A divine impulse
It is not therefore at all surprising that it is so variously taken at this day, different persons understanding it in different senses quite inconsistent with each other. Some take it in a good sense, for a divine impulse or impression superior to all the natural faculties, and suspending for the time, either in whole or in part, both the reason and the outward senses. In this meaning of the word, both the prophets of old and the apostles were proper enthusiasts, being at various times so filled with the Spirit and so influenced by him who dwelt in their hearts — the exercise of their own reason, their senses, and all their natural faculties being suspended — that they were wholly actuated by the power of God and spoke only as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).
1771 text
8. It is not therefore at all surprizing, that it is so variously taken at this day: different persons understanding it in different senses, quite inconsistent with each other. Some take it in a good sense, for a divine impulse or impression, superior to all the natural faculties, and suspending for the time, either in whole or in part, both the reason and the outward senses. In this meaning of the word, both the prophets of old, and the apostles were proper Enthusiasts: being at divers times so filled with the Spirit, and so influenced by him who dwelt in their hearts, that the exercise of their own reason, their senses, and all their natural faculties being suspended, they were wholly actuated by the power of God, and spoke only as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 37 in the 1771 Works. Acts 26:24.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.