Wesley Corpus

And how generally since St. Augustine this important truth has been asserted is well known. Plain it is, therefore, that the Churches of Christ, from the beginning, have borne clear testimony to it. “To conclude, 1. This is a scriptural doctrine: Many plain texts directly teach it. “2. It is a rational doctrine, throughly consistent with the dictates of sound reason; and this, notwithstanding there may be some circumstances relating thereto which human reason cannot fathom.” (Page 91.) “3. It is a practical doctrine. It has the closest connexion with the life, power, and practice of religion. It leads man to the foundation of all Christian practice, the knowledge of him self; and hereby, to the knowledge of God, and the knowledge of Christ crucified. It prepares him for, and confirms him in, just conceptions of the dependence of his salvation, on the merits of Christ for justification, and the power of his Spirit for inward and outward holiness. It humbles the natural pride of man; it excludes self-applause and boasting; and points out the true and only way whereby we may fulfil all righteousness. “4. It is an experimental doctrine. The sincere Christian, day by day, carries the proof of it in his own bosom; expe riencing that in himself, which is abundantly sufficient to convince him, that “in him,” by nature, ‘dwelleth no good thing; but that it is God alone who worketh in him both to will and to do of his good pleasure.’” LEWISHAM, March 23, 1757. I HAVE now gone through, as my leisure would permit, this whole complicated question; and I have spoken on each branch of it with plainness and openness, according to the best light I have at present. I have only a few words more to add, and that with the same openness and simplicity. What I have often acknowledged, I now repeat. Were it not on a point of so deep importance, I would no more enter the lists with Dr. Taylor, than I would lift my hand against a giant. I acknowledge your abilities of every kind; your natural and acquired endowments; your strong understanding; your lively and fruitful imagination; your plain and easy, yet nervous style. I make no doubt of your having studied the original Scriptures for many years. And I believe you have moral endowments which are infinitely more valuable and more amiable than all these.