Wesley Corpus

In that expression, “our thoughts,” he comprises all our sensations, all our reflections and passions; yea, and all our volitions, and consequently our actions, which, he supposes, unavoidably follow those vibrations. He premises, “But you will say, This scheme infers the universal necessity of human actions;” and frankly adds, “Certainly it does. I am sorry for it; but I cannot help it.” 5. And this is the scheme which is now adopted by not a few of the most sensible men in our nation. One of these fairly confessing, that “he did not think himself a sinner,” was asked, “Do you never feel any wrong tempers? And do you never speak or act in such a manner as your own reason condemns?” He candidly answered, “Indeed I do. I frequently feel tempers, and speak many words, and do many actions, which I do not approve of. But I cannot avoid it. They result, whether I will or no, from the vibrations of my brain, together with the motion of my blood, and the flow of my animal spirits. But these are not in my own power. I cannot help them. They are independent on my choice. And therefore I cannot apprehend myself to be a sinner on this account.” 6. Very lately another gentleman, in free conversation, was carrying this matter a little farther. Being asked, “Do you believe God is almighty?” he answered, “I do; or he could not have made the world.” “Do you believe he is wise?” “I cannot tell." Much may be said on both sides.” “Do you believe he is good?” “No; I cannot believe it. I believe just the contrary. For all the evil in the world is owing to Him. I can ascribe it to no other cause. I cannot blame that cur for barking orbiting; it is his nature; and he did not make himself. I feel wrong tempers in myself; but that is not my fault; for I cannot help it. It is my nature; and I could not prevent my having this nature, neither can I change it.” 7. The Assembly of Divines, who met at Westminster in the last century, express very nearly the same sentiment, though placed in a different light. They speak to this effect: “Whatever happens in time, was unchangeably determined from all eternity.