Wesley Corpus

“You are as inconsistent in your censures as in your doctrines: You blame me for quoting the last edition of your Sermon ; whereas you call me to account for quoting the first edition of your Notes, concerning Enoch and Elijah; each of whom you have proved, by a peculiar rule of Foundery-logic, to be both in heaven and out of heaven.” So, without any remorse, nay, being so totally unconcerned as even to break jests on the occasion, you again “avail yourself of a mistake which you knew was removed before you wrote.” 45. But Mr. Wesley “hath both struck out some words, and put in others, into the sermon.” This is a common complaint with Mr. Hill, on which therefore it is needful to explain. I generally abridge what I answer; which cannot be done without striking out all unessential words. And I generally put into quotations from my own writings, such words as I judge will prevent mistakes. Now to the contradictions: “‘If we say we have no sin’ now remaining,” (I mean, after we are justified,) “‘we deceive ourselves.’” I believe this; and yet I believe, “Sin shall not always in our flesh remain.” Again: “Many infirmities do remain.” This I believe; and I believe also, “‘He that is born of God,” (and “keepeth himself,' 1 John v. 18,) * sinneth not by infirmities, whether in act, word, or thought.” I believe likewise, that in those perfected in love, “No wrinkle of infirmity, No spot of sin remains.” My brother, at the bottom of the page, expressly says, “No sinful infirmity.” So whether this be scriptural or not, here is no contradiction. I have spoken so largely already concerning sins of surprise and infirmity, that it is quite needless to add any more. I need only refer to the “Remarks,” at the 399th and following pages. 46. But to go on: “I wrestle not now.” This is an expression of my brother's, which I do not subscribe to. “We wrestle not with flesh and blood.” “This he allows to be his own.” (Page 31.) Indeed I do not; although, it is true, “the perpetual war which I speak of in the note on Eph. vi. 13, is a war with principalities and powers, but not with flesh and blood.” “But either way, Mr. John is stuck fast in the mire.