Wesley Corpus

NORWICH, March 10, 1763. DEAR SAMMY, -- When we revised the notes on St. Peter, our brethren were all of the same opinion with you. So we set Charles’s criticism aside, and let the note stand as it was. I have not read Dr. Newton on the Prophecies. But the bare text of the Revelation from the time I first read it satisfied me as to the general doctrine of the Millennium. [See letters of Dec. 20, 1762, and March 27, 1764.] But of the particulars I am willingly ignorant since they are not revealed. I scarce ever yet repented of saying too little, but frequently of saying too much. To the Bishop I have said more than I usually do, and I believe as much as the occasion requires. But I spare him. If he replies, I shall probably speak more plainly, it not more largely. A notion has lately started up in London, originally borrowed from the Moravians, which quite outshoots my notions of perfection as belonging only to fathers in Christ -- namely, that every man is saved from all (inward) sin when he is justified, and that there is no sin, neither anger, pride, nor any other, in his heart from that moment unless he loses justifying faith. How will you disprove this position In particular, by what New Testament authority can you overthrow it These questions have puzzled many poor plain people. I should be glad of your answer to them at large. It is a doubt whether I shall be able to leave London this summer, unless now and then for a week or two. Next week I am to return thither.--I am, dear Sammy, Yours affectionately. To the Editor of ‘Lloyd’s Evening Post’ LONDON, March 18, 1763.