Wesley Corpus

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. “(3.) I do not believe (what is only preterition or reproba tion in other words) any such absolute election, as implies that all but the absolutely elect shall inevitably be damned. “(4.) I do not believe the doctrine of irresistible grace, or of infallible perseverance; because both the one and the other implies that election which cannot stand without preterition or reprobation.- “(5.) I do not believe salvation by works. Yet if any man can prove (what I judge none ever did, or ever will) that there is no medium between this and absolute predestination; I will rather subscribe to this than to that, as far less absurd of the two.” 8. Hinc ille lachrymae. Here is the source of Mr. H.’s implacable hatred to me. And hence arises his vehement displeasure at those “Minutes,” which Mr. Sh and he style “dreadful heresy.” The appellation is just, suppose (as Mr. H. asserts) all election-doubters are Diabolonians; suppose no man who is “not clear in the belief of absolute predestination” can love either God or his neighbour. For it is certain, the doctrine of the Minutes and of the decrees cannot stand together. If the doctrine of the decrees stands, then that of the Minutes must fall; for we willingly allow, that the one is incompatible with the other. If the doctrine of the Minutes stands, then that of the decrees must fall. For it is manifest, this, particularly the last article, strikes at the very root of Calvinism. Of what consequence is it, then, to one who is persuaded, the belief of Calvinism is essential to salvation, to expose those Minutes to the uttermost, as well as any that dares to defend them? 9. In order to this good end, Mr. H. publishes “A Review of all the Doctrines taught by Mr. John Wesley.” But is it possible for any man to do this without reading all the writings that I have published? It is not possible in the nature of things; he cannot give an account of what he never read. And has Mr. H. read all that I have published? I believe he will not affirm it.