are esteemed of more noble and generous sentiments than their Neighbours, for this very point of wisdom, the searching the Scriptures daily to find whether those things were so *. But if the false Prophet pretend only to some extraordinary measure of the Spirit, then we are directed to try that Spirit by applying to it the followihg Characters of real inspiration-THE WISDOM THAT IS FROM ABOVE IS FIRST PURE; THEN PEACEABLE, GENTLE, AND EASY TO BE INTREATED, FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUITS, WITHOUT PARTIALITY, AND WITHOUT HYPOCRISY †. It is worthy our notice, that, in this rule or direction for the trial of spirits, the marks of real inspiration are to be applied only NEGATIVELY: that is, we may safely pronounce, that the man in whom they are not found, hath not the Spirit of God, or the wisdom which is from above: while on the other hand, we are not to conclude, that he in whom any or all of them are found, is, from this circumstance alone, endowed with any extraordinary measure of the Holy Spirit; since they may be no other than those ordinary graces which arise from the knowledge of, and obedience to, God's Will as contained in sacred Scripture. So that although such a one may be truly said to be possessed of the wisdom which is from above, it is not that which comes to him by way of inspiration, the thing here in question. Thus we see, the Apostle's Rule carries, in its very nature, the evidence of its divine original: for the assistance wanted in the trial of spirits, since these extraordinary powers were withdrawn, was only such a set of Marks as was rather fitted to detect Impostors, than to assure the truth of a Character not now to be expected. Acts xvii. 11, VOL. VIII. ↑ James iii. 17. Y This [Book II. This the Reader should have in mind, when we bring him to apply these marks to the features of modern Fanaticism; especially as they are seen in the famed Leader of the METHODISTS, Mr. JOHN WESLEY; and not seen neither, as Sancho Pancho saw his mistress, by hearsay (which indeed has been too much the custom, in the representations of this transcendent man), but as he appears in person in his own JOURNALS: for by those indelible marks alone, there traced out, and by his own pen, I propose to TRY, in him, chiefly, THE SPIRITS of all modern Pretenders to supernatural Powers. CHAP. IV. AND that I may not be suspected of combating a Phantom, it will be proper first of all to shew that this extraordinary man hath, in fact, laid claim to almost every Apostolic gift and grace; and in as full and ample a measure as they were possessed of old. But as a good Actor will first prepare his Scene, he hath carried us back, by the magic of his dramatic powers, into all the wonders of the primitive Times; where we meet the Devil unchained and let loose, to exert his last efforts against the new Religion: As, on the other hand, to oppose to his infernal rage, we see, with the same evidence, an abundant effusion of the Holy Spirit poured out upon this rising Church. And now, every thing being well prepared, Both these Powers stand ready to act their parts, by the time our Apostle thinks fit to appear upon the Stage. His JOURNALS are full of the Alarms which he gave the Devil, and of the mortifications which the Devil gave him." The Devil (says he) knew his kingdom "shook, and therefore stirred up his servants to ring bells, and make all the noise they could *."-" The "Devil's Children fought valiantly for their Master, "that his kingdom should not be destroyed: And many stones fell on my right hand and on my left t." "Some or other of the Children of Belial had laboured "to disturb us several nights before." Nay, so accustomed was he to these conflicts with the Evil One, that it was even matter of surprise to him, to find the Enemy, once upon a time, reserved and still; till he reflected, that it was because his Goods were in peace. "I preached-as yet I have found only one person amongst them, who knew the love of God, "before my Brother came. No wonder the Devil "was so still for his Goods were in peace §." Another instance which he gives us, of this peaceable convention between his Congregation and the Devil, is in one of his northern excursions. "Wed. 29. I preached at "Durham to a QUIET, STUPID Congregation ||." But this never lasted long wherever he came; for he had always the skill of curing the spiritual lethargy by a frenzy. 66 When the Devil had set the mob on work, he then, like other Politicians, retired to better company; such as the two Mr. Wesleys and the Saints. But, as this sad and solemn meeting was not to his taste, he tried to buffet them into a better humour. "I was a "little surprised at some who were buffetted of "Satan in an unusual manner by such a spirit of laughter-I knew the same thing ten or eleven * Journal from 1, Nov. 1739, to Sept. 3, 1741, p. 37. Y 2 years years ago. Part of Sunday my Brother and I then "used to spend in walking in the meadows and singing Psalms. But one day, just as we were be"ginning to sing, he burst out into a loud laughter. I began to be very angry, and presently after to laugh as loud as he.-We were ready to tear our"selves in pieces, but were forced to go home with"out singing another line *." From the Head, these buffettings (which, not to overload the Devil, I will, for once, venture to call hysterical) descended, and were plentifully bestowed, upon the Members. And, one evening (says he) such a spirit of laughter was amongst us, that many were much offended. But "the attention of all was soon fixed upon poor "La S―; one so violently and variously torn "of the EVIL ONE did I never see before. Some"times she laughed, then broke out into cursing and blaspheming †," &c. On this occasion, he relates a fact, which, though He seems not to have turned to a proper use, the sober and attentive Reader may. "Our outward trials indeed were now removed, "and peace was in all our borders. But so much "the more did inward trials abound, and if one "member suffered, all the members suffered with it. "So strange a SYMPATHY did I never observe before: "whatever considerable temptation fell on any one, "unaccountably spreading itself to the rest. So that "exceeding few were able to escape it." In these various struggles, the Devil was at length tired out; and Mr. Wesley forces him into close quarters; to betake himself to the bodies of friend or foe indifferently, just as he could find opportunity or entertainment. And now comes on the shining part of our Apostle's * Journ. from Nov. 1, 1739, to Sept. 3, 1741, p. 37. exploits, exploits, the driving him out, in the face of the whole Congregation, by EXORCISMS and spiritual Eject ments. But if Evil thus abounded, Grace did much more abound in this memorable Era, when Mr. John Wesley first went out upon his Mission. The Spirit overcame all resistance, broke down all the strongholds of Sin, and, what Mr. Wesley was much more set against, of INSENSIBILITY." So many living "Witnesses (says he) hath God given, that his hand "is STILL stretched out to heal, and that signs and "wonders are even Now wrought by his holy Child, "Jesus" For, out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, it once again, as of old, perfected praise; the young men saw visions, and the old men dreamed dreams. Amongst the poor Colliers at Placey, John Lane, "then nine or ten years old, was one of the first who "found peace with God. From that hour he continued "to walk day and night in the light of his countenance. "I saw him last year longing to be with Christ †," &c. "I enquired more particularly of Mrs. N. concerning her little Son. She said, He appeared to "have a continual fear of God, and an awful sense "of his presence; that he frequently went to prayers by himself: that he had an exceeding great tenderness of Conscience, being sensible of the least sin.— "A few days since he broke out into prayers aloud, " and then said, Mamma, I shall go to Heaven soon"and you will go there too, and my Papa; but you "will not go so soon." On which Mr. Wesley very judiciously observes, "When the Holy Ghost teaches, "is there any delay in learning? This Child was then * Journ. from Aug. 12, 1738, to Nov. 1, 1739. + Journ. from July 20, 1750, to Oct. 28, 1754, p. 18. |