Wesley Corpus

I fear but few. How deplorable then is it, that almost every one is sufficient for it, and accordingly passes sentence. An outcry is raised. The Americans should or should not be taxed; and many have drawn their swords, and are well migh ready to cut their antagonists’ throats | But this is not our wisdom; it is far from it. It is indeed fighting uncertainly, and scattering firebrands, arrows, and death. But go no farther. Stop here, and calmly reflect on the above argument. Settle it in your heart, that unless you properly understand the merits of the cause, you talk at random; you argue uncertainly, and worse than to no purpose. But if any man has this wisdom, and this well-poised balance, let him stand forth in defence of his country, and be assured his labour will not be in vain. Here we must lament, that, instead of its being a matter of great and general concern, it is more a party affair; and to our shame may it be said, that such a spirit has so unhappily influenced almost all sorts of people, that some are breathing out slaughter against one party, and some against another. Now, while this is the case, is it any marvel that we should perish together? While we are contending who set the building on fire, and looking with rage and vengeance on the suspected party, instead of bringing the assuaging water of heartfelt grief and pious concern, with the helping hand of wisdom, moderation, and love, it is more than certain the flames will spread and endanger the whole building. If these things, therefore, are so, let us cease contending with each other. Let us avoid unkind and bitter reflection on one another; seeing it can do no real service to the cause we would defend, but, in all probability, much harm. Let us bring no combustible matter of this sort to increase the fire. But as the flames are actually spreading, and may soon reach from them to us, let us do our utmost to extinguish them. Ye salt of the earth, exert the seasoning, preserving quality which you are favoured with.