Wesley Corpus

Whitefield and Mr. Wesley are used; but this is mere finesse ! Greater men are designed, and all along are wounded through our sides. “I was long in hopes of seeing an answer to this artful performance, from some one of more leisure, as well as abilities; and some whose name would have recommended his work: For that thought has something of truth in it, O what a tuneful wonder seized the throng, When Marlbro's conquering name alarm'd the foe! Had Whiznowisky led the armies on, The General's scarecrow name had foil'd each blow. However, who knows but reason, for once, may be stronger than prejudice? And many may forget my scarecrow name, and mind not who speaks, but what is spoken. I am pleading now, not for the Methodists only, but for the whole body of Protestants; first, for the Church of England; then for the Protestants of every denomination; in doing which I shall first give the substance of each Section of the Romish Tract: Secondly, answer, and retort it upon the members of the Church of Rome. O that this may incite some more skilful advocate to supply my lack of service | “‘The Methodists’ (Protestants) “are not the people of God; they are not true Gospel Christians; nor is their new-raised society the true church of Christ, nor any part of it.” (P. 3.) “‘This is demonstrated by the word of God, marking out the people of God, the true church of Christ, by such characters as cannot agree to the Methodists, or any other new-raised sect or community.” (Ibid.) “‘The Old Testament is full of prophecies relating to the church: And the New Testament makes glorious promises to it, and gives glorious characters of it.” (P. 4.) “‘Now all those prophecies, promises, and characters, point out a society founded by Christ himself, and by his commission propagated throughout the world, which should flourish till time should end, ever one, ever holy, ever orthodox; secured against error by the perpetual presence of Christ; ever directed by the Spirit of truth; having a perpetual succession of Pastors and Teachers, divinely appointed and divinely 42 REv. J. Wesley’s [Feb. 176}.