The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 13 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 13 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
I enquired, how the work of God began in her soul? She said, “_May_
was six years I came to live with Mrs. _Riggs_, where _Mary Feris_
lived; at which time I had no notion of real, heart religion. But her
behaviour struck me, and not long after, I went with her on Sunday
morning to the _New-Room_. From that time I saw myself a vile, helpless
sinner, of which I was convinced more and more; yet with strong hope,
expecting deliverance under every sermon I heard, and in every meeting
for prayer. But in about two months my hope grew weak, and I concluded
God did not hear my prayers. Then deep sorrow seized my heart, till
one night going to bed, I cried earnestly for mercy, and begged that if
there were any for me, I might wake time enough to attend the morning
preaching. I awoke at the time. In that moment I was enabled to believe,
that God loved me. I rejoiced unspeakably; I was happy in his love, and
have never since doubted of his favour.
“This joy continued for some months, but with an earnest hope of seeing
greater things than these: those words being frequently in my mouth,
and almost continually in my mind,
Wrestling I will not let thee go,
Till I thy name, thy nature know!
And one day as I was sitting in my room, the power of God came mightily
upon me, and those words were applied to my heart, in a manner I cannot
express, _Thou art all fair, my love: there is no spot in thee_. It
is impossible to tell how my soul was filled with love: surely it was
angel’s food! I was called down to dinner, but could eat nothing: On
this one said, ‘_Nancy_, have you got _the second blessing_?’ I did
not know how to answer to this, or what name to call it by. But I said,
I never was so happy in all my life: I am quite filled with love. And
from that time I have continued, except some weeks in the beginning
of last year, (when I was hurt by disputing about a third person)
_rejoicing evermore, praying without ceasing_, and _in every thing
giving thanks_. My particular prayer was, that God would give me all
the grace which he had promised in his word.”
From the time that this disorder began, it was her constant prayer,
“Lord, if I recover, let it be to thy glory; if not, thy will be done!
Only do not take me hence, till thou hast finished thy work in my soul.”
This, she added, “is my whole desire. And I must bear this testimony,
the Lord Jesus hath always, on his part, been faithful and gracious to
me. And though, on my part, I have been much wanting, yet he hath borne
with me and mightily blessed my soul.”
Her mother told me, “Yesterday I thought she was expiring; she did
not appear like herself; till she broke out, ‘The goodness of God has
been so manifested to my soul, that I could not speak. Those words were
spoke to my heart, _I have loved thee with an everlasting love_. And,
_Thou shalt be mine, in that day, when I make up my jewels_. O! I have
sweet foretastes of heaven! I would gladly go to him my soul loves.’”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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