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CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.

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IV. FOURTH CHECK TO ANTINOMIANISM.

IN A SERIES OF LETTERS TO MESSRS. RICHARD AND ROWLAND HILL.

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LETTER 1. The doctrine of justification by works is Scriptural,

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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 farther 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."

EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES

OF SOME LATE CONVERSATIONS

BETWEEN THE REV. MR. WESLEY AND OTHERS,

AT A PUBLIC CONFERENCE, HELD IN LONDON, AUGUST 7, 1770,

AND PRINTED BY W. PINE, IN BRISTOL.

"Take heed to your doctrine."

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"WE said in 1774, We have leaned too much toward Calvinism.' Wherein?

"1. With regard to man's faithfulness. Our Lord himself taught us to use the expression. And we ought never to be ashamed of it. We ought steadily to assert, on his authority, that if a man is not faithful in the unrighteous mammon,' God will not give him the true riches.'

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"2. With regard to working for life. This also our Lord has expressly commanded us. Labour,' Epyagɛσbs, literally, work for the meat that endureth to everlasting life.' And in fact every believer, till he comes to glory, works for, as well as from life.

"3. We have received it as a maxim, that a man is to do nothing in order to justification.' Nothing can be more false. Whoever desires to find favour with God, should cease from evil, and learn to do well.' Whoever repents, should do works meet for repentance.' And if this is not in order to find favour, what does he do them for? "Review the whole affair.

"1. Who of us is now accepted of God?

"He that now believes in Christ, with a loving, obedient heart.

"2. But who among those who never heard of Christ?

"He that feareth God, and worketh righteousness according to the light he has.

"3. Is this the same with he that is sincere?

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Not by the merit of works, but by works as a condition.

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