A Plain Account of Christian Perfection Quotes

“Even in the greatest afflictions, we ought to testify to God, that, in receiving them from his hand, we feel pleasure in the midst of the pain, from being afflicted by Him who loves us, and whom we love.”
― John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection

“The readiest way which God takes to draw a man to himself is, to afflict him in that he loves most, and with good reason; and to cause this affliction to arise from some good action done with a single eye; because nothing can more clearly show him the emptiness of what is most lovely and desirable in all the world.”
― John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection

“True humility is a kind of self-annihilation; and this is the centre of all virtues.”
― John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection

“It is hardily credible of how great consequences before God the smallest things are; and what great inconveniences some times follow those which appear to be light faults.”
― John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection

“Absolute perfection belongs not to man, nor to angels, but to God alone.”
― John Wesley, John Wesley: A Plain Account of Christian Perfection

“But this doctrine has been much abused.” So has that of justification by faith. But that is no reason for giving up either this or any other scriptural doctrine. “When you wash your child,” as one speaks, “throw away the water; but do not throw away the child.”
― John Wesley, John Wesley: A Plain Account of Christian Perfection

“As one instance of this, be always ready to own any fault you have been in. If you have at any time thought, spoken, or acted wrong, be not backward to acknowledge it. Never dream that this will hurt the cause of God; no, it will further it. Be therefore open and frank when you are taxed with anything; do not seek either to evade or disguise it; but let it appear just as it is, and you will thereby not hinder but adorn the Gospel.”
― John Wesley, John Wesley: A Plain Account of Christian Perfection

“For neither love, nor the “unction of the Holy One,” makes us infallible: therefore, through unavoidable defect of understanding, we cannot but mistake in many things.”
― John Wesley, John Wesley: A Plain Account of Christian Perfection

“Is it sinless? It is not worth while tocontend for a term It is “salvation from sin.”
― John Wesley, John Wesley: A Plain Account of Christian Perfection

“Do not despise or run down any preacher; do not exalt any one above the rest, lest you hurt both him and the cause of God.”
― John Wesley, John Wesley: A Plain Account of Christian Perfection

“Q. 7. What are the fruits or properties of this love? 'A. St. Paul informs us at large: “Love is longsuffering.” It suffers all the weaknesses of the children of God, all the wickedness of the children of the world; and that not for a little time only, but as long as God pleases. In all, it sees the hand of God, and willingly submits thereto. Meantime, it is “kind.” In all, and after all, it suffers, it is soft, mild, tender, benign. “Love envieth not”; it excludes every kind and degree of envy out of the heart. “Love acteth not rashly,” in a violent, headstrong manner; nor passes any rash or severe judgment. It “doth not behave itself in decently”; is not rude, does not act out of character. “Seeketh not her own” ease, pleasure, honour, or profit. “Is not provoked”; expels all anger from the heart. “Thinketh no evil”; casteth out all jealousy, suspiciousness, and readiness to believe evil. “Rejoiceth not in iniquity”; yea, weeps at the sin or folly of its bitterest enemies. “But rejoiceth in the truth”; in the holiness and happiness of every child of man. “Love covereth all things,” speaks evil of no man; “believeth all things” that tend to the advantage of another’s character. It “hopeth all things,” whatever may extenuate the faults which cannot be denied; and it “endureth all things” which God can permit, or men and devils inflict. This is the “law of Christ, the perfect law, the law of liberty.” ‘And this distinction between the “law of faith” (or love) and “the law of works” is neither a subtle nor an unnecessary distinction. It is plain, easy, and intelligible to any common understanding. And it is absolutely necessary, to prevent a thousand doubts and fears, even in those who do walk in love.”
― John Wesley, John Wesley: A Plain Account of Christian Perfection