Wesley Corpus

God, through him, first accounts and then makes us righteous. Accordingly, "'The righteousness which is of God by faith, is both imputed and inherent." "My faith fixes on both the meritorious life and atoning death of Christ." Here we clearly agree. Hold then to this, and never talk of the former without the latter. If you do, you cannot say, "Here we are exposed to no hazard." Yes, you are to an exceeding great one; even the hazard of living and dying without holiness. And then we are lost for ever. The Sixth Letter contains an admirable account of the earth and atmosphere, and comprises abundance of sense in a narrow compass, expressed in beautiful language. Gems have "a seat on the virtuous fair one's breast." I cannot reconcile this with St. Paul. He says, "Not with pearls;" by a parity of reason, Not with diamonds. But in all things I perceive you are too favourable, both to "the desire of the flesh, and the desire of the eye." You are a gentle casuist as to every self-indulgence which a plentiful fortune can furnish. "Our Saviour's obedience." O say, with the good old Puritans, "Our Saviour's death or merits!" We swarm with Antinomians on every side. Why are you at such pains to increase their number? "My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness and thy salva tion;" thy mercy, which brings my salvation. The Eighth Letter is an excellent description of the supreme greatness of Christ. I do not observe one sentence in it, which I cannot cheerfully subscribe to. The Ninth Letter, containing a description of the sea, with various inferences deduced therefrom, is likewise a masterpiece, for justness of sentiment, as well as beauty of language. But I doubt whether "mere shrimps" be not too low an expression; and whether you might not as well have said nothing of "cod, the standing repast of lent;" or concerning "the exquisite relish of turbot, or the deliciousness of sturgeon." Are not such observations beneath the dignity of a Minister of Christ?