Wesley Corpus

7. The Western Churches seem to have the pre-eminence over all these in many respects. They have abundantly more knowledge: They have more scriptural and more rational modes of worship. Yet two thirds of them are still involved in the corruptions of the Church of Rome; and most of these are entirely unacquainted with either the theory or practice of religion. And as to those who are called Protestants, or Reformed, what acquaintance with it have they Put Papists and Protestants, French and English together, the bulk of one and of the other nation; and what manner of Christians are they Are they "holy as He that hath called them is holy" Are they filled with "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" Is there "that mind in them which was also in Christ Jesus" And do they "walk as Christ also walked" Nay, they are as far from it as hell is from heaven! 8. Such is the present state of mankind in all parts of the world! But how astonishing is this, if there is a God in heaven, and if his eyes are over all the earth! Can he despise the work of his own hand Surely this is one of the greatest mysteries under heaven! How is it possible to reconcile this with either the wisdom or goodness of God And what can give ease to a thoughtful mind under so melancholy a prospect What but the consideration, that things will not always be so; that another scene will soon be opened God will be jealous of his honour: He will arise and maintain his own cause. He will judge the prince of this world, and spoil him of his usurped dominion. He will give his Son "the Heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession." "The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." The loving knowledge of God, producing uniform, uninterrupted holiness and happiness, shall cover the earth; shall fill every soul of man.