Wesley Corpus

“ The next morning he cried out just as before ; and continued ill about two minutes. From this time he gave himself wholly to prayer; laying aside all worldly business. Saturday, February 7.--He did not appear to have any bodily distemper, but desired to make his will. I said, ‘ My dear child, I do not see any signs of death upon you.’ He seemed concerned, and said, ‘ You don’t believe me; but you will soon see what I say is true.’ About noon, some neighbours condoling with me, on the loss of my wife, who died a few days before, when he saw me weep, he laid his hand upon my knee, and said, ‘ My dear father, do not offend God. Your late wife is a bright saint in heaven.’ “ Before ten we went to bed. About twelve he came to my chamber door, and said, ‘ My dear honoured father, I hope you are not displeased with me for disturbing you at this time of night; but I could not go into my bed till I brought you these glad tidings: I was this morning before the throne of grace, and I pleaded innocence ; but my heavenly Father answered, that would not do; on which I applied to our blessed Redeemer ; and now he hath, by his precious blood and his intercession, procured my pardon; and my heavenly Father hath sealed it. Everlasting praise is to his holy name. I presumed to ask, how it was with my deceased mothers and sisters; on which they all six appeared exceeding glorious: but my last deceased mother was brightest of them all; fifty times brighter than the sun. I entreat I may be buried by her.’ “ Sunday, 8.--I went early in the morning to his chamber, and found him at prayer, which was his constant employment. He asked if he should go with me to church. I said, I thought he had better read and ok June, 1750. ] REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 491 meditate athome. As soon as I was gone, he began exhorting the serv ants and his younger brother. He then went into his chamber, where he continued upon his knees till I came home, crying to God with many tears, and sweating much, through the agony of his spirit.