From a letter by John Wesley to Joseph Cownley, an early Methodist  preacher.

I see a danger you are in, which, perhaps, you do not see yourself.  Is it not most pleasing to me, as well as you, to be always preaching of the love of God?  And is there not a time when we are peculiarly led thereto, and find a peculiar blessing therein?

Without doubt, so it is.  But yet it would be utterly wrong and unscriptural to preach of nothing else.

Let the law always prepare for the gospel.  I scarce ever spoke more  earnestly here [he was in Ireland at the time of writing] of the love of God in Christ than last night.  But it was after I had been tearing the unawakened in pieces. Go thou and do likewise.  It is true the love of God in Christ alone feeds His children.

But even they are to be guided, as well as fed.  Yes, and often doctored too.  And the bulk of our hearers must be purged before they are fed.  Else we only feed the disease.

Beware of all honey.  It is the best extreme; but it is an extreme.  I am your affectionate brother,

John Wesley

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