Wesley’s Warming Journey
By Brenda Rees
Based on
The Journal of the Rev. John Wesley, A.M.
Edited by
Nehemiah Curnock, 1938
A Journey from Wesley’s Time in Spanish Florida and The Colony of Georgia
Through His Warming at Aldersgate 1736-1738
By Brenda Anderson Rees
© All Rights Reserved 2010
Photographs by Brenda Rees
Tybee Island – Photograph by Brenda Rees Fri. 6, 1736 – “About eight in the morning I first set my foot on American ground.” – John Wesley
[This blog started on PWUMC.org and now linked. Will add posts started to coincide with Wesley's Journey while in America (Spanish Florida and Colony of Georgia). Start with February, 1736 and then catch up with real time posting.] -- Brenda Rees
I hope to provide content on a periodic basis, and let the story tell itself. I’ve been praying and reading on my own already each week at home and church to coincide with Wesley’s Journal and timeline in Spanish Florida and the Colony of Georgia from 1736 to 1737 up to his 1738 warming at Aldersgate. The purpose is to personally review and know John Wesley’s journey of faith within the context of this time period. Perhaps this will provide insight or a personal understanding to the circumstances which led to the warming of John Wesley’s heart. Furthermore, for some, this may provide a gateway to their own heart warming. I’ll start posting on the Pt. Washington UMC website as soon as technical issues are resolved. This project should take me through my three year term as historian for Pt. Washington United Methodist Church. I have several other personal history projects for my home church during this time period including an assessment of our history, research of church property, pews and an Annual Conference assignment.
Nehemiah Curnock contends that John Wesley’s heart began to be warmed while he was in America. I, too, had come to that understanding and belief that John was deeply affected and his conversion process put in motion while he was in Spanish Florida and the Colony of Georgia. I explore this possibility in my academic paper “The Florida – Georgia Border Dispute and Its Impact on the Historical Travels of John Wesley in the Colony of Georgia and Spanish Florida During 1736 – 1737” also known as “John Wesley in Spanish Florida.” This paper was presented at the Gulf South History and Humanities Conference in Pensacola, Florida in 2006. This paper also makes the case for John Wesley being in Spanish Florida, which was also claimed by the Colony of Georgia during 1736 – 1737. You may access this paper at the Foundation for Evangelism of the United Methodist Church (FFE) website at http://evangelismresources.org/content/historical-travels-john-wesley-transcript or my Shaping Florida history blog. Evaluating this border dispute is not the purpose of this project. The purpose is to take a journey through these few years to personally review and know John Wesley’s actions, thoughts and prayers during these days of intense trial, tribulation, exploration and conversion.
Battles, Treaties, an Act of Congress and a Supreme Court Case Give Insight Into the Florida – Georgia Border Dispute. Photograph by Brenda Rees.
Those who would like to join me on most Wednesdays at the church from 3:45 p.m. – 5 p.m. are welcome. I’ll be in the Stephens Center or Church. Feel free to confirm with me first. In addition to working on specific history projects for Pt. Washington UMC, I’ll read something from the Wesley Journal for that day or week. This won’t be overly edited as the goal is to first get the story and information out. -- The Journey begins.
A Journey from Wesley’s Time in Spanish Florida
and The Colony of Georgia
Through His Warming at Aldersgate 1736-1738
By Brenda Anderson Rees
© All Rights Reserved 2010
Photographs by Brenda Rees
John Wesley is on a journey. He is traveling to a new world in hope of saving souls. He sails out of London about 9 a.m. Tuesday, October 14, 1735, on his way to what he is told is the British Colony of Georgia. Wesley is well aware of conflicts with the Spanish who also have land claims in this area. There are many stories and tales that could be shared about his sailing trip. This project will focus on how Wesley affected America and how America affected Wesley leading up to his conversion at Aldersgate by reviewing his activities and prayers on a regular basis as he reported in his journal and diaries. John Wesley’s journey ultimately changed the lives of many through its deep personal and spiritual influence.
Friday, Feb. 6, 1736 – “About eight in the morning I first set my foot on American ground.” (Curnock pp 148, 149 Vol. 1) John Wesley has landed on Tybee Island, led by Ogelthorpe. Wesley gathers the people for prayers. Was this his first sermon rather than a more formal one delivered later in Savannah? Perhaps. Mark vii is used and is relevant in its reference to “toiling at sea and deliverance.” (p. 149) Also Exodus xviii. It was noted that Charles also preached a sermon that day.
Oglethorpe's weather vane in Savannah. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
Saturday, Feb. 7, 1736 – Wesley is distracted from his spiritual duties being asked by Oglethorpe to help with administrative details.
Moravian marker in Savannah. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
Sunday, Feb. 8, 1736 – This is perhaps a key moment in John Wesley’s life and one of my favorite stories. The German Moravian Spangenberg questions him. (p. 159) “I asked Mr. Spangenberg’s advice with regard to myself – to my own conduct. He told me he could say nothing til he had asked me two or three questions. ‘Do you know yourself? Have you the witness within yourself? Does the Spirit of God bear witness with your spirit that you are a child of God? I was surprised, and knew not what to answer. He observed it, and asked, ‘Do you know Jesus Christ?’ I paused, and said, ‘I know He is the Saviour of the world.’ ‘True,’ replied he; ‘but do you know He has saved you?’ I answered, ‘I hope He has died to save me.’ He only added, ‘Do you know yourself?’ I said, “I do.’ But I fear they were vain words.”
Monday, Feb. 9, 1736 – Wesley is writing about witnessing death. He is on the other side of the door. He remarks that they are not making strong cries to God. Instead, they are laughing and jesting. He states this will keep them from “understanding.” Wesley had an ideal course of action for himself and his pastoral duties. Spangenberg tried to give him more practical advice. For example, Wesley asked for his advice on how to deal with Mrs. Hawkins. Spangenberg told him to rarely speak to her and pray that God did the rest.
Feb. 1736
Catch up and summarize through today (Sunday, March 28, 2010) I may come back later and add more detail of this time period – While we’re not going over the voyage in much detail, it should be said that a lot of the personal problems Wesley has to deal with in Savannah, Frederica and elsewhere in his travels, were well advanced and percolating during the voyage. Success was also initiated on the voyage. On Sunday, Nov. 16, 1735, Wesley writes that Thomas Hird, his wife and children are serious and constant communicants. The Hirds settle in Frederica. Many of us know Wesley left America dejected and experiencing failure. Often, great success comes from great failure.
Friday, Feb. 13, 1736 – Wesley hears he is to meet with Tomo-chachi. Wesley had come to the new world with a desire to save these Indians. In my academic paper on the Florida – Georgia border dispute, I point out that Tomo-chachi is fairly new to this area being claimed by the British Colony of Georgia and his ability to cede anything might be questioned. Wesley spends the day writing business for Oglethorpe. He has hourly breaks for five or six minutes for psalms and prayer. Wesley is often fasting.
Saturday, Feb. 14, 1736 – Zech. Ix. 11, 12; Mal. i. 11 Also read was the 72 Psalms and Mark xiii. Wesley noted that Tomo-chachi and his relatives were dressed in English clothes. Wesley is up at 4 a.m., has a breakfast of bread at 5 a.m., sings with the Germans at 6 a.m. and meets with Oglethorpe at 7 a.m. Wesley took his Greek testament to meet with Tomo-chachi at 1:15 p.m. (p. 159) “This was Wesley’s first contact with the Indians. He had come to America as a missionary in the service of the Society for Propagation of the Gospel.” The rest were incidental. Later a letter (Coleman Collection, App. XII., vol. vi.) said “he had not come to America simply and solely to save either Indians or colonists, but ‘to save my own soul.’” In this meeting with Tomo-chachi, it is important to know the translating was done by Mrs. Musgrove, a woman with Florida connections. They speak of conflict between the French, English and Spanish. Interesting that Tomo-chachi, who has been much influenced by the English protestants at this point, said he and his companions wished to not be “made Christians as the Spaniards make Christians….” This reflects, in my opinion, the ongoing protestant/catholic struggle dominating the Atlantic zone development at this time.
Sunday, Feb. 15, 1736 – Other Indians come and go hunting with Oglethorpe near the Altamaha River. This river and purported southern border of Georgia was often manipulated on maps, by the way. Wesley is preparing to leave for Frederica and leaves the Indians.
The Altamaha River. Photograph by Brenda Rees ©
Thursday, Feb. 19, 1736 – Wesley takes a boat and his Greek testament to see Tomo-chachi, but the “King” is not there. He is often staying on the ship at this point.
Sunday, Feb. 22, 1736 – A child born on the boat during the voyage was baptized (p166) “according to the custom of the first Church, and the rule of the Church of England…”.
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 1736 – Wesley travels to Mrs. Musgrove’s in Savannah to see location of house to be built for him by Oglethorpe. The boat to return them to their ship, The Simmonds, doesn’t show up so they stay overnight.
Thursday, Feb. 26, 1736 – Wesley preaches a sermon on the ship, what was to be the last “of a series of ship-board sermons.” (p. 169) Mrs. Hawkins comes in later and Wesley tells her “of all her faults….” Wesley is spending much time with the Germans. Wesley is always with his books.
Having been with Wesley on the journey over, Miss Sophy is in Savannah with John Wesley at first. She later goes to Frederica, on St. Simons Island, which John Wesley visits five times between 1736 and 1737.
Miss Sophy, Epworth By the Sea Museum. Photograph by Brenda Rees ©
Tuesday, March 23, 1736 – Miss Sophy and Miss Fosset are the only ones in his 6 p.m. congregation. He sorted through his books for two hours, read his bible with the Germans and read Waterland on “The Importance of the Trinity.”
Sunday, March 28, 1736 – Today is also Sunday, March 28, but 2010. John Wesley tells an interesting story about a servant. Wesley went to this servant who was ill. The servant told Wesley (p187) “I saw a man in very bright clothes stand by the bed, who said, “Prepare yourself for your end is nigh” and Wesley told him it was good advice wherever it came from. The man appeared to be well for a few days, but then died. Wesley read Hickes’s “Reformed Devotions.”
April, 1736
Sunday, April 4, 1736 – John Wesley sets out for Frederica. They anchor near Skidoway Island. He nearly drowns. The flies are so bad he has wrapped up from head to toe. He falls asleep on deck of “sort of a flat-bottomed barge” and wakes up surrounded by water. He swims out of his dilemma and said, “Thou art the God of whom cometh salvation.”
Saturday, April 10, 1736 – In 2010, it is also Saturday on April 10th. John Wesley is near Doboy Island. The weather is bad. Lightening is abundant. The weather finally breaks and John Wesley is brought to Frederica. He opened and read from his Testament before landing, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Charles, already at Frederica, is sick with the “flux” when John arrives. But, John notes that Charles mends within the hour of seeing John.
Sunday, April 11, 1736 – John preaches at the new storehouse at Frederica. Below is a picture of how the site looks today. John Wesley preached this day, “Which of you convinceth Me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe Me?”
Tuesday, April 13, 1736 – Charles Wesley is busy reading his diary. John Wesley is busy dealing with Mrs. Hawkins. He doesn’t get to bed until midnight. In addition to these personal trials, conflict with the Spanish and their land claims loom.
Thursday, April 15, 1736 – John Wesley fills his days at Frederica with reading, writing and pastoral visits. He is constantly plagued by “sand-flies.”
Friday, April 16, 1736 – John Wesley is preparing to leave his first visit to Frederica and return to Savannah. His busy personal and public duties are reflected in these notes: “Mrs. Robinson and Poebe Hird affected. News of the Spaniards coming.
Mrs. Welch and Mrs. Hawkins come to me in the field.
Oglethorpe seemed quite open, and in an excitable temper.
Mrs. Hawkins and Oglethorpe seem innocent! Amen!
She quite angry.
Mrs. Welch in a swoon. Open my eyes!
Picture of Storehouse at Frederica. Homes and buildings have been uncovered recently giving a new and revealing look at John Wesley’s life while in Frederica, St. Simons Island. Photograph by Brenda Rees ©
April, 1736
Continued
John Wesley Monument in Savannah Photograph by Brenda Rees ©
Saturday, April 17, 1736 – Wesley sets out for Savannah from Frederica and it takes several days. According to Curnock, Wesley draws from his diaries for his Journal, which often has gaps. Wesley often has his life documented by the hour and day. To appreciate this “life by method” over a long period of time by Wesley, one might need to read the full journal and diaries. Wesley did have a meal of oysters and encountered more hard rain on this passage from Frederica to Savannah.
Wednesday, April 21, 1736 – There is some question about whether this entry is Tuesday. The Second Savannah Journal begins “Not finding, as yet, any door open for the pursuing our main design, we considered in what manner we might be most useful to the little flock at Savannah. And we agreed (1) to advise the more serious among them to form themselves into a sort of little society, and to meet once or twice a week, in order to reprove, instruct, and exhort one another. (2) To select out of these a smaller number for a more intimate union with each other, which might be forwarded, partly by our conversing singly with each, and partly by inviting them all together to our house; and this accordingly, we determined to do every Sunday in the afternoon.” The “main design” was to save the Indians.
Thursday, April 22, 1736 – John Wesley transcribed Charles’s Journal.
Friday, April 23, 1736 – Good Friday. John is not well apparently and Ingham reads prayers.
Sunday, April 25, 1736 – Easter. Public prayers are read twice. Bread was the only food throughout Passion Week. He reads and sings “Behold, we come, dear lord, to Thee” accompanied by thunder and lightening. Wesley also is reading “Fleury’s.” Curnock said in the Coleman Collection there was a “carefully written Abridgement of Fleury’s Manners of the Christians.”
Curnock includes at this point (page 198): Wesley distinguishes the origin of Methodism into three distinct periods “The first rise of Methodism was in Nov. 1729, when four of us met together at Oxford; the second was in Savannah, in April 1736, when twenty or thirty persons met at my house; the last was in London on this day, May 1, [1738] when forty or fifty of us agreed to meet together every Wednesday evening, in order to free conversation, begun and ended with singing and prayer.” (Wesley’s Ecclesiastical History, vol. iv. P. 175).
Monday, April 26, 1736 – John meets with Mrs. Musgrove, which we learn later had Florida ties. He has a good supper for a change and as usual, meets with the Germans later.
Thursday, April 29, 1736 – He continues reading Fleury and meets Mrs. Musgrove, probably for arrangements to meet Tomo-chachi. (This is how Curnock spelled Tomo-Chi-Chi).
Friday, April 30, 1736 – He writes about several documents that are now lost. One is about “Hall’s account” and the other an additional “Ingham’s Journal.”
This sign in Savannah states Wesley first preached on American soil, March 7, 1736, I Corinthians XIII. As mentioned earlier, he had gathered people to pray on Feb. 6, 1736 when he first landed at Tybee Island, reading from another text. Photograph by Brenda Rees ©
May, 1736
I would like to digress and include this episode from Wesley’s journey on the way over. In my opinion, it is another example of his heart changing.
Include from my notes. Reread Curnock. P. 138. Wesley endures storms on ship. Sat. Jan. 17, 1736; Fri. Jan. 23, 1736; and Sun. Jan. 25, 1736 – Wesley impressed with German Moravians calmness and p. 143, “From them I went to their crying, trembling neighbors, [and found myself enabled to speak with them in boldness and to] point out to them the difference in the hour of trial between him that feareth God and him that feareth Him not.”
My computer was in shop so handwrote these notes first before posting. Should also add more to April 30, 1736 – Meeting Mrs. Musgrove, Miss Fosset and Tomo-chachi (again, this is how Curnock spelled Tomo-chi-chi). Suggested Ingham was to learn Indian language and teach Wesley.
Tomo Chi Chi's Grave in Savanna. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
“This ends Wesley’s first volume of the Georgia Diary.”
May, 1736, Sat. 1 New volume of Georgia diary noted. Talks of transportation by paths and boat. John Wesley often serves as secretary for Oglethorpe, even though that is Charles Wesley’s job. It is a church holy day, so Wesley also “preaches and administers the Eucharis….” John Wesley wrote three, probably four, diaries in and on his way to Georgia (and what was also claimed by Spanish Florida). Lesson: Eccles. Vii and John I, 43.
Sunday, May 2, 1736 – 5 a.m. writing for Oglethorpe. After Holy Communion he has conversation with Miss Sophy alone.
Monday, May 3, 1736 – Toltschig, influential German Moravian, comes to morning prayers. After breakfast, John Wesley studies German. Greek Testament study with Ingham. P. 209 Curnock, New beginnings noted. “New exercise or method of devotion.” (Would be interesting to see Wesley’s historical letters for Oglethorpe.)
Charles and John ruled by rubric of Edward VI prayer book.
Wednesday, May 5 – He refused to baptize a child because the parents insisted the child not to be dipped. Since the child was not ill, this excuse not available. Someone else baptized.
Thursday, May 6 – Service short. Seven minutes. Wesley recognized people needed to get to woods and gardens. Increasing German writing, transcribed psalm.
Friday, May 7 – Important hymnology day. Wesley translates German hymns on way to Lacy’s at Thunderbolt.
Sunday, May 9 – Morning service at five (every day), service at eleven, evening service about three at courthouse.
Savannah Wesley Monument to his American Parish. Photograph by Brenda Rees ©
Trinity Methodist now stands in Savannah. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
P. 214 Savannah has no consecrated building in Wesley’s day. Wesley desired a spiritual awakening to see persons ‘open’ ‘seriously affected’ ‘convinced’ ‘zealous’ concerning ‘inward and outward holiness.’
Monday, May 10, 1736 – He visits his parishioners from 12 to 3, when it is too hot to work. Mrs. Hawkins and Mrs. Welch and rumors with Oglethorpe.
Friday, May 14, 1736 – With Germans and Archbishop Sharpe’s sermons. Also, Gother’s “Sinner’s Complaint to God”. “To get all the good he can” was to become “to do all the good he could”.
Saturday, May 15, 1736 – Miss Sophy comes by. German, Sharpe’s sermons, Gother, Francke and Greek Testament. Hour with Delamotte, in prayer, reading Greek.
Sunday, May 16, 1736 – In pain. John (Reinier), French surgeon comes. Charles surprises him from Frederica. It is decided he and Ingham need to go back to Frederica in Charles’ absence.
Tuesday, May 18, 1736 – Wesley walks to Thunderbolt and gets on small boat. Skidoway in evening, prayers.
May, 1736
Continued
Wednesday, May 19, 1736 – His journey back to Frederica continued. John Wesley was up early as usual, around 4:15 a.m. he was walking and translating German. At seven he returned to Lacys and drank coffee. Charles comes from Savannah around ten. John is not feeling well and was ‘sick and vomited’ at three and again at four. He is feeling better in the afternoon and at six sets out on an open boat.
Thursday, May 20, 1736 – 1 It is a very rough journey. One entry in his dairy this day says “Set out; read Renty; wind rose. 2 Renty; very rough. … 5 Conversed. Set out; verses; water; rough ! afraid! …7 On the sand; conversed; exceedingly afraid ! … 10 Bat at 10.30 found water. Lay on shore.”
Friday, May 21, 1736 – His dairy continues: “5 On Business; talked; my boil better. 9 Greek Testament. Read prayers, expounded, meditation. 1 Slept ½, rowed. Sea rough, wind high! 4 ½ Delamotte’s Island; made fire. 9 Lay by near the Sound. Could not go on!”
Second Frederica Journal
We traveled easily over this magnificent bridge to St. Simon’s Island. Not anything like the dangerous journey John Wesley describes on his second visit to Frederica. Bridge photograph by Brenda Rees ©
Saturday, May 22, 1736 – From John Wesley’s Journal: 219 “About four in the afternoon we entered upon Doboy Sound. The wind, which was right ahead, was so high when we were in the middle of it, and the sea so rough, being driven in at the inlet, that the boat was on the point of sinking every moment. But it pleased God to bring us safe to the other side in half an hour, and to Frederica the next morning. We had public prayers at nine, at which nineteen persons were present, and (I think) nine communicants.”
Curnock tells us in his book of Wesley’s Journal and Diaries that, p. 220 “The only certain evidence we have as to the hymns Wesley at this time translated from the German and sand is found in this second volume of the Georgia Diary, …” Curnock continued, “Now that we can picture Wesley’s daily life, we can enter understandingly into the allusions of familiar hymns, the innermost meaning of which has hitherto been hidden.” Wesley was ill, friendships were difficult and dangers and perils were all about in many forms.
These verses spoke to Wesley’s voyage, safe anchorage, saving sinners (particularly in Frederica) and “of spiritual experiences in which the ‘everlasting love’ was the one sure hope:”
Wesley:
Now I have found the ground wherein
Sure my soul’s anchor may remain.
Though waves and storms go o’er my head,
Though strength, and health, and friends be gone,
Though joys be withered all and dead,
Though every comfort be withdrawn,
On this my steadfast soul relies, --
Father, Thy mercy never dies!
Father, Thine everlasting grace
Our scanty thought surpasses far;
Thy heart still melts with tenderness
Thy arms of love still open are,
Returning sinners to receive,
That mercy they may taste, and live.
Sunday, May 23, 1736 – At 6 a.m., John Wesley arrives in Frederica and speaks with Oglethorpe. There has been trouble with the Spanish and the story is told that Oglethorpe has rescued Horton from them. Miss Sophy, Miss Fosset and Savannah are also discussed. He saw many people that day, preached and administered Holy Communion. At midnight he read his journal to Oglethorpe. He continued talking to Oglethorpe at 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. of Mrs. Welch and Mrs. Hawkins. He slept at 4 a.m. and was up by 5:15 a.m.
There is a lot of trouble and agitation occurring in Frederica. John doesn’t say much about this, but Charles does.
Wednesday, May 26, 1736 – John read Gother and prayed for Frederica. He fasted and visited with the people of Frederica hour after hour. He entered ” ‘Q? Is she in love?” A last entry for the day reveals his discomfort “Fleas: no sleep. 12 slept.”
Thursday, May 27, 1736 – He is busy with the case of Mrs. Hawkins and Delamotte. P. 221 This is a favorite quote of mine of John Wesley and revels much about the Spanish claim on Spanish Florida. “Mr. Horton came in great trouble. Within and without there were the gravest causes for anxiety. The Spaniards disputed Oglethorpe’s right to establish an English colony on St. Simon’s Island, claiming it as a possession of the Spanish Crown, and Horton knew that the colony was a rope of sand.”
Friday, May 28, 1736 – In the presence of a man’s death he wrote, “I read the Commendatory Prayer by Mr. Germain, who lay at the point of death. He had lost his speech and his senses. His eyes were set, neither had he any discernible motion but the heaving of his breast. While we stood round him, he stretched out his arms, rubbed his head, recovered his sight, speech, and understanding; and immediately sending for the bailiffs, settled the affairs of his family; and then lay down, and died.”
Sunday, May 30, 1736 – John Wesley had five people at the first service and 25 at the second this day.
The home of Samuel Davison and Dr. Thomas Hawkins. Much is written about the troubles Mrs. Hawkins caused for the Rev. John Wesley when he visited and tried to save souls at Frederica. Photograph by Brenda Rees ©
The dairies reveal much more about Mrs. Hawkins and her husband, the town doctor and surgeon. On Sunday, Mrs. Hawkins even invites John Wesley in for some peas, which is much more than his usual diet of just bread. Wesley keeps Gother’s “Sinner’s Complaint to God” handy to deal with Mrs. Hawkins.
Monday, May 31, 1736 – The Hawkins are being civil. He prepares Mr. Lassel’s will.
