This, however, was not the only thing which gave offence. In 1740, appeared the following: "Hymns and Sacred Poems. Published by John Wesley, M.A., Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, and Charles Wesley, M.A., Student of Christ Church, Oxford. London: printed by W. Strahan; and sold by James Hutton, 1740." (12mo, 207 pp.) To these "Hymns and Sacred Poems," Wesley prefixed a preface of eleven pages, in which he taught and enforced his doctrine of Christian perfection. That doctrine he never set higher than in this memorable preface; indeed, in after life, he wished to modify some of its strong assertions. The reader has already seen, in the extracts from letters already given, that, Whitefield was as strongly opposed to the views of Wesley on this subject, as he was to Wesley's opinions on predestination. But more than this: Wesley's "Hymns and Sacred Poems" contained certain hymns on "Universal Redemption," one of which, consisting of thirty-six stanzas, had been affixed to Wesley's sermon on "Free Grace." The hymn was written by Charles Wesley, and includes the following verses:—
"For every man He tasted death,
He suffer'd once for all;
He calls as many souls as breathe,
And all may hear the call.
A power to choose, a will to obey,
Freely His grace restores;
We all may find the living way,
And call the Saviour ours.
When God invites, shall man repel?
Shall man the exception make?
'Come, freely come, whoever will,
And living water take.'
Thou canst not mock the sons of men;
Invite us to draw nigh,
Offer Thy grace to all, and then
Thy grace to most deny!
Horror to think that God is hate!
Fury in God can dwell!
God could a helpless world create,
To thrust them into hell!
Down there an endless death to die,
From which they could not flee:—
No, Lord! Thine inmost bowels cry
Against the dire decree!"
Charles Wesley's strongly worded verses offended Whitefield. They exhibited his favourite doctrine in a repulsive light. Hence, on December 24, 1740, he wrote, at Bethesda, his "Answer to Wesley's Sermon on Free Grace,"—an answer which will be noticed shortly. Meanwhile, on his passage to England, he addressed the following to Charles Wesley and his brother conjointly:—
"February 1, 1741.
"My dear, dear Brethren,—Why did you throw out the bone of contention? Why did you print that sermon against predestination? Why did you, in particular, my dear brother Charles, affix your hymn, and join in putting out your late hymn-book? How can you say, you will not dispute with me about election, and yet print such hymns, and your brother send his sermon, against election, to Mr. Garden, and others in America? Do not you think, my dear brethren, I must be as much concerned for truth, or what I think truth, as you? God is my judge, I always was, and hope I always shall be, desirous that you may be preferred before me. But I must preach the gospel of Christ, and that I cannot now do, without speaking of election. My answer to the sermon is now being printed at Charleston; another copy I have sent to Boston; and another I now bring with me, to print in London. If it occasion a strangeness between us, it shall not be my fault. There is nothing in my answer exciting to it, that I know of. O my dear brethren, my heart almost bleeds within me! Methinks, I could be willing to tarry here on the waters for ever, rather than come to England to oppose you."[420]