27. You charge the _Methodists_ next, with ¹“an _uncharitable spirit_.” All you advance in proof of this, _as if_ it were from my writings, but without naming either page or book, I have nothing to do with. But whatever you tell me where to find, I shall carefully consider.
¹ Section 15, page 115, &c.
I observe but one single passage of this sort. And that you have worn thread-bare already. “By the most infallible of proofs, inward feeling, I am convinced――――of levity and luxuriancy of spirit――――by speaking words not tending to edify; but most by my _manner of speaking of my enemies_.” Sir, you may print this, not only in _Italics_, but in _CAPITALS_, and yet it would do you no service. For what I was convinced of then was not _uncharitableness_, but as I expressly mentioned, “Levity of Spirit.”
28. ¹Of the same _uncharitable nature_, you say, is “their _application of divine judgments_ to their opposers.” You borrow two instances from Mr. _Church_. But you omit the answers, which I shall therefore subjoin.
¹ Section 16, page 119, &c.
His words are, “You describe heaven as executing judgments, immediate punishments, on those who oppose you. You say, ‘Mr. _Molther_ was taken ill this day. I believe it was the hand of God that was upon him.’” I do. But I do not say as a judgment for opposing _me_. That _you_ say for me.¹
¹ First letter to Mr. Church, page 42.
Again, “you mention, says Mr. _Church_, as an ‘awful providence, the case of a poor wretch, who was last week cursing and blaspheming, and had boasted to many, that he would come on _Sunday_, and no man should stop his mouth――――but on _Friday_, God laid his hand upon him, and on _Sunday_ he was buried.’ I do look on this as a manifest judgment of God, on a hardened sinner, for his complicated wickedness.”
To repeat these objections, without taking the least notice of the answers, is one of the usual proofs of your _charitable spirit_.
29. You ¹pass on to “the _Methodist’s uncharitable_ custom of summoning their opponents _to the bar of judgment_.”
¹ Section 17, page 123. &c.
You bring two passages from my writings to prove this. The first is, “Calling at _Newgate_ (in _Bristol_) I was informed, that the poor wretches under sentence of death, were earnestly desirous to speak with me; but that alderman _Beecher_ had sent an express order, that they should not. I cite alderman _B._ to answer _for these souls_, at the judgment seat of Christ.”
Why do you leave out those words, _for these souls_? Because they shew the sentence means neither more nor less, than “if _these souls_ perish, he, not I, must answer for them at the great day.”
The second passage is still more wide from the point. The whole of it is as follows.
¹“I have often inquired, Who were the authors of such report (that I was a _Papist_) and have generally found, they were either bigotted dissenters, or (I speak it without fear or favour) ministers of our own church. I have also frequently considered, what possible ground or motive they could have thus to speak: seeing few men in the world have had occasion so clearly and openly to declare their principles, as I have done both by preaching, printing and conversation, for several years last past. And I can no otherwise think, than that either they spoke thus (to put the most favourable construction upon it) from gross ignorance; they knew not what _Popery_ was: they knew not what doctrines these are which the _Papists_ teach: or they wilfully spoke what they knew to be false, probably _thinking_ thereby to do God service. Now take this to yourselves, whoever ye are, high or low, dissenters or churchmen, clergy or laity, who have advanced this shameless charge, and digest it how you can.”
¹ Journal, pages 75, 76.
“But how have ye not been afraid, if ye believe there is a God, and that he knoweth the secrets of your hearts (I speak now to you preachers, more especially, of whatever denomination) to declare so gross, palpable a lie, in the name of the God of truth? I cite you all _before the Judge of all the earth_, either publicly to prove your charge; or by publicly retracting it, to make the best amends you can, to God, to me, and to the world.”
Sir, Do I here “summon my opponents _to the bar of judgment_?” So you would make me do, by quoting only that scrap, “I cite you all before the Judge of all the earth!” You then add, with equal charity and sincerity, “Here you have the _true spirit of an enthusiast_, flushed with a _modest_ assurance of his own _salvation_, and the _charitable_ prospect of the _damnation_ of others.” O Sir, never name modesty more!
Here end your laboured attempts to shew the _uncharitable spirit_ of the _Methodists_; who, for any thing you have shewn to the contrary, may be the most charitable people under the sun.