Wesley Corpus

But it seems as if I could not speak much longer. Let us fix on a sign between our selves. Now, said he, (tapping me twice with his finger) “I mean, God is love. And we will draw each other into God. Observe | By this we will draw each other into God.” “Sally coming in, he cried out, ‘O Sally, God is love! Shout, both of you ! I want to hear you shout his praise!” All this time the medical friend, who attended him diligently, hoped he was in no danger; as he had no headach, but much sleep without the least delirium, and an almost regular pulse. So was the disease, though commissioned to take his life, restrained by the power of God. “On Thursday his speech began to fail. While he was able, he spoke to all that came in his way. Hearing that a stranger was in the house, he ordered her to be called up. But the uttering only two sentences made him ready to faint away. And while he had any power of speech, he would not be silent to his friendly Doctor: ‘O Sir, said he, ‘you take much thought for my body; permit me to take thought for your soul.” When I could scarce understand anything he said, I spoke these words, “God is love.’ Instantly, as if all his powers were awakened, he broke out in a rapture, ‘God is love I love I love! O for that gust of praise ! I want to sound’--Here his voice again failed. All this time he was in much pain, and suffered many ways; but still with such unutterable patience as none but those that were present can conceive. If I did but name his sufferings, he would smile and make the sign. “On Friday, observing his body covered with spots, I felt a sword pierce through my soul. As I was kneeling by his side, with my hand in his, intreating the Lord to be with us in this tremendous hour, he strove to say many things, but could not articulate the words. All he could do was to press my hand, and frequently repeat the sign.