Wesley Corpus

You have adopted papistical tenets,” (I know not which, and should be glad any one would inform me,) “and are listening to ‘the mother of abominations’ more than you are aware.” (Page 118.) But let it be observed, the holding universal redemption is no proof of this. For thousands of Papists, yea, all the Dominican Friars, hold particular redemption. “The moment in which saints depart from the body, they are in the highest heavens. Here is no hint of any inter mediate state. This is the Popish notion.” And the Protestant too: It is the notion of many very eminent Divines of our own Church. Bishop Smalridge, in particular, has published a celebrated sermon upon it. “I am very sorry your opinions are so much like the man of sin.” (Ibid.) In this article they are not like at all; they are directly opposite. For the Papists believe, even good men undergo a painful purgatory after death. I believe there is no pain after death, unless to those who perish for ever. 17. The grand charge remains: I am accused, Lastly, and that over and over, in great variety of expressions, of being a knave, a dishonest man, one of no truth, justice, or integrity. (1.) The First proof of it is this: “We have Aspasio's words; but in a patched and disfigured condition.” (Page20.) The words I quoted are: “As sin and misery have abounded through the First Adam, mercy and grace have much more abounded through the Second; so that now none have reason to complain.” That Aspasio’s words are here abridged, is true; that they are patched or disfigured, is not true, as every man of common sense must see. So this is no proof of dishonesty. (2.) See another: “Turn inward, and you will probably discern more than a little disingenuity in your own procedure.” (Page 83.) Mr. Hervey said, “On Christ's death sinners are to rely as the cause of their forgiveness; on Christ’s obedience, as the ground of their acceptance.” I asked, “How does this agree with page 58, where we read these words?