June 1737

JUNE  1737

June 1737 

Wesley's Warming Journey

By Brenda Rees © All Rights Reserved

June 1737 finds John Wesley burying the dead, writing about Miss Sophy, continuing his friendship with ‘Selima’ back in London, and finding time to sing and read verses.  Read the complete diaries and Journal of John Wesley.   In addition, start with introduction of Wesley’s Warming Journey Blog and then each month from February 1736.  Earlier months grouped together, but Blog now by month.  This blog carries you from Wesley’s landing at Tybee Island in 1736 eventually through to his warming at Aldersgate back in London in 1738.

These events in Spanish Florida, also known as the Colony of Georgia were shaping the heart and soul of John Wesley.  When Wesley said his heart was strangely warmed in England at Aldersgate in 1738, it wasn’t the first time he talked about the heat of his heart.  In a letter to one of his earlier women friends in 1730 Wesley wrote, “…Is it a fault to desire to recommend myself to those who so strongly recommend virtue to me?  Tell me, Aspasia, -- tell me, Selima, -- if it be a fault that my heart burns within me, when I reflect on the many marks of regard you have already shown.” Tyerman, Vol. 1, 1872, p. 77.  Wesley hears from Selima by letter this month.

SIXTH SAVANNAH JOURNAL cont.

Picture of Barracks at Ft. Frederica.  A rather substantial building for the number of soldiers and citizens at Frederica.  One of Miss Sophy’s love interests is arrested this month or so she told John Wesley.  Perhaps he was detained here.  Photograph by Brenda Rees ©

Thursday, June 2, 1737 – Spanish filled most of this day.

Friday, June 3, 1737 – Spanish, French and Grammar were a key part of this day.

Saturday, June 4, 1727 – Wesley wrote verses he had made at night.  The day was filled with drama from Miss Sophy.  She wanted him to write a letter for her, but after advice, he declined.  Later, Sophy is distressed that her other love interest, Tom Millichamp, is in jail.  Also, Wesley is ready to admit her to Holy Communion, but writes, “But a new hindrance now occurred.  She would not admit herself.  Looking over the Register, I found she had absented herself five times in April and May only; and in this month June, four times more, viz. the 11^th, 12^th, 24^th, and 29^th.  To clear up all difficulties at once, I determined to speak to her yet again.”

Sunday, June 5, 1737 – Wesley baptized Richard Turner and his son.  He wrote, “About this time we observed the Spirit of God to move upon the minds of many of the youth of this place.”

Tuesday, June 7, 1737 – “I writ to my sister Kezzy and made her an offer of living with me here,” Wesley wrote.  He added that it might not be a good idea for ‘Kezia’ to come since he was on “slippery ground” however, he added that he’d leave it to God. 

Wednesday, June 8, 1737 – Wesley sorts books and has Spanish lesson from Dr. Nunes along with Hebrew.  Wesley also gives an English lesson to Miss Zipporah.  Curnoch writes that this was probably Dr. Nunes daughter.

Thursday, June 9, 1737 – His ‘business’ often includes writing and being concerned about Miss Sophy.

Friday, June 10, 1737 – “I buried the only child of a fond parent, who had been snatched away from him in a moment, falling into a well ….”

Saturday, June 11, 1737 – John Wesley has many conflicts to handle in addition to his preaching duties.  He has strained conversation with Mr. Causton, Miss Sophy’s uncle, about negative comments.  Wesley wrote that he was excused from “speaking on this head any more.  But I soon recollected that my commission is to speak, ‘whether men will hear or whether they will forbear.’”

Thursday, June 16, 1737 – Wesley wrote to ‘Selima’ and James Hutton.  Selima is Miss Anne Granville, the sister of Mrs. Delaney.  See early letters and remarks about these distinguished English women friends from 1726.  Their correspondence and friendship was of great importance to John Wesley.

Monday, June 20, 1737 – Wesley is with Dr. Nunes and Miss Zipporah in the afternoon.

Friday, June 24, 1737 – A sermon was written, Communion administered and Wesley dined with French missionaries.  More evidence of the multi-cultural experience he was having in the developing Colony of Georgia and Spanish Florida.

Saturday, June 25, 1737 – Wesley visits Highgate where the French have settled.

Monday, June 27, 1737 – Grammar work consumes four hours and the rest of the day is spent with the sick and burying the dead.  Wesley wrote that his visits were ‘too long.’