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
*Lord’s-day, June 24. I was scarce able to walk: however, visited my
Indians, and took much pains to instruct them. But my mind was much
burdened with the weight of my work. My whole dependence was on God;
who alone I saw could make them willing to receive instruction. My
heart was much engaged in prayer, sending up silent requests to God,
even while I was speaking to them. O that I could always go in the
strength of the Lord!
Monday, June 25. To an eye of reason every thing that respects the
conversion of the Heathen is as dark as midnight; and yet I cannot but
hope in God, for the accomplishment of something glorious among them. I
longed much for the advancement of the Redeemer’s kingdom on earth, and
was very fearful lest I should admit some vain thought, and so lose the
sense I had of divine things. O for an abiding heavenly temper!
*Tuesday, June 26. I was much discouraged with the extreme difficulty
of the work; yet God supported me; and though the work of their
conversion appeared “impossible with man, yet with God” I saw “all
things were possible.” I was much assisted in prayer, especially for
the poor Heathen, and those of my own charge: and hoped that God would
bow the heavens and come down for their salvation. It seemed to me,
there could be no impediment sufficient to obstruct that glorious work,
seeing the living God was engaged for it. I continued solemnly lifting
up my heart to God, that I might be more mortified to this world, that
my soul might be taken up continually in the advancement of Christ’s
kingdom: and longed that God would purge me more, that I might be as
a chosen vessel to bear his name among the Heathens.
Wednesday, June 27. In the afternoon, I rode several miles to see if
I could procure any lands for the poor Indians, that they might live
together, and be under better advantages for instruction. While I was
riding, I had a deep sense of the difficulty of my work; and my soul
relied wholly upon God for success, in the diligent and faithful use
of means. I saw with the greatest certainty, that _the arm of the Lord_
must be _revealed_, for the help of these poor Heathen, if ever they
were delivered from the bondage of the powers of darkness.
Thursday, June 28. Towards noon I rode up to the Indians; and while
going, my heart went up to God in prayer for them; I could freely tell
God, he knew the cause was not mine, but his own, and it would be for
his own glory to convert the poor Indians: and blessed be God. I felt
no desire of honour from the world, as the instrument of it.
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