Wesley Corpus

“I say, those who are called Methodists; for, let it be well observed, that this is not a name which they take upon them selves, but one fixed on them by way of reproach, without their approbation or consent. It was first given to three or four young men at Oxford, by a Student of Christ's Church; either in allu sion to the ancient sect of Physicians, (so called from their teaching that almost all diseases might be cured by a specific method of diet and exercise,) or from their observing a more regular method of study and behaviour than was usual with those of their age and station.” (Preface to “the Character of a Methodist.”) I need only add, that this nick-name was imposed upon us before “this manner of preaching” had a being; yea, at a time when I thought it as lawful to cut a throat, as to preach out of a church. “Why then will Mr. W. so grossly misrepresent his adver saries, as to say, that, when they speak against Methodism, they speak against the plain, old doctrine of the Church of Eng land?” (Tract, p. 169.) This is no misrepresentation. Many of our adversaries, all over the kingdom, speak against us, eo nomine,” for preaching these doctrines, justification by faith in particular. However, a “fanatic manner of preaching, though it were the doctrine of an Apostle, may do more harm to society at least, than reviving old heresies, or inventing new. It tends to bewilder the imaginations of some, to inflame the passions of others, and to spread disorder and confusion through the whole com munity.” (Page 169.) I would gladly have the term defined. What is a “fanatic manner of preaching?” Is it field-preach ing? But this has no such effect, even among the wildest of men. This has not “bewildered the imagination” even of the Kingswood colliers, or “inflamed their passions.” It has not spread disorder or confusion among them, but just the contrary. From the time it was heard in that chaos, Confusion heard the voice, and wild uproar Stood ruled, and order from disorder sprung. “But St. James, who delivers the test for the trial of these men's pretensions,” (the same mistake still,) “unquestionably * On this account.--EIDT.