Page:The works of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A., late fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford (IA worksofrevjohnwe3wesl).pdf/307

 of God as teaches us to be blameless in all manner of conversation; as enables us to present our souls and bodies, all we are, and all we have, all our thoughts, words and actions, a continual sacrifice to God, acceptable through Christ Jesus. Now this holiness can have no existence, 'till we are renewed in the image of our mind. It cannot commence in the soul, 'till that change be wrought, 'till by the power of the highest overshadowing us we are brought from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto God: that is, 'till we are born again; which therefore is absolutely necessary in order to holiness.

2. But without holiness no man shall see the Lord, shall see the face of God in glory. Of consequence the new birth is absolutely necessary, in order to eternal salvation. Men may indeed flatter themselves (so desperately wicked and so deceitful is the heart of man!) that they may live in their sins 'till they come to the last gasp, and yet afterwards live with God. And thousands do really believe, that they have found a broad way which leadeth not to destruction. What danger, say they, can a woman be in, that is so harmless and so virtuous? What fear is there that so honest a man, one of so strict morality, should miss of heaven? Especially, if over and above all this, they constantly attend on church and sacrament. One of these will ask with all assurance, "What, shall not I do as well as my neighbours?" Yes, as well as your