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
Saturday, June 14. I rode to Kingston, to assist the Rev. Mr. Wales in
the administration of the Lord’s-supper. In the afternoon I preached;
but almost fainted in the pulpit: yet God strengthened me when I was
just gone, and enabled me to speak his word with freedom, fervency,
and application to the conscience. And praised be the Lord: “out of
weakness I was made strong.” I enjoyed sweetness, in and after public
worship; but was extremely tired. Oh, how many are the mercies of the
Lord! “To them that have no might, he increaseth strength.”
Lord’s-day, June 15. I was dejected so that I could not hold up my head.
Yet I administered the Lord’s-supper at Mr. Wales’s desire: and found
myself in a good measure relieved of my pressing load, when I came to
ask a blessing on the elements; here God gave me enlargement, and a
tender affectionate sense of spiritual things: so that it was a season
of comfort to me, and I trust more so to others. In the afternoon I
preached to a vast multitude from Revelation xxii. 17. God helped me
to offer a testimony for himself, and to leave sinners inexcusable.
I was enabled to speak with such freedom, fluency, and clearness, as
commanded the attention of the great. I was extremely tired in the
evening but enjoyed composure and sweetness.
Monday, June 16. I preached again; and God helped me amazingly, so that
this was a refreshing season to my soul and others. For ever blessed
be God for help, when my body was so weak, and there was so large an
assembly.
June 19. I visited my people with two of the reverend correspondents:
I spent some time in conversation with them upon spiritual things; and
took care of their worldly concerns.
This day makes up a complete year from the first time of my preaching
to these Indians in New-Jersey.――――What amazing things has God wrought
in this time for these poor people! What a surprising change appears
in their tempers and behaviour! How are savage Pagans transformed
into affectionate, and humble Christians! And their drunken and pagan
howlings, turned into fervent prayers and praises to God! They “who
were sometimes darkness, are now become light in the Lord.” May they
walk as children of the light, and of the day. And now to him that is
of power to establish them according to the gospel.――――To God only wise,
be glory, through Jesus Christ, for ever and ever! Amen.
Before I conclude, I would make a few _general remarks_ upon what to me
appears worthy of notice.
And, _first_, I cannot but take notice that I have ever since my first
coming among the Indians, been favoured with that assistance, which (to
me) is _uncommon_, in preaching _Christ crucified_, and making him the
_center_ and _mark_ to which all my discourses were directed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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