Wesley Corpus

It is our particular request that the cir cumstances which went before, which accompanied, and which followed after, the facts under consideration, may be thoroughly examined, and punctually noted down. Let but this be done, (and is it not highly needful it should 7 at least, by those who would form an exact judgment,) and we have no fear that any reasonable man should scruple to say, “This hath God wrought !” As there have been already so many instances of this kind, far beyond what we had dared to ask or think, I cannot take upon me to say whether or no it will please God to add to their number. I have not herein “known the mind of the Lord,” neither am I “his counsellor.” He may, or he may not; I cannot affirm or deny. I have no light, and I have no desire either way. “It is the Lord: Let him do what seemeth him good.” I desire only to be as clay in his hand. 3. But what, if there were now to be wrought ever so many “real and undoubted miracles?” (I suppose you mean by un doubted such as, being sufficiently attested, ought not to bedoubt ed of) Why, “This,” you say, “would put the controversy on a short foot, and be an effectual proof of the truth of your pre tences.” By no means. As common as this assertion is, there is none upon earth more false. Suppose a teacher were now, on this very day, to work “real and undoubted miracles;” this would extremely little “shorten the controversy” between him and the greater part of his opposers: For all this would not force them to believe; but many would still stand just where they did before; seeing men may “harden their hearts” against miracles, as well as against arguments. So men have done from the beginning of the world; even against such signal, glorious miracles, against suchinterpositions of the power of God, as may not be again till the consummation of all things. Permit me to remind you only of a few instances; and to observe that the argument holds a fortiori : For who will ever be impowered of God again to work such miracles as these were?