Wesley Corpus

Are you in God's place, that you take upon you to be the searcher of hearts? “That noble resolution, not willingly to indulge himself in the least levity of behaviour.” Sir, I acquit you of having any concern in this matter. But I appeal to all who have the love of God in their hearts, whether this is not a rational, scriptural resolution, worthy of the voca tion wherewith we are called.--“Or in laughter, no, not for a moment.” No, nor ought I to indulge it at all; if I am con scious to myself, it hurts my soul. In which let every man judge for himself. “To speak no word not tending to the glory of God.” A peculiar instance of enthusiasm this ! “And not a tittle of worldly things.” The words immediately following are, “Others may, may, must. But what is that to me?” (words which, injustice, you ought to have inserted,) who was then entirely disengaged from worldly business of every kind. Notwithstanding which, I have often since engaged therein, when the order of Providence plainly required it. 9. Though I did not design to meddle with them, yet I must here take notice of three of your instances of Popish enthusiasm. The First is, that “Mechtildis tortured herself for having spo en an idle word.” (Page 19.) (The point of com parison lies, not in torturing herself, but in her doing it on such an occasion.) The Second, that “not a word fell from St. Katherine of Sienna, that was not religious and holy.” The Third, that “the lips of Magdalen di Pazzi were never opened but to chant the praises of God.” I would to God the comparison between the Methodists and Papists would hold in this respect! yea, that you and all the Clergy in England were guilty of just such enthusiasm : 10. You cite as a Fourth instance of my enthusiasm, that I say, “A Methodist (a real Christian) cannot adorn himself, on any pretence, with gold or costly apparel.” (Page 21.) If this be enthusiasm, let the Apostle look to it. His words are clear and express. If you can find a pretence to set them aside, do. I cannot; nor do I desire it. 11. My seeming contempt of money,” (page 26,) you urge as a Fifth instance of enthusiasm. Sir, I understand you.