November 1736
November 1736
Wesley's Warming Journey
By Brenda Rees
A collection of Wesley's writing. Photograph by Brenda Rees
John Wesley was not preparing for nor did he and others celebrate Thanksgiving in this part of Spanish Florida and the Colony of Georgia in 1736. In addition to his regular duties, he is increasingly concerned about the direction of his relationship with Miss Sophy and his desire to minister to the natives. Curnock points out that it is clear Wesley’s library and reading is extensive during this time. Wesley had no idle moments. Some records of his library and reading were destroyed, but later restored with review of his diaries. BR
FIFTH SAVANNAH
Monday, Nov. 1, 1736 – John Wesley wrote “She was eighteen years old. And from the beginning of our intimate acquaintance till this day, I verily believe she used no guile: not only because even now I know no instance to the contrary, nor only because the simplicity of her behaviour was a constant voucher for her sincerity; but because of the entire openness and of all her conversation, answering whatever questions I proposed, without either hesitation or reserve, immediately and directly.
In Curnock’s review of Wesley’s diaries we see that “He arrived in Savannah
On this Monday morning he rose at four, spent one hour in private prayer, and read prayers and expounded at five. Miss Sophy was present. In the garden he prayed with her, and afterwards walked with Ingham and Delamotte. The rest of the day was spent mainly in pastoral visitation. In the evening he resumed worship with the Moravians. Later he read Valdesso to Miss Sophy. She returned home shortly after nine.”
Wesley wrote in his Journal: “The temper of her heart towards God is best known by Him ‘who seeth in secret.’ What appeared of it was a deep, even reverence, ripening into love, and a resignation unshaken in one of the severest trials which human nature is exposed to. The utmost anguish never wrung from her a murmuring word. She saw the hand of God, and was still. She said indeed, ‘If it be possible, Father!’ But added, ‘Not as I will, but as Thou wilt!’
Then Wesley wrote: “Such was the woman, according to my closest observation, of whom I now began to be much afraid. My desire and design still was to live single; but how long it would continue I knew not. I therefore consulted my friends whether it was not best to break off all intercourse with her immediately. They expressed themselves so ambiguously that I understood them to mean that I ought not to break it off. And accordingly she came to me (as had been agreed) every morning and evening.”
Tuesday, Nov. 2, 1736 – At 10 am he “Wrote French” and at 11 am “French; F’G. with French, sung it. FG is probably Freylinghausen’s Gesang-Buch with French tunes and German hymns.
Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1736 – Writing an Abridged Grammar of French. He wrote of Miss Sophy ‘I fear for her.’
Saturday, Nov. 6, 1736 – Indians came. Wesley “confesses the present arrangement with Miss Sophy is seriously threatening.”
Monday, Nov. 8, 1736 – Wesley started a German Grammar. He read Christian Priesthood in the morning. Miss Sophy came as usual. In addition to all his other duties, Wesley was making a Hymn-book, a French Grammar, a German Dictionary, a German Grammar, a Catechism, and a Selection of Prayers for devotional purposes.
Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1736 – Wesley goes by boat to Irene and reads Reformed Devotions by Hickes. He see Mrs. Musgrove, a woman mentioned at one point with Florida
Thursday, Nov. 11, 1736 – A mention of a Mr. Williamson coming with Miss Sophy and Causton. Mr. Reed and Mr. Robinson from Frederica came.
Friday, Nov. 12, 1736 – Wesley handles a case of a doctor, Mr. Tailfer, and abuse of a distant relation young woman. Oglethorpe is involved with case.
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1736 – Wesley travels to Irene with Ingham and Delamotte and cuts trees for several hours.
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1736 – Mrs. Musgrove came. He buried Mr. Tolney and a child. He is very busy with Oglethorpe.
Thursday, Nov. 18, 1736 – He reads a letter from the Bishop of London ‘for Negro’s Book on Confirmation.’ Oglethorpe is preparing to return to England
Sunday, Nov. 20, 1736 – Forty children were present for Catechism. “A letter is written to Sir John Phillips, whose generosity was making it possible for George Whitefield to carry on the work of the Holy Club at Oxford
Tuesday, Nov. 23, 1736 – Wesley writes a letter to his brother Samuel. Ingham arrives. Funeral for Mrs. Musgrove’s only son, Ned. Wesley said, “In the evening of November 23 I buried Mrs. Musgrove’s only son; who would probably have been quite lost in grief, but that God diverted her from it by the pain of a violent rheumatism.”
Wednesday, Nov. 24, 1736 – He rose soon after one in the morning; at two pushed off the boat; at 2:30 set out. At three they were aground; waded; got off; with Oglethorpe; at four rowed, conversed, sang. At six it was very rough; at nine they were aground at Dokoume; waded; got off; rowed; over the marsh on Tybee; James Dean and company there; walked to Tybee; in the lighthouse; walked back; ‘sea overtook us; oysters; Mr. How came, slept.’ At four they set out together, and by eight reached Mr. Causton’s.
Thursday, Nov. 25, 1736 – Miss Sophy and others accompany him to Cowpen. Mrs. Musgrove is very ill.
Friday, Nov. 26, 1736 – Wesley turns to Spanish for six hours at a time. He takes a break with Hickes, conversation in French and his hourly five-minute prayers.
Saturday, Nov. 27, 1736 – More work on Spanish and sang a Spanish psalm or hymn. “At ten he read Dr. Bray’s Tracts and at twelve Gilpin’s Life.”
Sunday, Nov. 28, 1736 – Wesley had 37 in his congregation.
Monday, Nov. 29, 1736 – A fast day, he did not eat until 6 pm.
Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1736 – Preached to 21 and administered Holy Communion. Read letters from Charles and buried Ross. Hymns translated from German sang. Number 306 “To Thee with heart and mouth I sing, To all the earth make known, My heart’s desire, my God and King, What Thou to me hast shown.”
