Wesley Corpus

But all three prove no more, than that in these instances he did not speak with strictness of judgment; not, that he was incapable of knowing what he saw with his own eyes, or of truly relating it to others. Before we proceed to what with equal good humour and impartiality you remark concerning the rest of these Fathers, it will be proper to consider what more is interspersed concerning these in the sequel of this argument. 14. And, First, you say, “Justin used an inconclusive argument for the existence of the souls of men after death.” (Page 67.) It is possible he might; but whether it was conclusive or no, this does not affect his moral character. You say, Secondly, “It was the common opinion of all the Fathers, taken from the authority of Justin Martyr, that the demons wanted the fumes of the sacrifices to strengthen them for the enjoyment of their lustful pleasures.” (Page 69.) Sir, no man of reason will believe this, concerning one of the Fathers, upon your bare assertion. I must therefore desire you to prove by more than a scrap of a sentence, (1.) That Justin himself held this opinion: (2.) That he invented it: (3.) That it was the common opinion of all the Fathers: And, (4.) That they all took it on his authority. 15. You affirm, Thirdly: “He says, that all devils yield and submit to the name of Jesus; as also to the name of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Page 85.) Very likely he may. Lastly. You cite a passage from him, concerning the Spirit of God influencing the minds of holy men. But neither does this in any measure affect his credit as a witness of fact. Consequently, after all that you have been able to draw, either from himself, or any of the primitive writers, here is one witness of unquestionable credit, touching the miracles wrought in the primitive Church, touching the subsistence of the extraordinary gifts after the days of the Apostles. 16. But let us come once more to Irenaeus; for you have not done with him yet: “Forgery,” you say, “has been actually charged upon Justin,” (by John Croius and Dr. Middleton,) “and may with equal reason be charged on Irenaeus.