Wesley Corpus

" As to the outward manner you speak of, wherein most of them were affected who were cut to the heart by the sword of the Spirit, no wonder . that this was at first surprising to you, since they are indeed so very rare that have been thus pricked and wounded. Yet some of the instances you give seem to be exemplified in the outward manner wherein Paul and the jailer were at first affected: as also Peter's hearers, Acts ii. The last instance you gave, of some struggling as in the agonies of death, and in such a manner as that four or five strong men can hardly restrain a weak woman from hurting herself or others: this is to me somewhat more inexplicable; if it do not resemble the child spoke of Mark, ix, 26, and Luke ix, 42; of whom it is said, that 'while he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down and tare him.' Or what influence sudden and sharp awakenings may have upon the body I pretend not to explain. Je 4 .1739. REV. J. WESLEY'S JOURNAL. 143 PiI make no question Satan, so far as he gets power, may exert himself on such occasions, partly to hinder the good work in the persons who are thus touched with the sharp arrows of conviction, and partly to disparage the work of God, as if it tended to lead people to distraction. - However, the merciful issue of these conflicts in the conversion of the persons thus affected, is the main thing. "'When they are brought by the saving arm of God to receive Christ Jesus, to have joy and peace in believing, and then to walk in him, and give evidence that the work is a saving work at Jength, whether more quickly or gradually accomplished, there is great matter of praise.