To Augustus Montague Toplady (December 9, 1758)

https://wesleyworks.ecdsdev.org/letters/1758-12-09-ToAugustusMontagueToplady

To Augustus Montague Toplady

1Augustus Montague Toplady (1740–88) had been converted after hearing a sermon in 1755 preached at Coolamain by James Morris, one of JW's preachers. Sometime there after he and JW began to correspond, with this being the first surviving letter of JW to the 18 year-old Toplady (a prior letter is referred to in Toplady to JW, Sept. 13, 1758). Toplady would shortly align with the Calvinist Methodists and become a strong critic of JW's Arminianism; see, for example, JW, The Consequence Proved (1771), 13:422–28 in this edn. See ODNB.

London
December 9, 1758

Dear Sir,

I verily believe no single person since Mahomet has given such a wound to Christianity as Dr. Taylor.

2JW had published his response to John Taylor's The Scripture-Doctrine of Original Sin in 1757; see 12:117ff in this edn.

They are his books, chiefly that upon Original Sin, which have poisoned so many of the clergy and indeed the fountains themselves—the universities in England, Scotland, Holland, and Germany

If you do not immediately see the fruit of your labour in conversing with this or that person, still there is no reason to think it lost. The wind bloweth when as well as where it listeth .

3See John 3:8 .

We know the help that is done, God doth it himself. And it is fit he should do it in his own time as well as manner.

If you continue to walk humbly and simply with God ,

4See Micah 6:8 .

there is no need the darkness should ever return. God is willing to give the love, the joy, the peace always which he gives once. Only, hear his voice, and follow it with all diligence. Do whatever he calls you to, be it ever so grievous to flesh and blood, and shun whatever you find lessens your communion with him.

Nothing but almighty grace can amend that child. She had a taste of it once; and she may again. It would be well to put her in the way of it as frequently as may be.

I have not had my health so well for many years. How many are the mercies of God! We want only thankful hearts.

Have you had yet any thoughts as to your future life, in what way you might most glorify God? I am, dear sir,

Your affectionate servant,
John Wesley

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Entry Title: To Augustus Montague Toplady (December 9, 1758)

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