Wesley Corpus

Men who scruple to use, men who never heard, the expression, may yet ‘be humbled as repenting criminals at his feet, and rely as devoted pensioners on his merits.” But it has done immense hurt. I have had abundant proof, that the frequent use of this unnecessary phrase, instead of furthering men's progress in vital holiness, has made them satisfied without any holiness at all.” Is the speaking earnestly on such a subject “idle pomp?” Are not the souls of men at stake? And most certainly the whole sentence is at as great a distance from levity as from profaneness. 11. I am accused, Sixthly, of acting in a manner unworthy a gentleman, a Christian, or a man of sense. “I am quite ashamed of your meanness,” (strong words !) “ and grieved at your uncharitable rashness;” in naming three men, the fellows of whom, I hope, are not to be found in England. “How unworthy is such a proceeding either of the gentleman, the Christian, or the man of sense !” (Page 186.) I am not conscious of either meanness, rashness, or uncharit ableness in this matter. But I am willing to refer it to the judgment of any who know the men and their communication. 12. I am accused, Seventhly, of impudence. “Harmless enough, I must own; but what follows is not quite so modest.” (Page 201.) “Your last daring innovation.” Affirming that the word usually rendered righteousness does sometimes mean mercy. I dare not say otherwise. I must affirm this still, both of the Hebrew and Greek word. “Everybody knows that the particle beth signifies in, and everybody but Mr. Wesley would blush to assert the contrary.” (Page 220.) I never asserted the contrary, nor did I ever deny, that the particle sy likewise signifies in. Yet I affirm that both the former and the latter have several other significations.- 13. I am accused, Eighthly, of denying justification by faith, and of being an enemy to the righteousness of Christ. “We have liberty to look upon ourselves as justified with out any works of our own.” (True; but not without faith.) “This you would supersede and abolish.” (Page 261.) The whole tenor of my writing, preaching, and conversa tion clears me of this charge. “Why should you be so averse to the righteousness of God our Saviour?” (Page 227.) Far, very far from it.