pressions which misrepresentation and ill-natured report, might make on the Trustees, and others interested in the welfare of the Colony. But September 10, he observes, "I laid aside the thoughts of going to England; thinking it more suitable to my calling, still to commit my cause to God, and not to be in haste to justify myself: only, to be always ready to give to any that should ask me, a reason of the hope that is in me."

Immoderate zeal is always to be suspected; especially when it appears in pursuing such measures as tend to injure or ruin an individual. A bad cause, which originated from hatred or malice, will almost always be carried on with more intemperate zeal, and bolder measures, than a consciousness of acting right will ever produce. The pursuit of any end in view, when governed by the passions, is always more violent than when directed by reason and truth. On this principle we may account for the proceedings of the Magistrates of Savannah. They sent the affidavit they had procured, and the two presentments of the grand Jury, to be inserted in the news-papers in different parts of America. The only purpose this could answer was, to injure Mr. Wesley in the opinion of a large body of people, who could not easily come at a true knowledge of the case. That these advertisements might make a deeper impression on the minds of the multitude, the pomp of legal form was preserved; the following words being added at the end of each bill, "CONTRARY TO THE PEACE OF OUR SOVEREIGN LORD THE KING, HIS CROWN AND DIGNITY." Persons of discernment saw through the artifice, and in the end of September Mr. Wesley received a letter from a gentleman of considerable abilities and learning in Charlestown, in which are

the

the following observations.

"I am much concerned

at some reports and papers concerning you from Georgia. The papers contain some affidavits made against you, by one Mrs. Williamson; and a parcel of stuff called presentments of you by the grand Jury, for matters chiefly of your mere office as a clergyman. Has our Sovereign Lord the King, given the temporal Courts in Georgia, ecclesiastical jurisdiction? If he has not, then sure I am, that, whatever your failings in your office may be, a grand Jury's presentments of them, being repugnant to the fundamental Laws and Constitution of England, is a plain" Breach of his peace," and an open insult on, "His Crown and Dignity;" for which they themselves ought to be presented, if they have not incurred a premunire.* The presentments, a sad pack of nonsense, I have seen; but not the affidavits. They were both designed to have been published in our Gazzette, but our friends here have hitherto prevented it.-I shall be glad to have some light from yourself into these matters, and wherewith to oppose the reports industriously spread here to your disadvantage; mean time, I remain your most obedient humble servant,

"S. GARDEN."

Mr. Wesley received some consolatory letters from those of his friends, to whom he had represented his situation. A letter of this kind, froin Dr. Cutler, a clergyman at Boston, contains some thoughts so just, and not very commonly to be met with, that it is deemed worthy of a place here. It is dated the twenty

* To incur a premunire, is to be liable to imprisonment and loss of goods.

twenty-second of October. "I am sorry, Sir, (says he) for the clouds hanging over your mind, respecting your undertaking and situation: but hope God will give an happy increase to that good seed you have planted and watered, according to his will. The best of men in all ages, have failed in the success of their labour; and there will ever be found too many enemies to the cross of Christ: for earth will not be heaven. This reminds us of that happy place, where we shall not see and be grieved for transgressors; and where, for our well meant labours, our judgment is with the Lord, and our reward with our God. And you well know, Sir, that under the saddest appearances, we may have some share in the consolations which God gave Elijah; and may trust in him, that there is some wickedness we repress or prevent; some goodness by our means, weak and unworthy as we are, beginning and increasing in the hearts of men, at present; perhaps like a grain of mustard-seed, that in God's time may put forth, and spread, and flourish and that, if the world seems not the better for us, it might be worse without us. Our low opinion of ourselves is a preparative to these successes; and so the modest and great Apostle found it.

"No doubt, Sir, you have temptations where you are, nor is there any retreat from them; they hint to us the care we must take, and the promises we must apply to and blessed is the man that endureth temptation.

"I rejoice in the good character you give, which I believe you well bestow, of Mr. Whitefield, who is coming to you-but I question not, but his labours will be better joined with, than supersede yours: and even his, and all our sufficiency and efficiency is of God.

"It is the least we can do to pray for one another; and if God will hear me, a great sinner, it will strengthen your interest in him. I recommend myself to a share in your prayers, for his pardon, acceptance, and assistance; and beg that my familymay not be forgotten by you."

Mr. Wesley, in the midst of this storm kept up by the arts of his avowed enemies, without a shilling in his pocket, and three thousand miles from home, possessed his soul in peace, and pursued his labours with the same unremitting diligence, as if he had enjoyed the greatest tranquillity and ease. October 30. He gives us an account of his labours on the Lord'sday. "The English service lasted from five till half an hour past six. The Italian (with a few Vaudois) began at nine. The second service for the English, including the sermon and the holy Communion, continued from half an hour past tei, till about half an hour past twelve. The French service began at one. At two I catechised the children. About three began the English service. After this was ended, I joined with as many as my large room would hold, in reading, prayer, and singing. And about six the service of the Germans began; at which I was glad to be present, not as teacher, but as a learner."

a

November 1. He received a temporary relief from his pressing wants. "Col. Stephens, (says he) arrived, by whom I received a benefaction of ten pounds sterling; after having been for several months with out one shilling in the house, but not without peaće, health, and contentment."

November

It is supposed the ten pounds mentioned in Dr Burton's letter,, the 15th of June.

:

November 3. He attended the Court holden on that day and again at the Court held on the twentythird; urging an immediate hearing of his case, that he might have an opportunity of answering the allegations alleged against him. But this the Magistrates refused, and at the same time countenanced every report to his disadvantage: whether it was a mere invention, or founded on a malicious construction of any thing he did or said. Mr. Wesley perceiving that he had not the most distant prospect of obtaining justice, that he was in a place where those in power were combined together to oppress him, and could any day procure evidence (as experience had shewn) of words he had never spoken, and of actions he had never done; being disappointed too, in the primary object of his mission, preaching to the Indians; he consulted his friends what he ought to do; who were of opinion with him, that, by these circumstances Providence did now call him to leave Savannah. The next day he called on Mr. Causton, and told him he designed to set out for England immediately. November 24, he put up the following advertisement in the great square, and quietly prepared for his journey.

"Whereas John Wesley designs shortly to set out "for England, This is to desire those who have "borrowed any books of him, to return them as "soon as they conveniently can, to

"JOHN WESLEY."

November 30. He went once more to Mr. Causton, to desire money to defray his expences to England, intending to set out on Friday the second of DecemIt appears that this was an event which the Magistrates most ardently wished to take place,

ber.

and