Wesley Corpus

I appeal to every impartial mind, whether the reverse be not obviously true; whether the mercy of God would not be far less gloriously displayed, in saving a few by his irresistible power, and leaving all the rest without help, without hope, to perish everlastingly, than in offering salvation to every crea ture, actually saving all that consent thereto, and doing for the rest all that infinite wisdom, almighty power, and bound less love can do, without forcing them to be saved, which would be to destroy the very nature that he had given them. I appeal, I say, to every impartial mind, and to your own, if not quite blinded with prejudice, which of these accounts places the mercy of God in the most advantageous light. 54. Perhaps you will say, “But there are other attributes of God, namely, his sovereignty, unchangeableness, and faith fulness. I hope you do not deny these.” I answer, No; by no means. The sovereignty of God appears, (1.) In fixing from eternity that decree touching the sons of men, “He that believeth shall be saved: He that believeth not shall be damned.” (2.) In all the general circumstances of creation; in the time, the place, the manner of creating all things; in appointing the number and kinds of creatures, visible and invisible. (3.) In allotting the naturalendowments of men, these to one, and those to another. (4.) In disposing the time, place, and other outward circumstances (as parents, relations) attend ing the birth of every one. (5.) In dispensing the various gifts of his Spirit, for the edification of his Church. (6.) In ordering all temporal things, as health, fortune, friends, every thing short of eternity. But in disposing the eternal states of men, (allowing only what was observed under the first article,) it is clear, that not sovereignty alone, but justice, mercy, and truth hold the reins. The Governor of heaven and earth, the IAM, over all, God blessed for ever, takes no step here but as these direct, and prepare the way before his face.