Wesley Corpus

But since none else will,” I cannot but speak, though lying under many peculiar disad vantages. I dare not be silent any longer: Necessity is laid upon me to provide those who desire to know the truth with some antidote against that deadly poison which has been diffusing itself for several years through our nation, our Church, and even our Universities. Nay, one (I hope, only one) Father of the Church has declared that he knows no book more proper than this to settle the principles of a young Clergyman. Is it not time, then, for “the very stones to cry out P” 3. For this is not a point of small importance; a question that may safely be determined either way. On the contrary, it may be doubted whether the scheme before us be not far more dangerous than open Deism itself. It does not shock us like bare faced infidelity: We feel no pain, and suspect no evil, while it steals like “water into our bowels,” like “oil into our bones.” One who would be upon his guard in reading the works of Dr. Middleton, or Lord Bolingbroke, is quite open and unguarded in reading the smooth, decent writings of Dr. Taylor; one who does not oppose, (far be it from him !) but only explain, the Scripture; who does not raise any difficulties or objections against the Christian Reve lation, but only removes those with which it had been unhappily encumbered for so many centuries ! 4. I said, than open Deism : For I cannot look on this scheme as any other than old Deism in a new * Since the writing of this, I have seen several Tracts, which I shall have occasion to take notice of hereafter. There are likewise many excellent remarks on this subject in Mr. Hervey's Dialogues. dress; seeing it saps the very foundation of all revealed religion, whether Jewish or Christian.