Wesley Corpus

And with regard to perfection. Have not they that hold it the same right to be angry with you for denying it as you with them for affirming it But what is it you are angry at What is it you object to Let us understand the question before we dispute about it. By Christian Perfection I mean (1) loving God with all our heart. Do you object to this I mean (2) an heart and life all devoted to God. Do you desire less I mean (3) regaining the whole image of God. What objection to this I mean (4) having all the mind that was in Christ. Is this going too far I mean (5) walking uniformly as Christ walked. And this surely no Christian will object to. If any one means anything more or anything else by perfection, I have no concern with it. But if this is wrong, yet what need of this heat about it, this violence--I had almost said fury--of opposition, carried so far as even not to lay out anything with this man or that woman who professes it 'Nay,' says Mrs. --, 'I did not refrain from it for this only, but for their espousing Mr. Olivers's cause against Mr. Morgan.' Worse and worse! What! are people to starve (at least for me), unless they think as I think or like whom I like Alas, what religion, what humanity, what common sense is this But I have done. I have once for all taken upon myself a most unthankful office. I have spoken with all plainness and simplicity, and now leave the event to God. May He open your heart, that you may discern His holy and acceptable and perfect will, that you may have a right judgement in all things, and evermore rejoice in His holy comfort.--I am, dear madam, Your affectionate servant. To John Whitehead COOLALOUGH, July 4, 1769. MY DEAR BROTHER,--One from every circuit must be at Conference; but it may be either Brother Whitwell [William Whitwell was Whitehead's colleague at Bristol.] or you. I think the money need not be brought; only let us have exact accounts, and lists of the Societies.