Wesley Corpus

You add, “He owns his frequent relapses into sin, for near twice ten years. Such is the case of a person who tells us that he carefully considered every step he took; one of inti mate communication with the Deity l’” Sir, I did not tell you that; though, according to custom, you mark the words as mine. It is well for you, that forging quotations is not felony. My words are, “O what an hypocrite have I been (if this be so) for near twice ten years! But I know it is not so. I know every one under the law is even as I was;” namely, from the time I was twelve years old, till considerably above thirty. “And is it strange,” you say, “that such a one should be destitute of means to resolve his scruples? should be ever at variance with himself, and find no place to fix his foot?” Good Sir, not too fast. You quite outrun the truth again. Blessed be God, this is not my case. I am not destitute of means to resolve my scruples. I have some friends, and a little reason left. I am not ever at variance with myself; and have found a place to fix my foot -- Now I have found the ground wherein Firm my soul's anchor may remain; The wounds of Jesus, for my sin Before the world's foundation slain. And yet one of your assertions I cannot deny; namely, that you “could run the parallel between me and numbers of fanatical Papists: ” And that not only with regard to my temper, but my stature, complexion, yea, (if need were,) the very colour of my hair. 15. In your next section, you are to give an account of the “spiritual succours and advantages received either during these trials or very soon after.” (Section x. p. 92, &c.) It is no wonder you make as lame work with these, as with the conflicts which preceded them. “As the heart knoweth its own bitterness, so a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.” But it is no business of mine, as you have not done me the honour to cite any of my words in this section. 16. “The unsteadiness of the Methodists, both in senti ments and practice,” (section xi. p. 95, &c.,) is what you next undertake to prove.