The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 08 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 08 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
16. That devout affection wherewith his blessed soul constantly burned
towards his heavenly Father, expressed itself in an entire resignation
to his will. It was his _very meat, to do the will, and finish the
work of him that sent him_. This was the exercise of his childhood,
and the constant employment of his riper age. He spared no pains while
he was about his Father’s business; but took such satisfaction in the
performance of it, that, when being faint and weary with his journey,
he rested on _Jacob_’s well, and intreated water of the _Samaritan_
woman; the success of his conference with her, and the accession that
was made to the kingdom of God, filled his mind with such delight,
as seemed to redound to his very body, refreshing his spirits, and
making him forget his thirst, and refuse the meat which he had sent his
disciples to buy. Nor was he less patient and submissive in suffering
the will of God, than diligent in doing of it. He endured the sharpest
afflictions, and extremest miseries that ever were inflicted on any
mortal, without a repining thought, or discontented word. For though he
was far from a stupid insensibility, and had as quick a sense of pain
as other men, and the deepest apprehension of what he was to suffer in
his soul, (as his _bloody sweat_, and the _sore amazement and sorrow_
which he professed, do abundantly declare) yet did he intirely submit
to that severe dispensation of providence, and willingly acquiesced in
it.
_His constant devotion._
17. Another instance of his love to God, was his delight in conversing
with him by prayer; which made him frequently retire from the world,
and spend whole nights in that heavenly exercise; though he had no sins
to confess, and but few secular interests to pray for: which, alas! are
almost the only things that are wont to drive us to our devotions. Nay,
we may say his whole life was prayer, a constant course of communion
with God. If the sacrifice was not always offering, yet was the fire
still kept alive. Nor was he ever surprized with that dulness of spirit
which we must many times wrestle with, before we can be fit for the
exercise of devotion.
_His charity to men._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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