Wesley Corpus

perfect sense. Then is there given unto them a new and clean heart; and the struggle between the old and new man is over.* 30. (14.) That I may say many things which have been said before, and perhaps by Calvin or Arminius, by Montanus or Barclay, or the Archbishop of Cambray, is highly probable. But it cannot thence be inferred that I hold “a medley of all their principles;--Calvinism, Arminianism, Montanism, Quakerism, Quietism, all thrown together.” There might as well have been added, Judaism, Mahometanism, Paganism. It would have made the period rounder, and been full as easily proved; I mean asserted. For no other proof is yet produced. 31. I pass over the smaller mistakes which occur in the fif teenth and sixteenth paragraphs, together with the prophecy or prognostication concerning the approaching divisions and downfal of the Methodists. What follows to the end, concerning the ground of our hope, is indeed of greater importance. But we have not as yet the strength of the cause; the dissertation promised, is still behind. Therefore, as my work is great, and my time short, I wave that dispute for the present. And per haps, when I shall have received farther light, I may be con vinced, that “gospel holiness,” as Mr. Tucker believes, “is a necessary qualification, antecedent to justification.” This appears to me now to be directly opposite to the gospel of Christ. But I will endeavour impartially to consider what shall be advanced in defence of it. And may He who knoweth my simpleness, teach me his way, and give me a right judgment in all things! * The next note runs thus: “Mr. Wesley has such a peculiar turn and ten dency towards inconsistencies in his principles, that in his Preface to Hali burton's Life, (wrote February 9, 1738-9, just after his return from Germany,) he contradicts all that he has said elsewhere for this sinless perfection; viz., “But it may be said, the gospel covenant does not promise entire freedom from sin. What do you mean by the word sin? the infection of nature, or those number less weaknesses and follies, sometimes (improperly) termed sins of infirmity? If you mean only this, you say most true. We shall not put off these, but with our bodies.