Wesley Corpus

1. Whether a 1 improvement in grace and ness, is not a good foundation of comfort A. Doubtless it is, if by grace and goodness be meant the knowledge and love of God through Christ ? . Whether it be not a good foundation of an assurance of a Gospel New-Birth'? 2 If 3 grow in this knowledge and love, it proof that we are born of the Spirit. But -- in no wise supersede the previous witness of God's Spirit with ours, that we are the children of God. And this is properly the foundation of the assurance of faith.” Q. 3. Whether this improvement is not a beter | foundation of comfort, and of an assurance of a gof New Birth, than that which is founded on the dofrme of a sudden and instantaheous change? A. A better foundation than that -- That / What ? To nvhat substantive does this refer? According to the Rules of Grammar, (for all the other substantives are in the Genitive oy and/ consequently to be considered as only parts of that which governs them) you must mean, A --.-- foundation than that foundation which is founded on this doctrine.““ As soon as 1 understand the question, I will endeavour tb answer it. Q. 4. Can that sudden and instantariedus change be easily distinguished from fancy and imagination ? A. Just as easily as light from darkness: seeing it brings sorth with it a peace that Pannen all understanding, Joy -anispeakable and full of glory, the ore of f o Men of Reason and Religion. 77 God and all mankind filling the heart, and power over all fn. | | 4 Q. 5. May we not well suppose the workings of imagination to be more strong and powerful in one who is taught to expect such a change? A. Perhaps we may -- But {till the tree is known by its fruits. such fruits as those Sow matt imagination was never yet strong enough to produce, nor any power, fave that of the Almighty. 7. There is only one clause in the eighth Query, which falls under our present enquiry. |