Wesley Collected Works Vol 10
| Author | John Wesley |
|---|---|
| Type | treatise |
| Year | None |
| Passage ID | jw-wesley-collected-works-vol-10-434 |
| Words | 391 |
W.’s.” “Truly, I always thought
so. But still I ask, What is an Arminian?” “Why, in
other words, an election-doubter.” And the “good old
Preacher,” says Mr. H., “places all election-doubters” (that
is, those who are not clear in the belief of absolute predestina
tion) “among the numerous host of the Diabolonians. One
of these being brought before the Judge, the Judge tells him,
“To question election is to overthrow a great doctrine of the
gospel: Therefore he, the election-doubter, must die.’”
(Page 37.) That is, plainly, he must die eternally for this
damnable sin. The very same thing Mr. H. affirms else
where: “The only cement of Christian union is the love of
God; and the foundation of that love must be laid in believing
the truths of God;” (that is, you must believe particular
redemption, or it is impossible you should love God;) for, to
use “the words of Dr. Owen, in his ‘Display of Arminianism,’”
(see the truths which Mr. H. means,) “‘an agreement without
truth is no peace, but a covenant with death, and a conspiracy
against the kingdom of Christ.’” (Page 39.)
7. I am sorry Mr. H. should think so. But so long as he
remains in that sentiment, what peace am I or Mr. F., or
indeed any Arminian, to expect from him? since any agree
ment with us would be “a covenant with death, and a
conspiracy against the kingdom of Christ.” I therefore give
up all hope of peace with him, and with all that are thus
minded. For I do not believe what he terms “the truths of
God,” the doctrine of absolute predestination. I never did
believe it, nor the doctrines connected with it, no, not for an
hour. In this, at least, I have been consistent with myself. I have never varied an hair's breadth; I cannot while I
believe the Bible, while I believe either the Old or New
Testament. What I do believe, and always have believed in
this matter, I will declare with all simplicity. “(1.) I believe no decree of reprobation. I do not believe
the Father of spirits ever
Consign'd one unborn soul to hell,
Or damn'd him from his mother's womb. “(2.) I believe no decree of preterition, which is only
reprobation whitewashed. I do not believe God ever sent
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