Wesley Corpus

In that “seraphic rhapsody of divine love,” as you term it, which you condemn in the lump, as rant and mad Aness, there are several scriptural expressions, both from the Old and New Testament. At first I imagined you did not know them; those being books which you did not seem to be much acquainted with. But upon laying circumstances together, I rather suppose you was glad of so handsome an opportunity to make as if you aimed at me, that you might have a home stroke at some of those old enthusiasts. 25. The next words which you cite from me, as a proof of my enthusiasm, are, “The power of God was in an unusual manner present.” (Page 61.) I mean, many found an unusual degree of that peace, joy, and love, which St. Paul terms, “the fruit of the Spirit.” And all these, in conformity to his doctrine, I ascribe to the power of God. I know you, in conformity to your principles, ascribe them to the power of nature. But I still believe, according to the old, scriptural hypothesis, that whenever, in hearing the word of God, men are filled with peace and love, God “confirms that word by the Holy Ghost given unto those that hear it.” 26. As a further proof of my enthusiasm you mention “special directions, mission, and calls by immediate revela tion.” (Page 67.) For an instance of which, you cite those words, “I know, and am assured, that God sent forth his light and his truth.” I did know this. But do I say, “by immediate revelation?” Not a tittle about it. This is your own ingenious improvement upon my words. “However, it was by a special direction. For your own words in the same paragraph are, “From the direction I received from God this day, touching an affair of the greatest importance.’” (Pages 68, 69.) What, are these words in the same paragraph with those, “I know and am assured, God sent forth his light and his truth?” Why then do you tear the paragraph in two, and put part in your sixty-seventh, part in your sixty-eighth and sixty-ninth pages? O, for a plain reason,-to make it look like two instances of enthusiasm, otherwise it could have made but one at the most.