The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-02-21
vi.

In England. Wesley and whiteneld had not
yet entered into tho discussion OF doctrinal
opinions. While in tho colonies however, tho
latter became acquainted with calvinistio min q.
listers OF learning and ability. who recomme nd ell
to him the study OF tho Puritan divines. with
the result that he embraced their doctrines
with ardor. lie wrote to Wesley upon the sub
Ject who replied opposing the doctrine Of elcc-
tion and affirming the doctrine OF christian
perfection" teaching that Christians cannot
indeed. bo free'l from, those perilous weaknesses
and follies sometimes Improperly termed sin. Of
inhrmity, yet that IL Is tho privilege OF all
to be saved entirely from sin In its proper
sense and from committing It," The cor.
respondence. while revealing tho intensity
OF the excitement among pious people
and tho stern earnestness OF the writer's,
also displays their sincerity and consclcn-
tousness. Whiteteld, In n letter to Wesley,
says: The more examine the writings OF the
most experienced men and tho experiences OF
the most established Christians tho moro I
differ from your opinion DENYING the doctrin,
OF election. God himself teaches my friend. III,
doctrine OF election" lie odds: PERHAPS may
never see YOU again, until we meet In Judgment;
thcn, II not before. you will know that sovereign,
distinguishing Irresistible grace brought YOU 10
heaven" The circumstance which led Wesley
election was this In II London religious society
TO which they both belonged. one Of White
held's followers. John Ccnnlck. publicly AT.
tackled tho Arminian views of Wesley. Tho re.
suit was division OF tho society. MY adhering
TO Cennick and ninety To Wesley II
was this division and tho controversies
that followed which impslled Wesley to preach
against the doctrine publicly. Then II was that
ho delivered his well. known sermon entitled
Free Grace" and published II In n pamphlet
to which lac annexed hymn by his brother
called Hymn OF Universal Redemption" Into
the dispute between Wesley and whitofeld nil
the bodies OF Dlssentsrs were drawn and In IL
many cergym en- OF the Church OF England
participated. Whlteneld was moro bitterly mn.
sailed than Wesley. and all opponents OF Meth
odism united In the prediction that the con.
tro,cr.y would soon bring to an end the "ianat-
ical schism." Tho personal entrangement be.
tween Whitehead and Wesley lasted but n
short time. but tho for and his followers.
aided by tho Countess Of Huntington, founded
All extensive organic alton OF CalvlnIstic Meth
odism. The Countess helped to build si1ty.four
chApels IN different parts OF England, and de-
voted more than hundred thousand pounds 10
religious work.
The first chapel erected by the wesleys was
that opened In Bristol, but previously to itn
completion the so.called " Foundry" was start.
ed In London. Wesleyan chnpels were ouickly
built In Leeds. Manchester. Liverpool, London.
birmingham, and tho chief towns OF the king
dom, Tho success Of the movement under the
Wesleys was so remarkable that during the year
lT42 John, the acknowledged Anal authority
was employing twenty-threo itinerant lay
preachers and several local preachers; the dis
tlnction being tbatlhe former gave their entire
time TO religious work, while the latter pursued
their ordinary business. only preaching ut such