The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 12 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 12 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
Wednesday, September 4. I rode 15 miles to an Irish settlement, and
preached there from Luke xiv. 22. “and yet there is room.” God was
pleased to afford me some tenderness and enlargement in the first
prayer, and much freedom, as well as warmth in the sermon. There were
many tears in the assembly: the people of God seemed to melt, and
others to be in some measure awakened. Blessed be the Lord, that lets
me see his work going on in one place and another.
September 5. I discoursed to the Indians from the parable of the
sower, and afterwards conversed particularly with sundry persons, which
occasioned them to weep, and even to cry out in an affecting manner,
and seized others with surprise and concern. Several of these had
been with me to Crosweeksung, and some of them felt the power of God’s
word. I asked one of them why he cried? He replied, “When he thought
how Christ was slain like a lamb and spilt his blood for sinners, he
could not help crying:” and thereupon burst into tears and cries again.
I then asked his wife, who likewise had been abundantly comforted,
wherefore she cried? She answered, “She was grieved that the Indians
here would not come to Christ, as well as those at Crosweeksung.” I
asked her if she found a heart to pray for them, and whether Christ had
been near to her of late in prayer, as in time past? (which is my usual
method of expressing a sense of the divine presence.) She replied,
“Yes, he had been near to her; and that at sometimes when she had been
praying alone, her heart loved to pray so, that she could not bear to
leave the place, but wanted to stay and pray longer.”
Lord’s-day, September 8. I discoursed to the Indians, forenoon and
afternoon. The word of God seemed to fall with _weight_ and influence
upon them. There were but few present, but most that were, were in
tears, and sundry cried out under distressing concern for their souls.
There was one man awakened, who never before discovered any concern for
his soul. There appeared a remarkable work of the Spirit, not unlike
what had been at Crosweeksung. It seemed as if the divine influence had
spread from thence to this place.
Sundry of the careless white people now present were startled seeing
the power of God so prevalent among the Indians. I then made a
particular address to them, which seemed to make some impression upon
them.
In the evening God was pleased to enlarge me in prayer, and give me
freedom at the throne of grace; I cried to God for the enlargement
of his kingdom, particularly among my dear people: and for many dear
ministers of my acquaintance, both in these parts and in New-England.
And my soul was so engaged in that sweet exercise, that I knew not how
to leave the mercy seat. I saw God was both able and willing to do all
that I desired. And when I was going to bed, God helped me to renew my
petitions with ardency and freedom.
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