Wesley Corpus

He rejects any design to convert others from any communion; and consequently not from Popery.” This is half true, (which is something uncommon with you,) and only half false. It is true, that, for thirty years last past, I have “gradually put on a more catholic spirit; ” finding more and more tenderness for those who differed from me, either in opinions or modes of worship. But it is not true that I “reject any design of converting others from any com munion.” I have, by the blessing of God, converted several from Popery, who are now alive and ready to testify it. Your Fourth argument is, That in a Collection of Prayers, I cite the words of an ancient Liturgy, “For the faithful departed.” Sir, whenever I use those words in the Burial Service, I pray to the same effect: “That we, with all those who are departed in thy faith and fear, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul:” Yea, and whenever I say, “Thy kingdom come; ” for I mean both the kingdom of grace and glory. In this kind of general prayer, therefore, “for the faithful departed,” I conceive myself to be clearly justified, both by the earliest antiquity, by the Church of England, and by the Lord's Prayer; although the Papists have corrupted this scriptural practice into praying for those who die in their sins. 45. Your Fifth argument is, “That they use private confes sion, in which every one is to speak the state of his heart, with his several temptations and deliverances, and answer as many searching questions as may be. And what a scene,” say you, “is hereby disclosed ! What a filthyjakes opened, when the most searching questions are answered without reserve l” Hold, Sir, unless you are answering for yourself: This un doubtedly you have a right to do. You can tell best what is in your own heart. And I cannot deny what you say: It may be a very “filthyjakes,” for aught I know. But pray do not mea sure others by yourself. The hearts of believers “are purified through faith.” When these open their hearts one to another, there is no such scene disclosed.