The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 11 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 11 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
It is hard to say positively which he was most remarkable for, the
_spirit_ or the _gift_ of prayer, tho’ it need not be told which he
most esteemed. His public character, made it right and necessary for
him, to desire and endeavour after _spiritual gifts_. And the eminency
to which he arrived therein in general, is too well known to need a
particular relation. To hear him, on some occasions pour out his soul
to God, made one often think, whence hath a man these things? Such
a sluice of divine oratory ran thro’ the whole of his language on
religious subjects, as is rarely to be met with. His public addresses
to God, were commonly well nigh altogether, in the words of the Holy
Ghost. *It seemed as tho’ he turned the whole bible into words of
adoration, confession, petition, supplication, thanksgiving and glory:
while at the same time his expressions glowed with the love of God:
and all this with such ardour, intention, pertinency and faith, that
it has seemed sometimes (one time in particular was peculiarly noticed)
as tho’ the heavens were burst open, and God himself appeared in the
congregation. Something of that _Acts iv. 31._ was often conceived
while he prayed. But he made no account of this with regard to the
perfection of his own soul. He made it his chief aim to follow after
love, and to live in a momentary spirit of watchful prayer.
*He has sometimes had very remarkable answers to prayer. One only I
shall mention. A number of religious societies both in _England_ and
_Ireland_ appointed a public fast, for the imploring God, to restore to
health an eminent servant of the church, who had been some time under
languishment of body. Mr. _Walsh_ was then in _Dublin_, and pouring
out his soul about noon, he spoke aloud, in a manner which shewed it
not to be of himself, and said _he shall not die, but live, and declare
the works of the_ Lord. And, blessed be God, the event shewed the
prediction to be of God.
Towards the latter part of his progress, and before his last sickness
in particular, his prayer had less of labour in it than formerly; and
consisted for the most part, of a passive receiving the impressions
of the divine Spirit: God acting rather in him, than he acted himself.
And so still, and recollected did he frequently appear herein, that it
was as if God was visibly before him, and that he spoke to the divine
Majesty, with nearness of access, and child-like familiarity. Indeed
every object and occurrence, spoke to him of God: nor could there be
wanting to him, at any time or place, incentives to raise his heart in
prayer or praise to him whom his soul loved.
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