2. “After _justification_. The moment a man comes to Christ (by faith) he is justified, and born again; that is, he is born again in the _imperfect_ sense (for there are two, [if not more] degrees of regeneration) and he has _power over_ all the stirrings and motions of sin, but not a total _freedom from_ them. Therefore he hath not yet, in the full and proper sense, a _new_ and _clean heart_. But being exposed to various temptations, he may, and will fall again from this condition, if he doth not attain to a more excellent gift.”¹
¹ “Mr. _Charles Wesley_, (the note says) was not persuaded of the truth of the _Moravian faith_, till some time after his brother’s return from _Germany_.” There is a great mistake in this. I returned not from _Germany_ till _Saturday, September 16_. Whereas my brother was fully persuaded of the truth of the _Moravian faith_ (so called) on _Wednesday, May 3_, preceding. The note adds, “This (_i. e._ justifying faith) he received but very lately.” This also is a mistake. What we believe to be justifying faith, he received _May 21, 1738_.
See second _Journal_, pages 20, 26.
3. Sanctification; the last and highest state of _perfection_ in this life. For then are the faithful born again in the full and perfect sense. Then is there given unto them a new and clear heart; and the struggle between the _old_ and _new_ man is over.¹
¹ The next note runs thus, “Mr. _Wesley_ has such a _peculiar turn_ and _tendency_ towards the inconsistencies in his principles, that in his preface to _Haliburton_’s life (wrote _February 9, 1738‒9, just after_ his return from _Germany_) he contradicts all that he has said elsewhere for this _sinless perfection_, viz. ‘But it may be said _the gospel covenant does not promise entire freedom from sin_.’ What do you mean by the word sin? The infection of nature? Or those numberless weaknesses and follies, sometimes (improperly) termed _sins of infirmity_? If you mean only this, you say most true. We shall not put off these, but with our bodies. But if you mean, it does not promise entire freedom from sin, in its proper sense, or from committing sin: this is by no means true, unless the scriptures be false. _For thus it is written, Whosoever is born of God, doth not commit sin._ (Unless he lose the spirit of adoption, if not finally, yet for a while, as did this child of God) _For his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God._ He cannot sin, _so long as he keepeth himself_, for then _the wicked one toucheth him not_.”
The question is not, whether this be right or wrong: but whether it contradict anything I have said elsewhere. Thrice I have spoken expresly on this subject; in a sermon, and in two prefaces. If in any of these I have contradicted what I said before, I will own the former assertion as a mistake.
30. (14.) That I may say many things which have been said before, and perhaps by _Calvin_ or _Arminius_, by _Montague_ or _Barclay_, or the archbishop of _Cambray_, is highly probable. But it cannot thence be inferred, that I hold “a _medley_ of all their principles; _Calvinism_, _Arminianism_, _Montanism_, _Quakerism_, _Quietism_, all thrown together.” There might as well have been added _Judaism_, _Mahometanism_, _Paganism_. It would have made the period rounder, and been full as easily _proved_, I mean _asserted_. For no other proof is not yet produced.
31. I pass over the smaller mistakes which occur in the 15th and 16th paragraphs, together with the prophecy or prognostication, concerning the approaching divisions and downfal of the _Methodists_. What follows to the end, concerning the ground of our hope, is indeed of greater importance. But we have not as yet the strength of the cause. The dissertation promised, is still behind. Therefore as my work is great, and my time short, I wave that dispute for the present. And perhaps, when I shall have received farther light, I may be convinced, that “gospel-holiness (as Mr. _Tucker_ believes) is a necessary qualification, antecedent to justification.” This appears to me now to be directly opposite to the gospel of Christ. But I will endeavour, impartially, to consider, what shall be advanced in defence of it. And may he who knoweth my simpleness, teach me his way, and give me a right judgment in all things!