You saw the clouds beneath your feet,
And rode upon the sky.
“Far, far above all earthly things
Triumphantly you rode;
You soar’d to heav’n on eagle’s wings,
And found, and talk’d with God.”
You then had power not to commit sin. You found the apostle’s words strictly true, he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. But those whom you took to be experienced Christians, telling you, “This was only the time of your espousals; this could not last always: you must come down from the mount,” and the like, shook your faith. You looked at men more than God, and so became weak, and like another man. Whereas, had you then had any to guide you according to the truth of God, had you then heard the doctrine which now you blame, you had never fallen from your stedfastness: but had found, that in this sense also, the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
55. Have you not another objection nearly allied to this, namely, that we preach perfection? True; but what perfection? The term you cannot object to; because it is scriptural. All the difficulty is, to fix the meaning of it, according to the word of God. And this we have done again and again, declaring to all the world, that Christian perfection does not imply an exemption, from ignorance, or mistake, or infirmities, or temptations: but that it does imply, the being so crucified with Christ, as to be able to testify, I live not, but Christ liveth in me, (Galatians ii. 23.) and hath purified my heart by faith, (Acts xv. 9.) It does imply, the casting down every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. It does imply, the being holy, as he that hath called us is holy, in all manner of conversation, (2 Corinthians x. 5. 1 Peter i. 15.) And, in a word, the loving the Lord our God with all our heart, and serving him with all our strength.
56. Now, is it possible for any who believe the scripture, to deny one tittle of this? You cannot. You dare not. You would not for the world. You know it is the pure word of God. And this is the whole of what we preach; this is the height and depth of what we (with St. Paul) call perfection: a state of soul devoutly to be wished, by all who have tasted of the love of God. O pray for it without ceasing. It is the one thing you want. Come with boldness to the throne of grace, and be assured that when you ask this of God, you shall have the petition you ask of him. We know indeed that to man, to the natural man, this is impossible. But we know also, that as no word is impossible with God, so all things are possible to him that believeth.
57. For we are saved by faith. But have you not heard this urged as another objection against us, that we preach salvation by faith alone! And does not St. Paul do the same thing? By grace, saith he, ye are saved through faith. Can any words be more express? And elsewhere, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, Acts xvi. 31.