Wesley Corpus

“The second we do not apprehend to be a true bill; because we humbly conceive Mr. Wesley did not assume to himself any authority contrary to law: for we understand, ‘Every person intending to communicate, should signify his name to the curate, at least some time the day before ;’ which Mrs. Williamson did not do; although Mr. Wesley had often, in full zongregation, declared, he did insist on a compliance with that rubric, and nad before repelled divers persons for non-compliance therewith. “The third we do not think a true bill; because several of us have been his hearers, when he has declared his adherence to the Church of England, in a stronger manner than by a formal declaration ; by explaining and defending the Apostles’, the Nicene, and the Athanasian, Creeds, the Thirty-nine Articles, the whole Book of Common Prayer, and the Homilies of the said Church; and because we think a formal declaration .§ not required, but from those who have received institution and induction. ‘“‘ The fact alleged in the fourth bill we cannot apprehend to be contrary to any law in being. “The fifth we do not think a true bill; because we conceive Mr. Wesley is justified by the rubric, viz. ‘If they (the parents) certify that the child is weak, it shall suffice to pour water upon it.’ Intimating (as we humbly suppose) it shall not suffice, if they do not certify. 44 REV. Je WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [Oct. 1737 “The sixth cannot be a true bill; because the said William Gough, being one of our members, was surprised to hear himself named, without his knowledge or privity; and did publicly declare, it was no grievance to him, because the said John Wesley had given him reasons with which he was satisfied. “The seventh we do not apprehend to be a true bill; for Nathaniel Polhill was an Anabaptist, and desired in his lifetime, that he might not be interred with the office of the Church of England. And further, we have good reason to believe, that Mr. Wesley was at Frederica, or on his return thence, when Polhill was buried.