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, March 10. I felt exceeding dead to the world, and all its
enjoyments: I was ready to give up life and all its comforts, as soon
as called to it; and yet then had as much comfort of life as almost
ever I had. Life itself appeared but an empty bubble; the riches,
honours, and enjoyments of it extremely tasteless. I longed to be
perpetually and entirely _crucified_ to all things here below. My soul
was sweetly resigned to God’s disposal of me, in every regard; and
I saw, there had nothing happened to me but what was best for me. I
confided in God, that he would “never leave me,” though I should “walk
through the valley of the shadow of death.” It was “my meat and drink
to be holy, to live to the Lord, and to die to the Lord.” And I then
enjoyed such an heaven, as far exceeded the most sublime conceptions of
an unregenerate soul; and even unspeakably beyond what I myself could
conceive at another time. I did not wonder, that Peter said, “Lord it
is good to be here,” when thus refreshed with divine glories. My soul
was full of love and tenderness in the duty of intercession; especially
of sweet affection to some godly ministers. I prayed earnestly for
those I have reason to fear are my enemies; and could not have spoken a
word of bitterness, or entertained a bitter thought, against the vilest
man living. I had a sense of my own great unworthiness. My soul seemed
to breathe forth love and praise to God afresh, when I thought he
would let his children love and receive me as one of their brethren and
fellow-citizens; and when I thought of their treating me in that manner,
I longed to lie at their feet; and could think of no way to express the
sincerity and simplicity of my love and esteem of them, as being much
better than myself.――I longed to get on my knees, and ask forgiveness
of every body that ever had seen any thing amiss in my past conduct,
especially in my _religious zeal_.
Lord’s-day, March 11. I had some freedom, affection, and fervency in
addressing my poor people; longing that God should take hold of their
hearts. And indeed I had so much to say to them, that I knew not how to
leave off speaking.¹
¹ This was the last Sabbath that ever he performed public
service at Kaunaumeek, and these the last sermons that ever
he preached there.
Monday, March 12. My spirit was full of quietness, and love to mankind;
and I longed that peace should reign on the earth: I was grieved at the
very thoughts of a _fiery, angry_, and _intemperate_ zeal in religion;
mourned over my past follies; and confided in God for grace sufficient
for my future work and trials.――Spent the day mainly in hard labour,
making preparation for my intended journey.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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