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
Friday June 28. The Indians being now gathered, a considerable number
of them, from their several distant _habitations_, requested me to
preach twice a day to them, being desirous to hear as much as they
could while I was with them. I chearfully complied, and could not but
admire the goodness of God, who had inclined them to enquire after the
way of salvation.
Saturday, June 29. I preached twice to the Indians; and could
not but wonder at their seriousness, and the strictness of their
attention.――Blessed be God that has inclined their hearts to hear.
And O how refreshing it is to me, to see them attend with such uncommon
diligence and affection.
I likewise saw the hand of God making provision for their subsistence
together, in order to their being instructed. For this day and the
day before, with only walking a little way from the place of our daily
meeting, they killed _three deer_, which were a seasonable supply for
their wants, and without which, they could not have subsisted together
in order to attend the means of grace.
Lord’s-day, June 30. I preached twice this day also, and observed more
concern and affection among the poor Heathens than ever; so that they
even constrained me to tarry longer with them; although my constitution
was much impaired by the late fatigues and labours, and especially by
my late journey to Susquahannah.
July 1. I preached again twice to a very serious and attentive assembly,
who had now learned to attend the worship of God with _Christian
decency_.
There were now between _forty_ and _fifty_ persons of them present, old
and young.
I spent some time in discoursing with them in private, enquiring what
they remembered of the great truths that had been taught them. It was
amazing to see how they had retained the instructions given them, and
what knowledge some of them had acquired in a few days.
July 2. I was obliged to leave these Indians at Crosweeksung, thinking
it my duty, as soon as health would admit, to visit those at the Forks
of Delaware. When I came to take leave of them, they all earnestly
enquired when I would come again, and expressed a great desire of being
farther instructed: and of their own accord agreed, that when I should
come again, they would all meet and live together during my continuance
with them; and that they would do their utmost endeavours to gather all
the other Indians in these parts that were farther remote. And when I
parted, one told me with many tears, “She wished God would change her
heart,” another, that “She wanted to find Christ:” and an old man that
had been one of their _chiefs_, wept bitterly. I then promised them to
return as speedily as my health and business would admit, and felt not
a little concerned at parting, least good impressions might wear off.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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