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
2. On February 14, 1747. Her husband brought her to _Dublin_. But
she was still the same: “I do not remember, said she, that I had any
thought, whether I had a soul or not, till I was about twenty-eight
years old.” At that time she began to reflect with terror, on the
immortality of her soul. She saw and felt, that hell was her just
desert, and could find no way to escape it. She knew she was under the
wrath of God, but knew not how to appease it. She went from church to
church, and endeavoured to do whatever she was taught; but found all
she could do was nothing. Sometimes indeed her convictions subsided
for a time; but returned with double violence. The cry of her soul
continually was, “Lord what must I do to be saved? Shew me the way
wherein I should go!” Thus she went on for several years.
3. About fourteen years ago she heard Mr. _Thomas Walsh_ preach in the
New-room. She said, “He made my soul tremble exceedingly.” Her fears
were rather increased than lessened. But the eyes of her understanding
were not opened, with regard to the true method of salvation.
Afterwards she heard “that blessed man of God,” (as she justly called
him) _Paul Greenwood_. She then saw, that _by grace we are saved
through faith_, and at the same time, sin received a mortal wound. She
determined, nothing should prevent her seeking the pearl of great price,
that precious faith. She had much opposition; but nothing stopped her
soul on full stretch for salvation. Such was her desire to hear the
word, that frequently when she was locked into the room, up one pair of
stairs, she got out at a window. She directly joined the society, and
counted all things loss, so she might win Christ.
4. It was not long before it pleased God to remove the opposer out of
the way. She now frequently received much comfort: but that did not
satisfy. Nothing could give her lasting comfort, till she knew her sins
were blotted out. This she earnestly sought both in private and public,
missing no opportunity of hearing the preaching. And one Sunday morning,
as Mr. _Deaves_ was giving out an hymn, God was _pleased to reveal his
Son in_ her, and to enable her to say with a clear confidence, “He has
loved _me_, and given himself for _me_.” It was with much difficulty
that she refrained from crying out, and exhorting all to praise the
Lord. She now delighted to run the way of his commandments. Her heart
was enlarged. Both her heart and hands were open towards those that
feared God, and had her power been equal to her will, none of them
should have wanted any thing. For some months she walked as on the
wings of the wind.
“Jesus all the day long
Was her joy and her song:
O that all his salvation may see!
He has lov’d me, she cried,
He hath suffer’d and died
To redeem such a rebel as me!”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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