PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 11 (of 32)
Wesley, John, 1703-1791 · 87,981 words · 138 reading sections
Part 61
But now the true teacher began more powerfully to manifest himself to him, although as yet he knew him not. _The spirit of truth proceeding from the Father and the Son_, wrought in him daily, a still deeper solicitude about his salvation. Among others of his reflections in reference thereto, he began to think more seri…
155 wordsSECTION 62CHAPTER IV.
_Of his forsaking the church of_ Rome. A VARIETY of incidents contributed to this part of his conduct. He was first deeply concerned about the weighty affair of his own salvation; and then began to think seriously of the influence which his religious connexions might have thereon, which prepared him for attending to w…
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“Proposing therefore my design, they desired me to bring a bible, and with it _Nelson’s feasts, and fasts of the church of England_. Accordingly, we began reading, and conversing, and continued together till midnight.” The result of which was, he now determined no longer to resist conviction. “I was (says he) constrain…
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“It may be asked then, ‘Why did I leave their communion, since I thought so favourably of them:’ I answer, because I was abundantly convinced, that _as a church_, they have erred from the _right way_, and adulterated the truths of God with the inventions and traditions of men; which the scriptures, and even celebrated …
435 wordsSECTION 65CHAPTER V.
_Some further account of his progress in the way of life, with other reasons of his conduct in regard of the church of Rome._ THE affair of renouncing communion with the Romish church, and declaring himself a member of the church of _England_, being now over, he set himself to read with much diligence the holy scriptu…
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Thus far did he labour through the furnace of heart-tormenting conflict; assaulted on the one hand by the _Romanists_, who still wrought him all the trouble they could, both by calumny and contention: And on the other, by _the ruler of the darkness of this world_; _Satan_ and his emissaries, seeking to devour him. Our …
288 wordsSECTION 67CHAPTER VI.
_Of some particulars previous to his conversion._ AFTER having made use of every means, which either men or books could suggest, but without the desired effect, (being now in the nineteenth year of his age) as he returned to his lodging one evening in the city of _Limerick_, March 17, 1749, he saw an uncommonly large …
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It was some weeks before he had opportunity of hearing them again, being obliged to take care of his school in the country. On his next return to _Limerick_ he heard another of them (Mr. _T. W._) and liked their preaching still better. But his fondness for, and attachment to the word of God, would not admit of his taki…
236 wordsSECTION 69CHAPTER VII.
_Giving a farther account of the state of his soul, particularly of his deep convictions._ GOD had, by this time, made plain his way before his face. His holy word had fully informed his understanding, how a sinner can find favour with God. His scruples were all removed, and he wanted only the possession of what he sa…
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With some souls, it pleaseth our Lord to deal more gently, than with others; as (to mention no more examples) in the case of _Lydia_, and the _jaylor_, (Acts xvi.) The latter, trembling and terrified, _fell down_, prostrate, before _Paul_ and _Silas_, and said, in the utmost consternation, _What must I do to be saved!_…
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*“Such was the contest acted within my heart.――But as soon as more profound meditation had drawn out, from the very bottom of this sink, and laid on an heap, all my misery before the view of my soul; there arose in me a mighty tempest, bringing with it great showers of tears.――I, under a certain fig-tree, threw down my…
510 wordsSECTION 72CHAPTER VIII.
_Of his finding rest to his soul._ ALTHOUGH the night had hitherto hung upon his soul, yet he frequently saw the promise of deliverance at a distance. But now _the day-spring from on high_ began to dawn upon him. The manner of which he describes as follows, “Having given an account of my convictions, I think it may n…
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“And now I was divinely assured that God, for Christ’s sake, had forgiven me all my sins. The Spirit of God bore witness with my spirit that I was a child of God. _Mercy and truth met together_ in my heart; _righteousness and peace kissed each other_. Yea, so great was the deliverance, and so strong the consolation, th…
350 wordsSECTION 74CHAPTER IX.
_Of the confirmation of his soul in the grace of God, and the happy effects which it produced in him._ HE lived now as in another world. _Behold God is my salvation_, went through the whole of his heart and conduct. His soul was delighted with those good things reserved for, and enjoyed only by such as love God. He so…
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*“I may say in few words, that the kingdom of God was _within me_. I fed upon marrow and fatness, and with comfort drew water out of the wells of salvation. Sin, and temptation, and pain fled before the Lord Jesus, who _dwelt in my heart by faith_. I _walked_ and talked _with_ God all the day long. Whatsoever I believe…
143 wordsSECTION 76CHAPTER X.
_His employment among his Christian brethren, and the treatment he met with from the world._ *THE treasure of light and love, which God had put into the soul of his servant, began now, to shine clearly to others. They could easily discern an amazing change in his very aspect, as well as tempers, and conduct in general…
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“And now did I see plainly, that persons of every denomination, who are yet in their sins, under the guilt and power of them, are at enmity against Christ. And that Protestants, as well as Papists, have _naturally_ a spirit of calumny and persecution.” Alas, names and opinions, what are they? They do not, cannot alter …
511 wordsSECTION 78CHAPTER XI.
_His providential appointment to labour for the good of his neighbour, by preaching the gospel._ HE had from his first thorough awakening, a love to, and concern for the souls of others. The same cause which made him so solicitous for his own salvation, produced in him a tender sympathy for the souls of his neighbours…
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He judged that the knowledge of languages, and other branches of human literature, are highly expedient, and in some cases necessary; but that however, they are not absolutely so, in order to qualify a man for preaching the gospel with success. He knew that he might understand _sound doctrine_, and _hold fast a form of…
778 wordsSECTION 80CHAPTER XII.
_He begins to preach._ WHAT he had done hitherto, with reference to the conversion of souls, was only as necessity obliged him. The peace, and perfection of his own soul, being his main object of concern, till providence, having designed him for the ministry of the gospel, put him upon more extensive measures for prom…
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Thus have we brought to a conclusion what was proposed in this first part; having seen him from his youth, through the various travels of his soul, the whole process of his conversion, till his heart being at liberty, he began to publish the _voice of_ wisdom to all around him. It remains, to give some account of his l…
83 wordsSECTION 82CHAPTER I.
_Of his entire application to preaching the gospel._ IT being now, no longer matter of doubt, what the will of God was concerning him; trial having been made, and the fruit answering to the design, he resolved to defer no longer, stirring up the gift of God which was in him. Setting aside therefore every other concern…
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But as he sought not his own things, neither strove to please man, having in view only the glory of God, and the good of souls, this did not in the least damp his fervour, or retard his progress. As he saw daily the fruit of his labours, so he was not to be hindered, or discouraged by any treatment of himself; rather h…
320 wordsSECTION 84CHAPTER II.
_He goes into the provinces of Leinster and Connought and preaches the word there._ HIS way into those parts had, in some degree, been prepared before him: many having received that gospel, which he preached from others of his brethren. He followed them flaming with desire for the salvation of souls, and with zeal for…
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_Some farther account of the trouble he met with on account of preaching the gospel._ OUR Saviour, said of his kingdom, If it were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered into your hands. _Satan_ on the contrary, is said to be the prince, and _god of this world_. And how numerous ar…
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At the desire of several persons, he intended to have preached in a place called the _Church Green_, where were assembled, a large company to hear him. But while his hands were lifted up in prayer, there came one Mr. _Mortimer_, a presbyterian, and with him several hundred persons, who taking hold of him by the breast,…
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_A short account of the endeavours of the Romish clergy, to prevent his usefulness among their people. The means he made use of to instruct them, and the success which he met with therein._ NOTWITHSTANDING the strict laws which are in force, to prevent the propagation of Popery in these kingdoms, and to restrain the a…
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His manner of addressing them was easy and familiar: talking to them always in a stile suited to their capacity and prejudices. He avoided entirely the difference of churches, and all matter of dispute, speaking only of the dreadful evil of sin, the great affairs of eternal life, and eternal death, of judgment, and of …
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“After preaching on _John i. 17._ Sinners cried out mightily. One came confessing her deeds and said, She had lived an adultress, worse than _Mary Magdalen_; she wept, trembled and roared aloud.” The circumstance of his preaching and speaking in _Irish_, (a thing that multitudes, at least of protestants in _Ireland_ c…
574 wordsSECTION 90CHAPTER V.
_He goes to England and labours there._ THE enlargement of soul, with which it pleased God to bless him, left no bounds to his desires, of spreading the favour of the knowledge of Jesus, in every place: and his providential connexions, afforded him a large sphere of action. The people with whom he was more immediately…
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“You have the prayers of your children. I don’t forget you. A son honoureth his father, and a father loveth his son. Let it be so till death, and the devil can get little advantage. Your preaching has been often, and exceedingly blest to my soul. My heart’s desire, and prayer to God is, that the Lord would make me part…
435 wordsSECTION 92CHAPTER VI.
_His love to souls, and zeal for promoting the glory of God._ SOME account of his endeavours for the salvation of his neighbour, has already been given. But this being so considerable a part of his character, deserves a more full consideration: though it cannot be told, of how many and various expedients he served him…
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In one place, having preached to a vast number of _Romanists_ and others, and a prospect appearing of doing much good, he intended, to go again: but a report prevailed that if he attempted it; a great man would either have him stoned, or sent to jail. On this occasion “I reflected (says he) what God had done in former …
676 wordsSECTION 94CHAPTER VII.
_His application to study, love to the holy scriptures, and improvement in divine knowledge._ THE first materials of his learning, were not very considerable; he had acquired some knowledge of _Latin_ in his childhood, but left it off for the _Mathematics_: so that by the time he resumed his grammatical studies, he ha…
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*It was a rare thing ever to see him, but with a book in his hand, or speaking of the things of God, or in meditation. When in travelling, he at any time stopt at an inn, as soon as he was showed to his chamber, to stay whether for an hour, or a night; he would take out his little _Hebrew_ psalter (which was his favour…
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*Bishop _Taylor_ mentions it as a saying of _Oegidius_, “an old, and simple woman who loves Jesus, may be greater than was brother _Bonadventure_.” And inasmuch as the giving our whole heart to God, is that, without which, nothing in religion is available; if this be not done, is it not the same thing, whether it be th…
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He had a singular faculty for throwing light upon doubtful cases; and it was not unusual with him, by two or three words to set to rights, and entirely quiet the minds of persons, perplexed before, about points of doctrine, or experience. A most remarkable instance of this I remember to have known in _Ireland_: a perso…
244 wordsSECTION 98CHAPTER VIII.
_His manner of preaching._ AT first his sermons consisted chiefly, of a number of well chosen texts of scripture, suited to the particular subject on which he treated, and which, he, for the most part, cited with both the chapter and verse. He had in this manner formed, as it were, a body of divinity in his head, whic…
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“He fierce on the Philistines flies, _Compels_ the captives to come in; Spoils Satan of his lawful prize, And tears them from the toils of sin.” ♦ “tuly” replaced with “truly” His courage and resolution in this, were such as are rarely to be found. He judged, that there was nothing more likely to pull down the strong…
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He had not, it must be acknowledged, at least he had but little made use of, the _art_ of preaching: not indeed that he was ignorant of such rules as, orators lay down for ordering, and conducting public discourses. His knowledge both of _Logic_ and _Rhetoric_ was far from being inconsiderable. He had both read, and in…
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*He prayed and studied, and studied and prayed again, going always (unless necessity prevented) from his closet and off his knees, into the pulpit. But when he came there, he gave himself up wholly into the hands of God, to be actuated and used by him, in all respects, as might be most for his glory. And it was gloriou…
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*Indeed this was first and last, his main concern, That while he ministered to the wants of others, he might not sustain loss in his own soul, nor have to take up that sad complaint, _They made me keeper of the vineyards, but mine own vineyard have I not kept_.¹ It is a fearful case for a preacher, to be only like a ch…
172 wordsSECTION 103CHAPTER IX.
_Of his frequent sickness, the exercises of his mind therein, and the improvement which he made thereof._ HIS original constitution was strong, and his make and stature such, as, humanly speaking, indicated health and long life. He seemed free from those incumbrances of constitution which some have to struggle with we…
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“Is there a thing beneath the sun, That strives with thee my heart to share? Ah, tear it thence, and reign alone The Lord of ev’ry motion there!” 4. “On the twenty-sixth day, early in the morning, the gracious Lord replenished my soul with his love. He poured out his Spirit upon me. The intercourse was open between he…
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“6thly, For four or five days, after it was over, I had much of the presence of God, and of Christ. Many scripture truths revealed to me, and strong assurances, that God would spare me a little longer, to preach his gospel to the ignorant, and them that are out of the way, and to help forward the faith of his children.…
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“Jesus was my comfort, and my joy, my life, and my strength. O, if I had not Jesus for my help, I should be miserable. But since I have thee I am happy in these my afflictions. The lovely smiles of thy countenance, which shine with glory, revive and raise me. O, divine love! What hast thou done for me, a poor sinner! B…
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_Of his temptations, conflicts and various exercises of soul._ IT is a point of wisdom, well worthy our ♦pursuit, to know what in the course of our experience we ought to ascribe to God, to angels, whether good or evil, and to ourselves. How greatly would it contribute to prevent many evil reasonings and self-tormenti…
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He studied deeply the nature of the Christian warfare, and was well practised in the use of its weapons. His thoughts on _the whole armour of_ God,¹ ♦were the genuine result of his own experience. The combats which he met with, needed not less than the whole; and he both tried, and proved that every part thereof is ind…
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“_Tuesday, 21._ I had a sorrowful morning. My soul was in heaviness through manifold temptations. The enemy came upon me in my sleep, and grieved my soul. Although I had joy at night, yet sorrow attended me in the morning. I had intended to have preached on the beatitudes; but finding myself full of troubles and tempta…
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_His communion with God._ UNDER this head, is comprehended the whole of his conduct, and experience, as a Christian, considered in his private capacity. And for this especially, we are furnished with the most ample materials, both from the general tenor of his conversation and from his diary. He lived for this _one t…
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His exactness in all those particulars, which comprize men’s duty to God, their neighbour and themselves, was such, and so well known, that it would be easy to swell this chapter, by enlarging on each of them, to an enormous size. But passing over the greater part of them, I shall only point out a few particulars, rela…
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An habitual spirit of mortification served as wings to his prayer. And perhaps the want of this, is, much more than is commonly thought, a grand cause of that indisposedness to, and weariness in prayer, which is so generally complained of among Christians; many of whom are often even glad of a pretended occasion to avo…
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In order to do this effectually, his manner was to draw up a plan in writing (till use made it familiar to him) of the manner, in which he judged it most profitable to spend the day. He distributed it into certain portions, and assigned to each its particular employment: allowing only for occasional interruptions in th…
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*His carriage, aspect, words, and the whole of his behaviour, spoke the solemnity and profound recollection of his soul. Nor can a stranger better conceive of him, in regard to this particular, than by forming to himself, an idea of a person returned from the happy dead, conversing with men. And it was nearly in this m…
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In places of publick worship, he hardly ever saw any body, so as to distinguish them; and in every means of grace, his grand aim was, to find more of God _within_ him. He waited for this in lively earnest composure; and thus approaching the Lord’s table in particular, he _ate the flesh and drank the blood of the Son of…
543 wordsSECTION 116CHAPTER ♦XII.
♦ “V.” replaced with “XII.” _Some particulars relating to the head of his communion with_ God.…
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HIS great rule was to imitate our Lord Jesus Christ, in the most perfect manner he could. The whole tenor of his conduct plainly discovered, that he sought nothing but God. There was in the chastity of his manners, a purity next to angelical; and a circumspection in his every step, which declared, that to him _to live …
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*He was a man of tears, and sighs, and groans. He wanted not indeed the joy of a good conscience; and knowing continually in whom he believed, he enjoyed the benefits resulting therefrom, and yet this notwithstanding, the whole of his Christian pilgrimage, was interspersed with much weeping. He seldom had a dry handker…
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He was without affectation, a man of humility; not indeed so as to disown, or not to make use of the gifts and graces, with which God had endowed him: this would have been to lie against the truth; but notwithstanding all that he had, yet taking knowledge whence it came, he esteemed himself as nothing; but was truly di…
310 wordsSECTION 120VIII.
There was the utmost steadiness in the whole of his religious conduct. The course of the sun, and the seasons, is not more regular, than were his successive exercises of prayer, meditation, preaching, and study; so that from knowing how he spent one day, may be gathered, his manner of spending whole months, or years; a…
116 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
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Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.