Wesley Corpus

But if so, what are many of our brethren? Sent of man, but not of God! “However, these laymen are not sent of God to preach; for does not St. Paul say, ‘No man taketh this honour to himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron P’” (Page 13.) Another text most unhappily applied; for Aaron did not preach at all. But if these men are not sent of God, how comes God to confirm their word, by convincing and con verting sinners? He confirms the word of his messenger, but of none else. Therefore, if God owns their word, it is plain that God has sent them. “But the earth opened and swallowed up those intruders into the priestly office, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.” (Page 14.) Such an intruder are you, if you convert no sinners to God. Take heed lest a deeper pit swallow you up ! 18. “But the Church of Rome has sent out Preachers among us, such as Thomas Heath, a Jesuit; and Faithful Commin, a Dominican Friar.” (Pages 16, 17.) And what do you infer from hence? that my brother, who was thought a Student of Christ Church in Oxford, was really a Jesuit? and that while I passed for a Fellow of Lincoln College, I was in fact a Domini can Friar? Even to hint at such absurdities as these is an insult on common sense. 19. We have now done with the argumentative part of your Sermons, and come to the exhortation: “Mark them that cause divisions and offences among you; for they serve not the Lord, but their own bellies.” (Page 18.) Who “serve their own bellies?” the Methodists, or ? Alas, how terribly might this be retorted ! “And by fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Deceive them into what? into the knowledge and love of God! the loving their neighbour as themselves ! the walking in justice, mercy, and truth ! the doing to all as they would be done to ! Felices errore suo l? Would to God all the people of Waterford, rich and poor, yea, all the men, women, and children in the three kingdoms, may be thus deceived ! 20. “Do not credit those who tell you that we must judge of our regeneration by sensible impulses, impressions, ardors, and ecstasies.” (Page 19.) Who tells them so?