The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 14 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 14 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
Neither do I “confound the _extraordinary_ with the _ordinary_
operations of the Spirit.” And as to your last enquiry, “What is the
best proof of our being led by the Spirit?” I have no exception to that
just and scriptural answer, which you yourself have given, “A thorough
change and renovation of mind and heart, and the leading a new and holy
life.”
4. “That I confound the _extraordinary_ with the _ordinary_ operations
of the Spirit, and therefore am an _enthusiast_,” is also strongly
urged, in a charge delivered to his clergy, and lately published by the
Lord Bishop of _Litchfield_ and _Coventry_.
An extract of the former part of this, I subjoin, in his Lordship’s
words.
“I cannot think it improper to obviate the contagion, of those
_enthusiastical_ pretensions, that have lately betrayed whole
multitudes, either into presumption or melancholy. _Enthusiasm_ indeed
when detected, is apt to create infidelity; and infidelity is so
shocking a thing, that many rather run into the other extreme, and take
refuge in _enthusiasm_. But infidelity and _enthusiasm_ seem now to
act in concert against our established religion. As infidelity has been
sufficiently opposed, I shall now lay before you the weakness of those
_enthusiastical_ pretensions.” page 1, 2.
Now to confute effectually, and strike at the root of those
_enthusiastical_ pretensions,
“First, I shall shew, that it is necessary to lay down some method for
distinguishing real from pretended inspiration.” page 3, 5.
“Many expressions occur in the _new Testament_, concerning the
operations of the holy Spirit. But men of an _enthusiastical_ temper,
have confounded passages of a quite different nature, and have jumbled
together those that relate to the _extraordinary_ operations of the
Spirit, with those that relate only to his _ordinary_ influences. It is
therefore necessary to use some method for separating those passages,
relating to the operations of the Spirit, that have been so misapplied
to the service of _enthusiastical_ pretenders.” Page 5, 6, 7.
“I proceed therefore to shew,
“Secondly, That a distinction is to be made between those passages
of scripture about the blessed Spirit that peculiarly belong to the
primitive church, and those that relate to Christians in all ages.”
Page 7.
“The exigencies of the apostolical age required the _miraculous_ gifts
of the Spirit. But these soon ceased. When therefore we meet in the
scripture with an account of those _extraordinary_ gifts, and likewise
with an account of his _ordinary_ operations, we must distinguish the
one from the other. And that not only for our own satisfaction, but as
a means to stop the growth of _enthusiasm_.” Page 8, 9, 10.
“And such a distinction ought to be made, by the best methods of
interpreting the scriptures: which most certainly are an attentive
consideration of the occasion and scope of those passages, in
concurrence with the general sense of the primitive church.” page 11.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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