Wesley Corpus

10. But you believe, I only corrupt those who were good Christians before, teaching them to revile and censure their neighbours, and to abuse the Clergy, notwithstanding all their meekness and gentleness, as I do myself. “I must declare,” say you, “we have, in general, answered your pretence with all meekness and temper; the railing and reviling has been chiefly on the side of the Methodists.” (Second Letter, page 16.) Your first charge ran thus: “How have such abuses as these been thrown out by you against our regular Clergy, not the highest or the worthiest excepted !” (Remarks, p. 15.) I answered, “I am altogether clear in this matter, as often as it has been objected: Neither do I desire to receive any other treatment from the Clergy, than they have received from me to this day.” (Page 399.) You reply, (1.) “One instance of your misrepresenting and injuring a Preacher of our Church Imentioned.” (Second Letter, p. 105.) Mentioned! Well, but did you prove it was an injury or misrepresentation? I know not that you once attempted it. (2.) You next quote part of a letter from the Third Journal; (vol. I. p. 184;) wherein, according to your account, the “most considerable of our Clergy are abused, and at once accused in a very gross manner.” (Second Letter, p. 106.) Set down the whole paragraph, and I will prove that this also . naked truth, and no abuse at all. You say, (3) “You ap proved of Whitefield’s railing against the Clergy;” that is, I say, “Mr. Whitefield preached concerning the ‘Holy Ghost, which all who believe are to receive;’ not without a just, though severe, censure of those who preach as if there were no Holy Ghost.” (Vol. I. p. 210.) Nor is this railing, but melan choly truth. I have myself heard several preach in this man ner. (4.) You cite my words: “Woe unto you, ye blind leaders of the blind! How long will you pervert the right ways of the Lord?” and add, “I appeal to yourself, whether you did not design this reflection against the Clergy ingeneral who differ from you.” No more than I did against Moses and Aaron. I expressly specify whom I design: “Ye who tell the mourners in Zion, Much religion hath made you mad.” You say, (5) (with a N.