14. Later English Reformers. 271
and follows after),— I am come to establish it in its fulness, in spite of all the glosses of men: I am come to place in a full and clear view whatsoever was dark or obscure therein: I am come to declare the true and full import of every part of it; to show the length and breadth, the entire extent, of every commandment contained therein, and the height and depth, the inconceivable [ 263 ] purity and spirituality of it in all its branches.” 380
Wesley declared the perfect harmony of the law and the gospel.“ There is, therefore, the closest connection that can be conceived, between the law and the gospel. On the one hand, the law continually makes way for, and points us to, the gospel; on the other, the gospel continually leads us to a more exact fulfilling of the law. The law, for instance, requires us to love God, to love our neighbor, to be meek, humble, or holy. We feel that we are not sufficient for these things; yea, that‘ with man this is impossible:’ but we see a promise of God to give us that love, and to make us humble, meek, and holy: we lay hold of this gospel, of these glad tidings; it is done unto us according to our faith; and‘ the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us,’ through faith which is in Christ Jesus....
“ In the highest rank of the enemies of the gospel of Christ,” said Wesley,“ are they who openly and explicitly‘ judge the law’ itself, and‘ speak evil of the law;’ who teach men to break( to dissolve, to loose, to untie the obligation of) not one only, whether of the least or of the greatest, but all the commandments at a stroke.... The most surprising of all the circumstances that attend this strong delusion, is that they who are given up to it, really believe that they honor Christ by overthrowing His law, and that they are magnifying His office while they are destroying His doctrine! Yea, they honor Him just as Judas did when he said,‘ Hail, Master, and kissed Him.’ And He may as justly say to every one of them,‘ Betrayest thou the Son of man with a
380 Wesley ' s Works, Sermon 25.