Chapter 18

Virginia

January 1, 1789. After waiting about two hours the wind suddenly calmed, and I crossed Rappahannock and came to Cheesecake.'

We had a comfortable meeting at Richard (or Robert) Matthews's,2 in Kingston,3 thence to Billup's ;4 and afterward to Douglas's,5 where, although I had an unfeeling audience, I had satisfaction in my own soul. We came to James City; where God has wrought a glorious work; as also in New Kent county in the same circuit: a number of young people have been made the subjects of this grace.

Thursday, 8. I had a most agreeable passage, for the season, across James River. Arrived at Mooring's about three o'clock, and found a lively people. Christians here appear to stand faithful, but sinners are not brought in.

Friday, 9. Was a good day at Ellis's: my soul felt peace, and I was happy to find our old friends standing fast.

Saturday, 10. We had a happy meeting at Lane's chapel. I went to the widow Lane's: I felt uneasy; but I found it needful for me to be there.

1 Cheesecake was a large tract of land across the Piankatank River from the present Urbanna, Virginia, which had been inhabited by the Kiskiacs or Chiskiacs Indians, who were known locally as the "Cheesecake" Indians.

2 Gwathmey: Twelve Virginia Counties, 16.

Kingston Parish, Gloucester. (See Journal entry for January 3, 1788.)

See Journal entry for January 3, 1788.

5 See Journal entry for April 17, 1800.

590VIRGINIA Januaryll,1789

Sunday, 11. Preached on, "Kiss the Son," &c., and afterward rode fifteen miles to Moss's. They are a dear people at Lane's chapel: slavery is greatly on the decline among them.

Tuesday, 13. An appointment had been made at Mabry's chapel, but the sleet and rain hindered the people from attending; so I preached at brother Thweat's to about six preachers, and as many members.

North Carolina

Wednesday, 14. I had about three hundred hearers at the Low Ground chapel: our brethren shouted whilst I enlarged on Isaiah lxiii, 1. I have felt very solemn for two or three days past, as though God would speak through me to the souls of the people.

Thursday, 15. Rode to Moore's; had a dead, dull people, except those few who came from a distance. Crossed Roanoak, and arriving at the place of preaching a little after night, I spoke on, "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people," &c.

Saturday and Sunday, 17, 18. Preached at Whitaker's chapel,7 where we had a profitable time; I found God had been working, and that many souls had been awakened.

We came to J-'s: in this neighbourhood the Christians are singularly devoted, but sinners yet stand it out. The Lord has begun to work on Sandy Creek, in Franklin county, where twenty souls have been lately brought to God. Came to Bemnet Hills, hungry and unwell. My soul enjoys much of God.

We had a shaking time at Hill's; a sweet love feast and sacrament. Thence I went to Pope's chapel: I came to G-'s.

Saturday, 24. Rode to Kimbrough's,a twenty miles, where there were many people, and but little engagedness among them. After attending a few appointments on Tuesday 27, I crossed Haw River, and rode twenty miles to brother Kennon's, in Chatham county: I had not been in this county for eight years; we had a meeting at night, but I was strangely shut up.

6 Thweats are listed in both Greensville and Brunswick counties. Greensville was formed from Brunswick in 1780. (Heads of Families; Knorr: Marriages of Brunswick County, Virginia, 1750-1810.)

7 Whitaker's Chapel is near Enfleld, North Carolina, in Halifax County. R. Whitaker lived twenty miles from Pollock's Ferry on Roanoke River. (See Journal entry for March 16, 1801.) Grissom notes also a Whitaker's Church on Dutchman's Creek in present Davie County, then Rowan County. (Op. cit., 214, 267.)

. John Kimbrough had lived in Wake County, North Carolina, but went to South Carolina in 1756. (See note under February 17, 1785.) Some of his descendants probably remained in North Carolina. Either the Journal account is not strictly chronological or Asbury took a zigzag course in Chatham and Wake counties.

NORTH CAROLINA January29,1789 591

Thursday, 29. Rode to W.'s, wet and water-bound: we found the poor Antinomian drunk; however, as the rain was great, we made out to stay.

Friday, 30. Rode through the rain to Bowdon's. Deep River was very high; and we had an awful time crossing it.

Saturday, 31. Came to Fair Creek, which was nearly swimming high. Then to Little River, but we could not cross; we stopped at M'D.'s, and ate our own morsel; afterward we rode down the river, and were thankful to be housed.

Monday, February 2. I attended an appointment made for another preacher at Mask's, where there were a few serious souls.

Tuesday, 3. I stopped on my way at Dr. King's,9 and took dinner, and had my horse shod. By some means my appointments have not been published.

South Carolina

Came to the Green Ponds," where there was an appointment for me; I felt a little comforted. I have ridden about one hundred and forty miles in the last seven days, through a very disagreeable part of the country to travel when the waters are high: I have had various exercises, and have suffered hunger, fatigue, and fever, and have not had a comfortable bed for a week past.

Wednesday, 4. I was much moved at the Beauty Spot," on, "Ye did run well," &c. I found it had been the case here; but ah! the use of strong liquor.

We rode to Rogers's'2 a long stretch across a deep swamp: we came in late, and I preached with little liberty. I lodged at -, a poor, kind man.

Sunday, 8. Notwithstanding the rain, we had many to hear at Flower's.' It was in due season that I was led out here on Peter's denial of his Master; for there has been a great falling away, particularly by drunkenness: this was not told me till after preaching.

Monday, 9. Rode to Rewell's meeting house:" my soul was in peace

'Dr. John King lived in Franklin County, North Carolina, near Louisburg, but "in 1789 or 1790" he moved to Wake County near Raleigh. (Grissom, op. cit., 59.) If he lived in Franklin County at this time, Asbury doubled back on his trail from Chatham County. (See notes under May 29, 1772, and June 23, 1780.)

10 Asbury again entered Marlboro County, South Carolina, from Green Ponds in Richmond County, North Carolina, along his previous route in February of this year.

11 From Beauty Spot near Bennettsville, which he had previously visited, he proceeded southward along the route of the present Blenheim and Brownsville in Marlboro County and Latta in Dillon County, approximating Highways 38 and 917.

Rogers lived on Reedy Creek, seven miles southeast of Clio.

18 Flower's rneetinghouse was on the land of General Williams, one mile north of Marion. It was later moved southwest of Marion and called Bethel, and about 1833 it was brought into Marion and became the present First Methodist Church.

' Rewell's meetinghouse was Rowell's in Marion County, nine miles south of Marion, which became Centenary Methodist Church.

592 SOUTH CAROLINA FebruarylO, 1789

and uncommonly led out in preaching. Thence to Port's,'5 Long Ferry, three miles across Pee Dee: the inundation of the river, occasioned by the rains, has made a mere sea. My mind has been variously tried and strongly exercised by dejection. Lord, give me faith and patience!

Tuesday, 10. Came, after a ride of forty miles, to Georgetown, and lectured on Isa. xl, 1-9.

Friday, 13. Rode forty-five miles to Wappetaw"; and next day arrived in Charleston in sweet peace of soul.

Sunday, 15. Preached in the morning with some light; in the afternoon on Matt. xi, 28-30. 1 preached again on Tuesday and on Wednesday. My heart was drawn out greatly for these people.

Friday, 20. I spoke very pointedly on Rev. iii, 20-22, but the people are of small spiritual understanding. Lord, stir them up! I was closely employed in making my plan, and arranging the papers for conference. I made out a register of all the preachers on the continent who bear the name of Methodists.

Saturday, 21. I was very ill with a fever and colic; and it being rainy, I kept within doors.

Sunday, 22. Very rainy, but I had about a hundred blacks, and nearly fifty whites to hear me. I preached also in the afternoon, and at night.

Tuesday, 24. I set out for Edisto circuit, journeying up the south side of Ashley River. Here live the rich and great who have houses in the city and country, and go backward and forward in their splendid chariots ;17 the land, however, with the exception of the rice fields, is barren, the weatheris cold: but my soul has peace-full and flowing peace. After riding thirty-six miles, I was kindly entertained by Mr. Givhan,16 but there was still something wanting.

Wednesday, 25. They were out of bread at P-'s, and we found our own stores of use. We had to send one of our weary horses eight miles to fetch the flour from the mill.

Thursday, 26. Rode to Bruten's, and enjoyed uncommon happiness in God. Some time in the night Dr. Coke came in: he had landed in Charleston about three hours after I left the city: next day he and myself both spoke at Ridgell's.16

15 Crossing the Pee Dee at Port's (Porter's) Ferry as previously, Asbury followed his old route over Great Pee Dee, Lynch's River, and Black Mingo to Georgetown.

16 He proceeded to Charleston via Wappetaw Swamp and bridge and the Capers home at Cainhoy.

17 He passed Magnolia and Middleton plantations, then the homes of wealthy Carolinians and now world-famous gardens.

18 (See note under March 17, 1788.) Givhan lived six miles west of Ridgeville.

' Bishop Coke was delayed by the uncertainties of ocean travel, having come from England. He overtook his colleague on the evening of the third day at Mr. Bruten's and traveled with Asbury to Georgia. (Shipp: Methodism in South Carolina, 199; see Shipp, 200, 201, for a description of the journey to Georgia and its hazards.) Bruten lived near Bamberg. Ridgell probably lived near Canadys.

SOUTH CAROLINA March 1, 1789 593

Sunday, March 1. We spent the day at Chester's:20 we had very few hearers, occasioned, in part, by a black man's preaching not far distant.

Monday, 2. I was violently exercised. The Doctor and myself both preached at Puckett's. Thence we set out with a design to reach Tread-way's, but were greatly deceived, and went up the road that leads to Ninety-Six ;21 at last we thought we had gone far enough, and stopped at a house twenty-one miles from the place whence we started, and still farther from the place we aimed at.

Georgia

Came to Doctor Fuller's,22 at Beach Island, and next day arrived in Augusta, Georgia. Riding late two nights past has much disordered me; having taken a cold, attended with a fever and a pain in the head.

Thursday, 5. I obtained a little rest at brother Haynes's.23

Friday, 6. Although it rained, we had a few people at Brownsborough. Next day there was some life at Scott's.24 Here they have built us a large chapel.

Sunday, 8. Our conference began at Grant's.25 Here we have a house for

20 The Chester family lived halfway between Edgefield and Augusta.

21 Instead of crossing the Edisto at Givhan's Ferry and following the more direct river road south of the river to Augusta, Georgia, he proceeded into present Orangeburg County and got on the old Ninety Six road by mistake. Discovering his error in upper Aiken County, he turned westward to Beech Island, seven miles below Augusta on the east side of the Savannah River. Thence he went into Georgia for a fortnight.

22 Fuller lived on the South Carolina side of the Savannah River six miles below Augusta.

23 Thomas Haynes left Virginia partly to escape the Methodist evangelists who had

converted his wife. He settled on Uchee Creek in what is now Columbia County in

Georgia, where he was converted. He had a church nearby, and such Methodists as

Asbury, Coke and Lorenzo Dow were entertained in his home. (Smith: Georgia

Methodism, 38, 39.)

24 Scott's meetinghouse was built by Joseph Scott in the Gatrell neighborhood on Little River or near the Augusta road in the southeastern part of present Wilkes County. (Bowen: Wilkes County, 122.) Pierce's Chapel in the same neighborhood is an outgrowth of Scott's.

25 Daniel Grant and his son Thomas had been Presbyterians in Hanover County, Virginia. They became Methodists after moving to Georgia in 1784. They were prosperous merchants at Grant's Store near Washington in present Wilkes County, where they built the first Methodist church in Georgia five miles east of Washington. A woman who lived in the Grant house in 1820 thought there was a Piny Grove Methodist Church between the house and Washington. (Ibid., 120, 121.) The preachers were entertained in the home, and conference met in the chapel. Thomas Grant had been a revolutionary soldier and became an outstanding Methodist in Georgia. At his home he had a "prophet's chamber" with clothing of various sizes for the cold and wet preachers who arrived. After new counties were opened east of the Ocmulgee, he established a store in Randolph, now Jasper, County, and later moved to Monticello. When be died in 1828,

594 SOUTH CAROLINA Marchl5,1789

public worship; and one also at Meriwether's.26 On Thursday we appointed a committee to procure five hundred acres of land for the establishment of a school in the State of Georgia. Conference being ended, we directed our hasty steps back to Charleston, calling at the several places we attended on our journey hither.

South Carolina

Sunday, 15. We reached the city, having ridden two hundred miles in about five days and two hours.27 Here I received a bitter pill28 from one of my greatest friends. Praise the Lord for my trials also-may they all be sanctified!

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 17, 18, 19, were spent in conference; it was a time of peace and love. My mind was much hurried with book, and other temporal concerns. We had an unkind attack published against us relative to our slave rules; it was answered to purpose. I had not much doubt who the author of this unworthy work was.

Saturday, 21, was spent in preparing to move on Monday next.

Sunday, 22. Doctor Coke preached an ordination sermon in the forenoon; and in the afternoon I felt lively in soul whilst I enlarged on Ezek. xxxiii, 5.

Monday, 23. We left the city, and rode upwards of forty miles.

he left a bequest to the South Carolina and Georgia conferences from which the latter received fifteen hundred dollars and some land. His funeral was preached by Dr. Lovick Pierce. (Smith: Asbury, 116, 117; Georgia Methodism, 38-44; Georgia People, 140, 141.) There is a granite marker on the site of Grant's meetinghouse, a few miles from Washington. Two miles away is Mount Zion Church, successor to Grant's Chapel, which contains parts of the pulpit and altar from the first Methodist meetinghouse in Georgia.

26 See note for April 9, 1788. General David Meriwether came from Virginia with George Mathews, who became governor of Georgia. Meriwether was a wealthy man who became prominent in political affairs. He was related by marriage to the two outstanding Methodists of Georgia, Hope Hull and John Andrews. The church built by him was in the southern part of present Elbert County, west of Broad River and probably near Long Creek. The conference in 1789 decided to buy five hundred acres of land for a school to be named in honour of Wesley and Whitefield. (Smith: Asbury, 116-17; Georgia Methodism, 38-44; Georgia People, 140-41; Bowen: Wilkes County, 120-22.)

37 Asbury returned to Charleston on the Edisto River road via Givhans.

28 This bitter pill was a letter from John Wesley which criticized Asbury and Coke bitterly for calling themselves bishops and other reasons. Wesley wrote: "I study to be little; you study to be great. I creep: you strut along. I found a school; you a college, nay, and call it after your own names! . . . How can you, how dare you suffer yourself to be called Bishop I shudder, I start at the very thought! Men may call me a knave or a fool, a rascal, a scoundrel, and I am content; but they shall never by my consent call me Bishop!" (The Letters of the Rev. John Wesley, A.M., Standard Edition, ed. John Teiford, VIII, 91; also Letters of Francis Asbury.)

SOUTH CAROLINA March24,]789 595

Tuesday, 24. Crossed the Santee, and came to brother Bowman's.29

Wednesday, 25. Preached at Gibson's; then rode to Ramsay's, near Statesburg, sixteen miles.30

Thursday, 26. I was hurried away to preach a funeral sermon. I have ridden about one hundred and fifty miles, and preached three times since I left Charleston, last Monday morning. I am at times tempted to lightness; yet, blessed be God, my soul has sweet communion with him.

Saturday, 28. At Bradford's chapel3' I preached on Heb. xi, 16, 17. At Rembert's, on Isaiah xl, 1. My soul was blest among the people.

Sunday, 29. I was led out in preaching and prayer; the people were melted; and the work of God progresses. I trust the Lord will get himself great glory here.

Monday, 30. We rode about fifty miles to Colonel Marshall's.32 the weather was very warm, and we were hungry and weary.

North Carolina

Wednesday, April 1. The people came together at Jackson's33 at twelve o'clock. I did not reach there until three. I enlarged a little on Zech. xiii, 12, 34 and was somewhat severe. I rode to Savannah Creek, and met with an Antinomian people. Reached Threadgill's; having been out twelve hours, and ridden nearly forty miles, without food for man or beast.

Friday, 3. Preached by the way, and came to Randall's,35 twenty miles. We have ridden three hundred miles in about nine days, and our horses' backs are bruised with their loads. I want more faith, patience, and resignation to the will of God in all things. I wish to send an extra preacher to the Waxsaws, to preach to the Catabaw Indians: they have settled amongst the whites on a tract of country twelve miles square.

Sunday, 5. We had a move whilst I was speaking on Isa. xxxiii, 14, 15.

Some souls were brought to experience peace with God. Here Doctor

Coke came up with us. We expect to continue together for some time.

We had a long ride to Jones's. I preached there, and continued on to

M'Knight's, on the Yadkin.

Friday, 10. We opened our conference, and were blessed with peace and

29 Bowman lived in Clarendon County, near Summerton.

30 Gibson and Ramsay lived in Sumter County, near Statesburg.

31 Bradford's was four miles northwest of Sumter, South Carolina. See note under March 3, 1788.

32 Colonel Marshall lived on Lynch's River near Chesterfield County but on the Kershaw side.

33 Jackson lived just across the line in Anson County, North Carolina.

Zech. 13 has only nine verses. There is no clue as to the correct passage.

See note under February 15, 1785.

596 VIRGINIA April 18,1789

union. Our brethren from the westward met us, and we had weighty matters for consideration before us.36

We left M'Knight's, having about two hundred miles to ride in four days.

Virginia

We had a tedious ride to Almond's, and a blessed season of grace. Set out from Almond's, and reached Good's.37

Saturday, 18. We rode thirty-six miles to Petersburg. On Sunday the Doctor preached. I had nothing to say in public. We met the preachers on Saturday and Sunday evenings, and brought our work forward. I had disagreeable feelings while here. There is a spiritual death among the people. I spoke a little on Monday and on Wednesday.

Thursday, 23. We came to Manchester. My exertions, want of rest, and distress of mind, brought on a violent headache. Instead of preaching, I found myself under the necessity of going to bed. Doctor Coke had gone over the river to Richmond, and preached there.

Friday, 24. We rode about fifty miles; and next day reached Fredericksburg, but found no door open. We met with one soul in distress.

Sunday, 26. Having no appointment to preach, we pushed on and rode forty-five miles, and lodged in Prince William county.

Monday, 27. Arrived at Leesburg, and opened the conference. We found a little rest comfortable to man, and advantageous to beast.

Maryland

Thursday, 30. We crossed Potomac into Maryland. My soul cleaves to God; but I am again afflicted in my head. Reaching brother Nicholson's, in Montgomery, we were kindly entertained.38

86 This conference at McKnight's Chapel in the present Forsyth County, North Carolina, was an important meeting. It included the Holston preachers. Thomas Ware says that Asbury passed through his New River Circuit and that he accompanied the bishop to the conference by way of the Flower Gap (Life and Travels, 160), but since Asbury came from South Carolina this is an obvious error; Asbury came through Holston in 1788. Among the "weighty matters" transacted was the launching of the American Arminian Magazine, which the newly appointed (1789) Book Steward, John Dickins, published at Philadelphia. The preface of the first edition was signed by Asbury and Coke at "North Carolina, April 10th, 1789." (Ware: Sketches of the Life and Travels of Rev. Thomas Ware, 160; Price: Hoiston Methodism, 1, 143, 144; Grissom, op. cit., 140, 141. See note under April 13, 1787; preface to The Arminian Magazine, April 10, 1789.)

Almond lived in Charlotte County, Virginia. (Heads of Families, 15.) Good lived in Prince Edward County. (Sweet, op. cit., 185.)

88 Asbury probably entered Maryland over White's or Conrad's Ferry. The Nicholson home was somewhere between the Potomac River and Laytonsville. John Nicholson is enrolled in the 1790 Federal Census of Montgomery County.

MARYLAND Mayl,1789 597

Friday, May 1. I felt life in speaking.

Saturday, 2. We attended quarterly meeting. Not being permitted to use the chapel, we went into a tobacco house. Many attended; and the young converts shouted aloud.

Sunday, 3. Was a great day to saints and sinners. God has wrought wonderfully in brother Pigman's neighbourhood.39 Fifty or sixty souls have been suddenly and powerfully converted to God.

Came to Baltimore, and had very lively meetings. Multitudes came to hear, and great cries were heard among the people, who continued together until three o'clock in the morning. Many souls professed to be convicted, converted, sanctified.

On reaching Cokesbury, we found that here also God was working among the students. One, however, we expelled. We revised our laws, and settled our temporal concerns.

Tuesday, 12. We were detained at Susquehannah Ferry, so that we were compelled to ride in the night to reach Chestertown.

We had a blessed work of God on our way. Loud shouting was heard in almost every meeting. At sacrament especially, the Lord's power and presence were great indeed. At Duck Creek we had a good season.

Saturday, 16. Doctor Coke preached in Wilmington, Delaware.

Pennsylvania

Sunday, 17. The Doctor preached at Chester; and in Philadelphia in the evening.

Wednesday, 20. In the evening the Lord's power came down among the people in the city; and I hope to hear he is doing great things.

New Jersey

Thursday, 21. Rode to Burlington, in Jersey. In crossing the Delaware we encountered an uncommon storm, but were providentially brought safely over. We were comfortable in our meeting; but we had a painful interview and explanation with L. H. H. 0, my soul, keep near to God! Friday, 22. We rode to Trenton; and on Saturday, 23, opened our conference in great peace. We laboured for a manifestation of the Lord's power, and it was not altogether in vain.

39 The Pigman family lived near Laytonsville, Montgomery County. Joshua and

Joseph were among the trustees to whom the land on which the Goshen Meeting House was conveyed. The deed bears the date February 2, 1791. Ignatius Pigman, a brother, was an eloquent itinerant from 1781 to 1788. (Lednum, op. cit., 325; Martz: History of

the aarksburg Methodist Church, 7; Journal entries for August 31, 1790, and September 1, 1800.)

598 NEW JERSEY May24,1789

Sunday, 24. We had abundance of preaching.

Monday, 25. We rode through a heavy rain to Elizabethtown, and next day reached New York. I was under great travail of soul for a revival of religion.

New York

Thursday, 28. Our conference began. All things were conducted in peace and order.40 Our work opens in New York State.4' New England stretcheth out the hand 42 to our ministry, and I trust thousands will shortly feel its influence. My soul shall praise the Lord. In the midst of haste I find peace within.43

Sunday, 31. We had a gracious season to preachers and people, while I opened and applied Isaiah xxv, 6-8: "And in this mountain shall the Lord of Hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things; a feast of wines on the lees; of fat things full of marrow; of wines on the lees well refined." Friday, June 5. Doctor Coke left us and went on board the Union for Liverpool. My soul retires into solitude, and to God. This evening I was enabled to speak alarmingly, and felt my heart much engaged for about thirty minutes on Isaiah xxix, 17-19. The power of God, and a baptizing flame came among the people.

40 The conference met at John Street Church. Asbury was accompanied by Whatcoat, and the church records show payment for feeding the latter's horse. A notable event transpired here. On April 30 George Washington had been inaugurated at Wall and Nassau Streets as the first President of the United States. The conference adopted a congratulatory address, and John Dickins and Thomas Morrell made an appointment with Washington to receive it. On June 1 Asbury and Coke presented the address, to which Washington replied. (See the document in the Letters under the proper date.) This event caused a stir in the city and the New York Packet noted it in its columns, declaring that the "affectionate and respectful address" indicated that the "whole Society are warmly attached to the Constitution and government of the United States." The Methodists were the first church group so to address Washington. Coke, as an Englishman, was criticized for signing the paper, but Asbury's devotion throughout the Revolution identified him as an American. (Seaman, op. cit., 104, 462 if.; Moss, "Asbury Knew Washington" in Christian Advocate, February 10, 1955; see letters to Thomas Morrell, May 20, 1789; to George Washington, May 29, 1789; and to the Friends of Cokesbury College, May 29, 1789.)

41 The previous conference had appointed Garrettson to work north of Westchester to Lake Champlain. He formed new circuits and added around seven hundred members. (Minutes; Bangs: Life of Garrettson, 171 if.)

42 Jesse Lee was appointed to New England and became the founder of Methodism there.

43 The notable conference also decided to build another church in New York and

appointed Thomas Morrell to the task, which he so successfully accomplished that

Asbury preached in it on October 3, 1790. (See Journal entry for that date. See also

Asbury's letters to Morrell of June, 1789; October 3, 1789; and December 10, 1790.)

The conference also established a "Book Room" in Philadelphia and named John

Dickins as "Book Steward." (See the analysis of the work of this conference in The

Methodist Quarterly Review, April, 1857.)

NEW YORK June 7, 1789 599

I have lately read Whiston's Translation of the Apostolical Institutions, (so called). Also Cave's Lives of the Apostles and Fathers.

Sunday, 7. Was a good day. I felt inwardly quickened towards the close of my morning's discourse, and the people were moved. In the afternoon many were divinely drawn, and my own soul was humbled and filled with the love of God. Several souls have been stirred up this conference. I trust the Lord will claim the people of New York for his own.

Tuesday, 9. We left the city of New York, and came to Kingsbridge.44 After refreshing ourselves and our horses, we pushed on to East Chester. The appointment for us was to have been made at Deveau's. There came together about two hundred people, among whom there was a considerable move.

Wednesday, 10. My horse was lamed (by fetters, I suppose) so that I

had to walk part of the way to New Rochelle. Proper notice of my coming

not having been given, I had but one hundred and fifty hearers. We have

a good house here,45 a large society; and several of the old members, whom

I formed into a society some years past, are still alive to God.

Thursday, 11. My horse continues lame ;-the journey is long, and the day unfavourable-yet I must go.

I came on to Crom Pond,46 and expected to have preached at Oakley's church ;47 but my appointment was made at Badeau's,48 where I had but few. Returned to Fowler's.49 We had a comfortable time at Oakley's church at seven o'clock.

Friday, 12. We rode four miles and stopped at Kirkham's50 for some refreshment, then hasted on to Peekskill Hollow, where I found a poor, simple-hearted people, to whom I enforced, "Repent, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out"; there was a power attended the word.

Asbury followed the usual Post Road route accompanied by Whatcoat and

Garrettson and probably by Peter Moriarty and Lemuel Smith, appointed to the New

Rochelle Circuit, and Samuel Talbot and Benjamin Abbott, appointed to Duchess

County.

This church was first mentioned in the Journal on June 10, 1787. The society was organized on June 23, 1773. (See Journal entry and note for that date.)

46 This was a small community on the edge of Cortland and Yorktown townships, Westchester County, named after a group of small lakes in the vicinity known in preRevolutionary days as the Crom Ponds.

A small church had recently been completed on the property of either Timothy or John Oakley. Thomas Ware had first preached in this vicinity in 1786; others had followed in succession on the circuit. The present Shrub Oak Methodist Church is the lineal descendant of the group at Oakley's. (Scharf, op. cit., II, 454-56.)

48 Jacob Badeau, in whose father's house Thomas Ware had preached the first Methodist sermon in Yorktown Township. Jacob joined with the Oakleys and others in incorporating the church in April, 1792. (ibid.)

Solomon Fowler was one of the trustees of the Oakley church.

50 Thomas Kirkham was also a trustee of the church. He lived on the road to Peekskill, and his home was one of the earliest preaching places.

600 NEW YORK Junel3,1789

Saturday, 13. We rode about twenty miles to brother Jackson's,51 where brother Cook52 lay sick: we had heard that he was dead. I laboured under violent temptation; vast consolation followed. Glory! Glory to God! He bears me up, body and soul. In our way we stepped into a house, exhorted and prayed with the mother and daughter, who appeared thankful for our services.

Sunday, 14. Preached at Jackson's, in Dutchess county, to a considerable number of quiet hearers; I hope not in vain. Brother Cook is low in body; but his soul is solidly happy in God, who will be glorified in his life or death. The people here are a still kind of folks; but God can work in a storm or a calm.

Monday, 15. We rode about twenty miles to Dover:53 the settlers in this neighbourhood are mostly Low Dutch. It is a day of small things with us; yet I trust there are a few feeling souls. We had very alarming meetings at noon and at night. Thence to Oblongs,54 where I found a dull people:

I exerted myself sick as I was; and had I been well, I should have made no little noise. After meeting we rode to , where an Antinomian came, drunk as he was, to tell his experience: he gabbled strangely until I stopped his mouth; he then left us. Rode to Livingston's,55 and preached on, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God," &c.; the people appeared like rocks. 0 that the hammer and fire of God's word and love might come down among them!

51 Garrettson had established Lagrange in Dutchess County as a central point in the circuit, and Jackson's home was the preaching place.

Cornelius Cook was born in England, converted and called to preach in America.

He was quite young and frail in health, suffering from a chronic kidney ailment. Cook was received on trial in 1787 and appointed to East Jersey, during which time he assisted in New York, following close after Ware in Westchester County. He was received in full connection in 1788 and appointed to Dutchess County, and in 1789 was ordained deacon and assigned to Schenectady, but he died before he could leave Dutchess County. Garrettson saw him a week after this visit of Asbury and thought him dying, but he rallied and lived until mid-August. (Bangs, op. cit., 177.)

53 Dover was a village north of Lagrangeville in the same valley east of Hudson Highlands.

"The exact location of Oblongs is indefinite. It was also mentioned by Garrettson as a place for occasional preaching.

This was most probably one of the several homes of persons in the noted Livingston family, whose original manor holdings covered a wide sweep along the Hudson and back into the country in the general vicinity of Rhinebeck. Robert R. Livingston, first chancellor of the state of New York, was the head of the family at this time. He was a member of the committee which framed the Declaration of Independence and had administered the oath of office to Washington at his inauguration in New York, April 30, 1789. When Garrettson preached first at Rhinebeck in 1788, he was entertained by a Mr. Tillotson, whose wife was a sister of Chancellor Livingston. Another sister, Catherine, was to become Mrs. Garrettson in 1793. There were also others of the family living in adjacent properties, and one of these appears to have been Asbury's host on this occasion.

NEW YORK Junel9,1789 601

Friday, 19. I preached in a barn on the North River:56 my hearers were chiefly Low Dutch. Our congregations are small; the craft is in danger; we are therefore not to wonder if we meet with opposition. To begin at the right end of the work is to go first to the poor; these will, the rich may possibly, hear the truth: there are among us who have blundered here. I feel as if I wanted to get across the river; I am pressed in spirit, and pity our preachers who labour here ;57 it seems as if I should die amongst this people with exertions and grief.

Sunday, 21. Preached at Latin Town58 to a poor, dull people; some, however, appeared to be moved. At Allison's59 I was more enlarged, and many wept, and felt the word. We have had a trying, warm day to ride in, and preach twice.

Monday, 22. Rain and business prevented most of the people from attending at Newburg, except a few women. I felt moved while I spoke on Isaiah lxiii. I hope the Lord will water the word sown.

Thursday, 25. I was sick. Brother Whatcoat gave them a sermon at Warwick,60 on the "wages of sin"; and I gave them a finishing exhortation:

I have no desire to see them again until there is some change.

New Jersey

Friday, 26. The power of God came down among the people at Benjamin's,6' and there was a great melting. After meeting we rode through the heat fifteen miles to Pepper Cotton.62

Saturday, 27. Rode to the stone church, and found stony hearts. The Methodists ought to preach only in their own houses; I have done with

56 This place is unidentified, but it was probably a short distance below Rhinebeck.

57 See letter to Thomas Morrell, June 19, 1789.

58 This community was fifteen miles north of Newburgh and four miles inland from the Hudson River. First Methodist preaching there was in 1786, by either Ezekiel Cooper or John McClaskey. Two classes were speedily formed, one in the village itself and the other, called Jacob Dayton's class, for the section eastward to Milton on the Hudson River. Dayton later became a trustee of the Milton Methodist Church when it was incorporated.

59 This was probably the Widow Allison, who lived at Pochuck just north of New-burgh. (See Journal entry for June 18, 1787.)

The preaching place in Warwick was either the residence of Colonel David McCamley or the inn.

61 Nathan Benjamin lived in Sussex County, New Jersey. (See note under June 21,1787).

62 Pepper Cotton is a corruption of Papakating, a valley in Frankford Township, Sussex County, New Jersey. Asbury doubtless preached in the frame church built about 1787 to replace a log union meetinghouse built earlier. It is now the Frankford Plains Methodist Church near Branchville, oldest in the county, which is the fourth on the site and the third to be occupied exclusively by the Methodists. (Phoebus, op. cit., 47; Snell: History of Sussex County, 356, 390-97; Lantz, "History of the Frankford Plains Churches," in The Sussex Independent, August 30, 1912; Historical Sketch, Frankford Plains Methodist Episcopal Church; Honeyman: Northwestern New Jersey, II, 524; Atkinson, op. cit., 421; Gordon: Gazetteer, 143.)

602 NEW JERSEY June28,1789

the houses of other people: brother Whatcoat bore the cross, and preached for me here. When I see the stupidity of the people, and the contentiousness of their spirit, I pity and grieve over them. I have hard labour in travelling amongst the rocks and hills.

Sunday, 28. My body is weak; my spirits are low; and I am burdened under the spiritual death of the people: yet, 0 my soul, praise the Lord! I spoke a few words with freedom at Sweezey's,63 to insensible people:

we then drove through the heat to Axford's,64 where 1 found life and liberty amongst my hearers.

Monday, 29. We had a heavy ride to Cummins's,65 where brother Whatcoat preached, while some of the audience slept. Thence we came to M'Cullock's.66 I had no small trial with Adam Cloud,67 who was once a preacher amongst us and disowned. He had, in some instances, fallen short of his quarterage during his ministry, and now insisted on my paying him his deficiencies: I did not conceive that in justice or conscience this was required of me; nevertheless, to get rid of him, I gave him 14.

Pennsylvania

Wednesday, July 1. I had a good time at Newman's, near Hunt's ferry.68 We crossed the ferry on Thursday, about six o'clock, got some refreshment at Hinkletown,69 whence we proceeded to Clymer's,70 where we had a good meeting.

See note under June 23, 1787.

John Axford lived at Buttzville in present Warren County, New Jersey. Of Quaker ancestry, he opened his house to Asbury and became a devoted Methodist. (Snell, op. cit., 592-93, 608, 610, 615; New Jersey Archives, Abstracts of Wills, VIII, 19.)

65 Philip Cummins lived at Pequest, the present Vienna, New Jersey. The church there was called the Pequest Methodist Church. Methodist preaching was in the old stone house of Philip Cummins until a church was built in 1810. The house is still standing. (Snell, op. cit., 740; Honeyman, op. cit., II, 707-16. See Journal entries for April 23, 1807; May 11, 1811.)

86 Colonel William McCulloch (1759-1840), a Revolutionary soldier, lived in the village of Hall's Mills, which he was instrumental in changing to Asbury, the present town in Warren County, New Jersey. Here he was also instrumental in building the Asbury Methodist Church, the cornerstone of which was laid by Asbury on August 9, 1796. (See Journal entry for that date.) The town and church were the first to bear Asbury's name. In 1811 McCulloch built a hotel at nearby Mansfield, which he renamed Washington. He was buried at Asbury. (Snell, op. cit., 160, 569, 577, 705-8; Honeyman, op. cit., III, 676; Gordon, op. cit., 95, 233-34; Phoebus, op. cit., 68.)

67 Adam Cloud appeared in the Minutes as a traveling preacher in 1781. He "desisted from travelling" in 1788.

68 Hunt's Ferry was between Riegelsville, New Jersey, and Riegelsville, Pennsylvania, or in that locality.

69 Hinkletown is in Plumstead Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The transcriber spelled it Inkletown.

70 The Clymer family lived near Kitnersville, Pennsylvania. (See Davis: History of Bucks County.)

PENNSYLVANIA July3,1789 603

Friday, 3. Came to Philadelphia; here I found enough to do. My soul longs for more religion in this city; I am distressed for these people:

twenty years have we been labouring in Pennsylvania, and there are not one thousand in society: how many of these are truly converted God knows.

Sunday, 5. We had a dead time. 0 that the Almighty would bless and stir up this people!

Rode to Radnor71 where there were a few feeling souls.

Tuesday, 7. It being harvest-home, and short notice, we had few hearers. I love God supremely, and feel myself greatly weaned from earth: I have a glorious victory; sweetly resting and suffering in Christ. Yesterday I felt so unwell that I could scarcely sit on my horse. My soul was so filled with God, that it appeared as if all sense of pain was suspended by the power Df faith. I was so led out in speaking at the Valley church72 that all my sufferings were forgotten. I spoke very loud a part of the time; we had a gracious season.

Wednesday, 8. After riding thirty miles, I preached at Rodfong's73 at night, with satisfaction, and souls were brought to God.

Friday, 10. I called on Mr. Hendel,74 a Dutch Presbyterian minister; he and his wife were both very kind: I believe they are children of God. I had an interview with Mr. Muhlenberg,75 a Lutheran minister, and teacher of languages: he is a childlike, simple-hearted man, and has a considerable knowledge of the arts and sciences. We came to York; but I felt no desire to preach. I proceeded on to Carlisle; in the morning I was permitted to preach in the church; but in the evening, this privilege was denied me:

it was said, the reason was, because I did not read prayers, which I had forborne to do because of my eyes; I apprehend the true cause might be found in the pointed manner in which I spoke on "Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me." I went to the court house and called them to repentance, from, "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth"; to the great offence of all who set themselves up for judges, and who declared it was no preaching.

Wednesday, 15. Came to Juniata River; we were well nigh being lost in 71 See Journal entry for July 1, 1787.

72 See Journal entry for February 5, 1781.

was probably near Strasburg.

John William Hendel (1740-98) was born in Bad Duerkheim in the Palatinate and educated at the University of Heidelberg. He offered his services for Pennsylvania before the deputies of the Holland Synod at The Hague in June, 1764, and was ordained and sent to Pennsylvania, arriving in Philadelphia in December, 1764. He immediately began his ministry as pastor of the German Reformed Church in Lancaster. He was elected vice-principal of Franklin College when it was opened in 1787. In 1794 he became pastor of the Reformed Church in Philadelphia, where he prepared a new hymnbook and a German Reformed liturgy.

e Rev. G. H. E. Muhlenberg was pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 1780-18 15.

604 PENNSYLVANIA July 16, 1789

the woods, but kind Providence brought us safe in company with brother Whatcoat76 to I. C-'s, and we lodged there.

Thursday, 16. Came to G-'s, nine miles from Bedford.77 and being informed that the people thereabouts were willing to hear, we yielded to the persuasion of some who desired us to stay and preach.

Friday, 17. We rode on to Wells's, a place visited by our preachers: here we had a good night's rest.

Saturday, 18. We passed Greensburg, stopping at Hanover Davis's, a man who has trouble and conviction: his three sons were killed by the Indians, his wife and two children taken prisoners, and detained from him eighteen months.

Sunday, 19. Came to Rowlett's and dined; thence we set out and reached Pittsburg,78 twenty-five miles; I preached in the evening to a serious audience. This is a day of very small things: what can we hope yet, what can we fear I felt great love to the people; and hope God will arise to help and bless them.

Monday, 20. I preached on Isa. lv, 6, 7; had some zeal, and the people were very attentive; but alas! they are far from God, and too near the savages in situation and manners. We were not agreeably stationed at

who was continually drunk, and our only alternative was a tavern.

Tuesday, 21. I spoke on "The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost:" we were crowded, and I felt more courage. The night before, the rude soldiers were talking and dancing about the door; but now they were quiet and mute; this, I judged, might be owing to the interference of the officers, or magistracy.

Wednesday, 22. We left Pittsburg, and came by the Allegheny River to Wilson's, who was formerly an eIder in the Presbyterian Church. Brothers Green, Willis, and Conaway 79 were my companions on the road.

Thursday, 23. We had a number of poor attentive people at M'G-'s:

the weather was excessively warm, and we were in a close log house, without so much as a window to give us air.

76 Phoebus: Memoirs of the Rev. Richard Whatcoat, 25.

This was Asbury's first westward tour along the route of Forbes Road. This road was cut through the wilderness by the army of General John Forbes in his successful attack upon Fort Duquesne in 1758. It is now the Lincoln Highway, or Route 30. It, and Braddock's Road which was cut in 1755, were the two main routes by which the pioneers reached the land west of the mountains.

78 This was Asbury's first visit to Pittsburgh, then a frontier village of about four hundred population. The Pittsburgh Circuit, embracing the land between the Youghiogheny and the Kiskiminetas Rivers, had been set apart as a new circuit at the Union-town conference in 1788, but it did not include a preaching point in Pittsburgh until 1796. (Smeltzer, op. cit., 94-103.)

79 This year Asbury had placed the eight circuits in Pennsylvania in one district, with two presiding elders, Lemuel Green and Henry Willis. Green and Willis accompanied the Bishop to Pittsburgh over the Forbes Road and on the return over Braddock's Road. Charles Conaway was one of the two preachers on the Pittsburgh Circuit this year.

606 PENNSYLVANIA Ju1y25,1789

Saturday, 25. We rode through a heavy rain to Yohogany, to brother Moore's quarterly meeting. We had a shout amongst the people, and I felt much liberty of soul in speaking. In the love feast the Lord manifested his power; one woman, in particular, was so wrought upon that she fell to the ground.

We came to Uniontown, where there appeared to be some melting love among the people. Now I believe God is about to work in this place:

I expect our circuits are better supplied than formerly; many of the people are alive to God; and there are openings in many places. I wrote a letter to Cornplanter, chief of the Seneca nation of Indians.80 I hope God will shortly visit these outcasts of men, and send messengers to publish the glad tidings of salvation amongst them. I have constant consolation, and do not feel like my former self.

Maryland

Friday, 31. I crossed the mountain,8' and lodged, I trust for the last time, at Simpkin's. Preached at Barratt's, to a dry, unfaithful people. The number of candidates for the ministry are many; from which circumstance I am led to think the Lord is about greatly to enlarge the borders of Zion.

Monday, August 3. Preached at Cumberland. It is partly fulfilled; none cared to give us aught to eat. My poor country-woman, who sometimes heard and trembled, was absent this time; in her sickness she cried out, "it is too late," and rejected prayer. It was a time of refreshing at Old-town, in Maryland; the Lord is among this people. Brother Henry Willis preached the funeral sermon of Mrs. Sprigg, a blooming, fair woman; at her own desire she was interred in our burying ground. She died greatly lamented by her family, to whom her death is one loud call to turn to God. I trust she died in peace.

West Virginia

Friday, 7. Came to Bath. I took lodgings with our Virginia friends, Adams and Summers.

80 Complanter, chief of a tribe of Seneca Indians living on the upper Allegheny River, communicated with the Methodist bishops desiring that ministers be sent to his people. Both Asbury and Coke were intrigued by the possibilities the request opened, and this seems to have been the chief reason for this visit of Asbury to Pittsburgh. Why nothing came of this plan is conjectural. Probably when Asbury found Cornplanter and his people living 150 miles north of Pittsburgh in territory controlled by the hostile western Indians, the project appeared impracticable to him. (See also Coke's Journal.)

81 From Pittsburgh, Asbury and his companions went south to Uniontown in the Redstone Circuit region and returned east over Braddock's Road.

WEST ViRGINIA August8,1789 607

Saturday, 8. My soul has communion with God, even here. When I behold the conduct of the people who attend the Springs, particularly the gentry, I am led to thank God that I was not born to riches; I rather bless God, that I am not in hell, and that I cannot partake of pleasure with sinners. I have read much, and spoken but little since I came here. The water has been powerful in its operation. I have been in great pain, and my studies are interrupted.

August, 19. I left Bath; which was much sooner than I expected.

God was powerfully present at Hendrick's, where there were twelve or fifteen hundred people: many professed to be converted to God-Glory be to his name! My body enjoys better health; and blessed be God! my soul is wholly kept above sin: yet I blame myself for not being more watchful unto prayer; and I sometimes use unnecessary words. We made a tour through Berkley circuit, where I had some freedom, and where we found not a little living affection in the congregations.

Sunday, 23. We had alarming words at Winchester,82 from Ezek. xxxiii, 11. I feel the worth of souls, and their disobedience gives me sorrow of heart. 0 Jehovah! work for thine own glory.

Saturday, 29. Our quarterly meeting began in the woods near Shepherdstown: we had about seven hundred people: I felt energy and life in preaching, and power attended the word. Brother Willis spoke, and the Lord wrought powerfully.

Sunday, 30. Was a high day-one thousand or fifteen hundred people attended; sinners began to mock, and many cried aloud; and so it went. I was wonderfully led out on Psalm cxlv, 8-12; and spoke, first and last, nearly three hours. 0, how the wicked contradicted and opposed!

Maryland

Wednesday, September 2. I came to brother Philips's,83 in Maryland, and had a quickening time. God has preached to the whole family by the death of his daughter, and the fire spreads throughout the whole neighbourhood.

We needs must go through Samaria. I called at Fredericktown, and had a number of wild, unfeeling hearers. Thence to Liberty, where the Almighty is working among the people. I preached in the day, and again at night-I hope not in vain.

Winchester was in the present state of Virginia.

Samuel Phillips, who lived four miles from Middletown, Frederick County, Maryland, opened his house for preaching at an early date. He probably was of the family of

Methodists of that name who resided in the neighborhood of Woodsboro, Frederick

County. (Scharf, op. cit., 1, 615, 616; Sweet, Religion on the American Frontier, IV, ill;

Journal entry for August 16, 1802; Robert Ayres, Manuscript Journal for June 3, 1786.)

608 MARYLAND September 4, 1789

Friday, 4. I rode to Seneca. 0 what hath God wrought for these people! Many precious souls have been brought to the knowledge of salvation.

Monday, 7. Preached at Rowle's: here fifty or sixty souls profess to have been brought to God in a few weeks. We had a shout, and a soul converted to God. I preached in the evening at Baltimore, on "Lord, increase our faith."

Tuesday, 8. Preached in town and at the Point. The last quarterly meeting was a wonder-working time: fifty or sixty souls, then and there, appeared to be brought to God; people were daily praying from house to house; some crying for mercy, others rejoicing in God, and not a few, day after day, joining in society for the benefit of religious fellowship. Praise the Lord, 0 my soul! I spent some time in visiting from house to house, and begging for the college. The married men and the single men, the married women and the single women, I met apart, and was comforted. Many of the children of the Methodists are the happy subjects of this glorious revival. We have more members in Baltimore84 (town and Point) than in any city or town on the continent besides.

Sunday, 13. I preached three times; baptized and administered the sacrament twice; and ordained Archibald Foster and William Losee deacons. I trust it was a profitable time to many. I took cold, and was much hurt by labour, so that I could hardly move my body.

Monday, 14. Came to Daniel Evans's, one of our oldest members, and his house one of our oldest stands; to this day he has continued to be steadfast. The Lord has now made bare his arm, and brought in forty or fifty young people, among whom are some of his own children, for whom so many prayers have been offered up to God: the fire of the Lord spreads from house to house, and from heart to heart.

Tuesday, 15. I had but few hearers at Hunt's chapel, but the Lord was present, and I am persuaded there was not an unfeeling soul in the house. I spent the evening with one of the great: the Lord and his own conscience will witness that I did not flatter him. 0 that his soul were converted to God!

Friday, 18. At Gough's we had a solemn time; the power of the Lord has been displayed here to great purpose.

Sunday, 20. Was an alarming time at the Forks church-a number of serious people-no trifling here now: how many dead souls restored from a backsliding state! and their children converted too!

84 In 1789 Baltimore had three principal sections. They were served by these Methodist churches: Baltimore Town, west of Jones Falls, near the waterfront, by Light Street Church, successor to Lovely Lane Meeting House; Fells Point by Strawberry Alley Chapel; and Old Town, east of Jones Falls, probably by a meeting place later known as Exeter Street Church. Because of the recording of members on circuits rather than in congregations, the number of Methodists in Baltimore in 1789 is unknown. However, that year the Baltimore Circuit reported a total membership of 937. (General Minutes, I, 35.)

MARYLAND September 21, 1789 609

Monday, 21. Rode in the evening to Cokesbury. I found I. Steward had gone to his final rest: he was a pious lad who kept too close to his studies. He praised God to the last, even when he was delirious: it made the students very solemn for a season.

Sunday, 27. Preached at Gunpowder chapel in the forenoon and at Abingdon at three o'clock.

Monday, 28. After a long absence I preached at Bush Forest chapel:

this was one of the first houses that was built for the Methodists in the State of Maryland; and one of the first societies was formed here. They had been dead for many years; of late the Lord has visited this neighbourhood, and I suppose, from report, fifty souls have been converted to God.

I preached at Havre de Grace with Divine illumination and authority. Thence I went to -; I was hardly welcome-perhaps I wrong him; I shall know when I call again. Called at Isaac and Solomon Hersey's, and found the Lord had not departed from these houses; I hope their children will all come to God.

Delaware -Pennsylvania

Wednesday, 30. At Wilmington 1 was warm in spirit. Thence I rode to Philadelphia; where I gave a short discourse on another man's appointment; my subject-Jacob's wrestling with God. On Friday night I spoke on "Who may abide the day of his coming"

Sunday, October 4. We were not without the presence of the Lord at our love feast and sacrament this day. Brother Willis85 spoke feelingly in the afternoon.

Monday, 5. We had a meeting of the principal members, in order to consult about the incorporation of our church.

New Jersey

Tuesday, 6. After twenty years' preaching, they have built a very beautiful meeting house at Burlington,84 but it is low times there in religion. At 85 See Journal entry for September 30, 1787.

86 The first Methodist class meeting at Burlington was on December 14, 1770. The courthouse was used for preaching until it was torn down after the Revolutionary War and the court moved to Mount Holly. The people were then compelled to meet in the home of George Smith, a faithful member. About 1787 Major Joseph Bloomfield, later governor of New Jersey, inquired of James Sterling as to why there was no house of worship. Sterling replied, "We are too poor, we have no ground to build it on, and nothing to build it with." The Major generously gave a lot of ground, and Sterling and Smith secured the necessary money and materials. The church, 29 by 35 feet and two stories high, was considered quite commodious in that day. It was located on Library Street. It is recorded that no layman did more for New Jersey Methodism in the early

610 NEW JERSEY October8,1789

New Mills,87 both preachers and people appeared to feel, and the watch-night was attended with some breathings after God.

Thursday, 8. We had a poor, dry meeting, at Mount Holly: some were alarmed with fear, lest we should make a noise as we had done in Philadelphia; some dear country friends felt the Lord powerfully, and carried home the flame.

Friday, 9. I felt inward strength at Bethel, on Isa. lxiii, 12. The power was present, but there is not as much religion amongst them as formerly. Saturday, 10. My ride to Bethel was thirty miles, and thirty miles more brought me to Deerfield;88 I spoke very alarmingly, and to little purpose, at the Methodistico-Presbyterian Church.

Sunday, 11. At the Glass-House89 I felt myself, and the Lord made others feel-to purpose, I hope. Thence to Salem, at three o'clock: it was levelling work, storm and thunder, whilst I opened and applied Isaiah xxx, 20, 21.

Monday, 12. I returned to Philadelphia, where there were five criminals hanged; one of them professed conversion.

Tuesday, 13. Was the day of election for representatives; preaching in the evening was to little purpose, on, "Arm of the Lord, awake." "0 Lord of life! when shall it be"

Delaware

I preached at Wilmington, on the dedication of our new chapel:90 thus far are we come after more than twenty years' labour in this place.

Thursday, 15. I preached at Dickinson's. Here we have a good house days than did James Sterling. He was a prosperous merchant and often accompanied

the preachers, rendering valuable assistance in establishing Methodism at other points. His daughter, Mrs. Rebecca Sterling Cowperthwaite, was the founder of the church school. (Pamphlet on 150th Anniversary of Broad Street Methodist Church, 1938; Heston, op. cit., II, 646; Schermerhorn: History of Burlington, 195.)

87 New Mills was the present Pemberton.

88 Deerfield was the present Deerfield Street. Asbury preached in the Deerfield Stone Church, then used jointly by Presbyterians and Methodists. It was erected in 1771 and is still in use by the Presbyterians. (Gordon's Gazeteer of New Jersey, 128; New Jersey Guide-Federal Writers Project, 655; New Jersey Annual Conference Minutes, 1954.)

80 This was undoubtedly the famous glassmaking center which had been established by Casper Wistar in 1739 and which resulted in the establishment of a manufactory and village known as Wistarburg. Wistarburgh was located on Alloways Creek in Salem County. The New Jersey Guide states that "Caspar Wistar's glass factory was founded at Allowaystown," so that may be considered today the successor of the former Wistarburgh, and the Alloways Methodist Church the immediate descendant of Asbury's preaching. (Gordon's Gazeteer of New Jersey, 93; New Jersey Guide; Cunningham:

New Jersey: A History of Her Industries, 17-23; Map of New Jersey, 1822.)

90 Methodism in Wilmington, Delaware, introduced in 1767 by Captain Webb at open-air meetings, had advanced through temporary quarters in Joseph Gilpin's storehouse on King Street Wharf and the schoolroom of John Theiwell until 1789 when it

DELA WA RE October 18, 1789 611

built; and a blessed foundation of living stones fixed on the chief cornerstone. After preaching at Severson's and Duck Creek Cross Roads,9' we came on Saturday to Dover quarterly meeting; here the congregation was large and serious.

Sunday, 18. Preached on, "The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple." Ordained William Jessop and Jacob Brush elders. We have had encouraging intelligence of an opening in New England: we shall send Jacob Brush to assist Jesse Lee, who has been some time visiting those parts.

Reached Judge White's in the evening, and rested there on Monday.

Tuesday, 20. Rode to Milford; where we had a great move and noble shouting. I felt myself very unwell. We had a very comfortable love feast next morning. I was taken with a sore throat, and brother Whatcoat supplied my lack of service. I was laid up four days; a violent headache and fever attended the inflammation in my throat, with little or no perspiration. I made use of flaxseed tea, and a very great expectoration followed.

Wednesday, 28. I came to Lowry's,92 at the head of Nanticoke. I still feel much pain, with a fever and hoarseness. I must take blame to myself for riding sometimes in the night and cold evenings without an upper coat:

I am growing old; and I live much in southern climes. I lodged at brother Hitchen's93 who was ill with a bilious and nervous complaint.

Thursday, 29. Came to Wicomico, and was kindly entertained.

Virginia

Friday, 30. We rode in the rain-it was almost enough to kill healthy men. After steeping our feet in warm water, we came to brother Down-erected its first chapel. It was thirty-five feet square and stood near the southeast corner

of Walnut and Third streets on a lot conveyed to the trustees May 12, 1789. The cornerstone was laid by Richard Whatcoat, who as late as June, 1793, in Baltimore "made up 50 dollars for the Wilmington Church." It was named for Bishop Asbury, who preached in Wilmington in 1772. (Lednum, op. cit., 56-59; Scharf, op. cit., 1, 717, 718.)

91 On May 13, 1783, James Severson conveyed to seven trustees the site upon which in 1784 a chapel was erected one and one half miles from Rothwells Landing in Duck Creek Hundred. It was dedicated on December 27, 1784. This 25 x 28 foot structure, preceded by one built of logs, is believed to have been the first frame meetinghouse built by Methodists in Kent County, Delaware. In Asbury's Journal, November 30, 1780, the name "Liverson" erroneously appears. Because of changing conditions the church fell into disuse about 1921 and was removed in 1940. (Scharf: History of Delaware, II, 1097, 1103; Haliman, op. cit., 120, 257.)

92 James Lowry lived at Lowry's Mills, Northwest Fork Hundred. For a day by day account of Asbury's illness during the week before his arrival at Lowry's, see Sweet, Religion on the American Frontier, IV, 82, 83.

93 Asbury first preached in the home of Spencer Hitchens January 20, 1780. He lived in Northwest Fork Hundred, Sussex County. (Scharf: History of Delaware, 11, 1279; Haliman, op. cit., 113.)

612 VIRGINIA November2,1789

ing's. Next day we rode twenty-eight miles to Colonel Paramore's. My rest being interrupted, I rose early, and rode through the cold to the love feast,94 where we had great shouting.

Although very weak in body, I rode thirty miles; a dish of tea, and a biscuit and a half, was all my food till six o'clock in the evening.95

Monday, November 2. I rode forty miles to Magotty Bay,96 and preached to a few people. The Antinomians please them and gain them-alas! for us. 0, that the Lord would send an earthquake of his power among them!

Tuesday, 3. We had an open time at brother Johannes Johnson's.97 The school for the charity boys98 much occupies my mind. Our annual expenditure will amount to two hundred pounds, and the aid we get is but trifling. The poverty of the people, and the general scarcity of money, is the great source of our difficulties. The support of our preachers, who have families, absorbs our collections, so that neither do our elders nor the charity school get much. We have the poor, but they have no money; and the worldly, wicked rich we do not choose to ask.

I have ridden about one hundred miles from Sunday morning till Tuesday night; at the same time very unwell with a cold and influenza, which spreads in almost every family.

Wednesday, 4. We had many people at Accomack (Accomac) court house, and power attended the word whilst brothers Joseph Everett and Richard Whatcoat spoke.

Thursday and Friday, 5, 6. We held quarterly meeting at William Downings. The first day the Lord was powerfully present, and the people were greatly agitated. On the second day at the love feast and sacrament there was a shout, and I believe two hundred souls praised God at one time. My soul was happy among them.

Maryland

Saturday, 7. At Annamessex quarterly meeting99 the Lord was amongst the people on the first day. On Sunday, at the love feast, the young were greatly filled, and the power of the Most High spread throughout. It appeared as if they would have continued till night if they had not been

94(See Whatcoat's Journal for November 1.) Whatcoat says that they were at Garrettson's Chapel where Joseph Everett administered the sacrament to three hundred people and Asbury ordained Christopher Spry and Conner Simpkins.

See letter from Wesley, October 31, 1789.

96 Magotty or Magothy Bay at the southern tip of Eastern Shore of Virginia, north of Smith's Island.

97 Whatcoat's Journal, Sweet, op. cit., 83.

98 The reference is to Cokesbury College. (See Journal entry for December 16, 1791.)

99 Whatcoat stated that the quarterly meeting was in Curtis Chapel near the Pocomoke River, Somerset County, and that on Friday, Asbury rode fifteen miles from Downings in Accomac County, Virginia, to Littleton Longs.

MARYLAND November 12,1789 613

in some measure forced to stop that we might have public worship. I stood near the window, and spoke on Isaiah lxiv, 1-5. There was a stir, and several sinners went away. There were very uncommon circumstances of a supernatural kind said to be observed at this meeting. The saints of the world are dreadfully displeased at their work; which, after all, is the best evidence that it is of God.

The preachers urged me to preach at Princess Anne. I did so, and many poor, afflicted people came out. I trust some will be able to say of Christ, "He is altogether lovely!"

I felt uncommon power in preaching at Thomas Garrettson's.' Surely the Lord will work.

At the quarterly meeting I did not speak the first day. The second, I preached on Rom. x, 14, 15. There was a little stir; yet this is said to be the dullest, or one of the dullest places in the peninsula.

Thursday, 12, was a warm day, and we had a heavy ride to the Line chapel.'' There were but few hearers, owing to the great affliction that prevails. The influenza, and other complaints, carry off many people; and it is an awful time.

Friday, 13. Came to Broad Creek chapel, where some of the wicked had broken the windows. There had been a stir at the quarterly meeting, and a testimony borne against their revellings, and it was judged, that on this account the injury was committed on the house. My throat was sore, and my testimony feeble on 2 Cor. vi. 1. I rode to the head of Nanticoke, where brother Whatcoat preached a warm sermon.

Saturday, 14. Preached at Brown's chapel: the general affliction hindered many from attending; but we were happy together, and it was a strengthening, confirming time to many tried souls.

Sunday, 15. The people were shouting the praise of God when I came. After the noise and fervour had subsided, I preached on the men of Nineveh's repenting at the preaching of Jonah; and the word sunk into some hearts.

Monday, 16. We had a noble shout, and the people rejoiced in the Lord.102

Friday, 20. Being the day of our quarterly meeting fast, we strove to keep it as well as our feeble bodies would admit.

Saturday and Sunday, 21, 22. There was a shaking among the people:

some were alarmed; some professed to be justified, and others sanctified; 100 Thomas Garrettson lived in or near Quantico. (Colbert's Journal, III, 123, July

26, 1800.)

101 When soon after January, 1785, a church was erected on an acre lot through which passed the Delaware.Maryland boundary, the church, also called Vincent's Chapel, became known as Line Church. It is now on the Whitesville Charge. A new church built in 1874 was located in Gumboro Hundred, Delaware. (Scharf: History of Delaware 11, 1345; Hallman, op. cit., 272.)

102 See letter to Ezekiel Cooper, November 16, 1789.

614 MARYLAND November23,1789

whilst the wicked brought with them much of the power of Satan. I received some relief for my poor orphans. For some days past I have been kept in an humble, living, holy, conquering frame.

Monday, 23. Although the north-west wind blew very strong, we crossed Choptank River, and came to Bolingbroke. Here we had loud shouts and living testimonies from many of our oldest members, whilst some of our gay young Methodists were mute. Being a day of public thanksgiving, I rode to Wye,103 where there is a good new chapel. The rain hindered, so that we had but few hearers. Came through the rain to Tuckahoe.

Friday, 27. There was a good move at Choptank Bridge. I ordained five persons to the office of deacons,

Saturday, 28. Preached with some freedom at Dover.

Sunday, 29. I preached at Duck Creek. Stopped, and gave them a discourse at Middletown;104 and spent the evening with a worthy, kind friend. A number of dear old brethren accompanied me to Cokesbury, where we had an examination of the boys, and stationed eleven on charity. Thence we hastened on to Baltimore.

Thursday, December 3. Our council105 was seated, consisting of the following persons, viz.: Richard Ivey, from Georgia; Reuben Effis, South Carolina; Edward Morris, North Carolina; Philip Bruce, North district of Virginia; James O'Kelly, South district of Virginia; Lemuel Green, Ohio; Nelson Reed, Western Shore of Maryland; Joseph Everett, Eastern Shore; John Dickins, Pennsylvania; James 0. Cromwell, New Jersey; and Freeborn Garrettson, New York. All our business was done in love and unanimity. The concerns of the college were well attended to, as also the printing business.106 We formed some resolutions relative to economy and union, and others concerning the funds for the relief of our suffering preachers on the frontiers. We rose on the eve of Wednesday following. During our sitting we had preaching every night; some few souls were stirred up, and others converted. The prudence of some had stilled the noisy ardour of our young people; and it was difficult to rekindle the fire. I collected about twenty-eight pounds for the poor suffering preachers in the West. We spent one day in speaking our own experiences, and giving an account of the progress and state of the work of

103Wye Chapel stands on ground deeded by William Hindman to the Methodists in Wye Mills, Queen Annes County, September 15, 1795, for five shillings. The claim that the first sermon was preached in the new chapel by Ezekiel Cooper on December 13, 1789, was made without knowledge that Asbury had preceded him by about three weeks. (Phoebus, op. cit., 110, ill; Hailman, op. cit., 329.)

104Asbury often traveled the old Kings Road which passed through Middletown, New Castle County. The present Bethesda Church is the offspring of the earliest society in that community. (Scharf: History of Delaware, 11, 998.)

105 See letter of November 16, 1789.

106 See preface to the second volume of The Arminian"Magazine, Philadelphia, December 8, 1789, and also the preface to the Disczpline, 1790.

MARY LAND December 10, 1789 615

God in our several districts; a spirit of union pervades the whole body, producing blessed effects and fruits.

Thursday, 10. This and the two following days were spent in writing, and other necessary business. I also preached at town and Point.

Sunday, 13. I delivered some alarming truths at our meeting house with some life. I preached at the German church in the afternoon; and in the evening I spoke on, "The men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment against the men of this generation, and condemn it," &c.

Monday, 14. To my comfort 1 found one of Thomas Cromwell's children under deep distress. When I formerly frequented the house she was a child.

Came on to Annapolis, and found the work rather dead.

Tuesday, 15. I preached with more liberty than the evening before.

Wednesday, 16. Set out for Herring Bay. It rained, and our ride was heavy. I lodged with William Weems,107 once a great zealot for the Old Church.

Thursday, 17. We rode to Gabriel Childs's-it was an awfully stormy, rainy day, and we had no meeting. The Lord has made bare his arm since my last visit here, and souls have been converted and sanctified.

Friday, 18. Rode to Gray's. Here also the Lord hath wrought powerfully amongst the children.

Virginia

Saturday, 19. Rode through Charles county, Maryland, to Hooe's ferry. Death! death! We had prayer at our lodgings. Mr. Hooe treated us very kindly.

Sabbath morning, 20. I read part of the thirty-third chapter of Ezekiel's prophecy, and gave an exhortation. We then rode twenty-five miles through the snow to Pope's, where I spoke with some liberty. We found ourselves not at home, so we went to our friend Richard Sanford's.108 My spirit has been wounded not a little. I know not which to pity most- the slaves or their masters. Thence we went on to the widow Hutt's. I am ill, and have little to do, which makes me worse.

On Christmas eve I made a visit to counsellor 109 a very social 107 Captain William Weems was born near Herring Creek, Anne Arundel County.

Among his nineteen brothers and sisters were David, who became an ardent Methodist, and Mason Locke Weems. The latter, who was known as "Parson Weems" whose account of truthful young George Washington, his hatchet and the cherry tree, is still remembered, had just been installed rector of All Hallows Parish when Asbury met him at the home of David Weems. (Kellock: Parson Weems of the Cherry Tree, 38-51; Journal entry for November 30, 1784.)

108 See Whatcoat's Journal; Sweet: Religion on the American Frontier, IV, 87.

109 See Whatcoat's Journal for December 24. He says the party rode to "Nomeny Hall" and spent the afternoon with Colonel Robert Carter, Mr. Dawson, a Baptist

616 VIRGINIA December27,1789

gentleman, a Baptist. After preaching we had fifteen miles to ride to sister Woolard's; and twenty miles the next morning to Lancaster quarterly

meeting.110

Sunday, 27. Feeling myself unwell, brother Whatcoat preached; and our public and society meeting occupied six hours and a half. Notwithstanding the rain, we had many to hear, both white and black. I was very sensible that the work of grace was deepened in the souls of the people:

several spoke of the pure love of God."

Monday, 28. 1 felt much enlarged in spirit. It seemed to me as if the Lord was only beginning to work; but the Antinomians oppose. Nevertheless, I have growing hopes that the glory of Zion will shortly appear."2 Tuesday, 29. After waiting at the ferry about four hours, we made an attempt to cross in an old boat, with tattered sails, which gave way near the middle of the river: through mercy we got safe over. Thence directing our course to Turks Ferry,113 a poor old Negro made out to get us across in a little flat: about eight o'clock we arrived safely at sister Davis's,114 where we found three of the preachers waiting for us, preaching having been appointed for the morrow. We had the presence of God with us in the meeting,115 and at the sacrament.

Thursday, 31. We had a few attentive people at brother Bellamy's.118 O Gloucester! Gloucester! when will it be famous for religion Finding my appointments not made, we crossed York River, and came once more to my dear old friend Weldon's. I was much indisposed.

preacher, and Dr. Hearington, with religious services in the evening. Asbury was in Westmoreland County.

110 Whatcoat says this quarterly meeting was held in a former Presbyterian church

and that they slept at the home of John Diggs. (Sweet, op. cit., 88.)

preachers dined this day with Captain Diggs and spent the evening with Colonel Gordon.

112Whatcoat says that on this day Asbury preached at Mary Tapscott's, that he and Brother Bruce exhorted to a full house, and they all then rode to Widow Ball's. (Sweet op. cit., 88.)

118 ferry was over Piankatank River. Cheesecake was on Gloucester County side.

114 (Sweet, op. cit., 88.) Scott says in his Journal that he stayed at Sister Davis's. Asbury stayed there November 17, 1795.

115 This was in Cheesecake. The church was the forerunner of Salem Church. (Sweet, op. cit., 88.)

110 Dr. Walter Reed, who contributed so greatly to the eradication of yellow fever, was born in Bellamy's parsonage in Gloucester County, September 13, 1851, the son of the Rev. Lemuel S. Reed and Mary Catherine Boyd Reed. William Bellamy became an itinerant in 1792 and located in 1796. A thriving church is there today named Bellamy's.