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, February 2. I preached my farewell-sermon, at the house
of an aged man, who had been unable to attend on the public worship
for some time; and this morning spent the time in prayer. Having
taken leave of my friends, I set out on my journey towards the
Indians; though by the way I was to spend some time at East-Hampton
on Long-Island; and being accompanied by a messenger from East-Hampton,
we travelled to Lyme. On the road I felt an uncommon pressure of mind:
I seemed to struggle hard for some pleasure here below, and seemed
loth to give up all; I saw I was throwing myself into all hardships
and distresses: I thought it would be less difficult to lie down in the
grave; but yet I chose to go, rather than stay.――I came to Lyme that
night.
[He waited the two next days for a passage over the sound, and spent
much of the time in inward conflicts.
On Saturday he crossed the Sound, landed on Long-Island, and travelled
to East-Hampton, and the seven following days he spent there, for the
most part, under extreme dejection of mind.]
Lord’s-day, February 13. I was under great discouragement; knew not how
it was possible for me to preach, and was ready to give up all! But God
was pleased to assist me. In the evening, my heart was sweetly drawn
out after God, and devoted to him.
Tuesday, February 15. Early in the day I felt some comfort; afterwards
I walked into a neighbouring grove, and felt more a stranger on earth
than ever; as dead to the enjoyments of the world, as if I had been
dead in a natural sense.――In the evening I had sweetness in secret duty:
God was then my portion, and my soul rose above those _deep waters_,
into which I have sunk so low of late.
Thursday, February 17. I preached this day at a little village; and
God was pleased to give me his gracious assistance, so that I spake
with freedom, boldness, and power. *In the evening, I spent some time
with a dear Christian friend; felt as on the brink of eternity; my
soul enjoyed sweetness in lively apprehensions of standing before
the glorious God: prayed with my dear friend, and discoursed with the
utmost solemnity. And truly it was a little emblem of heaven itself.
Friday, February 18. I felt sweetly most of the day, and found access
to the throne of grace. Blessed be the Lord for any intervals of
composure while I am in the field of battle. O that I might be serious,
solemn, and always vigilant, while in an evil world! O, I long to _live
to God_!
[During the next fortnight, he, for the most part, enjoyed much peace
and comfort. And this space of time was filled up with great diligence
and earnestness in serving God, in study, prayer, meditation, preaching,
and private instructing and counselling.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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