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
“O that I could love and obey, as fast as I learn. Truth appears to me
every day with new lustre: new springs are opened, and the best wine
kept until last.”
“_Sunday 19._ After asking help from God, I preached my farewel sermon
(farewel indeed; It was the last he preached in _London_, and the last
day of his being there) at the Foundery, from _Acts xx. 32._ _And now,
brethren I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is
able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them
which are sanctified._ And in the evening, I bid them farewel at the
chapel in _West-street_, from _Colossians ii. 6._ _As ye have therefore
received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him._ In all the duties
of the day, public and private, God was exceeding gracious to me. I
believe I never felt such strength of love. I was in truth _sick of
love_. I could not sufficiently praise him. All words come far short of
what I felt. Lord, thou hast given me much favour in the eyes of this
people. They shew it by words and deeds; yea prayers and tears! Reward
them a thousand fold. Bring me safe to _Bristol_, that there I may shew
forth the praises of the Lord, and declare thy righteousness, and thy
salvation. Amen, Lord Jesus.”
“_Monday 20._ After prayer with our family, I set out in the machine.
I read my _Hebrew psalter_, and _the Christian pattern_. I found great
tranquility of mind, and my spirit was refreshed with the goodness of
God. I conversed with three gentlemen, my companions in the coach, on
divine subjects. I prayed earnestly to God before I set out, that my
fellow travellers might not swear or curse, and the Lord heard me; for
so it was; they rather approved of scripture subjects and studies. O
the joy of a good conscience! And the rest which the soul finds in the
love of God. The Lord supplies the absence of friends, and all things
that are dear to us. His presence makes our paradise. It is not _where_
but what we are, which is the great matter.”
“_Thursday 23._ At _Bristol_, I met Mr. W. T. under whose preaching (as
has been related) God gave me the clear witness of his forgiving love.
Our meeting was for the better. _As iron sharpneth iron, so doth the
countenance of a man his friend._ We remembered the years of the right
hand of the most high; and how the Lord filled our mouths with laughter,
when he brought back our captivity. Lord bless this man, and make him
faithful in all things! And now that I am come to this city to preach
the gospel of the kingdom, and spend my life and strength in thy
service; assist me O Lord, and make thy goodness known to me. Give me
wisdom and strength, O help me Lord Jesus, to glorify thy name. Amen.”
“I read through to day, the epistle of St. James. And I do not wonder
that the proud, the sensual, and the lovers of the world, yea all the
ungodly of the earth, should find fault with it. In prayer with the
family, the spirit was poured out from on high upon us, and great grace
rested upon us all.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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