Impressions

Martin Wells Knapp defines an 'Impression' as an influence on an emotion, feeling or action - these can be good, such as impressions created by God, or evil, such as those originating from Satan.

This book discusses the various types of impressions, and the ways in which believers can - in the case of those holy or beneficent - receive them. Conversely, we are instructed how to avoid malevolent impressions by practicing good deeds and helping one's fellow man, while also devoting time to prayer and to reading and reflecting upon spiritual matters.

Quoting Biblical scripture and the psalms, Knapp defines and distinguishes the types of impression. The effect on the human spirit, the elevation of the soul, and the feeling of spiritual fulfillment that ensues from accepting God's influence. Over time, familiarity with the various kinds of impression - be they scriptural, moral, or willed by God - results in wisdom and further such blessings.

Such submission to the guidance of the Lord is not easy however: some impressions have one or more prerequisites; receptivity to guidance from the Lord, banishing all traces of the devil from your heart, and an unstinting belief in God's capacity to provide joy and peace in this life and the next are crucial requirements.

The author spent his life working in the Methodist ministry, where he was active in the revivalist and holiness movements. Notably committed to God, Knapp's health suffered after he contracted typhoid fever - he continued to preach even in his hospital deathbed, departing to join the Lord at the age of forty-eight.