Wesley Corpus

I know you will not say so. Meantime, in the main point (justification by faith) I have not wavered a moment for these seven-and twenty years. And I allow all which Mr. Hervey himself contends for, in his entrance upon the subject, --“Come to Jesus as a needy beggar; hang upon him as a devoted pensioner.” And whoever does this, I will be bold to say, shall not perish everlastingly. As to your main objection, convince me that it is my duty to preach on controverted subjects, predestination in par ticular, and I will do it. At present I think it would be a sin. I think it would create still more divisions. And are there not enough already? I have seen a book written by one who styles himself, “Ecclesiae direptae et gementis Presbyter.”* Shall I tear ecclesiam direptam et gementem?t God forbid! No; I will, so far as I can, heal her breaches. And if you really love her, (as I doubt not you do,) why should you hinder me from so doing? Has she so many friends and helpers left, that you should strive to lessen their number? Would you wish to turn any of her friends, even though weak and mistaken, into enemies? If you must contend, have you not Arians, Socinians, Seceders, Infidels, to contend with ; to say nothing of whoremongers, adulterers, Sabbath-breakers, drunkards, common swearers? O ecclesia gemens ! And will you pass by all these, and single out me to fight with? Nay, but I will not. I do and will fight with all these, but not with you. I cannot; I dare not. You are the son of my Father; my fellow-labourer in the gospel of his dear Son. I love your person; I love your character; I love the work wherein you are engaged. And if you will still shoot at me, (because Mr. Hervey has painted me as a monster) even with arrows drawn from Bishop Warburton’s quiver, (how unfit for Mr. 's hand!) I can only say, as I always did before, The Lord Jesus bless you in your soul, in your body, in your relations, in your work, in whatever tends to his own glory ! I am, Dear Sir, Your affectionate brother, • A Presbyter of a pillaged and groaning Church.-EDIT. + This Church which is torn asunder and groaning.--EDIT.