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News from the invisible world!
Letters concerning some supernatural disturbances at the house of Mr Samuel Wesley, senior, at Epworth, in Lincolnshire.
Letter 1. To Mr Samuel Wesley, jun., from his Mother. Jan. 12th, 1716-7.
Dear Sam,
This evening we were agreeably surprised with your packet, which brought the welcome news of you being alive, after we had been in the greatest panic imaginable, almost a month, thinking you were dead, or one of your brothers by some misfortune had been killed. The reason of our fears was as follows.
On the first of December, our maid heard, at the door of the dining-room, several dismal groans, like a person in extremes, at the point of death. We gave little heed to her relation, and endeavoured to laugh her out of her fears. Some nights (two or three) after, several of the family heard a strange knocking in divers places, usually three or four knocks at a time, and then stayed a little. This continued every night for a fortnight; sometimes it was in the garrett, but most commonly in the nursery, or green chamber.
We all heard it but your father, and I was not willing he should be informed of it, lest he should fancy it was against his own death, which, indeed, we all apprehended. But when it began to be so troublesome, both day and night, that few or none of the family durst be alone, I resolved to tell him of it, being minded he should speak to it. At first he would not believe but somebody did it to alarm us; but the night after as soon as he was in bed, it knocked loudly nine times, just by his bedside. He rose, and went to see if he could find out what it was, but could see nothing. Afterwards he heard it as the rest.
One night it made such a noise in the room over our heads, as if several persons were walking, then run up and down stairs, and was so outrageous that we thought the children would be frightened, so your father and I rose and went down in the dark to light a candle. Just as we came to the bottom of the broad stairs, having hold of each other, on my side there seemed as if somebody had emptied a bag of money at my feet; and on his, as if all the bottles under the stairs (which were many), had been dashed in a thousand pieces. We passed through the hall into the kitchen, and got a candle, and went to see the children, whom we found asleep.
The next night your father would get Mr Hoole to lie at our house, and we all sat together till one or two o’clock in the morning, and heard the knocking as usual. Sometimes it made a noise like the winding up of a jack, at other times, as that night Mr Hoole was with us, like a carpenter planing deals; but most commonly it knocked thrice and stopped, and then thrice again, and so many hours together.
We persuaded your father to speak, and try if any voice would be heard. One night about six o’clock he went into the nursery in the dark, and at first heard several deep groans, then knocking. He adjured it to speak if it had the power, and tell him why it troubled his house, but no voice was heard, but it knocked thrice aloud. Then he questioned if it were Sammy, and bid it, if it were, and could not speak, knock again, but it knocked no more that night, which made us hope it was not against your death.
Thus it knocked till the 28th of December, when it loudly knocked (as your father used to do at the gate) in the nursery, and departed. We have various conjectures what this may mean. For my own part I fear nothing now you are safe at London hitherto, and I hope God will still preserve you. Though sometimes I am inclined to think my brother is dead. Let me know your thoughts on it.
Susannah Wesley.
Letter II. To my Father. Saturday, Jan. 30th, 1716-7.
Hon. Sir, My mother tells me a very strange story of disturbances in your house. I wish I could have some more particulars from you. I would thank Mr Hoole if he would favour me with a letter concerning it. Not that I want to be confirmed myself in the belief of it, but for any other person’s satisfaction. My mother sends to me to know my thoughts of it, and I cannot think at all of any interpretation. Wit, I fancy, may find many, but wisdom none.
Your dutiful and loving son, S. Wesley, jun.
Letter III. From Mr S. Wesley, jun., to his Mother. January 19th, 1716-7.
Dear Mother, Those who are so wise as not to believe any supernatural occurrences, though ever so well attested, could find a hundred questions to ask about those strange noises you wrote me an account of; but for my part I know not what question to put, which, if answered, would confirm me more in the belief of what you tell me. Two or three I have heard from others.
Was there never a new maid, or man, in the house, that might play tricks? Was there nobody above in the garrets when the walking was there? Did all the family hear it together when they were in one room, or at one time? Did it seem to be all in the same place at the same time? Could not cats, or rats, or dogs, be the sprights? Was the whole family asleep when my father and mother went down stairs?
Such doubts as these being replied to, though they could not, as God himself assures, convince them who believe not Moses and the prophets, yet would strengthen such as do believe. As to my particular opinion concerning the events foreboded by these noises, I cannot, I must confess, form any – I think, since it was not permitted to speak, all guesses must be vain. The end of spirits’ actions is yet more hidden than that of men, and even this latter puzzles the most subtle politicians.
That we may be struck so as to prepare seriously for any ill, may, it is possible, be one design of providence. It is surely our duty and wisdom to do so. Dear mother, I beg your blessing on your dutiful and affectionate Son, S. Wesley, jun.
I expect a particular account from every one.
Letter IV. From Mrs Wesley to her son Samuel. Jan. 25th or 27th, 1716-7.
Dear Sam, Though I am not one of those that will believe nothing supernatural, but am rather inclined to think there would be frequent intercourse between good spirits and us, did not our deep lapse into sensuality prevent it; yet I was a great while ere I could credit anything of what the children and servants reported concerning the noises they heard in several parts of our house. Nay, after I had heard myself, I was willing to persuade myself and them that it was only rats and weasels that disturbed us, and having been formerly troubled with rats, which were frighted away by sounding a horn, I caused a horn to be procured, and made them blow it all over the house.
But from that night they began to blow, the noises were more loud and distinct, both day and night, than before, and that night we rose and went down, I was entirely convinced that it was beyond the power of any human creature to make such strange and various noises.
As to your questions, I will answer them particularly, but withal, I desire my answers may satisfy none but yourself, for I would not have the matter imparted to any.
We had both man and maid new this last Martinmas, yet I do not believe either of them occasioned the disturbance, both for the reason above mentioned, and because they were more affrighted than anybody else. Besides, we have often heard the noises when they were in the room by us; and the maid particularly was in such a panic, that she was almost incapable of all business, nor durst ever go from one room to another, or stay by herself a minute after it began to be dark.
The man Robert Brown, whom you well know, was most visited by it lying in the garret, and has often been frighted down bare foot, and almost naked, not daring to stay alone to put on his clothes, nor do I think, if he had power, he would be guilty of such villainy. When the walking was heard in the garrett, Robert was in bed in the next room, in a sleep so sound that he never heard your father and me walk up and down, though we walked not softly, I am sure.
All the family has heard it together, in the same room, at the same time, particularly at family prayers. It always seemed to all present in the same place at the same time, though often before any could say it is here, it would remove to another place.
All the family, as well as Robin, were asleep when your father and I went downstairs, nor did they awake in the nursery when we held the candle close by them, only we observed that Hetty trembled exceedingly in her sleep, as she always did, before the noise awaked her. It was commonly nearer her than the rest, which she took notice of, and was much frightened, because she thought it had a particular spite at her: I could multiply particular instances, but I forbear.
I believe your father will write to you about it shortly. Whatever may be the design of Providence in permitting these things, I cannot say. Secret things belong to God; but I entirely agree with you that it is our wisdom and duty to prepare seriously for all events.
Susannah Wesley.
Letter V. Miss Susannah Wesley to her brother Samuel.
Epworth, January 24th, 1716-7.
Dear Brother, About the first of December, a most terrible and astonishing noise was heard by a maid servant, as at the dining-room door, which caused the up-starting of her hair, and made her ears prick forth at an unusual rate. She said it was like the groans of one expiring. These so frightened her, that for a great while she durst not go out of one room into another, after it began to be dark, without company. But, to lay aside jesting, which should not be done in serious matter, I assure you that, from the first to the last of a lunar month, the groans, squeaks, tinglings, and knockings, were frightful enough.
Though it is needless for me to send you an account of what we all heard, my father himself having a larger account of the matter than I am able to give, which he designs to send you; yet, in compliance with your desire, I will tell you as briefly as I can what I heard of it.
The first night I ever heard it my sister Nancy and I were sat in the dining room. We heard something rush on the outside of the doors that opened into the garden, then three loud knocks, immediately after another three, and in half a minute the same number over our heads. We inquired whether anybody had been in the garden, or in the room above us, but there was nobody. Soon after my sister Molly and I were up after all the family were a-bed, except my sister Nancy, about some business. We heard three bouncing thumps under our feet, which soon made us throw away our work, and tumble into bed. Afterwards the tingling of the latch and warming pan, and so it took its leave that night.
Soon after the above mentioned, we heard a noise as if a great piece of sounding metal was thrown down on the outside of our chamber. We, lying in the quietest part of the house, heard less than the rest for a pretty while; but the latter end of the night Mr Hoole sat up on, I lay in the nursery, where it was very violent. I then heard frequent knocks over and under the room where I lay, and at the children’s bed-head, which was made of boards. It seemed to rap against it very hard and loud, so that the bed shook under them. I heard something walk by my bed-side, like a man in a long night-gown. The knocks were so loud, that Mr Hoole came out of their chamber to us. It still continued. My father spoke, but nothing answered. It ended that night with my father’s particular knock, very fierce.
It is now pretty quiet, only at our repeating the prayers for the king and prince, when it usually begins, especially when my father says, “Our most gracious Sovereign Lord,” &c. This my father is angry at, and designs to say three instead of two for the royal family. We all heard the same noise, and at the same time, and as coming from the same place.
To conclude this, it now makes its personal appearance; but of this more hereafter. Do not say one word of this to our folks, nor give the least hint. I am, your sincere friend and affectionate sister, Susannah Wesley.
Letter VI. Mr S. Wesley, jun., in Answer. Dean’s Yard, Feb. 9th 1716-7.
Dear Sister Sukey, Your telling me the spirit has made its personal appearance, without saying how, or to whom, or when, or how long, has excited my curiosity very much. I long mightily for a farther account of every circumstance by your next letter. Do not keep me any longer in the dark. Why need you write the less because my father is to send me the whole story? Has the disturbance continued since the 28th of December? I understand my father did not hear it at all, but a fortnight after the rest. What did he say remarkable to any of you when he did hear it? As to the devil’s being an enemy to King George, were I the king myself, I should rather old Nick should be my enemy than my friend. I do not like the noise of the night-gown sweeping along the ground, nor its knocking like my father. Write when you receive this, though nobody else should, to your loving brother. S.W.
Letter VII. Mr S. Wesley, jun., to his Mother.
Dear Mother, You say you could multiply particular instances of the spirit’s noises, but I want to know whether nothing was ever seen by any. For though it is hard to conceive, nay,, morally impossible, that the hearing of so many people could be deceived, yet the truth will be still more manifest and undeniable if it is grounded on the testimony of two senses. Has it never at all disturbed you since the 28th of December? Did no circumstance give any light into the designs of the whole?
Your obedient and loving Son, S. Wesley, jun. Have you dug in the place where the money seemed poured at your feet?
Letter VIII. Mr S. Wesley to his Father. February 12th.
Honoured Sir, I have not yet received any answer to the letter I wrote some time ago, and my mother in her last seems to say, that as yet I know but a very small part of the whole story of strange noises in our house. I shall be exceedingly glad to have the whole account from you. Whatever may be the main design of such wonders, I cannot think they were ever meant to be kept secret. If they bode anything remarkable to our family, I am sure I am a party concerned. Your dutiful Son, S. Wesley.
Letter IX. From Mr S. Wesley to his sister Emily. February 12th.
Dear Sister Emily, I wish you would let me have a letter from you about the spirit, as indeed from every one of my sisters. I cannot think any of you superstitious, unless you are much changed since I saw you. My sister Hetty, I find, was more particularly troubled. Let me know all. Did anything appear to her? – I am, your affectionate Brother, S. Wesley.
Letter X. From Mr Samuel Wesley, sen., to his Son Samuel. February 11th, 1716-7.
Dear Sam, As for the noises, etc., in our family, I thank God we are now all quiet. There were some surprising circumstances in that affair. Your mother has not written you a third part of it. When I see you here, you shall see the whole account, which I wrote down. It would make a glorious penny book for Jack Dunton; but while I live I am not ambitious for anything of that nature. I think that’s all, but blessings, from your loving Father, Sam. Wesley.
Letter XI. From Miss Emily Wesley to her brother Samuel.
Dear Brother, I thank you for your last, and shall give you what satisfaction is in my power, concerning what has happened in our family. I am so far from being superstitious, that I was much inclined to infidelity, so that I heartily rejoice at having such an opportunity of convincing myself past doubt or scruple, of the existence of some beings besides those we see. A whole month was sufficient to convince anybody of the reality of the thing, and to try all ways of discovering any trick, had it been possible for any such to have been used. I shall only tell you what I myself heard and leave the rest to others.
My sisters in the paper chamber had heard noises, and told me of them, but I did not much believe, till one night, about a week after the first groans were heard, which was the beginning, just after the clock had struck ten, I went down stairs to lock the doors, which I always do. Scarce had I got up the best stairs when I heard a noise, like a person throwing down a vast coal in the middle of the fore kitchen, and all the splinters seemed to fly about from it. I was not much frighted, but I went to my sister Sukey, and we together went over all the low rooms, but there was nothing out of order.
Our dog was fast asleep, and our only cat in the other end of the house. No sooner was I got upstairs, and undressed for bed, but I heard a noise among many bottles that stand under the best stairs, just like the throwing of a great stone among them, which had broken them all to pieces. This made me hasten to bed, but my sister Hetty, who sits up always to wait on my father going to bed, was still sitting on the lowest step on the garrett stairs, the door being shut at her back, when soon after there came down the stairs behind her something like a man, in a loose night-gown trailing after him, which made her fly, rather than run, to me in the nursery.
All this time we never told our father of it, but soon after we did. He smiled, and gave no answer, but was more careful than usual, from that time, to see us in bed, imagining it to be some of us young women that sat up late and made a noise. His incredulity, and especially his imputing it to us, or our lovers, made me, I own, desirous of its continuance till he was convinced. As for my mother, she firmly believed it to be rats, and sent for a horn to blow them away. I laughted to think how wisely they were employed, who were striving half a day to fright away “Jeffrey,” for that name I gave it, with a horn.
But whatever it was, I perceived it could be made angry, for from that time it was so outrageous, there was no quiet for us after ten at night. I heard frequently between ten and eleven, something like the quick winding up of a jack, at the corner of the room by my bed’s head, just the running of the wheels and the creaking of the iron work. This was the common signal of its coming .Then it would knock on the floor three times, then at my sister’s bed head in the same room, almost always three together, and then stay. The sound was hollow, and loud, so as none of us could ever imitate.
It would answer to my mother, if she stamped on the floor, and bid it. It would knock when I was putting the children to bed, just under me where I sat. One time little Kesy, pretending to scare Patty, as I was undressing them, stamped with her foot on the floor, and immediately it answered with three knocks just in the same place. It was more loud and fierce if any one said it was rats, or anything natural.
I could tell you abundance more of it, but the rest will write, and therefore it would be needless. I was not much frightened at first, and very little at last; but it was never near me, except two or three times, and never followed me, as it did my sister Hetty. I have been with her when it has knocked under her, and when she has removed has followed, and still kept just under her feet, which was enough to terrify a stouter person.
If you would know my opinion of the reason of this, I shall briefly tell you. I believe it to be witchcraft, for these reasons. About a year since there was a disturbance at a town near us, that was undoubtedly witches, and if so near, why may they not reach us? Then my father had, for several Sundays before its coming, preached warmly against consulting those that are called cunning men, which our people are given to; and it had a particular spite at my father.
Besides, something was thrice seen. The first time by my mother, under my sister’s bed, like a badger, only without any head that was discernible. The same creature was sat by the dining-room fire one evening; when our man went into the room it run by him, through the hall under the stairs. He followed with a candle, and searched, but it was departed. The last time he saw it in the kitchen, like a white rabbit, which seems likely to be some witch; and I do so really believe it to be one, that I would venture to fire a pistol at it if I saw it long enough. It has been heard by me and others since December. I have filled up all my room, and have only time to tell you, I am, your loving sister, Emily Wesley.
Letter XII. Miss Susannah Wesley to her Brother Samuel. March 27th.
Dear Brother, I should farther satisfy you concerning the disturbances but it is needless, because my sisters, Emily and Hetty, write so particularly about it. One thing I believe you do not know, that is, last Sunday, to my father’s no small amazement, his trencher danced upon the table a pretty while, without anybody stirring the table. When, lo! an adventurous wretch took it up, and spoiled the sport, for it remained still ever after. How glad should I be to talk with you about it. Send me some news, or we are secluded from the sight or hearing of any versal thing except “Jeffrey.” Susannah Wesley.
A passage in a letter from my mother to me, dated March 27th, 1717.
I cannot imagine how you should be so curious about our unwelcome guest. For my part, I am quite tired with hearing or speaking of it; but if you come among us, you will find enough to satisfy all your scruples, and perhaps may hear or see it yourself.
A passage in a letter from my sister Emily, to Mr N. Berry, dated April 1, 1717.
Tell my brother the spright was with us last night, and heard by many of our family, especially by our maid and myself. She sat up with drink, and it came just at one o’clock, and opened the dining-room door. After some time it shut again. She saw as well as heard it both shut and open, then it began to knock as usual. But I dare write no longer, lest I should hear it. Emily Wesley.
The Diary of Mr S. Wesley, Senr.
Journal, or diary, of Mr Samuel Wesley, sen., transcribed by the late Rev. John Wesley, August 27, 1726. Account of noises and disturbances in my house at Epworth, Lincolnshire, in December and January, 1716-17.
From the first of December, my children and servants heard many strange noises, groans, knockings, etc., in every storey, and most of the rooms of the house, but I heard nothing of it myself. They would not tell me for some time, because, according to the vulgar opinion, if it boded any ill to me, I could not hear it. When it increased, and the family could not easily conceal it, they told me of it.
My daughters, Susannah and Ann, were below stairs in the dining-room, and heard first at the doors, then over their heads, and the night after a knocking under their feet, though nobody was in the chambers or below them. The like they and my servants heard in both the kitchens, at the door against the partition, and over them. The maid servant heard groans as of a dying man. My daughter Emily coming down the stairs to draw up the clock, and lock the doors at ten at night, as usual, heard under the staircase a sound among some bottles there, as if they had been all dashed to pieces; but when she looked, all was safe.
Something like the steps of a man was heard going up and down stairs, at all hours of the night, and vast rumblings below stairs, and in the garrets. My man, who lay in the garrett, heard some one come slaring through the garrett to the chamber, rattling by his side, as if against his shoes, though he had none there; at other times walking up and down stairs when all the house was in bed, and gobbling like a turkey-cock. Noises were heard in the nursery and all the other chambers, knocking first at the feet of the bed and behind it, and a sound like that of dancing in a matted chamber next the nursery, when the door was locked, and nobody in it.
My wife would have persuaded them it was rats within doors, and some unlucky people knocking without, till at last we heard several loud knocks in our own chamber, on my side of the bed; but till, I think, the 21st at night, I heard nothing of it. That night I was waked a little before one, by nine distinct very loud knocks, which seemed to be in th enext room to ours, with a sort of pause at every third stroke. I thought it might be somebody without the house, and having got a stout mastiff, hoped he would soon rid me of it.
The next night I heard six knocks, but not so loud as the former. I know not whether it was in the morning after Sunday the 23rd, when about seven my daughter Emily called her mother into the nursery, and told her she might now hear the noises there .She went in, and heard it at the bedsteads, then under the bed, then at the head of it. She knocked, and it answered her. She looked under the bed, and thought something ran from thence, but could not well tell of what shape, but thought it most like a badger.
The next time but one, we were awaked about one by the noises, which were so violent, it was in vain to think of sleep while they continued. I rose, and my wife would rise with me. We went into every chamber, and down stairs; and generally, as we went into one room, we heard it in that behind us, though all the family had been in bed several hours.
When we were going down stairs, and at the bottom of them, we heard, as Emily had done before, a clashing among the bottles, as if they had been broken to pieces, and another sound distinct from it, as if a peck of money had been thrown down before us. The same three of my daughters heard at another time.
We went through the hall into the kitchen, when our mastiff came whining to us, as he did always after the first night of its coming; and then he barked violently at it, but was silent afterwards, and seemed more afraid than any of the children. We still heard it rattle and thunder in every room above or behind us, locked as well as open, except my study, where as yet it never came. After two we went to bed, andwere pretty quiet the rest of the night.
Wednesday night, December 26, after or a little before ten, my daughter Emily heard the signal of its beginning to play, with which she was perfectly acquainted; it was like the strong winding up of a jack. She called us, and I went into the nursery, where it used to be most violent. The rest of the children were asleep.
It began with knocking in the kitchen underneath, then seemed to be at the bed’s feet, then under the bed, at last at the head of it. I went down stairs, and knocked with my stick against the joists of the kitchen. It answered me as often and as loud as I knocked; but then I knocked as I usually do at my door, 1–2 3 4 5 6 –7, but this puzzled it, and it did not answer, or not in the same method; though the children heard it do the same exactly twice or thrice after.
I went up stairs and found it still knocking hard, though with some respite, sometimes under the bed, sometimes at the bed’s head. I observed my children that they were frighted in their sleep, and trembled very much till it waked them. I stayed there alone, bid them go to sleep, and sat at the bed’s feet by them, when the noise began again. Soon after it gave one knock on the outside of the house (all the rest were within) and knocked off for that night.
I went out of doors, sometimes alone, at others with company, and walked round th ehouse, but could see or hear nothing. Several nights the latch of our lodging chamber would be lifted up very often, when all were in bed. One night, when the noise was great in the kitchen, and on a deal partition, and the door in the yard, the latch whereof was often lift up, my daughter Emily went and held it fast on the inside, but it was still lifted up, and the door pushed violently against her, though nothing was to be seen on the outside.
When we were at prayers, and came to the prayers for King George, and the Prince, it would make a great noise over our heads constantly, whence some of the family called it a Jacobite.
I have been thrice pushed by an invisble power, once against the corner of my desk in the study, a second time against the door of the matted chamber, a third time against the right side of the frame of my study door, as I was going in.
I followed the noise into almost every room in the house, both by day and by night, with lights and without, and have sat alone for some time, and when I heard the noise, spoke to it, to tell me what it was, but never heard any articulate voice, and only once or twice two or three feeble squeaks, a little louder than the chirping of a bird, but not like the noise of rats, which I have often heard.
I had designed on Friday, December the 28th, to make a visit to a friend, Mr Downs, at Normandy, and stay some days with him, but the noises were so boisterous on Thursday night, that I did not care to leave my family. So I went to Mr Hoole, of Haxey, and desired his company on Friday night. He came, and it began after ten, a little later than ordinary. The younger children were gone to bed, the rest of the family and Mr Hoole were together in the matted chamber. I sent the servants down to fetch in some fuel, went with them, and stayed in the kitchen till they came in. When they were gone, I heard loud noises against the doors and partition, and at length the usual signal, though somewhat after the time. I had never heard it before, but knew it by the description my daughter had given me. It was much like the turning about of a windmill when the wind changes. When the servants returned, I went up to the company, who had heard the other noises below, but not the signal. We heard all the knocking as usual, from one chamber to another, but at its going off, like the rubbing of a beast against the wall; but from that time till January the 24th, we were quiet.
Having received a letter from Samuel the day before, relating to it, I read what I had written of it to my family; and this day at morning prayer, the family heard the usual knocks at the prayer for the King. At night they were more distinct, both in the prayer for the king and that for the prince; and one very loud knock at the amen was heard by my wife, and most of my children at the inside of my bed. I heard nothing myself.
After nine, Robert Brown, sitting alone by the fire in the back kitchen, something came out of the copper-hole like a rabbit, but less, and turned round five times very swiftly. Its ears lay flat upon its neck, and its little scut stood straight up. He ran after it with the tongs in his hands, but when he could find nothing he was frightened, and went to the maid in the parlour.
On Friday, the 25th, having prayers at church, I shortened, as usual, those in the family at morning, omitting the confession, absolution, and prayers for the king and prince. I observed when this is done there is no knocking. I therefore used them one morning for a trial; at the name of king George it began to knock, and did the same when I prayed for the prince. Two knocks I heard, but took no notice after prayers, till after all who were in the room, ten persons besides me, spoke of it, and said they heard it. No noise at all the rest of the prayers.
Sunday, January 27. Two soft strokes at the morning prayers for king George, above stairs.
—–
The Spiritualist.
19th November 1869.
Spirit Rapping in John Wesley’s Family.
In Ten Parts.
Part One.
One of the most perfectly authenticated instances of spirit-rapping on record before the beginning of the modern manifestations, took place in the family of John Wesley, the eminent religious reformer. The facts were written down on the spot, and the various documents bear the signatures of every member of the Wesley family at home at the time; moreover, the documents are admitted on all hands to be indisputably genuine, and are authenticated by John Wesley himself. The whole of the letters of the members of the Wesley family, containing accounts of the doings of the spirit, will be gradually reprinted in this journal, for the benefit of those Spiritualists, Wesleyans, and general readers, who are unacquainted with the actual facts.
The rapping noises and other phenomena took place at the end of the year 1716, at the parsonage-house of Mr Samuel Wesley, Epworth, Lincolnshire, and they lasted for about two months. During that time they came under the observation of many persons, sometimes no less than ten at a time. The noises followed members of the family about the house, upstairs and down again, and sometimes they were so loud as to prevent sleep. Intelligence governed the noises, for they were always specially boisterous when the name of King George was read at prayers; hence the spirit was believed to be a Jacobite. It was also noticed that when any of the company rapped a certain number of times, the spirit would also give the same number of raps. Sometimes he made a noise as if a great coal had been thrown down upon the centre of the floor with a splash, so that the pieces flew about in all directions. The spirit also moved doors and door latches under the eyes of witnesses, and pushed against some of them bodily, though nothing was to be seen. Here, then, were the movements of woody-fibre, seen also in modern table manifestations.
As facts of this nature are now common in England in every house where there is a well-developed physical medium, the testimony of the Wesleys is amply supported by modern experience. Had the Wesleys only thought of repeating the alphabet slowly, and asking the spirit to rap at the right letters, a message could have been obtained; and very important indeed the results might have been to the world, had direct spiritual intercourse sprung up at that date. Perhaps, however, it is best that the grand opportunity was lost, for the probable result would have been the descent of priestly and political persecution upon the heads of the Wesleys, till they were all burnt as witches and warlocks, to satisfy the rage always exhibited by the world towards those who are much in advance of the temporary and arbitrary standards set up by society.
The modern manifestations first broke out at Hydesville, U.S., and the Fox family, though frightened at first, soon grew accustomed to the noises. When the mischief-loving little Kate Fox said, “Now then, old Splitfoot! Rap three times!” three knocks were given; after which a further step than thought of by the Wesleys was tried, and communication established by means of the alphabet. The present age of science and freedom of thought then protected the investigators who first examined the phenomena in search of truth.
There is evidence that the spirit in the house of the Wesley’s was on the whole a well-meaning, good-natured kind of ghost. Mrs S. Wesley was not always civil to him, for one night he called him “a deaf and dumb devil,” and told him to leave off frightening the children by making a noise in their room. the spirit then in a temper gave one crashing knock, but kept quiet for the rest of the night, as so rudely requested. Mrs Wesley asked the spirit not to disturb her sleep early in the morning, and not to interrupt her at prayers; both requests were faithfully attended to, and she was never again disturbed at the stated hours. Emilia Wesley, afterwards Mrs Harper, was a physical medium, and this same spirit afterwards occasionally made manifestations in her presence for no less than thirty-four years. During the two months the spirit was at Epworth the fears of the family respecting the disturbance soon died away, and Mrs Harper, who had longer experience of him than any of the others, at last expressed a doubt as to his being an evil spirit, for he often warned her of coming afflictions. For reasons of their own, the Wesley family concluded that the name of the spirit was “Jeffrey”.
Mr S Wesley often adjured the spirit to talk to him, and sometimes heard two or three feeble squeaks in reply, a little louder than the chirping of a bird. With the light of the better knowledge now gained, Spiritualists are aware that if Wesley had furnished Jeffrey with a perfectly dark room, and a light tube of paper, about 15 inches long by 1 1/2 inch in diameter, the spirit would have been able to talk to him with an audible voice. At the first formation of a “voice circle,” the spirits always ask for such tubes, but when the circle has been established long enough for the manifestations to become powerful, the tubes may be abolished, except when the weather is bad, or the other conditions unfavourable.
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Part Two. 3rd December 1869.
The first document which we reprint about the physical manifestations which took place in John Wesley’s family, is the diary written by his eldest brother, Mr Samuel Wesley. The disturbances took place in his parsonage house at Epworth, Lincolnshire, in December and January, 1716. The following are his words: –
“From the first of December, my children and servants heard many strange noises, groans, knockings, &c., in every story, and most of the rooms of my house. But I hearing nothing of it myself, they would not tell me for some time, because, according to the vulgar opinion, if it boded any ill to me, I could not hear it. When it increased, and the family could not easily conceal it, they told me of it.
“My daughters, Susannah and Ann, were below stairs in the dining-room; and, heard, first at the doors, then over their heads, and the night after, a knocking under their feet, though nobody was in the chambers or below them. The like they and my servants heard in both the kitchens, at the door against the partition, and over them. The maid-servant heard groans as of a dying man. My daughter Emilia, coming downstairs to draw up the clock and lock the doors at ten at night as usual, heard under the staircase a sound among some bottles there, as if they had been all dashed to pieces; but when she looked, all was safe.
“Something like the steps of a man was heard going up and downstairs, at all hours of the night, and vast rumblings below stairs, and in the garrets. My man, who lay in the garret, heard someone come slaring through the garret to his chamber, rattling by his side, as if against his shoes, though he had none there; at other times walking up and downstairs, when all the house were in bed, and gobbling like a turkey-cock. Noises were heard in the nursery, and all the other chambers; knocking first at the feet of the bed and behind it; and a sound like that of dancing in a matted chamber, next the nursery, when the door was locked, and nobody in it.
“My wife would have persuaded them it was rats within doors, and some unlocky people knocking without; till at last we heard several loud knocks in our own chamber, on my side of the bed; but till, I think, the 21st at night, I heard nothing of it. That night I was waked a little before one by nine distinct very loud knocks, which seemed to be in the next room to ours, with a sort of pause at every third stroke. I thought it might be somebody without the house; and having got a stout mastiff, hoped he would soon rid me of it.
“The next night I heard six knocks, but not so loud as the former. I know not whether it was in the morning after Sunday the 23rd, when about seven my daughter Emily called her mother into the nursery, and told her she might now hear the noises there. She went in, and heard it at the bedstead, then under the bed, then at the head of it. She knocked, and it answered her. She looked under the bed, and thought something ran from thence, but could not well tell of what shape, but thought it most like a badger.
“The next night but one we were awaked about one by the noises, which were so violent, it was in vain to think of sleep while they continued. I rose, and my wife would rise with me. We went into every chamber, and downstairs; and generally as we went into one room we heard it in that behind us, though all the family had been in bed several hours. When we were going downstairs, and at the bottom of them, we heard, as Emily had done before, a clashing among the bottles, as if they had been all broke to pieces, and another sound distinct from it, as if a peck of money had been thrown down before us. The same, three of my daughters heard at another time.
“We went through the hall into the kitchen, when our mastiff came whining to us, as he did always after the first night of its coming; for then he barked violently at it, but was silent afterwards, and seemed more afraid than any of the children. We still heard it rattle and thunder in every room above or behind us, locked as well as open, except my study, where as yet it never came. After two, we went to bed, and were pretty quiet the rest of the night.
“Wednesday night, December 26, after or a little before ten, my daughter Emilia heard the signal of its beginning to play, with which she was perfectly acquainted; it was like the strong winding-up of a jack. She called us; and I went into the nursery, where it used to be most violent. The rest of the children were asleep. It began with knocking in the kitchen underneath, then seemed to be at the bed’s feet, then under the bed, at last at the head of it. I went downstairs, and knocked with my stick against the joists of the kitchen. It answered me as often and as loud as I knocked; but then I knocked as I usually do at my door, 1 – 2 3 4 5 6 – 7; but this puzzled it, and it did not answer, or not in the same method; though the children heard it do the same exactly twice or thrice after.
“I went upstairs, and found it still knocking hard, though with some respite, sometimes under the bed, sometimes at the bed’s head. I observed my children that they were frighted in their sleep and trembled very much till it waked them. I stayed there alone, bid them go to sleep, and sat at the bed’s feet by them, when the noise began again. I asked it what it was, and why it disturbed innocent children, and did not come to me in my study, if it had anything to say to me. Soon after it gave one knock on the outside of the house (all the rest were within), and knocked off for that night.
“I went out of doors, sometimes alone, at others with company, and walked round the house, but could see or hear nothing. Several nights the latch of our lodging-chamber would be lifted up very often, when all were in bed. One night, when the noise was great in the kitchen, and on a deal partition, and the door in the yard, the latch whereof was often lifted up, my daughter Emilia went and held it fast on the inside; but it was still lifted up, and the door pushed violently against her, though nothing was to be seen on the outside.
“When we were at prayers, and came to the prayers for King George and the Prince, it would make a great noise over our heads constantly, whence some of the family called it a Jacobite. I have been thrice pushed by an invisible power, once against the corner of my desk in the study, a second time against the door of the matted chamber, a third time against the right side of the frame of my study door, as I was going in.
“I followed the noise into almost every room in the house, both by day and by night, with lights and without, and have sat alone for some time, and when I heard the noise, spoke to it to tell me what it was, but never heard any articulate voice, and only once or twice two or three feeble squeaks, a little louder than the chirping of a bird; but not like the noise of rats, which I have often heard.
“I had designed on Friday, December 28th, to make a visit to a friend, Mr Downs, at Normandy, and stay some days with him; but the noises were so boisterous on Thursday night, that I did not care to leave my family. So I went to Mr Hoole, of Haxey, and desired his company on Friday night. He came; and it began after ten, a little later than ordinary. The younger children were gone to bed, the rest of the family and Mr Hoole were together in the matted chamber. I sent the servants down to fetch in some fuel, went with them, and staid in the kitchen till they came in. When they were gone, I heard loud noises against the doors and partition; and at length the usual signal, though somewhat after the time. I had never heard it before, but knew it by the description my daughter had given me. It was much like the turning about of a windmill when the wind changes. When the servants returned, I went up to the company, who had heard the other noises below, but not the signal. We heard all the knocking as usual, from one chamber to another, but at its going off, like the rubbing of a beast against the wall. From that time till January the 24th we were quiet.
“Having received a letter from Samuel the day before relating to it, I read what I had written of it to my family; and this day at morning prayer the family heard the usual knocks at the prayer for the king. at night they were more distinct, both in the prayer for the king, and that for the prince; and one very loud knock at the amen was heard by my wife, and most of my children, at the inside of my bed. I heard nothing myself. After nine, Robert Brown sitting alone by the fire in the back kitchen, something came out of the copper-hole like a rabbit, but less, and turned round five times very swiftly. Its ears lay flat upon its neck, and its little scut stood straight up. He ran after it with the tongs in his hands; but when he could find nothing, he was frighted, and went to the maid in the parlour.
“On Friday, the 25th, having prayers at church, I shortened, as usual, those in the family at morning, omitting the confession, absolutaion, and prayers for the king and prince. I observed, when this is done, there is no knocking. I therefore used them one morning for a trial; at the name of king George it began to knock, and did the same when I prayed for the prince. Two knocks I heard, but took no notice after prayers, till after all who were in the room, ten persons besides me, spoke of it, and said they heard it. No noise at all the rest of the prayers. Sunday, January 27. Two soft strokes at the morning prayers for king George, above stairs.
Addenda.
“Friday, December 21. Knocking I heard first, I think, this night; to which disturbances, I hope, God will in His good time put an end.
“Sunday, December 23. Not much disturbed with the noises, that are now grown customary to me.
“Wednesday, December 26. Sat up to hear noises. Strange! spoke to it, knocked off.
“Friday 28. The noises very boisterous and disturbing this night.
“Saturday 29. Not frighted with the continued disturbance of my family.
“Tuesday, January 1, 1717. My family have had no disturbance since I went.”
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Part Three. 17th December 1869.
The following is the account written and published by John Wesley himself, about the spirit-rapping disturbances in the house of his brother: –
“When I was very young, I heard several letters read, wrote to my elder brother by my father, giving an account of strange disturbances, which were in his house at Epworth, in Lincolnshire.
“When I went down thither, in the year 1720, I carefully inquired into the particulars. I spoke to each of the person who were then in the house, and took down what each could testify of his or her own knowledge. The sum of which was this: –
“On Dec. 2, 1716, while Robert Brown, my father’s servant, was sitting with one of the maids a little before ten at night, in the dining-room which opened into the garden, they both heard one knocking at the door. Robert rose and opened it, but could see nobody. Quickly it knocked again, and groaned. ‘It is Mr. Turpine,’ said Robert, ‘he has the stone, and uses to groan so.’ He opened the door again twice or thrice, the knocking being twice or thrice repeated; but still seeing nothing, and being a little startled, they rose and went up to bed. When Robert came to the top of the garret stairs, he saw a handmill, which was at a little distance, whirled about very swiftly. When he related this, he said, ‘Nought vexed me, but that it was empty. I thought, if it had but been full of malt, he might have ground his heart out for me.’ When he was in bed, he heard as it were the gobbling of a turkey-cock close to the bed-side; and soon after, the sound of one stumbling over his shoes and boots; but there were none there, he had left them below. The next day he and the maid related these things to the other maid, who laughed heartily, and said, ‘What a couple of fools are you! I defy anything to fright me.’
“After churning in the evening, she put the butter in the tray, and had no sooner carried it into the dairy, than she heard a knocking on the shelf where several puncheons of milk stood, first above the shelf, then below. She took the candle, and searched both above and below; but being able to find nothing, threw down butter, tray, and all, and ran away for life. The next evening, between five and six o’clock, my sister Molly, then about twenty years of age, sitting in the dining-room reading, heard as if it were the door that led into the hall open, and a person walking in, that seemed to have on a silk night-gown, rustling and trailing along. It seemed to walk round her, then to the door, then round again; but she could see nothing. She thought, ‘It signifies nothing to run away; for, whatever it is, it can run faster than me.’ So she rose, put her book under her arm, and walked slowly away. After supper she was sitting with my sister Sukey (about a year older than her), in one of the chambers, and telling her what had happened; she made quite light of it, telling her, ‘I wonder you are so easily frightened; I would fain see what would fright me.’ Presently a knocking began under the table. She took the candle, and looked, but could find nothing. Then the iron casement began to clatter, and the lid of a warming pan. Next the latch of the door moved up and down without ceasing. She started up, leaped into the bed without undressing, pulled the bed-clothes over her head, and never ventured to look up till next morning.
“A night or two after my sister Hetty, a year younger than my sister Molly, was waiting as usual, between nine and ten, to take away my father’s candle, when she heard one coming down the garret stairs, walking slowly by her, then going down the best stairs, then up the back stairs, and up the garret stairs; and at every step it seemed the house shook from top to bottom. Just then my father knocked. She went in, took his candle, and got to bed as fast as possible. In the morning she told this to my eldest sister, who told her, ‘You know I believe none of these things; pray let me take away the candle tonight, and I will find out the trick.’ She accordingly took my sister Hetty’s place, and had no sooner taken away the candle, than she heard a noise below. She hastened downstairs to the hall, where the noise was; but it was then in the kitchen. She ran into the kitchen, where it was drumming on the inside of the screen. When she went round, it was drumming on the outside; and so always on the side opposite to her. Then she heard a knocking at the back kitchen door. She ran to it, unlocked it softly, and when the knocking was repeated, suddenly opened it; but nothing was to be seen. As soon as she had shut it, the knocking began again. She opened it again, but could see nothing. When she went to shut the door, it was violently thrust against her; but she set her knee and her shoulder to the door, I forced it to, and turned the key. Then the knocking began again; but she let it go on, and went up to bed. However, from that time she was thoroughly convinced that there was no imposture in the affair.
“The next morning, my sister telling my mother what had happened, she said, ‘If I hear anything myself, I shall know how to judge.’ Soon after, she begged her to come into the nursery. She did, and heard in the corner of the room, as it were, the violent rocking of a cradle; but no cradle had been there for some years. She was convinced it was preternatural, and earnestly prayed it might not disturb her in her own chamber at th ehours of retirement; and it never did. She now thought it was proper to tell my father. But he was extremely angry, and said, ‘Sukey, I am ashamed of you: these boys and girls frighten one another; but you are a woman of sense, and should know better. Let me hear of it no more.’
“At six in the evening, he had family prayers for the king, a knocking began all round the room; and a thundering knock attended the Amen. The same was heard from this time every mornign and evening, while the prayer for the king was repeated. As both my father and mother are now at rest, and incapable of being pained thereby, I think it my duty to furnish the serious reader with a key to this circumstance.
“The year before King William died, my father observed my mother did not say Amen to the prayer for the King. She said she could not, for she did not believe the Prince of Orange was king. He vowed he never would cohabit with her till she did. He then took his horse and rode away; nor did she hear anything of him for a twelvemonth. He then came back, and lived with her as before. But I fear his vow was not forgotten before God.
“Being informed that Mr Hoole, the vicar of Haxey (an eminently pious and sensible man), could give me some farther information, I walked over to him. He said, ‘Robert Brown came over to me, and told me your father desired my company. When I came, he gave an account of all that had happened, particularly the knocking during family prayer. but that evening (to my great satisfaction) we had no knocking at all. But between nine and ten a servant came in and said, ‘”Old Jeffery is coming (that was the name of one that died in the house), for I hear the signal’.” This, they inform me, was heard every night about a quarter before ten. It was toward the top of the house, on the outside, at the north-east corner, resembling the loud creaking of a saw, or rather that of a windmill, when the body of it is turned about, in order to shift the sails to the wind. We then heard a knocking over our heads; and Mr Wesley, catching up a candle, said, ‘”Come, Sir, now you shall hear for yourself.'” We went upstairs; he with much hope, and I (to say the truth) with much fear. When we came to the nursery, it was knocking in the next room; when we were there, it was knocking in the nursery. And there it continued to knock though we came in, particularly at the head of the bed (which was of wood), in which Miss Hetty and two of her younger sisters lay. Mr Wesley, observing that they were much affected, though asleep, sweating and trembling exceedingly, was very angry; and pulling out a pistol, was going to fire at the place from whence the sound came. But I catched him by the arm, and said, ‘”Sir, you are convinced this is something preternatural. If so, you cannot hurt it; but you give it power to hurt you.'” He then went close to the place, and said sternly, ‘”Thou deaf and dumb devil, why dost thou fright these children, that cannot answer for themselves? Come to me in my study that am a man?'” Instantly it knocked his knock (the particular knock which he always used at the gate) as if it would shiver the board in pieces; and we heard nothing more that night.’
“Till this time my father had never heard the least disturbances in his study. But the next evening, as he attempted to go into his study (of which none had any key but himself), when he opened the door, it was thrust back with such violence as had like to have thrown him down. However, he thrust the door open, and went in. Presently there was knocking, first on one side, then on the other; and after a time, in the next room, wherein my sister Nancy was. He went into that room, and (the noise continuing) adjured it to speak, but in vain. He then said, ‘These spirits love darkness; put out the candle, and perhaps it will speak.’ She did so, and he repeated his adjuration; but still there was only knocking, and no articulate sound. Upon this he said, ‘Nancy, two Christians are an overmatch for the devil. Go all of you downstairs; it may be when I am alone, he will have courage to speak.’ When she was gone, a thought came in, and he said, ‘If thou art the spirit of my son Samuel, I pray knock three knocks, and no more.’ Immediately all was silence; and there was no more knocking at all that night. I asked my sister Nancy (then about fifteen years old) whether she was not afraid when my father used that adjuration? She answered, she was sadly afraid it would speak, when she put out the candle; but she was not at all afraid in the day-time, when it walked after her, as she swept the chambers, as it constantly did, and seemed to sweep after her; only she thought he might have done it for her, and saved her the trouble. By this time all my sisters were so accustomed to these noises, that they gave them little disturbance. A gentle tapping at their bed-head usually began between nine and ten at night. They then commonly said to each other, ‘Jeffery is coming; it is time to go to sleep.’ And if they heard a noise in the day, and said to my youngest sister, ‘Hark, Kezzy, Jeffrey is knocking above;’ she would run upstairs, and pursue it from room to room, saying, she desired no better diversion.
“A few nights after, my father and mother were just gone to bed, and the candle was not taken away, when they heard three blows, and a second, and a third three, as it were with a large oaken staff, struck upon a chest which stood by the bed-side. My father immediately arose, put on his night-gown, and hearing great noises below, took the candle and went down; my mother walked by his side. As they went down the broad stairs, they heard as if a vessel, full of silver, was poured upon my mother’s breast, and ran jingling down to her feet. Quickly after there was a sound, as if a large iron ball was thrown among many bottles under the stairs; but nothing was hurt. Soon after, our large mastiff dog came, and ran to shelter himself between them. While the disturbances continued, he used to bark and leap, and snap on one side and the other; and that frequently before any person in the room heard any noise at all. But after two or three days, he used to tremble, and creep away before the noise began. And by this the family knew it was at hand; nor did the observation ever fail.
“A little before my father and mother came into the hall, it seemed as if a very large coal was violently thrown upon the floor, and dashed all in pieces; but nothing was seen. My father then cried out, ‘Sukey, do you not hear? All the pewter is thrown about the kitchen.’ But when they looked, all the pewter stood in its place. There then was a loud knocking at the back-door. My father opened it, but saw nothing. It was then at the fore door. He opened that, but it was still lost labour. After opening first the one, then the other, several times, he turned, and went up to bed. But thenoises were so violent all over the house, that he could not sleep till four in the morning.
“Several gentlemen and clergymen now earnestly advised my father to quit the house. But he constantly answered, ‘No; let the devil flee from me; I will never flee from the devil.’ But he wrote to my eldest brother at London to come down. He was preparing so to do, when another letter came, informing him the disturbances were over; after they had continued (the latter part of the time day and night) from the second of December to the end of January.”
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Part Four. 14th January 1870.
Letter 1. To Mr Samuel Wesley, from his Mother. January 12, 1716-17.
“Dear Sam, – This evenign we were agreeably surprised with your packet, which brought the welcome news of your being alive, after we had been in the greatest panic imaginable, almost a month, thinking either you were dead, or one of your brothers had by some misfortune been killed.
“The reason of our fears is as follows: – On the first of December our maid heard at the door of the dining-room several dismal groans, like a person in extremes, at the point of death. We gave little heed to her relation, and endeavoured to laugh her out of her fears. Some nights (two or three) after, several of the family heard a strange knocking in divers places, usually three or four knocks at a time, and then staid a little. This continued every night for a fortnight; sometimes it was in the garret, but most commonly in the nursery, or green chamber. We all heard it but your father, and I was not willing he should be informed of it, lest he should fancy it was against his own death, which, indeed, we all apprehended. But when it began to be so troublesome, both day and night, that few or none of the family durst be alone, I resolved to tell him of it, being minded he should speak to it. At first he would not believe but somebody did it to alarm us; but the night after, as soon as he was in bed, it knocked loudly nine times, just by his bedside. He rose, and went to see if he could find out what it was, but could see nothing. Afterwards he heard it as the rest.
“One night it made such a noise in the room over our heads as if several people were walking, then run up and down stairs, and was so outrageous that we thought the children would be frighted; so your father and I rose, and went down in the dark to light a candle. Just as we came to the bottom of the broad stairs, having hold of each other, on my side there seemed as if somebody had emptied a bag of money at my feet; and on his, as if all the bottles under the stairs (which were many) had been dashed in a thousand pieces. We passed through the hall into the kitchen and got a candle, adn went to see the children, whom we found asleep.
“The next night your father would get Mr Hoole to lie at our house, and we all sat together till one or two o’clock in the morning, and heard the knocking as usual. Sometimes it would make a noise like the winding up of a jack; at other times, as that night Mr Hoole was with us, like a carpenter planing deals; but most commonly it knocked thrice and stopped, and then thrice again, and so many hours together. We persuaded your father to speak, and try if any voice would be heard. One night, about six o’clock, he went into the nursery in the dark, and at first heard several deep groans, then knocking. He adjured it to speak, if it had power, and tell him why it troubled his house; but no voice was heard, but it knocked thrice aloud. Then he questioned it if it were Sammy; and bid it, if it were, and could not speak, knock again; but it knocked no more than night, which made us hope it was not against your death.
“Thus it continued till the 28th of December, when it loudly knocked (as your father used to do at the gate) in the nursery, and departed. We have various conjectures what this may mean. For my own part, I fear nothing, now you are safe at London hitherto; and I hope God will still preserve you. Though sometimes I am inclined to think my brother is dead. Let me know your thoughts on it. S.W.”
Letter II. From Mr S. Wesley to his Father. January 30, Saturday.
“Honoured Sir, – My mother tells me a very strange sort of disturbances in your house. I wish I could have more particulars from you. I would thank Mr Hoole if he would favour me with a letter concerning it. Not that I want to be confirmed myself in the belief of it, but for any other person’s satisfaction. My mother sends to me to know my thoughts of it, and I cannot think at all of any interpretation. Wit, I fancy, might find many, but wisdom none. Your dutiful and loving son, S. Wesley.”
Letter III. From Mr S. Wesley to his Mother.
“Dear Mother, – Those who are so wise as not to believe any supernatural occurrences, though ever so well attested, could find a hundred questions to ask about those strange noises you wrote me an account of; but for my part, I know not what question to put, which, if answered would confirm me more in the belief of what you tell me. two or three I have heard from others. Was there never a new maid or man in the house that might play tricks? Was there nobody above in the garrets when the walking was there? Did all the family hear it together when they were in one room, or at one time? Did it seem to all to be in the same place at the same time? Could not cats, or rats, or dogs be the sprites? Was the whole family asleep when my father and you went down stairs? Such doubts as these being replied to, though they could not, as God Himself assures us, convince them who belive not Moses and the Prophets, yet would strengthen such as do believe. As to my particular opinion concerning the events foreboded by these noises, I cannot, I must confess, form any. I think, since it was not permitted to speak, all guesses must be vain. The end of spirits’ actions is yet more hidden than that of men, and even this latter puzzles the most subtle politicians. That we may be struck so as to prepare seriously for any ill, may, it is possible, be one design of Providence. It is surely our duty and wisdom to do. Dear mother, I beg your blessing on your dutiful and affectionate son. S. Wesley. Jan. 19, 1716-7, Saturday, Deans-yard, Westminster.”
Letter IV. From Mrs Wesley to her son Samuel, Jan. 25 or 27, 1716-7.
“Dear Sam, – Though I am not one of those that will believe nothing supernatural, but am rather inclined to think there would be frequent intercourse between good spirits and us, did not our deep lapse into sensuality prevent it; yet I was a great while ere I could credit anything of what the children and servants reported concerning the noises they heard in several parts of our house. Nay, after I heard them myself, I was willing to persuade myself and them that it was only rats or weasels that disturbed us; and having been formerly troubled with rats, which were frighted away by sounding a horn, I caused a horn to be procured, and made them blow it all over th ehouse. But from that night they began to blow, the noises were more loud and distinct, both day and night, than before; and that night we rose and went down I was entirely convinced that it was beyond the power of any human creature to make such strange and various noises.
“As to your questions, I will answer them particularly: but withal, I desire my answers may satisfy none but yourself; for I would not have the matter imparted to any. We had both man and maid new this last Martinmas, yet I do not believe either of them occasioned the disturbance, both for the reason above-mentioned, and because they were more affrighted than anybody else. besides, we have often heard the noises when they were in the room by us; and the maid particularly was in such a panic that she was almost incapable of all business, nor durst ever go from one room to another, or stay by herself a minute, after it began to be dark.
“The man, robert Brown, whom you well know, was most visited by it, lying in the garret, and has been often frighted down barefoot, and almost naked, not daring to stay alone to put on his clothes; nor do I think, if he had power, he would be guilty of such villany. When the walking was heard in the garret, Robert was in bed in the next room, in a sleep so sound, that he never heard your father and me walk up and down, though we walked not softly I am sure. All the family has heard it together, in the same room, at the same time, particularly at family prayers. It always seemed to all present in the same place at the same time; though often before any could say, It is here, it would remove to another place.
“All the family, as well as Robin, were asleep when your father and I went down stairs, nor did they wake in the nursery when we held the candle close by them; only we observed that Hetty trembled exceedingly in her sleep, as she always did, before the noise awaked her. It commonly was nearer her than the rest, which she took notice of; and was much frightened, because she thought it had a particular spite at her. I could multiply particular instances, but I forbear. I believe your father will write to you about it shortly. Whatever may be the design of Providence in permitting these things, I cannot say. Secret things belong to God. But I entirely agree with you, that it is our wisdom and duty to prepare seriously for all events. S. Wesley.
—
Part Five. 15th April 1870.
Letter V. From Miss Susannah Wesley to her brother Samuel. Epworth, Jan. 24.
“Dear Brother, – About the first of December a most terrible and astonishing noise was heard by a maid-servant, as at the dining-room door, which caused the up-starting of her hair, and made her ears prick forth at an unusual rate. She said it was like the groans of one expiring. These so frighted her, that for a great while she durst not go out of one room into another after it began to be dark, without company. But to lay aside jesting, which should not be done in serious matters, I assure you that from the first to the last of a lunar month the groans, squeaks, tinglings and knockings were frightful enough.
“Though it is needless for me to send you any account of what we all heard my father himself having a larger account of the matter than I am able to give, which he designs to send you; yet, in compliance wit your desire, I will tell you, as briefly as I can, what I heard of it. The first night I ever heard it my sister Nancy and I were sitting in the dining-room. We heard something rush on the outside of the doors that opened into the garden; then three loud knocks, immediately after other three, and in half a minute the same number over our heads. We inquired whether anybody had been in the garden, or in the room above us; but there was nobody. Soon after, my sister Molly and I were up after all the family were a-bed, except my sister Nancy, about some business. We heard three bouncing thumps under our feet, which soon made us throw away our work and tumble into bed; afterwards, the tingling of the latch and warming pan; and so it took its leave that night.
“Soon after the above-mentioned we heard a noise as if a great piece of sounding metal was thrown down on the outside of our chamber. We, lying in the quietest part of the house, heard less than the rest for a pretty while; but the latter end of the night that Mr Hoole sat up on, I lay in the nursery, where it was very violent. I then heard frequent knocks over and under the room where I lay, and at the children’s bedhead, which was made of boards. It seemed to rap against it very hard and loud, so that the bed shook under them. I heard something walk by my bedside, like a man in a long nightgown. The knocks were so loud that Mr Hoole came out of his chamber to us. It still continued. My father spoke, but nothing answered. It ended that night with my father’s particular knock, very fierce.
“It is now pretty quiet; only at our repeating prayers for the king and prince, when it usually begins, especially when my father says, ‘Our most gracious Sovereign Lord,’ &c. This my father is angry at, and designs to say three instead of two for the royal family. We all heard the same noise, and at the same time, and as coming from the same place. To conclude this, it now makes its personal appearance: but of this more hereafter. Do not say one word of this to our folks, nor give the least hint. – I am, your sincere friend and affectionate sister, Susannah Wesley.”
Letter VI. Mr S. Wesley in anser. Deans-yard, Feb. 9, 1716-17.
“Dear Sister Sukey, – Your telling me the spirit has made its personal appearance, without saying how, or to whom, or when, or how long, has excited my curiosity very much. I long mightily for a farther account of every circumstance by your next letter. Do not keep me any longer in the dark. Why need you write the less, because my father is to send me the whole story? Has the disturbance continued since the 28th of December? I understand my father did not hear it all: but a fortnight after the rest. What did he say remarkable to any of you when he did hear it? As to the devil’s being an enemy to King George, were I the king myself, I should rather Old Nick should be my enemy than my friend. I do not like the noise of the nightgown sweeping along the ground, nor its knocking like my father. Write when you receive this, though nobody else should, to your loving brother, S.W.”
Letter VII. Mr S. Wesley to his Mother.
“Dear Mother, – You say you could multiply particular instances of the spirit’s noises; but I want to know whether nothing was ever seen by any. For though it is hard to conceive, nay, morally impossible, that the hearing of so many people could be deceived, yet the truth will be still more manifest and undeniable if it is grounded on the testimony of two senses. Has it never at all disturbed you since the 28th of December? Did no circumstance give any light into the design of the whole? Your obedient and loving son, S. Wesley. Have you dug in the place where the money seemed poured at your feet?”
Letter VIII. Mr S. Wesley to his Father.
“Honoured Sir, – I have not yet received any answer to the letter I wrote some time ago;a nd m y mother in her last seems to say that as yet I know but a very small part of the whole story of strange noises in our house. I shall be exceedingly glad to have the entire account from you. Whatever may be the main design of such wonders, I cannot think they were ever meant to be kept secret. If they bode anything remarkable to our family I am sure I am a party concerned. – Your dutiful son, S. Wesley. Feb. 12.”
Letter IX. From Mr S. Wesley to his Sister Emily.
“Dear Sister Emily, – I wish you would let me have a letter from you about the spirit, as indeed from every one of my sisters. I cannot think any of you very superstitious, unless you are much changed since I saw you. My sister Hetty, I find, was more particularly troubled. Let me know all. Did anything appear to her? I am, your affectionate brother, S. Wesley. Feb. 12.”
Letter X. From old Mr Wesley to his son Samuel.
“Dear Sam, – As for the noises, &c, in our family, I thank God we are now all quiet. There were some surprising circumstances in that affair. Your mother has not written you a third part of it. When I see you here you shall see the whole account, which I wrote down. It would make a glorious penny book for Jack Dunton; but while I live I am not ambitious for anything of that nature. I think that’s all, but blessings from your loving father, Sam Wesley.”
—
Part Six. 15th August 1870.
Some more of the correspondence published by John Wesley is appended: – (The following letter was received at the same time as the preceding one, though it has no date.)
Letter XI. – From Miss Emily Wesley to her brother Samuel.
“Dear Brother, – I thank you for your last; and shall give you what satisfaction is in my power, concerning what has happened in our family. I am so far from being superstitious, that I was too much inclined to infidelity; so that I heartily rejoice at having such an opportunity of convincing myself, past doubt or scruple, of the existence of some beings besides those we see. A whole month was sufficient to convince any body of the reality of the thing, and to try all ways of discovering any trick, had it been possible for any such to have been used. I shall only tell you what I myself heard, and leave the rest to others.
“My sisters in the paper chamber had heard noises, and told me of them; but I did not much believe, till one night, about a week after the first groans were heard, which was the beginning, just after the clock had struck ten, I went downstairs to lock the doors, which I always do. Scarce had I got up the best stairs, when I heard a noise, like a person throwing down a vast coal in the middle of the fore kitchen, and all the splinters seemed to fly about from it. I was not much frighted, but went to my sister Sukey, and we together went all over the low rooms, but there was nothing out of order.
“Our dog was fast asleep, and our only cat in the other end of the house. No sooner was I got upsstairs, and undressing for bed, but I heard a noise among many bottles that stand under the best stairs, just like the throwing of a great stone among them, which had broke them all to pieces. This made me hasten to bed. But my sister Hetty, who sits always to wait on my father going to bed, was still sitting on the lowest step on the garret stairs, the door being shut at her back, when, soon after, there came down the stairs behind her something like a man, in a loose night-gown trailing after him, which made her fly rather than run to me in the nursery.
“All this time we never told our father of it; but soon after we did. He smiled, and gave no answer; but was more careful than usual, from that time, to see us in bed, imagining it to be some of us young women that sat up late, and made a noise. His incredulity, and especially his inputing it to us, or our lovers, made me, I own, desirous of its continuance till he was convinced. As for my mother, she firmly believed it to be rats, and sent for a horn to blow them away. I laughed to think how wisely they were emplyed, who were striving half a day to fright away Jeffrey (for that name I gave it) with a horn.
“But whatever it was, I perceived it could be made angry. For from that time it was outrageous, there was no quiet for us after ten at night. I heard frequently, between ten and eleven, something like the quick winding up of a jack, at the corner of the room by my bed’s head, just like the running of the wheels and the creaking of the iron-work. This was the common signal of its coming. Then it would knock on the floor three times, then at my sister’s bed’s head in the same room, almost always three together, and then stay. The sound was hollow and loud, so as none of us could ever imitate.
“It would answer to my mother, if she stamped on the floor, and bid it. It would knock when I was putting the children to bed, just under me where I sat. One time, little Kezzy, pretending to scare Patty, as I was undressing them, stamped with her foot on the floor, and immediately it answered with three knocks, just in the same place. It was more loud and fierce, if any one said it was rats, or any thing natural.
“I could tell you abundance more of it; but the rest will write, and therefore it would be needless. I was not much frighted at first, and very little at last; but it was never near me, except two or three times; and never followed me, as it did my sister Hetty. I have been with her when it has knocked under her; and when she has removed, it has followed, and still kept just under her feet, which was enough to terrify a stouter person.
“If you would know my opinion of the reason of this, I shall briefly tell you. I belive it to be witchcraft, for these reasons. About a year since, there was a disturbance at a town near us, that was undoubtedly witches; and if so near us, why may they not reach us? Then my father had for several Sundays before its coming preached warmly against consulting those that are called cunning men, which our people are given to; and it had a particular spite at my father.
“Besides, something was thrice seen. The first time by my mother, under my sister’s bed, like a badger, only without any head that was discernible. The same creature was sat by the dining-room fire one evening; when our man went into the room, it ran by him, through the hall, under the stairs. He followed with a candle, and searched, but it was departed. The last time he saw it in the kitchen, like a white rabbit, which seems likely to be some witch; and I do so really believe it to be one, that I would venture to fire a pistol at it, if I saw it long enough. It has been heard by me and others since December. I have filled up all my room, and have only time to tell you. – I am, your loving sister, Emilia Wesley.”
—
Part Seven. 15th January 1871.
The following are some more of the letters published by John Wesley:-
Letter XII. Miss Susannah Wesley to her brother Samuel. March 27.
“Dear Brother Wesley, – I should farther satisfy you concerning the disturbances; but it is needless, because my sisters Emilia and Hetty write so particularly about it. One thing I believe you do not know, that is, last Sunday, to my father’s no small amazement, his trencher danced upon the table a pretty while, without any body’s stirring the table; when, lo! an adventurous wretch took it up, and spoiled the sport, for it remained still for ever after. How glad should I be to talk with you about it. Send me some news, for we are secluded from the sight or hearing of any versal thing except Jeffery. Susannah Wesley.”
A passage in a letter from my Mother to me, dated March 27, 1717.
“I cannot imagine how you should be so cuirous about our unwelcome guest. For my part, I am quite tired with hearing or speaking of it: but if you come among us, you will find enough to satisfy all your scruples and perhaps may hear or see it yourself. S. Wesley.”
A passage in a letter from my sister Emily to Mr N. Berry, dated April 1.
” Tell my brother the sprite was with us last night, and heard by many of our family, especially by our maid and myself. She sat up with drink; and it came just at one o’clock, and opened the dining-room door. After some time it shut again. She saw as well as heard it both shut and open; then it began to knock as usual. But I dare write no longer, lest I should hear it. Emilia Wesley.”
My Mother’s account to Jack. Aug. 27, 1726.
“About ten days after Nanny Marshall had heard unusual groans at the dining-room door, Emily came and told me that the servants and children had been several times frightened with strange groans and knockings about the house. I answered, that the rats John Maw had frightened from his house, by blowing a horn there, was come into ours, and ordered that one should be sent for. Molly was much displeased at it, and said, if it were anything supernatural, it certainly would be very angry, and more troublesome. However, the horn was blown in the garrets; and the effect was, that whereas before the noises were always in the night, from this time they were heard at all hours, day and night.
“Soon after, about seven in the morning, Emily came and desired me to go into the nursery where I should be convinced they were not startled at nothing. On my coming thither, I heard a knocking at the feet, and quickly after at the head, of the bed. I desired if it was a spirit, it would answer me; and knocking several times with my foot on the ground, with several pauses, it repeated under the sole of my feet exactly the same number of strokes, with the very same intervals. Kezzy, then six or seven years old, said, Let it answer me too, if it can, and stamping, the same sounds were returned that she made, many times successively.
“Upon my looking under the bed something ran out pretty much like a badger, and seemed to run directly under Emily’s petticoats, who sat opposite to me on the other side. I went out; and one or two nights after, when we were just got to bed, I heard nine strokes, three by three, on the other side of the bed, as if one had struck violently on a chest with a large stick. Mr Wesley leapt up, and searched every room in the house, but to no purpose. It continued from this time to knock and groan frequently at all hours, day and night; only I earnestly desired it might not disturb me between five and six in the evening, and there never was any noise in my room after during that time.
“At other times, I have often heard it over my mantle tree; and once, coming up after dinner, a cradle seemed to be strongly rocked in my chamber. When I went in, the sound seemed to be in the nursery. When I was in the nursery, it seemed in my chamber again. One night Mr W. and I were waked by some one running down the garret stairs, then down the broad stairs, then up the narrow ones, then up the garret stairs, then down again, and so the same round. The rooms trembled as it passed along, and the doors shook exceedingly, so that the clattering of the latches was very loud.
“Mr W. proposing to rise, I rose with him, and went down the broad stairs, hand in hand, to light a candle. Near the foot of them, a large pot of money seemed to be poured out at my waist, and to run jingling down my nightgown to my feet. Presently after we heard the noise as of a vast stone thrown among several dozen of bottles which lay under the stairs; but upon our looking, no hurt was done. In the hall the mastiff met us, crying and striving to get between us. We returned up into the nursery, where the noise was very great. The children were all asleep; but panting, trembling, and sweating extremely.
“Shortly after, on Mr Wesley’s invitation, Mr Hoole staid a night with us. As we were all sitting round the fire in the matted chamber, he asked whether that gentle knocking was it? I told him yes; and it continued the sound, which was much lower than usual. This was observable, that while we were talking loud in the same room, the n oise, seemingly lower than any of our voices, was distinctly heard above them all. These were the most remarkable passages I remember, except such as were common to all the family.”
—
Part Eight. 15th February 1871.
The following are some more of the family letters which were published by John Wesley: –
My sister Emily’s account to Jack.
“About a fornight after the time when, as I was told, the noises were heard, I went from my mother’s room, who was just gone to bed, to the best chamber, to fetch my sister Sukey’s candle. When I was there, the windows and doors began to jar, and ring exceedingly; and presently after I heard a sound in the kitchen, as if a vast stone coal had been thrown down, and smashed to pieces. I went down thither with my candle, and found nothing more than usual; but as I was going by the screen, something began knocking on the other side, just even with my head. When I looked on the inside, the knocking was on the outside of it; but as soon as I could get round, it was at the inside again. I followed it to and fro several times; till at last, finding it to no purpose, and turning about to go away, before I was out of the room, the latch of the back-kitchen door was lifted up many times. I opened the door and looked out, but could see nobody. I tried to shut the door, but it was thrust against me, and I could feel the latch, which I held in my hand, moving upwards at the same time. I looked out again; but finding it was labour lost, clapped the door too, and locked it. Immediately the latch was moved strongly up and down; but I left it, and went up the worst stairs, from whence I heard, as if a great stone had been thrown among the bottles which lay under the best stairs. However I went to bed.
“From this time I heard it every night for two or three weeks. It continued a month in its full majesty, night and day. Then it intermitted a fortnight or more, and when it began again, it knocked only on nights, and grew less and less troublesome, till at last it went quite away. Towards the latter end, it used to knock on the outside of the house, and seemed farther and farther off, till it ceased to be heard at all.”
My sister Molly’s account to Jack. Aug. 27.
“I have always thought it was in November, the rest of our family think it was the 1st of December 1716, when Nanny Marshll, who had a bowl of butter in her hand, ran to me, and two or three more of my sisters, in the dining-room, and told us she had heard several groans in the hall, as of a dying man. We thought it was Mr Turpine, who had the stone, and used sometimes to come and see us. About a fortnight after, when m y sister Sukey and I were going to bed, she told me how she was frightened in the dining-room, the day before, by a noise, first at the folding-door, and then overhead. I was reading at the table, and had scarce told her I believed nothing of it, when several knocks were given just under my feet. We both made haste into bed; and just as we lay down, the warming-pan by the beside jarred and rang, as did the latch of the door, which was lifted swiftly up and down. Presently a great chain seemed to fall on the outside of the door (we were in the best chamber), the door, latch, hinges, the warming-pan, and windows jarred, and the house shook from top to bottom.
“A few days after, between five and six in the evening, I was by myself in the dining-room. The door seemed to open, though it was still shut; and somebody walked in, in a night-gown trailing upon the ground (nothing appearing), and seemed to go leisurely round me. I started up, and ran upstairs to my mother’s chamber, and told the story to her and my sister Emily. A few nights after my father ordered me to light him to his study. Just as he had unlocked it, the latch was lifted up for him. The same (after we blew the horn) was often done to me, as well by day as by night. Of many other things all the family as well as me were witnesses.
“My father went into the nursery from the matted chamber, where we were, by himself, in the dark. It knocked very loud on the press bed-head. He adjured it to tell him why it came, but it seemed to take no notice; at which he was very angry, spoke sharply, called it deaf and dumb devil, and repeated his adjuration. My sisters were terribly afraid it would speak. when he had done, it knocked his knock on the bed’s head, so exceedingly violently, as if it would break it to shivers; and from that time we heard nothing till near a month after.”
My Sister Sukey’s account to Jack.
“I believed nothing of it till about a fortnight after the first noises; then one night I sat up on purpose to hear it. While I was working in the best chamber, and earnestly desiring to hear it, a knocking began just under my feet. As I knew the room below was locked, I was frightened, and leaped into bed with all my clothes on. I afterwards heard, as it were, a great chain fall, and after some time the usual noises at all hours of the day and night. One night, hearing it was most violent in the nursery, I resolved to lie there. Late at night, several strong knocks were given on the two lowest steps of the garret stairs, which were close to the nursery door. The latch of the door then jarred, and seemed to be swiftly moved to and fro, and presently began knocking about a yard within the room on the floor. It then came gradually to sister Hetty’s bed, who trembled strongly in her sleep. It beat very loud, three strokes at a time, on the bed’s head. My father came, and adjured it to speak; but it knocked on for some time, and then removed to the room over, where it knocked my father’s knock on the ground, as if it would beat the house down. I had no mind to stay longer, but got up, and went to sister Em and my mother, who were in her room. From thence we heard the noises again from the nursery. I proposed playing a game at cards; but we had scarce begun, when a knocking began under our feet. We left off playing, and it removed back again into the nursery, where it continued till towards morning.
—
Part Nine. 15th August 1871.
John Wesley thus continues his narrative by quoting family letters: –
Sister Nancy’s account to Jack. Sept 10, 1726.
“The first noise my sister Nancy heard was in the best chamber, with my sister Molly and my sister Sukey, soon after my father had ordered to blow a horn in the garrets, where it was knocking violently. She was terribly afraid, being obliged to go in the dark; and kneeling down on the stairs, desired that, as she acted not to please herself, it might have no power over her. As soon as she came into the room, the noise ceased, nor did it begin again till near ten; but then, and for a good while, it made much greater and more frequent noises than it had done before. When she afterwards came into the chamber in the day-time, it commonly walked after her from room to room. It followered her from one side of the bed to the other, and back again, as often as she went back; and whatever she did which made any sort of noise, the same thing seemed just to be done behind her.
“When five or six were set in the nursery together, a cradle would seem to be strongly rocked in the room over, though no cradle had ever been there. One night she was sitting on the press bed, playing at cards with some of my sisters, when my sisters Molly, Hetty, Patty, and Kezzy were in the room, and Robert Brown. The bed on which my sister Nancy sat was lifted up with her on it. She leaped down, and said, ‘Surely old Jeffery would not run away with her.’ However, they persuaded her to sit down again; which she had scarce done, when it was again lifted up several times successively a considerable height; upon which she left her seat, and would not be prevailed upon to sit there any more.
“Whenever they began to mention Mr S., it presently began to knock, and continued to do so till they changed the discourse. All the time my sister Sukey was writing her last letter to him, it made a very great noise all round the room; and the night after she set out for London, it knocked till morning with scarce any intermission.
“Mr Hoole read prayers once; but it knocked as usual at the prayers for the king and prince. the knockings at those prayers were only towards the beginning of the disturbances, for a week or thereabouts.”
The Rev. Mr Hoole’s account. Sept. 16.
“As soon as I came to Epworth, Mr Wesley telling me he sent for me to conjure, I knew not what he meant, till some of your sisters told me what had happened, and that I was sent for to sit up. I expected every hour, it being then about noon, to hear something extraordinary, but to no purpose. At supper too, and at prayers, all was silent, contrary to custom; but soon after, one of the maids, who went up to sheet a bed, brought the alarm that Jeffery was come above stairs. We all went up, and as we were standing round the fire in the east chamber, something began knocking just on the other side of the wall, on the chimney-piece, as with a key. Presently the knocking was under our feet Mr Wesley and I went down, he with a great deal of hope, and I with fear. As soon as we were in the kitchen, the sound was above us, in the room we had left. We returned up the narrow stairs, and hard at the broad stairs’ head some one slaring with their feet (all the family being now in bed beside us), and then trailing, as it were, and rustling with a silk night-gown. Quickly it was in the nursery, at the bed’s head, knocking as it had done at first, three by three. Mr Wesley spoke to it, and said he believed it was the devil; and soon after, it knocked at the window, and changed its sound into one like the planing of boards. From thence it went on the outward south side of the house, sounding fainter and fainter, until it was heard no more. Epworth, Sept. 1.
“My sister Kezzy says she remembers nothing else, but that it knocked my father’s knock, ready to beat the house down, in the nursery one night.”
Robin Brown’s account to Jack.
“The first time Robin Brown, my father’s man, heard it, was when he was fetching down some corn from the garrets. Somewhat knocked on a door just by him, which made him run away down stairs. From that time it used frequently to visit him in bed, walking up the garret stairs, and in the garrets, like a man in jack-boots, with a night-gown trailing after him, then lifting up his latch and making it jar, and presently making a noise in his room like the gobbling of a turkey-cock, then stumbling over his shoes or boots by the bedside. He was resolved once to be too hard for it, and so took a large mastiff we had just got to bed with him, and left his shoes and boots below stairs; but he might as well have spared his labour, for it was exactly the same thing, whether any were there or no: the same sound was heard as if there had been forty pairs. The dog, indeed, was a great comfort to him; for as soon as the latch began to jar, he crept into bed, made such a howling and barking together, in spite of all the man could do, that he alarmed most of the family.
“Soon after, being grinding corn in the garrets, and happening to stop a little, the handle of the mill was turned round with great swiftness. He said nothing vexed him, but that the mill was empty; if corn had been in it, old Jeffery might have ground his heart out for him; he would never have disturbed him.
“One night, being ill, he was leaning his head upon the back kitchen chimney (the jam he called it), with the tongs in his hands, when from behind the oven-stop, which lay by the fire, somewhat came out like a white rabbit. It turned round before him several times, and then ran to the same place again. He was frightened, started up, and ran with the tongs into the parlour (dining-room).”
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Part Ten. 15th December 1871.
John Wesley thus sums up the results of the observations of the disturbances in his father’s parsonage house at Epworth: –
“Of the general circumstances which follow most, if not all of the family, were frequent witnesses.
1. Presently after any noise was heard, the wind commonly rose, and whistled very loud round the house, and increased with it.
2. The signal was given, which my father likens to the turning round of a windmill when the wind changes; Mr Hoole (rector of Haxey), to the planing of deal boards; my sister, to the swift winding up of a jack. It commonly began at the corner of the top of the nursery.
3. Before it came into any room, the latches were frequently lifted up, the windows clattered, and whatever iron or brass was about the chamber rung and jarred exceedingly.
4. When it was in my room, let them make what noise they would, as they sometimes did on purpose, its dead hollow note would be clearly heard above them all.
5. It constantly knocked while the prayers for the king and prince were repeating; and was plainly heard by all in the room but my father, and sometimes by him, as were also the thundering knocks at the Amen.
6. The sound very often seemed in the air in the middle of a room, nor could they ever make any such themselves by any contrivance.
7. Though it seemed to rattle down the pewter, to clap the doors, draw the curtains, kick the man’s shoes up and down, &c., yet it never moved any thing except the latches, otherwise than making it tremble; unless once, when it threw open the nursery door.
8. The mastiff, though he barked violently at it the first day he came, yet whenever it came after that, nay sometimes before the family perceived it, he ran whining, or quite silent, to shelter himself behind some of the company.
9. It never came by day, till my mother ordered the horn to be blown.
10. After that time, scarce any one could go from one room into another but the latch of the room they went to was lifted up before they touched it.
11. It never came into my father’s study, till he talked to it sharply, called it deaf and dumb devil, and bid it cease to disturb the innocent children, and come to him in his study, if it had anything to say to him.
12. From the time of my mother’s desiring it not to disturb her from five to six, it was never heard in her chamber from five till she came down stairs, nor at any other time when she was employed in devotion.
13. Whether our clock went right or wrong, it alwasy came, as near as could be guessed, when by the night it wanted a quarter to ten.”
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The disturbances at Epworth lasted from December 1st, 1716, to the end of January, 1717, but the spirit Jeffrey for years afterwards manifested in the presence of Miss Emily Wesley, who afterwards became Mrs Harper. She was no doubt a medium. In a letter of hers to John Wesley, dated February 16th, 1750, she says: –
“Dear Brother, – I want most sadly to see you, and talk some hours with you, as in times past. Some things are too hard for me; these I want you to solve. One doctrine of yours, and of many more, viz.: no happiness can be found in any or all things in this world; that, as I have sixteen years of my own experience which lie flatly against it, I want to talk with you about it. Another thing is, that wonderful thing, called by us Jeffrey. You won’t laugh at me for being superstitious, if I tell you how certainly that something calls on me against any extraordinary new affliction; but so little is known of the invisible world, that I , at least, am not able to judge whether it be a friendly or an evil spirit. I shall be glad to know from you where you live – where you may be found. If at the Foundry, assuredly, on foot or by coach, I shall visit my dear brother, and enjoy the very great blessing of some hours’ converse. I am, your really obliged friend and affectionate sister, Emilia Harper.”
So ends the story of the spirit-rapping disturbances in John Wesley’s family, and the whole narrative is based upon the most unquestionable documentary evidence; so strong is the evidence that none of the biographers of Wesley attempt to dispute the circumstance of the disturbances having taken place as narrated.
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