WesleysWarmingJourney

Monday, October 24, 2011

October 1737

OCTOBER 1737

October 1737

Wesley's Warming Journey

October 1737 Wesley’s trial was over, no Indians were saved, someone else had been appointed to perform ecclesiastical duties at Savannah, and Wesley’s departure from the Colony of Georgia and Spanish Florida was imminent. His interpretation that no Indians of America had “the least desire of being instructed” reflected the Protestant/Catholic clash prevalent in the Atlantic Zone of Conflict among warring European nations. The Spanish had been in Spanish Florida and this area now called “The Colony of Georgia” for several hundred years along with their Catholic priests. Wesley faced diverse, multicultural peoples in this geographical space and new world. Wesley preached to English, German, French, Spanish and Italians in their own languages.

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.

SIXTH SAVANNAH JOURNAL cont.

Picture of John Wesley attempting to instruct the Indians and fulfill his reason for leaving England for the New World. Courtesy of the Lane Rees collection. See additional notes from my academic paper on John Wesley in Spanish Florida at end of this blog. Even the various Indian tribes disputed the transfer of land. Photograph by Brenda Rees ©

Friday, October 7, 1737 – “I consulted my friends whether God did not call me to return to England,” Wesley wrote. He continued, “The reason for which I left it had now no force, there being no possibility, as yet, of instructing the Indians; ….” Wesley also mused that he might have better luck back in England. Soon, Wesley received a unanimous affirmation that he should leave. Wesley stated he would leave this timing up to God.

Tuesday October 11, 1737 – Wesley went to Ebenezer “to inquire of Mr. Boltzius and Gronau whether I could do them any service, ….”

Thursday, October 13, 1737 – Wesley had a conversation with the Scotch at Savannah.

Saturday, October 17, 1737 – The French at Highgate were read to in French by Wesley.

Saturday, October 22, 1737 – Wesley read to the Germans at Hampstead. He wrote, “We began the service both at Highgate and Hampstead with singing a psalm. Then I read and explained a chapter in the French or German Testament, and concluded with prayers and another psalm.”

Sunday, October 23, 1737 – “Having ended Fleury’s Manners of the Ancient Christians, we began to instruct the children, in public as well as private, in a short paraphrase of our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount, “ Wesley added.

Saturday, October 29, 1737 – The French at Highgate wised Wesley would read to the larger number of French in Savannah.

Sunday, October 30, 1737 – Wesley wrote, “I began so to do; and now I had full employment for that holy-day. The first English prayers lasted from five till half an hour past six. The Italian, which I read to a few Vaudois, began at nine. The second service for the English, including the sermon and the Holy Communion, continued from half an hour past ten till about half an hour past twelve. The French service began at one. At two I catechized the children. About three began the English service. After this was ended, I had the happiness of joining with as many as my largest room would hold, in reading, prayer, and singing praise. And about six the service of the Moravians, so called began; at which I was glad to be present, not as a teacher, but a learner.”

Monday, October 31, 1737 – Wesley ended this month’s journal with, “The Grand Jury sitting in the court-house, we had the evening prayers in the school, which held upwards of thirty persons conveniently. The rest stood without, but I hope not so far off as to fail of that blessing which God giveth to all that diligently seek Him.”

ADDITIONAL NOTES: The following is an excerpt from my academic paper presented at the 2006 Gulf South History and Humanities Conference in Pensacola

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

As early as 1735, Oglethorpe was setting up colonists in Frederica.[1] Land titles from the list of original settlers are somewhat sketchy from the Frederica area. Mrs. Pat Bryant noted in A List of the Early Settlers of Georgia, “Fee simple titles to the land were not given by the trustees.”[2] Whether and how Oglethorpe had attained additional land from native peoples might also be questioned. One treaty for South Carolina “forbade the establishment of trading posts south of the Savannah River.”[3] Wesley’s first contact with native people came on Saturday, February 14, 1736. The day before he had word he was to meet “Tomo-chachi.”[4] Tomochichi “was chief of a small party of Creek Indians settled four miles from Savannah and four hundred miles from the main body of the Creek Tribes.”[5] Yamacraw chief Tomochichi admitted he had been banished and had just moved into the area.[6] Tomochichi’s ability to cede anything might be questioned. Oglethorpe continued “… to increase his power surreptitiously….”[7] There is evidence of a later cession by native peoples to Georgia concerning the Altamaha, but well after Wesley left. “In 1782 at Augusta and 1785 at Galphinton, certain Creek tribes ceded lands between the Altamaha River and the Florida boundary to the Georgians. These treaties were disputed by other Indians, led by Alexander McGillivray.”[8] Notwithstanding, disputed cessions are used by Oglethorpe to justify expansion into Spanish Florida.

[1]E. Merton Coulter and Albert B. Saye, eds., A List of the Early Settlers of Georgia, 2^nd edition (Athens: The University of Georgia Press, 1967), 1.

[2]Mrs. Pat Bryant, comp. Entry of Claims for Georgia Landholders 1733-1755 (Atlanta: State Printing Office, 1975), xi.

[3]Jones, Georgia History, 119.

[4]The Journal of John Wesley, 156.

[5]Ibid., 159.

[6]Jones, Georgia History, 134, 138.

[7]Arnade, “Raids, Sieges, and International Wars,” 111.

[8]

Mills Lane

, The People of Georgia, An Illustrated History 2^nd ed. (Savannah: Library of Georgia, 1992), 97.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

September 1737

SEPTEMBER 1737

September 1737

Wesley's Warming Journey

September 1737 Scurrilous attacks had been made against John Wesley, but a letter of response from the minority opinion challenged them and were later mentioned in the 1789 “The European Magazine.” Causton also had charges against him that were sent to England. Causton went to England to answer to the Trustees. On the return trip he “found a watery grave.”

SIXTH SAVANNAH JOURNAL cont.

Picture of Johnny Mercer’s house in Savannah. Savannah has long been the sight for trials and tribulations between good and evil. Photograph Brenda Rees ©

September 1, 1737 – Court had been adjourned until today. The Grand Jury returned ten indictments against John Wesley and they were read, in detail, into the court records. The charges included communicating with Miss Sophy (Mrs. Sophia Christiana Williamson), not administering the Lord’s Supper, wrong proceedings, readings at contrary hours, refusing to baptize other than dipping, refusing to read burial notice, called himself Ordinary, and refusing Godfather and Godmother status.

Friday, September 2, 1737 – Wesley said most of these charges were ecclesiastical with only speaking and writing to Miss Sophy of “secular nature.”

Saturday, September 3, 1737 – Wesley wrote, “I was seized with a violent flux, which so weakened me before evening that I had much ado to get to church ….”

Wednesday, September 7, 1737 – Mr. Dison, chaplain of soldiers at Frederica, called on Wesley and said he now had “authority from the magistrates to perform ecclesiastical offices at Savannah …”.

Thursday, September 8, 1737 – Wesley sends the magistrates a note on Mr. Dison’s activities.

Friday, September 9, 1737 – Delamotte advised Wesley to go to England.

Saturday, September 10, 1737 – Wesley wrote, “Having consulted my friends, I laid aside the thoughts of going to

England

….”

Sunday, September 11, 1737 – Wesley confirmed he would continue his practice of allowing Holy Communion only for those with prior notice and other practices based on Church of England regulations. Wesley said, “I was only a servant of the Church of England, not a judge ....”

Monday, September 12, 1737 – Grand Jury members with a minority opinion wrote letter to the Trustees of Georgia backing Wesley and refuting charges. If the jury had consisted of a regular number, this group would have been in the majority.

Thursday, September 15, 1737 – Mr. Causton and Wesley engage in court gymnastics and counter charges.

Friday, September 30, 1737 – The last entry in Wesley’s Third Georgia Diary had been Wednesday, August 31, 1737. In his Journal, Wesley wrote, “Having ended the Homilies, I began reading Dr. Rogers’s eight sermons to the congregation, hoping they might be a timely antidote against the poison of infidelity which was now with great industry propagated among us; ….”

Sunday, August 28, 2011

August 1737

AUGUST 1737

August 1737

Wesley's Warming Journey

August 1737 and August 1736 were rough months for John Wesley. While in Frederica in August 1736, Wesley fought for his life when Mrs. Hawkins attacked him with scissors and a gun. August 1737 finds Wesley fighting for his reputation and brings a warrant for his arrest which hastens his departure from Savannah. 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. Earlier months grouped together, but Blog 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.

SIXTH SAVANNAH JOURNAL cont.

Picture of peaceful statue of John Wesley in Savannah that perhaps heals the turbulent episodes that marked his time in Spanish Florida and the developing Colony of Georgia . Photograph by Brenda Rees ©

Monday, August 1, 1737 – Wesley talked with Spangenberg on journey to Ebenezer about, “the calm we had so long enjoyed was now drawing to an end ….”

Wednesday, August 3, 1737 – Wesley returns to Savanna.

Sunday, August 7, 1737 – An epic day for John Wesley. In his diary he wrote “10 ¼ Prayers, sermon. 11 ½ Eucharist, Miss Sophy repelled.” In his journal, Wesley wrote in more detail, “I repelled Mrs. Williamson from the Holy Communion [for the reasons specified in my letter of July 5, as well as for not giving me notice of her design to communicate after having intermitted it for some time. I foresaw the consequences well, but remembered the promise in the Epistle for the day, ‘God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.’”

Mrs. Burnside tried to get Mrs. Williamson (Miss Sophy) to talk to Wesley afterwards, but she said, “No, I will not show such a meanness of spirit as to speak to him about it myself, but somebody else shall.”

Monday, August 8, 1737 – Mr. Recorder issued a warrant from Savannah, Georgia which stated, “You, and each of your, are hereby required to take the body of John Wesley, Clerk:

And bring him before one of the bailiffs of the said town, to answer the complaint of William Williamson and Sophia his wife, for defaming the said Sophia, and refusing to administer to her the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, in a public congregation, without cause; by which the said William Williamson is damaged one thousand pounds sterling: … .” Wesley went to a lovefeast with the Germans that evening.

Tuesday, August 9, 1737 – Wesley explained in his Journal, “I was apprehended by virtue of a warrant …. Mr. Williamson’s charge against me was: (1) that I had defamed his wife; (2) that I had causelessly repelled her from the Holy Communion. The first article I denied. As to the second, being purely ecclesiastical, I could not acknowledge their power to interrogate me….” Mr. Williamson wanted Wesley to pay bail, but he was let off with his word. Mr. Williamson then took out an advertisement that forbade anyone taking Wesley out of town. Wesley’s evening lesson was the eleventh chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Wesley wrote, “Oh may I ever have respect unto the recompense of reward, and esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasurer of Egypt.”

Wednesday, August 10, 1737 – Mr. Causton attempted to have Wesley appear. Wesley did not. Wesley’s lesson for the day included, “Let us lay aside every weight, … and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Thursday, August 11, 1737 – Wesley noted that Causton came to house and used rough language and demanded he write his niece a letter. Wesley said he would and did ending with “when you have openly declared yourself to have truly repented, I will administer to you the mysteries of God.”

Friday, August 12, 1737 – Wesley wrote in his Journal that Causton was reading selected parts of letters he had written Miss Sophy from the beginning of their acquaintance. Wesley also wrote, “The rest of the family in the meantime were very industrious in convincing all they could speak to ’that Mr. Wesley had done this merely out of revenge because Sophy would not have him.’

Sunday, August 14, 1737 – More than usual showed up for this Sunday service

Monday, August 15, 1737 – Mr. Causton fired Mr. Burnside, who had been employed over two years by the Trustees, for not signing a certificate of charges he had written. Wesley also noted that Mr. Causton “employed his utmost power and art and application to prepare the persons who form the Grand Jury ….”

Tuesday, August 16, 1737 – Wesley feared that the “communicants” would be unduly influenced so read them an account of the case.

Saturday, August 17, 1737 – Wesley prayed for Mr. Causton and Miss Sophy, having spent the week waiting on the Grand Jury report.

Sunday, August 21, 1737 – “God gave us a day of rest,” Wesley wrote.

Monday, August 22, 1737 – The court met and Wesley was not pleased with the jury. He said, “Forty-four jurors were then sworn, a great majority of whom were well prepared for their work, either by previous application from Mr. Causton or by avowed enmity to me or to the Church of England. One was a Frenchman, who did not understand English, one a Papist, one a professed infidel, three Baptists, sixteen or seventeen other Dissenters; and several who had personal quarrels against me, and had openly vowed revenge.”

An affidavit and extensive list of grievances is detailed in the Journal.

Wesley wrote, “They examined Mrs. Williamson in the afternoon, and afterwards Mr. Causton, and Mrs. Causton on Tuesday Mrs. Williamson declared she had no objection at all to my behaviour before her marriage; Mr. Causton that he should not have denied, if I had ever asked his consent to marry her, and Mrs. Causton that it was at her request I wrote the letter to Mrs. Williamson of July 5.”

Wednesday, August 24, 1737 – Wesley noted the Grand Jury then addressed ecclesiastical grievances. He said Causton presented himself so poorly before them that they wanted to inquire into his conduct. Witnesses were examined for a time. Court was adjourned until September 1, 1737.

Monday, July 25, 2011

July 1737

JULY 1737

July 1737

Wesley's Warming Journey

July 1737 If you are new to this blog, consider starting with Introduction of Wesley’s Warming Journey Blog and then each month from February 1736. 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.

SIXTH SAVANNAH JOURNAL cont.

Picture of ship sailing between Fort Clinch at Fernandina, Florida and Cumberland Island, once in Spanish Florida. John Wesley provided pastoral care to the soldiers who patrolled on Cumberland Island. Wild horses descended from those that roamed during Wesley’s time here in 1736 - 1737 can be seen across the St. Mary’s River, current border between Florida and

Georgia

. Photograph by Brenda Rees ©

Friday, July 1, 1737 – Wesley wrote of the ‘great heat’ and was busy with sickness and death. He arose at four and had coffee at five o’clock. Instead of dinner, Wesley had short nap. At three, he had tea. In between, he fulfilled an appointment and gave Mrs. Burnside a French lesson.

Sunday, July 3, 1737 – Fifty-five were present at Holy Communion and Wesley conversed with Miss Sophy or Mrs. Williamson. Wesley wrote in his Journal this was the sixth conversation with Miss Sophy He said the more he spoke the more angry she became. Mr. Burnside advised Wesley he could not admit her to Holy Communion and to do his duty.

Monday, July 4, 1737 – Just another day in America at this time. Mrs. Causton asked Wesley to write a letter to Miss Sophy.

Thursday, July 7, 1737 – Wesley wrote, “I was unawares engaged in a dispute with Dr. Nunes, a Jew, concerning the Messiah. For this I was afterwards much grieved, lest the truth might suffer by my weak defence of it.” Wesley noted ‘could not answer him.’

Saturday, July 9, 1737 – Wesley meets with a Frenchman of New Orleans who had been a Chicasaw prisoner for several months. Atrocities are related by both French and Chicasaws. The French had Nautchee Indians as slaves who rebelled. Some Chicasaw Indians with this group were killed. The Frenchman’s description of the Chicasaws burning captives was particularly gruesome.

Monday, July 11, 1737 – Mrs. Williamson (Miss Sophy) miscarried. Mrs. Causton said it was because Wesley had chided her earlier.

Tuesday, July 12, 1737 – Wesley noted that “nine out of ten of the missionaries sent into

America

have died before the end of the fourth year.” He added that most were not well spoken of by all men.

Sunday, July 17, 1737 – A rare criticism, Wesley wrote, “I had occasion to make a very unusual trial of the temper of Mr. Boltzius, pastor of the Saltzburghers, in which he behaved with such lowliness and meekness as became a disciple of Jesus Crist.”

Saturday, July 23, 1737 – Wesley still has a favorable enough impression of the area to consider inviting “poor and religious men or women of Epworth or Wroot could come over …” in a letter to his mother. This will change. Wesley also wrote in a letter to a friend, ‘How to attain to the being crucified with Christ, I find not; being in a condition which I neither desired nor expected in America – in ease and honour and abundance. A strange school for him who has but one business, ….’

Wednesday, July 27, 1737 – “I rejoiced to meet once more that good soldier of Jesus Christ, August Spangenberg,” Wesley wrote.

Saturday, July 30, 1737 – Wesley took a census. “I began taking a more exact account of my parishioners by going from house to house. By the best computation I can make, there are now in the town of Savannah five hundred and eighteen souls, one hundred and forty-nine of whom are under sixteen years of age. About one hundred and eighty of the adults are, or are called, of the Church of England.”

Sunday, July 31, 1737 – An extensive list is compiled by Wesley. He said, “Having been long in doubt concerning the principles of the Moravian Brethren, At Mr. Spangenberg’s desire I proposed to them the following queries, to each of which is subjoined the substance of their answer.

“17. Are the ministrations of a man not episcopally ordained valid?

18. Does the wickedness of a man episcopally ordained make his ministrations invalid?

‘I dare neither affirm nor deny either of these questions universally.’”

Saturday, June 25, 2011

June 1737

JUNE 1737

June 1737

Wesley's Warming Journey

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.’

Friday, May 27, 2011

May 1737

MAY 1737

May 1737

Wesley's Warming Journey

May 1737 finds John Wesley reaching out to many nationalities and peoples. He remarks how he is not yet able to communicate and preach because of language barriers to the French and Dutch in this developing Colony of Georgia and Spanish Florida. Read the complete diaries and Journal of John Wesley. In addition, start with the introduction of this Wesley’s Warming Journey Blog and then each month from February 1736. 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, Selina, -- 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. We continue to be indebted to the deciphering of Wesley’s journal and diaries by scholars in publications as early as 1909 and 1938.

SIXTH SAVANNAH JOURNAL cont.

Picture of early Florida borders as West Florida and East Florida during American Revolution and between Treaties of Paris 1763 and 1783. Wesley lived before, during and after the American Revolution and would have been aware of this changing border. He was also aware of the great conflict between “Popery” and “Protestantism” during the Atlantic Zone of Conflict period which loomed over America’s development. Scan Image by Brenda Rees © from Great Uncle's collection: T.T. Wentworth, Jr. founder of T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum

Having arrived back in Savannah, Wesley wrote, “… found my little flock in a better state than I could have expected.”

Tuesday, May 3, 1737 – Wesley is going to start a garden in the “glebe” on 300 acres to provide for himself, his successor and to “give many of these poor people a sort of relief ….”

Wednesday, May , 1737 – An unusual letter from Wesley has survived that illustrates a change from “Christian Cheerfullness” to austerity. Curnoch wrote, “In the early Oxford days John Wesley was one of the brightest ornaments of university society.” See earlier blogs about his women friends from 1726.

Saturday, May 7, 1737 – The world was John Wesley’s parish, and in the early days of Georgia and Spanish Florida the world was gathering. Wesley wrote, “I took a walk to Hampstead, a little village of ten families about five miles south of Savannah. But I found no one there with whom I could talk, they not understanding mine, nor I their Dutch. From thence I went to Highgate …. But neither could I converse with these, who spoke French only, except one family.” Of special note is his Journal entry about Miss Sophy and his concern if he could admit her to Communion. He is troubled that “she had left off fasting, and because she neglected all the morning prayers, though still acknowledging her obligation to both, which made a wide difference between her neglect and that of others.” Delamotte advises him to wait judgement until he talks with her.

Wednesday, May 18, 1737 – “I discovered the first convert to Deism that, I believe, has been made here,” Wesley wrote.

Wednesday, May 25, 1737 – Here we see an entry that illustrates the struggle between Protestants and Catholics from England being transferred over to the new world. It was not just a struggle between England and Spain for control of Spanish Florida and developing British Colonies, their different faiths took center stage in their conflict. Catholic and Spanish St. Augustine established in 1565 had been at the expense and slaughter of the French Protestants at Fort Caroline, established in 1564.

Wesley wrote in his Journal, “I was sent for by one who had been a convert to the Church of Rome, but desired to return to the Church of England; being deeply convinced (as were several others), by what I had occasionally preached, of the grievous errors the Church of Rome is in, and the great danger of continuing a member of it.”

He continued, “Upon this occasion I cannot but observe the surprising infatuation that reigns in England, and especially in London. Advice upon advice did we receive there, to beware of the increase of Popery; but not one word do I remember to have heard of the increase of Infidelity…. This was quite surprising, for these very plain reasons: (1) because as bad a religion as Popery is, no religion at all is still worse; a baptized Infidel being twofold more of a child of hell than the [fiercest] Papist in Christendom; …. (3) because as difficult as it is to recover a Papist, ‘tis far more difficult to recover an Infidel. …” He adds that there is an Italian or two around, but he can’t yet speak their language.

Friday, May 27, 1737 – Mrs. Musgrove, our Florida connection lady, is ill.

Sunday, May 29, 1737 – Wesley is pleased with the progress of the children and said, “we observed the Spirit of God to move upon the minds of many of the children.” It was “Whit Sunday” and four scholars were admitted “to the Lord’s Table” after several weeks of instruction.

administrative note: need to change March to April on previous blog entry

Friday, April 29, 2011

April 1737

April 1737

April 1737

Wesley's Warming Journey

(Edit typo: March to April on some of these entries.)

April 1737 gives John Wesley somewhat of a break from the drama of his relationship with Miss Sophy. Enthusiastically, John Wesley spends more of his time investigating and pursuing how to save the souls of slaves and the “negroes” and learning Spanish from Dr. Nunez. Read the complete diaries and Journal of John Wesley if time allows and available. In addition, start with the introduction of this Wesley’s Warming Journey Blog and then each month from February 1736. This blog carries you from Wesley’s landing at Tybee Island in 1736 eventually through to his warming at Aldersgate back in London.

Again, 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, Selina, -- 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. How older books treated this relationship is interesting. Again, this gives reason why today’s reader might endeavor to read the entire Journal and Wesley’s extensive comments for themselves. See my earlier blog entry about these early women friends of Wesley. He was in a personal correspondence circle with these exceptional women and their letters reveal John Wesley’s early special relationship with women.

We continue to be indebted to the deciphering of Wesley’s journal and diaries by scholars in publications as early as 1909 and 1938.

SIXTH SAVANNAH JOURNAL

Picture of Early Spanish Mission. The Spanish still claimed this part of Spanish Florida. The Treaty of Madrid of 1670 between England and Spain set the border at 32/30 – up near Hilton Head, North Carolina. Photograph by Brenda Rees ©

Sunday, April 3, 1737 – Wesley wrote, “This and every day in this great and holy week we had a sermon and the Holy Communion.”

Monday, April 4, 1737 – This day finds Wesley learning Spanish “in order to converse with my Jewish parishioners; some of whom seem nearer the mind that was in Christ than many of those who call Him Lord.” Wesley had already learned how to read and translate and was now learning how to preach in Spanish. Dr. Nunes, A Spanish Jew, was his teacher. Spelling of Nunes by Curnoch.

Friday, April 8, 1737 – This is Good Friday. On this day, Miss Sophy dominates his Journal entry. He tried to relay messages to Miss Sophy through Mr. and Mrs. Burnside. Feeling that he was not having an effect, he spoke to Miss Sophy in person “under Mr. Causton’s shed.” It was not a private conversation. His advice was “controverted” and he repeated in his Journal, “I will avow before all the world, ‘In things of an indifferent nature you cannot be too obedient to your husband; but if his will should be contrary to the will of God, you are to obey God rather than man.’ It may be observed that this day, of her own free choice, she fasted till the evening.” There is some concern in the colony about the Indians.

Sunday, April 10, 1737 – Paustoobee came on Easter Sunday and Tomochichi came the next day.

Tuesday, April 12, 1737 – Wesley is strong about rules being followed. This time a preacher is not following procedure for weddings. “Being determined, if possible, to put a stop to the proceedings of one in Carolina, who had married several of my parishioners without either banns or licence, and declared he would do so still, I set out in a sloop for Charlestown.” He discussed this with the minister of Charlestown and the Bishop of London’s Commissary.

Friday, April 15, 1737 – Wesley is in Charleston. He is busy visiting notables including a publisher. Wesley makes an interesting comment about garden and grounds of a Mr. Guy. He says it is the most pleasant place he has seen in America and reminds him of England. Then he says most Americans are too lazy to raise such a garden.

Sunday, April 17, 1737 – Days in Charleston are spent with Rev. Charleston. Wesley is pleased with him.

Tuesday, April 19, 1737 – Wesley tried to leave Charleston, but bad weather caused him to return.

Saturday, April 23, 1737 – Wesley learns his passage home by water is not possible, but Mr. Thompson, minister of St. Bartholomew’s, near Ponpon, offers him his horses. On this trip he meets a “negro” who “seemed more reasonable than the rest.” Wesley questioned her about her faith. After a long conversation with her, Wesley said, “The attention with which this poor creature listed to instruction is inexpressible. The next day she remembered all, readily answered every question; and said she would ask Him that made her to show her how to be good.”

Sunday, April 24, 1737 – Wesley preached at Ponpon chapel. He is impressed that many traveled “eight, ten, or twelve miles to hear the gospel.”

Wednesday, April 27, 1737 – Wesley is at Mr. Belinger’s plantation. Rain keeps him there until Friday. He meets a woman who had an Indian mother and a Spanish father. Another said, “’When I lived at Ashley Ferry, I could go to church every Sunday, but here we are buried in the woods. Though if there was any church within five or six miles, I am so lame I cannot walk, but I would crawl thither.’”

Wesley also noted, “And perhaps one of the easiest and shortest ways to instruct the American negroes in Christianity would be, first, to inquire after and find out some of the most serious of the planters.”

Saturday, April 30, 1737 – Wesley has taken a boat and arrives back in Savannah before noon. He found his flock well. He said, “Here I found my little flock in a better state than I could have expected.”