He truly triumphed in the cross,
Its prints as on his body shew’d,
Lavish of life for Jesu’s cause,
Whose blood for all so freely flow’d.
The fire which burned in his heart never said “It is enough.” And the success with which it pleased our Lord to prosper his labours, was a constant motive to his going forward. His designs of doing good were without limits, esteeming himself a debtor to all, and embracing in affection, not less than the whole world.
Riding through Wales and finding that, in many places they did not understand English, he felt great concern on the occasion, and formed a resolution, if his life and health permitted, to learn the Welch language.
And it was given him not only to believe, and therefore to speak for God; but also to suffer for his cause. But he rejoiced in his sufferings, and filled up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in his flesh.
Meantime the end, which he still kept in view, together with his frequent reflections, on the love of Jesus; the danger of sinners dying without conversion; and the present salvation to which they are entitled, thro’ the blood of the Lamb: made him more than superior to every thing which, either men, or the malice of Satan could invent against, or inflict upon him.
His warm heart and fervent courage, feared no danger in the discharge of his duty, being well assured that walking uprightly, he walked surely. He dreaded not the faces of men, but where occasion offered, boldly reproved what he saw amiss in every one. Wherever there appeared any probability of his doing good, he was never hindered by the prospect of danger.
In one place, having preached to a vast number of Romanists and others, and a prospect appearing of doing much good, he intended, to go again: but a report prevailed that if he attempted it; a great man would either have him stoned, or sent to jail. On this occasion “I reflected (says he) what God had done in former times for those who put their trust in him. And he gave me strength according to my day. I found my faith in him greatly strengthened, and resolved, simply to rely on his protection; not doubting but that he would stand by me. So I went thither and preached in the name of the Lord.