Wesley Corpus

At this Billy smiled, but could not speak; having been speechless for more than an hour. It seemed he was just going into etermity; but the Lord revived him a little; and as soon as he could speak, he desired to be held up in bed, and looked at the gentleman, who asked him how he did. He answered, ‘I am happy in Christ, and I hope you are.’ He said, ‘I hope I can say I am. Billy replied, ‘Has Christ pardoned your sins?” He said, ‘I hope he has.’ ‘Sir,’ said Billy, ‘hope will not do; for I had this hope, and yet if I had died then, I should surely have gone to hell. But he has forgiven me all my sins, and given me a taste of his love. If you have this love, you will know it, and be sure of it; but you cannot know it without the power of God. You may read as many books about Christ as you please;’ (he was a great reader;) “but if you read all your life, this will only be in your head, and that head will perish: So that, if you have not the love of God in your heart, you 302 REv. J. wesLEY’s [March, 1770 will go to hell. But I hope you will not: I will pray to God for you, that he may give you his love.’ “Another, coming to see them, inquired how they were. Billy said, ‘Happier and happier in Christ: Are you so?’ He said, ‘No: I am not so happy as you.’ ‘Why, said Billy, ‘what is the matter? I am afraid you do not pray to Christ; for I am sure he is willing to make you happy.” “One who sat by seemed struck with the discourse, but did not speak. Billy, observing her, said, “And you do not pray as you ought: For if you had the love of Christ in your heart, you would not look down so. I wish you and every one had it.’ One said, ‘My dear, would not you give it them, if you might?” He answered, ‘No; for that would be to take Christ's work out of his hands.’ “Many who heard what great things God had done for them, said, ‘It will not be so with you always.