Wesley Corpus

At seven I went to the Germans. 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, saying, “lt was good for their proud hearts,” and ‘their loving Saviour had done more for them.” 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. There was now an opportunity of trying whether they were delivered from the spirit of fear, as well as from that of pride, anger, and revenge. [n the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split the mainsail in pieces, covered the ship, and peured in between the decks, as if the great deep had already swallowed us up. A terrible screaming began among the English. The Germans calmly sung on. I asked one of them afterward, ‘ 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.” From them I went to their crying, trembling neighbours, and pointed out to them the difference in the hour of trial, between him that feareth God, and him that feareth him not. . At twelve the wind fell. This was the most glorious day which I have hitherto seen. Mon. 26.--We enjoyed the calm. I can conceive no difference, comparable to that between a smooth and a rough sea, except that which is between a mind calmed by the love of God, and one torn up by the storms of earthly passions. 18 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [Feb. 1736.