Wesley Corpus

The first tract I have seen wrote expressly on this head, is remarkably entitled, “The Operations of the Holy Spirit im perceptible; and how Men may know when they are under the Guidance and Influence of the Spirit.” You begin: “As we have some among us who pretend to a more than ordinary guidance by the Spirit,” (indeed I do not; I pretend to no other guidance than is ordinarily given to all Christians,) “it may not be improper to discourse on the operations of God’s Holy Spirit. “To this end be thou pleased, O gracious Fountain of Truth, to assist me with thy heavenly direction, in speaking of thee.” Alas, Sir, what need have you to speak any more? You have already granted all I desire, viz., that we may all now enjoy, and know that we do enjoy, the heavenly direction of God’s Spirit. However, you go on, and observe that the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost were granted to the first Christians only, but his ordinary graces to all Christians in all ages; both which you then attempt to enumerate; only suspending your discourse a little, when “some conceited enthusiasts” come in your way. 2. You next inquire, “after what manner these graces are raised in our souls;” and answer, “How to distinguish these heavenly motions from the natural operations of our minds, we have no light to discover; the Scriptures declaring, that the operations of the Holy Spirit are not subject to any sensible feelings or perceptions. For what communication can there be between feelings which are properties peculiar to matter, and the suggestions of the Spirit? All reasonable Christians believe that he works his graces in us in an imperceptible manner; and that there is no sensible difference between his and the natural operations of our minds.” I conceive this to be the strength of your cause. To support that conclusion, that the operations of the Spirit are impercep tible, you here allege, (1) “That all reasonable Christians believe this.” So you say; but I want proof. (2.) “That there can be no communications” (Ifear you mistook the word) “between the suggestions of the Spirit, and feelings which are properties peculiar to matter.” How ! Are the feelings now in question “properties peculiar to matter?” the feeling of peace, 78 A FAItTHER APPEAL TO MEN joy, love, or any feelings at all?