Wesley Corpus

A week after, I proposed it to about forty of those whom I believed to be strong in faith; and the next morning to about sixty more, entreating them all to speak their minds freely. They did so; and, in the end, saw the good which might ensue; yielded to the force of Scripture and reason; and resolved all, (but two or three,) by the grace of God, to make the trial without delay. 12. In a short time, I proposed it, but with all the tender mess I could, first, to the body of those who are supposed to have living faith, and, after staying a few days, (that I might judge the better how to speak,) to the whole society. It soon appeared (as I doubted not but it would) how far these were from calling me Rabbi, from implicitly submitting to my judgment, or implicitly following my example. Objec tions rose in abundance from all sides. These I now proceed to consider; whether they are advanced by you, or by others; and whether pointed at the premises, or directly at the conclusion. 13. I. Some objected: “Tea is not unwholesome at all; not in any kind prejudicial to health.” To these I reply, First, You should not be so sure of this. Even that casual circumstance, related in Dr. Short's history of it, might incline you to doubt; namely, that “while the Chinese dry the leaves, and turn it with their hands upon the tin plates, the moisture of them is so extremely corrosive, that it eats into the flesh, if not wiped off immediately.” It is not probable, then, that what remains in the leaves is quite friendly to the human body. Secondly, Many eminent Physicians have declared their judgment, that it is prejudicial in several respects; that it gives rise to numberless disorders, particularly those of the nervous kind; and that, if frequently used by those of weak nerves, it is no other than a slow poison. Thirdly, If all physicians were silent in the case, yet plain fact is against you. And this speaks loud enough. It was prejudicial to my health; it is so to many to this day. 14. “But it is not so to me,” says the objector: “Why then should I leave it off?” I answer, First, To give an example to those to whom it is undeniably prejudicial.