Wesley Corpus

To make a parallel, it must be, “is as vain as to say, that the wind began to blow at such a time, and continued so long in such a manner.” And where is the vanity of this? Why may I not say, either that the wind began to blow at such a time, and blew so long in such a manner; or that God began at such a time to com fort my soul; that He continued that consolation so long, and $n such a manner, by giving me either peace and joy in believing, or a lively hope of the glory of God? 13. “Not that we are without a memorable instance of this instantaneous impulse in the sudden conversion of St. Paul.” (Page 23.) A poor instance this; for it does not appear that his was a sudden conversion. It is true, “a great light suddenly shone round about him; ” but this light did not convert him. After he had seen this, “he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.” And, probably, during the whole time, God was gradually working in his heart, till he “arose, and, being baptized, washed away his sins, and was filled with the Holy Ghost.” 14. But to return: “Their Teachers claim a particular and immediate inspiration in their nauseous effusions.” (Page 22.) Certainly they claim either a particular and immediate inspira tion, (as above explained,) or none at all. But this is no other inspiration (call it influence, if you please, though it is a far stronger term) than every one must have, before he can either understand, or preach, or live the gospel. “But there is not in Scripture the least promise or encouragement to expect any particular inspiration.” Yes, surely, such an inspiration as this; you have allowed it over and over. And what external evidence of this would you have? I will believe you are thus inspired, if you convert sinners to God, and if you yourself are “holy in all manner of conversation.” 15. Is there “no need of this inspiration now, because the prejudices of mankind are in favour of the gospel, and the pro fession of it is under the protection and encouragement of the civil power?” The prejudices of mankind are in favour of the gospel ! What! the prejudices of the bulk of mankind?