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
Though her outward situation was disagreeable, being surrounded great
part of the day, with those who constrained her to see and hear what
her soul abhorred; yet his grace was sufficient for her, and she
remained always rejoicing, and praising the God of her salvation.
5. After some months, it was shewn her, that the seeds of sin were not
yet rooted out of her heart. Yet she did not let go her confidence in
God, neither lose the power over her besetting sin, which was anger.
And it was her principle, not to rest an hour, without a feeling sense
of the love of God.
6. On October the 9th, 1760, by the providence of God, she and I were
married. She was truly an helpmate for ten years, three months, and two
days: during which time we could truly say, there never was any thing
but love and tenderness toward each other. There never was, that I
remember, but once, any appearance of what is called a quarrel. And
in a few hours she saw, it was not her business, to interfere with the
discipline of the society.
7. Although there was the most tender affection between us, yet
so exceeding great was her love to souls, and her desire for their
welfare, that she was willing at all times for me to go to any part of
the kingdom, without ever saying, “If you _must_ go, stay a few days
longer.” And if I was absent three or six months, nay, a whole year,
which was once the case, she never complained. She could part with
husband, or any thing, to glorify him, who had done so much for her.
The last time I spoke of leaving her, she was ill. My friends then
advised me, not to go. I was inclined to follow their advice, as there
appeared little hope of her recovery. But she insisted on my going
where Providence called, saying, “I never have hindered you yet. And if
I should do it now, I believe it would be displeasing to God.” I went,
and after an absence of three months, returned just at the time, when
she was taken with that last illness, which prevented her going out any
more. And for my coming home just at that time, she praised God to her
latest hour.
8. During the last ten years of her life, she had many and great
conflicts. The sense of inbred sin, and of her having so many times
offended God, after she had known his love, often lay heavy upon her
mind, and pierced her with deep sorrow. The earnest desire of her soul
was, to be wholly given up to God. But she was tormented with that fear,
lest she should not glorify God in life and in death: particularly,
lest by any improper behaviour at her death, she should be a reproach
to the gospel. Likewise anxious care about the world, sometimes
exceedingly distressed her. She was tempted to fear, lest she should
live to be a burden to the society. Or, at least, till she could not
be helpful to others, as she knew, it was more blessed to give than to
receive. But thro’ the mercy of God, none of the things which she had
feared came upon her.
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