Preface.
FIRST CHECK TO ANTINOMIANISM;
OR, A VINDICATION OF THE REV. MR. WESLEY’S MINUTES OF A PUBLIC CONFERENCE, HELD IN LONDON, AUGUST 7, 1770; OCCASIONED BY A CIRCULAR LETTER INVITING PRINCIPAL PERSONS, BOTH CLERGY AND LAITY, AS WELL OF THE DISSENTERS AS OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH, WHO DISAPPROVED OF THOSE MINUTES, TO OPPOSE THEM IN A BODY, AS A DREADFUL HERESY; AND DESIGNED TO REMOVE PREJUDICE, CHECK RASHNESS, PROMOTE
FORBEARANCE, DEFEND THE CHARACTER OF AN EMINENT MINISTER OF CHRIST, AND PREVENT SOME IMPORTANT SCRIPTURAL TRUTHS FROM BEING HASTILY BRANDED AS HERETICAL.
IN FIVE LETTERS,
TO THE HON. AND REV. AUTHOR OF THE CIRCULAR LETTER. BY A LOVER OF QUIETNESS AND LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE.
PREFACE.
A COPY OF THE CIRCULAR LETTER, WHICH GAVE OCCASION TO THIS VINDICATION, TO WHICH IS ANNEXED A COPY OF THE REV. MR. WESLEY’S MINUTES.
“SIR, — Whereas Mr. Wesley’s conference is to be held at Bristol, on Tuesday, the 6th of August next, it is proposed by Lady Huntingdon, and many other Christian friends, (real Protestants,) to have a meeting at Bristol, at the same time, of such principal persons, both clergy and laity, who disapprove of the under written Minutes: and as the same are thought injurious to the very fundamental principles of Christianity, it is father proposed that they go in a body to the said conference, and insist upon a formal recantation of the said Minutes; and in case of a refusal, that they sign and publish their protest against them. Your presence, sir, on this occasion, is particularly requested. But if it should not suit your convenience to be there, it is desired that you will transmit your sentiments on the subject to such persons as you think proper to produce them. It is submitted to you, whether it would not be right, in the opposition to be made to such a dreadful heresy, to recommend it to as many of your Christian friends, as well of the dissenters as of the established Church, as you can prevail on, to be there, the cause being of so public a nature.
“I am, sir, your obedient servant,
“WALTER SHIRLEY.”
“P. S. Your answer is desired, directed to the countess of Huntingdon, or the Rev. Mr. Shirley, or John Lloyd, Esq. in Bath; or Mr. James Ireland, merchant, Bristol; or to Thomas Powis, Esq. at Berwick, near Shrewsbury; or to Richard Hill, Esq. at Hawkstone, near Whitchurch, Shropshire. Lodgings will be provided. Inquire at Mr. Ireland’s Bristol.”