![\"Singing](\"http:\/\/www.all-creatures.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/lambleft.jpg\")
<\/a>By: Frank L. Hoffman
\nJesus said, “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is\u00a0 perfect.”\u00a0 (Matthew 5:48)
\n(Wesley’s writings are in bold)<\/p>\n
In the Eighteenth Part of A Plain Account of Christian Perfection<\/span>, John Wesley again returns to the discussion of the words of Christian perfection contained in the hymns published by his brother, Charles.\u00a0 The following hymn excerpts present a joyous way of reaching out to God and for His gift of perfect peace and love, but the message should sink to the very depths of our soul.<\/p>\n In the year 1749, my brother printed two volumes of “Hymns and Sacred Poems.” \u00a0As I did not see these before they were published, there were some things in them which I did not approve of. But I quite approved of the main of the hymns on this head \u2022 a few verses of which are subjoined:<\/strong><\/p>\n Come, Lord, be manifested here, <\/strong> I often wonder how many people who read and\u00a0 sing these words actually want them to come to pass.\u00a0 Do we truly want the\u00a0 Lord in our presence every moment of every day?\u00a0 Do we truly want every\u00a0 sinful thought removed from us?\u00a0 Or, do we want to keep a few to play with\u00a0 from time to time?<\/p>\n On the other hand we may not consider\u00a0 something we do, that obviously falls short of perfection, to be sinful: such as\u00a0 the subjugation and killing of animals for food, clothing and entertainment.\u00a0\u00a0 Are we willing to give up these indulgences and have the Lord fill us with\u00a0 everlasting joy?<\/p>\n The key is that if we are truly willing,\u00a0 the Lord will take away our desire for the imperfect and present us with the\u00a0 perfect day, day after day, because we will be living in His presence, and singing our prayers.<\/p>\n Swift to my rescue come, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> Suffer’d no more to rove \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> Hymns are prayers and praise set to music, and that is the way we should offer them up to God.\u00a0 They should spring forth from the depths of our souls and be presented with the hope and assurance that God will bring answers to these sung prayers to pass.\u00a0 When we vocalize a hymn, we are singing forth our faith in God.<\/p>\n Thy pris’ners release. Vouchsafe us thy peace; \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> So much of what passes as \u00a0 “Christianity” is based upon fear.\u00a0 This was most evident during the \u00a0 Y2K situation, when we saw “Christians” arming themselves and hoarding \u00a0 food.\u00a0 In other times, there was fear of Communism.\u00a0 There was\u00a0 fear of government.\u00a0 There was fear because people allowed themselves \u00a0 to be made its prisoners.\u00a0 Being perfected in God’s perfect love \u00a0 breaks the chains and bars of fear and sets us free (1 John 4:18).<\/p>\n From this inbred sin deliver, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> Partner of thy perfect nature, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> Unscrupulous leaders, including religious ones, want people to follow them blindly.\u00a0 They want to \u00a0 yoke their followers to their carts of misinformation and fear and have \u00a0 them blindly pull them day after day without questioning anything.\u00a0 \u00a0 This is not the way of God.\u00a0 God wants to free us from these yokes of \u00a0 trusting in mankind more than in God (which is really a sin) for God is to \u00a0 be first in our lives, just as we are told in the greatest of all \u00a0 commandments (Deuteronomy 6:5):<\/p>\n “You shall love the LORD your God \u00a0 with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 NASU<\/p>\n One of the first things we must do in \u00a0 our journey to Christian Perfection is learn to trust in God, and bond \u00a0 ourselves, or yoke ourselves, to God’s perfect will and Spirit, which seems to become easier when were singing our prayers.<\/p>\n Turn me, Lord, and turn me now, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> Calm, O calm my troubled breast; \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> When we truly trust in God, He will \u00a0 lead us away from temptation and remove the troubling of our heart and \u00a0 soul, even in times of strife, and give us perfect peace.\u00a0 People can \u00a0 come up with many arguments and examples of this not working, but in the \u00a0 final analysis, we need to ask ourselves if we trust in the Lord even if \u00a0 it means to the point of death.\u00a0 Remember the final words He sent to \u00a0 the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:10-11):<\/p>\n 10.\u00a0 “Do not fear what you are \u00a0 about to suffer.\u00a0 Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into \u00a0 prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten \u00a0 days.\u00a0 Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of \u00a0 life.<\/p>\n 11.\u00a0 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the \u00a0 churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.” Do we trust God to this extent?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If we don’t, we should; because until we do, we will never know perfect \u00a0 peace and perfection.<\/p>\n Come in this accepted hour, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> Each of the hymn passages we have \u00a0 read, thus far, confirms our need to allow God to lead and direct our \u00a0 lives by placing our complete trust in Him and not in ourselves or in any \u00a0 other human being.<\/p>\n Come, thou dear Lamb, for sinners slain, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> O let it sink into our soul \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> There is no repented sin that God \u00a0 won’t forgive.\u00a0 He might not undo its consequences, but He will \u00a0 forgive us.<\/p>\n Pris’ners of hope, arise, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> Redemption in his blood \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> Jesus, to thee we look, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> Our nature shall no more \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> Satan has no power over us that we \u00a0 don’t allow him to have, for as we are told in 1 John 4:4:<\/p>\n You are from God, little children, \u00a0 and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is \u00a0 in the world. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 NAS<\/p>\n Jesus, our life, in us appear, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> Unfold the hidden mystery, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> When we are born again we should \u00a0 sense the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.\u00a0 We should sense the \u00a0 Lord walking with us.\u00a0 It is only when we forget our first love \u00a0 (God), that His presence seems to wane or disappear.\u00a0 He doesn’t \u00a0 leave us; it is we who leave Him.<\/p>\n In Him we have peace, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> Pronounce the glad word, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> My prayer for all of us is that we \u00a0 truly gain this peace of mind, spirit, soul, and body both now and \u00a0 forever.\u00a0 Amen.<\/p>\n A second edition of these hymns was published in the year 1752, and that without any other alteration than that of a few literal mistakes.<\/strong><\/p>\n I have been the more large in these extracts, because hence it appears, beyond all possibility of exception, that to this day both my brother and I maintained<\/strong><\/p>\n (1) that Christian perfection is that love of God and \u00a0 our neighbor which implies deliverance from all sin;<\/strong><\/p>\n (2) that this is received merely by faith;<\/strong><\/p>\n (3) that it is given instantaneously, in one moment;<\/strong><\/p>\n (4) that we are to expect it, not at death, but every \u00a0 moment; that now is the accepted time, now is the day of this salvation.<\/strong><\/p>\n 2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: Let us sing our hearts to the\u00a0 Lord that we may have perfect peace and love, which is just another way of saying, we’re singing our prayers for perfection.<\/p>\n Amen?<\/p>\n Amen!<\/p>\n Since
\nAnd all the devil’s works destroy; \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nNow, without sin, in me appear, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nAnd fill with everlasting joy: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nThy beatific face display; \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nThy presence is the perfect day. (Vol. i, p. 208.)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThy own this moment seize; \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>
\n Gather my wand’ring spirit home, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nAnd keep in perfect peace.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nO’er all the earth abroad, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nArrest the pris’ner of thy love, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nAnd shut me up in God! (P. 247.)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nAnd our sorrows and sins in a moment shall cease. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nThat moment be now! Our petition allow, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nOur present Redeemer and Comforter thou! (Vol. ii, p. 124.)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nLet the yoke Now be broke; \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nMake me thine for ever.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nLet me be Now in thee \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nA new, sinless creature. (P. 156.)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nTo thy yoke my spirit bow: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nGrant me now the pearl to find \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nOf a meek and quiet mind.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nLet me gain that second rest; \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nFrom my works for ever cease, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nPerfected in holiness. (P. 162.)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nNASU<\/p>\n
\nBring thy heavenly kingdom in! \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nFill us with the glorious power, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nRooting out the seeds of sin. (P. 168.)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nBring in the cleansing flood: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nApply, to wash out every stain, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nThine efficacious blood.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nDeep as the inbred sin: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nMake every wounded spirit whole, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nAnd every leper clean! (P. 171.)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nAnd see your Lord appear. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nLo! on the wings of love he flies, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nAnd brings redemption near.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nHe calls you to receive : \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\n“Come unto me, the pardoning God: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nBelieve,” he cries, “believe!”<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nTill saved from sin’s remains, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nReject the inbred tyrant’s yoke, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nAnd cast away his chains.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nO’er us dominion have; \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nBy faith we apprehend the power \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nWhich shall for ever save. ( P. 188. )<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nWho daily die thy death: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nReveal thyself the finisher; \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nThy quick’ning Spirit breathe!<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe second gift impart ; \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nReveal thy glorious self in me, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nIn every waiting heart. (P. 195.)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nIn Him we have powers! \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nPreserved by his grace \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nThroughout the dark hours. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nIn all our temptations \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nHe keeps us to prove \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nHis utmost salvation, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nHis fullness of love.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nAnd bid us be free! \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nAh, hast thou not, Lord, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nA blessing for me? \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nThe peace thou hast given \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nThis moment impart, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nAnd open thy heaven, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>
\nO Love, in my heart! (P. 324.)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n“In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”
\nBehold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. NKJV<\/p>\n![\"date\"](\"http:\/\/all-creatures.org\/images\/date.gif\")