Wesley Corpus

29, 30,) were concerned in this method of securing peace. Much less can I believe, that all “the Clergy” were concerned in thus “endeavouring to bring back their iflock, led astray by these hirelings,” (an unlucky word,) “into the right fold.” 23. Of the Clergy you add, “What need have they to rage and foam at your preaching? Suppose you could delude the greater part of their flocks, this could not affect their tem poral interest.” (Page 7.) We do not desire it should. We only desire to delude all mankind (if you will term it a delu sion) into a serious concern for their eternal interest, for a treasure which none can take away. Having now both stated the facts to which you referred, and considered the most material parts of your performance, I have only to subjoin a few obvious reflections, naturally arising from a view of those uncommon occurrences; partly with regard to the motives of those who were active therein; partly to their manner of acting. 1. With regard to the former, every reasonable man will naturally inquire on what motives could any, either of the Clergy or the Corporation, ever think of opposing that preaching by which so many notoriously vicious men have been brought to an eminently virtuous life and conversation. You supply us yourself with one unexceptionable answer: TH c REV. M.R. BAILY. 85 “Those of the Clergy with whom I have conversed freely own they have not learning sufficient to comprehend your scheme of religion.” (Page 30.) If they have not, I am sorry for them. My scheme of religion is this:--Love is the fulfilling of the law. From the true love of God and man, directly flows every Chris tian grace, every holy and happy temper; and from these springs uniform holiness of conversation, in conformity to those great rules, “Whether ye eat or drink, or whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God; ” and, “Whatsoever you would that men should do unto you, even so do unto them.” But this, you say, “those of the Clergy with whom you converse have not learning enough to comprehend.” Consequently, their ignorance, or not understanding our doctrine, is the reason why they oppose us. 2.