…for you have set my heart free Psalm 119:32

• DAY 24 MORNING PSALM 116-118

• DAY 24 EVENING PSALM 119:1-32

Both John Wesley and George Whitfeld saw outward signs following the preaching of the Gospel that brought freedom and liberty to many people.

Monday July 6 1739

In the afternoon I was with Mr Whitfield, just come from London with whom I went to Baptist-Mills, where he preached concerning 'the Holy Ghost, which all who believe are to receive.'

Tuesday July 7 1739

I had an opportunity to talk with him of those outward signs which had so often accompanied the inward work of God. I found his objections were chiefly grounded on gross misrepresentations of matter of fact. But the next day he had an opportunity of informing himself better. For no sooner had he begun (in the application of his sermon) to invite all sinners to believe in Christ, than four persons sunk down close to him, almost in the same moment. One of them lay without either of sense or motion. A second trembled exceedingly. The third had strong convulsions all over his body but made no noise unless by groans. The fourth, equally convulsed called upon God with strong cries and tears. From this time, I trust, we shall all suffer God to carry on his own work in the way that pleaseth Him.

Monday July 30 1739.

Two more were in strong pain, both their souls and bodies being well nigh torn asunder. But though we cried unto God, there was no answer; neither did He as yet deliver them all. One of these had been remarkably zealous against those that cried out and made a noise; being sure that any of them might help if they would. And the same opinion she was still in, till the moment she was struck through, as with a sword, and fell trembling to the ground. She then cried aloud though not articulately, her words being swallowed up. In this pain she continued twelve or fourteen hours, and then her soul was set at liberty. But her master (for she was a servant till that time at a gentleman’s in town) forbade her returning to him, saying, he would have none in his house who had received the Holy Ghost.

• As we yield our hearts to your word, as we follow the path of your commands… set us free, Lord. We turn from our sin, we give you our heavy burdens and we cry out to you for deliverance. Thank you that you give rest to the weary and heavy –laden. We desperately cry out to you Lord for another outpouring of your Holy Spirit, that sets the captives free, that heals the oppressed, that revives the lowly, that feeds the spiritually hungry. Save us and free us from ‘the dread asbestos of others things’ and set our hearts alight again, on fire for you, Lord Jesus.

REFERENCES

Wesley, J. Journal, Vol1, 210,213, 226 ,