February 1738

FEBRUARY 1738

February 1738 

Wesley's Warming Journey

By Brenda Rees © All Rights Reserved

February 1738    John Wesley is back in London.  Curnoch wrote in his summation of Wesley’s time in America, “His bondage to ecclesiastical law, his merciless adhesion to a system that did not belong to that age or to such a community, must have gone far to neutralize the benefit to himself of a life highly spiritual.”

If you are new to this blog, consider starting with the Introduction of Wesley’s Warming Journey Blog and then each month from February 1736.  Earliest months were grouped together, but Blog is now by month.  This blog carries you from Wesley’s landing at Tybee Island in 1736 eventually through his warming at Aldersgate back in London in 1738.  You might see signs that Wesley’s warming began in America, the Colony of Georgia and Spanish Florida.  © Brenda Rees | Shaping Florida

THE JOURNAL – “PART THE SECOND”

From February 1, 1738 – August 12, 1738

In London

Wesley met Bohler this month.  Bohler later delivers famous quote to Wesley.  Picture of Peter Bohler, John Gambold, Count Zinzen B, James Hutton.  Scan from research collection of Brenda Rees | Shaping Florida. 

                                                                                                                              

Wednesday, February 1, 1738 –  Wesley traveled and visited an inn at Faversham and read a few Christians prayers, but said of them, “… but were indeed more savage in their behavior than the wildest Indians I have yet met with.”  It was common for Methodists to meet in assembly rooms in inns.

Friday, February 3, 1738  – The international reach of Wesley, began in America,  is acknowledged.  He mentioned writing in, “German, Spanish, and Italian tongues.”  He added, “A few steps have been taken towards publishing the glad tidings both to the African and American heathen.”

Saturday, February 4, 1738 –  A bad day for Wesley.  Wesley shared some of his Georgia troubles and they suggest he tell the Trustees of Georgia.  Oglethorpe wasn’t available.  Wesley went on to preach at St. John the Evangelist’s.  Unfortunately, Wesley wrote, “I was afterwards informed, many of the best in the parish were so offended, that I was not to preach there any more.”

Tuesday, February 7, 1738 –  Wesley meets Peter Bohler and several others at the house of Mr. Weinantz, at Dutch merchant.  He helped them find lodging.

Wednesday, February 8, 1738 – Wesley told his story to the Georgia Board of Trustees.

Wednesday, February 17, 1738 –   Wesley remembered, “I set out for Oxford with Peter Bohler, where we were kindly received by Mr. Sarney, the only one now remaining here of many who, at our embarking for America, were used to ‘take sweet counsel together,’ and rejoice in ‘bearing the reproach of Christ.’”

Saturday, February 18, 1738 –  Wesley saw his friend, John Gambold, at Stanton Harcourt.  He said he found his, “old friend recovered from his mystic delusion, and convinced that St. Paul was a better writer than either Tauler or Jacob Behmen.” Wesley went on to write about his conversation with Bohler which included, “’My brother, my brother, that philosophy of yours must be purged away.’”

Wednesday, February 22, 1738 – Wesley met with the Georgia Trustee again to explain why he had left Georgia.

Monday, February 27, 1738 – On a coach to Salisbury, Wesley conversed, “seriously with my fellow travelers.”  He followed this advice, “But endeavouring to mend the wisdom of God by the worldly wisdom of prefacing serious with light conversation ….”

Tuesday, February 28, 1738 – Wesley saw his mother and prepared travel to see his brother in Tiverton.  However, he received word that “Charles was dying” and “set out for that place immediately.”