The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 10 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 10 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
5. The wind continued to blow hard at south which drove us on the coast
of _Greenland_. We were now so far north that I believe we had not
above four hours day-light. The captain now came into the cabin, and
cried, “Lord, have mercy upon us! What shall we do? I am afraid we
shall be drove so far north, as to have no day-light at all.” Quickly
after, he went out of his senses, and was confined in his cabin. But
just then the wind shifted from south to north; and Lieutenant _Eyres_,
understanding the theory of navigation, undertook the management of the
ship. The 10th of _March_ we came in sight of a rocky coast, but knew
not what land it was. We tried to take soundings; but could find no
bottom. A strong current ran between the rocks, which was against us:
but the wind blew strong for us. We hung out a flag of distress at our
main-top-mast, and fired several guns and several platoons.
6. During this distress most in the ship called upon God, and if
any man spoke profanely, he was reproved for it. At the same time,
a thought came into the minds of many, that there was some grievous
sinner in the ship: and all agreed to cast lots, that they might find
the man, for whose sake this was come upon us. But they did not execute
what they had agreed. Here we remained five days. One who had been a
sailor, then swore, that it was the _Orkneys_ we saw, and undertook to
bring us safe in. But we had not gone far, before our passage was quite
shut up, and we were just upon the rocks. In the morning a man was sent
to the main-top-mast head, and ordered to keep a good look-out. Before
twelve he cried, “A boat a-head.” Our boat was quickly manned in order
to row to them. In a short time they came on board: they brought us
into the harbour about sun-set. Here we remained, till we had liberty
from the king of _Denmark_, to come to _North-Bergen_ in _Norway_. When
we came thither, several lost the use of their limbs, and many died
in an hospital erected for us. Here we continued a month. Having then
repaired our ship, and got a new captain, (for the old one was still
disordered) we set sail for _Scotland_, intending for _Burnt-island_,
which we hoped to reach in a short time.
7. But we had scarce lost sight of land two hours, when another violent
storm arose. I then renewed the good resolutions I made in the last,
and which I forgot almost as soon as I had made them. It blew exceeding
hard; however on _April 9_, we came with great difficulty to _Leith_.
When we were safe on shore, instead of returning God thanks, I soon
fell to my old trade of drunkenness: and during our several removes,
I continually plunged deeper and deeper into all manner of wickedness.
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.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account