With gratitude to Libby Moeller for finding this succinct summary —

Over the years, John Wesley had serious theological differences with another popular pastor named George Whitefield.

Though they both argued passionately, Wesley reflected on these differences in a memorial sermon for Whitefield by saying:

“There are many doctrines of a less essential nature.

In these, we may think and let think; we may ‘agree to disagree.’

But, meantime, let us hold fast the essentials.”

This appears to be the first recorded use of the term. It was a hallmark of Wesley’s way of holding to his convictions while remaining in connection with those with whom he disagreed.

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