"If pure religion and undefiled consists in the total renewal of our corrupted natures, then it is not only a work of difficulty, but of time; for, as the old was not, so neither is the new creation completed in a day. No; good men know by experience, that it is a long while before old things can pass away, and all things become new in them. The strong man armed has gotten too great possession of their hearts to be quickly driven out, and they are obliged to combat many a weary hour before their corruptions be wholly taken from them. Nay, they find their whole lives short enough to perfect the work of regeneration, and never expect to say, It is finished, till, with their blessed Master, they bow down their heads, and give up the ghost" (p. 8). This was Whitefield's theology, but not Wesley's. Whitefield overlooks the all-sufficiency of the Divine Spirit, and speaks as though human corruptions are to be destroyed solely by human endeavours. If this assumption were correct, no one would doubt his doctrine that the _entire_ sanctification of the soul is impossible previous to the hour of death. Wesley taught his people to sing-- "I want Thy life, Thy purity, Thy righteousness, brought in; I ask, desire, and trust in Thee, To be redeemed from sin. Saviour, to Thee my soul looks up, My present Saviour Thou! In all the confidence of hope, I claim the blessing now. 'Tis done: Thou dost this moment save, With full salvation bless; Redemption through Thy blood I have, And spotless love and peace." 4. "The Great Duty of Family Religion: A Sermon preached at the Parish Church of St. Vedast, Foster Lane. Published at the desire of the hearers." (8vo, 25 pp.) Text, Joshua xxiv. 15. One extract will be sufficient to exhibit the young preacher's earnestness and fidelity:--