Wesley Corpus

Was it not (I appeal to the Searcher of your heart 1) because you was conscious to yourself that it would neces sarily drive you to that unhappy dilemma, either to assert that for ever, ets Tov atova, meant only sixty or seventy years; or to allow that the text must be interpreted of the ordinary operations of the Spirit, in all future ages of the Church 9 And indeed that the promise in this text belongs to all Christians, evidently appears, not only from your Lordship’s own concession, and from the text itself, (for who can deny that this Comforter, or Paraclete, is now given to all them that believe?) but also from the preceding, as well as follow ing, words. The preceding are, “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father.” None, surely, can doubt but these belong to all Christians in all ages. The following words are, “Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive.” True, the world cannot; but all Christians can and will receive him for ever. 6. The second promise of the Comforter, made in this chapter, together with its context, stands thus:-- “Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? “Jesus answered, and said unto him, If any man love me, he will keep my word. And my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. “He that loveth me not, keepeth not my word: And the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. “These things have I spoken unto you, being yet with you. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (Verses 22-26.) Now, how does your Lordship prove that this promise belongs only to the primitive Church P Why, (1) you say, “It is very clear from the bare recital of the words.” I apprehend not. But this is the very question, which is not to be begged, but proved.