Wesley Corpus

To Joseph Benson Date: WARRINGTON, May 21, 1781. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1781) Author: John Wesley --- DEAR JOSEPH. -- As I have not leisure myself, I am exceeding glad that you have entered into the lists with Mr. Atkinson. And I am in hopes you will ' reply at large' to all his cavils and objections. If he cites anything from me, you should answer simply, ‘I never undertook to defend every sentiment of Mr. Wesley’s. He does not expect or desire it. He wishes me and every man to think for himself.’ If you remember, I do not insist on the term ‘impression.’ I say again, I will thank any one that will find a better; be it ‘discovery,’ ‘manifestation,’ ‘deep sense,’ or whatever it may. That some consciousness of our being in favor with God is joined with Christian faith I cannot doubt; but it is not the essence of it. A consciousness of pardon cannot be the condition of pardon. But I am still more glad that you have some thoughts of answering that pernicious book of poor Mr. Madan. Analyse it first with the postscript; then overturn it thoroughly from the beginning to the end. You may steer between the extremes of too much roughness and too much smoothness. And see that you are plain enough for women and pretty gentlemen. I allow you an hundred pages. -- I am, dear Joseph, Your affectionate friend and brother.