To Mr. John Mason

Novemier 21, 1776.

My Dear Brother, — One of Mr. Fletcher’s Checks considers at large the Calvinistic supposition, “that a natural man is as dead as a stone;” and shows the utter falseness and absurdity of it: seeing no man living is without some preventing grace, and every degree of grace is a degree of life.

That, “by the offence of one, judgment came upon all men” (all born into the world) “unto condemnation,” is an undoubted truth; and affects every infant, as well as every adult person. But it is equally true that, “by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men” (all born into the world, infant or adult) “unto justification.” Therefore no infant ever was, or ever will be, “sent to hell for the guilt of Adam’s sin;” seeing it is cancelled by the righteousness of Christ as soon as they are sent into the world.

Labour on, especially by visiting from house to house, and you will see the fruit of your labour.

CLXXXIV. — TO THE SAME.

Near Lo7idon, January 13, 1790. My Dear Brother, — As long as I live, the people shall have no share in choosing either stewards or leaders among the Methodists. We have not, and never had, any such, custom. We are no republicans, and never intend to be. It would be better for those that are so minded to go quietly away. I have been uniform both in doctrine and discipline for above these fifty years; and it is a little too late for me to turn into a new path now I am gray-headed. Neither good old brother Pascoe (God bless him) expects it from me, nor brother Wood, nor brother Flamank. If you and I should be called hence this year, we may bless God that we have not lived in vain. Come, let us have a few more strokes at Satan’s kingdom, and then we shall depart in peace!