Scriptural Sanctification - Media Sabda Org

Methodists, at least -- "answer this question of instantaneous sanctification or perfection in love
subsequent to regeneration "negatively."
But, lest some one should insist that these bishops meant to teach that men are made "perfect in
love" at regeneration, we will give the following declarations made by several of them, individually,
in 1895, the year before this address was written.
Bishop Bowman, the senior bishop, says: "I believe and teach Mr. Wesley's view of regeneration
and entire sanctification."
Bishop Foster says: "My book, entitled Christian Purity, teaches plainly all the views I hold on
this subject." The bishop wrote us substantially the same thing last year. Any one who has read that
book knows that he fully endorses the Wesleyan theory of instantaneous sanctification, subsequent
to regeneration, together with a clear witness of the Spirit to his work in sanctification.
Bishop Newman says:
"Regeneration and entire sanctification represent two steps of grace, the latter the completion of
the former. This is the doctrine of the Methodist Episcopal Church."
Bishop Joyce says:
"The Scriptures teach, and therefore the Methodist Episcopal Church teaches also, that
regeneration and entire sanctification are separate and distinct as to the time of their reception on the
part of the believing soul. So far as I know, this is the teaching of all of our ministers, including
bishops and other Church officers."
Bishop Warren says:
"I hold firmly to the Wesleyan doctrine of regeneration and entire sanctification."
Bishop Mallalieu says:
"From the very first years of my ministry to the present time I have held, with Adam Clarke,
Richard Watson, John Fletcher, and John Wesley, that regeneration and entire sanctification are
separate and distinct one from the other, and therefore received at different times -- both received
by faith -- and the last the privilege of every believer, as the first is of every penitent."
It will be noticed that all these bishops endorse the Wesleyan theory that sanctification is different
from regeneration and is not simultaneously developed. They do not express a direct opinion as to
its instantaneousness, as they were only asked to answer the following question: "Do you teach that
regeneration and entire sanctification are separate and distinct, one from the other, and therefore
received at different times?" But, in endorsing Wesley's view of the matter, they endorsed the theory
of its instantaneousness as well as its following regeneration, as Dr. Tillett himself admits.