Wesley Corpus

(4.) But we cannot with a good conscience neglect the pre sent opportunity of saving souls while we live, for fear of conse quences which may possibly or probably happen after we are dead. BRIsrol, THURSDAY, August 1st, 1745 THE following persons being met together at the New-Room, in Bristol; John Wesley, Charles Wesley, John Hodges, Thomas Richards, Samuel Larwood, Thomas Meyrick, Richard Moss, John Slocombe, Herbert Jenkins, and Marmaduke Gwynne; it was proposed to review the Minutes of the last Conference with regard to justification. And it was asked: Q. 1. How comes what is written on this subject to be so intricate and obscure? Is this obscurity from the nature of the thing itself; or, from the fault or weakness of those who have generally treated of it? A. We apprehend this obscurity does not arise from the mature of the subject; but, perhaps, partly from hence, that the devil peculiarly labours to perplex a subject of the greatest importance; and partly from the extreme warmth of most writers who have treated of it? Q. 2. We affirm, faith in Christ is the sole condition of justification. But does not repentance go before that faith? yea, and, supposing there be opportunity for them, fruits or works meet for repentance? A. Without doubt they do. Q. 3. How then can we deny them to be conditions of justi fication? Is not this a mere strife of words? But is it worth while to continue a dispute on the term condition? A. It seems not, though it has been grievously abused. But so the abuse cease, let the use remain. Q. 4. Shall we read over together Mr. Baxter’s “Aphorisms concerning Justification?” A. By all means. Which were accordingly read. And it was desired, that each person present would in the afternoon consult the scriptures cited therein, and bring what objections might occur the next morning. FRIDAY, August 2d, THE QUESTION was PROPosED:-- Q. 1. Is a sense of God’s pardoning love absolutely necessary to our being in his favour? Or may there be some exempt cases? A. We dare not say there are not. Q. 2. Is it necessary to inward and outward holiness? A. We incline to think it is. Q. 3. Is it indispensably necessary to final salvation? sup pose in a Papist; or a Quaker; or, in general, among those who never heard it preached? A.