The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 10 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 10 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
FOR the latter part of his life, he lived like a man that was quite
weary of the world, and that looked upon himself as a stranger here,
and lived in the constant sight of a better. He plainly declared
himself but a pilgrim that looked for a better country, a city that had
foundations, whose builder and maker was God. His habit, his language,
his deportment, all spoke him one of another world. His meditations
were so intense, long, and frequent, that they ripened him apace for
heaven. Few attain to such a holy contempt of the world, and to such
a clear, joyful constant apprehension of the world that is to come.
He made it his whole business to grow into an humble familiarity with
God, and to maintain it. And if by reason of company, or any necessary
business, this was in any measure interrupted, he would complain like
one out of his element, till his spirit was recovered into a delightful,
unmixed, free intercourse with God. He was never so well satisfied,
as when he was more immediately engaged in what brought him nearer to
God; and by this he constantly enjoyed those comforts, which others
rarely meet with. His graces and experiences toward his end grew to
astonishment. He was oft brought into the banqueting-house, and there
Christ’s banner over him was love. His eyes beheld the king in his
beauty: he had frequent visions of glory, and lay in the bosom of
his master. He was even sick of love, and could say to the world,
_O taste and see_! And to Christians, _Come and I will tell you what
God hath done for my soul_. O what do Christians mean that they do
no more to get their senses spiritually exercised? Little do people
think what they slight, when they are formal in secret duties, and when
they neglect that great duty of _meditation_. Did they but know the
thousandth part of that sweetness that is in Christ, they could not
choose but follow him hard; they would run and not be weary; and walk
and not be faint.
In the midst of all worldly comforts he longed for death; and the
thoughts of the day of judgment made all his enjoyments sweeter. O, how
did he long for the coming of Christ! Whilst some have been discoursing
by him of that great and terrible day of the Lord, he would smile, and
humbly express his delight in the forethought of its approach.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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