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
Tuesday, August 19. I rode forward still; and at night lodged by the
side of Susquahannah.
Wednesday, August 20. Having lain in a cold sweat all night, I coughed
much blood this morning; but I had a secret hope that I might speedily
get a dismission from earth, and all its sorrows. I rode this day
to one Chambers’s, upon Susquahannah, and there lodged, but was much
afflicted, in the evening, with an ungodly crew, drinking and swearing.
Oh, what a _hell_ would it be, to be numbered with the _ungodly_!
Thursday, August 21. I rode up the river about fifteen miles, and there
lodged, in a family that appeared quite destitute of God. I laboured to
discourse with the man about the life of religion, but found him very
artful in evading it. Oh, what a death it is to some, to hear of _the
things of God_!
Friday, August 22. I continued my course up the river: my people now
being with me, who before were parted from me; travelled above all the
English settlements; at night, lodged in the open woods, and slept with
more comfort, than while among an ungodly company of white people.
Lord’s-day, August 24. Towards noon I visited some of the Delawares,
and discoursed with them about Christianity. In the afternoon I
discoursed to the _King_, and others, upon divine things, who seemed
disposed to hear. I spent most of the day in these exercises. In the
evening I enjoyed some comfort: especially in secret prayer: so that
I loved to walk abroad and repeatedly engage in it.
Monday, August 25. I sent out my people to talk with the Indians, and
contract a familiarity with them. Some good seemed to be done by their
visit this day, and divers appeared willing to hearken to Christianity.
Tuesday, August 26. About noon I discoursed to a considerable number of
Indians: I was enabled to speak with much plainness, warmth, and power.
The discourse had impression upon some, and made them appear very
serious.
Wednesday, August 27. There having been a thick smoak, in the house
where I lodged, I was this morning distressed with pains in my head and
neck. In the morning the smoak was still the same: and a cold easterly
storm gathering, I could neither live within doors nor without long
together; I was pierced with the rawness of the air abroad, in the
house distressed with the smoak. I this day lived in great distress,
and had not health enough to do any thing to purpose.
Thursday, August 28. I was visited by some who desired to hear me
preach: and discoursed to them in the afternoon, with some fervency,
and laboured to persuade them to _turn to God_. *I scarce ever saw more
clearly, that it is God’s _work_ to convert souls, I knew I could not
touch them, I saw I could only speak to _dry bones_, but could give
them no sense of what I said. My eyes were up to God for help: I could
say, the _work_ was _his_.
Friday, August 29. I travelled to the Delawares, found few at home:
felt poorly, but was able to spend some time alone in reading God’s
word and in prayer.
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