Wesley Corpus

I understand your doctrine now, far better than I like it. In the main, you are talking much and saying nothing; labouring, as if you had found out the most important truths, and such as none ever knew before. And what does all this come to at the last? A mere, empty “strife of words.” All that is really uncommon in your doctrine is a heap of broad absurdities, in most of which you grossly contradict yourselves, as well as Scripture and common sense. In the meantime, you boast and vapour, as if “ye were the men, and wisdom should die with you.” I pray God to “humble you, and prove you, and show you what is in your hearts l” “Do we then make void the law through faith ? God forbid : Yea, we establish the law.” (Romans iii. 31.) FRIEND.--WELL met ! You have had time to consider. What think you of our last conference? ANTINoMIAN.--I think, “the giving of scandalous names has no warrant from Scripture.” (Mr. Cudworth's Dialogue, p. 2.) Friend.--Scandalous names 1 Ant.--Yes; you called me Antinomian. But “our Saviour bids me not return railing for railing.” (Ibid.) Friend.--St. Peter does, and that is all one. But how is that a scandalous name? I think it is properly your own; for it means, “one that speaks against the law.” And this you did at that time very largely. But pray what would you have me call you? Ant.--“A Preacher of God’s righteousness.” (Ibid., page 1.) Friend.--What do you call me then? Ant.--“A Preacher of inherent righteousness.” (Ibid.) Friend.--That is, in opposition to God’s righteousness. So you mean, a Preacher of such righteousness as is inconsistent with that righteousness of God which is by faith. Ant.--True: For, “I plainly perceive you know but one sort of righteousness, that is, the righteousness of inherent qualities, dispositions, and works. And this is the reason why the language of the Holy Ghost seems foolishness unto you; even because the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.” (Ibid., pages 11, 12.) Friend.--Are you absolutely sure that this is the reason why I do not think or speak as you do? Ant.--The thing itself speaks: “Thou hast forgotten the Lord, and hast trusted in falsehood.