Wesley Corpus

He was diligent in the use of all the means of grace; very rarely, during his health, missing the morning preaching at five, though he lived above a mile from the Room. “About a year ago, he took his leave of the society; telling them, that it was with great pleasure he had joined and con tinued with them; that it was in this despised place the Lord first manifested himself to his soul; that no tongue could tell what he had since enjoyed under that roof; that the same Jesus had enabled him to hold on thus far, and he hoped to be with him soon; adding, “I do not expect to see you any more here, but have no doubt of meeting you in glory.’ “During the last twenty days of his life, he took no other sustenance than, now and then, a tea-spoon full of wine, or of balm-tea. About fourteen days before his death, his tongue turned black, with large chops in it, through the heat of his stomach; and his lips were drawn two or three inches apart, so that it was difficult for him to speak. In this condition he lay waiting for his discharge, saying, sometimes, ‘I am, as it were, two persons: The body is in torturing pain; the soul is in sweet peace. He frequently said, ‘I long to be gone ! Come, Lord Jesus; come quickly l’ When I asked, “Do you desire to see” such a person? He said, ‘I desire to see none but Jesus. To him I leave my dear wife and children: I have no care about them.’ 300 REv. J. wesley's [Sept. 1767. “The next day Satan violently assaulted his faith; but instantly our Lord appeared in all his glory, and he was filled with love and joy unspeakable, and said, “Call my friend, and let him see a dying Christian. O what do I feel ! I see my Lord has overcome for me. I am his : Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Hallelujah I Hallelujah!’ He desired them that were present to sing; and began, Jesu, lover of my soul | He then desired the text for his funeral sermon might be 1 Cor. iv. 17.