Wesley Corpus

4. Once more: After Lord Kames has said all he pleases concerning the grand machine of the universe, and con cerning the connexion of its several wheels, yet it must be allowed, He that made it can unmake it; can vary every wheel, every spring, every movement, at his own good pleasure. Neither, therefore, does this imply any necessity laid either upon the thoughts, passions, or actions, of those that know and trust in Him who is the Creator and Governor of heaven and earth. 5. Ah, poor Infidel! this is no comfort to you ! You must plunge on in the fatal whirlpool | You are without hope; without help! For there is only one possible help; and that you spurn. What follows then? Why Si figit adamantinos Summis verticibus dira necessitas Clavos; non animum metu, Non mortis laqueis expedies caput.* O what advantage has a Christian (a real Christian) over an Infidel ! He sees God! Consequently * This quotation from Horace is thus translated by Francis : “Yet soon as Fate shall round your head, With adamantine strength, its terrors spread, Not the Dictator's power shall save Your soul from fear, your body from the grave.”-EDIT. Metus omnes, et inerorabile fatum Subjecit pedibus, strepitumque Acherontis avari. He tramples on inexorable fate, And fear, and death, and hell ! 6. Ah, poor predestinarian | If you are true to your doctrine, this is no comfort to you! For perhaps you are not of the elect number: If so, you are in the whirlpool too. For what is your hope? Where is your help? There is no help for you in your God. Your God! No; he is not yours; he never was; he never will be. He that made you, He that called you into being, has no pity upon you ! He made you for this very end,--to damn you; to cast you headlong into a lake of fire burning with brimstone ! This was prepared for you, or ever the world began | And for this you are now reserved in chains of darkness, till the decree brings forth; till, according to his eternal, unchange able, irresistible will, You groan, you howl, you writhe in waves of fire, And pour forth blasphemies at his desire! O God, how long shall this doctrine stand I