The Story of John Wesley, Told to Boys and GirlsKirlew, Marianne
Religion
The Story of John Wesley, Told to Boys and Girls
Kirlew, Marianne
Wesley, John, 1703-1791 -- Juvenile literature
Look at that little man with the nice face, and a lot of colour in his
cheeks! What long hair he has! and how smooth it is! It looks as if he
brushed it a great deal. See, he is looking this way, and we can notice
his beautiful forehead and his bright eyes. Why that must be Mr. John
Wesley! And, of course, that is his brother Charles talking to some
gentlemen on the deck. See, he is holding a book close to his eyes--he
must be short-sighted. Listen, how the others are laughing! I expect he
is making a joke. Now he is walking off arm in arm with one of his
companions. He seems to be still loving-hearted and full of fun, the
same Charlie he was at Westminster School only grown big.
A number of Germans were also on board the "Simmonds," all bound for
Georgia. Before they had been many days at sea, John Wesley found out
that they were earnest Christians, and he began at once to learn German
in order that he might talk to them.
The brothers had not taken their father's advice about fasting; they and
some other Methodists who were their fellow-passengers still thought
they ought to do with as little food as possible, and with as few
comforts. They ate nothing but rice, biscuits, and bread, and John
Wesley slept on the floor. He was obliged to do it one night, because
the waves got into the ship and wet his bed, and because he slept so
well that night, he thought the floor was good enough for him, and
continued to sleep on it.
I expect you wonder how they spent their time during the long, long
voyage to Georgia. I will tell you. They made the same strict rules for
themselves that they did at Oxford. They got up every morning at four
o'clock, and spent the time in private prayer until five o'clock. Then
they all read the Bible together until seven. After that they had
breakfast, and then public prayers for everybody on the ship who would
come. Then from nine to twelve--just your school-time, little readers,
is it not?--Mr. John studied his German; somebody else studied Greek,
another taught the children on board, and Mr. Charles wrote sermons.
Then at twelve o'clock they all met and told each other how they had
been getting along, and what they had been doing. At one o'clock they
had dinner, and after that they read or preached to those on board until
four o'clock. Then they studied and preached and prayed again until
nine, when they went to bed. Were not these strict rules? I wonder if
they ever had the headache? I am afraid we should, if we studied so hard
and so long.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account