I found we had still a little society here. I had
not seen them for thirteen years, and had no thought of seeing them
now but God does all things well. In the evening I preached in the
Presbyterian meeting house - not often, I believe, so well filled
- and afterwards passed half an hour very agreeably with the minister
in the parsonage house, which he rents - a neat, retired house,
with a delightful garden. Thence we adjourned to the house of our
old brother Collins, and between eight and nine went on board.
Tuesday 14 August 1787
Sailing on, with a fair wind, we fully expected
to reach Guernsey in the afternoon; but, the wind turning contrary,
and blowing hard, we found it would be impossible. We then judged
it best to put in at the Isle of Alderney ; but we were very near
being shipwrecked in the bay. When we were in the middle of the
rocks, with the sea rippling all round us, the wind totally failed.
Had this continued, we must have struck on one or other of the rocks
so we went to prayer and the wind sprung up instantly. About sunset
we landed and, though we had five beds in the same room, slept in
peace.
Wednesday 15 August 1787
About eight I went down to a convenient spot on
the beach and began giving out a hymn. A woman and two little children
joined us immediately. Before the hymn was ended we had a tolerable
congregation, all of whom behaved well. Part, indeed, continued
at forty or fifty yards’ distance ; but they were all quiet
and attentive.
It happened (to speak in the vulgar phrase) that
three or four who sailed with us from England, a gentleman with
his wife and sister, were near relations of the Governor. He came
to us this morning, and - when I went into the room - behaved with
the utmost courtesy. This little circumstance may remove prejudice,
and make a more open way for the gospel.
Soon after we set sail, and, after a very pleasant
passage, through little islands on either hand, we came to the venerable
Castle, standing on a rock, about a quarter of a mile from Guernsey.
The isle itself makes a beautiful appearance, spreading as a crescent
to the right and left; about seven miles long, and five broad; part
high land, and part low. The town itself is boldly situated, rising
higher and higher from the water. The first thing I observed in
it was very narrow streets and exceeding high houses. But we quickly
went on to Mr. De Jersey’s, hardly a mile from the town. Here
I found a most cordial welcome, both from the master of the house
and all his family. I preached at seven in a large room, to as deeply
serious a congregation as I ever saw, on ‘Jesus Christ, of
God made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.’
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