Wesley Corpus

A Short Method of Converting All the Roman Catholics in Ireland Source: The Works of John Wesley, Volume 10 (Zondervan) Author: John Wesley --- 1. It is a melancholy consideration to those who love the Protestant interest, that so small a part of this nation is yet reformed from Popery. They cannot observe without a very sensible concern, that, in many parts of the kingdom, there are still ten, nay, fifteen, perhaps upwards of twenty, Papists to one Protestant. Nor can they see any prospect of its being otherwise; few Papists being brought over to our Church, notwithstanding all the methods which have been used, while many Protestants are seduced from it. 2. Yet they cannot but earnestly desire, that all the Papists were convinced of their errors. How much would this redound to the glory of God, who willeth all to come to the knowledge of his truth ! How greatly would it advantage their own souls both in this world and in the world to come ! What an advantage would it be to the kingdom in general, to be no longer divided against itself, to have that grand cause of contention removed, and all its inhabitants of one heart and one mind And how highly would it advance both the honour and interest of our gracious Sovereign, to have all his subjects cordially united together, thinking and speaking the same thing ! 3. Why then is not this desirable end pursued with a vigour proportionable to its importance? Is it because we despair of any success,--because we think it impossible to be attained? But why should we imagine it to be impossible? A common and plausible answer is, Because the Papists are so bigoted to their Clergy; believing all that they affirm, however contrary both to Scripture and reason, and doing all that they direct, whom they generally believe to be the holiest and wisest of men. 4. Undoubtedly this is a considerable difficulty in the way: And yet I cannot think it is unsurmountable. Still I conceive it is possible to convince all the Papists, provided there are proper instruments for the work. And what instruments are so proper as the Clergy?