Addenda

This volume was in page proof when the items in this addenda came to light. It was too late to annotate these. Miss Sara C. Stevenson of Delaware, Ohio, a great-great-niece of Daniel Hitt, had heard of the effort to collect the letters, and advised us of a collection of letters in an old ledger which her family had put in the library of Ohio Wesleyan University. One of her relatives had made copies of a large number of letters written to Daniel Hitt by early Methodist preachers. There are 334 letters altogether. Among these copies of letters there are sixteen Asbury letters to Daniel Hitt. Nine of the Asbury letters had been printed somewhere before, and we had already included them in this volume. "The letters are the property of the son and daughters of Richard T. Stevenson, Ph.D., D.D., Head of the Department of History at Ohio Wesleyan University, 1893-1919. He was the grand nephew of the Rev. Daniel Hitt. The letters are on loan to the Library of Ohio Wesleyan University."

Some of the correspondence in the ledger is that of members of the Hitt family, Samuel, Benjamin, and Martin. Letters are also included from Thomas Coke, John Dickins, Philip Bruce, Thornton Fleming, James Quinn, Enoch George, and others. The volume is a valuable find.

The other things included in the addenda speak for themselves. The 0'K.elly items shed further light on the schism to which Francis Asbury refers so often.

We hope that as a result of this study many more letters may come to light. It is a great source of disappointment to us that after five years of research many more letters have not been found. However, it will be seen that the materials included in this addenda tie in well with the other letters. Little new information has been added.

John Kobler's Account of the General Conference of 1792

Thursday, November 1 at eight o'clock in the morning the ministers met 114 in number, at our new Chapel. Bishop Coke (who had just come from Europe) was our President in Conference.

It was first agreed upon "that our morning meeting was to begin precisely at 9 o'clock, and adjourn at one in the afternoon.

2nly The afternoon meeting is to begin at half after 2 and adjourn at five.

General Conference, 1792

Secondly, A moderator was chosen. It was his business first.

1. To keep order in the Conference.

2. That no person should speak above fifteen minutes without the consent of the Conference.

3. To call the speaker to his subject when he wanders from it.

4. If two rises together, one of whom has spoke before, the latter shall be preferred.

Thirdly, It was agreed upon that no old rule should be altered without a majority, and no new one established without the consent of two-thirds.

Fourthly, That any of the members of our church might have the privilege of siting in the house during the Conference to hear the debates.

Fifthly, Bishop Asbury made application for a committee which consisted of five members. This was granted. Their business was to consult with the Bishop in points that was critical, and give their judgment in matters that was dark.

First proposition.

"Shall there then be a delegated conference or not. Brother P. and Bro. As. spake with great propriety & cast much light upon the subject.

3 votes (I think) was for it, & 95 against.

Secondly, who shall appoint the station of the preachers. It was readily granted the Bishop.

Thirdly, "If any preacher think himself injured shall he have an appeal to district conference."

This motion seem to ly heavy on the minds of many. A great many arguments was advanced in favour if it, and many objections raised against it. I was struck with fear that some of the brethren was rather too warm, & by the delivering their arguments, was giving way to a false zeal. Yet prayer was made without ceasing for union and harmony among us. After two days strong debate the matter was determined viz. They shall have no appeal. My fears were again alarmed at the looks of some.

The next morning when the Conference met there came in a letter, subscribed by Bro. O'Kelly which was his farwell to the Conference. Said he, "I am now giving way to the overflowings of a ful heart that he was always afraid our superintendents was on a stretch for power, and what had took place the night before had established him in his opinion. This breach gave a sudden shock to the whole body and every member I believe bore its part, tears flowed from every face. About three of the young preachers that was wedded to Bro. O'K. absented themselves and no more appeared in Conference. In three or four day they all left town, and what they have in view no one knows but themselves. John Robinson, John Alien, William McKendree, and Rice Haggard left.

After this the conference proceeded regular to business. Revised the government and rules of our church, repeald some small parts, & made a few additions where they were deficient. I believe that Love & unanimity subsisted largly in the souls of the brethren near the conclusion. I heard several thanking God for the satisfaction which they felt, respecting matters that had just passed & taken place.

Nov. 15, Conference concluded: and we commended each other to the grace of God by prayer intercession & giving of thanks.

John Kobler's Journal, Methodist Historical Society of the Baltimore Conference (Lovely Lane Museum)

Excerpt from letter of Stith Mead to John Kobler

HANOVER AND WILLIAMSBURG CIRCUITS

My Loving & Dear Brother:

Our present antagonist OKelly has lately ranged through these borders, but has met with no success, rather lost two members who have returned. His Babel I believe is tottering. I praise God for the success my feeble labors have met with since I have written the last.

Stith Mead

Near the Sea, 30th April 1796

Methodist Historical Society of the Baltimore Conference (Lovely Lane Museum)

PHILADELPHIA

May 3, 1805

To Daniel Hitt

Dearly beloved son:

Brother Harriman is come like a man from the clouds & waves. I judge it best to give him an appointment in Harford, James Reed to Baltimore. Harriman has no horse, perhaps he may need some help. We have progressed 3 days in great peace & good order, not the least paroxism of anger: may we close in peace. We had answered the third question; one whole precious day spent in the appeal of a Local Preacher, has the half a dozen such, we should have full work. I am called off. Peace be with thee;

Farewell.

F. Asbury

Letters to Daniel Hitt, Ohio Wesleyan University Library

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.

Jan. 11, 1806

[To Daniel Hitt]

My Faithful Brother:

I was pleased to hear that you are in your --, & the prosperity that opens to your view: Our South Carolina Conference, was Love & unity itself. We had six faithful days setting. And Committees at work till mid-night. Preaching at 5 o Clock. 12 o Clock, & in the evening. We hope to hear of consequent fruit. I had to gather up my loose papers & ride 135 miles before I could put pen to paper to write to you, & my other Brethren in the North; we had added by admitting & readmitting 15 at the South Carolina Conference; but we have Located & passed by those not in membership, that have stopt 15: but a part is more than the whole, as they are all, we hope effective men. We are resolved to have no Local Traveling Preachers; Judgement is began at the house of God, we have swept the docket compleatly. We number about 45, we could employ about 50, as we have not many back lands.

I am very seriously sensible of the importance of the Western part of our empire or I never should made such sacrifices to visit that Conference; I shall gladly concur in sending sermons from the Baltimore Conference or any other; but I am afraid old Virginia Conference will be near low water mark. Doctor Chandler's calculation for the Delaware District, in Letter: to me, & another to B. Whatcoat, is 1600 professing converting grace from July to October 18th, & above 100 sanctified. Brother Thacher's account of the Camp-meeting in the York District, above 200, & many sanctified. The Epistoltory Letters meet the minds of the Conferences; I think pure extracts from these might be published in our annual Letter Book. I wish the Brethren to be as pure & correct, as they can, as we are prepareing for another publication. Ways & means are with the Lord, & that may be one. The South Conference have concurred with the West in the method of the yearly minutes. Many wish to organize the General Conference, least it should come to be made up of 500 Brethren at once. I thought of one way, to restrict the members to 8 years of age. 2nly. To take the lowest number of members from any of the Seven: and let the General Conference Elect out of the surplus an equal number. The interest of each conference, is in my opinion equally concerned in an equal number, & none but party men & simple ones could object: There might be anticipations of nearly what number they would send from each Conference in the Epistolatory Letter the year before.

We made our way through awful roads in the wilderness; our new horse fell upon a Limestone rock, the other happily stood, or the carriage had gone, or horse killed: We passed Tennessee; North Carolina, Georgia & Charleston; I was in the five Districts before Conference. I formed a plan & consulted the presiding Elders, & they completely concured, I had mistaken a surplus preacher, this made way for one to the Columbia Circuit. Our next Conference is to be in Sparta, Georgia. Bro. Watson supernumerary, in ill health, is coming to the North; Daniel Asbury takes the District. We should do all we can to promote a spirit of Family, Social, Congregational & private prayer. The Presiding Elders, should look well to good order in Quarterly Meetings, let judgment begin at those houses of God. You should be very strict in the examination of candidates, at quarterly meetings, that come forward to the Conference: we are always in danger from this quarter. We must keep the altar pure. Consider what I say, & the Lord give thee understanding in all things. We are aiming at Wilmington, Newburn, Washington, Williams Town, Murphysburg, Edenton, & so to Norfolk. Brother Mead as is his manner, is going on upon the Richmond District, and indeed all three promises well. Saml. Coate is Learning French to preach in Lower Canada: the French College expelled him; but he keeps along. Let us pray mightily for our Continent, that we may be kept out of the wars of the old wicked world! I am as ever yours

F. Asbury

Letters to Daniel Hitt, Ohio Wesleyan University Library

BURLINGTON, N.J.

Apr. 28, 1806

[To Daniel Hitt]

My Very Dear Brother:

Great, great, grace attend thee. I have written to our dearly beloved Jn. Pitts, knowing the friendship there is between you. N. Snethen has slipt thro' my hands, because I was tardy in treating & stipulating, this business, I mean to quite, it only puts one into difficulties; but if it will work, & you could give him the Point Station; and send L. Cassell post haste, by land or water to Boston, and perhaps make a Lyell of him. You ask, what is to be done there Oh! wonders-surpassing, there are building a brick house 84 by 64, up to Baltimore already; all is to be strait, but the lower part is to contain 100 pens, calf pens, goat pens. I must say nothing, it is begun without my knowledge, or consent. 8,000 dollars, the spot of ground for the Chapel & dwelling house. If you can, send Br. Cassell, to supply, while the stationed preacher goeth to the Conference.

I was happy enough to ride near 600 miles, and visit all the Circuits on the Eastern shore, on my way to the Philadelphia Conference. Great harmony, strict Conference Discipline; one or two a little displeased, that had been in the habit on indulgence in Towns, and stipulations. Before I establish two orders, one for the Cities, and the other for the Country, may the General Conference strip my authority of Superintindency over my head, & off my head. If when they are sent to Circuits, they locate, or leave the connection, be it so.

We had a gracious season at the Philadelphia Conference, I trust there was not less good done than at the Baltimore. I shall travel near 1000 miles, in 200 from Baltimore to New-York, and 6 or 700 by a blessing to the New-England Conference. You may write if any thing special, by Cassell if he comes. I shall possibly be in Boston about the first of June, or soon after. I purpose to visit Genessee in my return, & to reach Frederick-Town July 26. There I shall be pleased to hear from or see you. Brother Whatcoat, we have left at Dover sick, yet hope he is not dead.

The Philadelphia Conference have written ameliorating letter to Doctor Coke; but not contradict yours; they condemn the thought of dividing the Conferences; and tell him they would not wish him to crucify his wife's feelings. They approve the recommendation to the three conferences to fill their seats at the next General Conference. I think an election will take place in the three Conferences, permitting any to come that please, that have a right to come: it will be particular election and general liberty; better so than worse; we are sure matters of a most serious nature will call the attention of the next General Conference, possibly dissolving the union with Doctor Coke, electing superintendents & organising, the General Conference.

We have added in five Conferences 8278 members, one third, or fourth of our labors. 58 Preachers added, we have swept the Docket of 40 by Location: great union in Philadelphia, the causes of division are nearly gone. In all the circuits prospects good, and all the Districts. I do not think I owe that partiallity of a double visit to the cities; I should only hear their murmurings, it is more than I can bear; I have need to go like the scape goat into the wilderness with the murmurs of the people, after a surge of seven Conferences seven days and nights. 0 Bro. let us preach holiness with all our might, enforce Discipline with all our wisdom. Hold Camp meetings: quarterly meetings in the woods. Doctor Chandler talks of 100 days & nights in the woods this year. Let us keep up a spirit of prayer. The deficiencies above 2,000 dollars, collection and Funds made up near two thousand; but some of the Genessee Preachers had nearly demanded the whole of their double pay. Five pensioners; alas! the more we get the more we want. I am still thine.

F. Asbury

Letters to Daniel Hitt, Ohio Wesleyan University Library

NEW YORK May 18, 1806

[To Daniel Hitt]

My Very Dear Brother:

Grace, grace, great grace be with Thee: Thine came to hand; what is may be aright, Br. Snethen is Located. I embrace an interval from the house of God to write. I had resolved to go to the Genessee, and partially promise the Philadelphia Conference to visit that district; but providence changes, & I change. I find Br. Crawford is not very willing to take another trip round the Continent; I fear the stability of his health; and not only so, the call for laborers is great in this Conference. I mean to give him a station here, after we shall go about 100 miles east. I intend to sell the waggon, and purchase a neat single carriage in York, and come on to Baltimore as soon as possible; I judge two wheels will go better and cheaper than four. I have thoughts of taking two horses, Thomas Budd or any other that will volunteer for a year, they may drive the carriage in times and places of danger, I can ride upon horseback. The pomp of a waggon is too great for me, and the danger; perhaps not one in five hundred could drive to please me, this would make me more dependant than I would wish to be; the jollies of age and sallies of youth do not always fit. Bro. Crawford, is one of the best young men in the world; but his life was greatly exposed, and health in going with me. If you should go to the Western Conference, I will depend upon you till Br. Budd can attend me, as he has volunteered himself, I am inclined to try him; you may write to Br. Ward if you please. I have asked the estimate for a low neat strong single Carriage. We have had a great Camp-meeting, 2 or 300 Souls blest. We have opened our Conference, progressed for two days in great peace & some power. Possibly, if I can, I will be in Baltimore by the middle of July, nothing will stop me, but debility, or sickness.

Your letter to the Doctor has been censured for its severity; but not its plainess & sincerity; it is asserted as an opinion that the Doctor will be at the next General Conference. What if the terms are unmade how will that fit. I am seriously earnestly disposed to urge this, and all the Conferences to nominate a contingent General Conference to guard against my death, debility, apostacy. Location, or desertion: why not I am not more than man, my mental powers may fail, I may marry 30,000 pounds & a coach & 4 horses, I may run off to some other land, as to the west, & sit down, or go to Canada, and write to you, that I will not come unless you will give me such a part of the work, or make me an ArchBishop. I mean in short, at my death or debility or otherwise, there should be men that should come as a convention and appoint some General Superintendency that the order be not broken immediately upon my failures. I am the man to move this, I consider the safety of the Connection, of more consequence ten thousand times over than my little honor, or place, & dignity: the case of the Doctor and myself is like Solomon's mother: enough my brother, keep it safe, Honorable I hope. I am. F. Asbury

Letters to Daniel Hitt, Ohio Wesleyan University Library

DAVENPORT'S, VA.

Aug. 2, 1806

[To Daniel Hitt]

Dearly Beloved Daniel:

Mayest thou be a man highly favored of God. Divine providence has suddenly locked my wheels of motion; I have been for 9 days a most afflicted man. I have in my midnight hours, viewed our temporal & spiritual state of things. Oh! for an American General Superintendency, if I am their servant. Sure I am, if the Americans are not old enough to govern themselves now, they never will, then they must for life be in leading strings. All the prospects of this world are dead to me, I feel not a wish for creatures or things. The glory of the Kingdom of Christ, the organization of a primitive Church of God, these are all my objects; was it possible to set a glass to my heart, you should see them engraven there by the word & spirit of the living God.

Simpson's view of the Church of England is all the abomination of desolation : Simpson renounced the twin sister to the whore of Babylon, but God took him to himself; good man, his son has printed his last Book and recantation. Br. George has seen it, and can furnish you the reading. I wish Neal would print it; it would give the Episcopalians a sour face.

You will conclude, I am very weak, by my worse than bad writing. I have only prefaced what I have to write. By my authority I wish to write to all the Presiding Elders of the Baltimore Conference, not in imperious commands, but by Socratic questions; & it is not proper the Preachers of the Baltimore Conference, ought not to draw their supplies from the people they labor among, and if the people are not willing and alas now, when will they be After 30 years more are gone State a case for --- between Baltimore and the New-England Conference: Say Baltimore has 80 Preachers, and 26,000 members, many very wealthy, (no other church demands, or poor to support.) Adding dollar to dollar, and field to field: Say the living of the Preachers is 25 or 30 per cent superior to NewEngland. Say New-England 78 preachers, 20 married men, poor wives, many poor children, having little or nothing, neither houses nor homes, waggoning their families from place to place, having only clothing poor in quality, more so in quantity. Say the New-England Conference have

10,000 members to support them; members poor, houses of children laboring like slaves in Virginia, night & day, taxed by the spurious race of the first genuine Puritans, the present holding only the form & superstition of Religion: Oh! in the great grand children, how are the mighty fallen taxed to build houses to grace the Town, where all the best of the parish may meet as grand as in Solomon's Temple; after this taxed to pay a hypocritical Priest, the devils agent, the peoples tool & fool; and opposes of all living religion and every Methodist Preacher that comes in the parish, If he had nothing to do before, he will move then. Now if it is right that the Baltimore Conference should be pampered into the perfection of the ministry, and Christian perfection, and the New-England Conference to be starved into it, Judge thou.

It was moved by the Superintendency and Conference, that the Committee's list of claims should be brought in, it was done, and then it was moved again that ways of supplies should not be gone into till every man had given in flax, wool, Rye, anything, or everything he had received from the people, this was done without a murmur; then all they had received was charged as quarterage, they could not go to ripping of bellies, finally making no provision for Children, deficiency 3000 dollars. Tis my opinion that the Baltimore Conference members of the Society will support their preachers, if the Conference would let them know they do not; by letter from Conference, finally, after my letter of shorthand, I wish the Baltimore Conference to hold their right, to draw their dividend, & put it into the hands of the Book Stewards and donate the money, giving each Annual Conference with the Superintendency, liberty to appropriate their bounty, and draw on the Stewards. I am thine.

F. Asbury

Letters to Daniel Hitt, Ohio Wesleyan University Library

HARRISONBURG VA.

Aug. 11, 1806

[To Daniel Hitt][

My Very Dear Daniel:

We have a grand house built here, and the best seat I know for Conference in 1808. Those that have served the connection 18 or 20 years, & mean to serve for life, should not be inattentive to all the interests of so great a body; if from among that description these cannot be called forth ---- be like a campground night after night. It is begun in York, the City, ---- & immorality. Oh! how has truth been imprisoned. Oh! how we have been in our houses, at Quarterly meetings, when thousands were perishing for the word, & could not hear it. Blindness in part has happened to our Israel. I saw a letter that Doctor Coke wrote to a brother Myres; that he would do anything to support this blessed form of things in America. How far he, that has many things to learn, of our plan of things, will excell those who have had constant practice, during his 20 years absence from the Continent; I am not able to say. Learning Dignity & money are great in the eyes of some, as well as an extensive acquaintance with men and things. For my part, an age of 62 years, and 57 may teach us to moderate our zeal for commanding. If 40 years is not time enough, or 35 for American gradation, we may as well quit, and pronounce that they shall be under Tutors & governors from Europe till the end of time. I should be pleased, you would have a fire place in the Conference chamber, at the expense of the society or Conference; if we have those wretched stoves, we shall have our men of business sick, if you have not written, write me fully to Newbern, North-Carolina, by the 2nd of Feb. 1807. Let me hear if you have any thing certain or special from any part of the work. I am still your faithful Brother and Friend.

F. Asbury

Letters to Daniel Hitt, Ohio Wesleyan University Library

AUGUSTA (G.)

Nov. 18, 1806

[To Daniel Hitt]

My Very Dear Daniel:

Great peace attend thee in life & death. After I had written; thine came to hand, giving an account of the success of the Long-Calm (Camp meeting) but I think there was a gust of Divine power. I rejoice to hear that Delaware, & the East of Maryland fire, spreads on the Western-shore.

Your observations on the probable nonsuit of a delegated General Conference to organize a superintendency, has waked up some serious thoughts in my mind. You will, as a man of mind, think how I feel, under an insupportable burden; weakening under the weight of age, now entering my 62, and entered my 45 in Local, and traveling Ministry.

I have drove John-like through life, running out of breath, then stopping to recover my wind; and off again. I must fret at nothing, nor murmur, or complain: But be assured not a day, an hour or a moment should be delayed to fix the Superintendency, the most perfect plan is in operation. If I have sought the stilts of power, or have been flying on wings of ambition, (as my enemies have said) let me not be suspected in this matter; Life shortens with me; but a charge of two millions, that are nearly, or remotely connected with us; If my breath is strange to my Brethren I intercede for the children, that cannot go alone, the infants that suck the breast.

Many of our once faithful men, are gone to their Farms, merchants ---- and we have but few, that know what Israel ought to do, ---- Israel. A few men of little ---- that expect to work round a circle like a horse in a mill, may talk to little purpose and to great success. Conference. Never a better time or method of doing than the present, to call out immediately two or three of the most aged, willing & faithful men to go from the Mississippi to Kennebeck annually to superintend the work but if the plan is only divulged, to any but in full conference; they will be to oppose they know not what. I suppose there will be puss enough in three great, very great Conferences, Virginia, Baltimore, & Philadelphia, but they ought to pass it implicitly; (but catch them at that.) If men, Poor men; men that cannot be spared a moment from the work; two words marked out that have to take time, money, & labor: 1600 miles, going and returning; their Brethren, in the centre ought to submit, unless they wish to rule the connection & Superintendency. And I presume, if there is not an accommodation in this (& a successive General Conference) Brethren in the extremities will not, come at all, they cannot, will not dare not leave the work; like our Brethren, (on the Missions to the West, they would not one come to Conference.) In a delegation, the Superintendent in Conference, know what preachers are to be absent, and can make Provision to fill their places, by local or traveling preachers, if any Presiding Elder; to order the Elders to supply their place at Quarterly Meetings. Men of minds, cry out, we ought to have a delegation at the yearly Conferences, and leave as many on the Circuits as we can at Conference times, the work is so great! As to General Conference, I am sure the distant Conferences had better not come; if they would send it 21 , what are these be to one hundred. I think you would be in your duty, to write to the Elders to keep the probationers on the Circuit at Conference next.

F. Asbury

Letters to Daniel Hitt, Ohio Wesleyan University Library.

Thursday 9th 1811

[To James Mitchell]

I have tried with all my might to release you from Quebeck. I cannot;

perhaps you cannot, may be you had better take up the .}. and see if you can stand it one year more.

F. Asbury

The Historical Society of the Philadelphia Conference and Old St. George's Church, Philadelphia.

Baltimore 19, March 1811

[To James Mitchell]

My dear Jimmy:

Great grace rest upon you, in your soul and services for God, and souls. I am pleased exceedingly to hear of your being well and doing well. It is not possible to know the Importance of regular attention in a station like Quebeck. I most sincerely wish you to continue in the station till you hear from us, from the York Conference. I cannot multiply words but your own mind will suggest the great propriety there is for you and Br. Scull to keep your stations. Many peculiarities will attend changes. We wish to come as near to you as possible to have the fullest information of persons and things. You will be sure your Brethren view you as placed in an important station, so remote from them, except their prayers and their confidence. We have no fear of you betraying your trust. I am most confidentially and affectionately yours

F. Asbury

Oh I think the probability is that your Br. William will come to see you if you stay patiently a little longer in Canada.

F.Ay.

On envelope

The Revd. James Mitchell

Quebeck

Lower Canada

The Historical Society of the Philadelphia Conference and Old St. George's Church, Philadelphia

Address of the General Conference of 1812, to the Members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America

Dearly Beloved Brethren,

When we retrospect the Divine goodness toward us as a people, our hearts are animated with sentiments of praise and thanksgiving. We have been favoured with repeated manifestations of the power and grace of God. The Redeemer has planted his standard in the midst of us; He has given astonishing success to our labors, and annually made accessions of thousands to our number. From the cold provinces of Canada to the sultry regions of Georgia; from the shores of the Atlantic to the waters of the Mississippi; in populous cities, improved countries, and dreary deserts, God has extended the triumphs of his grace. Infidelity trembles in the presence of the Cross; superstition yields to the mild influence of the Gospel, and ignorance vanishes before the auspicious beams of Truth. In the revolution of a few years, our number has amounted to nearly 200,000, exclusive of the many happy souls who have departed in the faith, and gone to their reward in Heaven. We have mutually participated in the prosperity of Zion; frequently in our solemn assemblies we have witnessed the effusions of grace, and experienced the overwhelming showers of Redeeming love. The blessings we have received from God should humble us at his feet, while a recollection of his mercies inspire us with gratitude and love. All the Divine benedictions conferred upon us, have been unmerited and free. Undeserved blessings have been strewed in our paths, and distinguishing goodness attends us in all our ways. While myriads of our fellow creatures grope in Pagan darkness, and Mahometan delusion, we enjoy the light and truth of the gospel of Christ. In the midst of civil and ecclesiastical convulsions, the Lord has favoured us with tranquility and repose; we are therefore under peculiar obligations to Grace. "By Grace are we saved, through Faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God." To God therefore let us ascribe the glory and praise of our past and present mercies.

Dear Brethren, We are bound to you by ties which death itself cannot dissolve: With you, we again renew our covenant, to live and die your servants in Jesus Christ. You will therefore, we hope, receive from us the word of exhortation.

The spirit of internal religion, in all its branches, we most ardently recommend and insist on. Bible religion does not consist barely in rites and ceremonies; in subscribing creeds and becoming violent partizans; in the reveries of a heated imagination, nor the paroxisms of agitated passions; but in the mind which was in Christ Jesus, in a victory over sin, and a conformity to the will of God; in love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance; in all the amiable virtues which centre in the moral character of Christ. Without holiness of heart we can never enter into the kingdom of glory. "Be ye holy, for I am holy," saith the Almighty God. And no unclean thing shall enter in the kingdom, saith the Lord Jesus. We therefore exhort you to go on to perfection, to pursue after holiness with all the ardour of faith and hope. Never give sleep to your eyes nor slumber to your eyelids, until you awake with the lovely likeness of Christ.

While we insist on internal, we do not forget external religion. You are commanded to "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven;" to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, and to be careful to maintain good works. The duties which God hath enjoined on us should be discharged with all possible fidelity. His eyes are upon us, and all our ways; the enemies of religion mark our steps, and our consciences will accuse or excuse us: God will render to every man according as his work shall be. Therefore be holy in manner of conversation and godliness.

"Search the Scriptures," said the adorable Savior, "for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me." God has not left us to learn his attributes and will merely from his works and providence; he has revealed himself in his holy word, with all the perspicuity necessary to make us wise unto salvation. This holy revelation should be studied with serious attention, candor, and prayer. We beseech you to read it in your closets and in your families. A proper knowledge of, and conformity to the Holy Scripture will render you happy to all the calamities of life, support you in the pangs of death, and prepare you for an endless enjoyment in heaven.

A strict attention to the Christian Ordinances we deem indispensably necessary. Christ himself instituted the holy sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and his followers should never neglect them. "Go, (saith he) teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" and in reference to the Holy Supper he said, "Do this in remembrance of me."

The Sabbath of the Lord deserves your serious consideration and attention. It should be consecrated wholly to his service. All labor, vain conversation, worldly employments and visits should be carefully avoided. Prayer, praise, searching the scriptures, and the worship of God should be the only employment of that day. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, is the language of the Holy One of Israel.

It is with regret that we have seen the too frequent use of ardent spirits, dram-drinking, &c. among the professors of religion. We have endeavored to suppress the practice by our example; it is necessary that we add precept to example. We do sincerely think it not consistent with the Christian character to be immersed in the practice of distilling, selling, and drinking an article so destructive to the morals of society. And we most earnestly recommend and exhort our people to join with us in making a firm and constant stand against an evil which has impoverished, disgraced, and ruined thousands, both in body and soul.

"Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing

of your minds," said the apostle. Let us unanimously oppose the vain fashions and evil maxims of this ungodly world: We are creatures of a moment, hastening to the grave, and soon shall stand before God in judgment; therefore let us not copy the fashions of the gay and thoughtless, especially in putting on gold and costly apparel; but dress with simplicity and modesty, with gravity and neatness.

The important duty of Fasting has been too much neglected. This we fear has been, and will be productive of melancholy effects. We have abundant cause for deep humiliation before God and one another. Our country is in jeopardy, calamities stare us in the face, iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold! 0 let us be more diligent in every good word and work, particularly in Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer.

The propriety and importance of religiously educating your children, we wish seriously to impress on your minds. To instruct them in the arts and sciences may be useful in this life, but the knowledge of God, and their own heart, is absolutely necessary for the life to come. It is religion only which can make them truly happy in life, and triumphant in death. The unhappy effects of indifference to the education of children, must be seen and lamented by every friend to religion. Children whose religious education is neglected by their parents, generally grow up in iniquity, become obdurate in sin, and are prepared for almost every species of vice, and frequently terminate their unhappy career in ruin, covered with disgrace; therefore, instruct your children in the doctrines and practice of the Christian religion. While young, take them by the hand, and lead them into the salutary paths of wisdom, virtue, and piety. Your labor shall not be in vain; for saith Solomon, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Finally, brethren, be sound in the faith, uniform in practice, obedient to all the precepts of the gospel. Consider the various relations and obligations of life, as men and as Christians; and walk worthy of your high calling and holy profession, so shall you be the children of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ, throughout all ages, world without end-AMEN.

Signed in behalf of the Conference.

Francis Asbury,

William McKendree,

Daniel Hitt, Sec'ry,

New-York, May 23, 1812,

The University of Chicago Library

February 27, 1833

[To the Bishops & Va. Ann. Confe. at Petersburg]

Rev. Fathers and Brethren,

Peace be to thee, and grace be multiplied. I am now in the 66th year of my natural age, 43 in Religion and Methodism, 40 in the ministry, ten years of that period under a location from a broken constitution by the arduous toil and labor of Itinerant preaching, opening, clearing up and filing for cultivation the worst of the ground in hopes of a copious and prosperous crop and increase of Wesleyan Methodism. My first efforts were in Bottetourt, Holstein & New River Circuits 40 years ago, presents a view of a people & country poor in circumstances, rough in surface & rough in manners. Soon after from the Mountain filth, flees & buggs to the extremity of the low lands-Williamsburg & Gloucester Circuits, to fan & fight the flies & mosquitos, and endure the shaking Agues & Fevers -and epidemic subject to man and beast in the lowlands, swamps and marsh's. Having in ten years rest from pulpit itinerant labors-tho older in years-strengthened in constitution-at the Ann. Confe. in 1827- where you are now assembled. I offered to the Confe. a return of my location, and was readmitted into the traveling connection-in a Superannuated relation to the M.E. Church. The same year I voluntarily formed a Mission from Lynchburg to the city of Richmond-on James River-the distance of 300 miles as the River meanders about the 60th year of my age-ordering my course of apts. when no regular class in a Circt. was attended by the Circt. preachers in this way. I had to rub thro various denominations free-meeting Houses, and lost part of the fruits of my labor, being four weeks in the round absent, yet I estimated 50 converts-10 of them in the Va. Penitentiary among the Prisoners. The Preachers from the Circts. on both sides of the river can judge of the utility of the James River Mission. Since that I have exercised in the camp meeting, until I am exhausted-the present year out of 4 places to exercise in my feeble manner-I kept up one viz. Bro. Nathanael Terry's-4 miles distant, in the bent of James River, a member of my Class, and the Lord blessed my feeble endeavors in the awakening and conversion of several souls.

Perhaps our contributions in a pecuniary way to aid the Gospel, together with the hopes sustained by persecution for Christ and Methodism was some means of our great privation, in actual cash. The items of the Guirey persecution in 1807 & 1808 &c. amounts to $930 and deducting the contributions of Brethren and friends $118 presents a clear loss of $812 dollars. That it was for Methodism I suffered this loss appears from his first book called Priest Craft Detected or a correct account of the proceedings between Stith Mead, Presiding Elder of the Methodist Church, and William Guirey, minister in the Christian Church, from Sunday the 17th until Thursday 21st May, 1807. Including an account of their trial in Lynchburg before 1. William Norvell, 2. John Lynch, Jun. 3. William Warwick, 4. Joseph Slaughter, 5. M. Lambeth, 6. Rhoderick Taliaferro, 7. William Morgan-By William Guirey. Taken from the title page after which he brought Suit in Caroline County Court as follows, William Guirey against Stith Mead-Slander $5000 (verdict $430) that the plaintiff is guilty of forgery. That the defendant a Presiding Elder in the Methodist Church, and an Itinerant Preacher, did to his congregation &c. In the 5th page of his Book he says little notice will be taken of any other Methodist Preacher in this publication but Stith Mead, about the same time he married into a rich family who supported him in persecuting the M.E. Church so he made Bishop Asbury the object of his Diabolical hatred-& published a Bound book of near 400 pages called the History of Episcopacy-representing the venerable Father of American Methodism, under the figure and character of the Baltimore Bull. In point of contributions-In the year 1796-when on the Williamsburg & Hanover Circts. joined in a six weeks Circt. the City of Richmond included no Mt. House & not 20 Methodists in the great Metropolis, I procured a subscription of 100.00 pounds which started the first Meth. Mt. House in Richmond. In the year 1800 when stationed to Augusta once the Metropolis of Georgia-where we had no Methodist Society, I started a Subscription-and contracted with Mr. P. Crawford Mechanic-to build a Methodist Mt. House on my own-individual responsibility which in its completion cost about $4000 and had to go from 20 to 40 miles- to get suitable Trustees to deed and secure it to the M.E.C. after contributing hundreds more than the Dist. of Georgia. Was stationed to the Richmond Dist. in 1805, where I had started a Subscription in the town of Lynchburg in the great Revival in 1804-and finding opposition made to prevent it-the Trustees nominated discouraged I became by promise responsible for the money & started the Brick building for the first Methodist Mt. House in Lynchburg-where we had no organized Meth. Church before-which building cost about $3000 as I had not fully wound up matters in Ga. the above house was badly executed-so I gave up much money-due me from the Trustees to make the house better builded on its present plan in Lynchburg and many other Meth. Mt. H. in the Richmond District so I appropriated what I made by commissions for Book printing and Book Selling about the year 1801 or 1802-on the sale of a tract of land in Va. I instructed my Agent to remit me $500 which I gave to the Bishops and Ann. Confe. at Augusta. When Bro. L. Skidmore started with me on the WmsBg. Circuit in 1812, thence to Confe. I was boarding my family on my own expense at $200 pr. Annum-as the prejudices in Va. was against married Preachers traveling-my wife preferred staying at one place. It is a record in Scripture-"Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." God has in mercy to us as a family provided Benevolent Brethren & friends in and about Lynchburg-by food and raiment, or I do not believe the aged and infirm could have survived the present winter's cold. I am in arrears for last year's supply-at least $200-it is our concern and mortification to be expensive & troublesome to our Brethren-Adieu.

Affectionately

Stith Mead

Property of Edgar A. Potts