Wesley Corpus

1. Tuar men revile me, and say all manner of evil against me; that I am vecome as it were a monster unto many; that the zealous of almost every denomination cry out, “ Away with such a fellow from the earth :” this givesme, with regard to myself, no degree of uneasiness. For I know the Scripture must be fulfilled, “If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household ?” But it does give me a concern, with regard to those who, by this artifice of the devil, are prevented from hearing that word which is able to save their souls. 2. For the sake of these, and indeed of all who desire to hear the truth of those things which have been so variously related, I have been induced to publish this further account ; and I doubt not but it will even hence appear, to all candid and impartial judges, that I have hitherto lived in all good conscience toward God. 3. I shall be easily excused by those who cither love or seek the Lord Jesus in sine cerity, for speaking so largely of the Moravian Church ; a city which ought to be set upon a hill: their light hath been too long hid under a bushel: it is high time it should at length break forth, and “so shine before men, that others also may glorify their Father which is in heaven.” 4, If any should ask, “ But do you think even this Church is perfect, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing?” I answer plainly, “No; though I trust it will be, when patience has had its perfect work.” But neither do I think it right to entertain the world with the spots of God’s children. 5. It has been further asked, whether I imagine God is to be found only among them. I reply, “By no means. I know there is a God in England, and we need not go to seek him yn strange lands.” I know that in our own, he is very nigh unto all that call upon him; and therefore I think those unwise (to say no more) who run to inquire after him in Holland or Germany.