Wesley Corpus

These objections were so frequently and strongly urged, that in the year 1758 it was fully considered in the Leeds Conference' whether we should separate from the Church or no.' After weighing the whole matter calmly, we determined upon the negative. Mr. Ingham, being present, commended our determination in very strong terms; concluding whenever the Methodists leave the Church God will leave them. [See letter of Aug. 19, 1785.] To prevent it we all agreed (1) to exhort all our people constantly to attend the church and sacrament; and (2), still to preach on Sundays, morning and evening, not in the church hours. Indeed, by taking the contrary steps, by exhorting our people not to go to Church, or (which came to the same thing) by appointing to preach in the church hours, we should separate from it at once. Last year the case of our brethren in North America was considered, wholly cut off both from the English Church and State. In so peculiar a case I believed it my duty to take an extraordinary step in order to send them all the help I could. [See letter of Sept. 10, 1784.] And I bless God it has had an admirable effect. 'But why,' say some, 'should not you take the same step here 'Because it is not the same case. They separate from nobody. They had no Church! alas! no King! We have both. 'Well, but weigh their reasons. Should we go to church to hear ourselves abused, by railing, yea and lying accusations 'What said that blessed man Philip Henry, [See letter of Oct. 18, 1778.] when his friend said (after hearing such a sermon), 'I hope, sir, you will not go to church any more' 'Indeed, I will go in the afternoon; if the minister does not know his duty, I bless God I know mine.'