Return to my Societe Pages index
Return to Methodists name list from
"Methodism in the Channel Islands" by R.D. Moore (1952)
Letter from Adam Clark to John Wesley
This is a copy of a letter written in 1787 by Adam Clarke to John
Wesley on the occasion of his missionary visit to Alderney; the first
Methodist minister to reach there. For more information on that
journey, click here.
Guernsey, March 16,1787.
Rev. and very dear Sir,
AS in my last I intimated my intention to visit the Isle of
Alderney; I think it my duty to give you some particulars relative to
the success of that voyage.
My design being made public, many hinderances were thrown in
my way. It was reported that the Governor had threatened to prohibit
my landing, and that in case he found me on the Island, he would
transport me to the Caskettes, (a rock in the sea, about three
leagues W. of Alderney, on which there is a light-house). These
threatenings being published here, rendered it very difficult for me
to procure a passage, as several of my friends were against my going,
fearing bad consequences; and none of the Captains who traded to the
Island were willing to take me, fearing to incur thereby the
displeasure of the Governor, notwithstanding I offered them any thing
they could reasonably demand for my passage. I thought at last I
should be obliged to hire one of the English Packets, as I was
determined to go by God's grace at all events.
Having waited a long time, watching sometimes day and night,
I at last got a vessel bound for the Island, in which I embarked and
after a few hours of pleasant sailing, we came to the S.W. side of
the Island, where we were obliged to cast anchor, as the tide was too
far spent to carry us round to the Harbour. The Captain put me and
some others on shore with the boat. I then climbed up the steep
rocks, and got to the top of the Island, and heartily thanked the
Lord for my safe arrival.
Being arrived I found I had some new difficulties to
encounter. I knew not where to go: I had no acquaintances in the
place, nor had any invited me thither. For some time my mind was
perplexed in reasoning on these things, till that word of the God of
Missionaries came powerfully to me, "Into whatsoever house ye enter,
first say. Peace be to this house . . . and in the same house remain
eating and drinking such things as they give." Luke x. 5-7.
From this I took courage, and proceeded to the town which is
about a mile distant from the Harbour. After having walked some way
into it, I took particular notice of a very poor cottage, into which
I found a strong inclination to enter. I did so, with a "Peace be
unto this house!" and found in it an old man and woman who having
understood my business, bade me welcome to the best food they had, to
a little chamber where I might sleep, and (what was still more
acceptable) to their house to preach in. On hearing this, I saw
plainly the hand of the Lord was upon me for good, and I thanked him
and took courage.
Being unwilling to lose any time, I told them I would preach
that evening, if they could procure me a congregation. This strange
news spread rapidly through the town, and long before the appointed
hour a multitude of people flocked together, to whom I spoke of the
kingdom of God, nearly as long as the little strength held out, which
remained from the fatigues of my voyage . . .
Adam Clarke