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
“Enlarge our heart, to make thee room.”
Thursday, June 5. Glory be to God, that he hath given me a thankful
heart, for his love toward me even in my early days! How did his kind
hand preserve me, when I did not know him? How did it carry me through
the heedless steps of youth, keep me from the malice and intrigues
of all my enemies, and at last bring me to his dear self, and to the
knowledge of his love! And though the storms now rise high, yet blessed
be his name, all is calm within. Lord, be pleased to have pity upon
Satan’s instruments, and save their dear souls. I find nothing rises
in my heart against them: but I am constrained to mourn for them:
especially for those who have known God, and do not live to his glory.
Tuesday 10. I find it a heavy burden to be in the company even of
those that are called civil people. But as I am called to take up this
cross, may the Lord enable me to bear it. Lord, let me rely wholly on
thee. I feel thou art all in all! Thou art my strength, as well as my
righteousness. Without thee I can do nothing.
Tuesday 17. I did not enjoy so large a measure of love as I have
sometimes done. What is the reason I know not: the Lord pardon me for
it, and give me to see that all my doings are as filthy rags in the
sight of a pure God: and that I want the precious blood of my Redeemer
to interpose for me every moment. I feel the same want of him that ever
I did: I believe I am written on the palms of his hands. But still I
want more of the life and power of religion: I am hungry and thirsty
after this.
Wednesday 18. I was tempted this morning to resentment: but, glory be
to God, it could not enter. Lord, search me and prove me, empty me of
myself and fill me all with God. For ever wash, and keep me clean, and
let Christ be all in all.
Wednesday 25. I found indifference about going to church. I begged of
the Lord to direct me, and immediately the reasonings disappeared. In
the afternoon I poured out my soul before him, and prayed till I could
scarce speak. I long for a closer communion with God, and for more
wisdom and understanding in his ways.
Tuesday, July 8. Glory be to God, I am still the monument of his free
mercy. Amidst a world of business and hurry, I still enjoy peace, and
commune with God, as a man with his friend. I have not so much joy
as in time past; but my faith is strong, and I enjoy a calm peace.
And when temptation comes as a flood, his spirit lifts up a standard
against it. Meeting in band at night, I was quite stript, and felt
my nothingness. Glory be to God, that I am out of hell, because his
compassions fail not.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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