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
*“These things I uttered as I wept with bitter contrition: and behold,
I heard a voice as from a neighbouring house, as of a boy or girl, in
a singing note, saying, and often repeating; _tolle, lege; tolle, lege;
take up and read; take up and read_. And presently my countenance being
altered, I began to consider, whether children were wont in any kind
of play to sing such words: nor could I call to mind that I any where
heard the like.”
“Whereupon, suppressing the course of my tears, I rose up, interpreting
it to be a divine admonition, that I should open the book, and read
the place I first light upon.――So getting up hastily, I returned to
the place where I had been sitting before, for there I had left St.
_Paul_’s epistles. I catched it up, opened it, read in silence the
piece of the chapter on which I first cast mine eyes; _not in rioting
and drunkenness; not in chambering and wantonness; not in strife and
envying: but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision
for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof_. Romans xiii. 13.”
“I could read no farther, nor was there need: for at the end of those
lines, as it were with a new light of confidence streaming into my soul,
the darkness of all former doubting and hesitancy was dispelled.――――”
*“O Jesus Christ, my helper, and my Redeemer! How sweet on a sudden
became it to me, to submit my neck to thy easy yoke, and my shoulders,
unto thy light burden.――――And what before, it was my fear to lose,
how was it now my joy to dismiss! For thou the true, and the supreme
sweetness, didst expel them from me: thou expelledst them and thyself
enteredst into me instead of them: more delicious than all delights,
but not to flesh and blood: more bright and glorious than all light,
but to the inward hidden man, exalted above the heights of all honour,
but not to those who exalt themselves.――And now my infant tongue began
to converse with thee, my ambition, and my riches, and my salvation, my
Lord God!”
CHAPTER VIII.
_Of his finding rest to his soul._
ALTHOUGH the night had hitherto hung upon his soul, yet he frequently
saw the promise of deliverance at a distance. But now _the day-spring
from on high_ began to dawn upon him. The manner of which he describes
as follows,
“Having given an account of my convictions, I think it may not be
improper to relate likewise, how the promise was fulfilled in me. And
this also is the work of the Holy Ghost, convincing _of righteousness
as he_ doth of _sin_.
“1st. He kindled in my soul earnest desires towards God. There was
a tenderness in my heart. It began to warm and dissolve after it was
broken by the law, and scorched by the wrath of God; and to be a little
comforted and encouraged.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account