Wesley Corpus

“Would you have a farther rule? Then take one you may always carry in your bosom : Do everything with a single eye; and this will direct you in every circumstance. Let a single intention to please God prescribe both what clothing you shall buy, and the manner wherein it shall be made, and how you shall put on and wear it. In other words, let all you do in this respect, be so done, that you may offer it to God, a sacrifice acceptable through Jesus Christ; so that, consequently, it may increase your reward, and brighten your crown in heaven.” Now, is there anything ridiculous in all this? I would appeal even to a rational Deist, whether it be not, upon the Christian scheme, all agreeable to the highest reason ? 36. “But it is inconsistent with what you said elsewhere: “To make it a point of conscience to differ from others, as the Quakers do, in the shape or colour of their apparel, is mere superstition.’” Not inconsistent at all. It is mere superstition to make wearing a broad-brimmed hat, or a coat with four buttons, (the very thing I referred to in the preceding page,) a point of conscience; that is, a thing necessary to salvation. “Why then,” says Mr. H., “we are to increase our reward, and brighten our crown in heaven, by doing what is ‘mere superstition, and without acting from a ‘point of conscience l’” Was ever such twisting of words? Has he not great reason to cry out, “O rare Logica Wesleiensis / Qui bene distinguit bene docet !”* I bless God, I can distinguish reason from sophistry; unkind, unjust, ungenteel sophistry, used purely for this good end,--to asperse, to blacken a fellow-Christian, because he is not a Calvinist ! No, Sir; what I call “superstition, and no point of conscience,” is wearing a Quaker hat or coat; which is widely different from the plainness of dress that I recom mend to the people called Methodists. My logic, therefore, stands unimpeached; I wish your candour did so too. I would engage to answer every objection of Mr. H.’s, as fairly and fully as this. But I cannot spare so much time; I am called to other employment. And I should really think Mr. H. might spend his time better than in throwing dirt at his quiet neighbours. Of Tea. 37. “Mr. W.