Wesley Corpus

I have a brother who is as my own soul. My desire is, in every word I say, to look upon Mr. Tucker as in his place; and to speak no tittle concerning the one in any other spirit than I would speak concerning the other. But whether I have attained this or no, I know not; for my heart is “deceitful and desperately wicked.” If I have spoken anything in another spirit, I pray God it may not be laid to my charge; and that it may not condemn me in that day when the secrets of all hearts shall be made manifest! Meanwhile,my heart's desireand prayer to God is, that both I, and all who think it their duty to oppose me, may “put on bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us.” 1. THERE has lately appeared in the world a tract, entitled, “A Brief History of the Principles of Methodism.” I doubt not but the writer’s design was good, and believe he has a real desire to know the truth. And the manner wherein he pursues that design is generally calm and dispassionate. He is, indeed, in several mistakes; but as many of these are either of small consequence in themselves, or do not immediately relate to me, it is not my concern to mention them. All of any consequence which relates to me, I think, falls under three heads: First. That I believe justification by faith alone. Secondly. That I believe sinless perfection. And, Thirdly. That I believe inconsistencies. Of each of these I will speak as plainly as I can. 2. First. That I believe justification by faith alone. This I allow. For I am firmly persuaded, that every man of the off spring of Adam is very far gone from original righteousness, and is of his own nature inclined to evil; that this corruption of our nature, in every person born into the world, deserves God’s wrath and damnation; that therefore, if ever we receive the remission of our sins, and are accounted righteous before God, it must be only for the merit of Christ, by faith, and not for our own works or deservings of any kind.