I would hint farther, that you unjustly charge the doctrine of reprobation with blasphemy, whereas the doctrine of universal redemption, as you set it forth, is really the highest reproach upon the dignity of the Son of GOD, and the merit of his blood. Consider whether it be not rather blasphemy to say as you do, page 20, “CHRIST not only died for those that are saved, but also for those that perish.” The text you have misapplied to gloss over this, see explained by _Ridgely_, _Edwards_, _Henry_; and I purposely omit answering your texts myself, that you may be brought to read such treatises, which, under GOD, would shew you your error. You cannot make good the assertion, “That CHRIST died for them that perish,” without holding (as _Peter Boehler_, one of the _Moravian_ brethren, in order to make out universal redemption, lately frankly confessed in a letter) “That all the damned souls would hereafter be brought out of hell.” I cannot think Mr. _Wesley_ is thus minded. And yet without this can be proved, universal redemption, taken in a literal sense, falls entirely to the ground. For how can all be universally redeemed, if all are not finally saved?
Dear Sir, for JESUS CHRIST’s sake, consider how you dishonour GOD by denying election. You plainly make salvation depend not on GOD’s _free-grace_, but on man’s _free-will_; and if thus, it is more than probable, JESUS CHRIST would not have had the satisfaction of seeing the fruit of his death in the eternal salvation of one soul. Our preaching would then be vain, and all invitations for people to believe in him, would also be in vain.
But, blessed be GOD, our LORD knew for whom he died. There was an eternal compact between the Father and the Son. A certain number was then given him, as the purchase and reward of his obedience and death. For these he prayed, _John_ xvii. and not for the world. For these, and these only, he is now interceding, and with their salvation he will be fully satisfied.
I purposely omit making any further particular remarks on the several last pages of your sermon. Indeed had not your name, dear Sir, been prefixed to the sermon, I could not have been so uncharitable as to think you were the author of such sophistry. You beg the question, in saying, “That GOD has declared, (notwithstanding you own, I suppose, some will be damned) that he will save all,” _i. e._ every individual person. You take it for granted (for solid proof you have none) that GOD is unjust, if he passes by any, and then you exclaim against the horrible decree: and yet, as I before hinted, in holding the doctrine of original sin, you profess to believe that he might justly have passed by all.
Dear, dear Sir, O be not offended! For CHRIST’s sake be not rash! Give yourself to reading. Study the covenant of grace. Down with your carnal reasoning. Be a little child; and then, instead of pawning your salvation, as you have done in a late hymn book, if the doctrine of _universal redemption_ be not true; instead of talking of _sinless perfection_, as you have done in the preface to that hymn book, and making man’s salvation to depend on his own _free-will_, as you have in this sermon; you will compose an hymn in praise of sovereign distinguishing love. You will caution believers against striving to work a perfection out of their own hearts, and print another sermon the reverse of this, and entitle it free-grace _indeed_. Free, because not free to all; but free, because GOD may withhold or give it to whom and when he pleases.
Till you do this, I must doubt whether or not you know yourself. In the mean while, I cannot but blame you for censuring the clergy of our church for not keeping to their articles, when you yourself by your principles, positively deny the 9th, 10th, and 17th. Dear Sir, these things ought not so to be. GOD knows my heart, as I told you before, so I declare again, nothing but a single regard to the honour of CHRIST has forced this letter from me. I love and honour you for his sake; and when I come to judgment, will thank you before men and angels, for what you have, under GOD, done for my soul.
There, I am persuaded, I shall see dear Mr. _Wesley_ convinced of election and everlasting love. And it often fills me with pleasure, to think how I shall behold you casting your crown down at the feet of the Lamb, and as it were filled with a holy blushing for opposing the divine sovereignty in the manner you have done.
But I hope the LORD will shew you this before you go hence. O how do I long for that day! If the LORD should be pleased to make use of this letter for that purpose, it would abundantly rejoice the heart of, dear and honoured Sir,
Your affectionate, though unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,