Chapter 12

BEGINNING THE SECOND DECADE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY

January 7, 1811 May 9, 1812

It is not known who Mrs. Mary McDowell was, but she was evidently in charge of the work of the Methodist Female Friendly Association.

THE PARSONAGE (CHARLESTON)

[January 7, 1811][ Probably written January 7, 1811. (See Journal.}]

To Mrs. Mary McDowell

We have read with attention the Constitution of the Female Society,[ "The Methodist Female Friendly Association was founded (in Charleston) in 1810, and incorporated in 1819." (Chreitzberg, Early Methodism in the Carolinas, 269.) This organization was confined to Charleston. (Albert D. Betts.)] the rules are good, the discipline strict, the property well secured, such an institution, in which the sisterhood may preserve their rights and privileges, and in time of prosperity provide for the days of adversity; women so weak, so unprotected, and strangers in the land, widowed and forlorn.

I advise two things, the presiders be called governesses or directoresses;

and that when you have founded the sum of 2,000, you would make a clause in the Constitution to appropriate a certain sum of the annual income to charity to meet female distress of any and all descriptions. This will like tythe to sanctify the institution.

Francis Asbury

The Wesleyan Journal, February 10, 1827. Transcribed by Albert D. Betts

Joseph Marsden was a British preacher stationed in Bermuda who wished to come to the United States on a visit.

CHARLESTON, S.C.

January 8, 1811

[To Joseph Marsden][ The letter was addressed to the Rev. Joseph Marsden, Hamilton, Bermuda.]

My dear Friend and Brother:

God be gracious to thee and thine. Meeting your letter at this end of the continent, I give it a short answer, as life and time are short with me. As to your spending a few months in New York; as a visitant, I presume it may be advisable, and it may not be attended with any great expense to you; but as a stationed preacher, the conference will say who shall be stationed in their oversight, the Superintendency may say where.

The American Methodist character is always to treat our European Brethren with respect, they always recollecting that they are in the United States. I am very thankful you have planted a church in Bermuda, and humbly hope; yet fear it will suffer in a change; without God should send with man, a man after his own heart. I send you our Minutes. We have visited our Western Conference, stationed 92 members, increase 4,552. We have visited for the present year our Southern Conference, stationed 82, increase of members 2543. There are only two conferences in eight. You will see the epitome of our history in the printed minutes. There is a universal spreading wide of the gospel on the continent, if it was but deep in our hearts, and universally in our practices. Here I fear we fail.

I am yours in the gospel,

Francis Asbury

Asbury Methodist Church, Harrisonburg, Virginia

Though Coke and Asbury were separated by the Atlantic, they kept up a rather continuous correspondence. Asbury shows his familiarity with the work of the British brethren, both in the field of literature and in their missionary endeavors. The reference to the Presbyterians is interesting. They had united with the Methodists in many camp meetings. Asbury's relations with other denominations were generally good.

CHARLESTOWN, S.C. January 9, 1811

To Thomas Coke

My venerable and dear Brother:

Last October I wrote to you from Lexington [Kentucky.] in the west, by the way of this city. The epitome of our annual history, the printed Minutes, and my scraps of letters, will afford but a very imperfect account of our work.

I venerate the Europeans for their exertions in spreading the Bible[The occasion for Asbury's remarks here was probably the perusal of the society's sixth Report, lengthy extracts from which had been included in the issues of The Methodist Magazine for June and July, 1810. These extracts noted how the British example was being followed in Philadelphia, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey; noted, too, that generous grants had been sent to aid these infant American societies. (Frank Baker.)] far and wide, and likewise for their missionary spirit. I am surprised at the increase of men of great talents in the European connection. They have almost as many commentators among them, as appeared in the whole of the last century.[ It is amazing to realize that within a generation four massive commentaries on the whole Bible were published by British Methodists: Thomas Coke, six volumes, 1801-9; Adam Clarke, eight volumes, 1810-26; Joseph Benson, five volumes, 1811-18; Joseph Sutcliffe, two volumes, 1834-39. (Frank Baker.)] In almost every little town with us we have a house of God. The Gospel spreads in word and in power: 0 that all who receive it may manifest the truth of their profession by an universal practice of godliness! Our prospects in this city exceed all former calculation. I still entertain a good opinion of the Presbyterians. An elder among them said, some time ago, that were it not for system and salary, they and we might unite.

I am your unchangeable friend,

Francis Asbury

The Methodist Magazine, XXXV(1812), 315

Again Asbury is concerned with correspondence to and from the preachers. He is also concerned about the preachers leaving the work. His observations on Raleigh (North Carolina) are most interesting.

PETERSBURGH, VA.

February 22, 1811

[To Daniel Ostrander][ Presiding elder at Albany, New York, on the Hudson River District.]

My dear Elder, Friend and Brother:

The good will of him that dwelt with Moses in the bush be with thee, and thine. I have written a double letter to save paper and money, and insure the delivery of the letter. I must answer the preachers' letters; if with 6 lines, having 90 or 100 days located to conferences. I have to travel 5000 miles; all roads, and all weather, in 9 months, Sabbaths taken out, also I have to keep at my work daily. I see! I feel! the difficulties you have suggested. When I consider the greatness of our work spread over 2000 miles in length, 1000 in width, poor old bishops, more like supernumeraries than effective men, leaden with age, care, infirmities, and reproach, by some that ought to be their sons; but it is as well, for it is well known that thousands load them ---- affection, attention and company that they can scarcely pass along, and are obliged to stay at home, in one place in towns and cities to do their business and avoid difficulties, and partiality.

Our prospects are in the other side[It is not clear to what he refers.] of this letter, but I fear for Zion; so many leave the work. In the West, South, Virginia, conferences added about 50. I doubt if we need more than 20 or 25, the youth, and inexperience of many, the locality,[ Reference is to those who located.] and formality of others, but the work is the Lord's, we have most to fear now and the rich are coming. These I fear will corrupt our preachers in the city of Raleigh, preaching in the state house 3 times a day, in the House of Representatives,[ Reference is probably to Jesse Lee, who was chaplain of the House of Representatives in Washington from 1809 to 1815. During that time he served mostly in Virginia and at Annapolis, Maryland. (See Buckley, History of Methodism, 429-30, and Minutes, 1809-15.)] conference sitting in the Senators' room. I hope 100 souls were subjects of awakening grace or justification, persons only in Friendship Tavern, do not receive every mark of attention, our church very small, all among our ---.[ Last part of letter very difficult to read.] Mark well we have a grand snow 6, 7, 8 inches deep. I am yours and Mary's friend,

F. Asbury

Garrett Biblical Institute Library

We are shown in this letter the plan Asbury had for compiling a history of early American Methodism. It would have been largely a statistical history under this plan. Methodism has been poorer because his plans did not materialize.

RICHMOND, VA.

February 24, 1811

[To Thomas L. Douglass][ Presiding elder on the James River District, Virginia Conference.]

My dear Son:

May the wisdom of God direct thee, and the grace of God protect thee. I will neither speak nor write as a fool upon my labors and sufferings. Others labor and suffer also; and why complain when we have so great a present, future, and eternal reward I have stricken out a plan for a complete letter-history[A study of Asbury's Letters and Journal shows that he was most anxious to have this history done. He speaks of it at times as "The Focus," as in this letter. (See letter, February 11, 1802; also letters to M'Caine, 1815.) However, it was never done.] of Methodism, by our presiding elders taking the work by districts from the time the first circuit was formed in the district, and the state of the district in 1812. This will be done by the minutes in my hands. To tell the year the first circuit was formed, &c.; then give, -

Firstly, the number of meeting-houses in the district.

Secondly, the number of congregations established in private houses, meeting-houses, or chapels.

Thirdly, the number of societies and members in the district.

Fourthly, the number of traveling and local preachers in the district.

Fifthly, the general number of annual camp meetings in the district, numbers attending, souls professing converting grace, days of continuance.

Sixthly, names of any preachers or members, brethren and sisters, that from good testimony have been known to die in triumph, and any notable characters that have been useful, whether traveling or local preachers, that have lived and died, useful in life, happy in death.

Seventhly, the nomination of the circuits, the counties, &c., the district embraces, the rivers it lieth upon, and boundaries, and tract from east to west, north, south.

Eighthly, some revivals that have been in several parts of the district, as well also, the present state of the work.

I wish each presiding elder to collect his materials, and to get a complete historical letter neatly, correctly done, these letters read in annual conference, then handed to the General Conference. It will make a grand history in about fifty letters. You will ask, How shall we obtain correct information I answer, by the circuit preachers. Let them give names, numbers, the name of every local preacher, every congregation by the name of the man at whose house they meet, or meeting-house, also the name of every chapel. You might collect the approbation, as well as the information, of some of the aged and most respectable men, or get them to sign your letter, as believing it to be true. Our doctrine is known and read by thousands. Of our Form of Discipline we have printed thousands. I desire you forthwith to write this as the wish of the Episcopacy to all the presiding elders in the Virginia Conference.

I also desire you to write to Wm. Burke,[ Presiding elder on the Green River District, Western Conference. ] Shelbyville, Shelby County, Ky., the rules I have given, that he may write to all the presiding elders in the west. I also wish you to write to Wm. M. Kennedy,[ Presiding elder on the Seleuda District, South Carolina Conference. William Kennedy did as requested. A copy of his letter to Daniel Asbury, presiding elder on the Camden District (South Carolina), is extant in the Southern Advocate.] Columbia, S.C., to write himself as above to all the presiding elders in the South Conference to be ready by the next Conference. The plan is plain and possible. We can ascertain the first circuit of the district, and what year formed, then how the district grew till 1812. Tell the presiding elders to lose no time. A particular history must come from the district to the annual conference, from the annual to the General Conference. It will be proper to give a distinct account of our cities and towns, the general number of houses of God, the number we probably preach to weekly.

You will think the whole letter will be a task. It will be a focus: it will be much in little. One line may be a history. I am sensible it may be don with attention, in one day. I saw the Bishop[William McKendree.] was taken with the plan. have now matured it in riding through the snow and frost. You will 1 very swift and correct to write to both secretaries. Send on the plan I ha' suggested. I am now doing my work in company. Write to us, Lancash Pa., by the last of July. Let us leave a little to the children that may be borne,

Yours,

F. Asbury

Christian Miscellany, 1847, 116-17. Transcribed by Frank Baker

Coke married Penelope Goulding Smith in 1805. Asbury had receive a report that she had died. He is sending his sympathy. He also is admonishing Coke against altercations with Adam Clarke. Asbury informs Coke what is being done about the proposed history.

NEW JERSEY[The Journal shows that Asbury was in Sussex County. On the twelfth he preach at Union Chapel and stayed at Albertson's.]

May 12, 1811

To Thomas Coke

My dearly beloved in the Lord: |

The God of all, and all sufficient grace, after we have suffered awhile may He make us perfect in, and through suffering. If report is true, this hast sustained the greatest earthly loss[Mrs. Coke died in London on January 25, 1811, and was buried near Cok parents in the Priory Church at Brecon. (Frank Baker.)] in life, thy beloved wife; of the having never tasted the sweets, I can not judge of the bitters of domestic life. Dear sister. Ah! the female parts of human nature, are not in co situation formed for the perpetual motion of constant traveling; or bear a long absence, of another self. This is an apology for me. I am me seriously sorry, that there should be anything between you and Dr. Clark in print; I hope your hearts are one in love.[ On February 16, 1810, Coke tried to promote the sale of his own commentary a circular letter to British Methodism, as one invited by conference to prepare Commentary, and added: "I have now about two hundred sets of my commentary the New Testament. I have therefore, I think, a claim to your indulgence, and to yf assistance for the sale of the remainder of my edition, prior to that of any other pers whatever." Coke and Adam Clarke, the commentarian, were not the warmest of frier -indeed, Clarke had stepped in to prevent Coke having too great an ascendancy in \ native Ireland immediately after the death of Wesley-but there seems no evidence an open breach between them. (Frank Baker.)] I more regret it ever appearon our side the water, you I know, I love you.

Dr. Dark I respect as a most indefatigable man, in mind, and labors. But your (fill the blank)[ Asbury's words about "fill the blank" are puzzling. Does he mean put in "possible," "probable," "speedy," according to when Coke expects to revisit the United States (Frank Baker.)] crossing the Atlantic is not out of sight. We respect you, preachers and people respect you, hundreds thousands. My health is better, visiting 8 conferences, 5000 miles per year, preaching every day, and sometimes twice; but in long rides, wildernesses, and mountains, often times, once in a week. I saw a letter of mine in the magazine, it might seem among the marvellous, 10,000 at a camp-meeting. I explain. I suppose that a meeting continues 6 days, that there shall be that number from first to last and perhaps not above 2 or 3 at one time, but coming and going day after day till the close of the day, daily hearers not in the encampment on nights.

As to my authorship, I have neither the benefit, the blush, the blessing, or the blame, my Journal is safe in reviewed manuscript, in the hands of Dr. Wilkins;[ See note on Wilkins, preface to Wesley's Physic, 1814.] my children say let it be as archives and memoirs of primitive Methodism. The conferences have devised an American History of Methodism by letters written by the presiding elders, of the rise and progress of the work in each district, from the first circuit in the district,[ See letter of February 24, 1811, in which he says, "/ have stricken out a plan for a complete letter-history of Methodism." This history was never written.] say congregations, meeting houses, numbers, description of the face of the country, deaths, revivals, eminent persons, preachers and members that have died. In a line or two I can inform you the Virginia Conference sat in the State house at Raleigh, North Carolina, (where you once preached.) At conference there was a great time, citizens rich, and poor, attended, day after day, night after night. Possibly 100 souls, subjects of awakening or converting grace, publick as well as private houses, all devotion and solemnity, rich and poor.

Other denominations are ready to cede Maryland, Virginia, Carolinas and Georgia to the Methodists. Oh that we could but dispossess Satan, and sin. The conferences in our large cities do not answer our wishes, notwithstanding we preach, and pray, almost night, and day, in St. Georges, Philadelphia, and Light Street Baltimore and preaching to 6 or 7 congregations, every evening. Ah. Brother we must/a., pray, love, suffer and obey, and remember the poor, the widows, the fatherless, and poor of all descriptions. I greatly doubt if you have received my letters, I have been better than good and contract, I have written every quarter. I feel it natural, acquired, and gracious, I hope not to be stopped from boasting. 25 dollars from each of the 8 conferences, to find 2 horses, traveling expenses, quarterage for me and my aid [Henry Boehm, who added a postscript.] and my aid feels independent also, that if there is a deficiency it will come out of our own pockets.

Our congregational numbers immensely large, on ordinary, and extra ordinary seasons, infidelity hides its head. Our boasting as to increase it may cease as we come abreast of the Mother connection, for total numbers. Our annual increase will possibly be as small, among the mass o few millions, while you have many more millions in mass for operatic; Present me to the few aged men of God, and the young men of conference, on whom under God . . . the work will prosper. I am your very d' praying Brother that divine love may support you, everlasting siren; hold you. I am,

Fr. Asbury

Lamplough Collection, British Conference. Transcribed by Frank Baki

The report of Mrs. Coke's death has been confirmed, and Asbury wn another letter of sympathy, though somewhat queer.

SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY

May 12, 1811

[To Thomas Coke]

My ever dear Friend [A note from Henry Boehm appears between this and the preceding letter. Asbury adds the remainder of this letter above and below the address, on the parts when the letter is folded, are tucked inside. Since Boehm's postscript has been add he seems to have received a letter from Coke. (Frank Baker).]

I have your seal in sable, she's gone! gone to rest to glory. Her toil labor and of love is over. There is but one earthly cure for the death o wife. Some I have feared would have died themselves without it. It may it is the duty of thousand millions to be conjugal. Our Heavenly Fati cares for you, know it, far, far be it. My Dear, say it, write it now in anguish of thy spirit, perhaps I loved her more than God.[ Asbury's suggestion that Coke's wife may have died because he loved her more time he did God, when put thus bluntly, seems very harsh. This is not an isolated exam: however, and springs from a very different approach to the fact of death. (Frank Baker] I feel my ( heart, my tears like death swollen stream. I offer one relief, I offer j cannot relieve. Everlasting love support thee.

Oh the happy toil, the labor and the labyrinth of a conference evi month for 7 together. Near 50 married preachers out of 85 or 90, '. conferences are greatly on a par as to numbers. It seems I have been ki in letters of late to my dear Brother never to be forgotten. Oh may }. meet a thousand soliloquies to your afflicted soul. So pray

Francis

Lamplough Collection, British Conference. Transcribed by Frank Bake

Solomon Sias had been on the Withersfield charge on the Vermont District in 1810. He was moved to the New Hampshire District at the conference in 1811. Asbury was concerned over the elections to the General Conference to be held in 1812. The elections in the New England Conference had left the Vermont District unrepresented. Asbury, it seems, wanted Joel Winch to be in the conference; and this letter was the result.

PERU, NEW YORK[Letter has no state. Journal shows New York.]

June 30, 1811

[To Solomon Sias][ Presiding elder. New Hampshire District.]

Dear Son:

Oh my child, my dear child, I have no doubt but you will be wholly given up to God; conscious of the great charge, your Lord, and your elder brethren, have called you to perform. You know our love for you, and confidence, and unshaken dependence on you. Nothing that you will be called to do, will be hard or impossible, if your strength is with you, the God of power. Brother Frost [The letter has a note, "special attention of Leonard Frost." He was pastor on the Norway-Plains Charge of the New Hampshire District.] will give you my journal hitherto. I greatly admire the wisdom and skill of our New England Conference, correct, impartial, expeditious, with such brethren I would spend my life, and fifty more years labors, if it was given me so to do. I have recollected one case; yet undesigned, unforeseen, in the election, yet they aimed at Apostolical uprightness. How needful that every district should be represented. But the Conference knew not the stations, at the elections. You only represent New Hampshire District. Who will represent Vermont Every member in the delegation no doubt; but will not some preachers, and people say, Vermont District is not represented, by any person immediately sent from it. Who will represent New London District Elder Hedding [Elijah Hedding was changed in 1811 from the New London District and appointedto Boston. He was elected a bishop in 1824.] was upon it last year. Unless some of the members fail and Joel,[ Joel Winch was the new presiding elder on the New London District.] which is in reserve and in the very neighbourhood of General Conference, and one stay back out of the redundancy of the Maine or Boston District, Joel Winch cannot take the place. From the Maine Districts and members with the reserve, 5 members elected from Boston District, 8 members with the reserve. You might remind our elders Beale,[ Oliver Beale, presiding elder on the Kennebeck District.] Soule,[ Joshua Soule, Portland District.] Pickering [George Pickering, Boston District.] of this case, if a way . . . might be open for Joel Winch to attend.

I wish it may not be understood or thought that I have any partiality jj for men, or that the Conference courts men or wishes to exclude two important districts in the union of a respectable delegation. They knew not what would be the case at the time of election. It was not proper for me to change my plan I had digested with great care and much deliberation, and information, and lastingness. The wisdom of our General Conference may in future order that one or more delegates be always taken from each district in the annual conference. General Conference may improve and mend the Constitution, they in their wisdom may order that annual general conferences shall sit in rotation in every district in the union to prevent a corrupt partiality for great cities and towns, and to indulge none in local habits for those that will not willingly take high and mountainous stations, who will grow too lazy to attend Conference in such parts.

An arm of just and decisive authority in our General Conference and the same in the superintendency will be necessary. Other denominations have it not, they are local, they are all bishops. I have no objection to you sending a copy to Brother Pickering and Soule. You will not fail to write us to Camden, South Carolina. It would be well for the stewards to send a statement of the temporal supplies of the stationed preachers and the quarter meetings to send letters of information of the work of God and spiritual state of the circuits and the usefulness of their preachers and success in the work to the Superintendency every year at conference. I am most heartily yours,

F. Asbury

P.S. I have only to observe in systems of human religions the extreme parts have been neglected while the interior and more populous have grown into absolute authority with corruption as a rising people. We ought to have our eyes about us, be purer and purer and very lively guard against evils in the smallest bud of being.

Farewell.

Drew University Library

Martyrdom is one of the subjects of Asbury's writing, and here is a good example. The camp meetings are much upon his mind. He shows his concern because of the criticisms leveled against the episcopacy.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

September 1, 1811

[To Jacob Gruber][ Presiding elder on the Monongahela District, Baltimore Conference.]

My dear wrestling Jacob:

Oh what manner of men we ought to be in labor, in patience, in courage, 6000 miles a year to ride, we to meet 8 conferences, you to hold camp meetings, quarter meetings, give me the number, and nomination, number of people upon probability that attended, preachers present; and guess at the number connected. I rejoice that camp meetings still prevail more or less, in all the states, provinces of Upper Canada, Tennessee, New York, Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Brother Boehm[Henry Boehm was Asbury's traveling companion. He was a German and especially helpful because he could preach in the German language.] may tell you. The minutes are out, increase 10,000 members, preachers 669, weights, ciphers, drones, free men to go where they please, whilst some are chained like slaves to the gallies of labor.

We must prepare for martyrdom, in office, in life, if some do but little we must do the more, the work of God must not be slight. Witness the poor lame man for 800 miles in inexpressible pain, feet and bowels, yet travel on in company with the strong, but the lame must labor. We must guard against covetousness. We must watch against the sin of old Moses treating the people with hard language or ill temper. Oh what we have to suffer, from false brethren, and true. In families we shall be always preaching to children, to parents privately, plainly. Oh for the deep work of God upon our own souls. We have general prospects, in the union, houses, congregations.

Doubtless, if the state and provinces hold 12 million, we congregate annually 3 if not 4 million in camp meetings! Camp meetings! The battle ax and weapon of war, it will break down walls of wickedness, part of hell, superstition, false doctrine, persecution ceased without but will rise within, of our own selves. Will men arise to change and cripple the administration, men that want to be great without labor, and martyrdom in the glorious cause. Write Camden, South Carolina, December next. I am all in haste, but great love.

F. Asbury

P.S. We should most carefully examine the characters and qualifications of our local preachers and exhorters, leaders and stewards, Woe! Woe! to us if the Sanctuary is corrupted, we should have class books written or printed, and it would be well if every class leader was to present his class book for inspection at every quarter meeting or at least once a year to the presiding elder in quarter meeting. You will mind well the general fast October 4; most sacred humiliation, our country, our church calleth fork.

This has been a year of plenty from one end of the continent to the other, but excessive heat. In 7 months we have traveled upwards of 3000 miles on horse back, in taverns oft our expenses out of 200 dollars, $90 for a horse, $50 expenses besides, gifts in charity no account. Our constitutional income will never find us 2 horses and bear all the expenses of 2 men, 4 dollars for a ferry, 6 dollars for a lake, 6 to 8 dollars a week for traveling expenses. But these are our secrets. I shall have to draw from a few funded legacies to keep me when I grow old, these must go to help me on annually. I shall have to gig it 3000 miles east and north to attend the Genesee Conference in Niagara. I am determined to keep close to the Connection. They may do without me, I cannot do without them, or leave them near the helm or before the mast. I will not leave the ship. I will spend my all, my life, by grace.

Next month, my 40 years will be out, in this wilderness. Children may with more ease cast off a Father, than we fathers can cast off our children. I never knew how well I loved the Americans, when out on the other side of the St. Lawrence, in sight of the opposite shore. I never knew how well I loved the Canadians [Asbury went over from the New England Conference to Canada. Since the Christmas Conference of 1784 appointed Freedom Garrettson and James 0. Cromwell to Nova Scotia, there had been some Methodists in Canada who were connected with American Methodism. In 1811 there were about three thousand Methodists across the border in Upper and Lower Canada. There was already prospect of the War of 1812. The American preachers could hardly remain in Canada. The societies and congregations could scarcely get along without pastors. Congress passed a declaration of war on June 17, 1812. The General Conference met in New York on May 1, 1812. There was no preacher from Canada present. The New York Conference gave over the Lower Canada circuits to the Genesee Conference, retaining only the Dunham Circuit. The New England Conference retained Stanstead. All the work in Canada along the St. Lawrence River was in the Genesee Conference except the two circuits. The conference met on July 23, a month after President Madison's declaration of war. The Canadian preachers were not present. However, the appointments were made for Upper and Lower Canada.

The preachers of British and Canadian birth were to remain in the provinces. Nathan Bangs and Thomas Bureh were sent from the United States, Bangs to be presiding elder on the Lower Canada District and Thomas Burch to be pastor at Quebec. Nathan Bangs relinquished his charge by the consent of the bishops. Burch went to his appointment. When Canada declared war, the Americans had to leave. The war went on for three years with disastrous effects, as is always the case. The Genesee Conference met at Lyons on June 29, 1815. It was resolved to go ahead with the work in Canada, and American appointments were made for Upper and Lower Canada. The English Conference had preachers in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Quebec; and the membership was 1,759. American responsibility for Canada continued until the General Conference of 1828. There were five preachers from the Canada Conference present. "The separation of the Methodist connection in Canada came before the meeting, and was duly considered and finally settled." (George P. Playter, The History of Methodism in Canada, 103-315.)] till present with them. I find indeed we overseers, voices, pens and eyes, out to be as much as possible, in every part of our charge, once a year.

F.A.

P.S. I hope you will continue to run well and long. You have dear Bishop McKendree. His advice you have taken in any cases of doubt. In my weakness I went to Morgantown. I was nearly come over 70 miles out of my way, had joint camp meeting been near the Great road, I would have tried it with you. It is my folly if I go from Conference, instead of one, I go 300 miles, instead of 300 I go 600-but I do not lament going to Canada, which has been the cause of my late affliction.

I purpose if I live many years and see matters loved prosper, I will not spare any part of the continent where souls are there. I can communicate knowledge. My greatest grief is if I grieve at any thing we are obliged to ride from Monday to Saturday, seldom find time or opportunity to preach only on Lord's days. My love to all my friends. Stir them up, all my children to pray for me that I may finish well. I should write more correct but in fact I have not time from house to house, tavern to tavern we read, we pray, go on, this is our way. If you are a friend and brother, house me a favor indeed or one a night.

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

Coke was kept up to date on what was happening in America by Asbury's reports of the work. Again, as in a preceding letter, he refers to ten thousand persons attending a camp meeting. This reference is to the over-all attendance.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

September 2, 1811

[To Thomas Coke]

My dearly beloved in the Lord:

May great grace rest upon us and the church of God, and the ministry in which we are engaged. Next month, by divine permission, I shall close my fortieth year in America. When I came hither in 1771, we had 500 in society, who were more nominal than real members, and now we number 185,000.[ Minutes for 1811 show 184,567 members.] Our former circuits are become districts, and our present ones are like little parishes! Our camp meetings, I think, amount to between four and five hundred annually, some of which continue for the space of six or eight days. It is supposed that it is not uncommon for ten thousand persons,[ See letter. May 12, 1811.] including all who come at different periods, to be present at one of those meetings. On such occasions, many become subjects of a work of grace; and many experience much of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit; backsliders are restored, and the union of both preachers and people is greatly increased.

I never felt as I do now, for Upper Canada. I visited that part at the hazard of my life; having ridden 800 miles, with my feet in a high state of inflammation. Our prospects are great in the provinces; and I must, if possible, extend my labors. An overseer among us ought to be, as it

were, all eye, all ear, that he may rightly discharge the various and important duties of his office. He ought to ride 6000 miles annually, attend, and preside in eight or nine Conferences, and, in addition to preaching about 200 sermons, help to make arrangements for 700 preachers. It is a serious matter, for a man, aged sixty-six, to ride thirty miles unshaded, through such burning heat as has been seldom known, and then to preach at night.[ Evidently there was more to this letter. Only this extract in The Methodist Magazine of 1812.]

The Methodist Magazine, XXXV (1812), 316

Again Asbury is reporting to Coke. He is referring to his forty years of ministry in the United States and to his hopes of preaching not only to the Americans but to the British and Spanish people surrounding the United States.

--, GEORGIA[Written from Georgia. No place on letter. He was on his way to Camden, South Carolina, to preside at the conference. (See Journal, 1852 ed., November 27, 1811.)]

November 27, 1811

[To Thomas Coke]

I set up my Ebenezer, hitherto hath God helped me. The 20th of October last was the anniversary of my arrival in our new world. 0 how short, on review, does all the time appear since I landed in America! And, Oh! how great have been my unfaithfulness and unfruitfulness! Greatly as the Lord hath multiplied us as a people in this part of the world, the most junior state can boast of more citizens than we have members in our whole union. In our populous cities, the whole population of which is supposed to be upwards of five millions, perhaps between six and ten thousand sit weekly under our ministry. Many of our meetings are attended by men of all descriptions, Representatives,[ Members of Congress.] etc., with the single exception of the President.[ James Madison was President in 1811.] Great and gracious signs follow our meetings at our annual conferences, our quarterly meetings, and encampments. Never before aid I witness such scaffolding for the divine building among us as there is at present.

Should my life be spared a few years, I shall push to preach the gospel in all the world of America, though I should find it three thousand miles in length and as many in breadth. I long to preach the gospel to all the British, Spanish, and the United States of America. I hope the Lord will open an effectual door for thousands in your happy isle, by village missionaries, or other ways and means. My dear brother, I hope you excel me in every thing that is good. 0 let us preach inward and outward holiness in all its branches. We have revived weekly fasting, and recommended two general fasts annually. Were I to suffer my mind to wander into the state of other churches, I should say they are orthodox, they have gracious ministers and members, and praying societies. Our local preachers, who are more numerous than ministers of other denominations, fill up vacancies, and preach in new places. The camp meetings prove a general blessing to both preachers and people. I am, as ever, your's,

F. Asbury

The Methodist Magazine, XXXV(.1812), 316

Jacob Gruber was one of Asbury's most dependable men. The camp meetings are again upon Asbury's mind. He urges Gruber to diligence by the suggestion of his own example.

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

December 17, 1811

[To Jacob Gruber][ Presiding elder on the Monongahela District.]

My dearly Beloved:

I only honor you as you honor God. I pray for you daily twice. I write to you. The God of all grace help me, thee, and all his children, and ministers. Surely it is America's Day. The prospects are great beyond description in the outward search; hundreds are converted. So many popular meetings in one year. I think river will be the line of the 2 districts. As to the nomination, we shall know hereafter, you will make out the plans. The preachers, as many as can, will meet in Leesburg, Va.. We have lamed 2 horses, and one man twice. We are so simple when we set off from one conference to another. We ride so crooked; that where we might go for six, we take 1200 miles. Oh for men like Baxter's[Asbury makes frequent references to Richard Baxter's Call to the Unconverted, also The Saints Everlasting Rest. On August 19, 1810, Asbury writes, "Saturday-0 what a prize! Baxter's Reformed Pastor fell into my hands this morning!"] pastors, for doctrine, discipline, duties, diligence.

My painful 40 years expired the 20th of October. Oh! what have I been doing, the chief of sinners saved, less than the least of all, and was I to live over again perhaps no better my poverty the purity of my intention, the souls gone to glory, and those that now preach and live the gospel, comfort me. Letters and life will shorten. I feel as if the year 1812 will be great in the new and old perhaps in grace and judgment. You heard we stationed 101 in the West Conference, added members between 3 and 4000. I expect we shall station 100 in the South. We must form new districts, circuits and conferences, in the west and other parts, I am, Fr. Ay.

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

A day of prayer and fasting is announced in this letter to one of the pastors. They are looking toward the General Conference of 1812, and Asbury is anticipating attacks on the episcopacy.

CAMDEN, SOUTH CAROLINA

December 23, 1811

[To Robert Birch][ Pastor, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.]

My dear Son:

Oh what graces and grace we need to conduct ourselves as sons of God, without rebuke. Great grace we need to guide men of murmuring minds; and called, justified, sanctified ministers of Jesus, to answer all questions, hear all spirits. This year with us is begun; in the West and Southern Conference, the Day of God, the Day of Glory is begun! Near 7000 added this year; besides the numbers triumphantly gone, to join the church above. The wastage filled up, these 2 conferences would be a great field for the poor supernumerary Superintendents who but wander through the new world. We have recommended the first Friday in May as a day of general humiliation and fasting, that if we must have some radical changes (as some say) and transfer of power to appointing the principal officers in our church government, the change must be of God, and not of men, who have partially for years been their own bishops. May you watch, flee youthful desires, follow after every grace.

F.A.

Syracuse University

This is an excerpt of one of several letters which Bennett included in his Memorials of Methodism in Virginia. Bennett does not tell to whom they were written, nor where he got them but probably the Stith Mead collection. Asbury is evidently well along in years. He mentions the forty years. If the reference is to his American ministry, then the letter was written in 1811. At times he refers to the beginning of his ministry in England. However, he usually refers to the beginning in America. He began that ministry in 1771.

[To Stith Mead][ The letter was evidently written to a preacher, and Asbury is making an appeal to preach the gospel. Bennett had letters which had been written to Stith Mead, a collection which with Mead's Journal was lost in the Richmond fire of the Civil War. Mead was on the Buckingham Circuit, Virginia, in 1811.]

May the great Head of the church prepare us all to preach all the gospel doctrines in their order; to saints, sinners, backsliders, legalists, deists, and hypocrites. Alas! what little have I done, what little have I suffered! Me, who am less than the least of all saints, not worthy to be called a preacher, much less a Bishop, and an apostolic successor. I want to live to make the best of a poor day's work. The longer I run, now forty years, the further I am behind. Never had we such scaffolding for the work of God; far beyond all former appearances or calculations. But above all, Oh the souls already gone to glory!

Francis Asbury[The letter was unsigned.]

William W. Bennett, Memorials of Methodism, 618

In 1810 Nathan Bangs, pastor of John Street Church, New York, attempted to correct some excesses in the services at the church. Some persons wrote to Bishop Asbury protesting against Bangs' action. Asbury's answer did not satisfy Bangs. He did not think he had sufficient support. Bangs wrote to Asbury requesting an explanation.

NEW YORK, N.Y.

May 7, 1812[The date was taken from Nathan Bangs, A History of the Methodist Episcopal Church, II, 404.]

[To Nathan Bangs][ Bangs, a pastor of John Street Church, New York, was a historian of early Methodism.]

My dear Brother and Son:

It is impossible for me to enter into explanations. Unhappy suspicions have taken place (I said, I think) among us, and something like guile;including myself. I confess I had better not have said anything; I did not mean it for any but those that were charged with it. I did not mean a charge against you or any innocent person. There may be the appearance without reality. I am sorry I am not more prudent, but when I am called upon so often to speak and write I am not sufficiently on my guard. I hope you will bear with me. I am persuaded of your uprightness. Brother Hitt[Daniel Hitt, the Book Agent] has spoken in the highest terms of you to me, in word and letter. You will pardon me, and pray that I may say, do, preach, and write better. I remain thine in Jesus.

F. Asbury

Abel Stevens, Life and Times of Nathan Bangs, D.D., 187

According to the Journal the Episcopal Committee had under discussion the question of adding to the episcopacy. A motion was made in the conference on May 16 to do this. Evidently Asbury felt it necessary to reassure the brethren that he would not leave the country.

NEW YORK[Not addressed. (See Tigert, A Constitutional History of American Episcopa Methodism, 331.)]

May 9, 1812

[To the Episcopal Committee of the General Conference of 1812][See Journal entries for General Conference, May 1, 10, 17, 1812.]

My dear Brethren:

Whatever I may have thought or spoken in former times upon strengthening the Episcopacy, I am not at liberty to say to you at this time, do this, or that. I am bound in duty to serve the Connection with all my power of body and mind, as long and as largely as I can; and, while I am persuaded that my services are needed and acceptable, to give up all thoughts of visits out of the American Continent. I feel myself indispensably bound to the Conference and my colleague, never to leave them nor forsake them upon the above conditions.

F. Asbury

J. J. Tigert, A Constitutional History of American Episcopal Methodism, 331