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
_Now_ a change in their manners began to appear. In the evening when
they came to sup together, they would not taste a morsel till they
had sent to me to come and ask a blessing on their food; at which time
sundry of them wept, especially when I minded them how they had in
times past eat their feasts in _honour_ to _devils_, and neglected to
thank God for them.
August 5. After a sermon had been preached by another minister, I
preached, and concluded the public work of the solemnity from John
vii. 37. In my discourse I addressed the Indians in particular, who
sat by themselves in a part of the house; at which time one or two
of them were struck with deep concern, who had been little affected
before: others had their concern increased to a considerable degree.
In the evening I discoursed to them, and found them universally
engaged, inquiring, “What they should do to be saved?” And all their
conversation among themselves turned upon _religious_ matters, in which
they were much assisted by my interpreter, who was with them day and
night.
*This day there was one woman, that had been much concerned ever since
she heard me preach in June, who obtained comfort, I trust solid and
well grounded: she seemed to be filled with love to Christ, at the same
time she behaved humbly and tenderly, and appeared afraid of nothing so
much as of grieving him whom her soul loved.
August 6. In the morning I discoursed to the Indians at the house where
we lodged: many of them were then much affected, so that a few words
about their souls would cause the tears to flow freely, and produce
many sobs and groans.――――
*In the afternoon, they being returned to the place where I have
usually preached among them, I again discoursed to them there. There
were about fifty-five persons in all, about forty that were capable
of attending divine service with understanding: I insisted upon 1 John
iv. 10. “Herein is love,” &c. They seemed eager of hearing; but there
appeared nothing very remarkable, till near the close of my discourse;
and then divine truths were attended with a surprising influence.
There was scarce _three_ in _forty_ that could refrain from tears and
bitter cries. They all as one, seemed in an agony of soul to obtain
an interest in Christ; and the more I discoursed of the love of God in
sending his Son to suffer for the sins of men; and the more I invited
them to come and partake of his love, the more their distress was
aggravated.
It was surprising to see how their hearts were pierced with the tender
invitations of the gospel, when there was not a word of terror spoken
to them.
*There were this day two persons that obtained comfort, which appeared
solid, rational, and scriptural. After I had enquired into the grounds
of their comfort, I asked what they wanted God to do further for them?
They replied, “They wanted Christ should wipe their hearts quite clean.”
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