Wesley Corpus

Otherwise difference of doctrine would not have created any difference of affection; but he might lovingly have held particular redemption, and we general, to our lives’ end. He did indeed “preach a few times in connexion with his old friends; but how soon was the sword of contention drawn l’” By whom? Truly, by himself. Do not you know, (thousands do, if you do not,) that when he preached in the very Foundery, and my brother sat by him, he preached the absolute decrees in the most peremptory and offensive manner? What was this, but drawing the sword and throwing away the scabbard? Who then is chargeable with the contention and division that ensued ? IV. “But where,” you ask, “can you now find any loving ones of either party?” Blessed be God, I can find many thousands, both in London, in Bristol, in Kingswood, and in various parts, not only of England, but also of Scotland and Ireland; persons as full of love, both to God and man, as any I knew forty years ago. Some of these I find (and much rejoice to find) in Mr. Whitefield's societies. And I pray God, they may increase a thousand-fold, both in number and in strength. “Nay, they have no more love to each other than Turks.” They ! who? This is not the case with our societies. They not only love each other, but love their enemies, even those that still despitefully use them. But “read their vile contentions, and the evil character they give each other, raking the filthiest ashes, to find some black story.” I will answer for one. I give no “evil character” of my “fellow-Preachers.” I “rake into no filthy ashes, for black stories.” Let him who does, take it to himself. “They slay with the sword of bitterness, wrath, and envy.” I do not. I plead, Not guilty. As I envy no man, so neither my wrath nor bitter ness slays any human creature. “Still more to their shame is what they have sent out into the world, against each other, on both sides, about five or six years ago, and till this very day.” “What they have sent out against each other, on both sides, about five or six years ago.” Within five or six years I have been vehemently called to answer for myself; twice Ly Mr.