The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-03-10
WESLEY'S LOVE STORY.
4 Strange Romance of the Early DAYS of
Georgia.
oosd and JnedA Hitherto Unpublished Episode in the Is,
of the Founder of Methodism Sophia A.
Cranston's Tragedy.
Copyright.

ner epirancing voice in his ears; with the
cypress wine and Grimaldrs decoction
not IN his blood. john Wesley became
aware that he loved her.
me revelation was shock to him.
Tor ne had been preaching celibacy since
ne was small boy. He had felt him
sen welded to the church, to his great
faith and mission in life. The strife OF
spirit threw him into a fever
MISS Canston did the only thing that
a youn lady in her state of mind could
90 she nursed him, and he allowed her
TO. This circumstance was sufficient
proof to their friends that marriage was
certain. If more proof We're needed he
raVed of her in his delerium. Miss Can
ston brought her aunt TO hear him. and
between them they fancied him quite de-
cided to marry Sophia He asked her
many times if she would or could marry
hin, 3" and if he should, indeed, marry
her He went through with the mar
riage ceremony of the Church of Eng
lana, for the benefit of imaginary couples
who stood at his bedside
After his recovery Wesley's friends
came to congratulate him on his engage
ment But ever since his miraculous
rescue from fire in his childhood he had
been convinced that he had been singled
out by his maker for some special pur-
pose. and now here he was prostratng
himself before an earthly idol and for
getting his mission.
Alarmed for his soul he rushed to the
bishop and the AIoravian missionaries
for advice. They had the same hard. un-
relenting convictions which tormented
Wesley, and they advised him to give up
his idol and turn to his God. Wesley
knew not what to do. He wandered in
the forest praying aloud for light as to
his walk before God. He knelt under the
blooming grape vines, and shielded by the
long gray moss from any living eye,
sought wisdom and comfort.
ThaS night he asked advice a second
time of the elder.
I'VE have considered your case" said
the bishop. will you abide by our de-
cision?"
7 will abide by your decision"
Then the bishop said; I'VE advise you
to proceed no further in this matter"
so be it, said Wesley, and that was the
end.
Poor Sophia was heartbroken. Her rel
atives were incensed and compelled her
to marry a Mr.. williamson though she
begged. Wesley to Inferred in her behalf
Even after she was married she wrote to
Wesley, and cast pitiful glances at him
until in his desperation one day he forbade
her to attend Holy Communion. He eX-
planned this afterward on technical
people of Georgia were against him. A
charge of SANDER was instituted, but the
assailants. knowing that they had small
chance of success, delayed the trial from
week to week. until life in Georgia be-
came unbearable He made arrangements
to leave the colony. But even in this the
Canstons thwarted him He was forbid
den to leave the province.
He never went out that Sophia did not
pass and repass him several times, and
often she was known to look in upon him
when he was at prayer in his own house
During all these trials he continued tC
conduct his parish as usual although he
was a sort of prisoner at large. At
o'clock, one evening. the little flock gath
cred in the church for prayers. Wesley
led as usual. Delamotte was there with
the friends who still remained loyal AT.
ter the service Wesley was seen to return
to his home But the faithful Delamotte
had planned an escape from this slow
torture. Three faithful friends led the
young clerical through the darkness to the
pier. There an Indian skin bore him
down the river. A sailing vessel was in
waiting. and soon John Wesley was leav-
ing the land of his love forever