2. We believe notwithstanding, either that they will be thrust out, or that they will leaven the whole church. 3. We do, and will do, all we can, to prevent those consequences, which are supposed likely to happen after our death. 4. But we cannot with a good conscience neglect the present opportunity of saving souls while we live, for fear of consequences which may possibly or probably happen, after we are dead. Conversation the Second. _Bristol_, TUESDAY, _August 1, 1745_. THE following persons being met together at the New-Room, in _Bristol_; _John Wesley_, _Charles Wesley_, _John Hodges_, _Thomas Richards_, _Samuel Larwood_, _Thomas Meyrick_, _Richard Moss_, _John Slocombe_, _Herbert Jenkins_, and _Marmaduke Gwynne_: It was proposed to review the minutes of the last conference with regard to justification. And it was asked. _Q._ 1. How comes what is written on this subject to be so intricate and obscure? Is this obscurity from the nature of the thing itself? Or, from the fault or weakness of those who have generally treated of it? _A._ We apprehend this obscurity does not arise from the nature of the subject: but, perhaps, partly from hence, that the devil peculiarly labours to perplex a subject of the greatest importance: and partly from the extreme warmth of most writers who have treated of it. _Q._ 2. We affirm faith, in Christ is the sole condition of justification. But does not repentance go before that faith? Yea, and (supposing there be opportunity for them) fruits or works meet for repentance? _A._ Without doubt they do. _Q._ 3. How then can we deny them to be _conditions_ of justification? Is not this a mere strife of words? But is it worth while to continue a dispute on the term _condition_? _A._ It seems not, though it has been grievously abused. But so the abuse cease, let the use remain. _Q._ 4. Shall we read over together Mr. _Baxter_’s aphorisms concerning justification? _A._ By all means: which were accordingly read. And it was desired, that each person present would in the afternoon consult the scriptures cited therein, and bring what objections might occur the next morning. FRIDAY, _August 2_. _The_ question _was proposed_. _Q._ 1. IS a sense of God’s pardoning love absolutely necessary to our being in his favour? Or may there be some exempt cases? _A._ We dare not say, there are not. _Q._ 2. Is it necessary to inward and outward holiness? _A._ We incline to think it is. _Q._ 3. Is it indispensably necessary to final salvation? Suppose in a _Papist_? Or, a _Quaker_? Or, in general, among those who never heard it preached? _A._ Love hopeth all things. We know not how far any of these may fall under the case of invincible ignorance. _Q._ 4. But what can we say of one of our own society, who dies without it, as _J. W._ at _London_?