Wesley Corpus

Having invited him to dinner one day, in the course of conversation, Mrs. Grattan asked him, “Sir, would you really cut my husband's throat, if your Priest commanded you?” He answered honestly, “Madam, Mr. Grattan is my friend; and I love him well; but I must obey the Church.” “Sir,” said she, “I beg I may never more see you within my doors.” But still, be their principles what they will, I would not persecute them. So persecution is utterly out of the ques tion. I know no one that pleads for it. Therefore the writing or talking against it is time lost; it is proving what no one denies. And the Romanists never have been persecuted in England since I remember. They have enjoyed a full toleration. I wish them to enjoy the same toleration still; neither more nor less. I would not hurt a hair of their head. Meantime, I would not put it into their power to hurt me, or anv other persons oRIGIN of IMAGE-WoRSHIP AMONG CHRISTIANs. 175 whom they believe to be heretics. I steer the middle way. I would neither kill nor be killed. I would not use the sword against them, nor put it into their hands, lest they should use it against me; I wish them well, but I dare not trust them. But still I say, persecution is out of the question. And I look on all vague declamations upon it, which have been lately poured out, as either mere flourishes of persons who think they talk prettily, or artful endeavours to puzzle the cause, and to throw dust into the eyes of honest Englishmen. BRIsToL, March 18, 1782. WHEN Christianity was first preached in the world, it was supported by such miraculous assistance of the divine power, that there was need of little or no human aid to the propagation of it. Not only the Apostles, who first preached it, but even the lay-believers were sufficiently instructed in all the articles of faith, and were inspired with the power of working miracles, and the gift of speaking in languages unknown to them before.