Wesley Corpus

If we differ in smaller things, we agree in that which is greatest of all. How is it possible then that you should be induced to think or speak evil of us? How could it ever come into your mind to oppose us, or weaken our hands? How long shall we complain of the wounds which we receive in the house of our friends? Surely the children of this world are still “wiser in their generation than the children of light.” Satan is not divided against him self: Why are they who are on the Lord’s side? How is it that wisdom is not justified of her own children? 68. Is it because you have heard that we only make religion a cloak for covetousness; and because you have heard abun dance of particulars alleged in support of that general charge? It is probable you may also have heard how much we have gained by preaching already; and, to crown all, that we are only Papists in disguise, who are undermining and destroying the Church. 69. You have heard this. Well; and can you believe it? Have you then never heard the fifth chapter of St. Matthew? I would to God you could believe it. What is written there? How readest thou? “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my name's sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: For great is your reward in heaven: For so persecuted they the Prophets that were before you;” namely, by “reviling them, and saying all manner of evil of them falsely.” Do not you know that this, as well as all other scriptures, must needs be fulfilled? If so, take knowledge that this day also it is fulfilled in your ears. For our Lord’s sake, and for the sake of his gospel which we preach, “men do revile us and persecute us, and ” (blessed be God, who giveth us to rejoice therein) “say all manner of evil of us falsely.” And how can it be otherwise? “The disciple is not above his Master. It is enough for the disciple, that he be as his Master, and the servant as his Lord. If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?” 70.