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, July 28. I preached again, and perceived my people more
thoughtful than ever. I was told by some, that seeing my interpreter
and his wife baptized made them more concerned than any thing they
had ever seen or heard. There was indeed a considerable appearance of
divine power among them at the time.
July 30. I discoursed to a number of my people, and gave them
particular advice, being about to leave them for the present, in
order to visit the Indians in New-Jersey. They were very attentive,
and earnestly desirous to know when I designed to return.
[On Wednesday, July 31. He set out on his return to Crosweeksung, and
arrived there the next day. In his way he had longing desires that he
might come to the Indians in the “fulness of the blessing of the gospel
of Christ;” attended with a sense of his own great weakness, dependence
and worthlessness.]
Friday, August 2. In the evening I retired, and my soul was drawn out
in prayer to God; especially for my poor people, to whom I had sent
word to gather together, that I might preach to them the next day.
I was much enlarged in praying for their conversion; and scarce ever
found my desires of it so sensibly and clearly free from selfish views.
I had no desire to be the instrument of so glorious a work; if it might
be accomplished to the honour of God, this was all my care; and for
this I hoped, but with trembling. My rising hopes, have been so often
dashed, that my spirit is broken, and I hardly dare hope.
Saturday, August 3. I now found them serious, and a number of them
under deep concern for an interest in Christ: their convictions of
their sinful and perishing state having, in my absence been much
promoted by the labours of Mr. William Tennent, to whom I advised them
to apply, and whose house they had frequented much.――I preached to them
this day on Revelation xxii. 17. “And whosoever will, let him take the
water of life freely.”
The Lord enabled me to set before them the Lord Jesus Christ as a kind
and compassionate Saviour, inviting distressed and perishing sinners
to accept everlasting mercy. And a surprising concern soon appeared
among them. There were about twenty adult persons together, (many of
the Indians at remote places, not having as yet had time to come since
my return.) and not above two that I could see with dry eyes. Some
discovered vehement longings after Christ, to save them from the misery
they felt and feared.
Lord’s-day, August 4. Being invited by a neighbouring minister to
assist in the administration of the Lord’s-supper, I complied with his
request, and took the Indians along with me; not only those that were
together the day before, but many more that were coming to hear me; so
that there were near fifty in all.
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