Christian Perfection, as Taught by John Wesley

John Allen Wood (1828–1905) is a well-known Holiness preacher from the 19th century. His books continue to bless readers generation after his death.

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Author's Preface:

In this book Mr. Wesley is made to speak for himself on the subject of Christian Perfection; as, in its preparation, all that he left on the subject, in his various works and elsewhere, has been carefully examined, and everything of any special interest, or at all pertinent to the doctrine and experience, has been collected and classified in thirty sections; and each quotation verified for examination if desired. In this classified, convenient form, may be found substantially all of his teachings, respecting this the central doctrine of Christianity.


During more than a century, John Wesley has been growing in the esteem of mankind, until now, among all Christians—Episcopalians, Dissenters, and Protestants of all names,—he is regarded as one of the most remarkable religious reformers in modern times. Those who desire to know his views on any aspect of the subject of Christian Perfection can turn to this volume, and at once find all that is now available from him regarding it. Within these pages are garnered many precious truths for the edification of those interested in Scriptural holiness as taught by John Wesley.

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The Table of Contents are as follows:

SECTION 1: HOW MR. WESLEY WAS LED INTO THE LIGHT OF FULL SALVATION

SECTION 2: THE NATURE OF CHRISTIAN PERFECTION

SECTION 3: REGENERATION AND ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION NOT IDENTICAL

SECTION 4: THE JUSTIFIED AND REGENERATE STATE DOES NOT ADMIT OF COMMITTING SIN

SECTION 5: NO CONDEMNATION TO JUSTIFIED BELIEVERS.

SECTION 6: JUSTIFIED BELIEVERS CONVICTED OF INDWELLING SIN.

SECTION 7: THE LENGTH OF TIME BETWEEN REGENERATION AND ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION.

SECTION 8: SANCTIFICATION INSTANTANEOUS, BY FAITH, AND NOT BY GROWTH IN GRACE.

SECTION 9: HOW CHRISTIAN PERFECTION IS TO BE OBTAINED.

SECTION 10: THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT TO ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION.

SECTION 11: MR. WESLEY ENCOURAGED THE PROFESSION OF CHRISTIAN HOLINESS.

SECTION 12: WITNESSES OF ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION.

SECTION 13: THE NECESSITY OF PREACHING HOLINESS.

SECTION 14: MR. WESLEY FREQUENTLY PREACHED ON CHRISTIAN PERFECTION.

SECTION 15: MR. WESLEY NOT CONFINED TO ANY ONE MODE OF EXPRESSION.

SECTION 16: MR. WESLEY APPROVED AND USED THE PHRASE "SECOND BLESSING."

SECTION 17: HOLINESS IDENTIFIED WITH THE PROMOTION OF THE GENERAL WORK OF GOD.

SECTION 18: THE SELECT SOCIETIES WERE FOR THOSE ENTIRELY SANCTIFIED.

SECTION 19: FULL SALVATION MAY BE LOST.

SECTION 20: ADVICE TO THOSE POSSESSING PERFECT LOVE.

SECTION 21: MR. WESLEY'S VIEWS OF MORAVIANISM.

SECTION 22: THE EXTENT OF THE WORK IN MR. WESLEY'S DAY.

SECTION 23: THE OPPOSITION MR. WESLEY ENCOUNTERED ON THE SUBJECT OF HOLINESS.

SECTION 24: ON HEARING MINISTERS WHO OPPOSE THE TRUTH.

SECTION 25: MR. WESLEY'S OBJECTION TO AND TREATMENT OF FANATICISM.

SECTION 26: MINUTES OF CONFERENCE CONVERSATIONS.

SECTION 27: MISCELLANEOUS.

SECTION 28: HOW FAR DID MR. WESLEY CHANGE HIS VIEWS ON CHRISTIAN PERFECTION.

SECTION 29: A CHRONOLOGICAL EPITOME.

SECTION 30: PLAIN ACCOUNT OF CHRISTIAN PERFECTION