[120] It is a well-known fact, that, in early life, Wesley publicly maintained that, in matters of importance, when the reasons on each side appeared to be of equal weight, it was right to decide the question by casting lots. (See Wesley's "Principles of a Methodist further explained," 1746.) Strangely enough, this was the method he adopted to ascertain whether Whitefield ought to abandon his mission to Georgia. In his letter to Wesley, in 1740, during their Calvinistic quarrel, Whitefield wrote: "The morning I sailed from Deal for Gibraltar, you arrived from Georgia. Instead of giving me an opportunity to converse with you, though the ship was not far from shore, you drew a lot, and immediately set forwards to London. You left a letter behind you, in which were words to this effect: 'When I saw God, by the wind which was carrying you out, brought me in, I asked counsel of God. His answer you have enclosed.' This was a piece of paper, in which were written these words: 'Let him return to London.' Whitefield adds, he would 'never have published this private transaction to the world,' if Wesley had not again used the lot to determine whether he should 'preach and print' his memorable sermon on 'Free Grace.'" (Whitefield's Works, vol. iv., p. 56.) It would not be honest to omit this curious fact; but this is not the place to discuss its propriety. Sortilege was one of the things which Wesley learned from the devout Moravians. [121] Life of C. Wesley, vol. i. p. 100. Whitefield's answer was worthy of himself. Who can estimate what would have been the consequences of Whitefield's yielding to Wesley's wish? Had he now returned to London, the probability is he would never again have started for America; and, in such a case, many of the brightest chapters of his history could never have been penned. Wesley's advice was natural; but Whitefield's reply was right. Had Wesley known all that had transpired, he would not have given the counsel that he did. Whitefield's services in Georgia were engaged by the Georgian Trustees. He was the bearer of a large number of useful presents, purchased by the money of his friends for the Georgian colonists. He was the recognised chaplain of a ship conveying troops sent for the defence of those distant emigrants. If Whitefield had relinquished his mission, he would have justly inherited indelible disgrace. On the day after the letter to Wesley was written, the long-detained ship again set sail, and on February 19th arrived at Gibraltar. As usual, Whitefield read prayers, and preached to the soldiers daily. He explained the Catechism to the women, and exhorted them particularly to be obedient to their husbands, "which they had lately been wanting in." At the request of Captain Whiting, he began "to have full public prayers," and to expound the lessons to the officers in the "great cabin." On Wednesday, February 8th, he writes:--