Wesley Corpus

In the middle of the relation, immediately after the words, “I am happy,” I add, “Yet it was easy to discern she was in the most violent agony both of body and mind; sweating exceedingly, notwithstanding the severe frost, and not continuing in the same posture a moment: ”-- A plain proof that this was no instance of presumption, nor a natural fruit of any teaching whatever. It ends thus: “About a quarter before six the next morn ing, after lying quiet a while, she broke out, “Peace be unto thee” (her husband); ‘peace be unto this house; the peace of God is come to my soul; I know that my Redeemer liveth.’ And for several days her mouth was filled with his praise, and her talk was wholly of his wondrous works.” Had not these words been left out, neither could this have passed for an instance of despair. Though still I do not know but it might have stood for an instance of confusion, &c. I must not forget that this was cited at first as a proof of my enthusiasm; as an instance of a private revelation, “which,” you say, “I seem to pay great credit to,--representing the con jectures of a woman, whose brain appears to have been too much heated, as if they had been owing to a particular and miraculous spirit of prophecy.” (Remarks, p. 64.) I answered, “Descant, Sir, as you please on this enthusiasm; on the credit I paid to this private revelation; and my representing the conjectures of this brain-sick woman as owing to a miraculous power of the Spirit of prophecy: And when you have done, I will desire you to read the passage once more; where you will find my express words are, introducing this account: ‘Sun. 11. I met with a surprising instance of the power of the devil.” Such was the credit I paid to this revelation 1 All which I ascribe to the Spirit of God is, the enabling her to strive against the power of the devil, and at length restoring peace to her soul.” (Answer, page 408.) I was in hopes you had done with this instance. But I am disappointed: For in your Second Letter I read thus: “The instances of enthusiasm and presumption which your last Journal had furnished me with remain now to be reviewed.