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VINDICATION

OF

THE REV. MR. WESLEY'S

"Calm Address to our American Colonies:"

IN THREE LETTERS

TO MR. CALEB EVANS:

BY

JOHN FLETCHER,

VICAR OF MADELEY, SALOP.

It will probably seem strange, that Clergymen should meddle with a controversy, which has hitherto been considered as altogether political. But the reader's surprise, in this respect, will probably cease, if he give him- . self the trouble to read these Letters. He will then see, that the American controversy is closely connected with Christianity in general, and with Protestantism in particular; and that, of consequence, it is of a religious, as well as of a civil nature.

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Is it not granted on all sides, that the gospel leads to the practice of strict morality? Is it not an important branch of such morality" to honour and obey the king ;"-to extend that honour and obedience, in a scriptural and constitutional manner, to "all that are put in authority under him :-to submit ourselves to all our governors;-to order ourselves lowly and reverently to all our betters; -to hurt no body by word or deed ;—and to be true and just in all our dealings;" give every one his due, tribute to whom tribute is due, and custom to whom custom?' we not teach this doctrine to our children, when we instruct them in the first principles of Christianity? If Divinity, therefore, can cast light upon the question, which divides Great Britain and her Colonies; is it impertinent in Divines to hold out the light of their science, and peaceably to use what the Apostle calls the sword of the Spirit; that the material sword, unjustly drawn by those who are in the wrong, may be sheathed; and that a speedy end may be put to the effusion of Christian blood?

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