To Rev. Thomas Adams.

A LETTER

TO

THE REVEREND THOMAS ADAMS.

———

REVEREND SIRS, LONDON, October 31, 1755.

ONE good effect, at least, has arisen already, from the moving of the present question: It has been the occasion of my having, some little acquaintance with Mr. Walker and you; which, I doubt not, would be enlarged, were it not for what you probably think to be Christian, I think to be worldly, prudence.

You have much obliged me by your clear and friendly answer; with the main of which I fully agree; for I am still in my former sentiment, “We will not go out: If we are thrust out, well.” And of the same judgment are, I believe, at least nineteen in twenty of our Preachers, and an equal majority of the people. We are fully convinced that to separate from an established Church is never lawful but when it is of absolute necessity; and we do not see any such necessity yet. Therefore, we have at present no thoughts of separation.

With regard to the steps we have hitherto taken, we have used all the caution which was possible. We have done nothing rashly, nothing without deep and long consideration, hearing and weighing all objections, and much prayer. Nor have we taken one deliberate step, of which we, as yet, see reason to repent. It is true, in some things we vary from the rules of our Church; but no further than we apprehend is our bounden duty. It is from a full conviction of this, that we preach abroad, use extemporary prayer, form those who appear to be awakened into societies, and permit laymen, whom we believe God has called, to preach.

I say, permit, because we ourselves have hitherto viewed it in no other light. This we are clearly satisfied we may do: That we may do more, we are not satisfied. It is not clear to us, that Presbyters, so circumstanced as we are, may appoint or ordain others; but it is, that we may direct, as well as suffer, them to do what we conceive they are moved to by the Holy Ghost. It is true, that, in ordinary cases, both an inward and an outward call are requisite. But we apprehend there is something far from ordinary in the present case. And upon the calmest view of things, we think, they who are only called of God, and not of man, have more right to preach, than they who are only called of man, and not of God. Now, that many of the Clergy, though called of man, are not called of God, to preach his Gospel, is undeniable,

1. Because they themselves utterly disclaim, nay, and ridicule, the inward call.

2. Because they do not know what the Gospel is; of consequence, they do not and cannot preach it.

Dear Sir, coolly and impartially consider this, and you will see on which side the difficulty lies. I do assure you, this at present is my chief embarrassment. That I have not gone too far yet, I know; but whether I have gone far enough, I am extremely doubtful. I see those running whom God hath not sent; destroying their own souls, and those that hear them; perverting the right ways of the Lord, and blaspheming the truth as it is in Jesus. I see the blind leading the blind, and both falling into the ditch. Unless I warn, in all the ways I can, these perishing souls of their danger, am I clear of the blood of these men? Soul-damning Clergymen lay me under more difficulties than soul-saving laymen!

Those among ourselves who have been in doubt whether they ought so to beware of these false prophets, as not to hear them at all, are not men of a “forward, uncharitable zeal;” but of a calm, loving, temperate spirit. They are perfectly easy as to their own call to preach; but they are troubled for these poor, uncalled, blind guides; and they are sometimes afraid that the countenancing these is a dead weight even on those Clergymen who are really called of God. “Why else,” say they, “does not God bless their labors? Why do they still stretch forth their hands in vain?” We know several regular Clergymen who do preach the genuine Gospel; but to no effect at all. There is one exception in England, — Mr. Walker, at Truro. We do not know one more who has converted one soul in his own parish. If it be said, “Has not Mr. Grimshaw and Mr. Baddiley?” No, not one, till they were irregular; till both the one and the other formed irregular societies, and took in laymen to assist them. Can there be a stronger proof that God is pleased with irregular, even more than with regular, preaching? “But might not the Methodists in general serve the interests of Christ better, as witnesses and examples of a living faith, by returning to a closer union with the Church, than by separating still further?” We have no design at present of separating further, if we have yet separated at all. Neither dare we return to a closer union, if that means either prohibiting lay Preachers, or ceasing to watch over each other in love, and regularly meeting for that purpose.

If there be any further advises, whether with regard to doctrines or practice, which you judge might be of service to us, they would be thankfully received and considered by,

Rev. and dear Sir,

Your obliged and affectionate brother and servant,

JOHN WESLEY.