Wesley Corpus

“Mark the venom that now distils from his graceless pen.” “The venomous quill of this gray-headed enemy to all righteousness.” (Pages 17, 19.) 5. “The wretch thought himself safe, but the crafty slanderer is taken in his own net.” (Page 20.) “This truly Socinian, truly heathen, truly infernal, passage is found in that heretic's sermon.” (Page 23.) “The most rancorous pretences that ever actuated the prostituted pen of a venal profligate.” (Page 30.) “With him devils and Dissenters are terms synonymous. If so, what a devil must he bel” (Ibid.) “The sole merit of the disappointed Orlando Furioso.” (how pretty and quaint that is !) “is, seeking to enkindle a flame of ecclesiastical and civil discord:” (No; to put it out; which, I bless God, is done already, to a great degree:) “And his sole perfection consists in perfect hatred of all goodness and all good men.” (Page 31.) Now, let all the world judge between Mr. Hill and me. I do not say all the religious world; but all that have the smallest portion of common sense and common humanity. Setting every thing else aside, suppose him to be my superior in rank, fortune, learning, and understanding: Is this treat ment for a young man to give to an old one, who, at least, is no fool, and who, before Mr. Hill was born, was in a more honourable employ than he is ever likely to be? What can inspire this young hero with such a spirit, and fill his mouth with such language? Is it any credit to his person, or to his cause ? What can men think either of one or the other? If he does not reverence me, or common decency, should he not reverence himself? Why should he place himself on a level with “the ragged legion of tinkers, scavengers, draymen, chimney-sweepers?” Nay, there are many of these who would be ashamed to let such language come out of their mouth. If he writes any more, let him resume the scholar, the gentleman, and the Christian. Let him remember Him who “left us an example, that we might tread in his steps: In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, perad venture God may bring them to the knowledge of the truth.” LoNDoN, June 28, 1777. 1.