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
Lord’s-day, ♦November 3. I baptized _fourteen_ Indians, six adults and
eight children: one of these was near _fourscore_ years of age, and
I have reason to hope God has brought her home to himself: two of the
others were men of _fifty_ years old, who had been singular even among
the Indians for their wickedness; one of them had been a murderer, and
both notorious drunkards, as well as excessive quarrelsome; but now I
cannot but hope both are really changed. I deferred their baptism for
many weeks, that I might have more opportunities to observe the fruits
of those impressions they had been under. Indeed there ♠was not but one
of the adults but had given me grounds to hope, that God had wrought a
good work in their hearts.
♦ “October 23” replaced with “November 3”
♠ “was” replaced with “was not” per Errata
November 4. There were sundry of the persons lately come from remote
places, that were now brought under deep concern for their souls;
particularly one, who not long since came half drunk, and railed
on us, and attempted to disturb us while engaged in divine worship,
was so distressed, that she seemed unable to get any ease without an
interest in Christ. There were many tears and affectionate groans in
the assembly in general, some weeping for themselves, others for their
friends. And though persons are doubtless much more easily affected now,
than they were in the beginning ♦of this religious concern, when tears
and cries for their souls were things unheard of among them; yet, their
affection in general appeared _genuine_ and _unfeigned_; and especially
in those newly awakened.
♦ “to” replaced with “of” per Errata
I baptized a child this day, and perceived several of the baptized
persons, affected, as being thereby minded of their own solemn
engagements.
I have now baptized in all _forty-seven_ persons of the Indians, twenty
adults, and twenty-four children; thirty-five of them belonging to
these parts, and the rest to the Forks of Delaware; and they have none
of them yet been a disgrace to their profession.
Before I proceed, I would make a few remarks.
And _1st_, It is remarkable that God began this work among the Indians
at a time when I had the least prospect of seeing a work of grace among
them. My bodily strength being then much wasted by a tedious journey
to Susquahannah, my mind exceedingly depressed with a view of the
unsuccessfulness of my labours, I had little to hope that God would
make me instrumental of the saving conversion of any of the Indians,
whence I was ready to look upon myself as a burden to the society that
employed me. I began to entertain serious thoughts of giving up my
mission; and almost resolved I would, at the conclusion of the year,
if I had no better prospect in my work than I had hitherto had.
In this frame of mind I first visited these Indians at Crosweeksung,
apprehending it was my duty to make some attempts for their conversion,
though I cannot say, I had any hope of success.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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