Wesley Corpus

But inasmuch as I am a debtor also to those who do not, my design is now, to apply to them also; and briefly to show, wherein (I fear) they are severally inconsistent with their own principles. I begin with those who are at the smallest distance from us, whether they are termed Presbyterians or Independents: Of whom in general I cannot but have a widely different opinion, from that I entertained some years ago; as having since then conversed with many among them, “in whom the root of the matter is’ undeniably found; and who labour “to keep a con science void of offence, both toward God and toward men.” I cannot, therefore, doubt, but every serious man, of either one or the other denomination, does utterly condemn all that inward as well as outward unholiness which has been above described. But do you, as a people, avoid what you condemn? Are mo whoremongers or adulterers found among you; no children disobedient to their parents; no servants that are slothful or careless, that answer again, that do not “honour their masters as is meet in the Lord?” Are there none among you that censure or “speak evil of the ruler of their people?” Are there no drunkards, no gluttons, no luxurious men, no regular epicures, none “whose belly is their God,” who, as their for tune permits, “fare sumptuously every day?” Have you no dishonest dealers, no unfair traders, no usurers, or extortion ers? Have you no liars, either for gain, or for good man ners, so called ? Are you clear of ceremony and compli ment? Alas, you are sensible, in most (if not all) these respects, you have now small pre-eminence over us. How much more sensible must you be of this, if you do not rest on the surface, but inquire into the bottom of reli gion, the religion of the heart | For, what inward unholiness, what evil tempers, are among us, which have not a place among you also ?