Wesley Corpus

7. Did that right honourable wretch, compared to whom Sir R[obert] was a saint, know the heart of man, -- he that so earnestly advised his own son, "never to speak the truth, to lie or dissemble as often as he speaks, to wear a mask continually" that earnestly counselled him, "not to debauch single women," (because some inconveniences might follow,) "but always married women" Would one imagine this grovelling animal ever had a wife or a married daughter of his own O rare Lord C[hesterfield]! Did ever man so well deserve, though he was a Peer of the realm, to die by the side of Newgate Or did ever book so well deserve to be burned by the common hangman, as his Letters Did Mr. David Hume, lower, if possible, than either of the former, know the heart of man No more than a worm or a beetle does. After "playing so idly with the darts of death," do you now find it a laughing matter What think you now of Charon Has he ferried you over Styx At length he has taught you to know a little of your own heart! At length you know it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God! 8. One of the ablest champions of infidelity (perhaps the most elegant, and the most decent writer that ever produced a system of religion without being in the least obliged to the Bible for it) breaks out in the fullness of his heart: "Who would not wish that there was full proof of the Christian revelation, since it is undoubtedly the most benevolent system that ever appeared in the world!" Might he not add a reason of another kind, -- Because without this man must be altogether a mystery to himself Even with the help of Revelation, he knows exceeding little; but without it, he would know abundantly less, and nothing with any certainty. Without the light which is given us by the oracles of God, how could we reconcile his greatness with his meanness While we acknowledged, with Sir John Davies, -- I know my soul has power to know all things, Yet is she blind, and ignorant of all: I know I'm one of nature's little kings; Yet to the least and vilest things in thrall.