Wesley Corpus

25.) Very good; that is, Christian Pastors shall not exercise such dominion over their flock, as heathen Princes do over their subjects. Most sure; but, without any violation of this, they may appoint how things shall “be done decently and in order.” “But Christ is the sole Lawgiver, Judge, and Sovereign in his Church.” (Page 12.) He is the sole sovereign Judge and Lawgiver. But it does not follow (what you continually infer) that there are no subordinate judges therein; nor, that there are none who have power to make regulations therein in subordination to Him. King George is sovereign judge and lawgiver in these realms. But are there no subordinate judges? Nay, are there not many who have power to make rules or laws in their own little communities? And how does this “invade his authority and throne?” Not at all, unless they contradict the laws of his kingdom. “However, he alone has authority to fix the terms of communion for his followers, or Church.” (Ibid.) “And the terms he has fixed, no men on earth have authority to set aside or alter.” This I allow, (although it is another question,) none has authority to exclude from the Church of Christ those who comply with the terms which Christ has fixed. But not to admit into the society called the Church of England, or, not to administer the Lord's supper to them, is not the same thing with “excluding men from the Church of Christ;” unless this society be the whole Church of Christ, which neither you nor I will affirm. This society therefore may scruple to receive those as members, who do not observe her rules in things indifferent, without pretending “to set aside or alter the terms which Christ has fixed” for admission into the Christian Church; and yet without “lording it over God’s 504 LETTER. To heritage, or usurping Christ's throne.” Nor does all “the allegiance we owe Him” at all hinder our “obeying them that have the rule over us,” in things of a purely indifferent nature. Rather, our allegiance to Him requires our obedience to them. In being “their servants,” thus far we are “Christ's servants.” We obey his general command, by obeying our governors in particular instances. Hitherto you have produced no express command of Christ to the contrary.