Wesley Corpus

Fri. 6.--Being still fearful of doing any thing rashly, or contrary to the great law of love, I consulted again with many of our brethren, concerning the further steps I should take. In consequence of which, on Saturday, 7, all who could of the society being met together, I told them, open dealing was best; and I would therefore tell them plainiy what I thought (setting all opinions aside) had been wrong in many of them, viz. “1, Their despising the ministers of God, and slighting his ordinances: 2. Their not speaking or praying when met together, till they were sensibly moved thereto: and, 3. Their dividing themselves from the-r brethren, and forming a separate society. That we could not approve of delaying this matter, because the confusion that was already, increased daily. That, upon the whole, we believed the only way to put a stop to these growing evils was, for every one now to take his choice, and quit one society or the other.” T B replied, “It is our holding election is the true cause of your separating from us.” I answered, “ You know in your own conscience it is not. There are several Predestinarians in our societies both at London and Bristol; nor did I ever yet put any one out of either because he held that opinion.” He said, “ Well, we will break up our society, on condition you will receive and employ Mr C----- as you did before.” I replied, “ My brother has wronged me much. But he doth not say, ‘I repent.’”” Mr. C said, “ Unless in not speaking in your defence, I do not know that I have wronged one, - March, 1741.] REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 205 you at all.” T rejoined, “It seems then nothing remains, but for each to choose which society he pleases.” Then, after a short time spent in prayer, Mr. C-- --- went out, and about half of those who were present, with him.