Wesley Corpus

Every reasonable man must conclude from hence, that neither one nor the other is led by the Spirit.” I need not say, how continually this has been urged, both in common conversation and from the press: (I am grieved to add, and from the pulpit too; for, if the argument were good, it would overturn the Bible:) Nor, how great stress has been continually laid upon it. Whoever proposes it, proposes it as demonstration, and generally claps his wings, as being quite assured, it will admit of no answer. And indeed I am in doubt, whether it does admit (I am sure it does not require) any other answer, than that coarse one of the countryman to the Romish champion, “Bellarmine, thou liest.” For cvery proposition contained herein is grossly, shamelessly false. (1.) “You cannot agree in your doctrines among yourselves.”--Who told you so? All our fundamental doctrines I have recited above. And in every one of these we do and have agreed for several years. In these we hold one and the same thing. In smaller points, each of us thinks, and lets think. (2) “Mr. Whitefield anathematizes Mr. Wesley.” Another shameless untruth. Let any one read what Mr. Whitefield wrote, even in the heat of controversy, and he will be convinced of the contrary. (3) “And Mr. Wesley anathe matizes Mr. Whitefield.” This is equally false and scandalous. I reverence Mr. Whitefield, both as a child of God, and a true Minister of Jesus Christ. (4.) “And yet each pretends to be led by the Holy Ghost, by the infallible Spirit of God.” Not in our private opinions; nor does either of us pretend to be any farther led by the Spirit of God, than every Christian must pretend to be, unless he will deny the Bible. For only “as many as are led by the Spirit of God, are the sons of God.” Therefore, if you do not pretend to be led by him too, yea, if it be not so in fact, “you are none of his.” And now, what is become of your demonstration? Leave it to the carmen and porters, its just proprietors; to the zealous apple-women, that cry after me in the street, “This is he that rails at the Whole Dutiful of Man.” But let every one that pre tends to learning or reason be ashamed to mention it any more. 30.