PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 12 (of 32)
Wesley, John, 1703-1791 · 88,723 words · 116 reading sections
Part 61
In the afternoon I discoursed to them publickly. There were now present about seventy persons. I opened and applied the parable of the sower, and was enabled to discourse with much plainness. There were many tears among them while I was discoursing, but no considerable cry: yet some were much affected with a few words …
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August 14. I spent the day with the Indians. There was one of them who had some time since put away his wife, (as is common among them) and taken another woman, and being now brought under some serious impressions, was earnestly desirous to know what God would have him do. When the law of God respecting _marriage_ had …
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Lord’s-day, August 25. I preached in the forenoon from Luke xv. 3‒7. There being a multitude of _white_ people present, I made an address to them at the close of my discourse: but could not so much as keep them orderly; for scores of them kept walking and gazing about, and behaved more indecently than _any Indians_ I e…
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Towards night I discoursed to the Indians again and perceived a greater attention, and more visible concern among them, than has been usual in _these parts_. September 3. I preached to the Indians from Isaiah liii. 3‒6. The divine presence seemed to be in the midst of the assembly, and a considerable concern spread am…
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Saturday, September 14. I visited the Delaware king, (who was supposed to be at the point of death when I was here in May, but was now recovered,) discoursed with him and others respecting Christianity, and had more encouragement than I expected. The _king_ appeared willing to be instructed; this gave me some hope, tha…
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*Lord’s-day, September 21. I spent the day with the Indians on the island. As soon as they were up, I attempted to instruct them, and laboured to get them together, but quickly found they had something else to do; for they gathered together all their _powwows_, (or conjurers,) and set about half a dozen of them to play…
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*When I was in these parts in May last, I had an opportunity of learning many of the customs of the Indians: I then travelling more than an hundred and thirty miles upon the river above the English settlements; and had in that journey a view of persons of _seven_ or _eight_ distinct tribes, speaking so many different l…
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Thursday, September 26. I was still much disordered in body, and able to ride but slowly, I continued my journey however. Near night I arrived at the Irish settlement, about fifteen miles from mine own house. This day I was much exercised with a sense of my barrenness: and verily thought, there was no creature that had…
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*October 28. I discoursed from Matthew xxii. 1‒13. I was enabled to adapt my discourse to the capacities of my people, “I know not how,” in a plain, easy, and familiar manner, beyond all that I could have done by the utmost study: and this, with as much freedom, as if I had been addressing a common audience, who had be…
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_2dly_, It is remarkable how God, in a manner almost _unaccountable_, called these Indians together and how he ♦seized their minds with the most solemn concern as fast as they came to the place where his word was preached. When I first came into these parts, I found not one man at the place, but only four _women_, and …
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_4thly_, Nor is it less wonderful how God was pleased to provide a _remedy_ for my want of skill in the Indian language, by remarkably fitting my interpreter for, and assisting him in the performance of his work. It might be supposed I must labour under a vast disadvantage in addressing the Indians by an interpreter, a…
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As these poor Pagans stood in need of having “line upon line, and precept upon precept,” in order to their being grounded in the principles of Christianity; so I preached “publickly and taught from house to house,” almost every day for _whole weeks_ together. And my _public_ discourses did not then make up the one half…
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The influence of God’s word was not _confined_ to those who had given evidences of being truly gracious, though I calculated my discourse for, and directed it _chiefly_ to such: but it appeared to be a season of divine power in the whole assembly; so that most were, in some measure affected. And one aged man in particu…
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Saturday, December 21. My people having now attained to a considerable degree of knowledge in the principles of Christianity, I thought it proper to set up a _catechetical lecture_; and this evening attempted something in _that form_; proposing questions to them, receiving their answers, and then explaining and insisti…
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December 25. The Indians having been used upon Christmas-days to drink and revel among the _white_ people, I thought proper to call them together, and discourse to them upon divine things: which I accordingly did from the parable of the barren figtree, Luke xiii. 6‒9. The power of God appeared in the assembly, by awake…
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Lord’s-day. December 29. I preached from John iii. 1‒5. a number of white people were present, as is usual upon the sabbath. The discourse seemed to have a _silent_, but _deep_ and _piercing_ influence upon the audience. Many wept and sobbed affectionately. And there were some tears among the white people, as well as t…
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Near night I proposed to have proceeded in my usual method of catechising. But while we were engaged in the first prayer, the power of God came upon the assembly in so remarkable a manner, that I thought it more expedient to insist upon the plentiful provision made for the redemption of perishing sinners, and to press …
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*While he was musing in this manner, he saw, he said, with his heart (which is a common phrase among them) something that was unspeakably good and lovely, and what he had never seen before; and “this stole away his heart whether he would or no.” He did not, he said, know what it was he saw. He did not say, “this is Jes…
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God has been pleased to own and bless the administration of _this_, as well as of his other _ordinances_, among the Indians. There are some here that have been powerfully awakened at seeing others baptized: And some have obtained relief and comfort, just when this ordinance has been administered. Toward night I catech…
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February 20. I preached to the Indians. They seemed more cordial to Christianity than before, and some appeared much affected. My spirits were supported, though my bodily strength was much wasted. O that God would be gracious to the souls of these poor Indians! God has been very gracious to me this week: he has enabl…
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*While we were singing, there was one (the woman mentioned in my journal of February 9.) who, was “filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” and could not but burst forth in prayer and praises to God before us all, with many tears, crying sometimes in English, and sometimes in Indian “O blessed Lord, do come, do …
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My house being thronged with people in the evening, I spent the time with them, till my nature was almost spent.――They are so unwearied in religious exercises, and unsatiable in their thirsting after _Christian knowledge_, that I can sometimes scarce avoid labouring so, as greatly to exhaust my strength. March 19. Som…
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My people going out this day to clear some of their lands about fifteen miles distant, in order to their settling there together, where they might attend the public worship of God, have their children schooled, and at the same time have a conveniency for planting: I thought it proper to call them together and shew them…
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Lord’s-day, April 6. I preached from Matthew vii. 21‒23. There were considerable effects visible in the audience; an earnest attention, a great solemnity, many tears and sighs. Divers were put upon close examination of their spiritual slates, by hearing that “not every one that saith to Christ, Lord, Lord, shall enter …
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April 25. Having appointed the next Lord’s-day for the administration of the Lord’s supper, this day was set apart for solemn fasting and prayer, to implore the blessing of God upon our design; and to intreat that his presence might be with us in our approach to his table. The solemnity was observed, not only by those…
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*Observing numbers in this excellent frame, I thought it proper to improve this advantageous season, as Hezekiah did his great _passover_, (2 Chronicles xxxi.) in order to promote the blessed reformation among them: and accordingly proposed to them that they should _renewedly_ enter into covenant before God, to watch o…
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The first genuine concern for his soul was excited by seeing my interpreter and his wife baptized at the Forks of Delaware, July 21, 1745. Which so prevailed upon him that he followed me down to Crosweeksung in the beginning of August, and there continued for several weeks in the season of the most powerful awakening a…
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Saturday, May 10. I rode to Allen’s-Town, to assist in the administration of the Lord’s supper. In the afternoon I preached from Titus ii. 14. God was pleased to carry me through with some freedom; and yet to deny me that enlargement I longed for. In the evening my soul mourned, that I had treated so excellent a subjec…
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*I find _discouragement_ to be an exceeding _hindrance_ to my spiritual fervency and affection: but when God enables me to find that I have done something for him, this animates me, so that I could break through all hardships, undergo any labours, and nothing seems too much either to do or suffer. But Oh, what a death …
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♦*Thursday, May 22. In the evening I was in a frame somewhat remarkable: I had apprehended for several days, that it was a design of providence I should _settle_ among my people; and had in my own mind began to make provision for it: and yet was never quite pleased with the thoughts of being confined to one place. Neve…
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Friday, May 23. In the morning I was in the same frame of mind. The glory of Christ’s kingdom so much outshone the pleasure of earthly accommodations and enjoyments, that they appeared comparatively nothing. My soul was melted in secret, and I found myself ♦divorced from any part in this world so that in those affairs …
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Friday, June 13.――I came away rejoicing and blessing God for his grace manifested at this season. The same day I baptized _five_ persons, three adults and two children. One of these was the very _aged woman_ of whom I gave an account in my journal of December 26. She now gave me a very punctual, rational, and satisfact…
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*And I have often remarked, that whatever subject I have been upon, after having explained the truths contained therein, I have been _naturally_ and _easily_ led to Christ as the _substance_ of every one. If I treated on the being and glorious perfections of God, I was thence _naturally_ led to discourse of Christ as t…
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I do not intend to represent the preaching of _morality_, and pressing persons to the _external_ performance of duty, to be unnecessary _at any time_; especially when there is less of divine power attending the means of grace.――It is doubtless among the things that “ought to be done,” while “others are not to be left u…
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_Fourthly._ It is worthy to be noted, that amidst _so great_ a work of conviction,――so much concern and religious affection, there has been no _prevalency_, nor indeed any considerable _appearance_ of _false religion_, or heats of imagination, intemperate zeal, and spiritual pride; (which corrupt mixtures too often att…
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It is a notion generally prevailing among them, that it was not the same _God_ made them, who made us; but that they were made after the white people. And they suppose their God gained some special skill by seeing the white people made, and so made _them_ better: for they look upon themselves, and their methods of livi…
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I have laboured to gain some acquaintance with this affair, and have for that end consulted the man mentioned in my journal of May 9, who, since his conversion to Christianity, has endeavoured to give me the best intelligence he could of this matter. But it seems to be such a _mystery of iniquity_, that I cannot well u…
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[On Friday and Saturday, he was very much amiss; but yet preached to his people on Saturday. His illness continued on the sabbath; but he preached notwithstanding, both parts of the day; and after the public worship, endeavoured to apply divine truths to the consciences of some, addressing them personally: several were…
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Tuesday, July 29. My mind was chearful, and free from those melancholy damps, that I am often exercised with. In the evening I enjoyed a comfortable season in secret prayer, was helped to plead with God for my own dear people: and for the divine presence to attend me in my intended journey to Susquahannah. Wednesday, …
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Wednesday, August 20. Having lain in a cold sweat all night, I coughed much blood this morning; but I had a secret hope that I might speedily get a dismission from earth, and all its sorrows. I rode this day to one Chambers’s, upon Susquahannah, and there lodged, but was much afflicted, in the evening, with an ungodly …
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Thursday, September 4. I discoursed with the Indians about Christianity; my _interpreter_, afterwards, carrying on the discourse to a considerable length: some few appeared well disposed, and somewhat affected. I left this place, and returned to Shaumoking; and at night lodged in the place where I lodged the Monday nig…
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_After his return from his last journey to Susquahannah, until his_ death. [HITHERTO Mr. Brainerd had kept a constant _diary_, giving an account of what passed from day to day: but henceforward his diary is much interrupted by his illness; under which he was often brought so low, as not to be able to ♦recollect in the…
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Saturday, October 4. I spent the former part of this week under a great degree of disorder, as I had done several weeks before: was able, however, to ride a little every day, although unable to sit up half the day, and took some care daily of persons at work upon my house. On Friday afternoon I found myself wonderfully…
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Lord’s-day, October 26. In the morning I was exceeding weak, and spent the day till near night, in pain to see my poor people wandering as _sheep not having a shepherd_. But towards night finding myself a little better, I called them together to my house and sat down, and read and expounded Matthew v. 1‒16. This discou…
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In the latter end of December, I grew still weaker, and continued to do so, till the latter end of January 1746‒7. And having a violent cough, a considerable fever, and no appetite for any manner of food, I was reduced to so low a state, that my friends generally despaired of my life; and for some time together, though…
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[This proved his final departure from New-Jersey.――He travelled slowly, and arrived among his friends at East-Haddam, about the beginning of May.] Lord’s-day, May 10. (At Had-Lime) I could not but feel gratitude to God, that he had always disposed me, in my ministry, to insist on the great doctrines of _regeneration, …
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In the preceeding week, I enjoyed some comfortable seasons of meditation. One morning the cause of God appeared exceeding precious to me: I saw also, that God has an infinitely greater concern for it, than I could possibly have; that if I have any true love to this blessed interest, it is only a drop derived from that …
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Mr. Brainerd’s restoration from his extreme low state in Boston, so as to go abroad again and to travel, was very unexpected to him and his friends. My daughter who was with him writes thus concerning him in a letter dated June 23.――“On Thursday he was very ill of a violent fever, and extreme pain in his head and breas…
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Though he had revived, so as to be able to travel thus far, yet he manifested no expectation of recovery: he supposed as his physician did, that his being brought so near to death at Boston, was owing to the breaking of ulcers in his lungs. He told me that he had had several such ill turns before, only not to so high a…
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In his diary for Lord’s-day, August 16, he speaks of his having so much refreshment of soul in the house of God, that it seemed also to refresh his body. And this is not only noted in his diary, but was very observable to others: it was very apparent, not only, that his mind was exhilarated with inward consolation, but…
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He also this week, wrote a letter to a gentleman in Boston, relating to the growth of the Indian school, and the need of another school-master. The gentlemen, on the receipt of this letter, had a meeting, and agreed with chearfulness to give 200l. (in bills of the old tenor) for the support of another school-master; an…
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*[In the evening, his mouth spake out of the abundance of his heart, expressing in a very affecting manner much the same things as are written in his _diary_: and among many other extraordinary expressions, were these; “_My heaven_ is to _please_ God, and _glorify_ him, and to give all to him, and to be wholly devoted …
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Monday, September 21. I began to correct a little volume of my private writings: God, I believe, remarkably helped me in it: my strength was ♦surprisingly lengthened out, my thoughts quick and lively, and my soul refreshed, hoping it might be a work for God. Oh, how good, how sweet it is to labour for God! ♦ “suprisin…
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Another thing that lay much on his heart, and that he spake of, from time to time, in these near approaches of death, was the spiritual prosperity of his own congregation: and when he spake of them, it was with peculiar tenderness, so that his speech would be presently interrupted and drowned with tears. *He also expr…
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[The next evening we much expected his brother John from New-Jersey; it being about a week after the time that he proposed for his return. And though our expectations were still disappointed; yet Mr. Brainerd seemed to continue unmoved, in the same calm frame, that he had before manifested; as having resigned all to Go…
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The next day, Thursday, October 8. He told me it was impossible for anyone to conceive the distress he felt in his breast. He manifested much concern lest he should dishonour God by impatience. He desired that others would be much in lifting up their hearts to God for him. He signified, that he expected to die that nig…
510 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
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Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.