Page:The works of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A., late fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford (IA worksofrevjohnwe3wesl).pdf/192

 infirmities or temptations. Indeed it is only another term for holiness. They are two names for the same thing. Thus, every one that is holy, is in the scripture sense, perfect. Yet we may, lastly, observe, that neither in this respect is there any absolute perfection on earth. There is no perfection of degrees, as it is termed; none which does not admit of a continual increase. So that how much soever any man has attained, or in how high a degree soever he is perfect, he hath still need to grow in grace, and daily to advance in the knowledge and love of God his Saviour.

II.) 1. In what sense then are Christians perfect? This is what I shall endeavour, in the second place to shew. But it should be premised, that there are several stages in Christian life as in natural: some of the children of God being but new-born babes; others having attained to more maturity, And accordingly St. John, in his first epistle (c. ii. 12, &c.) applies himself severally, to those he terms little children, those his stiles young men, and those whom he intitles fathers. I write unto you, little children, saith the apostle, because your sins are forgiven: because thus far you have attained, being justified freely, you have peace with God, thro' Jesus Christ. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one; or (as he afterwards addeth) because ye are strong, and the word of God