Wesley Corpus

Yet, upon reflection, I believe I can; although I own it is rather of the lyric than the heroic kind. And because possibly he may be inclined to write notes on this too, I will tell him the origin of it. One Sunday, immediately after sermon, my father's clerk said, with an audible voice, “Let us sing to the praise and glory of God, an hymn of mine own composing.” It was short and sweet, and ran thus: King William is come home, come home ! King William home is come ! Therefore let us together sing The hymn that's call'd Te D'um ! 53. Before I conclude, I beg leave, in my turn, to give you a few advices: And, (1.) Be calm. Do not venture into the field again till you are master of your temper. You know, “the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness,” neither promotes the truth, “ of God.” (2.) Be good-natured. Passion is not commendable; but ill-nature still less. Even irrational anger is more excusable than bitterness, less offensive to God and man. (3.) Be courteous. Show good manners, as well as good nature, to your opponent, of whatever kind. “But he is rude.” You need not be so too. If you regard not him, reverence yourself. Absolutely contrary to this is the crying out at every turn, “Quirk I Sophistry ! Evasion l’” In controversy these exclamations go for nothing. This is neither better nor worse than calling names. (4.) Be merciful. When you have gained an advantage over your opponent, do not press it to the uttermost. Remember the honest Quaker’s advice to his friend a few years ago: “Art thou not content to lay John Wesley upon his back, but thou wilt tread his guts out?” (5.) In writing, do not consider yourself as a man of fortune, or take any liberty with others on that account. These distinctions weigh little more in the literary world, than in the world of spirits. Men of sense simply consider what is written; not whether the writer be a lord or a cobbler. Lastly. Remember, “for every idle word men shall speak, they shall give an account in the day of judgment l” Remember, “by thy words shalt thou be justified; or by thy words shalt thou be condemned !” BR1sToL, March 14, 1773.