Source of Strength - 1735
Samuel Wesley, father of John and Charles Wesley.
Introduction
Samuel Wesley, the Rector of Epworth, father of the famous John and Charles Wesley, died on this day, 25 April, 1735. His dying words give some indication of one source of his two sons’ extraordinary faith.
Quote
“[To John] The inward witness, son, the inward witness; this is the proof, the strongest proof of Christianity….[to Charles] The weaker I am in body, the stronger and more sensible support I feel from God….[to John] God does chasten me with pain; yea, all my bones with strong pain. But I thank Him for all; I bless Him for all; yea, I love Him for all. [to Charles] “Be steady. The Christian faith will surely revive in this kingdom; you shall see it, though I shall not….[to one of his daughters] Do not be concerned at my death: God will then begin to manifest Himself to my family….Think of heaven, talk of heaven; all the time is lost when we are not thinking of heaven.”
Ellis, James J. John Wesley. London: James Nisbet & Co., 1891.