11. I cannot but account it another good effect, that he is something less confident than he was before. He is likewise (not more angry or more bitter, for that cannot be) but a few degrees more serious. So that I plainly perceive, this is the way I am to take, if I should have leisure to answer the third part; although it is far from my desire to write in this manner; it is as contrary to my inclination as to my custom.
12. But is it possible, that a person of your lordship’s character, should countenance such a performance as this? It cannot be your lordship’s desire, to put contempt on all that is truly venerable among men! To stab Christianity to the heart, under the colour of opposing enthusiasm! And to increase and give a sanction to the prophaneness, which already overspreads our land as a flood.
13. Were the Methodists ever so bad, yet are they not too despicable and inconsiderable for your lordship’s notice? _Against whom is the king of_ Israel _come out? Against a flea? Against a partridge upon the mountains?_ Such they undoubtedly are, if that representation of them be just which the comparer has given. Against whom (if your lordship espouses his cause) are you stirring up the supreme power of the nation? Against whom does your lordship arm the ministers of all denominations, particularly our brethren of the established church; inciting them to paint us out to their several congregations, as not fit to live upon the earth? The effects of this have already appeared in many parts both of _Devonshire_ and _Cornwall_. Nor have I known any considerable riot in any part of _England_, for which such preaching did not pave the way.
14. I beg leave to ask, would it be a satisfaction to your lordship, if national persecution were to return? Does your lordship desire to revive the old laws, _De hæretico comburendo_? Would your lordship rejoice, to see the Methodists themselves, tied to so many stakes in _Smithfield_? Or would you applaud the execution, though not so legally or decently performed by the mob of _Exeter_, _Plymouth-Dock_ or _Launceston_? My lord, what profit would there be in our blood? Would it be an addition to your lordship’s happiness? Or any advantage to the Protestant cause? Or any honour either to our church or nation?
15. The comparer doubtless would answer, “Yes; for it would prevent the horrid _consequences_ of your preaching.” My lord, give me leave to say once more, “I willingly put the whole cause upon this issue. What are the _general consequences_ of our preaching?” Are there more _tares_ or _wheat_? More _good men destroyed_, (as Mr. _Church_ once supposed) or _wicked men saved_? The last places in your lordship’s diocese, where we began constant preaching, are near _Liskeard_ in _Cornwall_, and at _Tiverton_ in _Devonshire_. Now let any man enquire here, 1. What kind of people were those a year ago, who now constantly hear this preaching? 2. What are the _main doctrines_ the Methodists have been teaching this twelvemonth? 3. _What effect_ have these doctrines had upon their hearers? And if you do not find, 1. That the greater part of these were a year or two ago notoriously wicked men, 2. Yet the main doctrines they have heard since were, “Love God and your neighbour, and carefully keep his commandments,” and 3. That they have since exercised themselves herein, and continue so to do: I say, if any reasonable man, who will be at the pains to inquire does not find this to be an unquestionable fact, I will openly acknowledge myself an enthusiast, or whatever else he shall please to stile me.
16. I beg leave to conclude this address to your lordship with a few more words transcribed from the same letter. ¹“_Allow Mr._ Wesley, says Mr. _Church, but these few points, and he will defend his conduct beyond expectation_.” That is most true. If I _have_ indeed _been advancing_ nothing but the true knowledge and love of God; if God has made me an _instrument_ in _reforming_ many sinners, and bringing them to _inward and pure religion_; and if many of these continue holy to this day, and free from all wilful sin: then may I, even I, use those awful words, _He that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me_. But I never expect the world to allow me one of these points. However, I must go on as God shall enable me. I must lay out whatsoever talents he intrusts me with (whether others will believe I do it or no) in advancing the true Christian knowledge of God, and the love and fear of God among men; in reforming (if so be it please him to use me still) those who are yet without God in the world; and in propagating inward and pure religion, righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
¹ Second letter to Mr. Church, page 74.
Sincerely wishing your lordship all happiness in time and in eternity,
_I remain_, _Your lordship’s most Obedient servant_, JOHN WESLEY.
_November 27, 1750._
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