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
I remember once, one had foretold that _doomsday_ should be upon
such a day: although he blamed their daring folly, yet granting their
suspicion to be true, he said, what if the day of judgment were to
come, as it certainly will come shortly? If I were sure it were to
begin within an hour, I should be glad with all my heart. If at this
instant I should hear such thunderings, and see such lightnings, as
Israel did at mount _Sinai_, my very heart would leap for joy. Through
infinite mercy, the very meditation of that day ravishes my soul, and
the thought of the nearness of it is more refreshing than the comforts
of the whole world. Surely nothing can more revive my spirits than
to behold the blessed Jesus, the joy, and life of my soul. Would it
not more rejoice me than _Joseph_’s waggons did old _Jacob_? I lately
dreamed that the day of judgment was come. Methought I heard terrible
cracks of thunder, and saw dreadful lightnings; the foundations of
the earth shook, and the heavens were rolled together as a garment;
methought I saw the graves opened, and the earth and sea giving up
their dead; I saw millions of angels, and Christ coming in clouds.
I beheld the Ancient of Days sitting upon his throne, and all other
thrones cast down. I beheld him whose garments were white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool: His throne was like the
fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire; ten thousand times ten
thousand stood before him; and the judgment was set and the books were
opened. Oh with what an extasy of joy was I surprized! It was the most
heart-raising sight that ever my eyes beheld: I cried out, _I have
waited for thy salvation O God_; and mounted into the air, to meet my
Lord.
This was the condition of Mr. _Janeway_ for about three years before
he died. He had some clouds; but he usually walked in a sweet, even,
humble serenity of spirit; having his heart fixed upon that rock that
neither waves nor winds could shake.
CHAPTER VI.
_His last sickness and death._
HE now fell into a deep consumption; but, this messenger of God did not
in the least damp him. Spitting of blood, was no ghastly thing to one
who had his eye upon the blood of Jesus; faint sweats did not daunt him
that had always such reviving cordials at hand. It was matter of joy to
him, that he was now in hopes of having his earnest desires satisfied.
After he had been a while sick, a hidden dimness seized upon his
eyes: by and by his sight quite failed; and there was such a visible
alteration in him, that he and others judged these things to be the
symptoms of death approaching. But when he was thus taken he was not in
the least surprized; but was lifted up with joy to think what a life he
was going to, looking upon death itself as one of his fathers servants,
and his friend, that was sent as a messenger to conduct him safely to
his glorious palace.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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