CONTENTS OF VOLUME I. I. FIRST CHECK TO ANTINOMIANISM. Copy of the Circular Letter, &c, Extracts from the Minutes of the conference of 1770, LETTER I. A general view of Mr. Wesley's doctrine, II. The commendable design of the Minutes, III. The three first propositions considered, II. SECOND CHECK TO ANTINOMIANISM. PREFACE.—The publication of the First Check justified, LETTER I. The doctrine of a second justification by works defended, II. On Mr. Shirley's recantation of his sermons, and free will, INTRODUCTION.- Remarks on Mr. Hill's five letters, LETTER I. On man's faithfulness, III. On the word merit, and the rewardableness of good works, IV. On men's sins displeasing God, but not their persons, LETTER I. The doctrine of justification by works is Scriptural, II. Established by the liturgy, articles, &c, of the Church, III. Maintained by the sober Puritan divines, IV. Flavel and other Puritan writers condemn Dr. Crisp's doctrine, V. The Minutes and St. James' "pure religion" established on Mr. Hill's VI. The doctrine of finished salvation and imputed righteousness overthrown, 241 VII. Mr. Hill's arguments answered, VIII. Good works not termed "filthy rags," &c, in Scripture, V. FIFTH CHECK.-PART FIRST. An answer to Mr. Richard Hill's Finishing Stroke, Remarks on the creed of an Antinomian, APPENDIX.-The remaining difference between Calvinists and anti-Calvinists VI. FIFTH CHECK.-PART SECOND. SECTION I. Sincere obedience defended, II. The evangelical law of liberty, III. The conditionality of perseverance, IV. Unconditional reprobation and finished salvation false doctrines, PREFACE. The design of the work, and the reasons of its publication, 447 III. A Scriptural Essay on the Rewardableness of the Works of true Faith, according to the covenant of grace, IV. An Essay on Truth: or a Rational Vindication of the Doctrine of Salvation by Faith; displaying the nature and saving power of religious truth, when cordially embraced by faith, and the various sorts and degrees thereof; 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." "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.' " "2. With regard to working for life. This also our Lord has expressly commanded us. 'Labour,' Epyagɛσés, 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? 66 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?' "Nearly, if not quite. "4. Is not this salvation by works?' "Not by the merit of works, but by works as a condition. |