Sabbath Nov. 12, 2006

Part 7: Wesley’s Journal in Georgia

As noted in Part 6, Wesley arrived at Savanna on the ship Simmonds on Friday, February 6, 1736. It was a dramatic moment that is best experienced in Wesley’s own words. Recall that, at the time, Wesley was “high church,” meaning that he subscribed to services that were formal and consisted of prescribed readings and prayers, much like a Roman Catholic Mass. Recall also that Wesley conceived that his main reason for going to Georgia was to convert the Indians. The first few Indians that he met he found encouraging, but he soon became disillusioned and discouraged. During this time Wesley begins to experience a dramatic change in his view of Christianity. This is central enough that we will take several Sundays for it. Except for my notes that I insert in brackets, this will all be quoted from Wesley’s Journal.

Excerpts from Wesley’s Journal

Fri. Feb. 6, 1736 - About eight in the morning, we first set foot on American ground.
It was a small uninhabited island, over against Tybee. [Note: Tybee is a small island just south of Hilton Head and is now a National Wildlife Refuge. Very nearby is Ft. Pulaski National Monument and Marine Science Center.] Mr. Oglethorpe led us to rising ground where we all kneeled down to give thanks. He then took boat for Savannah. When the rest of the people were come on shore, we called our little flock together to prayers.

Sat. Feb 7 - Mr. Oglethorpe returned from Savannah with Mr. Spangenberg, one of the pastors of the Germans. I soon found what spirit he was of and asked his advice with regard to my own conduct. He said, “My brother, I must first ask you one or two questions. Have you the witness within yourself? Does the Spirit of God bear witness with your spirit that you are a child of God?” I was surprised and knew not what to answer. He observing it asked, “Do you know Jesus Christ?” I paused and said, “I know He is the Saviour of the world.” “True,” replied he, “but do you know He has saved you?” I answered, “I hope He has died to save me.” He only added, “Do you know yourself?” I said “I do.” but I fear they were vain words.

Sat. Feb. 14 - About one, Tomo Chachi, his nephew, Thleeanouhee, his wife Sinauky, with two more women, and two or three Indian children came on board. A soon as we came in, they all rose and shook us by the hand; and Tomo Chachi (one Mr. Musgrove interpreted) spoke as follows:

I am glad you are come. When I was in England, I desired that some would speak the great Word to me and my nation then desired to hear it; but now we are all confusion. Yet I am glad you are come. I will go and speak with wise men of our nation; I hope they will hear. But we would not be made Christians as the Spaniards make Christians: we would be taught, before we are baptized.

I answered, “There is but One. He that sitteth in heaven, who is able to teach man wisdom. Though we are come so far, we know not whether He will please to teach you by us or no. If He teaches you, you will learn wisdom, but we can do nothing.” We then withdrew.

Sun. March 7 - I entered on my ministry at Savannah, by preaching on the epistle for the day, being thirteenth of First Corinthians. In the second lesson (Luke 18) was our Lord’s prediction of the treatment which He Himself (and consequently His followers) was to meet with in this world.