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
This appeared to be a season of divine power. The religious were much
refreshed, and seemed remarkably tender, full of love, joy, peace, and
desires of being completely “redeemed from all iniquity.” Convictions
also appeared to be revived in many instances; and divers persons were
awakened whom I had never observed under any religious impressions
before.
_Such_ was the influence which attended our assembly, that it seemed
grievous to conclude the public worship. And the congregation when
♦dismissed, although it was then almost dark, appeared loth to leave
the place.
♦ “dismised” replaced with “dismissed”
April 28. I concluded the solemnity with a discourse upon John xiv. 15.
“If ye love me keep my commandments.” There appeared great tenderness
in the audience in general, but especially in the _communicants_.――――O
how free, how engaged and affectionate did _these_ appear in the
service of God! They seemed willing to have their “ears bored to the
door posts of God’s house,” and to be his servants for ever.
*Observing numbers in this excellent frame, I thought it proper to
improve this advantageous season, as Hezekiah did his great _passover_,
(2 Chronicles xxxi.) in order to promote the blessed reformation among
them: and accordingly proposed to them that they should _renewedly_
enter into covenant before God, to watch over themselves and one
another. And especially that they would watch against the sin of
_drunkenness_.――They chearfully complied and explicitly joined in that
covenant; whereupon I proceeded in the most solemn manner to call God
to _witness_ their sacred engagement; minded them of the greatness
of the guilt they would contract in the violation of it; and that God
would be a terrible _witness_ against those who should presume to do
so, in the “great and notable day of the Lord.”
*It was a season of amazing solemnity, and a _divine awe_ appeared upon
the face of the whole assembly! Affectionate sighs, and tears, were
frequent in the audience: and I doubt not but many silent cries were
sent up to the _fountain_ of grace, for grace to fulfil these solemn
engagements.
[On Tuesday he went to Elisabeth-Town, to the meeting of the Presbytery:
and spent the time in a free and comfortable state of mind.]
Saturday, May 3. I rode from Elisabeth-Town home to my people, near
Cranberry; whither they are removed, and where I hope God will settle
them as a Christian congregation. I was refreshed in lifting up my
heart to God, while riding; and enjoyed a thankful frame of spirit.
May 4. My people being now removed to their _lands_; I this day visited
them, and preached to them from Mark iv. 5. shewing the reason there
was to fear, lest many hopeful beginnings, might prove abortive, like
the “seed dropped upon stony places.”
May 5. I visited them again, and gave them directions relating to their
business.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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