Wesley Corpus

I never affirmed either one or the other universally. That some of the former are children of God, and some of the latter children of the devil, I believe. But what will this prove? “His followers are directed by inward feelings, the impulses of an inflamed fancy;” (no more than they are directed by the Alcoran;) “his opposers, by the Scripture.” What, while they are cursing, swearing, blaspheming; beat ing and maiming men that have done them no wrong; and treating women in a manner too shocking to be repeated? (2.) The next proof is very extraordinary. My words are, “I was with two persons, who, I doubt, are properly enthusiasts: For, first, they think to attain the end without the means, which is enthusiasm properly so called. Again, they think themselves inspired of God, and are not. But false imagin ary inspiration is enthusiasm. That theirs is only imaginary inspiration appears hence,--it contradicts the law and the testimony.” (Page 221.) Now, by what art of man can this be made a proof of my partiality? Why thus: “These are wise words. But what do they amount to? Only to this; that these two persons would not take out their patents of inspiration from his office.” But what proof is there of this round assertion? Truly, none at all. Full as extraordinary is the third proof of my partiality. * Miss Gr told Mrs. Sp--, Mr. Wesley was a Papist. Upon this Miss Gr-- is anathematized. And we are told that, in consequence, she had lately been raving mad, and, as such, was tied down in her bed. Yet all these circumstances of madness have befallen his favourite saints, whom he has vindicated from the opprobrium.” (Page 222.) The passage in my Journal stands thus: “Mrs. Spa-told me, two or three nights since, ‘Miss Gr-- met me, and said, I assure you, Mr. Wesley is a Papist. Perhaps I need ob serve no more upon this, than that Miss Gr-- had lately been raving mad, in consequence of a fever;” (not of an ama thema, which never had any being;) “that, as such, she was tied down in her bed; and as soon as she was suffered to go abroad, went to Mr. Whitefield, to inquire of him whether she was not a Papist.