Wesley Corpus

W. We have a plain, full, and sufficient rule for Gospel worship, in the New Testament, recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, and in the Epistles. B. We have not. W. The practice of the Apostles is a standing rule in those cases which were not extraordinary. B. Not their practice, but their precepts. W. Both precepts and practice. Our duty is not delivered to us, in Scripture, only by precepts, but precedents, by promises, by threatenings, mixed. We are to follow them as they followed Christ. B. But the Apostle said, “This speak I, not the Lord;” that is, by revelation. W. Some interpret that place, “This speak I now by revelation from the Lord;” not the Lord in that text before instanced concerning divorces. May it please your Lordship, we believe that cultus non institutus est indebitus.* B. It is false. W. The second commandment speaks the same: “Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image.” B. That is, forms of your own invention. W. Bishop Andrews, taking notice of Non facies tibi, f. satisfied me that we may not worship God but as commanded. B. Well, then, you will justify your preaching, will you, without ordination according to law? W. All these things, laid together, are satisfactory to me, for my procedure therein. B. They are not enough. W. There has been more written in proof of preaching of gifted persons, with such approbation, than has been answered yet by any one. B. Have you anything more to say to me, Mr. Wesley? W. Nothing; your Lordship sent for me. B. I am glad to hear this from your mouth; you will stand to your principles, you say? W. I intend it, through the grace of God; and to be faithful to the King's Majesty, however you deal with me. B. I will not meddle with you. W. Farewell to you, Sir. B. Farewell, good Mr. Wesley. * That worship which is not instituted is not right.-EDIT. + “Thou shalt not make to thyself ”-EDIT. Monday, MAY 27, 1765.--I took my leave of Londonderry. Mr. Knox sent his servant to conduct me to Sligo, being now as affectionate as Mr. K. of Sligo was the first time I was there. Keeping a steady pace, we rode fifteen miles, so called, in four hours and a half, and came, at noon, to Ballymafay.