Chapter 10

FROM 1807 TO THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1808 February 2, 1807 May 27, 1808

A Letter of Bishop Coke to the American Brethren

Coke again offers himself to the American connection. He is most anxious to travel in America. He indicates again that his wife will be able to travel, too. He hopes to receive a speedy reply. However, the brethren did ml urge his coming. On January 6, 1807, Coke had written a letter to the Baltimore Conference which was much the same as his letter to the New York Conference of January 6, 1806.

TAUNTON, SOMERSETSHIRE

February 2, 1807

My dear brother:[ This letter was sent through Alexander M'Caine.]

Sometime ago I sent you a long letter, addressed to the Baltimore[Evidently the letter to the Baltimore Conference was similar to that sent to other conferences. ] Annual Conference, and after that a short letter which I wished to have added to the former letter. But I request you to add the following to the first letter, instead of adding the second letter to it.

Perhaps, dear respected brethren, you will now ask, "Why did you offer yourself to us" I answer. It was your unanimous vote at the General Conference, that the episcopacy wanted to be strengthened. I had been consecrated by our venerable Father in the Gospel, the late Mr. Wesley, a bishop particularly for America. I had been the means of establishing your present form of Church government, which in a general view, (though it may admit of improvements) I prefer to any other. I consider your union of infinite importance to the continuation of the present revival. Your continent makes about a third part [A bad guess on the size of America.] of the land of the world. When fully cultivated and peopled, it will contain and support, perhaps, a thousand millions of inhabitants, most of whom, I expect, will speak the English language. To preserve, therefore, your union, that the work of God may progress with the progression of the population, and at last leaven the whole continent, lies exceedingly near my heart.

I know that I am perfectly unworthy of the honor of merely preaching in all your pulpits; but it is my duty to meet the calls of God, however unworthy I may be. If you consider my living and laboring among you, will help to preserve this union, I shall think it the highest honor and happiness of my life so to do. My precious wife can travel, under the Divine blessing, 5000 miles a year, and I can travel 10,000. But considering the circumstances before mentioned it is my duty to have some explanation from you. I cannot come to you as a mere preacher. As to my Circular letter, I recall it entirely, acknowledging that I laid down conditions which were not included in our solemn reciprocal engagements. But I did not see things when I wrote it, as I do now. I hardly knew what to write, circumstanced as I was in respect to you. And you surely, my respected brethren, must be conscious that an explanation of some kind is really necessary. Am I to come to you in any sense as a bishop, and in what sense I don't want to act, if I come, but in perfect subordination to the General Conference, but yet still as a Bishop, and having a right to give my judgment in all Episcopal matters, unless I render myself unworthy of the office.

Do write to me as soon as you have considered this letter. Send me duplicates; one by the British packet from New York, paying the postage to New York, otherwise it will not be sent off; and another by the first merchant ship. In this case, I believe, I shall hear from you before the next British Conference sits, which I particularly desire to do. And now I leave this whole business in the hands of my God and you. Pray for us. To God's most holy keeping I commit you. May your blessed work flourish more and more; and your own hearts be ever full of Divine love.

I am, my dear friends and brethren, yours very affectionately and faithfully,

Thomas Coke

Alexander M'Caine, Letters on the Organization and Early History of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 155-56

Edward Dromgoole was an old friend of Asbury. His home in Virginia was Asbury''s stopping place. For a time he was a traveling preacher, but located and became a local preacher. Asbury foresees some of the problems of a delegated General Conference. He is concerned greatly for a strong general superintendency. He reports on what was done at the Virginia Conference which met at Newbern, North Carolina.

PINNERS, N.C. NEAR MURFREESBORO

February 11, 1807

To Edward Dromgoole [Edward Dromgoole was a local preacher living on the Greensville Circuit, one of the earliest American preachers. He traveled from 1774 to 1780 and from 1783 to 1786.]

My very dear Friend:

Great grace attend thee and thine. I greatly desired to see thee, but duty calls me to Norfolk. I must travel like the mail stage, 5000 miles in 10 months, or less. The conference is appointed in Lynchburg next year. It is judged we must sit in a town. Glorious tidings, 1000 added in the Western conference the same as in the Southern, and 3000 in old Virginia, added nineteen preachers. Brother Chandler[William P. Chandler, presiding elder on the Delaware District.] reports, at camp meeting alone, in Delaware District 7 months, 7000 converted; and half the number sanctified. Brother Mead [Stith Mead was presiding elder on the Richmond District, Virginia.] about 2000, Chandler had 150 days and nights, in the woods, Brother Mead 90. Our wicked towns and cities are greatly visited.

Camp meetings prevail generally. I have heard of Simeon and Levi. Brother Bruce[Philip Bruce was presiding elder on the Norfolk District, Virginia. Later in this letter Asbury says Bruce will tell Dromgoole about the conference. The conference was voting on the proposal of the delegated General Conference. The minutes of the conference say: "The New York conference having written a circular letter to the several Annual Conferences, proposing a plan to strengthen the Superintendency, the letter was read in this Conference, and a vote was taken yesterday, 'shall we concur in the subject' Only seven were in favor of the motion. The subject was called up again to-day, and a second vote was taken; fourteen were in favor of it. It is therefore the decision of this Conference not to be concerned in it.

"The purport of this measure is thus given by Bangs, in his History of the Methodist Episcopal Church:

"This year 1806 a paper was submitted to the Annual Conferences, beginning with the Baltimore Conference, by Bishop Asbury, in favor of calling a General Conference of seven delegates from each Annual Conference, to meet in the city of Baltimore, in May, 1807, for the purpose of strengthening the Episcopacy.

" "This paper was referred to a committee to consider and report thereon, and all the Conferences except Virginia reported in favor of the proposition, and elected their delegates accordingly.' " (See Bennett, Memorials of Methodism in Virginia, 507-8.)] is a Virginian, and Carolinian, your presiding elder. Before we left Newbern between 60 and 70 had joined society. I trust that it will be found that near one hundred were convicted, or converted at Conference; it was a great season. It was a time of love, and union among the preachers, our conferences in general are as the anti-chamber of heaven. An attempt was made under the patronage of the New York Conference

-- when the Superintendency, the four eastern conferences concurred almost in unanimity, but it was carried out with great odium in Virginia. I refer you to Philip Bruce, but it was all Simeon and Levi, O'Kelly[James O'Kelly, who led the schism into the Republican Methodist, later Christian, Church. It finally united with the Congregational Church to form the Congregational Christian Church.] over again. I have done what I thought, but if I am called away ere long, and all the conferences become separate and independent, I am clear.

From the present fare of things in the year 1808 we shall minute 600 travelling preachers, 300 will be elders and claim a seat in General Conference, 150 will be within 200 miles of the place of sitting, the other 150 at the distance of 400 and others 800, to come 1200 and 1600 miles to General Conference. We may hope for only a partial[As the conference of 1808 is approached, Asbury is wondering as to whether they will vote for a delegated General Conference or not.] promiscuous aristocratical spiritual body under no tie by constitution, or any check from the superintendency, doctrine, discipline, or order may go, but God will preserve.

I had wished to retreat from the weight of the work, but when or by what means. I am like you, and all heads of families, the most to do in the last of life. From 16 to 62 years of my life I have been doing for others and my own soul. I do not wish to leave this connection as unorganized as Mr. Wesley from lamented necessity left the British, when we are in a free country; and may form as we think best. However I am a servant, and a martyr, if need be to the cause of God. He has blest me and by his grace I will not draw back, but think of all the ponderous load, but oh the prayers of God's people.

One thing is and will be secured. We are missionaries, while I move others will, the same ----[ Letter defaced in these places.] myself, ---- shall have every order of ---- life of the cause. I shall be pleased if you would write to me. I enclose a ten dollar bill for Father McKendree,[ Father of William McKendree.] sent by dear Billy.[ William McKendree.] I suppose it is good, but you will keep the number. I took it from the South Conference. Billy was well and doing well, he sees as do others with me.

I believe all the presiding elders in this and other conferences, see and feel the need of a strong united superintendency, not very large but from as a threefold Lord. I am greatly happy in God and supported far beyond my own and the expectation of others. I have this to say, I never sought myself. My intention never was impure. My eye was always single, and that by the prayers of the people. God has given me support. I doubt there is such a man as Simeon[The reference is to Jesse Lee and his opposition. It is not clear whether O'Kelly is Simeon and Jesse Lee is Levi. (Also see Genesis 49: 5-7.)] (I put the eldest first) in the whole connection and yet I believe he does not believe me to be what his conduct sometimes signifies to me and others. Do write me at any time, or any town, or city, I go through I shall honor your letters as I do in general that write to me. I am not immortal, glory to God everlasting.

Love attend thee, as ever thine,

F. Asbury

P.S. We had 67 ministers. Six are gone to the South Conference, we are full in an enlargement with a number of young men, but we may expect departures from the work, it is surprising that notwithstanding we had but one married preacher, we were insolvent, near 1,000 dollars, either the Virginians cannot beg or the people are covetous or the preachers are laying up money and the people are withheld.

P.S. I refer you to Mr. Wesley's notes and calculations on Revelations 17 chapter, and see where you can find the beast that was to rise and reign from 1834 to 1836, if he is not risen now, if so his reign will be short.

Edward Dromgoole Papers, Southern Historical Collection, University of North Carolina Library

The proposition of a delegated General Conference was being voted on by the conferences looking toward the General Conference of 1808. Because of Jesse Lee's opposition the Virginia Conference had voted not to endorse it. Here Asbury is reporting on the Baltimore Conference.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND March 9, 1807

To Daniel Asbury[A preacher, but not related to Francis Asbury. Envelope addressed Beaties Ford, Catawba River, North Carolina. He was presiding elder on the Swanino District, South Carolina Conference. Daniel Asbury was born in Fairfax County, Virginia, February 18, 1762. We are told that his parents, who are not named, differed as to the doctrines of Christianity and that Daniel grew up without religious instruction. At sixteen he went to Kentucky, where he was captured by a band of Shawnee Indians and taken to the West. He was adopted and kindly treated but endured many hardships. He was later taken up into Canada, and during the Revolutionary War was taken prisoner by the British, put in irons and imprisoned in Detroit. He made his escape and got back to his father's house in Virginia after five years of captivity. His mother did not know him, but her joy was unbounded when she discovered her boy. He was converted and entered the traveling connection in 1786 and was appointed to the Amelia Circuit in Virginia. He was a useful preacher and served as presiding elder on the Savannah, Camden, Catawba, and Broad River districts, a total of fourteen years. He died on Sunday, April 15, 1825. It is said he was born on Sunday, captured by the Indians on Sunday, returned home on Sunday, was converted on Sunday, and died on Sunday. He was buried at Rehoboth Church, Catawba County, North Carolina. (See M. H. Moore, Pioneers of Methodism in North Carolina and Virginia, 167-80.)]

My dear Daniel:

God be merciful to thee and bless thee and thine. Doubtless you have heard, or will hear, that the motion of a delegated General Conference, as it came from the New York, was not permitted as a subject of conversation in the Virginia Conference.[ The conference was held at Newbern, North Carolina, but there is no reference in Asbury's Journal to this in his remarks on the conference. (See February 4, 1807. See letter of February 11, 1807.) Asbury's statement here does not agree with what is reported by Bennett. He says, "It was vigorously opposed by Jesse Lee and received only fourteen votes." (See W. W. Bennett, Memorials of Methodism in Virginia, 508.)] We have had great peace, and great increase in both conferences, upwards of 3000 in each conference, 18 preachers added. The principle was tried in Baltimore, 51 for, only eleven against, a delegated General Conference, to be planned at the next. And may I hope that the four yearly conferences will come forward in their delegated capacity and contend that the Superintendents shall be chosen by seven delegates from each of the seven conferences and by no means leave the matter to Philadelphia, Virginia and Baltimore.

I am now bound, about 3000 miles by the last of July. The Baltimore Conference have agreed to lend me Daniel Hitt to travel with me to the Western Conference and pay him also but I doubt if it would be proper to take him all round. Write me to Baltimore, it will be handed to Little York Pennsylvania. I do not intend to be so partial as to visit any one place twice in a year unless I am compelled to go through like my Lord to Samaria. Short and sure thine,

F. Asbury

P.S. Only think 101 upon the list for the Baltimore Conference, 1807.[ The reference is not clear.]

South Carolina Conference Historical Society, Wofford College Library. Transcribed by Albert D. Belts

This letter from the Philadelphia Conference, signed for the conference by Asbury, is an answer to a memorial which was sent to the conference by Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. It is not clear what the "strife" referred to was over, but it is clear that the members of Bethel were declaring their allegiance and loyalty to the Methodist Church. The message expresses the confidence of the Philadelphia Conference in the African brethren. The memorial is printed here as a note.

On June 11, 1799, Asbury ordained Richard Alien a deacon, the first Negro to receive ordination from the Methodist Episcopal Church. David Payne, "a man of color" was ordained deacon by the Virginia Conference in 1824. In 1793 Richard Alien erected in Philadelphia a meetinghouse called the Bethel Society. On June 29, 1794, Asbury says, "I preached at the new African Church. Our colored brethren all to be governed by the doctrine and discipline of the Methodists." Only Negroes were to be admitted to membership. In time the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania declared the Bethel Society independent. The date is not clear. The African Methodist Episcopal Church was not organized until 1816.

PHILADELPHIA, PA.

April 9, 1807

To the Trustees of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Your memorial["The Memorial of the Trustees of the African Methodist Episcopal Church called Bethel, to the Philadelphia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, ministers assembled. Greeting. To prevent any misconstruction and to guard against a wrong understanding of our motions and designs in the late strife we have taken in procuring a Supplement to our act of incorporation. We judge it prudent to declare to you in your official capacity in the most explicit manner as follows Viz.

"1. We have no purpose or intention whatever of separating ourselves from or of making ourselves independent of the Methodist Conference and the Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"2. Our only design is to secure to our selves our rights and privileges, to regulate our affairs, temporal and spiritual, the same as if we were white people, and to guard against any opposition which might possibly arise from the improper prejudice or administration of any individual having the exercise of discipline over us.

"3. We wish and expect that the minister having the charge over us should preach and exercise discipline among us as formerly they have been accustomed to do, in conformity to the Discipline and the act and supplement of our incorporation, and it is our purpose to contribute toward the support of the ministers.

"4. We do advise you of our cordial attachment to the Methodist Connection and of our full and entire purpose to continue Methodists in future as heretofore. Signed in behalf of the Board of Trustees

Richard Alien, Pastor Philadelphia, April 8, 1807"] of the 8th instant was laid before the Philadelphia Conference and provided the supplement to your act of Incorporation which you allude to, be not contrary to the allowed usages, customs, and privileges of the Methodist Episcopal Church according to the established principles and government of the said church, admitted of in case of incorporation among our white brethren for the protection and security of their rights and privileges, the Conference accepts your memorial and entertains a confidence that our African brethren will evince their unshaken stability and firmness as Methodists according to our Discipline from time to time. And we cordially wish you prosperity, unity, holiness and happiness.

Signed in behalf of the Philadelphia Conference

Francis Asbury

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

The short letter on the next page looks as if it may have been handed to a presiding elder in the conference or during the cabinet sessions.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

April -, 1807[Date not known. However, Sharp was returned to Philadelphia in 1807. He moved in 1808. ] '

To whom

My Brother:[ Nelson Reed was presiding elder on the Baltimore District in 1807. Probably this note was written to Reed. ]

Unless something very great indeed happens, I am fixed to retain Thomas[Perhaps Thomas Budd, who in 1807 was assigned to Fell's Point to change with Henry Smith on the Fell's Point Circuit in six months.] in the Baltimore Conference. I also think Brother Sharp will be continued in Philadelphia. They made choice of him themselves. If you and brother Sharp could think of a man, a second, I would think also.

F.A

Monday Noon

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

A second letter to Daniel Asbury within a few months deals with the memorial to come before the General Conference. Francis Asbury is for a delegated conference. The old O'Kellyite schism has been under discussion, Asbury defends himself, as usual, against charges of dictatorship.

LITTLE YORK, PA.

July 30, 1807

To Daniel Asbury[Address on envelope is Beaties Ford, North Carolina. Presiding elder on the Swanino District, South Carolina Conference.]

My dear Daniel and Namesake:

Great grace, great grace support thee in thy Christian, and ministerial character. Oh what prudence is needful these days, and faith and prayer, If you knew the man[Evidently James O'Kelly. Reference seems to be to Robert Williams' farm and books. O'Kelly had been presiding elder on the district where Williams lived.

] as well as I knew him you would not expect anything better. To sell his land, collect his brother's debts, and sell his books, and rail against ye administration by word and letter and election was his important work to the South.

I suppose the General Conference will be presented with the Memorial[The memorial had to do with the matter of a delegated General Conference. ] of New York, New England, and I hope the Western, and Southern . Conference; in favor of equal representation. Treason or not then see what his majesty[Again James O'Kelly. There are many references to his schism in the Journal and Letters.] will say to that. All the northern Conferences prosper, camp meetings prevail. I have heard of hundreds converted this year but I expect greater things in the latter than the beginning. The spirit of persecution is waked up, whipping, fining, rioting; possibly imprisonments, and death, if we will not give up campmeetings but rather let us die.

In the northern conferences we have sent out missionaries, to vex Satan, carnal priest, and people; these men are to go any where, and every where thousands will hear the Gospel more than our regular circuit order will supply. I have had an awful siege this year 3 or 4000 miles already, rains, snows, dreadful roads. A snow May 7 Vermont. I am now stop to get Jane25 rested; to write letters, then Allegheny mountains. In Chillicothee Sept. 14, possibly Kentucky, Cumberland and out to the southwest of Georgia, second week of November to spend 3 weeks there, 3 in South Carolina, then Charleston. 103 preachers added this year, 1400 members increase.

One thing I have greatly desired; a well bred general continental Superintendency. Another thing I have greatly desired, that there should be 450 preachers in connection at the next General Conference, every one should have a vote for the superintendency. That those that have no vote nor seat in General Conference, should choose their men in the Annual Conferences, to choose for them in the General Conference. I care not how many go to Conference. My weight was fixed on the election of General Conference. When Mr. O'Kelly was prest with this he felt its weight, and falsely-and most solemnly denied; what could have been proved by many. And altho all that elected me are now gone, yet the annual conferences receiving me. Every congregation that has notice of your appointments must try coming to hear you, make their election of you for their preacher at that time and place.

You cannot conceive what God has done for America! Compared with the British Connection, Methodism began in England 1730, numbers now 150,974, the traveling ministry. Kingdoms, Islands, Missions, 576. In the Kingdoms 900 square miles thirty one or two million of souls. Methodism began in America 1771, in the country numbers now 144,590, traveling preachers in the States and Canada, 536, America 2500 square miles length, from two to three and five million of souls only scattered abroad. In England men of great learning, advantage of books, in America unlearned poor men, woods boys. And we shall see greater times an hundred fold with persecution. Stand to the lance, death or victory and victory is death Glory, Glory, Glory.

Fare thee well thy name sake

F.Ay.

South Carolina Conference Historical Society, Wofford College Library. Transcribed by A. D. Betts

It seems that the camp meetings were arousing opposition in many quarters. Mead had trouble in Virginia. Asbury is reporting on his travels. Attached to this letter is another letter, which is to Mrs. Tabb of Gloucester, Virginia. Mead knew her, and he was to copy the letter and send it on.

LITTLE YORK, PA.

July 30, 1807

To Stith Mead [Presiding elder, Richmond District, Virginia Conference.]

My dear Mead:

May the good will of him that dwelt with Moses in the bush (Emblem of the Church and Charge) be with thee. According to this time it shall be said of our Jacob, and Israel, in America; what hath God wrought. A carnal world, a fleshly ministry, and people, rise up against us. A spirit of persecution is waked up over the whole continent. All earth and hell is roused against field meetings,[ See Journal, 1852 ed., July 27, 1807.] but we will endure fines, imprisonment, and death sooner than we will give them up. We have 25.00 dollars to pay, on the Eastern shore of Virginia, no law, or justice for Methodists.

Since the Virginia Conference I have ridden above 3000 miles. We have great peace in all our conferences, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, great and good prospects. New England great increase of preachers, and openings. Generally increase this year, preachers 103, 32 located, increase of members 1420. By making a comparison between the British and American Connection, Methodism began in Britain 1730. In the British Empire of Kingdoms, and Islands, above 30 million of souls to operate amongst; the minutes of last year, number of members in Britain 150,974, the number of Methodists in the States and Canada 144,590. The British Kingdoms 900 square miles of operation. The American state above 22,000 square miles. They have had only from two to three, and three to five million to operate among. Methodism began in America 1763 [This is interesting since all historians claim an earlier date, namely about 1760. ] and 1770 but chiefly; as very little was done till the latter end of the year '71 except a small beginning in New York and Philadelphia.

Number of preachers in the British 576, American 536. We have made a happy improvement in the three Conferences, Philadelphia, New York, New England. We have sent out eleven missionaries, for the exterior, and interior, any place, and every place, unsupplied by the circuits, streets, lanes, shades, market houses. In Pennsylvania chiefly the Germans are the object. We conclude many thousands will hear our Gospel by these men that will not in our circuits.

Pray for these heralds of grace. Do all you can by fair means to keep order in your meetings in the woods but we will not give up this ground, Satan will rage. I think it will be proper for you to take a station like what you say, and settle your temporal matters that you be free. I cannot tell how to answer and direct a letter to Mrs. Tabb[See next letter.] you will copy it and give it to her and any thing you please from yours.

F. Asbury

Drew University Library

Mrs, Tabb was one of several women of means who became Methodists in the beginning, such as Mrs. Gough of Perry Hall, Maryland, and Madam Russell, sister of Patrick Henry, who was married twice, first to General William Campbell and then to General William Russell, heroes of the battle of King's Mountain. The Tabbs lived on one of the old Virginia estates. Asbury is writing her about her religious experience.

LITTLE YORK, PA.

July 30, 1807

To Mrs. Mary Tabb[Mrs. Tabb lived at Toddsbury. She was a good Methodist, and gave Mt. Zion Church to the Methodists in 1797. Asbury visited there last in 1812 (Journal). This letter was sent to Stith Mead with the request that it be sent to her.]

My dear Sister:

Are you heaven born, and heaven bound Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God, and Jesus our Lord. My female correspondents are few except a few of the preachers' wives that write me with their husbands in the same letter. I have once in a while to address a letter to a poor widow in distress, and once in awhile to her sister, formed of the same clay, redeemed by the same blood, a daughter of the same God; but the lady sister that holds her servants, rides in her coach, possesses her thousands. You have your cares, and fears, and prayers about those around, and nearly connected to you, by conjugal and filial tender ties; if not now, the time may come, you shall know it is not in vain now, if not in time, yet in heaven, you will know it. Only look well to your own ways.

Your table may be spread sumptuously every day, but you need not fare. Mr. Wesley observed that it was brought against the rich man as a charge, and adds that no man can be saved and fare richly every day. You can be clear of the great transgression. You have not family prayer, and religious exercises as you wish, yet you can retire often, and pray always. You cannot hear as many sermons, but you read Mr. Wesley's book at any time and other good books. You cannot give and do good, as you wish, but your heart is given up to God, in love and charity.

God has been gracious to me when traveling preaching and going upon my hands, knees and crutches with a regular fit of the rheumatism, inflamation in my feet, passing the Lakes[Lakes in northern New York.] in great pain, patience, and power. Now I am making my way west, and by south to Charleston, possibly another 3000.1 cannot say how far I may go west. The continent is waked with the power of God, and persecution follows, the more the world hates us. God will love us.

I am yours in Jesus, a brother, a servant, a friend,

F. Asbury

P.S. There's been some inflammation in my feet for six weeks but am now able to walk without crutch or staff.

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

Jacob Gruber is the recipient of this letter. It is another link in the chain showing Asbury's deep interest in the German people. Asbury gives an account of the work and again compares the statistics of American Methodism with those of the British church. Daniel Hitt was Asbury's traveling companion.

LITTLE YORK, PENNSYLVANIA

July 31, 1807

To Jacob Gruber[Jacob Gruber, presiding elder on the Greenbrier District, Baltimore Conference. He followed James Ward.]

My dear Jacob:

May you wrestle like Jacob, and prevail like Israel, Oh may the arms of your hands be made strong, by the mighty God of Jacob. I am here by grace, a most awful and joyful year; travels, and weather. I had to try the lakes, hands, knees, crutches. I have been lame for 6 weeks. I am learning to walk again. We have done a new, and blessed thing in the Philadelphia, New York, and New England Conferences, in sending out nine missionaries ; and two from Gennessee, John Richards,[ The Minutes of 1807 show John Richards was on the Canestio Charge on the Susquehanna District.] and George McCrackin,[ Pastor on the Lyons Charge on the Genesee District in 1807. 36 Henry Boehm had German background. (See Discipline, Rare Book Collection, Library of Congress.)] to Lower Canada. These men will go everywhere, in all vacancies. Thousands will hear our Gospel that would not by the circuit supplies.

The poor Germans, also Dear Henry, feels faith. He is about to print our disciplines in Dutch. I hope you will redeem what time you can for the Germans in your charge. In your appointment that was in sight, you keep it in constant view; they are children of the same Father bought with

the same blood of Christ. Oh could you with Paul wish if it was lawful to die like Jesus for your brethren and kinsmen according to the flesh. I feared Brother Ward[Presiding elder on the Greenbrier District in 1806.] would have his known, and unknown difficulties; help him all you can. Be very soft, but very firm in discipline, persuade him.

I see a spirit of persecution rising all over the Continent! Among carnal priest and people, we shall have fines, stripes, imprisonment, to drive Israel from the tents of Moab. I cannot say but some of us, may be called to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Let us not start nor fear to die.

No ministry upon earth are under such obligations to God and duty, as we are. Never was such a work carried on by such hands. I have compared the work in Britain, and America. See the disproportion Methodism began in England, 1730, numbers 150974, number of preachers, 576- Methodism began in the country part of America, 1771, now numbers 144590, preachers 536. Britain had not more than 900 square miles, America 2500, with the Canadas and New purchase. Britain 38 million of souls in the kingdom and Islands. America from two to three million, or five. Britain, books, men of great learning: we know men of learning; American boys born in the woods, Oh how many in Glory already. Campmeetings, preach all over the Continent, hundreds converted, but there will be greater in the fall. 1402 added this year and was it not for the mortality and perpetual moving to new countries we might have 20,000.

Possibly we may make 2 or 3000 miles to Charleston, where you can write me again. There is always a little storm about General Conference. Some want to localize the Connection, but find themselves disappointed and fly like Lyell and Williston,[ Thomas Lyell and Ralph Williston became Episcopal preachers.] or locate like others, that cannot always be indulged. Some fright themselves to death as if the Heavens were to fall, and the earth to be moved out of its place and terrify themselves to death, with their own fears. Some think they must go to General Conference, or we shall import Rome,[ Roman Catholic Church. ] and Constantinople,[ Greek Orthodox Church.] they know not what, they sit awhile, and then beg and pray to go home, they find there is nobody, no blood to be shed or honors to be made. Pray much, he that ruleth with diligence. Farewell in Jesus,

F. Asbury

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

A Letter of Coke

to the General Conference of 1808

Coke addressed the General Conference of 1808. He was for the first time to be absent from the General Conference. The conference of 1804 had agreed to his return to Europe to reside there until the General Conference of 1808 or until he should be called sooner by three annual conferences. In his circular letter he had proposed that he take up his permanent residence in America. This had been sent to the New York Conference. Nothing had been done about it. Thus he wrote this letter.

CITY OF DURHAM, (ENGLAND,)

November 16, 1807

To the General American Conference

Very dear and greatly respected Brethren:

My absence from your solemn meeting calls for a minute explanation of my motives for absence, and my future views. I did not expect, during my different short visits to your connection, to have any thing to do in the management of your work, except the honor of presiding at your General Conference, and preaching in your pulpits. I never returned to England without your leave, from the time I offered myself to be wholly yours: and whatever my own private judgment might have been, I should, in every instance, have considered your vote as the voice of God, if you had, on the whole, judged it best to have refused that leave. The last time I visited you, I came over without any expectation of returning. I settled my little affairs in this country, and brought over with me every thing I had, except those parts of my library which I should not soon want, but which I left in such a manner that on the shortest notice they might be sent over to me, and also such copies of my commentary as I wished that my European brethren would be so kind as to sell for me. I did not take a decisive farewell of my brethren in Europe, as I was not sure whether you would, in your circumstances, as they respected Bishop Asbury, receive me as an efficient superintendent or bishop among you in any degree or manner: for this reason only I consented to carry over to you an address which contained a clause in it requesting my return to Europe. I should otherwise have strongly objected to the clause: however, I repeatedly gave very strong intimations, both to the British and Irish conferences, of the improbability of my return. I write not the above as if I did not highly prize my situation in the European connection. As general superintendent of their missions at home and abroad, as president of the Irish part of the connection, as having all their pulpits in the United Kingdom open to me when and as often as I please, and in many other respects possessing influence for great usefulness, I feel myself under unspeakable obligations to my European brethren. But I have made the above observations to convince you, that I held and kept my obligations and engagements to you, to strengthen your episcopacy whenever you pleased, most sacred. It is true, I wrote to you a circular letter, which, I now acknowledge, was out of order; and therefore I beg pardon for writing it: but I did not intend to be irregular. I hardly knew what to write in order to bring matters to an explanation. For I was assured that you yourselves, after due explanation, would not wish to draw me out of a very extensive and successful sphere of usefulness, merely to preach; and, instead of strengthening the episcopacy, have less to do in the management of the work than the preacher who superintends the smallest circuit in America.

And now, you will ask, "What are we to expect from you." I will answer with the most perfect candor. If it be your judgment and vote that my residence with you will probably assist to preserve your union; and you agree that I shall have a full right to give my judgment in every thing, in the general and annual conferences, on the making of laws, the stationing of the preachers, sending out missionaries, and every thing else, which, as a bishop or superintendent, belongs to my office, I will, on receiving your answer, settle our affairs with the utmost expedition, and come over to you for life. You may observe, I do not desire any decisive power. I want no new condition. I only want to be perfectly ascertained, that if I reside with you, I shall be authorized by you to fulfill my office in the way above mentioned; without which our reciprocal engagements would be a perfect nullity, and I should be entirely the same among you, except in the article of preaching. By this proposal I break no engagement: I want nothing but a full explanation, and a part of that liberty which I have in the European connection. In Europe, I give my judgment in the two conferences, and in the representative meetings for preparing the stations of preachers for the conference, as far as I judge it my duty, on every point, and have also a vote when we do vote on any subject. In missionary matters I am here allowed a negative and my committee a negative; this last I do not desire in America; but I desire the power of doing extensive good. If this cannot at present be granted by the authority of the General Conference, you may insert me in your minutes as formerly; or you may first insert the resident bishop or bishops, and add a N.B., Dr. Coke (or Bishop Coke, as you please) resides in Europe, till he be called to the States by the General Conference, or by the annual conferences; or if this be not agreeable, you must expel me, (for dropping me out of your public minutes will be to all intents and purposes an expulsion,) and leave what I have done for your connection to God alone: and though you forget me. God will not forget me.

I do assure you, very dear and respected brethren, that I love and esteem you highly, and am, with most unfeigned sincerity, your affectionate and faithful servant,

T. Coke

P.S. My precious wife desires that she may not be considered in the least degree in this business. She is no hindrance to me in any thing, but a blessing in all things. We are always, as it were, traveling, and I annually visit and preach at more places than I did for many years before my marriage.

Nathan Bangs, History of the Methodist Episcopal Church, II, 197-99

The letter to Stith Mead of July 30 indicated that Mead might have to give up the presiding eldership. Evidently he has done this. Joseph Pinnell was on the Amherst Charge in 1807. In 1808 he was made presiding elder the Richmond District in Mead's place, and Mead was pastor in Richm

SPARTA, GA.

November 18, 1807

To Stith Mead[Presiding elder, Richmond District, Virginia.]

My dear Mead:

May great grace attend you in your great trials and chances. I think 3 in duty and safety to inform you I have written an appointment to Brother Pinnell to oversight the district in your absence till conference. The greatness of the charge, the difficulties [Though on September 6, 1807, Asbury refers in the Journal, 1852 ed., to receiving a letter from Stith Mead, there is no reference to the difficulties. Mead's home was in Lynchburg, Virginia; and it seems as if something may have happened in his family there.] that have arisen, your probable absence for 4 months, the genuine youth of all the preachers upon thej stations, the age of the members of the quarter meetings, and the want d| some man to stand in the gap, these things considered, you will at once approve my conduct in this matter. None but a father can judge a father's heart, so it is with a superintendent. Had you known when you wrote last of what might have taken place, it would have given it in our power to have fix the matter before you came away, in a better manner. The charge of souls is great, we must know no man after the flesh, in such cases. I am your great afflicted, brother, but most disinterested friend, in Jesus,

F. Asbury

Drew University Library

The concern here is with the proposals for the superintendency. Asbury is traveling the connection alone. Bishop Whatcoat is dead, and the General Conference of 1808 is soon to be held. Some were in favor of limiting bishops to an annual conference. Asbury was opposed to this. He was in favor of a general over-all superintendency.

CAMDEN, S.C.

December 10, 1807

To Nelson Reed[Presiding elder, Baltimore District.]

My very dear Nelson:

Great grace attend thee, and make thy last, the best of life. The sincerity of thy friendship, the soundness of thy principles in every part of Methodism, no one need doubt. If I write any thing in this letter in answer to a special part of thine it will be only to controvert the principle of some men sinking down; but not thine. As far as my observation has been in riding 4000 miles from Baltimore, the present year, by information, by official letters, I hope every, or at least most or all the districts have had a few happy hundreds converted; in a few districts, a few happy thousands. And we have as many campmeetings now as we had quarter meetings 20 years ago. Never failing blessings follow these meetings. Traveling and local ministers, sinners and saints, are blest, and dreadful apostates have died.

Harmony and order runs through our conferences. This has been a great year of labors and affliction to me. Surely I was directed of God, to ask of, and the Baltimore Conference to send, the present aid.[ Daniel Hitt was traveling with Asbury. (See Minutes, 1807.)] He has had to do but every thing almost for me. That his burden might not be insupportable, I have taken the saddle and sold my carriage. My former affliction you were a witness to in part; my latter affliction has been such I have been sick 4 weeks, have preached tho unable 4 times. I have had my former affliction, an inflamation in the breast that I thought would not only affect my voice, but vitals.

I am not at liberty to say what I will do, 6 conferences, to meet this winter, in 4 months. Oh what a toil! But I sincerely think I shall never be an arch superintendent much less an arch Bishop. Rather like great George Washington, let me peaceably retire and lay my commission at the feet of the General Conference, and after the rapid race from 16 to 63, be supernumerary, superanuated or located.

I have had very little upon paper; (more from you than any one) about the Superintendency, those that have talked with, think as I think, as follows, that there should be one, two or three of the most confidential men of the American connection, elected by the General Conference, to locate these men annually to the seven conferences and that they should do their best to attend every conference, and all that are or shall be in the union, every year; and visit the seventeen states and ten (territories) as oft as possible, and have their eyes and ears in every part of the Connection. This is the true Wesleyan Superintendence, this is the essence of the General

To Nelson Reed[Presiding elder, Baltimore District.]

My very dear Nelson:

Great grace attend thee, and make thy last, the best of life. The sincerity of thy friendship, the soundness of thy principles in every part of Methodism, no one need doubt. If I write any thing in this letter in answer to a special part of thine it will be only to controvert the principle of some men sinking down; but not thine. As far as my observation has been in riding 4000 miles from Baltimore, the present year, by information, by official letters, I hope every, or at least most or all the districts have had a few happy hundreds converted; in a few districts, a few happy thousands. And we have as many campmeetings now as we had quarter meetings 20 years ago. Never failing blessings follow these meetings. Traveling and local ministers, sinners and saints, are blest, and dreadful apostates have died.

Harmony and order runs through our conferences. This has been a great year of labors and affliction to me. Surely I was directed of God, to ask of, and the Baltimore Conference to send, the present aid.[ Daniel Hitt was traveling with Asbury. (See Minutes, 1807.)] He has had to do but every thing almost for me. That his burden might not be insupportable, I have taken the saddle and sold my carriage. My former affliction you were a witness to in part; my latter affliction has been such I have been sick 4 weeks, have preached tho unable 4 times. I have had my former affliction, an inflamation in the breast that I thought would not only affect my voice, but vitals.

I am not at liberty to say what I will do, 6 conferences, to meet this winter, in 4 months. Oh what a toil! But I sincerely think I shall never be an arch superintendent much less an arch Bishop. Rather like great George Washington, let me peaceably retire and lay my commission at the feet of the General Conference, and after the rapid race from 16 to 63, be supernumerary, superanuated or located.

I have had very little upon paper; (more from you than any one) about the Superintendency, those that have talked with, think as I think, as follows, that there should be one, two or three of the most confidential men of the American connection, elected by the General Conference, to locate these men annually to the seven conferences and that they should do their best to attend every conference, and all that are or shall be in the union, every year; and visit the seventeen states and ten (territories) as oft as possible, and have their eyes and ears in every part of the Connection. This is the true Wesleyan Superintendence, this is the essence of the General Assistancy, this was formed in the constitution of 1784 and has been in operation ever since.

It is not to be wondered at in the church as well as the state we should have men that would destroy the best constitutions in church and state. A Bishop, oh that it had never been named.[ This is interesting in view of Wesley's letter to Asbury of September 20, 1788.] I was elected and ordained a superintendent as my parchment will show. One superintendent for each annual conference, his majesty might make Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, or Boston, the Grand Metropolitan Church. What could one of these do for us, no not half as much as four presiding elders in the field, or cabinet counsel.

I never never will act under such a Roman, an English or Moravian Episcopacy. How it is to be tried, whether this hideous form shall take place or the pure apostolical form, a constitutional superintendency, to stand on equal ground, I am willing to embrace. My feet fail to take my crutches, yea as long as I have an ear to hear and eye to see, and to handle. But that this will want nothing to make it a beast but legal power. Excuse my letter I am very weak, my love to sister Reed and all friends from thine,

F. Asbury

Drew University Library

A Letter of Daniel Hitt to Nelson Reed

This letter from Daniel Hitt to Nelson Reed is included because of its unusual interest. Hitt was arguing the superintendency, and it is interesting to read his argument. Since he had been traveling with Asbury, he was in a position to see the operation of it personally. He is an able exponent of Asbury's view.

CAMDEN, S.C.

December 10, 1807[It is assumed that the date was the same as Asbury's letter. Daniel Hitt was Asbury's traveling companion. It was customary for Asbury's traveling companions to attach a letter. Their letters went along together.]

To Nelson Reed[Though the letter is not addressed to Nelson Reed, it is quite clear that it is to him. The first person mentioned in the salutation at the end is Sister Reed.]

My dear Brother:

Yesterday evening we came to this place and had the pleasure of receiving your friendly letter, with many others from that part. I was glad to hear that you received mine from Cincinnati. Mr. Asbury gave me the reading of yours, which for some time past he has been partly obliged to do, for in some instances, I have had to answer some of his letters.

While in Georgia, Mr. Asbury was greatly afflicted, so that we could not make our intended route through that state, and we are now behind our appointments, judge, by information received, the prospect in the bounds of the South Conference is quite pleasing, and we calculate on several candidates for the travelling ministry, as well as a considerable increase in membership: and it probably would have been much greater if the influenza had been less prevalent & fatal in the south.

There were two parts of your letter that drew my attention, & somewhat created my astonishment; the first was that of 7 Bishops & the second was Jno. Wilson,[ Assistant Book Steward.] supposed to be on an electioneering journey to the South. When you say "the Preachers to the North," I must suppose you mean those North of Maryland, for to my recollection, I know none, who were in favor of 7 Bishops, & them to be located to the seven Annual Conferences; neither do I think such a measure would have any tendency to perpetuate the Union of the general body: and we must be united, if we stand and prosper!

In my opinion nothing can keep the body united; but a well regulated, and energetic general superintendency. What was the Wesleyan in Europe, what was the American before, & since the organization of the Church in 1784, but a high toned general superintendency Have the European Methodists prospered more since, than before Mr. Wesley What Church, in any modern century, has prospered in number, & genuine piety, equal to the Methodist Episcopal Church If we have been thus prosperous & successful, why should we depart from the present economy & regulations, to gratify the capricious humour of some dissatisfied individuals Mark! I fix these observations on no individual, but attach it to the principle, to show that the principle itself is corrupt.

Secondly; as to Jno. Wilson, coming to the South on an electioneering expedition, either ecclesiastical or political, I believe no such thing. You may tell Brother Neal I had the reading of his letter & will attend to its contents as far as I can. My best respects to Sister Reed, Brother Hagerty, Brother & Sister Burnieston. Adieu.

Yours in the Lord,

D. Hitt

P.S. From the personal interview I had with Jno. Wilson when in Boston & from information since I am of the opinion that his health & settlement of his business as book steward were the sole motives that brought him to the South; however, it is possible that he may have had other motives. D.H.

Drew University Library

Again Asbury is writing to a key man who would probably be in the General Conference. He is much concerned over the idea of the general superintendency which he had tried to establish. Again he brings in comparisons with British membership.

REMBERT HALL, S.C.[ Rembert Hall was near Camden, also Rembert's Chapel. (See Journal, 1852 ed., December 7, January 6, 1807).]

December 14, 1807

To Elijah Hedding[Elijah Hedding was presiding elder on the New Hampshire District. He was born in New York in 1790 and died in 1855. In 1824 he was elected a bishop.]

My very dear Sir:

Great grace attend thee. I received thy letter at a time I was seriously afflicted with an inflamation in my breast; for near six weeks, I was not well able to read, write or preach. How shall I regain my health I am not able to say: if I meet six Conferences in 4 months, and ride on horseback 2000 miles, by the 6th of May. Let my good God be my guide, I shall do it lame, sick, or in health: as I have ridden 4000 since the last, or latter end of March.

I rejoice to hear you are not cast down in your important station but have help, hope, and success. You have felt the weight of a circuit, a district! Now what eyes are upon thee, what need have you to see, to be, to do in every part like your Lord, the eyes of all wait on you. Harmony, order, prosperity are the inscriptions of the seal of your presiding eldership! You will see and feel more than ever the propriety of a General Superintendency, like a trinity in unity, coequal; rapidly moving to every conference in the Union, and every capital of the seventeen United States, yea all the continent if possible and practicable.

Now is the time, see if the Americans that have served the connection twenty or thirty years are not worthy the election of their brethren, to take the charge, and shoulder the important task. The men that feel and see as they ought, say no partial superintendency over an Annual Conference! No arch superintendency of one over the whole! No abolition of the general apostolical Wesleyan superintendency! No abolition of what was practiced by the General Assistants till the year 1784, and ever since, in well qualified order, say the men of minds ministers will walk by the same rule, and mind the same thing ----.[ Letter defaced.] Words to the wise will be sufficient. Mark well.

I have either seen, or heard, directly, or indirectly, from most of the 35 districts, but some great official letters, are not come to hand. But from what I have collected, campmeetings are as common now, as quarter meetings were 20 years back, in many districts, happy hundreds have been converted; in others happy thousands! Glory! Glory! Glory! Reputable report says, in the east of Maryland, last August, campmeeting 10 days, 2500 or 3000 converted. Oh my brother doubt not, the good news you bring, will come to be general, and not only general but universal, only look over the State of New York; see what was the state of things there 10 years back, and what it is now Before you close the year, you will have better news, if I live you can meet me with a letter at any of the cities, by (he order of conference.

Now I must commend you to God and the word of his grace, as a Christian, and minister. Oh Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust. I only shall add that Methodism in Europe has been in operation about 77 years among 30 million of people; taking the three kingdoms and Islands, a people close together. In America, 37. We are come up within about 6000 members, 40 ministers. God is the first cause of good, he hath blest the itinerancy, campmeeting, presiding eldership and general superintendency! And ever since it has fallen in the Father[John Wesley.] of the connection in Europe, I fear the work has declined in about 4 million, to operate among near 3000 miles in length, one thousand breadth. In Europe, only 1000 we double the number with the British every year. Possibly we shall minute 600 traveling preachers next year.

Say son, can any man doubt it is time to regulate the General Conference or we may not only have in time 600 but on 1000 brethren at once in conference. I will venture to guess, that the interior conferences, Virginia, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, will seat 100 members in the next General Conference, and if the four exterior conferences, will seat 28 which is far more than ever they have done (except New York), the Western Conference had predetermined before, and elected in Conference, 7 of the best men they had, leaving it for those that pleased to go, possibly the South may do the same.

Most heartily thine,

Fr. Asbury

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

A Letter of Bishop Coke to the General American Conference

The correspondence between Bishop Coke and Bishop White had come to li^ht, and Coke felt that he had to clear himself with the General Conference. He therefore wrote the following letter. However, only apart of the original letter was printed in Moore's Pioneers of Methodism.

NEAR LEEDS YORKSHIRE

January 29, 180S

To the General American Conference

My very dear Brethren: ;... I find that a letter which I wrote to Bishop White in 1791 has been animadverted upon, though, if I mistake not, the letter itself has not yet been published.

There are very few of you who can possibly recollect any thing of what I am next going to add. Many of you were then only little children. We had at that time no regular General Conferences. One only had been held in the year 1784.1 had, indeed, with great labor and fatigue, a few months before I wrote this letter to Bishop White, prevailed on James O'Kelly, and the thirty-six traveling preachers who had withdrawn with him from all connection with Bishop Asbury, to submit to the decision of a General Conference. This Conference was to be held in about a year and a half after my departure from the States. And at this Conference-held, I think, the latter end of 1792-I proposed and obtained that great blessing to the American Connection-a permanency for General Conferences, which were to be held at stated times. Previously to the holding of this Conference (except the general one held in 1784), there were only small district meetings, excepting the council which was held at Cokesbury College, either in 1791 or 1792. Except the union which most justly subsisted between Bishop Asbury on the one hand, and the preachers and people on the other, the Society, as such, taken as an aggregate, was almost like a rope of sand. I longed to see matters on a footing likely to be permanent. Bishop Asbury did the same; and it was that view of things, I doubt not, which led Bishop Asbury, the year before, to call, and to endeavor to establish, a regular council, who were to meet him annually at Cokesbury. In this point I differed in sentiment from my venerable brother. But I saw the danger of our situation, though I well knew that God was sufficient for all things. I did verily believe then that under God the Connection would be more likely to be saved from convulsions by a union with the old Episcopal Church than any other way-not by a dereliction of ordination, sacraments, and the Methodist discipline, but by a junction on proper terms. Bishop White, in two interviews I had with him in Philadelphia, gave me reason to believe that this junction might be accomplished with ease. Dr. Magaw was perfectly sure of it. Indeed (if Mr. Ogden, of New Jersey, did not mistake in the information he gave me), a canon passed the House of Bishops of the old Episcopal Church in favor. Bishop Madison, according to the same information, took the canon to the lower house, "but it was there thrown out," said Mr. Ogden-to whom I explained the whole business-"because they did not understand the full meaning of it.Mr. Ogden added that he spoke against it because he did not understand it; but that it would have met with his warm support had he understood the full intention of it.

I had provided in the fullest manner, in my indispensably necessary conditions, for the security, and I may say for the independence, of our discipline and places of worship. But I thought (perhaps erroneously, and / believe so now) that our field of action would have been exceedingly enlarged by that junction, and that myriads would have attended our ministry in consequence of it who were at that time prejudiced against us. All these things unitedly considered led me to write the letter, and meet Bishop White and Dr. Magaw in Philadelphia.

But it may be asked why did I not consult Bishop Asbury before I took these steps. I answer, It was impossible. I was at and near Philadelphia, and he was somewhere in the South. We had finished our district meetings, and he was to be in the State of Maryland about the time of my sailing for England. I wanted that every thing should be prepared against my return-God willing-in about a year and a half, for further consideration; that Bishop White, etc., should have time to consult their convention, and that I might also lay the matter before Bishop Asbury, and correspond with him on the subject, and after that, if proper, bring the business before the General Conference, which was to be held in order to take into consideration James O'Kelly's division. Before I sailed for England, I met Bishop Asbury, at New Castle, in the State of Delaware (from which place I went on board), and laid the matter before him, who, with that caution which peculiarly characterized him, gave me no decisive opinion on the subject.

The next objection (and I think the only important one remaining) is the following: "If you did not think that the episcopal ordination of Mr. Asbury was valid, why did you ordain him Was there not duplicity in this business" I answer:

"1.I never, since I could reason on those things, considered the doctrine of the uninterrupted apostolic succession of bishops as at all valid or true.

"2.1 am of our late venerable father Mr. Wesley's opinion-that the order of bishops and presbyters is one and the same.

"3.1 believe that the episcopal form of Church-government is the best in the world, when the episcopal power is under due regulations and responsibility,

"4.1 believe that it is well to follow the example of the primitive Church as exemplified in the word of God, by setting apart persons for great ministerial purposes by the imposition of hands, but especially those who are appointed for offices of the first rank in the Church."

From all I have advanced you may easily perceive, my dear brethren, that I do not consider the imposition of hands, on the one hand, as essentially necessary for any office in the Church; nor do I, on the other hand, think that the repetition of the imposition of hands for the same office, when important circumstances require it, is at all improper.

If it be granted that my plan of union with the old Episcopal Church was desirable (which now, I think, was not so, though I most sincerely believed it to be so at that time), then, if the plan could not have been accomplished without a repetition of the imposition of hands for the same office, I did believe, and do now believe, and have no doubt, that the repetition of the imposition of hands would have been perfectly justifiable for the enlargement of the field of action, etc., and would not, by any means, have invalidated the former consecration or imposition of hands. Therefore, I have no doubt but my consecration of Bishop Asbury was perfectly valid, and would have been so even if he had been re-consecrated. I never did apply to the general convention, or any other convention, for re-consecration. I never intended that either Bishop Asbury or myself should give up our Episcopal office, if the junction were to take place; but I should have had no scruple then, nor should I now ;/ the junction were desirable, to have submitted to, or to submit to, a re-imposition of hands in order to accomplish a great object; but I do say again, I do not now believe such a junction desirable.

And now I conclude with assuring you that I greatly love and esteem you; that it is my delight to pray for your prosperity; and that I am your very affectionate brother and faithful friend,

T. Coke

M. H. Moore, Pioneers of Methodism in North Carolina and Virginia, 161-64

It seems that Asbury was in some slight difficulty, as between Ezekiel Cooper, the Book Agent, and John Wilson, the Assistant. Evidently Cooper had sent some word about Asbury's writing to Wilson and not to him. Asbury is consoling Cooper. The General Conference elections are uppermost in his mind.

GEORGETOWN, MARYLAND[Asbury was at the Baltimore Conference which met at Georgetown, March 2-9, 1808. (See Journal.)] March 6, 1808

To Ezekiel Cooper[Book Agent. The Minutes show him stationed in New York. He was pastor also.]

My very dear Brother:

May great grace attend you. I will not plead age, my haste, my sight, long journies, my conference duties, my letters of special duty, for not writing to you. I had nothing special to communicate when I wrote to John Wilson,[ John Wilson was Assistant Book Agent. He is shown in the Minutes stationed at Brooklyn in 1807 and New York in 1808.] it was for my account. I thought John would tell you anything that passed amongst us. We have had great peace and some increase of ministers and members, in all the conferences. In the west they had predetermined to elect seven men for General Conference, it is done. I doubt if there will be 40 members from all the 4 distant conferences, whether Philadelphia and Baltimore will send 80, 40, or 20 members, from each.

I hope all will be well, and doubtless Brother Coke will hold his relation to this connection as it hath been from the beginning. If you see Brother Totten,[ Joseph Totten was presiding elder of the Jersey District in 1807 and 1808.] but he is moving down, I have not heard from him. I feel as if this would be the greatest year that hath ever been known in Europe, or America for the power of God, come what will in the outward state. If I did not write from Waterford, I might plead my crutches. I have not had any letter from Brother Cooper, unless outside work. Indeed I expected to have seen Brother Cooper at Georgetown, but you may be well employed with the books, and Bible. Oh, Brother, perfect love, be wholly for God, for souls, and glory. May the good will of him that dwelt with Moses in the bush be with thee. I am your father, brother, friend, and servant in Jesus,

F. Asbury

P.S. I cannot lock myself up a moment in a room as Mr. Wesley would. We are republicans here. If I sit down three or 4 will come in talking around. It shows their love but it proves my difficulties in preventing my speaking. My absent brethren I have only to let you know that all the brethren appear to wish some more equal representation.[ On the General Conference.] I know not but the Baltimore Conference will fix upon a liberal elect number of the best members they have. I find it is the wish of many of the members.

F.Ay.

Garrett Biblical Institute Library

Coke is in England, and Asbury is bringing him up to date. Here Asbury's comments are prompted by Coke's marriage.

NEW YORK, N.Y.[ The conference in New York began on April 6 and closed on April 13. Asbury arrived in New York several days ahead].

March 30, 1808

To Thomas Cofee[Coke was in England.]

My dear Coke:

Great grace, great peace, great usefulness attend you and your dear wife!

God is gloriously visiting our continent, very generally but not universally. We have had, in the course of last year, more than common sickness, and mortality. The multitudes of our people are removing from the ancient, to the new and extreme parts of our country. Our prospects are great. We visit almost every part within, and over the lines of the United States. We have, after your example, sent out missionaries into the interior and exterior of Pennsylvania, New York, and Jersey. We have gained three new circuits, and 100 members with the enlargement of an ancient circuit. In our towns and cities the work revives greatly.

You need not wonder that I am remiss in writing, since I have to ride on horseback 5000 miles in eight months, and to meet seven conferences, that comprehend near 600 preachers. Often I am at the other end of the continent when your letters land at this.

Oh my brother, I hope you are plain and pointed upon justification, and the witness of the Spirit, and on sanctification. I mark with pleasure the resolution of our elder brethren, concerning the pure, primitive doctrines of the Gospel and Methodism. It is not possible for us or you to calculate the good the Lord doth by us, in those that live and those that die daily in the Lord, and multitudes that never come into close fellowship with us; but will be found in the day of eternity.

My dear friend, I have received your many loving letters, and feel my obligations to you. If I write you one circumstantial letter in a year, well: my eyes, my time, my powers fail. Think how many hours I must be on horseback, when I only ride 3, or, at most, 4 miles in an hour. In many places we have only solitary woods for retirement. In towns and cities I always stay in my lodgings, viz. a day in Baltimore, or Philadelphia, or New-York, unless in time of conference. I visit only the houses of God, and my friends that are sick. I do not go from house to house to talk, and eat, and drink.

I have one good thing to tell you, that amid all our peace, liberty, and plenty, our travelling connexion is kept poor. We have almost 600 preachers on the minutes and our funds and collections yield us possibly 6 or 7000 dollars a year. We have never attempted to raise any thing but the quarterage, 80 dollars, you know, to single, and the same for married preachers, and the same for their wives. Nevertheless, every conference in the Union is insolvent. Last year our New-England Conference was deficient 3000 dollars. We have to thrust out several of our preachers into the extremities, and some preachers and their wives have to draw, almost their whole salary from the conferences. Last year we had to send six missionaries 900 miles, through the help of a voluntary collection from the Western Conference. We gave only ten dollars to each of the missionaries, who had 5 or 600 miles to travel through the Indian Country. My dividend is 25 dollars from each of the seven conferences, to meet my quarterage and all my expenses. So that, amidst all our prosperity, we are poor.

I hope I shall be pardoned by all good men, and women, and by my Lord; that I have not followed rather, Peter than Paul.[ He means in marrying. He indicates in this paragraph that he is still quite human as he refers to the "worthy sister," Mrs. Coke.]

What I fail in this line, I make up in preaching, and Christian counsel, to that part of the Redeemer's family. I was told that a worthy sister desired her lord to lengthen his letters to me: she might have done, as some of the preachers' wives have done, filled the other side herself. Everlasting love embrace you! My dear Brother Coke, the past is gone with me, the present and future are in sight. We must mind little what men speak of us. Men will break out upon me, by word and deed, and ofttimes I never know it, and if I do I pass it by pleasantly; we must go through evil and good report. God knoweth the purity of our intentions.

I am, Yours,

Francis Asbury

The Arminian Magazine, XXXI, 573-74. Transcribed by Frank Baker

This is only a postscript to a letter, the main part of which M'Caine does not quote. Asbury refers to the misunderstandings between the brethren over Coke. At this time he seems particularly careful not to create discord with the British connection. Asbury had evidently received Coke's letter explaining his famous letter to Bishop White. The White letter is quoted by Paine.

NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT

April 24, 1808

To Alexander M'Caine[Letter is not addressed. It seems to be to M'Caine.]

I have been grieved in former times with some little misunderstandings between the American connexion; I now wish to guard against anything that might make discord between us and the British connexion through Dr. Coke.[ See letters of August 30, 1804, and December 27, 1806, including Coke's letters; also Coke's letters of February 2, 1807, and November 16, 1807. See Paine, Life and Times of William McKendree, 144, 145.]

We should all be pious, prudent and pure and entertain high and honorable thoughts of each other. * * * I leave you to make a prudent use of what I have written. I am yours in Jesus as ever,

Francis Asbury

Alexander M'Caine, Letters of the Organization and Early History of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 7550, 153