Wesley Corpus

Wesley’s.” (Page 33.) Nay, give the honour of this to its true author: Mr. Hill goes to consult a Popish Friar at Paris, a Benedictine Monk, one Father Walsh, concerning the Minutes of the Conference. Father Walsh (Mr. Hill says; and I see no reason to scruple his authority here) assures him that the Minutes contain false doctrine; and that the tenets of the Church of Rome are nearer by half to his (Mr. Hill's) tenets than they are to Mr. Wesley's. (So Mr. Hill himself informs the world, in the Paris Conversation, of famous memory, which I really think he would never have published, unless, as the vulgar say, the devil had owed him a shame.) I add, “Truly, I always thought so.” But I am the more confirmed therein, by the authority of so competent a judge; especially when his judg ment is publicly delivered by so unexceptionable a witness. 50. Nay, but “you know, the principles of the Pope and of John Calvin are quite opposite to each other.” I do not know that they are opposite at all in this point. Many Popes have been either Dominicans or Benedictines: And many of the Benedictines, with all the Dominicans, are as firm Predestinarians as Calvin himself. Whether the present Pope is a Dominican, I cannot tell: If he is, he is far nearer your tenets than mine. Let us make the trial with regard to your ten propositions:-- (1) “You deny election.” “So does the Pope of Rome.” I know not that. Probably he holds it. (2.) “You deny persever- “So does the Pope of ance.” Rome.” That is much to be doubted. (3) “You deny imputed righteousness.” Perhaps the Pope of Rome does; but I assert it continu ally. (4) “You hold free-will.” “So does the Pope of Rome.” No; not as I do ; (unless he is a Predestina rian: Otherwise,) he ascribes it to nature, I to grace. (5) “You hold that works If you mean good works, I are a condition of justifica do not. tion.” (6) “You hold a twofold justification; one now, another at the last day.” “So does the Pope of Rome.” And so do all Pro testants, if they believe the Bible. (7) “You hold the doctrine I do not. Neither does the of merit.” Pope, if Father Walsh says true.