction, the speedier is the deliverance. And none so soon receive the peace of God, as those who steadily refuse all other comfort.