Chapter 10

Delaware

January 1-4, 1781. Pain! Pain! Pain! 5th, found myself considerably amended, so that I sat up and did a little business.

Sunday, 7. The weather was rainy, so I stayed in the house: this is the second dumb Sabbath I have had; to this I could not submit were I not infirm.

Wednesday, 10. I rose with a sense of God upon my heart. I preached to many people at George Moore's, on the great salvation: my hearers appeared to be very stupid. The family where I lodged was a prayerless family; and if ministers (so called) can themselves visit without calling the household together for that purpose, it is not to be wondered at that there are so many without family prayer: lying in bed till sunrise, and drinking a dram after they are up, are, perhaps, the circumstances most prominently remembered of their clerical guests.

Thursday, 11. Preached in Quaker-Town:' from thence, being invited and pressed by Mr. Thomas Rodney,' I went to Lewes; found the courthouse crowded, to whom I preached on 2 Cor. v, 13-15.

'Quakertown was between Westcott Corner and Lewes. In turn it later became Prettymanville lie and Westcott Corner.

This was probably Thomas Rodney (1744-1811), brother of Governor Caesar

Rodney. His career as a jurist included being a member and speaker of the Delaware

Assembly, chief justice of Kent County, delegate to the Continental Congress, and

United States judge for the territory of Mississippi. In 1775 he was a member of the

Committee of Safety and was a colonel in the Revolutionary War. (National Cyclopedia of American Biography, I, 479.)

398 DELAWARE Januaryl4,1781

Lord's day, 14. Being rainy, we had only about one hundred and twenty serious people at the place appointed. The people here are much more gentle than they were a twelvemonth past. We have a society of more than twenty members, some of whom have found the Lord; but I think, for ignorance of God and religion, the wilds and swamps of Delaware exceed most parts of America with which I have had any acquaintance; however, God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Monday, 15. Rose early; spent my usual time in retirement. Preached to about one hundred and fifty people at Stradley's; I find iheir prejudices abated, although the work on their hearts is not deep. My soul enjoys peace; I was led out in prayer for the whole work of God, the circuits and the preachers; this I do every morning as my first work. I have a sense of God on my heart, and am sensible of the danger of falling; and what good or harm may I do, as I am faithful or unfaithful!

I have been in heaviness, but I trust I am kept from sin. Indeed, I believe Satan is doing all he can to discredit the work of God that is carried on through our instrumentality, because he envies our success. It appears to be high market day among every denomination of people; availing themselves of the work, they are labouring to detach those who would be members from our society.

Thursday, 18. I called on the widow F., who had lately lost her husband. He was a constant hearer of us, and as constantly resisted the doctrine he heard, and could not bear the chapel so near him: he sickened and died in a short space; was delirious most of the time he was ill. What was remarkable, and awfully so, was, that his little son, of whom he was passionately fond, and on whom he frequently called, in his delirium, to go with him, went and hanged himself about the time his father died:

they went into eternity nearly together, and were laid out and buried at the same time. This awful circumstance was the means of awakening a stubborn son, who is now seeking the Lord. How wonderful are the ways of God! He takes away a child to awaken a father, or removes a father to convince a child.

Friday, 19. I conversed with T. C., whom I visited under affliction about a year ago: he then had an humble confidence of his acceptance with God, and a firm persuasion that God would save him from all sin. In the course of his sickness he became somewhat delirious, and yielded to a suggestion that it was all delusion: he began to set in order his temporal affairs; but in about eight days there was a change in his disorder of body and mind; his confidence in God returned; he professed that God had saved him from all sin, and he appears to be always alive to God.

Sunday, 21. Mr. Magaw preached at Barratt's chapel, and was assisted by Mr. Thorne in the administration of the Lord's supper: it was a gracious time, and I hope it was not received in vain.

Monday, 22. On my way to Andrew Purdin's I came on a race ground.

DELAWARE January 29, 1781 399

where the sons of Belial had been practising my horse; he ran away with me when he came to the end of the paths, but stopped, and I received no harm. I lifted my heart to God; and by the mercy of the Lord he stopped near a point of woods, which, had he entered, I might probably have lost my life: my heart was deeply humbled before the Lord, who preserved me from such imminent danger.

Monday, 29. I learn that about six or seven years ago B. S. was deeply awakened, and became a member of the Methodist society: some time after this he lost his convictions, and ran into sin. Last Christmas he was sitting up with a sick person, where were present two women who had Lately been awakened through the instrumentality of Lewis Alfrey: they asked him what he thought of the Methodists; he, contrary to his better knowledge, answered, "they are all hypocrites:" they asked him what he thought of Lewis Aifrey and Joshua Dudley,3 he spake against them as well as the rest. "How then, (rejoined they,) can they pray and exhort as they do, if they are such men as you say;" he told them he could pray like a minister himself, when he was in society. Next day he set off to go home, which he never reached: he was taken ill; was bereft of his senses, and so he died.

Sunday, February 4. I preached, and had some of the Council and members of Assembly to hear me. I spoke plainly; intending my discourse as a vindication of the doctrine of the Methodists.

Monday, 5. On my way to quarterly meeting, held at the Valley preaching-house,4 I called on his Excellency, Governor Rodney,5 to sign my certificate, which he did with great readiness and politeness. At the meeting we found some faithful souls, and the work revives among them: they were greatly led out to speak in the love feast, six or seven standing up as witnesses of a present salvation from all sin.

Pennsylvania

Saturday, 10. My soul enjoys peace, and I rejoice to hear that the work Df God is deepening and widening in the Jerseys. My old friends here in Philadelphia appear loving to me; but they are not united as they ought to be.

3Lednum op. cit., 266, 267, 317.

The Valley Meeting House in Chester County, Pennsylvania, was first called Goshen. See May 6, 1773.) It became Valley in 1774 and is now known as Grove. The society was formed in 1769 or 1770, with George Hoffman (see August 9, 1783) and Daniel Meredith (see July 6, 1792) as the leaders. An account of its origins, written by Joseph Meredith, grandson of Daniel, is in the possession of Grove Church. (Reeves: Met hodsm in and Around Chester; see Journal entries for October 7, 1781; August 25, 1782; ruly 3, 1787; July 7, 1792; August 22, 1800; June 2, 1804; August 7, 1805.)

The Honorable Caesar Rodney was governor of Delaware.

400 PENNSYLVANIA February 13, 1781

Tuesday, 13. After casting in my mite, by saying and doing what I could in Philadelphia, I left my kind friends, and set off for New Jersey.

Nei.v Jersey

Wednesday, 14. I met with and heard Benjamin Abbott6-his words came with great power. Over in Chester, he informs me, twenty were renewed in love, and eight on this side; the people fall to the ground under him, and sink into a passive state, helpless, stiff, motionless. He tried to attach himself to two other sects, but had such struggles within that he was forced back-the Lord would not let him be anything but a Methodist: such is his account. He is a man of uncommon zeal, and (although his language has somewhat of incorrectness) of good utterance. Here, I find, remains the fruit of the labours of that (now) miserable man, Abraham Whitworth. How awful the thought, that God should own a man and make him a blessing to many souls, and then lay him aside like a broken instrument! Yet so it was, because of his sin. May others take warning by his fall!

Thursday, 15.! have found the Lord with me in an extraordinary manner, ever since I left Delaware. Brother I-s tells me there is daily a great turning to God in new places, and that the work of sanctification goes on in our old societies.

Tuesday, 20. Rode to Penny Hill: was much pleased with the simplicity of our old German mother K. She says she lived in blindness fifty years, and was at length brought to God by the means of Methodism: she is now rejoicing in the perfect love of God; her children are coming home to the Lord; while she is preaching in her way to all she comes up with.

Friday, March 2. My soul enjoys peace; and I have a little respite from the haste I have been in for some time past; nevertheless I have read the first and second volumes of Rollin's Ancient History (containing about three hundred pages each) in about two weeks. We may justly admire the policy and the temperance of the Persians; and it is very satisfactory to find a more particular account corroborating the Scripture history of the fuffihment of the prophecies concerning that great man Cyrus, called of God.

Pennsylvania

Saturday, 3. Rode to Philadelphia, where I preached but twice: I met the society, which was made a blessing to some; and I am persuaded that my stay would be a means of the prosperity of the society here; but it is possible I may be more useful where I am going.

6 See Abbott's autobiography, The Experience and Gospel Labours of the Rev. Benjamin Abbott. Also Atkinson, op. cit., 107-13, 147-49, 157-60.

PENNSYLVANIA March 6, 1781 401

Tuesday, 6. Read the fourth volume of Rollin's Ancient History: it contains the memorable life of Socrates, who was certainly a wise man; but, as the worthy historian remarks, there were many blemishes in his character.

Saturday, 10. Rode to French Creek,7 and was kindly entertained by my much-respected friends Mrs. Rebecca Grace,8 and her daughter Mrs. Potts,9 and her granddaughter Martha Potts, afterward Mrs. Haskins,10 who lived, and have since died in the Lord. 0 may the unfeigned faith which was in them be also in their children and their grandchildren!

Sunday, 11. Preached to a small congregation. One of my hearers seemed desirous I should form an independent church.

Wednesday, 14. Rode twelve miles into the forest to preach to the remnant of poor Demour's flock.1' I. Demour, as well as S. Howe, died a martyr to labour and loud speaking; they were both disciples of good Mr. Evans. He preached the last day of his life; afterwards, his people melted away for want of preaching and discipline; we have been sent for, and owned and blessed among them. I have heard of a great work among the Germans towards Lancaster. Certain opposing sectarians hunt our preachers like partridges upon the mountains; they are trying to stop, but are going, I apprehend, the readiest way to establish us. God will stand by his people-blessed be his name. My soul is kept in peace.

Friday, 16. I preached at the Valley preaching house: and here I set my seal to what Joseph Cromwell had done in expelling a member who had long been troublesome to the society.

Monday, 19. A letter from Caleb B. Pedicord informs me that the work of the Lord prospers in Dorset: glorious news this, at which my heart is greatly cheered.

7 French Creek rises in lower Berks County, Pennsylvania, flows through the northeastern part of Chester County, and enters Schuylkill River near Phcenixville.

8 See note under May 23, 1776.

9 Mrs. Anna Potts was the daughter of Mrs. Grace and her first husband, Samuel Nutt, Jr. She married a partner of the Rutter family in the iron works.

10 She was the wife of the Rev. Thomas Haskins. (See Journal entry under August 5,

1808.) He settled later in Philadelphia as a wholesale grocer and was one of the editors of Asbury's Journal.

11 Forest Chapel in Berks County, Pennsyhvania, was erected by the Rev. William Demour, a Swedish minister, it is now St. Paul's Church, Geigertown; and the cornerstone date is 1773. The grave marker of Mr. Demour reads, "To the memory of Rev. William Demour who organized the first religious society at the Old Forest Church, flow St. Paul's M.E. Church, about the year 1776. Died 1776." On March 17, 1780, the property on which Forest Chapel stood was sold by A. M. James and his wife, Mary, to a group of nine trustees, Evan Evans, Samuel Haw, Valentine Carberry, Abraham Luris, John Davis, Joseph Haw, Henry Carberry, John Galloway, and Thomas Rutter. (Reeves: Methodism in and Around West Chester; Fulmer: Historical Sketch of St. Paul 's Methodist Episcopal Church, Formerly Called Old Forest Church, Geigertown, Pennsylvania, 1933.)

402 DELAWARE March 24, 1781

Delaware

Dover, Saturday, 24. I was much led out in speaking of Peter's fall at my favourite place. I am greatly comforted with the good news of Zion's prosperity. Upon a review of my travels I find that, from the first of last May to this present date, I have travelled nearly or quite four thousand miles.

Tuesday, 27. I resolve to spend an hour in enlarged prayer as soon as I rise in the morning; to retire again at eleven, at five, and at eight o'clock, when in my power.

Wednesday, 28. My soul is comfortable. I daily find myself greatly humbled.

Tuesday, April 10. I preached the funeral sermon of J. B., a Freemason,- a great sinner, and an enemy to the Methodists-persecuting his wife and children for coming to hear them. When sick he sent for the Methodists to pray for him, and promised to come and hear them if spared.

Wednesday, 11. Since I have been here I am greatly kept from the fear of men, and unholy desires to please them; I feel as free in speaking to masters as to their servants. I trust the Lord will humble and save those people.

Saturday, 14. Our quarterly meeting began at the Forest chapel-the congregation was large: I spoke first, and was followed by brothers Chew, Ruff, Cox, and Lambert; the people were quickened and appeared much alive to God. The next day, being Easter Sunday, our love feast began at nine, and public preaching at eleven o'clock. After meeting we rode about twenty miles to brother White's, where about twenty preachers met together to hold a conference.12 Thence I attended Kent quarterly meeting, on the East shore of Maryland.

Maryland

Friday, 20. Crossed the Chesapeake Bay, and came to Mr. Gough's. Saturday I rode to Baltimore, and preached on the Sabbath day.

Tuesday, 24. Our conference began in Baltimore, where several of the preachers attended from Virginia and North Carolina. All but one agreed to return to the old plan, and give up the administration of the ordinances:

our troubles now seem over from that quarter; and there appears to be a considerable change in the preachers from North to South: all was conducted in peace and love.

Monday, 30. I am relieved in mind relative to my visiting Virginia, and my soul is kept in peace, whilst I feel power to trust the Lord with my all. 12 This conference of the northern group appears in the General Minutes: "Held at Choptank, State of Delaware, April 16, 1781, and adjourned to Baltimore the 24th of said month."

MARYLAND May 1,1781 403

Tuesday, May 1. Wrote to my father and Mr. Wesley.

Monday, 7. I employed this day in visiting my friends.

Tuesday, 8. I was preparing to set off to Virginia, but my horse failed. I hardly know how to proceed; Providence seems dark: I doubt if I can ride on horseback, and yet I am unwilling to give up my visit to the South.

Thursday, 10. I set off in the hope that the Lord will bless and keep me for his own cause and glory.

Virginia

Saturday, 12. Reached Mr. Adams's13 about eight o'clock at night: I always come to this house weary, but generally get my body and soul refreshed. I missed my watch, but found it again at the door where I had alighted; my horse had trodden it and bruised the case, and not broken the crystal, without otherwise injuring it.

Sunday, 13. Preached at the chapel; afterward Harry, a black man, spoke on the barren fig-tree. This circumstance was new, and the white people looked on with attention.

Thursday, 17. I had uncommon liberty in preaching in the court house in Leesburg. I see the need of a preacher's being well acquainted with his Bible, and yet not to think so; the word of God is one grand dispensatory of soul-diseases in every case of spiritual malady. I bless the Lord for health and peace: my soul was much drawn after God, and melted in family and private prayer.

Monday, 21. I preached in the afternoon at P. Hite's, and had liberty in urging purity of heart. Harry Hosier spoke to the Negroes, some of whom came a great distance to hear him: certain sectarians are greatly displeased with him, because he tells them they may fall from grace, and that they must be holy.

Tuesday, 22. We set off for Rectortown, being informed it was about twenty-two miles; we found it nearer thirty. I reached there, weary and dispirited, about half past two o'clock; I spoke for an hour with great assistance, both loud and clear, to an apparently unconcerned people.

West Virginia

I have been kept back by the rain, the waters, &c., so as not to reach John Hite's14 until Saturday evening.

13 William Adams lived in Fairfax County, Virginia, where he was an outstanding Methodist; and his home became a preaching place. He had four sons and two daughters, all of whom were useful members of the society. Two of the sons, William and Samuel, became preachers, and the oldest daughter became the wife of the Rev. William Watters. (Armstrong: History of Old Baltimore Conference, 25.)

John Hite, member of a prominent early family, lived about four miles from Charles Town, West Virginia, where he built Hite's meeting house some time prior to 1788. Here

404 WEST VIRGINIA May27,1781

Sunday, 27. Had about two hundred people to hear. The society here are not united in love; there is a consequent falling away among them.

Monday, 28. I found my heart deeply engaged with God on my way to J. Hite's; 0 what fellowship have I with God as I ride along! my soul is ifiled with love, and I witness that the Lord can keep me alive in the day of famine.

Tuesday, 29. Felt solemn and much tempted. The Lord help his poor servant from day to day, from hour to hour, and from moment to moment! Alas, what a dearth of religion is here! My God, help us to go on under these difficulties! Here brother Cooper ()15 was once taken up by T. H., a man of property: he lived about one year afterward and languished out his life; it may be he sinned the sin unto death; but there was hope in his end. He spoke to all around him, exhorting them to repent. Whether be was judicially visited I know not; but I do not recollect an instance of one preacher that has been thus treated, that something distressing has not followed his persecutors; it may not be for time preacher's holiness, but rather the cause of God which the Eternal vindicates.

I have had great conflicts of mind for some time past. I believe Satan has been hard at work, and has painted every possible danger he can to my imagination.

Thursday, 31. My soul enjoyed peace: I was blessed in reading the thirty-seventh Psalm; and was also comforted in reading a few pages of Bishop Hopkins, on the words "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations."

Saturday, June 2. Preached at Martinsburg :16 afterward returned to Brother Bruce's ;17 he is a lily among the thorns.

Sunday, 3. Preached to about one hundred and fifty serious people, and was blest in meeting class.

Monday, 4. I preached to a few lifeless people at Stroud's.18 I find my-Thomas Scott, preacher on the Berkeley Circuit in 1790-91, preached when Dr. Edward Tiffin, later governor of Ohio, was converted. (See Thomas Scott's manuscript in the possession of the Rev. Lawrence Sherwood; Robert Ayer's Journal in the possession of the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania at Pittsburgh; Whatcoat's Journal for August 27, 1789; Finley: Sketches of Western Methodism, ch. xix.) Mrs. John Hite was a sister of Mrs. Boydstone. (See Journal entry for July 18, 1782.)

15 This was probably John Cooper, who had served the Fairfax Circuit in 1777. (Payton: Our Fathers Have Told Us, 20-21.) It may have been Philip Cox, who rode the circuit in 1780. (Lednum, op. cit., 248.)

16 Martinsburg is the county seat of Berkeley County, West Virginia. It was chartered in 1778 and named for a nephew of Lord Fairfax.

17 George Bruce probably lived at Brucetown on Opeguan Creek near the West Virginia-Virginia line. Thomas Scott, a later circuit rider, referred to Bruce's mills and said that one of Bruce's brothers kept a tavern at Monroe, Highland County, Ohio. (See the Scott manuscript; Ayer's manuscript Journal, 1788-89; Bennett:

Memorials of Methodism in Virginia, 139.)

18 The widow Margaret Stroud lived near the mouth of Opeguan Creek, and her house was a preaching place on the Berkeley Circuit. Captain James Stroud lived in the

WEST VIRGINIA June 5, 1781 405

self given to God in prayer, and am not peculiarly exercised; yet my spirits feel depression.

Tuesday, 5. Had a rough ride over hills and dales to Guest's.19 Here brother Pigman20 met me, and gave an agreeable account of the work on the south branch of Potomac. I am kept in peace; and greatly pleased I am to get into the woods, where, although alone, I have blessed company, and sometimes think, Who so happy as myself

Wednesday, 6. We had twelve miles to Ross's, along a bushy, hilly road.21 A poor woman with a little horse, without a saddle, outwent us up and down the hills, and when she came to the place appointed, the Lord met with and blessed her soul.

Thursday, 7. I set out for the south branch of Potomac22-a country of mountains and natural curiosities. Blessed be God for health and peace! The enemy strives against me; but I look to God from hour to hour. We found some difficulty in crossing Great Capon River;23 three men very kindly carried us over in a canoe, and afterward rode our horses over the stream, without fee or reward: about five o'clock we reached William Rannell's2~ []; I laid me down to rest on a chest, and using my clothes for covering, slept pretty well; here I found need of patience.

Friday, 8. Not being able to cross the South Branch, we had to bear away through the mountains, and to go up one of about two hundred same area near Martinsburg; and Asbury preached in his barn, according to Whatcoat, on August 25, 1789. (Whatcoat's Journal for August 19 and 25, 1789; see the Robert Ayres and Thomas Scott manuscripts.)

19 Joseph Guest lived on Back Creek, Berkeley County, west of Gerrardstown, West Virginia. He erected a meeting house prior to 1788 near the present Glengary or Shanghai. Asbury was at Guest's again on July 17, 1782. (See Ayres manuscript.)

30 ignatius Pigman was on the Berkeley Circuit. He began traveling in 1780 and was elected deacon at the Christmas Conference in 1784 and ordained at Baltimore the following year. He located in 1788 and suffered a lapse of some kind. He went to New Orleans as a flour speculator about 1812 and lost all his money. (See Journal entry for September 1, 1800; Lednum, op. cit., 325; Stevens: History of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States, II, 89, 189.)

21 The Ross family later moved to near Dayton, Ohio, where Asbury visited them thirty years later. (See Journal entry for September 21, 1811.) Asbury had proceeded along the old Redstone Road, later known as the Braddock Road because it was used by Braddock after his defeat. It had been laid out by Colonel George Washington. Asbury used it on other occasions when he crossed the Alleghenies. (See Journal entries for July 12, 1782; July 1, 1784; and others.)

22 Asbury traversed the fertile valley of the south branch of the Potomac River following Ignatius Pigman's good account of it two days before. He was so impressed with it that at the next conference the name of the Berkeley Circuit was changed to South Branch. (See Minutes, 1782.)

23 Lost River rises in Hardy County, West Virginia, and disappears into the ground. hen it rises again, it is called Capon. There is a Little Capon which empties into the Potomac about twenty-five miles above Great Capon. Asbury refers to both on July 6, 1782. (See also June 21, 1781.)

24This was probably William Rannell. (See Deed Book 2, p. 55, Hampshire Co., Romney, West Virginia.)

406 WEST VIRGINIA JunelO,1781

yards' elevation; in some places the breaks in the slate served for steps, in other parts of the ascent there were none: we at length reached the place appointed, and preached to about twenty, as I think, prayerless people, on Isaiah lv, 6, 7. I hope some felt the word.

Sunday, 10. I preached at eleven o'clock to about two hundred people with a degree of freedom. I then rode to Richard Williams's.25 On my way I had a view of a hanging rock26 that appears like a castle wall, about three hundred feet high, and looks as if it had been built with square slate stones; at first glance a traveller would be ready to fear it would fall on him. I had about three hundred people; but there were so many wicked whisky drinkers, who brought with them so much of the power of the devil, that I had but little satisfaction in preaching.

Monday, 11. I rose at five o'clock, with a determination to live nearer to God. Here are a few believers groaning for full redemption, but many more are dying through controversy and for the want of urgent exhortation to purity of heart: it is hard for those to preach this doctrine who have not experimentally attained it, or who are not striving with all their hearts to possess it. From Williams's I crossed the South Branch and went to Patterson Creek.27 I came to a Dutch settlement :28 the people love preaching, but do not understand class meeting, because they are not enough conversant with the English tongue; and we cannot all do as John Hagerty29 and H. Weidner,80 who speak both languages; could we get a Dutch preacher or two to travel with us, I am persuaded we should have a good work among the Dutch. I love these people; they are kind in their way.

29 Richard Williams (1721-86) lived near present Romney, West Virginia. (See Asbury's long account of him in Journal entry for July 31, 1784. See also Johnston:

The South Branch of the Potomac.)

26 Hanging Rock or Hanging Rocks, sometimes called Blue Rocks, are on the Wappatomaka (South Branch), about four miles north of Romney, West Virginia, on route 28 between Romney and Springfield. The state of West Virginia has a marker there. (Kercheval: History of the Valley of Virginia, 320.)

27 Patterson Creek runs parallel with the South Branch. Asbury must have crossed the latter near Romney, West Virginia, and proceeded to the former by way of the present Springfield.

28 This Dutch settlement was Fort Ashby in Mineral County, West Virginia, built in 1755 under the direction of George Washington. Asbury stayed and preached in the home of John Jones. (See Journal entry for July 11, 1782. Also see Woodworth:

History of the Presbytery of Winchester.)

29 See Journal entry and note under July 28, 1776.

80 Henry Weidner was an associate of Philip William Otterbein. Before the founding of this church, Weidner was, as early as 1774, the leader of one of the Baltimore classes. On June 2, 1776, ministers, including Otterbein and Benedict Schwope, granted Weidner a license to preach. By 1785 he was an elder in Otterbein's church in Baltimore. He was a native of Switzerland and traveled and preached extensively in Maryland and Virginia. About 1790 he moved to Virginia. He died in 1811 near Baltimore. There was a close relation with the German preachers, and Asbury apparently considered Weidner as one of his own. (See Drury, op. cit., 129, 137, 141, 155, 168, 250.)

WEST VIRGINIA June 17, 1781 407

We have many trials and threatenings; but God is with us. I have lately been reading Fletcher's Checks, and they have been greatly blessed to me: however he may be now treated, and his works held in light estimation, ages to come will bless God for his writings, as I have done for those of Baxter and other ancient divines.

I am now in a land of valleys and mountains, about ten or fifteen miles from the foot of the Alleghany-a mountain that, at this part of it, is two days' journey across; thither some of our preachers are going to seek the outcasts of the people.31 Blessed be God, I am kept in constant peace and love, and am not so subject to dejection as in times past.

Sunday, 17. My soul enjoyed great peace in family and private prayer. There is much talk about some of our preachers being taken up; I have no fears from that quarter.

Monday, 18. I was led to wonder at myself when I considered the fatigue I went through; travelling in the rain; sleeping without beds, &c., and in the midst of all I am kept in health: this confirms me in the persuasion that I am about the work I am called to, and the Lord gives me strength according to my day. So let thy work spread, blessed Jesus, and let not thy servants labour in vain!

Wednesday, 20. We had hard work crossing the Fork Mountain,32 being sometimes obliged to walk where it was too steep to ride. I was much blessed in speaking to about ninety Dutch folks, who appeared to feel the word. Here is a spring remarkable for its depth,33 and the quantity of water it discharges sufficient for a mill within two hundred yards from the source, which sometimes in freshets throws its mass of waters considerably above the ordinary level of the surface.

It does not appear that I do any great good; yet I am constantly happy and measurably holy: I bless the Lord for this.

Thursday, 21. Last evening I rode a mile and a half to see some of the greatest natural curiosities my eyes ever beheld: they were two caves,54 about two hundred yards from each other; their entrances were, as in similar cases, narrow and descending, gradually widening towards the

31 The preachers who were going across the mountains were evidently local preachers such as Robert Wooster. (See Journal entry for July 2, 1484.) So far as is known, no itinerants were sent into the transmontane region until 1782, when James Mallory, John Bahdwrn, and James Haw pushed their South Branch circuit a little west of the summit. (See the Thomas Scott manuscript.)

32 Fork Mountain divides Mill Creek and the South Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac. Mill Creek joins the South Branch at Petersburg. The South Fork joins the South Branch at Moorefield.

33 spring forms Spring Run, South Mill Creek, and has a flow of four thousand gallons per minute. It is noted for the power generated because of its location. It was formerly called Eyman's Spring and is now known as Spring Run or Spring 29. (West Virginia Geological Survey, 1936, Springs of West Virginia.)

There are several caves along this route. The cave here mentioned was probably Seldon Cave, which seems to have been on Asbury's route.

408 WEST VIRGINIA June3O,1781

interior, and opening into lofty chambers, supported, to appearance, by basaltic pillars. In one of these I sung,

"Still our of the deepest abyss."

The sound was wonderful. There were stalactites resembling the pipes of an organ, which, when our old guide, father Ellsworth,85 struck with a stick, emitted a melodious sound, with variations according to their size; walls, like our old churches; resemblances to the towers adjoining their belfries; and the natural gallery, which we ascended with difficulty: ahi to me was new, solemn, and awfully grand. There were parts which we did not explore; so deep, so damp, and near night. I came away filled with wonder, with humble praise, and adoration.

In journeying through this mountainous district I have been greatly blessed, my soul enjoying constant peace. I find a few humble, happy souls in my course; and although present appearances are gloomy, I have no doubt but that there will be a glorious Gospel-day in this and every other part of America.

There are but two men in the society at Lost River36 able to bear arms; they were both drafted to go into the army: I gave them what comfort I could, and prayed for them.

Saturday, 30. I got alone into a barn to read and pray. The people here appear unengaged: the preaching of unconditional election, and its usual attendant, Antinomianism, seems to have hardened their hearts.

Sunday, July 1. More people attended preaching than I expected: I had some liberty in speaking,37 but no great fervour; neither seemed there much effect produced. I retired to read and pray in the woods, the houses being small, and the families large.

Friday, 13. For some days past my congregations have not been very large, which is in part owing to the harvest-home. I fasted from yesterday noon until four o'clock to-day; though much tempted, I have been blest. I have kept close to-day, and have read two hundred pages of Baxter's Saints' Rest; surely this is a most valuable book-a book 1 should like to read once a quarter.

Monday, 16. We set out through the mountains for quarterly meeting. It was a very warm day, and part of our company stopped after thirty miles' travelling; brother William Partridge38 and myself kept on until

35 This was probably Thomas Elswick, Sr., who lived on Lost River, as did his son, Thomas, Jr. The elder Elswick received land from his parents, John and Rachel Elswick, on December 8, 1755. (Deed Book 4, p. 249, Hampshire County, West Virginia, in Romney.)

36 See note under June 7, 1781.

57 Asbury probably preached at his "old friend S" mentioned in the entry for June

26, 1782, as having died. He lived on North River, a fork of Great Capon not far from where Lost River sinks.

38 William Partridge (1454-1817) was the preacher on the Berkeley Circuit. (See note under June 5, 1781.) He began preaching in 1775 and located in 1784. In 1814 he re

VIRGINIA Julyl7,1781 409

night overtook us in the mountain, among rocks, and woods, and dangers on all sides surrounding us: we concluded it most safe to secure our horses and quietly await the return of day; so we lay down and slept among the rocks,39 although much annoyed by the gnats.

Virginia

Tuesday, 17. Next day I met several preachers, with whom I spent some time in conversation about the work of God. At twelve o'clock the people at Perrill's40 met, and we all exhorted.

Friday, 20. I had some liberty on 2 Cor. vi, 2. I have been obliged to sleep on the floor every night since I slept in the mountains. Yesterday I rode twenty-seven miles, and to-day thirty.

Saturday, 21. I adore the goodness of God that I am kept in health; and I may wonder at myself that it is thus, when I consider how rough the fare is in this roughest of circuits.41 1 feel thankful to God for sending such plenty for man and beast, and for the fine season to gather it, which, considering how many men are called away to the armies, is a great mercy.

Tuesday, 24. I had some leisure for reading my Bible, which I have had little time for of late. I thank the Lord for peace, power, love, and a fervent spirit.

Monday, 30. Attended a quarterly meeting at Leesburg. I gave a brief account of the Methodists, who and what they were, and repelled some charges brought against them here. At twelve o'clock brother Ellis42 preached a solid good sermon on, "He that hath this hope in him purifieth himself as he is pure."

Maryland

Tuesday, August 7. Our quarterly meeting began at Charles Penn's,48 near Seneca. On Wednesday, many gave testimony to the goodness of God entered the itinerancy, dying while on the Sparta circuit in Georgia. (Lednum, op. cit.,

39 They probably slept near a gap on the West Virginia-Virginia border not far from High View, West Virginia. (See Journal entry for June 26, 1782.)

40 Lednum says that Perrill lived in New Virginia. There was an early Perrill family living near Winchester, Virginia, which would be in the general direction of Asbury's travels. On August 6, 1788, Robert Ayers preached at "John Parrel's" near Winchester. His line of travel indicated a location about thirty-five miles from Guess's on Back Creek. (See the Ayres manuscript; Kercheval: History of the Valley of Virginia, 38.)

41 This was the mountainous Berkeley Circuit.

42 Reuben Ellis was on the Frederick Circuit in Virginia.

43 Charles Penn was a member of the society and a trustee of the Goshen Meeting House near Laytonsville, Montgomery County, Maryland. It was the second Methodist Place of worship to be erected in that part of Maryland. Nelson Reed, who rode over

410 MARYLAND August 12,1781

in the love feast. I preached a long sermon to many people assembled in a barn: the weather was very warm and trying to me; but if good is done, all is well. I hear the work of the Lord greatly revives and spreads in Dorset: there is some opposition, but God is with the young preachers, who speak like old men. It appears as if the whole peninsula would be Christianized: go on, gracious Lord,

"And let thy word o'er all prevail."

I am kept by the power of God, and filled with comfort under all my trials. Sunday, 12. Was a damp, unwholesome day. At Micah Dorsey's, Elk-

ridge, I was seized with all the symptoms of an inflammatory sore throat:

I bled, took medicine, and applied blisters; but the disease was too violent to yield at once; very high fever followed, and I suffered more than I can well express; I made use of poultice with better success; the gathering broke, and I found some relief. I praise God that his providence cast my lot among so kind a people; food, lodging, a physician, Dr. Pue,44 and whatever else was necessary, was not withheld. I am sensible I am not so humble as I should be; and it may be I am in danger of forming improper estimates of my importance, among preachers and people: were this disposition indulged, God might justly cut me off.

Monday, 20. I set out on my way in great weakness of body; but I could not be satisfied to be at rest while able to travel: I stopped awhile at Dr. Pue's, and came in the evening to my old friend Thomas Cromwell's.

Sunday, 26. I had a warm ride of fifteen miles to G.'s, where I spoke with liberty to the poor, simple-hearted people. My body is weak, but my mind is kept in peace: I desire to trust to God with body and soul. It is now near four years since I was in these parts; in times past I laboured much here.

Preached at Fell's Point on Deut. xxxiii, 29, with a good degree of freedom; and in town at half past five o'clock: I trust the people felt, and I hope they will remember it. Spent Wednesday and Thursday in writing. I still find my soul kept in peace, and I daily feel a deeper sense of God and a greater concern for the prosperity of his work; yet I have no distressing thought about it, being able to trust God with his own cause.

Friday, 31. I received a packet of letters from the Peninsula, by which I learn that the work of God still prospers there; that persecution, as a necessary consequence, rages with great violence; and that two or three of the preachers are unable to preach through weakness of body.

Monday, September 3. I visited the Bush chapel. The people here once

from the Calvert Circuit, met there, besides Asbury, William Watters, Reuben Ellis, and Jonathan Forrest. (Martz, op. cit., 7; diary of Nelson Reed manuscript in Lovely Lane Church, Baltimore.)

4~Dr. Michael Pue lived in the vicinity of Elkridge. His wife was Mary Dorsey, a daughter of Caleb Dorsey. Fifteen years later Asbury met Pue's widow and paid high tribute to her husband. (Journal entry for November 1, 1795.)

MARYLAND September5,178l 411

left us to follow another :45 time was when the labours of their leader were made a blessing to them; but pride is a busy sin. He is now no more: upon the whole, I am inclined to think the Lord took him away in judgment, because he was in a way to do hurt to his cause; and that he saved him in mercy, because from his death-bed conversation he appears to have had hope in his end.

Wednesday, 5. I preached to about three hundred people at Deer Creek with a good degree of freedom; and rejoiced to find that my old friends continued faithful.

Sunday, 9. After riding twenty miles, I preached at Jones's on the Manor, to about six hundred people, with great liberty; the audience were still and attentive. Mr. Gough spoke after me.

Monday, 10. I learn that the Lord is reviving his work on the eastern shore, more or less, in every circuit. The wicked persecute, and Satan rages in Dorset; but God will carry on his own work and maintain his own cause.

Tuesday, 1 h. My soul enjoys great nearness to God in private, and more fervour of spirit than I have known for some years; I also feel a greater care for the circuit preachers, and for the work of God in general. I spent part of my time in marking Baxter's Cure for Church Divisions through. I have little leisure for anything but prayer; seldom more than two hours in the day, and that space I wish to spend in retired meditation and prayer:

riding, preaching, class meeting, leaves but little for reading or writing, and not always enough for prayer: something might be gained could I pore over a book on horseback, as Mr. Wesley does in Enghand; but this our roads forbid.

Saturday, 22. Spoke in a barn-a cold place, and cold people. Here I met with T. Stephens, who heard me, and Mr. M., of Stroud, in England:

his wife was then a member with us: he has rambled until the Lord has also found him out.

Pennsylvania

Tuesday, 25. Rode to York. I was met by Mr. Ranckle, who was once a Methodist, but now a German Presbyterian minister. Mr. Ranckle and Mr. Wagner~6 appear as if they wished to be friendly; but they fear us,

65 Asbury refers to Robert Strawbridge, founder of Methodism in Maryland, who had died at the home of Mr. Joseph Wheeler in the summer of 1781. For about five years Strawbridge had asserted his customary independence by taking charge of the Societies on Sam's Creek and at Bush Forest without recognizing any authority.

Daniel Wagner was pastor of the German Reformed Church in York, Pennsyl vania, from 1774 to 1786, and after serving in Berks County returned for a second

pastorate from 1793 to 1802. He entertained Freeborn Garrettson, who preached in his church Later the church was closed to Garrettson. In 1802 Wagner moved to Frederick, where Asbury visited him. (Prowell: History of York County, Pennsylvania,

412 PENNSYLVANIA September 30, 1781

lest we should get the good will of the people, and we should join them to our societies.

Sunday, 30. Under great weakness of body.

Wednesday, October 3. 1 began to amend. I am kindly and comfortably entertained by Mrs. Grace,47 an old disciple; first awakened by Mr. Whitefield, afterward convinced by reading Mr. Wesley's sermon on Falling from Grace; and now a fast friend and member of our society.

Sunday, 7. Preached at the Valley preaching house, on the "great salvation," to an attentive people, with some animation. From thence we rode to Benson's preaching house,48 where there was a great gathering of people, hike a quarterly meeting.

It is with difficulty I observe my morning and evening hour of retirement; I am, however, kept in constant peace.

Tuesday, 9. I preached at E. Jones's49 to about a hundred people. Here I met with Isaac Rawhings,50 mischievous and disappointed: having separated himself, he charges us with casting him off, and spares not his secret abuse on conference and preachers: fallen, deceitful, self-deceiving man, I leave thee to God and thy own conscience.

Friday, 12. Came to Philadelphia-found the people serious, loving, and lively. The society here appears to be in a better state than they have been in since the British army was here.

Sunday, 14. 1 had some comfortable sensations in speaking on John iii, 14. Our congregations are large, and I hope for a revival of the work amongst us. I heard two good sermons at St. George's. I gave them a plain discourse at night at St. George's, on 1 John i, 8, 9.

Tuesday, 16. I enjoy peace; but I soon grow tired of the city. There is a deepening of the work in some souls; but I feel the religion of others evaporates in talk.

Thursday, 18. I left the city of Philadelphia. In the evening I visited a German woman in distress for her soul. We spent an hour in prayer, and God set her at liberty. Next day I returned to the city; and on Sabbath day, the 21st, we had a love feast. I attended the Episcopal church51 twice. Our own house was crowded. The work of God appears still to revive amongst us; and I trust the society increases in grace as well as

47 See note under May 23, 1776.

48 Preaching began about 1774 in Uwchlan township, Chester County, Pennsylvania; and a society was formed near the Little Eagle. Here Benson's Chapel was erected in 1781. It is no longer in existence.

49 Jones lived at Hopewell Forge near the surviving Hopewell Church.

50 Rawlings (also spelled Rollins) had been a preacher but located in 1782. He was on the Chester Circuit with Pilmoor in 1773. (See Minutes.) He was thrown from a horse and killed in 1783. (See Journal entry under August 5, 1783. Futhey and Cope: History of Chester County, 280.)

9' Asbury usually attended St. Paul's Church although he may have gone to Christ Church on Second Street above Market.

PENNSYLVANIA October 25, 1781 413

in numbers. Among too many of the citizens the spirit of politics has, in whole or in part, eaten out the spirit of religion. We have come to a conclusion to print the four volumes of Mr. Wesley's Sermons.

Delaware

Thursday, 25. Attended the quarterly meeting at Cloud's chapel.52 I found myself sweetly united to preachers and people. James Barton,53 a public speaker among Friends, bore his testimony that God was amongst us.

Saturday, 27. My intervals of time are employed in marking Baxter's "Cure for Church Divisions," for abridgment, which may some day see the light. My soul is drawn out to God to know whether I ought to go to Virginia this winter, in order, if possible, to prevent the spreading of the fire of division: I do not look for impulses or revelations-the voice of my brethren and concurrent circumstances will determine me in this matter. Harry54 seems to be unwilling to go with me: I fear his speaking so much to white people in the city has been, or will be, injurious; he has been flattered, and may be ruined.

Wilmington, Sunday, 28. I made an application to a discourse delivered by another. At Newcastle many attended the word, while I enlarged on Matt. vii, 7.

Saturday, November 3. We had twelve preachers, and about one thousand people at quarterly meeting. This evening our quarterly meeting conference began. We scrutinized and dealt with fidelity one with the other. Nothing would satisfy the preachers but my consenting to go to Virginia. There appear, at times, to be great movings among the people; but there seems to be a slackness of discipline among the preachers and them; this evil must be cured, or the work will be injured.

Monday, 12. For some days past I have been engaged in troublesome business.

Saturday, 17. I am agitated in my mind: I want to be gone, for I am persuaded my call for the present is to the south. I have often observed, as others doubtless have, who have been similarly circumstanced, that the

52 Cloud's Chapel, originally named for Robert Cloud who gave the ground for a log chapel, was changed to Bethel in 1799. it is now Chester-Bethel and is located in Delaware just below the Pennsylvania state line on the state highway 261. Aaron Matson was a trustee of the chapel in 1797. (Lednum, op. cit., Intro., xv, xvi, and 58; Delaware, a Guide to the First State, 421.)

58 See Journal entry for April 11, 1776.

C54 "Black Harry" Hosier, preacher and traveling companion of Asbury, Whatcoat, oke, and Freeborn Garrettson later became a drunkard but was reclaimed. He died in Philadelphia in 1810 and was buried in Kensington. (See William Colbert's Journal;

Coke s Journal, 46, 47, 49, 91, 118, 149; Journal entry and note for June 29, 1780;

Lednum op. cit., 281, 282, 410, 411; Boehm, op. cit., 89-92.)

414 DELAWARE November 22, 1781

peace of mind which the preparations for a journey necessarily disturb, returns to the traveller on his way.

Thursday, 22. I set out for Virginia: my horse gave me the slip, so that I got no farther than Dover by Sunday.

Saturday, December 1. 1 have attended my appointments on the way, and am now as far as my old friend Mr. Robert Thompson's, in Bohemia Manor. My mind has been kept in peace ever since I left brother Thomas. White's: I felt the pain of parting with him at Dover; he has the most real affection for me of any man I ever met with. The Lord show kindness to him and his, for all their kindness shown to me!

Maryland

Sunday, 2. I preached at Robert Thompson's; and in the evening visited his brother, Ephraim Thompson, who was very sick.

Monday, 3. Crossed the Susquehanna, and came to Josias Dallam's.

Thursday, 6. Came to Baltimore. Here I received letters from Virginia, by which I learn that affairs are not so bad in Virginia as I feared: a few of the local preachers have made some stir, and the travelling preachers have withdrawn from them and their adherents. I have spent some time in Baltimore with satisfaction, and could freely stay longer; but there may be danger in these trading towns, and my way south seems to be open.

Virginia

Monday, 17. Set out for Virginia.

Wednesday, 19. Preached in Leesburg. From thence I travelled and preached through Hanover and Gloucester circuits. I find the spirit of party among some of the people: the local preachers tell them of the ordinances, and they catch at them like fish at a bait; but when they are informed that they will have to give up the travelling preachers, I apprehend they will not be so fond of their new plan; and if I judge right, the last struggle of a yielding party will be made at the approaching conference to be held at the Manakintown.

Saturday, 29. Rode to Stedman's, in Gloucester circuit. This man was once famous for racing: he is now a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. The old man wept when I described the tenderness of a soul when first united to Christ: he was awakened by the instrumentality of Mr. Jarratt; and I am persuaded there have been more souls convinced by his ministry, than by that of any other man in Virginia.