REV. BENJAMIN INGHAM, THE YORKSHIRE EVANGELIST.

Benjamin Ingham was born at Osset, in Yorkshire, June 11th, 1712. Like

the Wesleys, he was a descendant of one of the ministers ejected from

the Church of England by the black Bartholomew Act of 1662.[51] Having

received a liberal education at the grammar-school, Batley, he was sent,

when about eighteen years of age, to Queen’s College, Oxford. Two years

afterwards, he joined the Methodists. None of that godly brotherhood

were more diligent and devout than this young Yorkshireman. Hence, the

following letter addressed to his friend Wesley:—

“OSSET, _February 27th, 1734_.

“HONOURED SIR,—I meet with many cases of conscience in the

country, though I can find no casuist to solve them. I did

not altogether know the advantage of living at Oxford so well

before as I do now. They that have it in their power to reside

there, are wise if they do so. To act well in the country,

requires more knowledge, prudence, and a great deal more zeal.

It is scarce possible to imagine how wicked the world is.

The generality are dead in trespasses and sins. Even those

who would pass for good Christians, are sunk deep in a dead

indifference. Sincerity is as rare as a black swan. Since I

left your good brother, I have only met with one person that is

in good earnest for heaven, except that poor rug-maker. God,

indeed, is chief in his heart. The most wholesome discipline

and best discourses have no effect upon most people. They are

no more moved and concerned than a stone. Reflecting frequently

on this, has confirmed my belief of an election of grace.

I should be glad to know your thoughts on the subject at a

convenient opportunity.

“Since my coming into the country, I have frequently been much

affected with lively meetings; which has compensated me much,

and made me easy and cheerful. What dejects me most is when I

lie long, or am idle, or in company where I can do no good. I

desire to know how I ought to act when I am in company with

superiors, who talk only about trifles. Alas! Sir, I am vastly

deficient in this singularity, which is a material point;

though, blessed be God! I have now a footman to call me, who

visits me early, so that I hope to mend.

“I have methodized my time according to the following scheme.

Suppose I rise at five, or sooner, I spend till six in

devotion,—repeating a hymn, and chanting a psalm, then praying

and reading the Holy Scriptures. At six, Christian treatises.

At seven, we breakfast. I then get a lesson out of the New

Testament, then a Collect, and most of the Common Prayer.

Then forty-two poor children come to me to read. I propose to

observe the three ancient hours of prayer when at home. From

nine to eleven, I read in the Greek Testament, according to

Frank’s. At eleven, I go to teach the rug-maker’s children

to read. Twelve, dine; read Morris’s ‘Shorthand.’ Two, Greek

Testament. Four, walk. Five, devotion. Six, Monday, I choose

the subject beforehand. Seven, supper; and read Milton and

other religious books with the family. Nine, pray for myself

and friends. On Wednesday and Friday, from eight to nine,

meditate on my sins; twelve to one, on Christ’s sufferings; two

to three, read Morris. On Sunday, spend two hours in reading

with the family or some poor neighbours.

“I shall readily submit to your better directions. Supposing a

friend to visit me on a stationary day,[52] how must I behave

myself? In eating and drinking, should I confine myself to such

a quantity, when with strangers? Your directions in these cases

will be very useful.

“My hearty love to your brother, and all friends. I have

received a letter from Mr. Smith. He says he will acquaint his

tutor with all his concerns. I design shortly to write to Mr.

Ford and Watson. I earnestly desire the hearty prayers of all

friends.

“From your most obliged and affectionate friend and servant,

“B. INGHAM.”

Here we have another glimpse of Oxford Methodism,—intense

conscientiousness, concern on account of surrounding wickedness, early

rising, religious employment of every hour, devout study, care for

neglected children, and observance of the weekly fasts; but not a word

respecting the great truth, that sinners are saved by the alone merits of

Jesus Christ, and by a penitential trust in His all-sufficient sacrifice.

These were truths which the Oxford Methodists had yet to learn. Ingham,

like Kirkham, the Morgans, and Clayton, looked to Wesley for guidance;

but, in this respect, Wesley as yet was an incompetent instructor.

Ingham mentions his teaching forty-two children how to read, and his

Sunday meetings among the poor people at Osset. Such efforts to improve

his neighbours deserve to be commended; and it is a pleasant duty to

relate, that, his benevolent endeavours were attended with great success.

Numbers of persons were convinced of their lost condition as sinners: and

thus was commenced a religious movement akin to that, which, eight years

afterwards, seemed to upheave a large portion of the West Riding of the

county of York.

Notwithstanding his prayers, fasts, scripture reading, and diligence,

Ingham was not happy; and no wonder. He was a conscientious, earnest

Pharisee, seeking to be saved by works of righteousness, rather than

by penitential faith in Christ. The following letter, also addressed

to Wesley, and written nine months after the former one, shows how

dissatisfied he was with his present religious state; and reveals a

scrupulousness of conscience in reference to shooting and Quakers, which

is somewhat amusing:—

“OSSET, _November 30, 1734_.

“REV. SIR,—Such is the wretchedness of my station at present,

that, if I durst, shame would persuade me to conceal it from my

best friends. God, of His great goodness, has been pleased to

chastise me, for my sins, with an ague. I am afraid, I shall

make but a very indifferent use of this Fatherly correction. It

may justly be expected that I should be more dead to the world,

and filled with more fervent longings and thirstings after God;

that my diligence would have been quickened, and my devotion

inflamed. But, alas! sir, I am become more sensual, more

indulgent, and more subject to vanity. To early prayer I am now

a stranger. I think it well to rise at seven. In my sickness,

my thoughts, for the most part, were monstrous and trifling. I

would fain make my distemper an excuse; and, though it weakened

my body, it is strange that it should disorder my soul. To

give you one instance of my weakness: When I was pretty well

recovered, I could not deny myself so much as to walk out for

my health; and yet, with but little persuasion, I went several

times a shooting. Nay, I thought it necessary, though I had

renounced it. But it pleased God graciously to let my distemper

relapse, which took away the power, though not the desire of

going.

“At present, I keep altogether at home, scarcely stirring

out of doors. My eyes are weak; yet I am in a fair way of

recovering my bodily health. The only thing in which I have

not been much deficient, is in teaching the children, and

conversing at night with the neighbours, when able to do it.

And, indeed, this has been a means of saving myself from

utterly sinking. God hath been pleased to bless my weak

endeavours with pretty good success; and, I find, that, He

manifests the effects when we least expect it, hereby telling

us that not our endeavours, but His Almighty arm doth the work.

“The honest rugmaker makes very slow advances in learning. I

think to dissuade him from it, unless you advise me to the

contrary.

“My sister proceeds excellently, and, by her example, provokes

me to what otherwise I should not do.

“I desire you to resolve me: Will it be lawful to sell a thing

above its worth, purely because the buyer hath a desire of

it? Also, whether it be convenient or lawful for a Christian

to dwell with a Quaker when under no necessity? Also, whether

persons ought to eat, or openly declare they fast, when no

necessity puts them upon it?

“Dear Sir, let me beg your earnest prayers for your unworthy,

most obliged Friend and Servant,

“B. INGHAM.

“My love to your good brother, etc.

“I have heard from Mr. Burton. Mr. Wogan joins with him in

service to you and your brother. He expects to return by

Oxford about Christmas. They were indifferently in health. If

I recover my health perfectly, would you advise me to visit

Mr. Clayton before I return to Oxford? Our family send their

service.

“For the Rev. Mr. John Wesley,

“Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxon.”

From the above, it is quite evident that the Oxford Methodists regarded

the Quakers as not Christians; yea, as people, in whose houses, it was

doubtful whether Christians, except in cases of necessity, ought to

dwell. This was not surprising. Sacraments, fasts, and feast days were

essentials among the Oxford Methodists; among the Quakers they were

utterly neglected. The religion of the Methodists, to a great extent,

consisted in the observance of outward forms; the religion of the

Quakers, to an equal extent, in the neglect of them.

Ingham returned to Oxford in February, 1735; and was ordained in Christ

Church, by Bishop Potter, on the 1st of June following. On the day of his

ordination, he preached his first sermon, his congregation consisting

of the prisoners in Oxford Castle. On the 4th of the same month, he

proceeded, with Mr. Gambold, to London, where he was engaged as the

“reader of public prayers at Christ Church, and at St. Sepulchre’s,”

Newgate Street. Ingham’s zeal was too fervent to be pent up in the

reading-desks of these city churches. His age was only twenty-three; he

was full of youthful buoyancy, and longed for a wider sphere of action.

In Yorkshire, he had held conversational meetings in his mother’s house;

but now, for the first time, he was allowed to mount the pulpit, and to

preach. Christ Church and St. Sepulchre’s had other, probably older, men

than himself as preachers; but, rather than be silent, away he went, on

a sort of ecclesiastical itinerancy, far beyond the precincts of London

proper, and preached in many of the surrounding villages, and with such

singular success, that great numbers of the people were powerfully

impressed, and had eternal cause to be grateful for his youthful and

fervid ministry.[53]

The Oxford Methodists were already scattered. In consequence of his

father’s death, on April 25, 1735, Wesley had gone to Epworth. His

brother Charles, ordained about the same time as Ingham, had also taken

his departure from Oxford. Clayton was in Manchester; Hervey at home;

Gambold in London. The following letter, addressed to Wesley, and written

a fortnight after Ingham’s ordination, contains interesting references to

this religious brotherhood.

“MR. LISSON’S, GEORGE YARD, SNOW HILL, LONDON, _June 17, 1735_.

“REV. SIR,—The chief intent of this is to express my respect

and gratitude to you, and dear Mr. Charles, as at your

departure from Oxford there might seem to be some indifference

between us; but, according to the old saying, _Amantium irae

amoris redintegratio est_; my affections have the more inflamed

since that, and I have often thought of writing to inform you

of it, but hitherto have delayed. I have reason to believe

you have met with a variety of trials at Epworth, and I have

heard you evil spoken of abroad; and, for these reasons, I do

assure you I love you the more, and pray the more earnestly

for you. You have heard of the fluctuating condition of some

acquaintance at Oxford. London friends have much the same

esteem for you: ‘You are a good man, but you are too rigid,’

etc. ‘Master, in so saying, thou reproachest us also.’

“But to give you some good news. Mr. Salmon[54] is a sincere

friend. Mr. Whitefield is well known to you. I contracted

great intimacy with him since your departure. He is zealous

in a good cause. All friends at Queen’s College I left in

a hopeful condition. Their number is increased, and, I

verily believe, will increase. Mr. Hervey fights manfully in

Northamptonshire. Mr. Broughton is really a holy man. Mr.

Morgan (I suppose you have heard his case, how he is forbid

all conversation with you or your friends, etc.), I hope, will

make a good Christian. Our friends at Osset go on very well.

I baptized Piggot, and preached at the Castle the day I was

ordained. I think there were thirty, save one, at the sacrament

at St Mary’s the day before I came to London. Piggot and some

of our friends were confirmed on Sunday. Mr. Gambold came with

me to London, and is with me at Mr. Lissons’s. He returns to

Oxford with Mr. Hall, who has been here a considerable time,

on Saturday. On Friday, I shall set forward for Matching.[55]

I cannot tell how long I shall stay there. I have thoughts

of visiting my friends in Yorkshire; and, if you continue at

Epworth, I think to come and see you. I have also a desire to

see Mr. Clayton, at Manchester. I have been with Mr. Gambold

and Hall to see Mr. Law.[56] We asked him some questions; but

he talked only about man’s fall, and the one thing necessary.

He is a divine man.

“I like several of the religious people in London pretty

well; but I must confess they are not over zealous. I have

had a great many turns and changes since I saw you. I believe

I must be perfected through sufferings. Notwithstanding, by

the blessing of God, I hope to press on, and persevere in the

constant use of all the means of grace. I intend, at present,

to read the Scriptures in English, together with Mr. Law’s

books.

“My hearty respects to your brother and mother. Mrs. Lissons

sends her service. Pray let me hear from you shortly. When I

shall have the happiness of seeing you, or your brother, I

shall acquaint you with many particulars which I cannot now

mention. In the meantime, I rest, dear Sir, your sincere and

affectionate friend, and brother in Christ,

“B. INGHAM.”

“For the Rev. Mr. John Wesley, at Epworth, to be left at the

Post Office in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.”

“A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps.”

Within three months after this, Wesley wrote to Ingham, in substance, as

follows:—“Fast and pray; and then send me word whether you dare go with

me to the Indians.” Ingham’s answer will be found in the following long

letter, or journal, dated “Savannah, May 1st, 1736;” and which is now,

for the first time, published at _full length_. The substance of it was

given in the “Wesley Banner” for 1852; but it is here printed verbatim,

and without abridgment. Perhaps, and indeed, probably, the letter was an

extract from a longer journal; but if so, the journal is unknown. The

document is long, and somewhat loosely written; but, besides illustrating

Ingham’s character, it contains a considerable amount of interesting

information, and will serve to confirm the journals of Wesley and his

brother, and to fill up gaps in them:—

“SAVANNAH, _May 1st, 1736_.

“To my much-honoured Mother, my dearly beloved Brethren and

Sisters, and all my Christian Friends:—Grace, mercy and peace

be multiplied from Almighty God, the Father, and from our Lord

Jesus Christ, with the Holy Ghost; to whom be glory, honour,

and praise for ever and ever. Amen.

“Blessed, for ever blessed be the God and Father of our Lord

Jesus Christ, the Father of all mercy, and the God of all

consolation, who, of His great goodness, has been graciously

pleased to conduct us safe through the terrors of the great

deep! ‘They that go down to the sea in ships, and occupy

their business in great waters, these men see the works of

the Lord, and His wonders in the deep, for, at His word, the

stormy wind ariseth, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They

are carried up to the heavens, and down again to the deep.

Their soul melteth away because of the trouble. They reel to

and fro, and are tossed up and down, so that they are at their

wit’s end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and

He delivereth them out of their distress. For He maketh the

storm to cease, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are

they glad, because they are at rest; and so He bringeth them

unto the haven where they would be! O! that men would therefore

praise the Lord for His goodness, and declare the wonders that

He doeth to the children of men!’

“I can now inform you that we are all arrived in safety

in Georgia. But, because I believe that a relation of our

voyage will not be unacceptable to you, I shall, with God’s

assistance, set down both the chief occurrences thereof, and

also the reasons which moved me to undertake it. But, lest

you should think of me, or my designs, more highly than you

ought to think, I do assure you that I am a very grievous and

abominable sinner, proud, sensual, and self-willed. And, oh!

that I was truly sensible, and heartily sorry of being so! Oh!

that it would please Almighty God, of His great grace, to make

me thoroughly humble and contrite! Oh! that my sins were done

away; that my nature was changed; that I was a new creature in

Christ Jesus! Then, perhaps, God would make me an instrument to

His glory. Oh! my dear friends, I beg of you, I entreat you, I

beseech you, pray mightily to God in my behalf, that I may not

be a castaway.

“About six weeks before we took shipping for Georgia, I

received a letter from the Rev. Mr. John Wesley, Fellow of

Lincoln College, Oxford, the substance whereof was as follows:

‘Fast and pray; and then send me word whether you dare go with

me to the Indians,’ Having observed his directions, about

three days after the receipt of this, I answered him to this

effect: ‘I am satisfied that God’s providence has placed me in

my present station. Whether He would have me go to the Indians

or not, I am not as yet informed. I dare not go without being

called,’ I kept his letter secret for some days. I was utterly

averse from going. I thought we had heathens anew at home.

However, I continued to pray that God would be pleased to

direct me, whether He would have me go, or not.

“About a fortnight after this, Mr. John Wesley came to London,

as also his brother Charles, and Mr. Salmon, a gentleman of

Brazen-Nose College, Oxon. The first time I was with them, I

desired to know the reasons which moved them to leave England.

They answered, they thought they could be better Christians,

alleging particular advantages which they might reasonably

expect would further their spiritual progress, by going amongst

the Indians. Some of their reasons I approved of; to others

I objected, alleging that a man might be a Christian in any

place, but chiefly insisting upon this, that no one ought to

go without being called of God. They told me, if I required a

voice or sign from heaven, that was not now to be expected;

and that a man had no other way of knowing God’s will, but by

consulting his own reason, and his friends, and by observing

the order of God’s providence. They, therefore, thought it

a sufficient call to choose that way of life which they had

reason to believe would most promote their Christian welfare.

Our conversation being ended, they lent me several letters,

written by Mr. Oglethorpe, relating to the Indians, their

manner of living, their customs, and their great expectation

of having a white man come amongst them to teach them wisdom.

All this moved me a little, but I had no mind to leave England.

However, I now began to pray more frequently and fervently that

God would be pleased to direct me to do His will.

“Besides the three gentlemen aforementioned, there was also one

Mr. Hall, brother-in-law to Mr. Wesley, resolutely determined

to go. When they had been in London about ten days, in which

time I frequently conversed with them, I found my heart so

moved one night, by being with Mr. John Wesley, that, almost

without thinking it, I said to him, ‘If neither Mr. Hall nor

Mr. Salmon go along with you, I will go.’ At that time, there

seemed no probability that either of them would draw back. They

were both of them ordained by the Bishop of London in order to

go: Mr. Salmon, deacon; Mr. Hall, both deacon and priest.

“But, lo! Mr. Salmon was immediately seized upon by his

relations in town, and was sent down, post haste, to his

parents in Cheshire. Upon his arrival, his father left the

house, furious and distracted, protesting he would not return

unless his son would stay. His mother, also, was labouring

under a fever. In this distress, he knew not what to do; but he

promised his parents to stay, and wrote Mr. Wesley word that he

hoped to follow him next spring, though since then he has writ

to him, telling him he doth not think himself as yet at liberty

to leave father and mother.

“However, Mr. Hall still continued steady. Neither his wife,

nor mother, nor brother, nor uncle, nor all his friends, either

by prayers, tears, threats, or entreaties, could, in the least,

turn him aside from his purpose.

“A few days after this, Mr. Wesley began to be more importunate

with me, urging me with my promise, telling me he had now

little hope of Mr. Salmon; and, as for Mr. Hall, he could

not properly be said to go with him, for his design was to

go amongst the Indians, whereas Mr. Hall was only to go to

Savannah, and be minister there; and as for his brother

Charles, he went over only as secretary to the trustees for the

colony of Georgia.

“I still refused, telling him, ‘If Mr. Hall went, I would not

go.’ Nevertheless, I prayed very earnestly, almost night and

day revolving upon it. My heart began to be now more and more

affected. It pleased God to let me see I might be a better

Christian by going with Mr. Wesley. I thought, by living

with him and having his example always before mine eyes, I

should be enabled to rise regularly and early, and to spend

all my time carefully, which are great and necessary points

in Christianity, and wherein I grew very deficient by living

in London. Besides these, there were three other reasons

which moved me. I thought, I should not meet with so many

temptations, to sensuality and indulgence, among the Indians

as in England. Hereby, likewise, I saw I should be freed from

the slavery of worldly interests, and the danger and drudgery

of hunting for preferment, which hinders so many from being

Christians, making them to betray the Church to serve the

State, and to deny Jesus Christ to please worldly-minded men.

The last and chief reason was the goodness of the work, and the

great and glorious promises that are made to those who forsake

all for the sake of the gospel.[57]

“Notwithstanding all these reasons, I was not yet fully

determined to go; but, what is very remarkable, the Psalms, the

Lessons, and all that I then read suggested to me that I should

go. So that, being at Morning Prayers in Westminster Abbey,

on Tuesday, October 7th, 1735, the tenth chapter of St. Mark,

which was then read, made so strong and vigorous an impression

upon me, that, at the hearing of these words, ‘And Jesus

answered and said, Verily, I say unto you, there is no man that

hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother,

or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,

but he shall receive an hundred-fold now in this time, houses,

and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and

lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal

life,’—I determined in my heart that I would go. I may likewise

observe that, without any intention or design, I read the same

chapter the next day at St. Sepulchre’s Church, which did not a

little strengthen my resolution.

“Though I was thus determined in my own mind, yet I did not

make known my purpose to Mr. Wesley; but told him there were

three objections against my going. My mother and Mr. Nicolson

knew nothing of the matter; whereas I ought to have acquainted

them both and obtained their consent. To these Mr. Wesley

answered, he did not doubt but God would provide better for

the school in my absence than if I stayed, especially if

I recommended it to His care in my prayers, which I have

constantly done. Mr. Morgan, likewise, a gentleman of Lincoln

College, Oxford, who came up to London to take leave of Mr.

Wesley, a zealous and sincere Christian, being very earnest

with me to go, promised himself to make a journey into

Yorkshire to see my mother, and to do what he could towards

settling the school. As to having my mother’s consent, he

said, if I thought it was God’s will, I must obey my Master,

and go wherever I could do Him service, whether my relations

were willing or not. But, however, I could not go without Mr.

Nicolson’s knowledge and consent, because that would be leaving

the parish unprovided, which would be unlawful. We therefore

put the matter upon this issue,—if Mr. Nicolson consented, I

might go; if not, then there was a reasonable hindrance against

my going at this time. Mr. Nicolson had been some weeks at his

parish of Matching, in Essex, whereof I was curate. He usually

came to town on Saturdays, but, by a wonderful Providence, he

was now brought to town on Monday night. His intent was to have

returned the next day, but he was strangely detained, by one

thing or other, till Wednesday. I would gladly have met with

him on Tuesday, but could not find him at home. However, I writ

a letter, and ordered it to be given him as soon as he came.

Next morning, he came to my lodgings at Mr. Lissons’s. He told

me he had received my letter, which had acquainted him with my

designs. He was sorry to part with me; my warning was short;

my departure was sudden; yet, as I was going about a good

work, he would not oppose me; and, provided I could preach the

Sunday following, he would give me his consent. I went to Mr.

Oglethorpe to know if I could stay so long. He said, I might. I

returned, acquainted Mr. Nicolson, and so parted with him very

friendly, he going directly into the country.

“After this, I made known my designs, and got things in

readiness as fast as I could. My friends in town endeavoured to

persuade me; but I did not consult them, but God.

“On _Friday_, October 10, 1735, I made my will, which I sent

inclosed in a letter to you at Osset.

“_Sunday_, October 12, I preached at St. Mary Somerset[58] in

the morning, and at St. Sepulchre’s in the afternoon. Service

being ended, I took leave of my good old friend, Mrs. Lissons,

and her family, who wept much—my cousin, Robert Harrap, and

some other friends. Thence I went to Sir John Philips’, a very

worthy gentleman, and a devout Christian, who showed me a great

deal of respect, and did me many favours when I was in London,

where, having exhorted one another, we kneeled down to pray,

and so parted. Thence I went with Mr. Morgan to Mr. Hutton’s,

a good family in Westminster, where we spent the next day

with Messrs. Wesley, chiefly in private. But there happened

such a remarkable circumstance on it, as I cannot pass over

in silence. Mr. Hall, who had made great preparations for the

voyage, and had now got all things ready for his departure,

having this very morning hired a coach to carry himself and

wife down to Gravesend, where the ship lay, at the very hour

wherein they should have gone, drew back. He came unexpectedly,

and told Mr. Oglethorpe, his uncle and mother would get him a

living, and, therefore, he would not go. So he, whom all his

friends could not dissuade before, lost himself, and dropped

all his resolutions in the very last moments.

“This strange occurrence, which was so much beyond all

expectation, was a strong and fresh demonstration to me, that

it was God’s will I should go. Because, as I observed, I had

said to Mr. Wesley some time ago, ‘If neither Mr. Hall nor Mr.

Salmon go along with you, I will go.’—And again, ‘If Mr. Hall

goes, I will not go.’

“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.

In the letter just given, he complains of the silence and reserve of

Charles Wesley. At the very time, however, Charles was writing to him;

and, three days afterwards, Ingham addressed to him the following reply,

full of the Christian fire of the first Methodists:—

“OSSET, NEAR WAKEFIELD, _October 22, 1737_.

“MY DEAR BROTHER,—Your letter is just come to my hands. I

rejoiced over it, because it came from you. I was afraid you

had been almost lost; but, since I see you are desirous to make

full proof of your ministry, I greatly rejoice. Blessed be the

Lord, who, by His grace, preserves me from falling, amidst the

deceitful and alluring, bewildering temptations of worldly

preferment. May He still continue His loving-kindness towards

you! May He thoroughly settle and establish you! May you have

power to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, and,

like a brave soldier, manfully to fight under Christ’s banner!

May your one desire of living be for Christ’s sake, and the

gospel!

“I have no other thoughts but of returning to America. When the

time comes, I trust the Lord will show me. My heart’s desire

is, that the Indians may hear the gospel. For this I pray both

night and day.

“I will transcribe the Indian words as fast as I can. I writ to

Mr. William Delamotte three weeks ago. If he did not receive

the letter, it miscarried. I wish you could inform me, that I

might write again.

“I have just now been talking to Mr. Godly, curate of Osset.

(You know, I believe, that he is misnamed.) I was all on a

tremble while I talked to him, and for a good while after. He

took my reproof very uneasily. But, however, he trembled as

well as me. I have lent him ‘The Country Parson’ to read; and,

since he went away, I have been praying for him in agony. I

seem to be full of hope, as if God would turn his heart; and O

that He may! One of the wickedest women in all Osset is turned

since I came down; and, I believe, she will make a thorough

convert. She says, she is sure God sent me to turn her heart.

To His holy name be all the glory! There is another poor soul

too here, that is under the most severe agonies of repentance.

Cease not to pray for these, and the rest of your Christian

friends at Osset, who pray constantly for you.

“Last Sunday, I preached such a sermon at Wakefield church as

has set almost all about us in a uproar. Some say, the devil is

in me; others, that I am mad. Others say, no man can live up to

such doctrine; and they never heard such before. Others, again,

extol me to the sky. They say, it was the best sermon they ever

heard in all their life; and that I ought to be a bishop.

“I believe, indeed, it went to the hearts of several persons;

for I was enabled to speak with great authority and power;

and I preached almost the whole sermon without book. There

was a vast large congregation, and tears fell from many eyes.

To-morrow, I preach there again.

“Every day, I undergo several changes within me. Now I am

under sufferings, sometimes just ready to sink; then again

I am filled with joy. Indeed, I receive so much pleasure in

conversing with some Christians here, that I have need of

sufferings to counterbalance it. Last Saturday night, we were

sixteen that sat up till after twelve. We have to meet again

to-night, after the rest are gone; and we shall pray for you,

and the rest of our Christian friends everywhere. You would

think yourself happy to be but one night with us.

“Give my sincere love to Mr. Hutton’s family, whom I never

forget. Are they all well? The Lord bless them all! Greet

brother Whitefield. My heart will be with you on the seas, and

everywhere. Never be discouraged.

“Yours sincerely and affectionately,

“B. INGHAM.”[73]

On May 24, 1738, Wesley, by simple “trust in Christ alone for salvation,”

received “an assurance that Christ had taken away his sins.” This,

to him, was a new experience; but, perhaps, not to Ingham. It is a

well-known fact, that, Peter Böhler, who was now on his way to the

Moravians in Georgia, was of the utmost service to Wesley in teaching

him the doctrine of justification by faith only. Besides this, both

Wesley and Ingham had been brought into close communion with the Moravian

bishop, David Nitschmann, and his Christian fraternity, during their

voyage across the Atlantic. In Georgia, also, they had met with the

Moravian elder, the Rev. August Gottlieb Spangenberg, a man of high

position among the Brethren. The result of the whole was, that Wesley

and Ingham, on June 13, 1738, embarked for Germany, principally for the

purpose of becoming better acquainted with the Moravian churches in that

country.

They were accompanied by John Toltschig,[74] one of the fugitives, who

fled to Hernhuth, from the fierce persecution in Moravia, in 1724; who

became one of Ingham’s co-evangelists in the county of York; and was a

man of great influence among the English Moravians. At Ysselstein, they

had an interview with Baron Watteville, who had been a fellow student of

Count Zinzendorf, and became a Moravian bishop. On the 4th July, they

reached Marienborn, the residence of Zinzendorf, where they remained a

fortnight. Whilst here, Ingham, in a letter to Sir John Thorold,[75]

London, observed:—

“The worthy count is occupied day and night in the work of the

Lord; and, I must confess, that the Lord is really among the

Brethren. Yesterday, a boy of eleven or twelve years of age

was baptized; and such a movement of the Holy Spirit pervaded

the whole assembly, as I have never seen at any baptism. I

felt that my heart burned within me, and I could not refrain

from tears. I saw that others felt as I did, and the whole

congregation was moved. The Brethren have shown me much

affection; they have taken me to their conferences, and have

not left me in ignorance of anything concerning their Church. I

am much pleased with my journey.”

Ingham was pleased with the Moravians; and the Moravians were pleased

with him. In fact, Ingham was preferred to Wesley, and was admitted to

partake of the holy communion, while Wesley was rejected. The reasons

assigned for admitting Ingham were, (1) that he had already shown an

inclination to leave the English Established Church, and to join the

Brethren; and (2), “that his heart was better than his head.” The reasons

for rejecting Wesley were, (1) he was “_homo perturbatus_; (2) his head

had gained an ascendency over his heart; (3) he claimed to be a zealous

English Churchman, and they were not desirous to interfere with his plan

of effecting good as a clergyman of the English Church.”[76]

Ingham, as well as Wesley, visited Hernhuth, where he spent a fortnight,

and was “exceedingly strengthened and comforted by the services and

conversation of the Brethren. Towards the end of the year, he returned to

England.”

It is a curious fact that Wesley and Ingham were not the only Oxford

Methodists who began to associate with the Moravians. On the first

day of the year 1739, we find not fewer than seven of the Oxford

brotherhood—the two Wesleys, Ingham, Whitefield, Westley Hall, Kinchin,

and Hutchins,—present at a Moravian lovefeast in Fetter Lane, respecting

which Wesley writes:—

“About three in the morning, as we were continuing instant

in prayer, the power of God came mightily upon us, insomuch

that many cried out for exceeding joy, and many fell to the

ground. As soon as we were recovered a little from the awe and

amazement at the presence of His Majesty, we broke out with one

voice, ‘We praise Thee, O God; we acknowledge Thee to be the

Lord.’”[77]

This was a memorable beginning of what will ever be a memorable year in

the history of the Methodistic movement.

Four days afterwards, the same clergymen, joined by Mr. Seward, had a

conference at Islington, and, without effect, tried to prevail on Charles

Wesley to settle at Oxford. Whitefield writes:—

“We continued in fasting and prayer till three o’clock, and

then parted, with a full conviction that God was about to do

great things among us. O that we may be any way instrumental to

His glory! O that He would make us vessels pure and holy, meet

for such a dear Master’s use!”[78]

The men evidently were willing to be used in any way which Providence

might appoint; and their conviction of the coming of great events was not

falsified.

On Ingham’s return to Osset, his native place, he renewed his labours,

and preached in most of the churches and chapels about Wakefield, Leeds,

and Halifax. Private religious meetings also were greatly multiplied.

Large numbers of persons were convinced of sin, and were converted.

It was pre-eminently a day of divine visitation. The clergy, however,

instead of rejoicing at an enlargement of the work of God, were envious

and malignant; and, at a Church congress, held at Wakefield, June 6,

1739, Ingham was prohibited from preaching in any of the churches in the

diocese of York; and was thus placed in the same position as Wesley had

been compelled to occupy in London. Both were ordained clergymen, and

both longed to preach the gospel of God their Saviour; but both were

without a church of their own, and both were now uniformly shut out of

the churches of others. What Wesley began to do at Bristol, Kingswood,

and elsewhere, Ingham began to do in Yorkshire. Village greens, the

public streets, fields, barns, cottages, and houses of all descriptions

became his preaching places; and, such was the divine power which

attended his ministry, that not fewer than forty religious societies were

formed.

Ingham was reviled, but he reviled not again. The following letter

illustrates his fine Christian spirit, at the period of which we are

now writing. It probably was addressed to Wesley. At all events, Wesley

published it in the first volume of his _Arminian Magazine_ (p. 181).

“OSSET, _Sept. 14, 1739_.

“MY DEAR BROTHER,—Wait the Lord’s leisure, and be still. His

time is the best time. ‘Be strong, and He shall comfort thine

heart; and put thou thy trust in the Lord.’

“I shall be very glad to see you, when the Lord pleases that

we shall meet together. O that we may do and suffer His will

in all things! It is following our own wills that creates us

trouble and confusion.

“All your opposition will work together for good. The more

the clergy oppose the truth, the more it will prevail. Their

preaching against us and our doctrines excites a curiosity in

the people to hear us, and to see if these things be true,

whereby many have their eyes opened. If this work is of God, it

cannot be overthrown: if it be of men, I wish it may speedily.

We have nothing to do but to follow our Leader. O that He may

direct all our ways aright!

“I say very little about the clergy in public. I preach the

truth of the gospel, according to the light the Lord has given

me into it, and leave it to the Lord to bless it as He pleases.

I take no notice of lies and calumnies, unless I am asked

whether or no they are true. It is endless to answer all that

is said. Our Saviour says, ‘Let them alone.’ He is concerned

for the welfare of His Church; let us, therefore, depend upon

Him, and let us mind what He says to us in His holy word. Let

us love our enemies, and pray for them; and let us love one

another; and thereby shall all men know that we are His true

disciples. We must be hated in this world; let us, therefore,

take great care to secure ourselves an inheritance in the next.

“BENJAMIN INGHAM.”

While the above exhibits Ingham’s spirit, the subjoined clearly shows

that his ideas on the Methodist doctrines were as yet imperfect. It

is a well-known fact, that Wesley himself was sorely perplexed with

the doctrine of what is called “the witness of the Spirit,” and that

his intercourse with the Moravians rather increased his mistiness

than scattered it. In 1738 he had a lengthened and very important

correspondence with his brother Samuel on the subject; and now he

consulted Ingham, who replied as follows:—

“OSSET, _February 20, 1740_.

“MY DEAR BROTHER,—The most dangerous time in the Christian

race, seems to be when a person receives the forgiveness of

sins, especially if he is filled with great joy, and of long

continuance. Indeed, all states of great joy are dangerous,

if not humbly received. If persons have not now a guide, or

are not guidable, it is ten to one but they run into error

and by-paths. Many souls miscarry here, and never get further

in their spiritual progress. They run on till their joy and

strength are spent, and then they lose themselves, and are all

in confusion. I have met with several persons with whom it has

been thus, and how to help them I know not. They do not get

forward. I believe, indeed, that they will be saved, yet their

degree in glory will be low. They are but in the first stage of

the new birth.

“You ask, What are the marks of a person who is justified, and

not sealed?[79]

“I cannot give you any certain, infallible marks; but a person

to whom the Lord has given the gift of discerning will tell;

and, without the gift, we shall never be able to know surely.

However, such persons are meek, simple, and childlike; they

have doubts and fears within; they are in a wilderness state.

In this state, they are to be kept still and quiet; to search

more deeply into their hearts, so that they become more and

more poor in spirit, or humble. They are likewise now taught

to depend wholly on Christ. By all means, keep them from

confusion. If they come into confusion (as they are apt to do),

they receive inconceivable damage; but, if they continue still

meek and gentle, searching into their hearts, and depending

upon Christ, they will find their hearts to be sweetly drawn

after Christ; they will begin to loathe and abhor sin, and to

hunger and thirst after righteousness; they will get strength

daily; Christ will begin to manifest Himself by degrees; the

darkness will vanish, and the day-star will arise in their

hearts. Thus they go on from strength to strength, till they

become strong, and then they will begin to see things clearly,

and to understand what the Lord has done for them; so, by

degrees, they will come to have the assurance of faith.

“You ask whether, in this intermediate state, they are

‘children of wrath, or heirs of the promises’?

“Without doubt, they are children of God; they are in a state

of salvation. A child may be heir to an estate before it

can speak, or know what an estate is; so we may be heirs of

heaven before we know it, or are made sure of it. However, the

assurance of faith is to be sought after. It may be attained;

it will be given to all who go forward. We must first be humble

and poor in spirit. We must be deeply so. We must have a

constant, fixed, abiding feeling,—a sense of our weakness and

unworthiness, corruption, sin, and misery. This it is to be a

_poor sinner_.

“If I were with you, I would explain things more largely; but

I am a novice,—I am but a beginner,—a babe in Christ. If you

go amongst the Brethren, they are good guides; but yet, after

all, we must be taught of God, and have experience in our own

hearts; or else it will not do. May the Spirit of truth lead us

into all truth!

“I am your poor, unworthy brother,

“B. INGHAM.”

The above is given _verbatim_ from the manuscript letter, and is of

great importance as revealing the views, doubts, and difficulties of the

leaders of the Methodist movement.

Before proceeding further, it may be added that Ingham was not forgotten

by his old friend Whitefield, who wrote to him as follows:—

“SAVANNAH, _March 28, 1740_.

“How glad I should be of a letter from dear brother Ingham.

When shall my soul be refreshed, with hearing that the work of

the Lord prospers in his hand? I suppose before now you have

received my letters and seen my journal. I believe God is yet

preparing great things for us. Many at Charles-Town lately

were brought to see their want of Jesus Christ. The Orphan

House goes on bravely. I have forty children to maintain,

besides workmen and their assistants. The great Householder

of the world does, and will, I am persuaded, richly provide

for us all. The colony itself is in a very declining way; but

our extremity is God’s opportunity. Our brethren, I trust,

go forwards in the spiritual life. I have often great inward

trials. I believe it to be God’s will that I should marry. One,

who may be looked upon as a superior, is absolutely necessary

for the due management of affairs. However, I pray God, that I

may not have a wife, till I can live as though I had none. You

may communicate this to some of our intimates; for I would call

Christ and His disciples to the marriage. If I am deluded, pray

that God would reveal it to your most affectionate brother and

servant,

“GEORGE WHITEFIELD.”

In the midst of all this, a new evangelist sprang up, who, without the

educational advantages of the Oxford Methodists, had a kindred soul.

John Nelson, the brave-hearted Yorkshire stonemason, after hearing almost

all sorts of religionists,—Church of England men, Dissenters, Papists,

and Quakers,—had been brought to a knowledge of the truth by Wesley.

This was under the first sermon preached by Wesley in Moorfields. In

1740, Nelson returned to Yorkshire, and related to his friends his happy

experience. He writes:—

“They begged I would not tell any one that my sins were

forgiven, for no one would believe me, and they should be

ashamed to show their faces in the street. I answered, ‘I shall

not be ashamed to tell what God has done for my soul, if I

could speak loud enough for all the men in the world to hear

me at once.’ My mother said, ‘Your head is turned.’ I replied,

‘Yes, and my heart too, I thank the Lord.’”