Wesley Corpus

2. Let every one settle this in his heart beforehand, to expect contradiction, at the same time resolving to bear it calmly for the Lord's sake; and, seeing we naturally carry about us an accursed spirit of selfishness, pride, and impatience, that is ready to take fire at the most trivial offence, let us make it a point beforehand, daily to lament this our wretchedness of disposition at the throne of grace, earnestly beseeching the Lord to prepare us all for our intended confer April, 1764.] JOURNAL, 173 ence, by enduing us with the spirit of meekness, forbearance, humility, and love. 3. Let every one consent to renounce any favourite phrase, term, or mode of speech, that is not scriptural, if required so to do by those who dissent from him: Because whatever doctrine cannot maintain its ground without the aid of humanly-invented words, is not of God. “I have unbosomed myself to you in the frankest manner, with a view to promote that happy intercourse which you wish to establish; and if you imagine it will answer any good purpose, you are welcome to show this letter to any of the Ministers you have had in your eye, and to disclose to them largely all you know of, dear Sir, “Your affectionate friend and brother, “REv. AND DEAR SIR, “I RECEIVED your printed letter, and should rejoice to see the union proposed therein take place; but I must own I am an infidel concerning it. Daily experience convinces me more and more, that the zeal for opinions and charity, non bene conveniunt, nec in und sede morantur.* It has well nigh destroyed all Christian love, zeal, and holiness among us: I have met with greater trials from these bigots within this twelvemonth, than I have met with from all other opposers for fifteen years. Many that once would almost have plucked out their own eyes and given them to me, are now ready to pluck out my eyes. “I really am tired of preaching to an ungrateful, gain saying people. Pray for me, dear Sir, for my hands hang down exceedingly. I am “Your unworthy brother, “MY REv. AND DEAR BROTHER, Shoreham. “YoURs of the 15th instant gave me both pain and pleasure.