Chapter 11

Virginia

Tuesday, January 1, 1782. Having preached several times in the neighbourhood of the Old Church,' to very unfeeling congregations, I rode to Dudley's ferry, in order to cross York River, but was disappointed, the boat being on the opposite side. We returned to the widow Chapman's, being unwilling to stay at the tavern, and had a congregation of sixty or seventy people: we then rode about five miles to a ferry, and passed over immediately. Arrived at the other side, we found the small-pox and camp-fever raging, and heard of several poor creatures, white and black, that had died on the road. Ah! we little know what belongs to war, with all its train of evils; churches converted into hospitals and barracks, houses pillaged or burnt,-whjch last has been the sad fate of the palace at Williamsburg.

I met with five or six faithful souls on our fast day, and the Lord was present with us. There is considerable distress amongst our societies, caused by some of the local preachers, who are not satisfied unless they administer the ordinances without order or ordination, and the whole circuit appears to be more or less tinctured with their spirit.

Tuesday, 8. I rode to Mr. Jarratt's, and found him, as usual, quite friendly.

1 Old Church was an Established Church where Asbury preached several times. The house now used by the Methodists is a half mile southeast of Shanghai and is the old upper church of Stratton Major Parish. This old church was burned at least once and was completely rebuilt in 1850. For a time it was used as a school taught by Robert Stubbs. (Mason: Colonial Churches in Tidewater Virginia, 298.)

418 VIRGINIA January9,1782

Wednesday, 9. I rested with Mr. Jarratt.

Thursday, 10. Brothers McKendree and Foster met me at White Oak chapel, where Adam Cloud, one of our young preachers, was baptized by Mr. Jarratt. We spent the evening comfortably. I find the party-men among our societies grow weak, and I am persuaded this division wihl cause the sincere, among preachers and people, to cleave closer to doctrine and discipline, and may be the means of purging our societies of those who are corrupt in their principles.

Saturday, 12. I preached at Captain Smith's: the matter was good, but I had not much liberty in speaking. I feel that talking about anything but the things of God is improper for me, and out of my line. I am not so full and flaming with the love of God as I was some time ago: I feel resolved, through grace, to keep near to God at all times. 0 how many things are lawful in themselves that yet are not expedient, and damp the pure life of God in the soul! I have these words often in my mind, "The children which thou shalt have after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place is too strait for me; give place to me that I may dwelh."

Tuesday, 15. Preached at Ellis's chapel to a simple, loving people.

Wednesday, 16. I preached at the widow King's. About eighteen months ago I preached in this neighbourhood, and then thought the people dead with a witness, all except one poor old Englishman: now there are a few faithful souls.

Sunday, 20. 1 preached at the great preaching house in Nansemond with uncommon openings in my mind. About twenty months past I preached here, and was then in hopes of a revival; but evil-speaking and other things have prevented. How do unskihful surgeons often put their patients to pain without profit!

Tuesday, 22. I preached at brother Moss's; a place the circuit preachers had quitted, because there were no hearers: this good purpose my travelling answers-to get a few to hear me who will not come to hear others.

Wednesday, 23. At Lane's chapel I enlarged on 2 Cor. vii, 1, and found it was what the brethren wanted: they are a loving people, and may rank with any of our north-country Methodists. My soul is refreshed; and I bless the Lord for what he has done for this society. My friend Warren,2 who was fond of our preaching, and rode thirty miles with me in my last visit here, is gone in Quietism, and would not come to hear: how changeable a creature is man! This was a day of fasting and humiliation with me. In describing the filthiness of the flesh, I treated on those sins that are rn the flesh, and committed by the members of the body; the filthiness of the spirit, those sins to which devils are subject-such as pride, envy, self-will, bitterness, &c.: to cleanse ourselves from these, every mean of selfdenial and spiritual mortification is necessary; it must be sought by faith, and expected as a present salvation.

2 See Journal entry for May 20, 1780.

VIRGINIA January24,1782 419

Thursday, 24. God is with me, and has all my heart: I am not sensible of anything contrary to humble, thankful, constant love to God; pitying love to poor sinners; and melting, sympathetic love for the dear ministers and people of God, wherever I meet them. I found great fellowship with the pious family of Davis, especially with Henry Davis, who, I trust, is "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile."

I had about fifty hearers at -' among whom were some high Calvinists: Mr. McKendree took my text to preach from, "The grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared unto all men."

Friday, 25. I had a comfortable meeting with my old friends at R. Jones's, and trust the word was felt among the people.

Saturday, 26. I had a large congregation at Richardson's, where the Lord has lately been at work. I met a class, and found many earnest seekers of salvation: the poor mourners came again at night, to whom I applied Hezekiah's experience, at which all appeared deeply affected; they wept, talked together, and seemed loath to leave the place.

Sunday, 27. I bad a large, solemn congregation at Mabry's chapel. I trust the work revives in the souls of these people. I lodged with my old friend, J. Mabry, who gave me the following account of the death of his daughter, F. Mabry, who for some years past appeared to live the life of faith. In August last she was taken ill: when at the point of death, the Lord cut short his work in her soul, cleansing her heart; she testified what God bad done for her with great power, her language surprising all who were present; she appeared to be kept alive one whole day almost miraculously: her father said, he thought the power of God was so strongly upon her, that she could not die.

Tuesday, 29. I rode to Roses Creek; this is the coldest day I have yet felt in Virginia. Mr. -, who had lately lost his wife, desired me to preach in his house, which I did to about fifty people. I spent the evening with Freeborn Garrettson, and Enoch Matson, at T. Rivers's.

Wednesday, 30. I saw brother E. Dromgoole; he is very weak in body, but steady to old Methodism; I feel a great desire that he may travel again.

Thursday, 31. I preached at Wolsey's barn, on "Where is the blessedness ye spake of" From thence rode to 0. Myrick's.

Friday, February 1. Brother S. Yeargan gave me an account of a light his former wife saw, whilst at prayer one day in a little thicket below the house; she said the light shone all around her, "above the brightness of the sun." This remarkable circumstance she had resolved not to communicate even to her husband: on more mature reflection, however, she thought it most proper to tell him; he observed to her, "Perhaps you will die soon,-are you willing" "Yes," was her reply; but at the same time expressed her fears of a long illness, "which," said she, "will burden the family:" within two weeks from this she died. She was my kind nurse the ast time I was in Virginia; and she is the third woman of my former kind 420 VIRGINIA February 7, 1782

friends, that 1 have heard of, who has died in the Lord during my absence. Blessed be the Lord for the great things he has done! After preaching to a few small congregations, on

Thursday, 7. I rode sixteen miles, and preached to a large assemblage of people at Isham Tatum's,3 on the "great salvation." Though I am often in haste, and straitened for want of time, I have gone through Mr. Wesley's third volume once, and am going through it again. I make it a rule to spend an hour, morning and evening, in meditation, and in prayer for all the circuits, societies, and preachers. I expect to see the work of God revive in these parts, so soon as the spirit of disputation is cast out. Blessed be God, I enjoy good health of body and peace of mind! I find no preaching does good, but that which properly presses the use of the means, and urges holiness of heart; these points I am determined to keep close to in all my sermons.

Saturday, 9. We rode twenty-five miles up Meherrin,4 and missing our way, did not reach the place until three o'clock: the people, meantime, had waited for us, and I spoke to them on Luke xix, 10; I trust not in vain. In this country I have to lodge half my nights in lofts, where light may be seen through a hundred places; and it may be, the cold wind at the same time blowing through as many: but through mercy I am kept from murmuring, and bear it with thankfulness, expecting ere long to have better entertainment-a heavenly and eternal rest.

Monday, 11. I rode to J. Martin's, Briery Creek,s and preached to nearly one hundred people from Acts xxvi, 18. After preaching I had some conversation with Mr. McRoberts, who was formerly a clergyman of the Episcopal Church, but he is now set out on an Independent plan: although he has his peculiarities, I admire his candour as a Christian; his plan may fail, and his zeal may cool-if indeed that is not already observable. Mr. McRoberts charged Mr. Wesley with inconsistency in some things, and disapproved of his sending what preachers he thought fit to any place or people. I observed, in reply, that Mr. Wesley did nothing without consulting the preachers; that he was no spiritual tyrant. Mr. McRoberts took care to let me know that he did not believe that any one could finally fall from grace: I felt great love to the man, and was pained that we had to agree to disagree.

Tuesday, 12. We rode to solid Robert Martin's, on Appomattox River. Brother Martin appears to be a man of piety-a professor of sanctification. He informed me of the remarkable conversion of Captain Wood, an officer of the continental line: he was taken at the capture of Charlestown

Lednum, op. cit., 382.

The Meherrin River comes down from Lunenburg County into Brunswick. Asbury was well up in Virginia.

Briery Creek is in Prince Edward County at the upper end of the Meherrin River. It flows into Briery River and on into Appomattox River. (See Virginia map, 1820.)

VIRGINIA February 13,1782 421

by the British; obtaining a parole, he returned home to Prince Edward,- here it was that he was convinced of sin. While labouring under deep distress of soul he made frequent attempts to destroy himself, and would suffer no one to come near him but brother M.; at length the Lord set him at liberty; and he is now a serious man, and appears to be much devoted to God.

Wednesday, 13. I preached at S. Jones's, and was much led out on

Rom. xiii, 11. I enjoy peace from morning to night: was it only for what

I feel that I travelled and preached, my labours to myself would not be

lost, but I shall do good; God will not suffer the word he gives me to fall

to the ground; it will be blessed to preachers and people. Bless the Lord,

0 my soul, and all that is within me, forever and ever!

Saturday and Sunday, 16, 17. Preached at Col. Bedford's, in Charlotte county: many appeared to be quickened and restored to the grace of God.

Monday, 18. Preached with pleasure and delight at Mr. Almond's on the "Almost Christian." While brother Ellis was exhorting, the congregation was alarmed with the cry of fire, which had kindled in a house adjoining: willing hearts and ready hands sufficed to save the furniture and almost every article of value from the destructive flames; but the house that first took fire, and the dwelling-house, with a connecting piazza, were consumed. We left this scene of awful solemnity and alarm, and rode to brother Crowder's for our dinners, which we needed, having ridden twenty-five miles since we took any refreshment.

Tuesday, 19. I preached to a mixed multitude, with great comfort, on Colos. i, 27, 28, and hope the people will remember it. I praise the Lord for uninterrupted communion with him.

Wednesday, 20. I crossed the Dan and Staunton rivers, and came to C-s, poor and worthy people: the woman professes sanctification, and the man appears to be much given up to God. I had uncommon enlargement of spirit in speaking on Mark xi, 24.

Thursday, 21. I am filled with love from day to day. 0 bless the Lord for the constant communion I enjoy with him! Sanctffication is the doctrine which is most wanted to be preached among the people here, whom the more I know the more I love: Antinomians are labouring to spread their tenets among them; but they will give way, as holiness of heart and life is pointedly enforced and pressed home upon their consciences. This is the best antidote to the poison.

Sunday, 24. I always find the Lord present when I go to the throne of grace. 0 that the Lord may keep me from moment to moment! I received a letter from J. W., a faithful youth that bids fair to make a great man of God, and a useful preacher of the Gospel. I began to fear I should have no one to travel with me, and pilot me in this strange land, when providentially brother John Coleman6 met me. I find my greatest trials to arise

Minutes, 1782.

422 VIRGINIA March3,1782

from "taking thought:" it is by this Satan trys to come in: it is my constitutional weakness to be gloomy and dejected; the work of God puts life into me-and why despond the land is before us, and nothing can hurt us but divisions among ourselves.

I preached the funeral sermon of Philip Adams, one of our preachers. He died last March. This duty I performed the more cheerfully believing that such would have been his choice had I been within reach at the time of his death. My subject was I Kings xiii, 30. P. A. was a man of grace, and his gifts increased; he was steady, and closely attached to the doctrine and discipline of the Methodists: he died happy in the Lord, and I doubt not but that he has gone where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.

Sunday, March 3. I preached the funeral sermon of Mrs. Harrison, the wife of T. Harrison, on Dan River.7 Although there was snow on the ground, many people attended; to whom I spoke on 1 Cor. xv, 57, 58. Mr. Harrison appears to be deeply distressed at the loss of his wife; I hope it will terminate in a concern for his own soul. He offered me a large reward for my services-money is not my object. I have great affection for C. Kennon, one of the most sensible Calvinists in these parts: he acknowledges he found his religion among the Methodists; his system he borrowed from Witsius. Fletcher has cured him of the disease of disputation; he reads him with delight even while he is prostrating the pillars against which he leans.

Tuesday, 5. I enjoy great peace: my soul resteth in God from day to day, and from moment to moment.

Saturday, 9. I have had hard work, but the Lord supports me, and daily keeps me in his love; this bears up my spirit under all the usage and fatigues I undergo. Notice is taken here of a preacher's words and actions; we must therefore be cautious, and not lay a stumbling-block before the weak: it is my duty to labour for God and souls without a complaining word.

North Carolina

Tuesday, 12. I have been much tried this day two various ways; I feel myself greatly humbled. This morning I poured out my soul to God in the granary, and was refreshed in my spirit. When we came to New Hope Creek we could not ford it; so I crossed on a log. Hitherto the Lord has helped me. I would not live always; neither would, of choice, know what is before me.

Sunday, 17. I preached with great liberty to a solemn, attentive people. I met society, and the people spoke freely. I am willing to travel and

There is a Harrison Cross Roads near Dan River in Rockiugham County, North Carolina. Harrisons and Kennons are also shown in Virginia. (Heads of Families 89.)

NORTH CAROLINA March 24, 1782 423

preach as long as I live; and I hope I shall not live long after I am unable to travel.

I obtained the promise of brothers P. Bruce and O'Kelly to join heartily in our connexion. I feel much led out in spirit for the preachers who are to meet in conference, that we may all be united together in love and peace, and firm resolves to carry on the work which God hath called us to.

Sunday, 24. At Kimbrough I preached to a large congregation, but I am afraid the word preached will not profit them. I spoke warmly for about an hour; there came on a rain, and the people appeared to be more afraid of their saddles being wet than their souls being lost.

Wednesday, 27. I preached to about one hundred people at the Tabernacle, on Deut. xxxiii, 29. I trust there is more of the life of God here now than when I was here last.

Thursday, 28. I have felt much this day from the coldness of the weather

-but no matter. Brother Henry Ogburn met me again: I am generally blest with the preachers; when one leaves me another meets me, and my soul enjoys God as a satisfying portion.

Virginia

Sunday, April 7. I preached at Roanoak chapel on, "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love," &c.; it may be for the last time. I hasted on to preach a funeral sermon at brother John Seward's,8 at the interment of a young woman who had been a member of our society about five years; she died suddenly, and I trust rests from her labours.

Friday, 12. I preached at the widow F-s, on "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." We rode to J. Keese's to be ready for quarterly meeting, to be held next day at White Oak chapel.

Saturday, 13. We met Mr. Jarratt, but he had such a cold he refused to preach. I spoke on "the children thou shalt have after thou hast lost thy others," &c. We had a love feast at four o'clock in the evening: it was truly a gracious season-many spoke freely and feelingly of the goodness of God.

Sunday, 14. I preached at the chapel;' and we then went to church. I read the lessons of Mr. Jarratt, who preached a great sermon on union and love, from the l23d Psalm: we received the sacrament, and afterward went home with Mr. Jarratt, that we might accompany him to our conference. I have been much tried, inwardly and outwardly. I have been deeply and solemnly engaged in public, in families, and more especially In private, for a blessing on the people, and for union and strength among the preachers at our approaching conference.

8 John Seward lived in Brunswick County, Virginia. (See marriage records of Brunswick County.)

'White Oak Chapel, Dinwiddie County. (See Journal entry for June 2, 1780.)

424 VIRGINIA April 16, 1782

Tuesday, 16. We set out; and on the next day (17th) reached Ellis's, at whose house we held a conference. The people flocked together for preaching: Mr. Jarratt gave us a profitable discourse on the 14th chapter of Hosea. In the evening the preachers met in conference: as there had been much distress felt by those of them of Virginia, relative to the administration of the ordinances, I proposed to such as were so disposed, to enter into a written agreement to cleave to the old plan in which we had been so greatly blessed, that we might have the greater confidence in each other, and know on whom to depend: this instrument was signed by the greater part of the preachers without hesitation. Next morning I preached on Phil. ii, 1-5. I had liberty, and it pleased God to set it home:

one of the preachers, James Haw, who had his difficulties, was delivered from them all; and with the exception of one, all the signatures of the preachers present were obtained. We received seven into connexion, and four remained on trial. At noon, Mr. Jarratt spoke on the union of the attributes.

Friday, 19. We amicably settled our business and closed our conference. Mr. Jarratt preached on, "A man shall be as a hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest," &c. We had a love feast-the power of God was manifested in a most extraordinary manner-preachers and people wept, believed, loved, and obeyed.

Saturday, 20. We rode upwards of thirty miles to Captain Smith's, without eating or drinking.

Sunday, 21. Held quarterly meeting at Boisseau's' chapel: the glory is strangely departed here. I preached with liberty on, "They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy:" from thence I hasted to Mr. Jarratt's barn, where the people were waiting, to whom I enlarged on James iv, 7-10. Mr. Jarratt seemed all life, and determined to spend himself in the work of God, and visit what circuits he could.

I am persuaded the separation of some from our original plan about the ordinances will, upon the whole, have a tendency to unite the body together, and to make preachers and people abide wherein they are called:

I feel abundant cause to praise God for what he has done.

Monday, 22. I rode thirty miles to brother Finney's, in Amelia, without any refreshment. I have constant peace, and my soul enjoys more cairn than heretofore; some pain, indeed, was felt in parting with my Virginia brethren, as though I had left something valuable behind me.

Thursday, 25. I rode forty-three miles in order to reach Fluvanna circuit; and next day preached at the Broken Back Church.

Tuesday, 30. Rode to Doctor Hopkins's and preached with liberty from Psalm cxlv, 17-19. I hope our meeting was not in vain. Lord, preach thy word, by thy holy Spirit-let me not travel and spend my strength for naught-and thine shall be the glory!

10 Boisseau's is the same as Boushell's. (Lednum, op. cit., 140.)

VIRGINIA May5,1782 425

Lord's day, May 5. I preached with freedom on the parable of the sower, at brother H. Fry's, in Culpepper county"-he professeth sanctification. I find many of the people and some of the local preachers quite warm about the ordinances, on which subject there is much disputation:

blessed be God! in the midst of it all I have quiet and patience, and hope shortly to get into a more peaceable clime-my face is to the north.

Friday, 10. 1 preached at Culpepper court house-the people were serious and attentive. Here I heard the good news that Britain had acknowledged the Independence for which America has been contending- may it be so! The Lord does what to him seemeth good.

Wednesday, 15. Our quarterly meeting began in Fairfax circuit. I preached with but little consolation to my own soul: next day there was some move in the love feast-one sinner brought under conviction, and one backslider reclaimed.

Friday, 17. I set out with brother Garrettson, who has given up his separating plan; the Lord has conquered him, and I hope that all who are worthy will return.

Maryland

Monday, 20. A few of us began conference in Baltimore;12 next day we had a full meeting: the preachers all signed the agreement proposed at the Virginia Conference, and there was a unanimous resolve to adhere to the old Methodist plan. We spent most of the day in examining the preachers. We had regular daily preaching: Monday, brother Reuben Ellis preached:

on Tuesday, I spoke on 1 Tim. iv, 12.

Wednesday, 22. We had many things before us. Our printing plan was suspended for the present for want of funds.

Friday, 24. Was set apart for fasting and prayer: we had a love feast, the Lord was present; and all was well. The preachers in general were satisfied. I found myself burdened with labours and cares. We have now fifty-nine travelling preachers; and eleven thousand seven hundred and eighty-five in society. Our young men are serious, and their gifts are enlarged.

Saturday, 25. Rode to brother William Lynch's, to get quiet and rest after so much haste, and bustle, and business. I want to be retired, to answer my letters. I feel a great necessity of being more than ever given up to God: I hope he will yet do great things for us this year.

Saturday, June 1. I spent a considerable part of this week at Mr.

11 Asbury later says that Fry's was in Madison County, which was formed out of Culpepper in 1792.

12 This conference decided unanimously to "choose Brother Asbury to act according to Mr. Wesley's original appointment, and preside over the American Conference and the whole work."

426 MARYLAND June 3, 1782

Gough's, in answering letters, in reading and retirement: I now return to Baltimore under a deep sense of the goodness of God.

Monday, 3. Set out for Calvert Circuit-preached on the way at West River." I spoke to about one hundred poor people, whom I exhorted to seek that they might find. After dinner I retired and sat down on a log beside the water for nearly two hours, and had sweet communion with God. It is not the place, nor the posture of the body, that constitutes the real worshipper; yet at proper times and convenient places, it is good to kneel before the Lord our Maker. We came to Herring Bay,'4 and thence went to a place formerly called Hell-Corner, and thus named because of the desperate wickedness of the people; yet even here hath God brought many poor souls to the knowledge of himself.

Thursday, 6. Rose at four o'clock, and spent an hour in private. Rode through the heat sixteen miles to Childs's barn15-where I spoke on 2 Cor. iv, 16; and where God has already wrought on the hearts of many, bringing them to the knowledge of the truth.

Friday, 7. We have a pleasant rain after great heat and drought; for which we have cause to praise God.

Saturday, 8. There was an extraordinary hail near this place a few days ago.

Sunday, 9. Rose in peace. My soul is solidly given up to God, although I am sorely tempted.

Friday, 14. I had many of the rich to hear, to whom I spoke on John vii, 17. In the course of my preaching I was led to strike at Deism: I learned afterward that Doctor -, a professed Deist, was present. I love these poor people, and I believe some of them love me: I hope the time to favour them will yet come.

Virginia

Saturday, 22. I preached at Leesburg; and again on Sunday afternoon; I fear to little purpose. God be merciful to these people! I must now retire-my morning and evening hour is as my daily bread.

Wednesday, 26. Rode to S-'s under the Blue Ridge-neither the place comfortable nor the people lively-I believe but few of the hearers understood me.

18 West River is a branch of Chesapeake Bay in Anne Arundel County.

14 On Herring Bay near the present Friendship, Anne Arundel County, lived several Methodist families, including those of David and William Weems.

16 This was the home of Gabriel Childs, its site variously identified, but probably near Mount Harmony in the northern part of Calvert County. When Nelson Reed was on the Calvert Circuit, he had "business with Mr. Childs about some ground for a preaching house." Coke states that when he and Childs left the latter's home for Mr. David Weems's, "we reached his house by dinner time." This seems to agree with the distance of sixteen miles given by Asbury. (Coke, op. cit., 229.)

WEST VIRGINIA July 6, 1782 427

I have read the lives of Mr. Gilpin and Mr. Latimer, and took good heed of the life of Mr. Brainerd.16 I admire their spirit, writing, and speaking; there is something in them all so Methodistical.

I find it difficult to get time, strength, and place for retirement; nevertheless, I do not neglect it.

West Virginia

From S-'s'7 we crossed the ridge to Elite's, where we rested and were comforted.

We crossed the mountain at the Gap, near my bed where I slept last summer,' and riding up the North River made our journey near twenty miles: when we came there, we found that the people had gone to bury our old friend S-;19 so that we had seven miles farther to go: arriving, we found them handing about their stink-pots of mulled whisky. We have, not unfrequently, to lodge in the same room with the family, the houses having but the one room, so that necessity compels us to seek retirement in the woods; this, with the nightly disagreeables of bugs to annoy us, shows the necessity of crying to the Lord for patience: in the midst of all, I thank God, I enjoy peace of mind. 0 how many thousands of poor souls have we to seek out in the wilds of America, who are but one remove from the Indians in the comforts of civilized society, and considering that they have the Bible in their hands, comparatively worse in their morals than the savages themselves: the want of religion among them arises, I apprehend, from the badness of their own hearts, and from their hearing corrupt doctrines.

Saturday, July 6. We crossed the great mountain,20 and being obliged to walk down its opposite side, I was much fatigued: arriving at the widow Mr. Gilpin was doubtless the Rev. Bernard Gilpin (1517-83), called the "Apostle of the North," who underwent persecution because of his defiance of Queen Mary. Asbury probably read the biography by George Carleton which was published in English in 1629 and reprinted in Wordsworth's Ecclesiastical Biography, Vol. III, 4th ed. (Dictionary of National Biography, VII, 1257-59.) Hugh Latimer (1485 -l 555) was the bishop of Worcester who was burned at the stake with Ridley. David Brainerd was the noted missionary to the American Indians whose biography by Jonathan Edwards was abridged and published by John Wesley in 1768.

S must have lived in the western edge of Loudoun County, Virginia, in the Fairfax Circuit.

See note under July 16, 1781. "See note under July 1, 1781.

exact movements between June 26 and July 6 cannot be traced. After leaving Hite's, near Charles Town, in present West Virginia, he went briefly into Clark and Frederick counties, Virginia, returning to Hampshire County, West Virginia. He seems to have continued up the North River and then up Lost River, crossing back into Vffgmla (probably Rockingham County), then into present West Virginia near Sugar Grove. The spot is memoralized by the Francis Asbury Memorial Church at Sugar Grove, Pendleton County, West Virginia. The "great mountain" is now known as the Great North Mountain or the Shenandoah Mountains. Its crest divides the two states.

428 WEST VIRGINIA July 7,1782

Susannah George's," I preached on, "My spirit shall not always strive with man:" I had been sorely tried in body and mind-I now spoke with delight.

Sunday, 7. In recrossing the mountain, on my way to Mill Creek," I was obliged to walk up and down its sides, and was greatly tired. I delivered a short discourse, with pleasure, to about three hundred people; afterward brother John Hagerty spoke to them: it rained before and after preaching, but held up while we worshipped by the side of the stream, for want of a house. After preaching, we rode to the Branch,23 making a Sabbath-day's journey of nearly forty miles.

Monday, 8. I am sick and weary-ah! how few are there who would not choose strangling rather than life and the labours we undergo, and the hardships and privations we are compelled to submit to! Blessed be God, we have hope beyond the grave!

Thursday, 11. At Patterson Creek24 I struck at the root of Ant inomianism, while speaking at John Jones's;25 certain sectarians were not well pleased at this: once in Christ and always safe-this is a favourite morsel to some.

Friday, 12. Rode to the north Branch, crossed the Nobbly Mountain,26 at its foot we stopped, ate a little bread, drank fine water, prayed, and then went forward to Joseph Cresaps.27

Maryland

I was pretty plain on Isaiah lv, 6, 7. Here Colonel Barrett28 met me, and conducted me two miles up the Alleghany: we were riding until near ten 21 Susannah George was the widow of Matthew George, who lived on the South Fork of the South Branch. (See Will Book, II, 45, 181, Romney, West Virginia.)

22 The mountain was Fork Mountain. (See note under June 20, 1781.)

28 The former Berkeley Circuit was named South Branch Circuit this year, from the South Branch of the Potomac. This was around the present Petersburg, West Virginia. (Lawrence Sherwood, art. in Delta, Buckhannon, West Virginia, May 19, 1953; note under June 5, 1781.)

24 Patterson Creek was the present Fort Ashby.

25 John Jones lived at present Fort Ashby in Mineral County, West Virginia. (Deed Book, 1, 59; 11, 152; XVI, 59, Romney Court House. See note under June 11, 1781.)

26 Nobbly Mountain begins west of Petersburg, West Virginia. Asbury went from present Fort Ashby to Short Gap, over Nobbly, and to the North Branch near Cresaptown, Maryland.

27 Joseph Cresap (1755-1827) was a member of a prominent family and lived at present Cresaptown, Maryland. He was married four times. He was a Revolutionary officer, a farmer, member of the Maryland senate, and a Methodist preacher. His grandfather, Thomas Cresap, laid out a part of the Braddock Road; and his uncle Michael's widow married the Rev. John Jeremiah Jacob. (See the History of the Cresaps; also notes under June 6, 1781; June 30, 1784; and July 21, 1785.)

28 Colonel Barrett lived on the Braddock Road near Frostburg, Maryland. Asbury visited him in Kentucky on September 22, 1805, and in Ohio on September 5, 1811, and referred to his death on September 20, 1811. (See Journal entries for those dates.)

MARYLAND July 14, 1782 429

o'clock, the road was dreary, and the night was dark: I wanted rest and found it. We had nearly two hundred people to hear in this newly-settled country-they were attentive; and I hope God will do something for them. After preaching on John vii, 17, we set out on our return: I was much fatigued, and it rained hard; my poor horse, too, was so weak from the want of proper food, that he fell down with me twice; this hurt my feelings exceedingly-more than any circumstance I met with in all my journey.

West Virginia

Sunday, 14. Was rainy-however, it cleared away time enough to get to Richard Williams's, on the south Branch. Brother Hagerty preached an excellent discourse on, "He would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth;" after which, I spoke about forty minutes on Prov. i, 23-25. I am not so pious as I want to be; I pray much, but I do not watch and pray enough: in the course of the labours of the day I purpose to do it more. Since Thursday we have ridden sixty miles along incredibly bad roads, and our fare was not excellent. 0 what pay would induce a man to go through wet and dry, and fatigue and suffering, as we do -souls are our hire.

Tuesday, 16. We proceeded along to great and little Capon, over rough and stony roads.

Wednesday, 17. We went on through devious roads and arrived at Guess's: here I set on a scheme to prevent my horse from falling lame, that had yesterday lost a shoe; it was to bind round his foot a piece of the neck of a bull's hide; my contrivance answered the purpose well.

Thursday, 18. I preached at Stephen Harland's,29 under the spreading trees, on David's charge to Solomon. Thence rode on to Boydstone's,80 where we stayed one day, which afforded us the first leisure time since Monday morning, we have had to sit down and write. I am at times greatly concerned, that there are no visible movings and instantaneous conversions among the people.

29Stephen Harland's was a preaching point in the South Branch Circuit near

Garrardstown, Berkeley County, West Virginia. Harland and his brother lived near

Hedges Chapel; and Stephen Harland often accompanied Thomas Scott, who was on

the circuit in 1790-91, and often exhorted for him. (See Ayre's manuscript for Berkeley

Circuit, 1788-89.)

30 Thomas and Benjamin Boydstone, brothers, lived close together three or four miles from Shepherdstown, West Virginia. It was a noted Methodist family. One of the daughters married the Rev. William Talbot; the wife of one of the brothers was the sister of Mrs. John Hite, William and Benjamin Talbot, and the wife of the Rev. John Littleton on the death of her first husband. Benjamin Boydstone later became a preacher. (See the Thomas Scott and Robert Ayres manuscripts; Smith, op. cit., 167; Journal entnes and notes under May 22, 1781; May 25, 1784; August 15, 1786; August 17,

430 WEST VIRGINIA July2O,1782 Saturday, 20. Preached at Shepherdstown,31 to about two hundred

people: from thence, crossing the Potomac, came to Woods's.32

Maryland

Sunday, 21. I preached to a large congregation of poor sinners, who appeared hard and ignorant. We went forward to Fredericktown, where I arrived much fatigued and unwell; yet I preached in the court house at six o'clock, on Luke xix, 41, 42.

Saturday, 27. Being unwell, I declined going to Baltimore, and went to

Perry Hall, where I found my dear friend Thomas White. On the Sabbath

day we read prayers in the family, and I preached in the afternoon on 2

Chron. xxxii, 24, 25.

Monday, 29. Closely employed in answering letters from various parts. I find it hard to keep the power of religion; yet I feel that my soul is stayed upon God. I want to be moving on; if I rest a few days I am tried: blessed be God, who thus embitters inactive quiescence to me. I am impelled forward by my desires of comfort for myself, and sincere wishes to be useful to the Church, and to the world of sinners.

Thursday, August 1. Preached at the Fork preaching House 33 to about one hundred people.

Pennsylvania

Monday, 12. Rode to Little York,u and dined with Mr. Otterbein35 and Mr. Magner.36 I had many hearers in the German school house. This is a day which I ought to remember with gratitude: I borrowed a young mare; and as I rode along with my hands in my pockets, she blundered and fell; in the scuffle I had thoughts of throwing myself off, but did not; after some time she recovered, and I praised the Lord who had preserved me in such imminent danger.

31 Shepherdstown, originally called Mecklenburg, has been called the oldest town in present West Virginia. It was named for its founder, Thomas Shepherd. Methodism met strong opposition here in the early period, and Asbury said no society was formed or meeting house secured for thirty years. (See Journal entries for June 1, 1786, and August 17, 1802; Thomas Scott's manuscript.)

32 Woods probably lived in Washington County, Maryland.

33The Fork preaching house was in Harford County, Maryland. (See Journal entry and note for June 9, 1776.)

34"Little York" is generally used to distinguish York, Pennsylvania, from New York. Philip William Otterbein was pastor of the German Reformed Church in York from 1765 to 1774 and of the Second Evangelical Reformed Church of Baltimore from 1774 to 1813.

36 This was probably Daniel Wagner.

PENNSYLVANIA August 19, 1782 431

Monday, 19. I see God will work among Menonists, Dunkers, Presbyterians, Lutherians, Episcopalians, Dutch, English, no matter; the cause belongs to God.

Sunday, 25. Rode ten miles to Benson's preaching house, where there were, I suppose, nearly four hundred hearers collected; after preaching here, at ten o'clock, I rode six miles farther, and preached to about five hundred people at the Valley preaching house.

Tuesday, 27. After preaching to a small congregation of unengaged bearers, we rode to Philadelphia. What a noisy, disagreeable place! 0 for something of that simplicity which dwelt among the dwellers in tents! But the souls of the people are precious.

Sunday, September 1. We had a solemn, melting season at the love feast in the morning, most of the society present; we afterward went to St. Paul's,37 heard a sermon preached by Mr. Magaw,38 and received the sacrament.

Monday, 2. Met the leaders and stewards to look into the temporal affairs of the society. After dinner we rode to Burlington, nineteen miles, and preached on "My Spirit shall not always strive with man."

New Jersey

Tuesday, 3. Rode to Trenton; the town in a great bustle with the court, and the French troops. My subject was the Syrophenician woman: the congregation was large and serious. Ah, poor Gospel-hardened Trenton! But a few have been converted of late.

Thursday, 5.1 spoke with plainness to a multitude of people at Egbert's ;89 some, probably, came to see us taken up by the magistracy. At night a drunken man applied to have his wife's name blotted from the class paper; anon came two more to demand our passes: we were threatened with desperate work in the morning, an attack on the road; we saw neither harm nor them.

87 St. Paul's Church, Third Street below Walnut, was the third Church of England congregation in Philadelphia, organized in 1760. Those that preceded it were Christ Church in 1695 and St. Peter's in 1753. St. Paul's is now used as the office of the Episcopal City Mission and is to be preserved as a shrine. (Barratt: Outline of the History of Old St. Paul's Church.)

38 The Rev. Samuel Magaw, D.D., was rector of St. Paul's in 1781-1804. He served at Dover, Delaware, where he and Asbury were fast friends. (See Journal entry for May 13, 1805.)

89 Nicholas Egbert lived at Readington (sometimes written "Reading"), Hunterdon

County, New Jersey. He moved to that place from Staten Island, New York, about

1760. Asbury's services in his home were the beginning of the Grove Methodist

Church in the Barley Sheaf section of Readington township. Asher Atkinson, an early

Convert, gave the land for the first church. (Snell: History of Hunterdon and Somerset

Counties, 499, 519:) Ezekiel Cooper (Beams of Light on Early Methodism, 53, 54) and

others followmg his lead confused Readington with Reading, Pennsylvania.

432 NEW JERSEY August 7, 1782

In Germantown40 there came a gentleman of the committee and examined our passes; he treated us with great politeness, and told us what the law required: brother Tunnell's pass was pronounced valid; but mine was not, because I had not the signatures of the proper authorities in the counties through which I had travelled: I pleaded ignorance of the necessity of this. Here appeared to be the secret-the mob had been after brother Everett with clubs, and, it was supposed, under the connivance of their superiors; they found, however, that he was qualified according to law: the work of God prospers, and, it is possible, this is the real cause of offence to unfriendly ministers.

Saturday, 7. Rested from public labours, and spent some time in reading and writing.

Sunday, 8. Preached to a very gay congregation, consisting of four or five hundred people: there appears to be a prospect of good among them.41

The priests of all denominations, Dutch and English, appear to be much alarmed at our success; some oppose openly, others more secretly; the Episcopal ministers are the most quiet; and some of these are friendly.

Saturday, 14. I came to New Mills after preaching at Hunt's42 and Penny Hill. I passed through Monmouth and Upper and Lower Freehold.43 Here lived that old saint of God, Wiffiam Tennent,44 who went to his reward a few years ago.

Pennsylvania

Monday, 16. After preaching at Mount Holly to a crowded congregation, I rode, very unwell and under deep exercises of mind, to Philadelphia 40 This was Germantown in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, the present Lebanon.

Asbury doubtless preached in the home of Mindurt Farley and probably in that of

Tunis Melick also. It seems that Melick, Major Godfrey Rinehart, and Mrs. Henry

Miller became Methodists, "creating a great uproar in the [Dutch] church." In 1824

the society built a chapel on James Street. This was evidently the beginning of the

New Germantown Methodist Church and probably also the origin of the Fairmont or

Fox Hill Church. (Snell, op. cit., 481, 482; Mott: The First Century of Hunterdon County,

14, 15; Lednum, op. cit., 331; Journal entry for July 6, 1806.)

41 This service seems to have been in Hunterdon County in the vicinity of New Germantown, Tewksbury, and Fairmont.

42 Asbury probably preached at Hunt's in what is now Clinton, New Jersey, where an industry known as Hunt's Mills was located. He passed from Hunterdon into Monmouth County on his way from Clinton to New Mills.

43 Freehold was also called Monmouth. It was the county seat of Monmouth County and the scene of the Battle of Monmouth. Upper Freehold was fifteen miles from Freehold, and Lower Freehold was a township of the county. Englishtown and Freehold were post towns and still extant.

44The Rcv. William Tennent (1705-77) was the noted pastor of Old Scots Church or the Tennent church for over forty-three years. He died in the old parsonage on March 8, 1777. His church, now over two hundred years old and one of the most famous in the region, is still in existence about three miles from Freehold. (Wainright, et. al.:

PENNSYLVANIA August 21, 1782 433

-twenty miles. I have preached seventeen times, and ridden above two hundred miles in the last two weeks. I think God will do great things in the Jerseys: the prospect is pleasing, East and West.45

Saturday, 21. I received two letters from Virginia which gave me great consolation; the divisions there are much abated; the work revives: the preachers are in health and well received.

Sunday, 22. After preaching on the Christian graces, I visited Mr. M. W-, who opened himself to me on matters of religion with freedom. I went to St. Paul's; and to my great surprise, in comes my old friend Barton.46 He was brought up a Churchman, and was awakened without human means: observing that ministers and members in that Church were dead and careless, and finding some living testimonies among Friends, he was induced to join them, and thus adhered, for twenty years, becoming a public speaker among them. He is now jealous for the Lord's ordinances; he says he could never fully give them up, and must now come to the Methodists.

Monday, 23. I began begging for the society, that we might, if possible, relieve our preaching house from the incumbrance of ground-rent. I soon got about 270 subscribed.47

Tuesday, 24. I think the Pennsylvanians are, in general, as ignorant of real religion as any people I have been amongst: when the power is lost where the forms were never cherished, the downright ignorance of the heathen, who have only heard of Christ, is the necessary consequence.

Delaware

Saturday, 28. Preached in Thoroughfare Neck 48 (twenty miles) and then returned to Joseph Wyatt's, and preached with liberty; thence I hastened on to Dover, and at six o'clock delivered my third discourse, making a journey of forty miles: we know not what we can do until we try.

Sunday, October 6. I preached in White's new chapel for the first time:49 it is one of the neatest country chapels the Methodists have on the whole continent. My subject was Haggai ii, 9: "In this place will I give peace."

Tuesday, 22. I have had large congregations in several counties of the History of Monmouth Count)', 11, 453-56; Historic Roadsides in New Jersey, 70; Myers:

Story of New Jersey, II, 250.)

The reference is to the designation of East and West Jersey. There were two circuits. See note under April 11, 1776.

This was for St. George's Church in Philadelphia.

48 Methodism began in Thoroughfare Neck, between Smyrna Creek and Appoquineamink Creek, New Castle County, in 1779. On this visit Asbury may have preached in the newly erected Friendship Chapel, made of cedar logs from New Jersey. (Lednum, op. cit., 258, 351; Hailman, op. cit., 121, 251.)

49This chapel was erected in 1780 on the farm of Judge White, Mispillion Hundred, Kent County. Although Asbury had raised an initial subscription for the chapel, he Was preaching in it for the first time.

434 DELAWA RE October 26, 1782

States of Delaware and Maryland, and have been humbled before the Lord that so many people should come to hear such a poor worm as I am; if any good has been done by my poor labours, to God the Lord be all the glory. I am this day in Dorset circuit, and have preached for the first time to about three hundred hearers.

Saturday, 26. Quarterly meeting at Thomas Airey's ;50 the first day had about five hundred people, (though rainy,) and I had life, and light, and liberty in speaking to them.

Lord's day, 27. We met at seven o'clock; the people spoke with great life and simplicity: at noon it was supposed there were not less than twelve hundred people, to whom I spoke with Divine aid from the latter part of the eighth chapter of Mark's Gospel. Attended quarterly meeting at Barratt's chapel. I was greatly afflicted in mind; I could not accomplish my plan, to send preachers to the backwoods, where they are greatly wanting. I have been counselled not to leave the peninsula; this advice I shall not follow.

Saturday, November 16. I have been employed in making large extracts from Baxter and Burroughs on Church Divisions:" I think every minister and Christian ought to read these works.

Monday, December 2. My soul is kept in constant peace, and shall make her boast in the Lord under all her trials.

Virginia

Sunday, 8. Preached to a wild, hardened people at the Old Church, in King and Queen county. In the evening spoke at Stedman's. My spirit has been clothed in sackcloth since my coming into this state; my hopes begin to revive.

Wednesday, 11. I rode to Williamsburg-formerly the seat of government, but now removed to Richmond; thus the worldly glory is departed from it; as to Divine glory, it never had any. I preached in James City court house. The place has suffered and is suffering: the palace, the barracks, and some good dwelling-houses burnt. The capitol is no great building, and is going to ruin; the exterior of the college not splendid, and but few students; the Bedlam-house is desolate, but whether because none are insane, or all are equally mad, it might, perhaps, be difficult to tell.

Sunday, 22. We had a solemn time at the great preaching house in Nansemond county.

Tuesday, 24. I rode through Suffolk. Alas! for these Oliverian times- most of the houses here, except the church, are destroyed, or more or less injured.

50 Probably Thomas H. Airey, a relative of Henry Airey, who according to the 1776 census of Dorchester County also resided near Cambridge, Maryland. (Brumbaugh Maryland Records, II, 109.)

See Journal entry and note for November 23, 1780.