Wesley Corpus

In this very Discourse you yourself said just the contrary. You told us awhile ago, that, not only Dr. Marshall, Dr. Dodwell, and Archbishop Tillot son, but the generality of the Protestant Doctors, were agreed to what period they should confine themselves; believing that miracles subsisted through the three first centuries, and ceased in the beginning of the fourth. (Page 46, et seq.) 7. However, that none of them may ever be puzzled any more, you will “lay down some general principles, which may lead us to a more rational solution of the matter than any that has hitherto been offered.” (Ibid.) Here again I was all attention. And what did the mountain bring forth? What are these general principles, preceded by so solemn a declara tion, and laid down for thirteen pages together? (Pages 71 --84.) Why, they are dwindled down into one, “that the forged miracles of the fourth century taint the credit of all the later miracles !” I should desire you to prove, that the miracles of the fourth century were all forged, but that it is not material to our question. 8. But you endeavour to show it is: “For that surprising confidence,” you say, “with which the Fathers of the fourth age have affirmed as true what they themselves had forged, or, at least, knew to be forged,” (a little more proof of that,) “makes us suspect, that so bold a defiance of truth could not become general at once, but must have been carried gradually to that height by custom and the example of former times.” (Page 84.) It does not appear that it did become general till long after the fourth century. And as this supposition is not sufficiently proved, the inference from it is nothing worth. 9. You say, Secondly, “This age, in which Christianity was established, had no occasion for any miracles. They would not, therefore, begin to forge miracles at a time when there was no particular temptation to it.” (Ibid.) Yes, the greatest temptation in the world, if they were such men as you suppose. If they were men that would scruple no art or means to enlarge their own credit and authority, they would naturally “begin to forge miracles” at that time when real miracles were no more. 10. You say, Thirdly, “The later Fathers had equal piety with the earlier, but more learning and less credulity.