Wesley Corpus

It remains, that he speaks of his coming in the clouds, to judge both the quick and dead. In what Robert Barclay teaches concerning the Scriptures, justification, baptism, and the Lord’s supper, lies the main difference between Quakerism and Christianity. “14. Since God hath assumed to himself the dominion of the conscience, who alone can rightly instruct and govern it; therefore it is not lawful for any whatsoever to force the consciences of others.” 186 LETTER. To A PERSON In this there is no difference at all between Quakerism and Christianity. “15. It is not lawful for Christians to give or receive titles of honour, as, Your Majesty, Your Lordship, &c.” In this there is a difference between Quakerism and Chris tianity. Christians may give titles of honour, such as are usually annexed to certain offices. Thus St. Paul gives the usual title of “Most Noble” to the Roman Governor. Robert Barclay indeed says, “He would not have called him such, if he had not been truly noble; as indeed he was, in that he would not give way to the fury of the Jews against him.” The Scripture says quite otherwise; that he did give way to the fury of the Jews against him. I read: “Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, (who had desired a favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, lying in wait in the way to kill him,) said to Paul, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: To the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. If I have done anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them.” Hence it plainly appears, that Festus was a very wicked person, one who, “to do the Jews a pleasure,” would have betrayed the innocent blood. But although St. Paul was not ignorant of his character, still he calls him, “Most Noble Festus,” giving him the title of his office; which, indeed, was neither more nor less than saying, “Governor Festus,” or, “King Agrippa.” It is therefore mere superstition to scruple this.