Chapter L: Tyerman (4)

“Having now no further doubt, but, that, I was intended by
Providence to accompany Mr. Wesley, on _Tuesday_, October 14,
he, his brother, Mr. Charles, myself, and Mr. Delamotte, son
of a merchant in London, who had a mind to leave the world,
and give himself up entirely to God, being accompanied by
Mr. Morgan, Mr. Burton, (one of the trustees), and Mr. James
Hutton, took boat at Westminster, for Gravesend. We arrived
there about four in the afternoon, and immediately went on
board the ship, called the _Symmonds_.

“We had two cabins allotted us in the forecastle; I and Mr.
Delamotte having the first, and Messrs. Wesley the other.
Theirs was made pretty large, so that we could all meet
together to read or pray in it. This part of the ship was
assigned to us by Mr. Oglethorpe, as being most convenient for
privacy.

“_Wednesday_ and _Thursday_ we spent chiefly with Mr. Morgan
and Mr. Hutton, exhorting and encouraging one another. We also
received the Lord’s Supper with them each day, thereby to
strengthen our spiritual strength and resolutions. They were
both sorry to part with us; and, I believe, Mr. Morgan would
have been very glad to have gone along with us.

“_Friday_, October 17, Mr. John Wesley, began to learn the
German tongue, in order to converse with the Moravians, a
good, devout, peaceable, and heavenly-minded people, who
were persecuted by the Papists, and driven from their native
country, upon the account of their religion. They were
graciously received and protected by Count Zinzendorf, of
Hernhuth, a very holy man, who sent them over into Georgia,
where lands will be given them. There are twenty-six of them
in our ship; and almost the only time that you could know they
were in the ship, was when they were harmoniously singing the
praises of the Great Creator, which they constantly do in
public twice a day, wherever they are. Their example was very
edifying. They are more like the Primitive Christians than
any other church now in the world; for they retain both the
faith, practice, and discipline delivered by the Apostles.
They have regularly ordained bishops, priests, and deacons.
Baptism, confirmation, and the eucharist are duly administered.
Discipline is strictly exercised without respect of persons.
They all submit themselves to their pastors, being guided by
them in everything. They live together in perfect love and
peace, having, for the present, all things in common. They
are more ready to serve their neighbours than themselves. In
their business, they are diligent and industrious; in all their
dealings, strictly just and conscientious. In everything, they
behave themselves with great meekness, sweetness, and humility.

“_Saturday_, October 18. This morning, Mr. John Wesley and
I began to read the Old Testament, which we finished during
our voyage. Mr. Wesley likewise baptised a man of thirty, who
before only had received lay baptism.[59] I was witness.

“_Sunday_, October 19. Mr. John Wesley began to preach without
notes, expounding a portion of Scripture extempore, according
to the ancient usage. During our passage, he went over our
Saviour’s Sermon on the Mount. He also constantly explained
the Second Lesson, except when he catechized the children;
whereby, all that heard, with sincere hearts, were much
edified. To-day, being the first time we celebrated the Lord’s
Supper publicly, (which we did constantly every Lord’s-day
afterwards,) we had but three communicants besides ourselves;—a
small number, yet God has been graciously pleased to add to
them. All love, all glory, be to Thee, O Lord!

“_Monday_, October 20 I began to teach and catechize the
children on board our ship, being in number about twelve. I
likewise helped two or three of the Moravians[60] to learn
English. This I continued to do several weeks, till we came out
to sea, and then I could but do it seldom, by reason of the
rolling of the ship. O that we were all like little children,
willing to be instructed and guided by our Heavenly Father! O
that we were truly sensible of our own ignorance, and how very
little the wisest of us knows that is worth knowing! It is God
that teacheth man knowledge.

“_Tuesday_, October 21. We left Gravesend, and went down the
river, though but very slowly, the wind not being favourable to
us.

“We now began to be more in earnest. We resolved to rise early,
and to spend our time regularly and carefully. The first
hour, we allotted ourselves, was to pray for ourselves and
absent friends. The next, we read the Scriptures; and, from
six to breakfast, we generally read something relating to the
Primitive Church. At eight, we had public prayers. The forenoon
_I_ spent either in teaching and instructing the children,
or reading antiquity; _Mr. John Wesley_, in learning German;
_Mr. Charles Wesley_, mostly in writing; _Mr. Delamotte_, in
learning Greek, or Navigation. At twelve, we all met together,
to join in prayer, and to exhort one another, consulting both
how to profit our neighbours and ourselves. After dinner, I
taught the children, or conversed religiously with some of the
passengers, as also Mr. Wesley constantly did. At four, we had
public prayer. From five to six, we spent in private; then we
supped. At seven, I read to as many of the passengers as were
willing to hear, and instructed them in Christianity. Mr. John
Wesley joined with the Moravians in their public devotions. At
eight, we all met together again, to give an account of what we
had done, whom we had conversed with, deliberating on the best
method of proceeding with such and such persons; what advice,
direction, exhortation, or reproof was necessary for them;
and sometimes we read a little, concluding with prayer; and
so we went to bed about nine, sleeping soundly upon mats and
blankets, regarding neither the noise of the sea or sailors.
“The angels of the Lord are round about them that fear Him.”

“_Monday_, October 27. We sailed from Margate Road to the
Downs. A gentleman passenger strongly opposed our having
prayers in the great cabin; and, indeed, he half carried his
point, so that we were forced to submit to the inconvenience of
having them between decks in the afternoons, till it pleased
God to remove him out of the ship.

“_Sunday_, November 2. We passed the fleet at Spithead, and
came into Cowes Road, off the Isle of Wight, where we lay
till the 10th of December. During our stay here, we had an
excellent opportunity of promoting the work of God among our
fellow passengers. We met with both opposition and success,
passing through evil report and good report. May it please
the Almighty to give us all an abundant measure of His grace,
to persevere zealously in His service to the end of our days!
Every Christian must be perfected through sufferings, either
inward or outward, for even the Captain of our salvation was
made perfect through suffering; and we are to be like Him.

“Mr. Charles Wesley, being known to the minister at Cowes,
preached several times in the island, and read at a poor
woman’s house to a good number of the people there assembled.
Before we came away, he left a few books among them. The poor
people were very glad, expressed much thankfulness, and, I
believe, were not a little edified by his admonition and
exhortation.

“_Monday_, November 3. We took a walk into the Isle, where we
agreed upon the following resolutions:—

“‘In the name of God, Amen.

“‘We whose names are here underwritten, being fully
convinced, that, it is impossible, either to promote
the work of God among the heathen without an entire
union amongst ourselves; or, that, such an union
should subsist unless each one will give up his
single judgment to that of the majority, do agree, by
the help of God:—

“‘_First._ That none of us will undertake anything of
importance without first proposing it to the other
three.

“‘_Second_. That, whenever our judgments or
inclinations differ, any one shall give up his single
judgment or inclination to the others.

“‘_Third_. That, in case of an equality, after
begging God’s direction, the matter shall be decided
by lot,

“‘John Wesley,
C. Wesley,
B. Ingham,
C. Delamotte.’

“The wind was now fair, but the man-of-war, that was to convey
us over, was not yet ready. The passengers grew impatient of
delay; but our Heavenly Father intended it for our good. Known
unto God are all His works from everlasting. Unsearchable are
Thy ways, O Lord God of hosts. Blessed art Thou for ever.

“_Saturday_, November 8. I went upon quarter-deck, after
dinner, to teach the children; but, because some gentlemen were
there who laughed at me for it, I was ashamed to proceed. O!
what a dreadful thing is the fear of man! How does it defeat
our best purposes, and stagger our stoutest courage! O! how
deceitful is my heart! If Thou, O Lord, shouldest withdraw Thy
grace from me but one day, I should utterly renounce Thee, and
commit the most enormous crimes!

“_Sunday_, November 16. Mr. John Wesley baptized Thomas
Herd and Grace, his wife, Mark, his son, and Phœbe, his
daughter, both adults, having prepared them for it by private
instruction. To this, I was a witness. They were brought up
Quakers; but are now serious people and constant communicants.
Praised be the Lord! who has turned their hearts from error,
and put them in the right way.

“_Thursday_, November 20. The man-of-war being come, we left
Cowes and got down to Yarmouth, where they cast anchor. But
next morning, the wind being contrary, we were forced back
again into Cowes Road. During this our latter stay here, there
were several storms, in one of which, two ships, that ventured
out, were stranded upon the island. Notwithstanding this,
several of our people murmured at the delay. If God should deal
with us according to our deservings, we should be consumed in a
moment.

“_Sunday_, November 23. We had, besides ourselves, eight
communicants. The Tuesday following, I got a boy well whipped,
by Mr. Oglethorpe’s orders, for swearing and blaspheming.
Private admonition had no effect upon him, so that I was forced
to have recourse to public correction.

“_Sunday_, November 30. I preached on board the other ships,
and read prayers, which I did several times while we lay
at Cowes. We now again had prayers in the great cabin, the
gentleman afore-mentioned having yesterday left the ship.
Blessed be God! who delivered us from him, for he very much
opposed us. I did think, and I told it my friends, that, we
could not sail while he was in the ship. This, perhaps, might
be one reason why we were kept so long from sailing.

“_Monday_, December 1. We agreed upon the following
resolution,—‘If any one upon being reproved, or upon any other
occasion, shall feel any sort or degree of anger or resentment,
he shall immediately, or at the next meeting, frankly and fully
confess it.’

“_Saturday_, December 6. The second mate, a very insolent and
ill-natured fellow, who had abused many of the passengers and
also Mr. Wesley, at last affronted even Mr. Oglethorpe to his
face. The next day, he was sent on board the man-of-war. The
people rejoiced at this; and praised be God! who delivered
them from his power. ‘The fierceness of man shall turn to Thy
praise; and the fierceness of them shalt Thou restrain.’ This,
I think, was another reason why we were kept still at Cowes.

“_Sunday_, December 7. We were fifteen communicants. This
evening, we resolved to leave off eating suppers, till we found
some inconvenience from it; which none of us did to the end of
the voyage. Since our settling in America, Messrs. Wesley and
Mr. Delamotte have resumed them. As yet, it agrees perfectly
with my health, and I still continue it.

“_Monday_, December 8. A young man, very providentially, was
taken into our ship. I, perceiving that he was a stranger,
began to converse with him. He gave me an account of himself,
and the reason of his coming. He had left his parents, he said,
who were rich, (though he was their only son,) because they
would not let him serve God as he had a mind. He used to spend
a good part of the night in prayer, not having opportunity
to do it by day. When he left home, he did not know where he
should go, having no clothes with him; but he did not seek for
money or worldly enjoyments; he desired only to save his soul.
When he was travelling, he prayed that he might go to some
place where he could have the advantage of public prayers and
the Holy Sacrament. Several times he had thoughts of turning
hermit; but Providence had brought him to us; and he was glad
to meet with ministers with whom he could freely converse about
spiritual things; and, indeed, I was glad to meet with him.
This, I think, was another reason for our delay. All love, all
glory be to Thee, O Lord!

“_Wednesday_, December 10. Now, at length, it pleased our
Heavenly Father to send us a fair wind. We left Cowes about
nine in the morning. Two gentlemen passengers of the other ship
were left behind, having, the night before, gone to Portsmouth.
We waited for them near two hours; but, they not coming, we
made the best of our way, running between seven and eight miles
an hour. Friday, in the forenoon, we left the man-of-war,
he not being able to sail as fast as our ships. Most of the
passengers were now sick; I was so for about half an hour; Mr.
John Wesley scarce at all.

“_Friday_, December 19. Messrs. Wesley and I, with Mr.
Oglethorpe’s approbation, undertook to visit, each of us, a
part of the ship, and daily to provide the sick people with
water-gruel, and such other things as were necessary for them.
At first, we met with some difficulties; but God enabled us
to persevere in the constant performance to the end of the
journey. Mr. Oglethorpe himself went several times about the
ship to comfort and encourage the people; and, indeed, he
has never been wanting in this respect. He is a pattern of
fatherly care and tender compassion, being always ready, night
and day, to give up his own ease and conveniences to serve the
poorest body among the people. He seldom eats above once a
day, and then he usually chooses salt provisions, (though not
so agreeable to his health,) that, he might give the fresh to
the sick. But more will appear from the following instance.
One Mrs. Welch, who was believed to be at the point of death,
being big with child, in a high fever, attended with a violent
cough, was, by Mr. Oglethorpe’s order, removed into his own
cabin, which was the best in the ship, he himself lying several
nights in a hammock, till another cabin was got ready for him.
He also constantly supplied her with all the best things in
the ship. Some of the gentlemen seemed disgusted at this; but
that made him only the more resolute. Yet, notwithstanding all
possible care was taken of her, human means failed; the doctor
gave her up; everybody thought she would die; Mr. Oglethorpe
only continued in hope. Nay, he said, he was sure God would
raise her up to manifest His glory in her. She had a desire to
receive the Lord’s Supper before she died; and, lo! from the
moment she received, she began to recover, and is now safely
delivered of a daughter, and in perfect health. ‘Gracious is
the Lord, and merciful, long-suffering, and of great goodness;
the Lord is loving to every man, and His mercy is over all His
works.’

“_Sunday_, December 21. We were twenty-one communicants. This,
as well as yesterday, was an exceedingly calm and pleasant
day. The sky appeared to me more beautiful than ever I had
observed it in England. We were likewise got so far to the
southward, that, the weather was as warm now as it is in the
spring at home. This being Mr. Oglethorpe’s birthday, he gave a
sheep and wine to the people, which, with the smoothness of the
sea, and the serenity of the sky, so enlivened them, that, they
perfectly recovered from their sea sickness. On Christmas-day,
also, Mr. Oglethorpe gave a hog, and wine to the people.

“_Monday_, December 29. We are now past the latitude of
twenty-five degrees, and are got into what they call the Trade
winds, which blow much the same way all the year round. The air
is balmy, soft, and sweet. The ship glides smoothly and quietly
along. The clouds are finely variegated with numbers of pretty
colours. The nights are mild and pleasant, being beautifully
adorned with the shining hosts of stars. ‘The heavens declare
the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handywork. One
day telleth another; and one night certifies another.’

“What, though, in solemn silence, all
Move round this dark, terrestrial ball;
What, though nor real voice nor sound
Amidst their radiant orbs is found;
In reason’s ear they all rejoice,
And utter forth a glorious voice,
For ever singing as they shine,
‘The Hand that made us is divine.’

“1736, _Sunday_, January 4. A gentleman was very angry with me
for accusing his servant, of swearing, before Mr. Oglethorpe.

“The next day, Mr. John Wesley began to catechise the children
publicly, after the Second Lesson evening service, which he
continued to do every day for about three weeks.

“_Monday_, January 12. I began to write out the English
Dictionary, in order to learn the Indian tongue. O! ‘who is
sufficient for these things?’

“When the ship rolled so that we could not well go about
to visit the people, we generally spent the evening in
conversation with Mr. Oglethorpe, from whom we learnt many
particulars concerning the Indians.

“_Saturday_, January 17. The wind was very strong. About half
an hour after ten at night, we encountered such a wave as we
did not meet with in all our passage besides. It shook the
whole frame of the ship, from stem to stern. The water sprung
through the sides of the ship, which before were tight, and,
also, above the main-yard. Falling down, it covered the decks,
broke into the great cabin, and filled Mrs. Welch’s bed. Mr.
Oglethorpe was gone to bed, and resigned his own dry cabin to
the sick, betaking himself once more to his hammock. Hitherto,
we had had a very fine passage; but now, approaching near land,
we met with contrary winds, which kept us above a fortnight
longer at sea than otherwise we should have been.

“_Tuesday_, January 20. I baptized a child, which was thought
to be at the point of death; nay, some thought it was dead;
but, from the moment it was baptized, it began to recover.

“_Wednesday_, January 21. This evening, Mr. Oglethorpe called
together the heads of families, as he also did at some other
times, and gave them several excellent and useful instructions
relating to their living in Georgia, exhorting them likewise to
love God and one another.

“_Sunday_, January 25. We were twenty communicants. Towards
evening, we had a terrible storm, which lasted several hours.
I observed it well; and, truly, I never saw anything hitherto
so solemn and majestic. The sea sparkled and smoked, as if it
had been on fire. The air darted forth lightning; and the wind
blew so fierce, that, you could scarcely look it in the face,
and draw your breath. The waves did not swell so high as at
some other times, being pressed down by the impetuosity of the
blast; neither did the ship roll much; but it quivered, jarred,
and shook. About half an hour past seven, a great sea broke in
upon us, which split the main-sail, carried away the companion,
filled between decks, and rushed into the great cabin. This
made most of the people tremble; and, I believe, they would
then have been glad to have been Christians, how light soever
they made of religion before. I myself was made sensible, that,
nothing will enable us to smile in the face of death, but a
life of extraordinary holiness. I was under some fear for a
little while; but I recollected myself again, by reflecting
that every thing came by the will of God; and that whatever He
willed was the best for me. If, therefore, He was pleased to
take me off at this very time, so much the better:—I should be
delivered from many evils, and prevented from committing many
sins to come. Betwixt eleven and twelve, I recommended myself
to God, and went to bed, resting satisfied with whatever should
befal me. Towards three, the wind abated. In the morning, we
returned public thanks for our deliverance; and, before night,
most of the people had forgotten, that, they were ever in a
storm. ‘If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will
they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.’[61]

“_Wednesday_, January 28. Being a calm day, I went on board the
other ship, read prayers, and visited the people. At my return,
I acquainted Mr. Oglethorpe with their state; and he sent them
such things as they needed.

“_Sunday_, February 1. Three sail appearing, we made up towards
them, and got what letters we could write, in hopes some of
them might be bound for England. I writ a short one to you at
Osset. One of them, that was bound for London, made towards us,
and we put our letters on board her.

“On Tuesday, we found ground; on Wednesday, we saw land; and,
on Thursday afternoon, 5th of February, we got safe into
Tybee-road, in the mouth of the river Savannah, in the province
of Georgia, in America. Messrs. Wesley, Mr. Delamotte, and
I had some discourse about our manner of living in this new
country. I was struck with a deep, religious awe, considering
the greatness and importance of the work I came upon, but was
comforted with these words in the Psalms:—‘O! tarry thou the
Lord’s leisure; be strong, and He shall comfort thy heart; and
put thou thy trust in the Lord.’ From the whole service, I was
moved to think, that, the Gospel would be propagated over the
whole world. May God, of His great mercy, graciously be pleased
to grant it!

“_February 6._ We went on shore, and had prayers, where we were
comforted by the Second Lesson. Next day, I received a letter
from my brother William, one from my sister Hannah, and another
from Mr. H. Washington, whereby I was very much comforted. I
called to mind several things past; reflected upon the sweet
happiness of true friendship; and prayed earnestly for my dear
friends in England, with tears.

“_Saturday_, February 14. This morning, as well as yesterday,
we met with several remarkable passages, in our course of
reading the prophets, relating to the propagation of the
Gospel, which not a little comforted and encouraged us. I was
also strongly affected by the Second Lesson, Mark xiii.

“A little after noon, some Indians came to make us a visit.
We put on our gowns and cassocks; spent some time in prayer;
and then went into the great cabin to receive them. At our
entrance, they all rose up; and both men and women shook hands
with us. When we were all seated, Toma-Chache, their king,
spoke to us to this effect. (His interpreter was one Mrs.
Musgrove, who lives about five miles above Savannah. She is
descended of a white man by an Indian woman. She understands
both languages, being educated amongst the English. She can
read and write, and is a well-civilized woman. She is likewise
to teach us the Indian tongue.)

“‘Ye are welcome. I am glad to see you here. I have a desire
to hear the Great Word, for I am ignorant. When I was in
England, I desired that some might speak the Great Word to me.
Our nation was then willing to hear. Since that time, we have
been in trouble. The French on one hand, the Spaniards on the
other, and the Traders that are amongst us, have caused great
confusion, and have set our people against hearing the Great
Word. Their tongues are useless; some say one thing, and some
another. But I am glad that ye are come. I will assemble the
great men of our nation, and I hope, by degrees, to compose
our differences; for, without their consent, I cannot hear
the Great Word. However, in the meantime, I shall be glad to
see you at my town; and I would have you teach our children.
But we would not have them made Christians as the Spaniards
make Christians; for they baptize without instruction; but we
would hear and be well instructed, and then be baptized when we
understood.’

“All this he spoke with much earnestness, and much action,
both of his head and hands. Mr. John Wesley made him a short
answer,—‘God only can teach you wisdom, and, if you be sincere,
perhaps, He will do it by us.’ We then shook hands with them
again, and withdrew.

“The Queen made us a present of a jar of milk, and another of
honey; that we might feed them, she said, with milk; for they
were but children; and that we might be sweet to them.

“About three next day, in the afternoon, just before they went
away, we put on our surplices, at Mr. Oglethorpe’s desire, and
went to take leave of them.

“_Monday_, February 16. About seven this evening, I set forward
with Mr. Oglethorpe, and some others, in a ten-oared boat,
for the Alatamahaw river, the southernmost part of Georgia.
At eleven, we arrived at a place called Skiddowa, where we
went ashore into the woods, and kindled a fire under a lofty
pine-tree. Having written some letters, and eaten something, we
lay down to sleep upon the ground, without either bed or board,
having no covering, besides our clothes, but a single blanket
each, and the canopy of heaven. About eight next day, we set
forward again, passing several marshes, beset on both sides
with trees of various sorts, whose leaves, being gilded with
the glorious rays of the sun, yielded a beautiful prospect.
About twelve, the wind blew so high, that, we were driven upon
an oyster bank, where we could not get a stick to make a fire.
Here we dined very comfortably. Near two, we set forward again,
and, with great difficulty, crossed over the mouth of the river
Ogechee. The wind was exceeding high, and the water very rough.
Almost every wave drove over the side of the boat; so that
every moment we were in jeopardy of our lives; and, truly, if
Mr. Oglethorpe had not roused up himself, and struck life into
the rowers, I do not know but most of us might here have made
our exit. Towards six, we got to a little place, called Boar’s
Island, where we encamped all right, round a roaring fire, in
a bed of canes, where the wind could not reach us. Here also
we came up with a large boat, called a Pettiangur,[62] loaded
with people for the Alatamahaw, who had set out before us. Next
morning, after prayers, Mr. Oglethorpe, considering, that, our
own boat was overladen, and also that I might probably be of
some service to the people, asked me if I was willing to go
on board the Pettiangur, whereto I readily consented. Here,
during the remainder of our passage, I read to the people, and
instructed them as I had opportunity. This evening, we lay upon
St. Catherine’s, a very pleasant island, where we met with two
Indians a-hunting. I took one of them on board the Pettiangur,
and gave him some biscuit and wine, and he, in return, sent us
the greatest part of a deer.

“On _Sunday_ morning, February 22, we arrived at the island of
St. Simons, upon the river Alatamahaw, a pleasant and fertile
place, which Mr. Oglethorpe had reached the Thursday night
before. Several of the people were firing guns, but, upon my
landing, I asked Mr. Oglethorpe if Sunday was a proper day for
sporting. He immediately put a stop to it. Having breakfasted,
we joined in the Litany, and then he returned to Savannah,
having already put the people in a method of proceeding.

“Next day in the forenoon, we were alarmed by a sail appearing
in the river. We called all the people together; and, after
consultation, we threw up a trench, strengthening it with
barrels of beef and pork, which we had here in abundance. We
also sent a canoe down the river, and several men into the
woods for scouts, to bring us intelligence. In the meantime, we
got all our arms in readiness, providing for the worst. About
half an hour past twelve, the canoe returned, and brought us
word, it was the sloop which brought the provisions, that had
returned to take in ballast.

“Two or three of the first days, the people spent in building
palmetto bowers. We enclosed a little round place with myrtles,
bays, and laurels, in the midst whereof we nightly kept a great
fire, round which I lay several weeks in the open air, my whole
bed consisting of two blankets; and I never had health better
in my life. Now we had short prayers early in the morning,
before they began; and at night, after they had done working.
My chief business was daily to visit the people, to take care
of those that were sick, and to supply them with the best
things we had. For a few days at the first, I had everybody’s
good word; but, when they found I watched narrowly over them,
and reproved them sharply for their faults, immediately the
scene changed. Instead of blessing, came cursing, and my love
and kindness were repaid with hatred and ill-will.

“_Sunday_, February 29. After morning prayers, which we had
pretty early, I told the people that, it was the Lord’s day,
and, therefore, ought to be spent in His service; that, they
ought not to go a-shooting, or walking up and down in the
woods; and that, I would take notice of all those who did.
One man answered, that, these were new laws in America! This
man, as well as several others went out; but he, I think, was
two days before he could find his way back again. I reproved
most of them afterwards, in a friendly manner, laying before
them the heinousness of the sin, and the dreadful consequences
that would necessarily follow. One or two took my advice
well; but the rest were hardened, and, instead of reforming,
raised heavy complaints and accusations to the gentleman, that
was left chief in commission, that, I had made a black list;
and that, I intended to ruin them. This caused a very sharp
contest between that gentleman and me; wherein God enabled
me, boldly and courageously, to vindicate the honour of His
day and worship, without regarding the favour of any man.
So soon as I was retired, I prayed earnestly from my heart,
that, God would forgive him, and also give him a new mind;
which prayer God heard (blessed be His goodness!) for, since
I came away, he frankly confessed, that, he was in the wrong;
that, his passions carried him to too great a height; that,
I was certainly in the right, and had only done what was my
duty. I mention this to show the great use of praying for our
enemies. Who knows how much such prayer will avail before God?
Certainly, it purifies our own heart, and is the only sure
enemy to keep out hatred, malice, and revenge.

“_Tuesday_, March 2. This morning, I prayed that God would be
pleased to send home the lost man, and also make him sensible
of his sin. About breakfast time, he came looking very ghastly,
sadly affrighted, telling me he was resolved never more to
profane the Sabbath. God grant he may keep his word! This
example would not make others take warning. Next Sunday, three
more went a-shooting, who were all lost till next day. Nothing
but the almighty grace of God is sufficient to turn a sinner
from the error of his ways.

“_Monday_, March 8. Mr. Oglethorpe arrived, with four
Pettiangurs; and, next day, my dear friend, Mr. C. Wesley,
with another, wherein were all the married men and women, and
children, that came over in our two ships. Mr. Oglethorpe
immediately laid out the new town, Frederica, in a neat and
regular method; and kept the people to strict work in building
themselves palmetto houses. During the three weeks longer,
which I spent here, there happened such a variety of incidents,
that, it would be too tedious to relate them. Only I will add,
that, Mr. C. Wesley and I had the happiness of undergoing,
for the truth’s sake, the most glorious trial of our whole
lives, wherein God enabled us exceedingly to rejoice, and also
to behave ourselves throughout with undaunted courage and
constancy; for which may we ever love and adore Him! The book
of God was our support, wherein, as our necessities required,
we always met with direction, exhortation, and comfort—‘Thy
Word is a lantern to my feet, and a light unto my paths. In
God’s Word will I comfort me.’[63]

“_Sunday_, March 28. About seven in the evening, I left
Frederica, and took boat for Savannah. We had a fair wind;
and, if we had not run twice aground, I believe we should have
got thither in twenty-four hours. Towards four on Tuesday
morning, it began to thunder, and lighten, and rain in the
most dreadful manner I ever beheld since I was born. Ours was
a little open boat, without any cover. The rest of the people
wrapped themselves up, head and ears, in blankets and sails,
whatever they could get, and laid down in the bottom of it. I
plucked up a good heart, threw my cloak over me, and stood up,
as stiff as I could, in the midst of it, that I might behold
the majesty of God in thunder; and, truly, so glorious a scene
I never saw. I dare not attempt to describe. However, I passed
the time very comfortably in praising God; and, whereas, all
the rest were well wet, I was pure and dry all over, excepting
only my cloak and shoes. Betwixt seven and eight, we arrived
at Savannah, where I was kindly received by Mr. John Wesley
and Mr. Delamotte. The latter had began to teach a few little
orphans; and the former had brought the people to short prayers
morning and night I now again entered upon a manner of life
more agreeable to me than what I spent at Frederica, having
both time and convenience for regular retirement.

“_Sunday_, April 4. This afternoon, Mr. Wesley and Mr.
Delamotte, took boat for Frederica. In their absence, I took
care both of the church and school.

“_Monday_, April 5. After evening prayers, I begun to
catechize, at our own house, all young persons that were
willing to come, as well children as servants, and apprentices,
who would not come in the day time. I have continued to do this
every night since. On Sundays, I do it after dinner, and also
publicly in the church after the Second Lesson.

“_Sunday_, April 11. After evening service, I made a visit to a
few people, who had formed themselves into a Society,—meeting
together on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights. I found their
design was good. They read, prayed, and sung psalms together.
Accordingly, I exhorted them to go on, promising myself to meet
with them sometimes, and to give them such helps and directions
as I could. I have joined them every Sunday since; and I hope
it will be a means of some good. God grant it!

“_Sunday_, April 18. This afternoon, there was an alarm made
in time of Divine service, whereupon, several people went out
of church. The cause of it was a young lad that had run away
from his master. He had broken into our house, under which,
he said, he had laid a fortnight, and stolen provisions when
I was at prayers. He had taken down a pistol, and loaded it,
with a design, I suppose, to shoot in the woods; for he had
gotten the powder flask, and, as he was getting out of the
window, somehow, he slipped, and fired off the pistol, which
broke his arm to shivers. He then called out aloud for help;
whereupon, some people that heard, went to see what was the
matter. He begged of them to drag him out at the window, which
they did, and found him in a bad condition. They carried him to
a surgeon, who cut off his arm. In the night, not having due
attendance, he loosed it, whereby, he lost so much blood, that,
he died next morning. I was very sorry for the unfortunate
wretch, for he came to be catechized the night before he run
away, and I, being informed that he had done so several times
before, talked to him a good while, to behave himself well,
and to obey his master. But, not having grace, he did the very
reverse to what I exhorted him. A sad example, whereby others
ought to take warning.

“This being the great and holy week, I dedicated it to
devotion, observing the discipline of the Primitive Church.

“On Tuesday evening, Mr. John Wesley and Mr. Delamotte arrived
from Frederica. Next day, Mr. Wesley gave me an account of what
had passed there since my departure. O what secrets will come
to pass in the last day!

“_Easter Sunday_, April 25. We were thirty-four communicants.
Our constant number is about a dozen. Next day, Mr. Wesley and
I went up to Cowpen, in a boat, bought for our use, to converse
with Mrs. Musgrave about learning the Indian language. I
agreed to teach her children to read, and to make her whatever
recompence she would require more for her trouble. I am to
spend three or four days a week with her, and the rest at
Savannah, in communicating what I have learned to Mr. Wesley;
because he intends, as yet, wholly to reside there.

“The Moravians, being informed of our design, desired me to
teach one of the brethren along with Mr. Wesley. To this I
consented at once, with my whole heart. And who, think ye, is
the person intended to learn? Their lawful bishop.[64] ‘The
right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence; the right hand of
the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.’

“_Friday_, April 30. Mr. Wesley and I went up again to Cowpen,
taking along with us, Toma-Cache and his Queen. Their town is
about four miles above Savannah, in the way to Mrs. Musgrave’s.
We told them we were about to learn their language. I asked
them, if they were willing I should teach the young prince.
They consented, desiring me to check and keep him in; but not
to strike him. The Indians never strike their children; neither
will they suffer any one to do it. I told them, I would do
my best, as far as gentleness and good advice would go. How
I shall manage, God alone can direct me. The youth is sadly
corrupted, and addicted to drunkenness, which he has learnt
of our Christian heathen. Nay, the whole Creek nation is now
generally given to this brutal sin, whereto they were utter
strangers before Christians came among them.

“Oh! what a work have we before us! Who is sufficient for these
things? I am nothing. I have nothing. I can do nothing. O! my
dearest friends, pray for us. Pray earnestly for us; and more
especially for me, your very weak, though most dutiful son, and
affectionate brother,

“BENJAMIN INGHAM.”

This lengthened document needs no apology. It exhibits Ingham as a sincere, earnest, self-denying, zealous servant of the Divine Redeemer. It helps to justify the suddenness of his departure from his native country, without obtaining the consent of his family and friends, and even without consulting them. It shows, that, he was a firm believer in the sacred text—“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Who can doubt that Ingham was divinely guided in embarking for America? The service that he rendered there, might be comparatively small; but, at that period, it required no ordinary courage, for a young man of three and twenty, to encounter the storms of the Atlantic, and to live with wild Indians in the woods of Georgia. The results of Ingham’s ministerial labours in the new colony might be few; but the mission there brought him into the society of a set of simple-minded, earnest, godly men, by whom the current of the whole of his subsequent life was changed; and the rough experience of the few months spent among colonial settlers and untutored savages, was a useful training for the hard labours and hard treatment awaiting him in his native country. If Ingham had not embarked for Georgia, the probability is, he would not have been brought into fellowship with Moravians; and, therefore, would not have become a Moravian Evangelist among the masses of the north of England. The Providence, which sent him to Georgia, separated him from the Established Church; but, as in the case of Wesley, it made him the Founder of a large number of religious societies, which exercised a mighty influence on the people of Yorkshire, and of the neighbouring counties.

As yet, Ingham, like the Wesleys, was seeking to be saved by works, rather than by penitent faith in Christ Jesus; but the very fact that he hoped to be saved thus, served as an incentive to the practice of self-denial and other austerities, and to the use of diligence and faithfulness in his ministerial office which have seldom been surpassed. The man had a large heart, brim-full of benevolent feeling; and regarded it as the highest honour and happiness of his life to be of service to the cause of God, and to the welfare of his fellow-creatures. Without doubt, he was what would be called a high churchman when he set sail for Georgia; but his sympathies were too large to be ice bound with high church bigotry. His description of the twenty-six psalm-singing Moravians is just and generous. He was willing to admit the fact, and to rejoice in it, that there were as good Christians without the pale of his own Church, as there were within it. Like all men of noble mind, he was not too much a man to bend to a little child. Teaching and catechizing children was a self-imposed, but happy task, while on the waves of the Atlantic Ocean; and it was equally one of his pleasant toils in Georgia. Idleness and he were strangers to each other. Early rising, abstemious diet, and constant working, were, with him, not accidents, but principles. They were part and parcel of his religion. The Bible was his daily study; and prayer, for himself, and for others, his highest privilege and duty. The two combined inspired him with a confidence in God, which never faltered; and which kept him calm in the greatest dangers. Let us follow him.

Ingham landed in Georgia, on February 5, 1736: he re-embarked for England on February 26, 1737. Nearly three of the thirteen months he spent in Georgia, are comprehended in the Journal already given. The details of the other ten are few and scanty.

Both he and Wesley intended and wished to be, not chaplains among the English colonists, but, missionaries among the wild Indians; and, accordingly, at the end of the first three months of their Georgian residence, we find Ingham arranging to spend three days a week in learning the Indian language from a half-caste woman; and the other three in teaching what he learnt to Wesley, and to Nitschmann, the Moravian bishop. Their design was Christian and heroic; but it was not realised.

On May 16, 1736, Charles Wesley, unexpectedly, came to his brother, and Ingham, and Delamotte, at Savannah; and, for want of better accommodation, each of the four “retired to his respective corner of the room, where, without the help of a bed, they all slept soundly till the morning.”[65] Charles had now left Frederica for ever; and, ten weeks later, he embarked for England.

Frederica was left without a minister; and it was agreed, that, Wesley and Ingham should take Charles’s place in turns. Wesley went off at once; and remained at Frederica till June 23rd. He and Ingham now hoped to obtain permission to live among the Choctaw Indians; but Oglethorpe objected; first, on the ground, that, they would be in danger of being intercepted or killed by the French; and, secondly, because it was inexpedient to leave Savannah without a pastor. This induced them to remain where they were; but, in the meantime, they had a most interesting interview with a number of Chicasaw Indians, the details of which, Wesley has related in his Journal.

On August 4, Wesley again went to Frederica, leaving Savannah to the care of Ingham and Delamotte; and thus things continued till February, 1737; Wesley and Ingham ardently wishing to proceed as missionaries among the Indians; but not able to fulfil their wish, because there was no minister to occupy their places at Savannah and Frederica.

Ingham had been an apt and diligent pupil of Mrs. Musgrave’s; and had formed a vocabulary of about one half of the words in the Indian language; but, unless Savannah and Frederica could be supplied by other ministers, all his fagging to acquire this barbarous language was likely to be useless. What was done? The following is an extract from a letter, addressed to Mr. ⸺, in Lincoln College, Oxon.

“SAVANNAH, _February 16, 1737_.

“DEAR SIR,—Mr. Ingham has left Savannah for some months; and
lives at a house built for him a few miles off, near the
Indian town.[66] So that I have now no fellow-labourer but Mr.
Delamotte, who has taken charge of between thirty and forty
children. There is, therefore, great need, that God should put
it into the hearts of some, to come over to us and labour with
us in His harvest. But I should not desire any to come unless
on the same views and conditions with us,—without any temporal
wages, other than food and raiment, the plain conveniences of
life. And for one or more in whom was this mind, there would
be full employment in the province; either in assisting Mr.
Delamotte or me, while we were present here; or in supplying
our places when abroad; or in visiting the poor people, in the
smaller settlements, as well as at Frederica; all of whom are
as sheep without a shepherd.

“By these labours of love, might any, that desired it, be
trained up for the harder task of preaching the Gospel to the
heathen. The difficulties he must then encounter God only
knows; probably martyrdom would conclude them. But those we
have hitherto met with have been small, and only terrible at
a distance. Persecution, you know, is the portion of every
follower of Christ, wherever his lot is cast. But it has
hitherto extended no farther than words with regard to us,
unless in one or two inconsiderable instances. Yet, it is
sure, every man ought, if he would come hither, be willing and
ready to embrace (if God should see them good) the severer
kinds of it He ought to be determined, not only to leave
parents, sisters, friends, houses, and lands, for his Master’s
sake, but to take up his cross too; cheerfully submit to the
fatigue and danger of (it may be) a long voyage, and patiently
to endure the continual contradiction of sinners and all the
inconveniences which it often occasions.

“Would any one have a trial of himself, how he can bear this?
If he has felt what reproach is, and can bear that but a few
weeks, as he ought, I shall believe he need fear nothing.
Other trials will afterwards be no heavier than that little
one was at first; so that he may then have a well-grounded
hope, that he will be enabled to do all things through Christ
strengthening him.

“May the God of peace Himself direct you to all things
conducive to His glory, whether it be by fitter instruments, or
even by your own friend and servant in Christ,

“JOHN WESLEY.”[67]

Wesley’s standard of a Christian missionary was enough to appal ordinary men; but who will say that the standard was too high? He himself and also his friend Ingham answered to this description; but it was doubtful whether others could be found, among their old associates, who were like-minded. Accordingly, ten days after the date of the above letter, another step was taken. Wesley writes:—

“1737. February 24. It was agreed Mr. Ingham should go for
England, and endeavour to bring over, if it should please God,
some of our friends, to strengthen our hands in this work.
February 26. He left Savannah.”

The Oxford Methodists were scattered when Ingham arrived in England; but they were still a loving and confiding brotherhood. In July, 1737, Charles Wesley and James Hutton spent some days at Oxford; and, accompanied by Mr. Morgan and Mr. Kinchin, set out, on the 29th of that month, for London, where, at the house of Hutton’s father, in College Street, Westminster, they found their “old, hearty friend, Benjamin Ingham.”[68] The last mentioned also visited the Delamotte family at Blendon. Hence, under the date of September 10, 1737, C. Wesley writes:—

“I took coach for Blendon. My friend, Benjamin, had been there
before me, and met with such a reception as encouraged me to
follow. He had preached to them with power, and still more
powerfully by his life and conversation. The eldest sister,
and the Cambridge scholar,[69] were struck to the heart.
The first evening passed in discourse of my namesake[70] in
America.”

Immediately after this, Ingham was at his own home, in Yorkshire. No more faithful and honest friend existed; but, like many Yorkshiremen, he was sometimes almost blunt. The following letter, addressed to Wesley, in Georgia, supplies evidence of this, and also contains references to Wesley and the Oxford Methodists, of considerable interest:—

“OSSET, _October 19, 1737_.[71]

“DEAR BROTHER,—By your silence, one would suspect that you were
offended at my last letter. Am I your enemy because I tell you
the truth? But perhaps I was too severe. Forgive me then. Be
lowly in your own eyes. Humble yourself before the Lord, and
He will lift you up. I do assure you, it is out of pure love,
and with concern that I write. I earnestly wish your soul’s
welfare. O pray for mine also. The Lord preserve you!

“Could you, think you, live upon the income of your fellowship?
If you can, do. The trustees are, indeed, very willing to
support you, and they would take it ill should anybody say
that you have been too expensive. But the Bishop of London,
as I have heard, and some others, have been offended at the
expenses, and not altogether without reason, because you
declared, at your leaving England, you should want scarce
anything. I just give you these hints. Pray for direction, and
then act as you judge best.[72]

“Charles is so reserved; I know little about him. He neither
writes to me, nor comes to see me. What he intends is best
known to himself. Mr. Hutton’s family go on exceedingly well.
Your friend Mr. Morgan, I hear, either has, or, is about
publishing a book, to prove that every one baptized with
water is regenerate. All friends at Oxford go on well. Mr.
Kinchin, Mr. Hutchins, Mr. Washington, Bell, Hervey, Watson,
are all zealous. Mr. Atkinson labours under severe trials in
Westmoreland, but is steady and sincere, and an excellent
Christian. Dick Smith is weak, but not utterly gone. Mr. Robson
and Grieves are but indifferent. The latter is married to a
widow, and teaching a school at Northampton. Mr. Thompson, of
Queen’s, has declared his resolution of following Christ.

“Remember me to Mr. Wallis, Mark Hird, and the Davison family,
Mrs. Gilbert Mears, Mr. Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. Burnside, Mr.
and Mrs. Williamson.

“Yours in Christ,

“B. INGHAM.”

Ingham still purposed to return to Georgia. He longed to preach the gospel of his Saviour to the heathen, and was busily employed in mastering their language. He sought spiritual fellowship among his Christian friends in Yorkshire; and, as opportunity offered, occupied the pulpit of the Established Church. His preaching created great sensation; and his private labours, among his neighbours, were not without results. A man with a soul like his,—burning with a zeal which would have led him gladly to sacrifice his life among the wild Indians of America,—could scarcely fail to be an earnest, successful evangelist in his own country. As already stated, his intention to return to Georgia was not fulfilled. Perhaps Wesley’s departure from that colony, about six weeks after the date of the above letter, was one of the things which prevented it. Be that as it might, he was quite prepared for hard work, and for rough usage, in other places.