CHAPTERVIII.

CHAPTERVIII.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 nowthe day-spring from on highbegan to dawn upon him. The manner of which he describes as follows,“Having given an account of my convictions, I think it may not be improper to relate likewise, how the promise was fulfilled in me. And this also is the work of the Holy Ghost, convincingof righteousness as hedoth ofsin.“1st. He kindled in my soul earnest desires towards God. There was a tenderness in my heart. It began to warm and dissolve after it was broken by the law, and scorched by the wrathof God; and to be a little comforted and encouraged.*“2dly. Light began to spring up in my mind. I saw at length, not my guilt only, but likewise the all sufficiency of Christ, and his atonement. I was convinced that he cameto seek and to savelost sinners: thathe tasted death for every man; that hewilleth all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth, in order thereto. O what a glorious view had I of the mercy of God in giving his Son, and of the unspeakable love and pity of Christ in dying for sinners. I was constrained to cry out, Lord,what manner of love is this, wherewith thou has loved us! What is man that thou shouldest be so mindful of him! But I could not yet say thatIhadredemption in the blood ofChrist,the forgiveness ofmysins. I did not experience the merit of his death applied tomysoul.“3dly. But I had strong hope that God would be merciful to my unrighteousness, and blot out my sins for his name sake. I could see the promise and pardon held forth to me, though as yet I was not able to lay hold of them. At certain seasons indeed I could be almost confident that there wasno condemnationto me; and could venture my soul upon Christ, for life and salvation. But this soon vanished away, which convinced me it was not justifying faith, else the witness would be in my heart; forhe that believeth on the Son ofGodhath the witness in himself.¹And because ye are sons,Godhath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your heart crying, Abba, Father.²¹1 Johnv.10.²Galatiansiv.6.“4thly. There was kindled in my soul a still more vehement thirst after Christ. Nothing could now satisfy me short of the assured knowledge, that I had an interest in his blood. My soul was sick with fervent longings. I esteemed all things but dung and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. He appeared altogether lovely to me. I beheld all glory, all happiness, all riches, and honour in the Saviour. I had no desire after other things: all relish for them was gone, ‘Give me Christ, or else I die!’ Sin lost its power, so that no sin had dominion over me. I was so taken up in beholding the Lord Jesus, in reading and in prayer, that I had no desire of any thing else. Neitherthe lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, northe pride of life, had any power over me. But yet I could not say, I was then a believer. I had indeed an utter hatred to all sin, and power to forsake every thing that I believed to be offensive to God, and contrary to the holy will of my Lord Jesus, whom I sought and desired above all things visible or invisible.“5thly. And now, about four months after my most deep awakenings, and joining theMethodistsociety, the clear day began to shine and the Lord, whois rich in mercyvisited mewith his salvation. He brought me out of the horrible pit, and miry clay, and set my feet upon the rock Christ Jesus. The particular manner of which was as follows,“Coming into the room where we were accustomed to meet together, to hear the word of exhortation; before preaching began, I sat musing. My soul was looking out and longing for Christ, as the watchman for the morning. The congregation being assembled, the servant of God (Mr.W. T.) poured out his soul in prayer. And as he prayed, the power of the Lord came down in the midst of us. Thewindows of heavenwere opened, and theskies poured down righteousness. My heart melted like wax before the fire; especially at the mention of those words,Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? This that is glorious in his apparel travelling in the greatness of his strength?And again, at the singing those words in the hymn.“Behold the Saviour of mankind,Nail’d to the shameful tree!How vast the love that him inclin’dTo bleed, and die for thee!’Tis done! the precious ransom’s paid;Receive my soul he cries;See, where he bows his sacred head!He bows his head and dies.”“The former words in the prayer, and these in the hymn, came with such power to my heart that I was constrained to cry out,Bless theLord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name; for he hath forgiven all mine iniquity, and healed my diseases.“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 togetherin my heart;righteousness and peace kissed each other. Yea, so great was the deliverance, and so strong the consolation, that I could not contain myself. I broke out into tears of joy and love, having obtained such mercy I could not but join with the angels to sing praises tohim that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb, who so loved me, and washed me from my sins, in his own blood. A new song was indeed put into my mouth, even of thanksgiving unto my God.*“I had often in private cried aloud to God, yet it was not till now, that I did so in the congregation. But my wound being healed, a necessity was laid upon me to declare what the Lord had done for my soul. In the same hour another who sat next to me was filled with joy and peace in believing. We both withdrew to another room, and gave thanks and praise to God together.“And now I felt of a truth that faith in Christ, isthe substanceor subsistanceof things hoped for, and anevidence of things not seen. God, and thethings of the invisible world, of which I had only heard before bythe hearing of the ear, appeared now in their true light, as substantial realities, and for him.*“I could now lay hold on Christ, and the promises of God through him. Faith in his blood brought heaven into my breast, and filled me withrighteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. It gave me to see a reconciled God, and an all sufficient Saviour. And thus was it anevidenceto me. Through this faith I could say, Christ lovedme, and gave himself forme. O this is the gift of God!Faith of the operation of the Holy Ghost.”

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 nowthe day-spring from on highbegan to dawn upon him. The manner of which he describes as follows,

“Having given an account of my convictions, I think it may not be improper to relate likewise, how the promise was fulfilled in me. And this also is the work of the Holy Ghost, convincingof righteousness as hedoth ofsin.

“1st. He kindled in my soul earnest desires towards God. There was a tenderness in my heart. It began to warm and dissolve after it was broken by the law, and scorched by the wrathof God; and to be a little comforted and encouraged.

*“2dly. Light began to spring up in my mind. I saw at length, not my guilt only, but likewise the all sufficiency of Christ, and his atonement. I was convinced that he cameto seek and to savelost sinners: thathe tasted death for every man; that hewilleth all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth, in order thereto. O what a glorious view had I of the mercy of God in giving his Son, and of the unspeakable love and pity of Christ in dying for sinners. I was constrained to cry out, Lord,what manner of love is this, wherewith thou has loved us! What is man that thou shouldest be so mindful of him! But I could not yet say thatIhadredemption in the blood ofChrist,the forgiveness ofmysins. I did not experience the merit of his death applied tomysoul.

“3dly. But I had strong hope that God would be merciful to my unrighteousness, and blot out my sins for his name sake. I could see the promise and pardon held forth to me, though as yet I was not able to lay hold of them. At certain seasons indeed I could be almost confident that there wasno condemnationto me; and could venture my soul upon Christ, for life and salvation. But this soon vanished away, which convinced me it was not justifying faith, else the witness would be in my heart; forhe that believeth on the Son ofGodhath the witness in himself.¹And because ye are sons,Godhath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your heart crying, Abba, Father.²

¹1 Johnv.10.²Galatiansiv.6.

¹1 Johnv.10.

²Galatiansiv.6.

“4thly. There was kindled in my soul a still more vehement thirst after Christ. Nothing could now satisfy me short of the assured knowledge, that I had an interest in his blood. My soul was sick with fervent longings. I esteemed all things but dung and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. He appeared altogether lovely to me. I beheld all glory, all happiness, all riches, and honour in the Saviour. I had no desire after other things: all relish for them was gone, ‘Give me Christ, or else I die!’ Sin lost its power, so that no sin had dominion over me. I was so taken up in beholding the Lord Jesus, in reading and in prayer, that I had no desire of any thing else. Neitherthe lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, northe pride of life, had any power over me. But yet I could not say, I was then a believer. I had indeed an utter hatred to all sin, and power to forsake every thing that I believed to be offensive to God, and contrary to the holy will of my Lord Jesus, whom I sought and desired above all things visible or invisible.

“5thly. And now, about four months after my most deep awakenings, and joining theMethodistsociety, the clear day began to shine and the Lord, whois rich in mercyvisited mewith his salvation. He brought me out of the horrible pit, and miry clay, and set my feet upon the rock Christ Jesus. The particular manner of which was as follows,

“Coming into the room where we were accustomed to meet together, to hear the word of exhortation; before preaching began, I sat musing. My soul was looking out and longing for Christ, as the watchman for the morning. The congregation being assembled, the servant of God (Mr.W. T.) poured out his soul in prayer. And as he prayed, the power of the Lord came down in the midst of us. Thewindows of heavenwere opened, and theskies poured down righteousness. My heart melted like wax before the fire; especially at the mention of those words,Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? This that is glorious in his apparel travelling in the greatness of his strength?And again, at the singing those words in the hymn.

“Behold the Saviour of mankind,Nail’d to the shameful tree!How vast the love that him inclin’dTo bleed, and die for thee!’Tis done! the precious ransom’s paid;Receive my soul he cries;See, where he bows his sacred head!He bows his head and dies.”

“Behold the Saviour of mankind,

Nail’d to the shameful tree!

How vast the love that him inclin’d

To bleed, and die for thee!

’Tis done! the precious ransom’s paid;

Receive my soul he cries;

See, where he bows his sacred head!

He bows his head and dies.”

“The former words in the prayer, and these in the hymn, came with such power to my heart that I was constrained to cry out,Bless theLord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name; for he hath forgiven all mine iniquity, and healed my diseases.

“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 togetherin my heart;righteousness and peace kissed each other. Yea, so great was the deliverance, and so strong the consolation, that I could not contain myself. I broke out into tears of joy and love, having obtained such mercy I could not but join with the angels to sing praises tohim that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb, who so loved me, and washed me from my sins, in his own blood. A new song was indeed put into my mouth, even of thanksgiving unto my God.

*“I had often in private cried aloud to God, yet it was not till now, that I did so in the congregation. But my wound being healed, a necessity was laid upon me to declare what the Lord had done for my soul. In the same hour another who sat next to me was filled with joy and peace in believing. We both withdrew to another room, and gave thanks and praise to God together.

“And now I felt of a truth that faith in Christ, isthe substanceor subsistanceof things hoped for, and anevidence of things not seen. God, and thethings of the invisible world, of which I had only heard before bythe hearing of the ear, appeared now in their true light, as substantial realities, and for him.

*“I could now lay hold on Christ, and the promises of God through him. Faith in his blood brought heaven into my breast, and filled me withrighteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. It gave me to see a reconciled God, and an all sufficient Saviour. And thus was it anevidenceto me. Through this faith I could say, Christ lovedme, and gave himself forme. O this is the gift of God!Faith of the operation of the Holy Ghost.”

CHAPTERIX.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 sotastedthat the Lord is gracious, as left no room, at present, for evil reasonings, and engrossed his whole body and soul for God. The overflowings of his joycorresponding with his former sorrow, rendered him happy beyond all description.And this, as may be observed in the experience of the faithful, is commonly the case; the peace and joy of justified souls, being usually proportionate to their previous distress; God in this respect likewise, comforting them according to the time wherein he had shewed them trouble. The grand enquiry is “Am I really converted? Am Inowat peace, and in fellowship with God my Saviour?” If so, is not the precisehowimmaterial? Such persons then as have been led by slow, and gradual steps; who have by a comparatively easy transition passedfrom darkness to light, Let them give glory to their deliverer, and not, on this account, perplex themselves with scruples for having been so gently dealt with. Let them live only for Him, and they shall be finally approved, in the presence of God and of his holy angels.His happiness now received daily increase from the undoubted assurances which he received of the genuine change.He observes, “the more I compare my experience with the word of God, and with the experience of his children, I am the more confirmed that it is no delusion, no fancy; but a real work of God, a saving change wrought in my soul by the Spirit of God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I am persuaded however that thenatural man, (1 Corinthiansii.14.) cannot receivethe things of the Spirit of God. He has neither eyes to see, nor a heart to understand them. A stranger doth not intermeddle with this joy. It isthe hidden manna, and thewhite stone, and thenew name(of adoption) written thereon, (Revelationii.17.) which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. Glory, glory be to God on high!“Now did I find the yoke of Christ to be easy indeed, and his burden light. His thoughts and commandments were sweet to my soul, sweeter than honey to my tongue. It was my comfort all the day long to praise my Lord, and to walk in the ways which he set before me. He created me unto good works, and I chearfully walked in them.”The Love of God being thus shed abroad in his heart enabled him rightly to love his brother also. His soul was drawn out in good will and tender affection to every creature: neighbours and strangers, friends and enemies. “I could (says he) unfeignedly love them that hated me, and pray for them that despitefully used and persecuted me!” Thus truly evidencing himself, to be a child of his Father in heaven.*But he did not stop here. His soul thirsted more and more for all themind that was in Christ Jesus. He followed after, and longed for, an entire renovation; for nearer and stronger union and communion with the Lord Jesus: nor could he be at all easy, otherwise than in a free and near access to him, and a sweet enjoyment of his graciouspresence. His constant cry was, “Make me holy. Fulfil in me all the good pleasure of thy goodness, and the work of faith with power.” For this he struggled, and pleaded much with God.This was early his mark, and the glorious prize at which he aimed throughout the residue of his christian race.His enjoyments were hitherto, with scarce the smallest alloy, having had, not so much as a doubt concerning therealityof what had passed in his soul. The fury of the oppressor was so restrained, and the light of divine truth so abode with him, that he continually set to his seal that Godis love, and taketh pleasure in the prosperity of his children. All fear of death and hell was removed from him; neither had sin any dominion over him. “God (says he) gave me the victory thro’ our Lord Jesus Christ, whose righteousness was imputed to me for the remission of my sins!”“Therefore did I know that I was a child of God,under grace, because sin did not reign in my mortal body, that I should obey it in the desires thereof. If so much as an evil thought was at any time injected, or the remains of theold manbegan to stir in me, I had immediate power to resist and overcome them!“Tempted indeed I was; but in every temptation there was a way made for my escape. Whenever the enemy came in upon me as aflood, Jesus appointedsalvation for walls and bulwarksaround me. He lifted up a standard against him, and frustrated all his counsels: forgreater is he that was inme,than he that is in the world.*“I may say in few words, that the kingdom of God waswithin 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, whodwelt in my heart by faith. Iwalkedand talkedwithGod all the day long. Whatsoever I believed to be his will, I did to the uttermost of my power, with my whole heart. Prayer, reading, fasting, watching, communicating, and Christian fellowship, were the joy of my soul. The commandments of God, and his holy laws, were my delight. I not only rejoiced ever more, but prayed without ceasing, and in every thing gave thanks, whether I eat or drank, or whatever I did, it was indeedin the name of theLord Jesus,and to the glory ofGod!”

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 sotastedthat the Lord is gracious, as left no room, at present, for evil reasonings, and engrossed his whole body and soul for God. The overflowings of his joycorresponding with his former sorrow, rendered him happy beyond all description.

And this, as may be observed in the experience of the faithful, is commonly the case; the peace and joy of justified souls, being usually proportionate to their previous distress; God in this respect likewise, comforting them according to the time wherein he had shewed them trouble. The grand enquiry is “Am I really converted? Am Inowat peace, and in fellowship with God my Saviour?” If so, is not the precisehowimmaterial? Such persons then as have been led by slow, and gradual steps; who have by a comparatively easy transition passedfrom darkness to light, Let them give glory to their deliverer, and not, on this account, perplex themselves with scruples for having been so gently dealt with. Let them live only for Him, and they shall be finally approved, in the presence of God and of his holy angels.

His happiness now received daily increase from the undoubted assurances which he received of the genuine change.

He observes, “the more I compare my experience with the word of God, and with the experience of his children, I am the more confirmed that it is no delusion, no fancy; but a real work of God, a saving change wrought in my soul by the Spirit of God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I am persuaded however that thenatural man, (1 Corinthiansii.14.) cannot receivethe things of the Spirit of God. He has neither eyes to see, nor a heart to understand them. A stranger doth not intermeddle with this joy. It isthe hidden manna, and thewhite stone, and thenew name(of adoption) written thereon, (Revelationii.17.) which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. Glory, glory be to God on high!

“Now did I find the yoke of Christ to be easy indeed, and his burden light. His thoughts and commandments were sweet to my soul, sweeter than honey to my tongue. It was my comfort all the day long to praise my Lord, and to walk in the ways which he set before me. He created me unto good works, and I chearfully walked in them.”

The Love of God being thus shed abroad in his heart enabled him rightly to love his brother also. His soul was drawn out in good will and tender affection to every creature: neighbours and strangers, friends and enemies. “I could (says he) unfeignedly love them that hated me, and pray for them that despitefully used and persecuted me!” Thus truly evidencing himself, to be a child of his Father in heaven.

*But he did not stop here. His soul thirsted more and more for all themind that was in Christ Jesus. He followed after, and longed for, an entire renovation; for nearer and stronger union and communion with the Lord Jesus: nor could he be at all easy, otherwise than in a free and near access to him, and a sweet enjoyment of his graciouspresence. His constant cry was, “Make me holy. Fulfil in me all the good pleasure of thy goodness, and the work of faith with power.” For this he struggled, and pleaded much with God.

This was early his mark, and the glorious prize at which he aimed throughout the residue of his christian race.

His enjoyments were hitherto, with scarce the smallest alloy, having had, not so much as a doubt concerning therealityof what had passed in his soul. The fury of the oppressor was so restrained, and the light of divine truth so abode with him, that he continually set to his seal that Godis love, and taketh pleasure in the prosperity of his children. All fear of death and hell was removed from him; neither had sin any dominion over him. “God (says he) gave me the victory thro’ our Lord Jesus Christ, whose righteousness was imputed to me for the remission of my sins!”

“Therefore did I know that I was a child of God,under grace, because sin did not reign in my mortal body, that I should obey it in the desires thereof. If so much as an evil thought was at any time injected, or the remains of theold manbegan to stir in me, I had immediate power to resist and overcome them!

“Tempted indeed I was; but in every temptation there was a way made for my escape. Whenever the enemy came in upon me as aflood, Jesus appointedsalvation for walls and bulwarksaround me. He lifted up a standard against him, and frustrated all his counsels: forgreater is he that was inme,than he that is in the world.

*“I may say in few words, that the kingdom of God waswithin 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, whodwelt in my heart by faith. Iwalkedand talkedwithGod all the day long. Whatsoever I believed to be his will, I did to the uttermost of my power, with my whole heart. Prayer, reading, fasting, watching, communicating, and Christian fellowship, were the joy of my soul. The commandments of God, and his holy laws, were my delight. I not only rejoiced ever more, but prayed without ceasing, and in every thing gave thanks, whether I eat or drank, or whatever I did, it was indeedin the name of theLord Jesus,and to the glory ofGod!”

CHAPTERX.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. Theycould easily discern an amazing change in his very aspect, as well as tempers, and conduct in general. The calm, and at the same time, divine chearfulness and serenity of his soul, rendered him a desirable, as well as useful member of their religious meetings. And the loving zeal which he felt for promoting the glory of his dying God, prompted him to exert himself with much fervour in the service of his neighbour.Thus with a heart set on fire, to pay, at least some small returns, for all that ocean of mercy, and love which he had experienced in himself, he sought opportunities, and embraced every occasion of imparting all the good which he possibly could to others; till it seemed good to those who directed their religious exercises to appoint him leader of a class, (so called) that is, a little company of Christian friends, mutually agreed to meet together weekly, in order to their furtherance in the way of godliness: one person of which was stiled leader.This was the little office assigned him at present, in which “My business (says he) was,1st. To see each person in my class once a week, and if any were absent, to enquire into the cause. 2. Whenever we met together, to sing psalms or hymns, and to pray with them. 3. To examine how their souls prospered, and what progress they had made the preceeding week in the way of the Lord?” Whether they were unanimously determined to serve God with their whole heart?If any had fallen into sin, they were reproved; if tempted, they were comforted and encouraged; and those who ran well, adorning their profession in all things, were exhorted still to press forward, and give glory to God.After a faithful, and friendly examination of each other (between which and the PopishAuricular Confession, with which some have erroneously or unkindly♦parallel’d it, there is scarce the most distant resemblance) they concluded with praising God and prayers suited to their several conditions.♦“parrallel’d” replaced with “parallel’d”But besides this, he met with the whole society two or three times a week, when with praises and prayers, there was always a word of exhortation preached or read. And it pleased God, to testify his approbation thereof, by the singular display of his presence amongst them; by replenishing their souls with abundance of his grace and heavenly benediction.*And, “O (adds he) how wonderfully did we experience the power, and love of God, whenever we made prayer and supplication to him! We had a heaven among us; a paradise within us! The Lord poured such peace and joy into our hearts, and we were often so happy that we did not know how to part. We lived as brethren, and strove together forthe hope of the gospel. We were of one heart, and of one mind, in the presence of God. And is not this the communion of Saints?”So dear the tye, where souls agreeIn Jesu’s dying love;Then only can it closer be,When all are join’d above!Mean time, his hitherto undisturbed repose, began to be sorely assaulted. His relations now took a second alarm. “They thought (says he) That I was turned heretic altogether.” To forsake the church ofRome, and declare himself a member of the church ofEngland, was bad enough, and with them matter of much displeasure; but to become aMethodistbeside!¹This they judged the very consummation of apostacy, and gave him up as undone for ever. And it was not only his kindred, who so judged of him, “But (adds he) my neighbours in general were like-minded with my relations, and not only those of the church ofRome; but several likewise who called themselves Protestants. They were extremely angry that I should, as they called it, ‘change my religion.’”¹Inrealitythis is no alteration of the case; it is in this respect no more than aname: a trueMethodist(forthey are not all Israel who are called Israel) being no other than a true Churchman. They make not so much as a pretence to be a distinct, independant body of people. They are properly areligious society, (not a new thing inEngland) consisting, for the most part of professed members of the church ofEngland; whose only design is to promote among each other, and mankind in general, the genuine religion of Jesus Christ.“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, havenaturallya spirit of calumny and persecution.” Alas, names and opinions, what are they? They do not, cannot alter the nature of men or things; and experience abundantly shews, how little influence they have over♦the tempers and life of the generality of mankind. “Reformed and unreformed (adds he) I found it to be just alike; and that many who spoke against thePopeandInquisitionwere themselves in reality of the same spirit.”♦duplicate word “the” removed“When I was first converted, I had no notion that people could hate, and speak evil of me, for fearing God, and working righteousness.¹But experience has taught me otherwise, I soon found the truth of the apostle’s words, Thatall who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution, (2 Timothyiii.12.) relations, acquaintance, and neighbours, rich and poor, old and young, clergy and laity, were all against me. Some said I was an hypocrite; others that I was mad; others, judging more favourably, that I was deceived. Many that before thought well; yea, highly of me, knew not how to harbour a good thought of me.”¹This is not indeed theavowedreason of the opposition which the world has in all ages made to the servants of Christ. But that it is thetrueone the scriptures abundantly testify.But when God speaks powerfully to the heart, the sentiments and words of men, be they flattering or threatning, make but little impression. He was therefore so far from being moved by this treatment, that it became to him, rather a confirmation of the doctrine of the Son of God, who says, expressly,Wo unto you, when all men shall speak well of you; and blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil of you falsely for my name-sake.“Of a truth theworld lieth in the wicked one. And they who are after the flesh, will hate and persecute them that are after the Spirit. The devil hates Christ and his children. It is the Spirit of Christ in his children, which that evil spirit in thechildren of disobedienceso violently opposes. The spirit of the worldlusteth to envy. The devil enviedAdam; so didCainhis brotherAbel: and as it has been of old time, so it is at this day.Light can have no communion with darkness, neither Christ with Belial.In this respect,there is nothing new under the sun; butthat which hath been, is the thing that is. The true worshippers of God, under the old Testament, and the sincere disciples of Christ, under the new, have been evil treated by those among whom they lived. They hated them, because their works were righteous. And so it is even now.”

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. Theycould easily discern an amazing change in his very aspect, as well as tempers, and conduct in general. The calm, and at the same time, divine chearfulness and serenity of his soul, rendered him a desirable, as well as useful member of their religious meetings. And the loving zeal which he felt for promoting the glory of his dying God, prompted him to exert himself with much fervour in the service of his neighbour.

Thus with a heart set on fire, to pay, at least some small returns, for all that ocean of mercy, and love which he had experienced in himself, he sought opportunities, and embraced every occasion of imparting all the good which he possibly could to others; till it seemed good to those who directed their religious exercises to appoint him leader of a class, (so called) that is, a little company of Christian friends, mutually agreed to meet together weekly, in order to their furtherance in the way of godliness: one person of which was stiled leader.

This was the little office assigned him at present, in which “My business (says he) was,1st. To see each person in my class once a week, and if any were absent, to enquire into the cause. 2. Whenever we met together, to sing psalms or hymns, and to pray with them. 3. To examine how their souls prospered, and what progress they had made the preceeding week in the way of the Lord?” Whether they were unanimously determined to serve God with their whole heart?If any had fallen into sin, they were reproved; if tempted, they were comforted and encouraged; and those who ran well, adorning their profession in all things, were exhorted still to press forward, and give glory to God.

After a faithful, and friendly examination of each other (between which and the PopishAuricular Confession, with which some have erroneously or unkindly♦parallel’d it, there is scarce the most distant resemblance) they concluded with praising God and prayers suited to their several conditions.

♦“parrallel’d” replaced with “parallel’d”

But besides this, he met with the whole society two or three times a week, when with praises and prayers, there was always a word of exhortation preached or read. And it pleased God, to testify his approbation thereof, by the singular display of his presence amongst them; by replenishing their souls with abundance of his grace and heavenly benediction.

*And, “O (adds he) how wonderfully did we experience the power, and love of God, whenever we made prayer and supplication to him! We had a heaven among us; a paradise within us! The Lord poured such peace and joy into our hearts, and we were often so happy that we did not know how to part. We lived as brethren, and strove together forthe hope of the gospel. We were of one heart, and of one mind, in the presence of God. And is not this the communion of Saints?”

So dear the tye, where souls agreeIn Jesu’s dying love;Then only can it closer be,When all are join’d above!

So dear the tye, where souls agree

In Jesu’s dying love;

Then only can it closer be,

When all are join’d above!

Mean time, his hitherto undisturbed repose, began to be sorely assaulted. His relations now took a second alarm. “They thought (says he) That I was turned heretic altogether.” To forsake the church ofRome, and declare himself a member of the church ofEngland, was bad enough, and with them matter of much displeasure; but to become aMethodistbeside!¹This they judged the very consummation of apostacy, and gave him up as undone for ever. And it was not only his kindred, who so judged of him, “But (adds he) my neighbours in general were like-minded with my relations, and not only those of the church ofRome; but several likewise who called themselves Protestants. They were extremely angry that I should, as they called it, ‘change my religion.’”

¹Inrealitythis is no alteration of the case; it is in this respect no more than aname: a trueMethodist(forthey are not all Israel who are called Israel) being no other than a true Churchman. They make not so much as a pretence to be a distinct, independant body of people. They are properly areligious society, (not a new thing inEngland) consisting, for the most part of professed members of the church ofEngland; whose only design is to promote among each other, and mankind in general, the genuine religion of Jesus Christ.

“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, havenaturallya spirit of calumny and persecution.” Alas, names and opinions, what are they? They do not, cannot alter the nature of men or things; and experience abundantly shews, how little influence they have over♦the tempers and life of the generality of mankind. “Reformed and unreformed (adds he) I found it to be just alike; and that many who spoke against thePopeandInquisitionwere themselves in reality of the same spirit.”

♦duplicate word “the” removed

“When I was first converted, I had no notion that people could hate, and speak evil of me, for fearing God, and working righteousness.¹But experience has taught me otherwise, I soon found the truth of the apostle’s words, Thatall who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution, (2 Timothyiii.12.) relations, acquaintance, and neighbours, rich and poor, old and young, clergy and laity, were all against me. Some said I was an hypocrite; others that I was mad; others, judging more favourably, that I was deceived. Many that before thought well; yea, highly of me, knew not how to harbour a good thought of me.”

¹This is not indeed theavowedreason of the opposition which the world has in all ages made to the servants of Christ. But that it is thetrueone the scriptures abundantly testify.

But when God speaks powerfully to the heart, the sentiments and words of men, be they flattering or threatning, make but little impression. He was therefore so far from being moved by this treatment, that it became to him, rather a confirmation of the doctrine of the Son of God, who says, expressly,Wo unto you, when all men shall speak well of you; and blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil of you falsely for my name-sake.

“Of a truth theworld lieth in the wicked one. And they who are after the flesh, will hate and persecute them that are after the Spirit. The devil hates Christ and his children. It is the Spirit of Christ in his children, which that evil spirit in thechildren of disobedienceso violently opposes. The spirit of the worldlusteth to envy. The devil enviedAdam; so didCainhis brotherAbel: and as it has been of old time, so it is at this day.Light can have no communion with darkness, neither Christ with Belial.In this respect,there is nothing new under the sun; butthat which hath been, is the thing that is. The true worshippers of God, under the old Testament, and the sincere disciples of Christ, under the new, have been evil treated by those among whom they lived. They hated them, because their works were righteous. And so it is even now.”

CHAPTERXI.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, and the apprehensions he had of his own danger, impelled him to warn others also. The hand of God was, no doubt, in this, as well as in the whole series of his preceeding conversion. His adorable wisdom, had appointed him an instrument of saving souls from endless misery; having first prepared him for it (without his knowledge of any such design) by the hell, and heaven, so to speak, of his own experience.Even before he had obtained mercy, he began to warn others, exhorting all, with whom he had any sort of intercourse, toflee from the wrath to come. Thus (as he observes) “while I was in unbelief myself, I sometimes forgot my own condition through eagerness of desire for the salvation of other souls.”Mean time it was frequently impressed upon his mind, “You must preach the gospel. Thoushalt bear public testimony to the truth of God,” by openly declaring his loving kindness, in the redemption of the world. But he often resisted the thought, urging the impossibility thereof, from a variety of considerations, and saying in effect,Send by whom thou wilt send; but send not me.Indeed, though he might have never so much desired it, in submission to the will of God; nevertheless, when the thought first presented itself to him, being a conscious unbeliever, he might have justly said, and it was the language of his heart,“How shall I teach the world to praise?Unchang’d my heart, unloos’d my tongue?Give me the power of faith to prove,And Jesus shall be all my song.”Influenced by these kinds of considerations, he could not, while he remained himself under the bondage, think of publishing peace and liberty to others. But the case was, in some degree altered, after he had tasted that the Lord is gracious. He was then drawn out more abundantly with love to souls, and his conviction became still stronger, that he must preach Christ Jesus to the people.This put him upon earnest prayer, and frequent fastings, to know, assuredly, the will of God, in a matter, which he rightly judged of so greatmoment. “I prostrated myself before the Lord (says he) and intreated him, to shew me his pleasure herein; to convince me by his holy spirit, whether the thoughts of my heart were according to his holy will, and, whether I ought to speak in his name; or if I was under a delusion, to shew me this also, and deliver me from it. I could appeal to the searcher of hearts, that I desired only to glorify him and do his will in all things.” He conducted himself in it with all possible secresy; being even then persuaded, that the affairs of God are to be carried on without noise; and that no ostentation should be used even in forsaking all to serve Christ, in this or any other way. And yet to see him employed always for God, spending his time only in reading, writing, exhorting others, and in profound meditation, it was easy to imagine that he either projected something for God’s glory, more than could be executed by him in private; or, at least, that whether he had any such design, or not, God meant it concerning him.He still kept the affair within his own breast having mentioned it to no one person whatsoever; till from some words he occasionally dropped, one day among his brethren, one of them gathered, that he had some thoughts of that kind. At length it became matter of much and earnest prayer, among the most serious of his Christian acquaintance, with whom, afterwards, heheld frequent conversations on the head; being fearful of taking one step in a matter of so great importance, without the clearest intimations of the divine good-pleasure.He well knew that to engage in the endeavour of saving souls from death, was to commence war withSatan, and all the sons of disobedience; nevertheless, being at length persuaded of the will of God, and not knowing how soon he might be in another world, the great concernment of miserable souls, prevailed with him to engage in it; concluding that if but one or two persons, might by his means be won to God, it would recompense any treatment he might meet with in the world. He was fully disposed to sacrifice his reputation, as well as life, to advance the kingdom of the Son of God.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 understandsound doctrine, andhold fast a form of sound speech, without the knowledge of eitherLatin,Greek, orHebrew. He nevertheless, at no time spoke disrespectfully of learning: quite the contrary; but yet perceived with adoration the truth ofSt.Paul’s words, with reference to the divine œconomy, in the management of the affairs of his kingdom:After that in the wisdom ofGod; according to his wise disposals, leaving them to make the trial,the world, whetherJewishorGentile,byall their boastedWisdom knew notGod,it pleasedGodby the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (1 Corinthiansi.21.)He well knew by this time, that it isthe inspiration of the Almighty, giving heavenly understanding, which only, avails here; that the most shining abilities, natural or acquired, withoutthe wisdom that is from above, and the anointing of the Holy Ghost, are, in the account of God, in respect ofbringing sons to glory, lighter than vanity; nor better thansounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. In fact, that the learning of the world, used otherwise, than in subservience to the true interests of Jesus Christ, in teaching, and vindicating simplicity, and purity of heart, and subjection in life to him, rather feeds the pride of human understanding, and makes a person more likeSatanthan he would be without it: but that rightly used, it is a good gift of God, and greatly conducive to his glory.Indeed from his earliest days, he did not neglect any means which was in his power, for the cultivating his understanding. But he nowset himselfto this point; impelled as it were thereto from his being more abundantly pressed in spirit, concerning the matter which he had so long in debate with himself; which was now, every day, more plain to him. He therefore applied withall diligence to what he judged the most suitable studies; in which he spent the greatest part of his waking hours. Theword of lifehad however, the chief share of his attention. He made this his one, favourite study and delight, from this time especially, till he could work no longer.He read it much upon his knees, in the spirit of prayer. The following is a specimen only, of his continued practice, “Lord Jesus, I lay my soul at thy feet to be taught and governed by thee. Take the veil from the mystery, and shew me the truth as it is in thyself. Be thou my sun and star, by day and by night!” This was the way in which he sought for wisdom to win souls, and by which his profiting so visibly appeared to all men.His increasing knowledge in the things of God, was an additional confirmation to him, of the divine appointment concerning him. The hidden treasures, and depth of truth in God’s word; his mysterious wisdom in the methods of salvation, were every day, more and more clearly revealed to him. The sealed book was now opened, and thereby, through the assistance ofthe Spirit of truth, his judgment grew clearer, and stronger, in the fundamental doctrines of repentance, justification and holiness. He professes that, if at any time he was in doubt concerning any point of doctrine, or the sense of any passage of scripture, his divine instructor convincedhim, that either it was not needful for him to know it then; or if it was, directed him, either immediately by himself, through some divine impression, or the providential provision of some person or book, whereby his doubts were always solved.The concern which he felt for the salvation of his neighbour still increased upon him, and a burning desire that every body might be as happy in the Lord Jesus, as he felt himself, engrossed all his thoughts. “The Spirit of God (says he) now convinced me clearly, not only of sin and of righteousness in my own soul, but likewise, how the work of conversion is to be carried on in the souls of others. I was athirst for divine knowledge. I desired to be ever in the school of Christ, learning the lessons of his grace. The glory of the Lord often passed before me in prayer, and the light of eternity shone upon my soul, while my Lord fed me as with marrow and fatness!”

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, and the apprehensions he had of his own danger, impelled him to warn others also. The hand of God was, no doubt, in this, as well as in the whole series of his preceeding conversion. His adorable wisdom, had appointed him an instrument of saving souls from endless misery; having first prepared him for it (without his knowledge of any such design) by the hell, and heaven, so to speak, of his own experience.

Even before he had obtained mercy, he began to warn others, exhorting all, with whom he had any sort of intercourse, toflee from the wrath to come. Thus (as he observes) “while I was in unbelief myself, I sometimes forgot my own condition through eagerness of desire for the salvation of other souls.”

Mean time it was frequently impressed upon his mind, “You must preach the gospel. Thoushalt bear public testimony to the truth of God,” by openly declaring his loving kindness, in the redemption of the world. But he often resisted the thought, urging the impossibility thereof, from a variety of considerations, and saying in effect,Send by whom thou wilt send; but send not me.

Indeed, though he might have never so much desired it, in submission to the will of God; nevertheless, when the thought first presented itself to him, being a conscious unbeliever, he might have justly said, and it was the language of his heart,

“How shall I teach the world to praise?Unchang’d my heart, unloos’d my tongue?Give me the power of faith to prove,And Jesus shall be all my song.”

“How shall I teach the world to praise?

Unchang’d my heart, unloos’d my tongue?

Give me the power of faith to prove,

And Jesus shall be all my song.”

Influenced by these kinds of considerations, he could not, while he remained himself under the bondage, think of publishing peace and liberty to others. But the case was, in some degree altered, after he had tasted that the Lord is gracious. He was then drawn out more abundantly with love to souls, and his conviction became still stronger, that he must preach Christ Jesus to the people.

This put him upon earnest prayer, and frequent fastings, to know, assuredly, the will of God, in a matter, which he rightly judged of so greatmoment. “I prostrated myself before the Lord (says he) and intreated him, to shew me his pleasure herein; to convince me by his holy spirit, whether the thoughts of my heart were according to his holy will, and, whether I ought to speak in his name; or if I was under a delusion, to shew me this also, and deliver me from it. I could appeal to the searcher of hearts, that I desired only to glorify him and do his will in all things.” He conducted himself in it with all possible secresy; being even then persuaded, that the affairs of God are to be carried on without noise; and that no ostentation should be used even in forsaking all to serve Christ, in this or any other way. And yet to see him employed always for God, spending his time only in reading, writing, exhorting others, and in profound meditation, it was easy to imagine that he either projected something for God’s glory, more than could be executed by him in private; or, at least, that whether he had any such design, or not, God meant it concerning him.

He still kept the affair within his own breast having mentioned it to no one person whatsoever; till from some words he occasionally dropped, one day among his brethren, one of them gathered, that he had some thoughts of that kind. At length it became matter of much and earnest prayer, among the most serious of his Christian acquaintance, with whom, afterwards, heheld frequent conversations on the head; being fearful of taking one step in a matter of so great importance, without the clearest intimations of the divine good-pleasure.

He well knew that to engage in the endeavour of saving souls from death, was to commence war withSatan, and all the sons of disobedience; nevertheless, being at length persuaded of the will of God, and not knowing how soon he might be in another world, the great concernment of miserable souls, prevailed with him to engage in it; concluding that if but one or two persons, might by his means be won to God, it would recompense any treatment he might meet with in the world. He was fully disposed to sacrifice his reputation, as well as life, to advance the kingdom of the Son of God.

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 understandsound doctrine, andhold fast a form of sound speech, without the knowledge of eitherLatin,Greek, orHebrew. He nevertheless, at no time spoke disrespectfully of learning: quite the contrary; but yet perceived with adoration the truth ofSt.Paul’s words, with reference to the divine œconomy, in the management of the affairs of his kingdom:After that in the wisdom ofGod; according to his wise disposals, leaving them to make the trial,the world, whetherJewishorGentile,byall their boastedWisdom knew notGod,it pleasedGodby the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (1 Corinthiansi.21.)

He well knew by this time, that it isthe inspiration of the Almighty, giving heavenly understanding, which only, avails here; that the most shining abilities, natural or acquired, withoutthe wisdom that is from above, and the anointing of the Holy Ghost, are, in the account of God, in respect ofbringing sons to glory, lighter than vanity; nor better thansounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. In fact, that the learning of the world, used otherwise, than in subservience to the true interests of Jesus Christ, in teaching, and vindicating simplicity, and purity of heart, and subjection in life to him, rather feeds the pride of human understanding, and makes a person more likeSatanthan he would be without it: but that rightly used, it is a good gift of God, and greatly conducive to his glory.

Indeed from his earliest days, he did not neglect any means which was in his power, for the cultivating his understanding. But he nowset himselfto this point; impelled as it were thereto from his being more abundantly pressed in spirit, concerning the matter which he had so long in debate with himself; which was now, every day, more plain to him. He therefore applied withall diligence to what he judged the most suitable studies; in which he spent the greatest part of his waking hours. Theword of lifehad however, the chief share of his attention. He made this his one, favourite study and delight, from this time especially, till he could work no longer.

He read it much upon his knees, in the spirit of prayer. The following is a specimen only, of his continued practice, “Lord Jesus, I lay my soul at thy feet to be taught and governed by thee. Take the veil from the mystery, and shew me the truth as it is in thyself. Be thou my sun and star, by day and by night!” This was the way in which he sought for wisdom to win souls, and by which his profiting so visibly appeared to all men.

His increasing knowledge in the things of God, was an additional confirmation to him, of the divine appointment concerning him. The hidden treasures, and depth of truth in God’s word; his mysterious wisdom in the methods of salvation, were every day, more and more clearly revealed to him. The sealed book was now opened, and thereby, through the assistance ofthe Spirit of truth, his judgment grew clearer, and stronger, in the fundamental doctrines of repentance, justification and holiness. He professes that, if at any time he was in doubt concerning any point of doctrine, or the sense of any passage of scripture, his divine instructor convincedhim, that either it was not needful for him to know it then; or if it was, directed him, either immediately by himself, through some divine impression, or the providential provision of some person or book, whereby his doubts were always solved.

The concern which he felt for the salvation of his neighbour still increased upon him, and a burning desire that every body might be as happy in the Lord Jesus, as he felt himself, engrossed all his thoughts. “The Spirit of God (says he) now convinced me clearly, not only of sin and of righteousness in my own soul, but likewise, how the work of conversion is to be carried on in the souls of others. I was athirst for divine knowledge. I desired to be ever in the school of Christ, learning the lessons of his grace. The glory of the Lord often passed before me in prayer, and the light of eternity shone upon my soul, while my Lord fed me as with marrow and fatness!”

CHAPTERXII.He begins to preach.WHAT he had done hitherto, with reference to the conversion of souls, was only as necessity obliged him. The peace, andperfection 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 promoting the kingdom of Christ.He began to consider more nearly, that souls having cost our Saviour so dear, nothing could be done more acceptable to him than to prevent their loss; and that the glory of God’s majesty, did most shine in the salvation of sinners purchased with the blood of his Son. These considerations kindled in him such love to mankind, that he could no longer refrain from exhorting, first his Christian brethren, with all fervour, to devote their hearts without reserve to God; and next, every soul with whom he had any sort of intercourse. His heart bled for poor careless sinners against God, and their own souls. The word of the Lord was in him, so that he could not but speak. He knew not how to forbear publishing as on the house top, that infinite love which dealt so graciously with himself. “It is not enough that I serve our Lord: all hearts must love him, and all tongues must praise him!”God touched his heart in such a manner as to leave no doubt whether this appointment was from heaven; and the concurrence of outward providences confirmed his internal persuasion. Thus, freed from all farther wavering and irresolution, he entered upon that employment,which he verily believed, he would wish he had done at the hour of death, and in the day of judgment.Desirous therefore to exercise his Lord’s talent, and the time affording a providential provision for it, even out of the ordinary way; he took the opportunity of his present connexions, and without looking farther, pursued the following measures. “I opened, (says he) my mind to that man of God, theRev.Mr.John Wesley. I spoke my thoughts freely, and without disguise, desiring his advice on the occasion; which he sweetly and humbly gave me: adding withal, that I might write to him afterwards. I did so, giving him a brief account of my conversion to God, and of what I experienced in my soul concerning preaching. His answer was as follows,“My dear brother,“It is hard to judge what God has called you to, till trial is made. Therefore when you have an opportunity, you may go toShronil, and spend two or three days with the people there. Speak to them inIrish.”Shronilis a village in the county ofTipperary, distant from the place he then resided atNew-Market, about thirtyEnglishmiles. The inhabitants, many of whom were Protestant Dissenters, had sometime before gladly received the word of God from theMethodists. Thither he went, accompanied by one of his own brothers, andanother of his Christian brethren; having been commended to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the earnest prayers of several of the children of God. “We walked it, (says he) and gave ourselves to prayer, conversing of the things of the kingdom of heaven, and exhorting those we met with in the way to fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”They arrived there the next day, which was inJuly 1750. The brethren received them kindly in the Lord, though they were unknown to them by face. And having had knowledge of his errand, and informed their neighbours, there assembled in the evening, a considerable congregation, to whom, for the first time, he preached the word of God, choosing for his text, the words ofSt.Paul,Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.He did so again the next morning, onBeing justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, (Romansv.1.) and in like manner, morning and evening, during the few days he stayed among them.And the Lord bore testimony to the word of his grace. For although some, (as has always been the case,) contradicted and mocked, yet others were deeply affected, and some wereturned to the Lord, “So gracious was God (as he adds) to own the labour of his poor creature, and to bless the word of his weakest and meanestmessenger. Not unto me, but unto thy name be the glory! O God, thou hast done the work. Thou didst give the word, and didst also apply it; for thou only canst turn the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. O my God, stand by me still; and as hitherto thou hast helped me, never leave nor forsake me: but keep my soul in peace, and give me a humble, and a meek spirit. Let me labour diligently in thyvineyard, and spend my life and strength in the labour of love. Amen, Lord Jesus!”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 thevoice ofwisdom to all around him. It remains, to give some account of his labours, trials, and success in the Lord’s work, together with the general tenor of his experience, till God was pleased to call him hence.

He begins to preach.

WHAT he had done hitherto, with reference to the conversion of souls, was only as necessity obliged him. The peace, andperfection 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 promoting the kingdom of Christ.

He began to consider more nearly, that souls having cost our Saviour so dear, nothing could be done more acceptable to him than to prevent their loss; and that the glory of God’s majesty, did most shine in the salvation of sinners purchased with the blood of his Son. These considerations kindled in him such love to mankind, that he could no longer refrain from exhorting, first his Christian brethren, with all fervour, to devote their hearts without reserve to God; and next, every soul with whom he had any sort of intercourse. His heart bled for poor careless sinners against God, and their own souls. The word of the Lord was in him, so that he could not but speak. He knew not how to forbear publishing as on the house top, that infinite love which dealt so graciously with himself. “It is not enough that I serve our Lord: all hearts must love him, and all tongues must praise him!”

God touched his heart in such a manner as to leave no doubt whether this appointment was from heaven; and the concurrence of outward providences confirmed his internal persuasion. Thus, freed from all farther wavering and irresolution, he entered upon that employment,which he verily believed, he would wish he had done at the hour of death, and in the day of judgment.

Desirous therefore to exercise his Lord’s talent, and the time affording a providential provision for it, even out of the ordinary way; he took the opportunity of his present connexions, and without looking farther, pursued the following measures. “I opened, (says he) my mind to that man of God, theRev.Mr.John Wesley. I spoke my thoughts freely, and without disguise, desiring his advice on the occasion; which he sweetly and humbly gave me: adding withal, that I might write to him afterwards. I did so, giving him a brief account of my conversion to God, and of what I experienced in my soul concerning preaching. His answer was as follows,

“My dear brother,

“It is hard to judge what God has called you to, till trial is made. Therefore when you have an opportunity, you may go toShronil, and spend two or three days with the people there. Speak to them inIrish.”

Shronilis a village in the county ofTipperary, distant from the place he then resided atNew-Market, about thirtyEnglishmiles. The inhabitants, many of whom were Protestant Dissenters, had sometime before gladly received the word of God from theMethodists. Thither he went, accompanied by one of his own brothers, andanother of his Christian brethren; having been commended to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the earnest prayers of several of the children of God. “We walked it, (says he) and gave ourselves to prayer, conversing of the things of the kingdom of heaven, and exhorting those we met with in the way to fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”

They arrived there the next day, which was inJuly 1750. The brethren received them kindly in the Lord, though they were unknown to them by face. And having had knowledge of his errand, and informed their neighbours, there assembled in the evening, a considerable congregation, to whom, for the first time, he preached the word of God, choosing for his text, the words ofSt.Paul,Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

He did so again the next morning, onBeing justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, (Romansv.1.) and in like manner, morning and evening, during the few days he stayed among them.

And the Lord bore testimony to the word of his grace. For although some, (as has always been the case,) contradicted and mocked, yet others were deeply affected, and some wereturned to the Lord, “So gracious was God (as he adds) to own the labour of his poor creature, and to bless the word of his weakest and meanestmessenger. Not unto me, but unto thy name be the glory! O God, thou hast done the work. Thou didst give the word, and didst also apply it; for thou only canst turn the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. O my God, stand by me still; and as hitherto thou hast helped me, never leave nor forsake me: but keep my soul in peace, and give me a humble, and a meek spirit. Let me labour diligently in thyvineyard, and spend my life and strength in the labour of love. Amen, Lord Jesus!”

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 thevoice ofwisdom to all around him. It remains, to give some account of his labours, trials, and success in the Lord’s work, together with the general tenor of his experience, till God was pleased to call him hence.

PARTII.CHAPTERI.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, and employment, he devoted himself entirely to the work of which he believed God had assigned him. He set out with a resolution to give himself up wholly to the dictates of theHoly Ghost, and to be ready to go what way soever the voice of heaven should call him. And that his understanding might not be dissipated, and scattered upon divers objects, and so have less force to enter deep into the things of God, he began his work with applying himself altogether to the study of the holy scriptures, and to prayer. And the proficiency which by those means he made daily, inthe wisdom that is from above, quickly appeared. He truly laboured in the word, and faithfully and fervently enforced the divine truthshe learned there from. His soul became strangely enlarged in labours of love for the salvation of his neighbour; while he imparted to them abundantly what God had so richly, and so freely bestowed upon him.The words of our Lord Jesus Christ were in general exceeding precious to him; and from his first acquaintance with them, his whole delight and his counsellors. The whole of his following conduct to his death, seemed influenced by those words of Christ (applicable to all real Christians)Ye are the salt of the earth. Ye are the light of the world. A city set upon an hill cannot be hid: neither do men(much less God)light a candle, to put it under a bushel, that is, hide it;but on a candlestick, that it may give light to all about it.And now, the divine providence concurring with his convictions and inclination, made his way clear, to put into execution what he had been so long deliberating upon. Conferring therefore no longer with flesh and blood, and resolving to deny himself, and take up his cross to follow Jesus, he bid farewel to his kindred, and to his acquaintance in general. Choosing the Lord for his sole portion, he literally left all, and went out into the wide world, entirely unanxious about what he should eat, or what he should drink, or wherewithal he should be cloathed, being fully persuaded, that an entire reliance on God was allthings. He went to spend his life in beseeching sinners to be reconciled to God. Thus,“By Christ himself ordain’d and sent,An herald of redeeming grace,Eager to the highways he went,And fill’d the land with Jesu’s praise!”This was about the latter end ofAugust 1750, when going from the place of his nativity toLimerick, he had daily opportunity of publishing those glad tidings, which he first heard in that city, and which became the power of God to his salvation. At first, he commonly expounded the scriptures every morning: and after a little while, both evening and morning, with much earnestness exhorted and besought multitudes, who attended his discourses, toseek theLordwhile he may be found.And it pleased God immediately to bear testimony tothe word of his graceby him. Several persons who heard him, and who, till then, had been careless and utterly unconcerned about the matter, became seriously concerned for their salvation; while in the mean time others, who had been deeply distressed with the guilt of sin, felt his word, the power of God unto salvation.He was about this time called to bear reproach for his work’s sake. The minds of some persons became evil affected towards him. The interests ofthe God of this world, had already sufferedloss by his zeal, and unwearied diligence, and they were in danger of suffering yet more.Satantherefore by every means endeavoured to prevent the fruit of his labours.His unpolished youth; his roughness both of address and dialect, owing partly to natural temper, partly to having been brought up much in the country, and partly to his having been formerly of the church ofRome¹; but more than all, his being a native of that neighbourhood, gave some persons occasion for being deeply offended at him, who expressed it by their unkind, and uncivil treatment towards him. This I had from some of the persons themselves, a considerable time after, who mentioned it to their own reproach, that he, whom then they so loved and honoured was nevertheless, once the object of their scorn.¹There is in some parts ofIrelanda very remarkable difference between thedialectof theProtestants, andRomanists, even of the same county or parish. What is called thebrogue, in its excess is a sort ofShibbolethfor the latter; and among the younger sort of Protestants especially, a term of reproach. I remember it was a very common objection to him, when he preached first in the town of my nativity.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 discouragedby any treatment of himself; rather he rejoiced incontemptfor his master’s sake.He hadput his hand to the plough(Lukeix.62.) and having counted the cost, settled it in his heart not to look back. He waxed still stronger, and grew every day more mighty in the scriptures, and in conformity to our Lord, as well as more instrumental in bringing others acquainted withthe only trueGod, and our Saviour Jesus Christ.There are many instances of the good effects of these his first labours. It plainly appeared that the word of God in his mouth was attended with the power of the Holy Ghost. It was not an uncommon case, for persons to be so penetrated by his fervent discourses, as to resolve not to leave the place, till they should find rest in their souls, and the instances were not a few, to whom the God of love condescended even in this particular by sending thenthe Spirit of adoption into their hearts, testifyingThy sins are forgiven; and enabling themto cry Abba Father.His time was now wholly taken up in searching, expounding, and enforcing the scriptures, which he did both in public and in private; and prayer, visiting the sick, and whatsoever other particular employments occasional, or stated, had any relation to his one purpose of spending, and being spent in the service of his master. And having been thus employed atLimerickfor sometime, it was judged expedient, that he should go and preach the gospel in other places also.

PARTII.

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, and employment, he devoted himself entirely to the work of which he believed God had assigned him. He set out with a resolution to give himself up wholly to the dictates of theHoly Ghost, and to be ready to go what way soever the voice of heaven should call him. And that his understanding might not be dissipated, and scattered upon divers objects, and so have less force to enter deep into the things of God, he began his work with applying himself altogether to the study of the holy scriptures, and to prayer. And the proficiency which by those means he made daily, inthe wisdom that is from above, quickly appeared. He truly laboured in the word, and faithfully and fervently enforced the divine truthshe learned there from. His soul became strangely enlarged in labours of love for the salvation of his neighbour; while he imparted to them abundantly what God had so richly, and so freely bestowed upon him.

The words of our Lord Jesus Christ were in general exceeding precious to him; and from his first acquaintance with them, his whole delight and his counsellors. The whole of his following conduct to his death, seemed influenced by those words of Christ (applicable to all real Christians)Ye are the salt of the earth. Ye are the light of the world. A city set upon an hill cannot be hid: neither do men(much less God)light a candle, to put it under a bushel, that is, hide it;but on a candlestick, that it may give light to all about it.

And now, the divine providence concurring with his convictions and inclination, made his way clear, to put into execution what he had been so long deliberating upon. Conferring therefore no longer with flesh and blood, and resolving to deny himself, and take up his cross to follow Jesus, he bid farewel to his kindred, and to his acquaintance in general. Choosing the Lord for his sole portion, he literally left all, and went out into the wide world, entirely unanxious about what he should eat, or what he should drink, or wherewithal he should be cloathed, being fully persuaded, that an entire reliance on God was allthings. He went to spend his life in beseeching sinners to be reconciled to God. Thus,

“By Christ himself ordain’d and sent,An herald of redeeming grace,Eager to the highways he went,And fill’d the land with Jesu’s praise!”

“By Christ himself ordain’d and sent,

An herald of redeeming grace,

Eager to the highways he went,

And fill’d the land with Jesu’s praise!”

This was about the latter end ofAugust 1750, when going from the place of his nativity toLimerick, he had daily opportunity of publishing those glad tidings, which he first heard in that city, and which became the power of God to his salvation. At first, he commonly expounded the scriptures every morning: and after a little while, both evening and morning, with much earnestness exhorted and besought multitudes, who attended his discourses, toseek theLordwhile he may be found.

And it pleased God immediately to bear testimony tothe word of his graceby him. Several persons who heard him, and who, till then, had been careless and utterly unconcerned about the matter, became seriously concerned for their salvation; while in the mean time others, who had been deeply distressed with the guilt of sin, felt his word, the power of God unto salvation.

He was about this time called to bear reproach for his work’s sake. The minds of some persons became evil affected towards him. The interests ofthe God of this world, had already sufferedloss by his zeal, and unwearied diligence, and they were in danger of suffering yet more.Satantherefore by every means endeavoured to prevent the fruit of his labours.

His unpolished youth; his roughness both of address and dialect, owing partly to natural temper, partly to having been brought up much in the country, and partly to his having been formerly of the church ofRome¹; but more than all, his being a native of that neighbourhood, gave some persons occasion for being deeply offended at him, who expressed it by their unkind, and uncivil treatment towards him. This I had from some of the persons themselves, a considerable time after, who mentioned it to their own reproach, that he, whom then they so loved and honoured was nevertheless, once the object of their scorn.

¹There is in some parts ofIrelanda very remarkable difference between thedialectof theProtestants, andRomanists, even of the same county or parish. What is called thebrogue, in its excess is a sort ofShibbolethfor the latter; and among the younger sort of Protestants especially, a term of reproach. I remember it was a very common objection to him, when he preached first in the town of my nativity.

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 discouragedby any treatment of himself; rather he rejoiced incontemptfor his master’s sake.

He hadput his hand to the plough(Lukeix.62.) and having counted the cost, settled it in his heart not to look back. He waxed still stronger, and grew every day more mighty in the scriptures, and in conformity to our Lord, as well as more instrumental in bringing others acquainted withthe only trueGod, and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

There are many instances of the good effects of these his first labours. It plainly appeared that the word of God in his mouth was attended with the power of the Holy Ghost. It was not an uncommon case, for persons to be so penetrated by his fervent discourses, as to resolve not to leave the place, till they should find rest in their souls, and the instances were not a few, to whom the God of love condescended even in this particular by sending thenthe Spirit of adoption into their hearts, testifyingThy sins are forgiven; and enabling themto cry Abba Father.

His time was now wholly taken up in searching, expounding, and enforcing the scriptures, which he did both in public and in private; and prayer, visiting the sick, and whatsoever other particular employments occasional, or stated, had any relation to his one purpose of spending, and being spent in the service of his master. And having been thus employed atLimerickfor sometime, it was judged expedient, that he should go and preach the gospel in other places also.

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