The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 02 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 02 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
It remains only, to make a short and plain application. And first I
would address myself to you, who violently oppose these expressions,
and are ready to condemn all that use them as Antinomians. But is not
this bending the bow too much the other way? Why should you condemn all
who do not speak just as you do? Why should you quarrel with _them_,
for using the phrases they like, any more than they with _you_, for
taking the same liberty? Or if they do quarrel with you upon that
account, do not imitate the bigotry which you blame. At least allow
_them_ the liberty, which they ought to allow _you_. And why should
you be angry at an _expression_? “O, it has been abused.” And what
expression has not? However the abuse may be removed, and at the same
time the use remain. Above all, be sure to retain the important sense
which is couched under that expression. All the blessings I enjoy, all
I hope for, in time and in eternity, are given wholly and solely for
the sake of what Christ has done and suffered for me.
I would, secondly, add a few words, to you who are fond of these
expressions. And permit me to ask, Do not I allow enough? What can any
reasonable man desire more? I allow the whole _sense_ which you contend
for: that we have every blessing _through the righteousness of God
our Saviour_. I allow _you_ to use whatever expressions you chuse, and
that a thousand times over: only guarding them against that dreadful
abuse, which you are as deeply concerned to prevent as I am. I myself
frequently use the expression in question, _imputed righteousness_:
and often put this and the like expressions into the mouth of a whole
congregation. But allow me liberty of conscience herein: allow me
the right of private judgment. Allow me to use it just as often as
I judge it preferable to any other expression. And be not angry with
me, if I cannot judge it proper, to use any one expression every two
minutes. _You_ may if you please: but do not condemn me, because I do
not. Do not, for this, represent me as a Papist, or “an enemy to the
righteousness of Christ.” Bear with _me_, as I do with _you_: else how
shall we _fulfil the law of Christ_? Do not make tragical outcries, as
though I was “subverting the very foundations of Christianity.” Whoever
does this, does me much wrong: the Lord lay it not to his charge! I lay,
and have done for many years, the very same foundation with you. And
indeed _other foundation can no man lay, than that which is laid, even
Jesus Christ_. I build inward and outward holiness thereon, as you do,
even by faith. Do not therefore suffer any distaste or unkindness, no,
nor any shyness or coldness in your heart. If there were _a difference
of opinion_, where is our religion, if we cannot _think and let think_?
What hinders, but you may forgive _me_, as easily as I may forgive
_you_? How much more, when there is only _a difference of expression_?
Nay, hardly so much as that? All the dispute being only, whether a
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