The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 14 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 14 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
“In _March_ following I heard a letter read from one, who had entered
into the rest of the people of God. It described a happiness in
religion, which I was a stranger to: I was much stirred up to seek
after it, and was determined to wrestle with God till I prevailed.
One day in prayer, that promise was applied, _The Lord whom ye seek,
shall suddenly come to his temple_. From that time, I expected him in
every means I used, to come and destroy the works of the devil. I was
agonizing with God in family prayer, when he gave me power to venture
upon Jesus, as of God _made unto me wisdom, and righteousness, and
sanctification, and redemption_. He spoke into my heart, ‘The Lord,
even the king of _Israel_, is in the midst of thee; _and the enemies
thou hast seen this day, thou shalt see them no more for ever_.’ From
this time I have rejoiced indeed, and yet loathed myself in my own
sight. I feel no desire but to please him, and know of nothing in me
that is not subjected to Jesus: I depend upon him every moment, as my
advocate with the Father: I daily feel my coming short of what I would
be, yet without any condemnation. The blood of sprinkling speaks me
clean. Indeed if I could perform the obedience I desire, I should still
be ashamed before him.”
3. In the midst of various outward trials, her soul was now kept as a
watered garden. She was _satisfied with the favour, and full blessing
of the Lord_: she enjoyed deep communion with God, and that without
any interruption: she sought for and found direction from him in every
circumstance of life. She truly proved him to be her counsellor, who
instructed her by his small still voice. She walked continually in
his presence, and felt her soul always approved of him. She used to
say, “Would Jesus on this or the other occasion, have acted or spoken
thus?” And this rule she steadily copied after, in all her life and
conversation. She knew a little of what our Lord meant, when he said,
_The Father which dwelleth in me, he doth the works_. To his will she
was entirely given up, in sickness and health, ease and pain.
4. In the beginning of _November_, she seemed to have a foresight of
what was coming upon her, and used frequently to sing these words:
“When pain o’er this weak flesh prevails,
With lamb-like patience arm my breast.”
And when she sent to let me know she was ill, she wrote in her note,
“I suffer the will of Jesus. All he sends is sweetened by his love. I
am as happy as if I heard a voice say,
For me my elder brethren stay,
And angels beckon me away,
And Jesus bids me come.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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