Page:The works of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A., late fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford (IA worksofrevjohnwe3wesl).pdf/201

 into the hearts of all true believers.) On this ground even the grace which was brought unto them by the revelation of Jesus Christ, the apostle might well build that strong exhortation, Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind,—as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.

13. Those who have duly considered these things must allow, that the privileges of Christians, are in no wise to be measured by what the Old Testament records concerning those who were under the Jewish dispensation: seeing the fulness of times is now come; the Holy Ghost is now given: the great salvation of God is brought unto men, by the revelation of Jesus Christ. The kingdom of heaven is now set up on earth: concerning which the Spirit of God declared of old (so far is David from being the pattern or standard of Christian perfection) He that is feeble among them at that day, shall be as David: and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them (Zech. xii. 8.)

14. If therefore you would prove that the apostle's words, he that is born of God sinneth not, are not to be understood, according to their plain, natural, obvious meaning, it is from the New Testament you are to bring your proofs: else you will fight as one that beateth the air. And the first of these which is usually brought is taken from the examples recorded in the New Testament. "The apostles themselves (it is