[lockeliberty]

Hey Vern! (I've been waiting to say that)

Thanks for the Wesley sermon.

A few observations.

1. I was somewhat confused when Wesley, and I quote, said, "Hereby he totally lost, not only the favour, but likewise the image of God." If man totally lost the image of God how did he regain a portion of it? Was it through some sort of evolutionary process?

2. Sure enough. Just as Xzins pointed out he chops up man into the spiritual and moral.

3. The whole basis of his sermon was on the "earthen vessel." No doubt Wesley viewed this earthen vessel as the lower part of man. I would contend that this earthen vessel was created good and is a intergal part of man as any other part we have. When we are living on the New Earth I'm sure we'll have a New earthen vessel.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

...when Wesley said, "Hereby he totally lost, not only the favour, but likewise the image of God."

That's why I prefer Calvin who maintained that man and earth, being creations of the Almighty, were splendid works of divine purpose.

"We must not be hindered by the malice of men, but rather contemplate the image of God in them, which by its excellence and dignity moves and enables us to love them." -- John Calvin.