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
In places of publick worship, he hardly ever saw any body, so as to
distinguish them; and in every means of grace, his grand aim was, to
find more of God _within_ him. He waited for this in lively earnest
composure; and thus approaching the Lord’s table in particular, he
_ate the flesh and drank the blood of the Son of_ God indeed. “My heart
burned! Was in a flame! O what a fire of divine love was there!” were
the frequent memorials which he left in his diary, after communicating
those heavenly sweets, which often overflowed his soul at the altar,
and spread their inundation over every other part of his holy living.
His recollection carried itself into the midst of all his labours,
in which he was still preserved, without dissipation, notwithstanding
their multiplicity, and sometimes intricate nature. It was very usual
with him to express what he felt of God, by the simile of _fire_, to
which the operations of the _Holy Ghost_ are frequently compared in
scripture. He often felt in prayer, in preaching, and walking, a kind
of scorching within him, from the love of God. And from the abundance
of the heart, his mouth generally spoke. Words of life, and fire issued
as it were out of his lips, which were no other than the sparks of
a burning heart. And often he could hardly refrain from expressing
the holy raptures of his soul out aloud; as, _O holy_ God! _Glorious_
Jehovah! _Blessed_ Jesus! _Son of the living_ God! He used frequently
to stand up and sing,
O love, how chearing is thy ray!
All pain before thy presence flies!
Care, anguish, sorrow melt away,
Where’er thy healing beams arise;
O Jesu, nothing may I see,
Nothing hear, feel, or think but thee!
Give to my eyes refreshing tears,
Give to my heart chase hallow’d fires,
Give to my soul with filial fears,
The love that all heaven’s host inspires:
That all my powers with all their might
In thy sole glory may unite!
There was at first an eagerness in his spirit for the success of his
labours, but he in time became unanxious on the head, being taught
of God, that having done his part, he should think no more about the
matter, but still go on straight forward, keeping himself in repose
with God: in imitation of the angels, who continually watch over
the souls, which God hath given them in charge; but who lose nothing
of their tranquility or happiness, even when their utmost care is
unsuccessful.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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