Wesley Corpus

H., “places all election-doubters” (that is, those who are not clear in the belief of absolute predestina tion) “among the numerous host of the Diabolonians. One of these being brought before the Judge, the Judge tells him, “To question election is to overthrow a great doctrine of the gospel: Therefore he, the election-doubter, must die.’” (Page 37.) That is, plainly, he must die eternally for this damnable sin. The very same thing Mr. H. affirms else where: “The only cement of Christian union is the love of God; and the foundation of that love must be laid in believing the truths of God;” (that is, you must believe particular redemption, or it is impossible you should love God;) for, to use “the words of Dr. Owen, in his ‘Display of Arminianism,’” (see the truths which Mr. H. means,) “‘an agreement without truth is no peace, but a covenant with death, and a conspiracy against the kingdom of Christ.’” (Page 39.) 7. I am sorry Mr. H. should think so. But so long as he remains in that sentiment, what peace am I or Mr. F., or indeed any Arminian, to expect from him? since any agree ment with us would be “a covenant with death, and a conspiracy against the kingdom of Christ.” I therefore give up all hope of peace with him, and with all that are thus minded. For I do not believe what he terms “the truths of God,” the doctrine of absolute predestination. I never did believe it, nor the doctrines connected with it, no, not for an hour. In this, at least, I have been consistent with myself. I have never varied an hair's breadth; I cannot while I believe the Bible, while I believe either the Old or New Testament. What I do believe, and always have believed in this matter, I will declare with all simplicity. “(1.) I believe no decree of reprobation. I do not believe the Father of spirits ever Consign'd one unborn soul to hell, Or damn'd him from his mother's womb. “(2.) I believe no decree of preterition, which is only reprobation whitewashed. I do not believe God ever sent one man into the world, to whom he had decreed never to give that grace whereby alone he could escape damnation.