Wesley Corpus

But you have more proof yet: “The Grand Jury in Georgia found, that you had called yourself Ordinary of Savan nah. Nor was this fact contradicted even by those of the Jury who, you say, wrote in your favour: So that it appears, you have long had an inclination to be independent and uncontrolled.” This argument ought to be good; for it is far fetched. The plain case was this: That Grand Jury did assert, that, in Mr. Causton’s hearing, I had called myself Ordinary of Savannah. The minority of the Jury, in their letter to the Trustees, refuted the other allegations particularly; but thought this so idle an one, that they did not deign to give it any farther reply, than, “As to the eighth bill we are in doubt, as not well know ing the meaning of the word Ordinary.” See Wol. I. p. 59. You add, “I appeal to any reasonable man, whether you have not acted as an Ordinary, nay, a Bishop, in Kingswood.” If you mean, in “declaring those disorderly members were no longer of that society;” I admit your appeal, whether I therein acted as a Bishop, or as any Steward of a society may. “Nay, you have gone far beyond the generality of the Dissenters them selves; who do not commit the power of excommunication, and appointing to preach,” (that is anotherquestion,) “to the hands of any private Minister.” The power of excommunication. True; but this was not excommunication, but a quite different thing. How far, in what circumstances, and in what sense, I have “appointed men to preach,” I have explained at large in the Third Part of the “Farther Appeal.” But I wait for farther light; and am ready to consider, as I am able, whatever shall be replied to what is there advanced. 8. Your general conclusion is, “Whatever your pretences or professions may be, you can be looked upon by serious and impartial persons, not as a member, much less a Minister, of the Church of England, but as no other than an enemy to her constitution, worship, and doctrine, raising divisions and dis turbances in her communion.” (Ibid. p. 76.) “And yet you say, ‘I cannot have greater regard to her rules.” “I dare not renounce communion with her.’” (Ibid. p. 15.) I do say so still.