“The doctrine of sinless perfection in this life, I utterly renounce. I believe the preaching of it has led many souls into darkness and confusion. I believe those that hold it, if children of God at all, are in a very legal state. I believe those who pretend to have attained it are dangerously ignorant of their own hearts. I also see that, if I incline towards universal redemption any longer, I must also hold with universal salvation.” He then adds: “Last Saturday I sent the following letter to the Rev. Mr. J. Wesley.” “REVEREND SIR,—I would have been joined with you to all eternity if I could; but my having continued with you so long as I have has led me into grievous temptation; and I now think it my duty no longer to join with you, but openly to renounce your peculiar doctrines. I have begun to do it at London; and, as the Lord shall enable me, will proceed to do it here at Bristol. I feel no bitterness in my spirit, but love you, pray for you, and respect you. “I am, sir, your humble servant and unworthy brother, “JOSEPH HUMPHREYS.” The above letter was sent to the editor of the _Weekly History_ by Whitefield, accompanied by the following note:— “I would have you print this letter with my last. If you think it best, I would also have it printed in the _Daily Advertiser_. I see the mystery of iniquity, that is working, more and more. “Ever yours, “G. WHITEFIELD.“[399] Humphreys and Cennick were now both at Kingswood, which was, for the time being, the head quarters of the Calvinistic schism. Here, in the month of April, the separatists got, from an old man, his copy of Wesley’s treatise against predestination, and burnt it.[400] About the same time, however, Wesley distributed a thousand copies among Whitefield’s congregation, and a thousand more at the Foundery;[401] and, in the same month, addressed the following characteristic letter to his friend.[402] “_April, 1741._ “Would you have me deal plainly with you? I believe you would; then, by the grace of God, I will. “Of many things I find you are not rightly informed; of others you speak what you have not well weighed. “‘The society room at Bristol,’ you say, ‘ is adorned,’ How? Why, with a piece of green cloth nailed to the desk; and two sconces for eight candles each in the middle. I know no more. Now, which of these can be spared I know not; nor would I desire more adorning, or less. “But ‘lodgings are made for me and my brother,’ That is, in plain English, there is a little room by the school, where I speak to the persons who come to me; and a garret, in which a bed is placed for me. And do you grudge me this? Is this the voice of my brother, my son, Whitefield?