Wesley’s Near Death Experience

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On this day in history, John Wesley observed the attitudes, actions, and words of twenty-six Moravians who sailed with him to Georgia. Later, he would note this observation and interaction were used by the Lord to bring him to faith.

January 25, 1736 (taken from The Works of John Wesley)

I had long before observed the great seriousness of their behaviour. Of their humility they had given a continual proof, by performing those servile offices for the other passengers, which none of the English would undertake; for which they desired; and would receive no pay. . . . And every day had given them occasion of showing a meekness which no injury could move. If they were pushed, struck, or thrown down, they rose again and went away; but no complaint was found in their mouth.

Wesley recorded his observations as the boat sailed through a terrifying storm. Every now and then, the weather would provide some relief to the passengers, but fear reached its zenith on this particular evening during a worship gathering.

In the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split the main-sail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between the decks, as if the great deep had already swallowed us up. A terrible screaming began among the English. The Germans [i.e., Moravians] calmly sung on. I asked one of them afterwards, “Was you not afraid?” He answered, “I thank God, no.” I asked, “But were not your women and children afraid?” He replied, mildly, “No; our women and children are not afraid to die.”

Two years later, on May 24, 1738, Wesley would describe the details of his conversion at Aldersgate. Reflecting on the events of January 25, 1736, he would note God used the Moravians in his journey to faith. Though he still relied on his self-righteousness at the time, something happened on that ship which deeply affected him.

In this refined way of trusting to my own works and my own righteousness. . . I dragged on heavily, finding no comfort or help therein, till the time of my leaving England. On shipboard, however, I was again active in outward works; where it pleased God of his free mercy to give me twenty-six of the Moravian brethren for companions, who endeavoured to show me “a more excellent way.”

Someone is always watching. May we always be practicing and proclaiming a more excellent way to the world!

Want to learn more about the Moravians? Check out my video HERE.