Wesley Corpus

Fri. 22.--I called on one who “ did run well,” till he was hindered by some of those called French prophets. “ Wo unto the prophets, saith the Lord, who prophesy in my name, and I have not sent them.” At Weaver’s Hall, I endeavoured to point them out; and earnestly exhorted all that followed after holiness, to avoid, as fire, all who do not speak according “ to the Law and Testimony.” In the afternoon I preached at the Fish Ponds; but had no life or spirit in me; and was much in doubt, whether God would not lay me aside, and send other labourers into his harvest. 1 came to the society full of this thought ; and began, in much weakness, to explain, “ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they be of God.” I told them, they were not to judge of the spirit whereby any one spoke, either by appearances, or by common report, or by their own inward feelings: no, nor by any dreams, visions, or revelations, supposed to be made to their souls; any more than by their tears, or any involuntary effects wrought upon their bodies. I warned them, all these were, in themselves, of a doubtful, disputable nature; they might oe from God, and they might not ; and were therefore not simply to be relied on, (any more than simply to be condemned,) but to be tried by a further rule, to be brought to the only certain test, the Law and the Testimony. While I was speaking, one before me dropped down as dead, and presently a second and athird. Five others sunk down in half an hour, most of whom were in violent agonies. ‘The pains” as ‘of hell came about them; the snares of death overtook them.” In their trouble we called upon the Lord, and he gave us an answer of peace. One indeed continued an hour in strong pain; and one or two more for three days. But the rest were greatly comforted in that hour, and went away rejoicing and praising God.