An abomination to them

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There is scarce any expression in holy writ which has given more offense than this. The word perfect is what many cannot bear. The very sound of it is an abomination to them. And whoever preaches perfection (as the phrase is), that is, asserts that it is attainable in this life, runs great hazard of being accounted by them worse than a heathen man or a tax collector (Matthew 18:17).

1771 text

1. THERE is scarce any expression in holy writ, which has given more offence than this. The word perfect is what many cannot bear. The very sound of it is an abomination to them. And whosoever preaches perfection (as the phrase is) i. e. asserts that it is attainable in this life, runs great hazard of being accounted by them, worse than a Heathen man or a Publican.

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About this text

On Philippians 3:12: in what sense Christians are not perfect, and in what sense they are.

EditionPrinted in Wesley's 1771 Works, which do not say when he preached it

Wesley's own sermon in updated English wording. The 1771 panel is the text of the Works Wesley himself had printed in 1771. It is public domain.

Reference

Sermon 40 in the 1771 Works. Philippians 3:12.

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