Chapter 5

FROM 1793 THROUGH 1796 June 22, 1793 November 1, 1796

Daniel Fidler's parents lived in Maryland between Oldtown and Fort Littletown. Daniel was in Nova Scotia. Evidently Asbury was reminded to write to Daniel by his visit to Daniel's parents.

OLD TOWN,

MARYLAND

June 22, 1793 [Asbury had visited the Fidlers on June 21. (See Journal.)]

To Daniel Fidler [Fidler was on the Arlington Circuit in Virginia in 1792.]

My very dear Brother:

I called at your father's house, and spent a night there on my way from Old Town Conference. We hope the dear old people will make their way to glory. They will long greatly to see you after two years. You will return to the continent, or at least to the grand American Union, when your way is clear. We have a general growth and increase of souls. I hope that not less than three thousand will be made subjects of grace this year. A pretty general harmony reigns through the body as to traveling preachers. J. O'Kelly[O'Kelly had more success than this letter indicates. The Republican Methodists soon changed their name to the Christian Church, and many strong churches were developed in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.] is nearly left alone. His next move will be among the local line and the membership. Notwithstanding our trouble the work goes on westward, yet the savages are restless. I expect that in a very few years we shall be through New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont states, and so become near neighbors to Nova Scotia.

I fear I do not see as much simplicity in our young brethren now as in years past. The love of shining in dress and talents appears to be too prevalent. 0 my dear child, keep humble, watchful, simple, and walk with God, that you may live as well as preach the very spirit and practice of the Gospel. My heart is toward you in the love of Jesus. If I should see you again, 0 may you be full of grace and God! Thine as ever,

Francis Asbury

W. P. Strickland, The Pioneer Bishop, 244-45

Here is evidence that Asbury was not infallible in his appointments. He wishes he had made some of them different. Also it shows his concern/or the "Dutch"-speaking people. Several of his letters show his great concern for the people who spoke in languages other than English.

WYOMING, NEW YORK

July 3, 1793

To Thomas Morrell[Pastor in New York.]

My very dear Brother:

Every occurrence gives an opportunity of information. These frontier circuits here suffer the want of my presence to see the state of matters. .. . Will you, the next letter you have an occasion to write to John Dickins, direct said Dickins to desire Daniel Hitt, on the Pittsburgh circuit, to take the earliest opportunity to let Valentine Cook, upon the Clarksburg circuit, know to come and meet me at the Baltimore conference, Oct. 20, 1793. I have found a vast body of Dutch on the Northumberland circuit, and the said Cook can preach in Dutch. Had I known it at conference I would have stationed him there. I believe there are several young men who will do as well on Clarksburg as he.

I am convinced I ought to station preachers all the year; and it appears not right to take all the preachers away. There are such disorders it gives a great opening to men, devils and sin. Our poor preachers keep Lent a great part of the year here. Our towns and cities, at least our conferences, ought not to let them starve for clothing. I have had a pretty long campaign in the backwoods ever since March. I judge it will be best for half the preachers from Albany, Massachusetts and New Jersey to attend at New York conference, that we may keep the work going on. I think we must absolutely never let the preachers wholly leave their circuits; this is what was never suffered in England for fear of havoc. It is pressing times in America.

Thine as ever,

F. Asbury

Louis D. Palmer, Heroism and Romance, Early Methodism in Northeastern Pennsylvania, 100-101

Here is more evidence of Asbury's continuing concern for his parents' spiritual and physical welfare. As usual he is giving an account of the growth of the work. It is evident here that he has given up all idea of ever returning to England to live.

NEW YORK, N.Y.

September 1, 1793

To his Parents

My ever dear Parents:

I am pleased to hear by Mr. Suckley,[ George Suckley, Esq. (an early and steady friend of Asbury's) "yet living, and resident in this city." (Note from The Methodist Magazine, 1831, 303.) Suckley was a Methodist in England, where he saw and heard the Wesleys preach. He came to New York with Coke. He was a leading merchant in New York, where he held offices both civil and ecclesiastical. He married Miss Catherine Rutson of Rhinebeck. Suckley lived to serve God and the church until 1845. He was born in 1764 and died in his eighty-first year.] (who was at the house), of your welfare. I expect by this time brother Sause has supplied you with a small sum of money. I shall not forget to supply you in future. It is but once in the year I visit our cities and sea-ports. I am called in a very peculiar manner to help in the planting of the Gospel westward. 0 what have you to do now but to spend half your time in meditation and prayer; to make your last days by far your best. I know not how you feel. But, although I have not seen fifty years, I feel many infirmities, but Christ is all and in all. I am resolved to give myself wholly to God, through my short day. I trust not only thousands annually join us, but 3000 are converted to God every year. I wish you would desire Mr. Taylor, or someone, to write to me once in three or six months. Mrs. Smith's son was with me this morning. I shall try to put him forward to something, if in my power. My love to all friends,

Francis Asbury

[What follows is an addition to the preceding letter, on the same sheet.]

I have the flower of my days in hearing of and speaking for God and Christ. It is now near thirty years I have been speaking. I cannot, as heretofore, preach fifteen or sixteen times in seven days. I thank God for the use of my eyes, and ears, and tongue. I often pray for you. 0 that my parents may be saved from all sin before they die, that I may have the best assurance of your going to glory.

I think it would be best for you to sell any useless property you have, and live upon the proceeds. I shall never want or possess anything you have. I do most earnestly wish, if my mother should outlive my father, she would come to me, if able, and I am alive. I greatly rejoice that the seed of Methodism sown by me in Great Barr, groweth. I congratulate the society.

Two and twenty years have greatly defaced features and families out of my remembrance. It is no matter. We shall hereafter know better than we are now known. I trust you will cry to God for the souls around you, that awakenings and conversions to God may be frequent amongst you, and that believers may be sanctified. The Lord can work like himself.

O for a constant, pure, heavenly flame! I trust and hope the Lord has converted two or three thousand souls in the United States the last year. We have about 300 zealous travelling preachers, and near 700 local. We have the range of fourteen or fifteen states like small kingdoms; indeed, some like large ones, the whole continent 1,400 miles from north to south and a thousand from east to west. I have not forgotten Old England, although I never wish to reside there. Yet, I could wish I could visit it for only 8 or 10 months.

I am your very dear,

F. Asbury

Drew University Library

This is the only letter extant to William Walters. He was the first native American preacher and was one of Asbury's best men. He had located when he married. Asbury is trying to get Walters to go back into the traveling ministry.

STAFFORD COURT HOUSE, VIRGINIA

October 29, 1793

To William Walters [Local preacher in Fairfax County, Virginia. He had located after traveling for several years. (See Journal note on William Walters.)]

My dear Brother:

I cannot have the pleasure of seeing you but must salute you upon paper. It appears to me some awful clouds hang over this once favoured continent. The inhabitants of Philadelphia were faithfully warned that God would punish them. If not with war, nor famine, yet he might have sent the pestilence. Oh! awful days when the people die by hundreds in a day!-Our book concern will be hurt by this calamity. Oh! if the Lord will spare the valuable life of John Dickins.[ John Dickins, Book Agent.]

The restless division spirit that prevails among our people and preachers below is a serious subject. I am now going[Asbury is evidently referring to the trip they took into Powhatan County in 1780 when the famous ordinances conference was held at Manakintown. (See Journal note on Manakintown.)] where you. Brother Garrettson and myself went 13 or 14 years ago.

I should be well pleased if your wife was in some town where she would be safe, and you could enter again, and die in the good cause. It would please me if you would superintend Lancaster, Stafford, and Fairfax [Counties in Virginia.] as a presiding elder, next year. I want some older heads in our ministry. The Lord works westward and more northward, and eastward.

We have great prospects about Boston, Connecticut and Rhode Island. I have been affected with a disease of the throat, and feel but through mercy able to keep along. It has followed me that the Lord will send a consumption upon this land. His hand is lifted up.

Various nations are in distress-we shall not be wholly unpunished. I think Christians should do more than at other times, and suffer greatly, and deny ourselves rigidly. My soul, I trust is more than ever given to God and his work. We have had a good conference, with about 50 preachers. We had to sit a whole week. God has given us a few thousands this year. Some sanctified souls in New Jersey. I shall be much obliged to you to supply as often as you can in Alexandria this year. I shall command a supply, but the young man is weak in body and not as strong as some in faith and love. If you would attend every Sabbath day, at least every other Sabbath. I am as ever thine in the bowels of our dear Lord.

Francis Asbury

Drew University Library

Jacob Hall was at Abingdon, Maryland, where Cokesbury College was. He was president. Asbury was traveling near Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, and evidently thought of Cokesbury and was prompted to write this letter.

PRINCE EDWARD, VIRGINIA

November 10, 1793

To Dr. Jacob Hall]

My very dear Friend and Brother:

I trust Cokesbury will yet live before the LORD. I am informed Hampden and Sydney College[Hampden-Sydney, the Presbyterian college in Prince Edward County.]

hath but about 30 scholars, two teachers and no sources but what are gained by education. I shall be obliged to you to lead on Bless, Gibbs, and McClasky into learning and teaching. I see great prospects of schools. It is worth while to educate here, when a private priest can gain 8 pounds Virginia money per year for education, and the planters board at 12 pounds. I could employ the boys when we could have a steady serious local preacher to oversee the schools.

I shall be very willing to hear from you in March at Holston at the postoffice in Abingdon, Va.. Altho' I should take it as a singular favour to hear from you at Charleston, S.C., in February. If you will do me the favor to write very freely on the plan of education and the number of scholars; and anything you judge for the good of the house. I wish Brother Everett[Joseph Everett was pastor at Cokesbury in 1794. (See Minutes.) ] could purchase that house of onions [Not clear.] for a kitchen.

our way quarterly and gain more employment. I am resolved to have peace in the family and whether they are men or boys, they must turn out if they disturb the family, preacher or teachers.

Where presiding order prevails, God dwells. I think great care should be taken to ground those boys (that shall come to teach) well in English Grammar, arithmatick and mathematicks. Do tell me my dear friend if you think it will answer any valuable end for me to call in June. I could ride 40 or 50 miles out of my way to serve you. Write with the greatest freedom, and suggest anything you think would be for the advantage of the college.

I am with great respect,

Yours, F. Asbury

Drew University Library

Asbury had come to Virginia and was seeing some of the effects of the O'Kelly schism. The disaffection of the preachers reminds him of his other problems of keeping preachers. Many were marrying and leaving the work.

NEAR PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA

November 23, 1793 [According to the Journal, Asbury was at J. Smith's.]

To Ezekiel Cooper}[ Presiding elder at Boston.]

My very dearest dear Brother:

I am yet moving southward and heavenward. I have spent some comfortable hours in Maryland and old Virginia in some places where I have preached the Gospel more than twenty years ago. Glory to God these people and their children are growing up for glory. I fear the divine spirit will shew itself in a few months; with to your tents oh Israel! Report says that 700 members and 30 preachers will form.[ Reference is to the O'Kelly Republican Methodist Church, which had begun in Surry County, Virginia, not far from Petersburg. Actually the O'Kellyites, as they were called, made an effort to return to the fold. They felt Asbury gave them no consideration. (See MacClenny, The Life of Rev. James O'Kelly, 110-12.)] But it may not be as formidable as we fear, and they boast. I am to be addressed with a petition to call a conference of ministers, and people, to redress their grievances. If they seem not heard they will withdraw from us.

I waited long to hear from my dear Brother Cooper but it was awful tidings. Married or single leaving the work, is my distress. The western country is much distressed and still I must go, if possible, to Kentucky. The church, and school [Cokesbury College.] will suffer more with my absence than presence.

The delicacy of the work in Massachusetts calls for great economy, and great nursing, the tender plant, the work is the Lord's, the wisdom, the power, the glory also. Oh, Christ is thine. We have had a great and general sickness. Saints and sinners humbled and dead. I wish exceedingly to hear from you. Send a letter to Brother Dickins[Book Agent in Philadelphia.] if it comes time enough; let it be sent to Holston by post or to Fort Pitt. I have afflictions [On several occasions Asbury said that his chief affliction was the difficulties caused by his preachers marrying. He said once that the devil and the women were getting his preachers. Following is a report of the marriage of the Rev. William Spencer:

"I have been exercised in my mind for several years about altering my condition in life but was unwilling to quit the traveling connection as long as I found myself able to travel and labor for God and souls. Being fully convinced that the life of a traveling preacher is the best life for holy and constant walking with God and for usefulness to mankind of any other life whatever. I first set out in the vineyard of the Lord with no other motive but to glorify God and to gain souls to my blessed Master, and I was anxious to be as extensively useful as possible feeling, however, that I was greatly exhausted and entirely unable to go through the labors I had gone through, I began to think seriously and with prayer to God for his blessing and direction about seeking a companion that might be a helpmeet for me. I viewed marriage to be an important matter, indeed, and was truly sensible of the necessity of acting with prudence and caution in so weighty an affair. I accordingly laid the matter before God in constant fervent prayer and likewise counselled with a number of my most judicious, pious, and aged brethren. I shall never forget an expression of an aged pious minister while talking with him on this important subject. 'Depend upon it, my dear Brother (^aid he) a married life is the happiest or miserablest life upon earth: therefore you do well in laying your case before God, and in counselling with your friends, &c.'

"My continual prayer to God was, that if it was his will I should marry, to chuse one for me that he knew would be a blessing to me in time and Eternity: and I have no doubt but God heard and answered my prayers.

"We were married the first day of November, 1797, in Lunenburg County, Virginia. The name of my wife was Mary Newbill, daughter of Mr. Nathe. Newbill of said County. The ceremony was performed by that man of God (now in Heaven) the Reverend John Easter. We had a small company of serious friends and brethren present, and after we were married, Brother Easter preached an excellent sermon, in which he treated largely upon the duties of husbands and wives, and which, I think, will be remembered by my wife and myself with profit till death parts us.

"I now took my leave of an itinerant life, in which I had spent between 8 and 9 years, and had the unspeakable happiness to see many souls brought home to God. For years he taught after this in Charlotte, Cumberland, and other counties."] in my way, so have you, only let us give up ourselves wholly to God. I hope you will keep union with the people; and the preachers upon proper changes, that everything may go on well. Oh brother keep to the doctrines of the Gospel and press them home. I am as ever thine,

F. Asbury

Garrett Biblical Institute Library

The Experience, &c., of the Reverend William Spencer, Vol. I. Property of Dr. Robert B. Pierce, Broadway Methodist Church, Indianapolis, Indiana

Just when this letter was written cannot be ascertained from the Journal records. In August, 1793, and August, 1794, Asbury was in Connecticut. In 1794 he was sick in Maryland. Though he had an itinerary as planned here, he did not follow this plan exactly in 1793 or 1794; but he was in Hartford on Sunday, the 29th, 1794. It seems that the June 1 in the letter should be September 1. On June 1, 1794, Asbury was in Virginia at Harrisonbwg. Many of the dates in the 1852 edition of the Journal are incorrect.

CONNECTICUT --- 1794}[ Date not given, probably July 26, 1794.]

[To George Roberts][ George Roberts was presiding elder of the district in New England which included these places in 1793 and 1794. In 1795 he was presiding elder of the New York District. (See Minutes.)]

Brother Roberts:

Will you be so kind as to write an answer to Daniel Burrows[The Minutes do not list Burrows.] a letter and let him know that something extra ordinary hath befallen me, that I have been very unwell for some days, unfit for ministerial duty with a ---- cold and intermitting fever, that I have taken upon the low lands of Maryland. Tell him, the plan they have given out was one that Brother Whatcoat [Whatcoat was presiding elder in Delaware.] took a copy of, and gave out by mistake, when we were only composing a plan. Tell him I have written on a complete plan which brings us to City of Hartford Sunday the twenty ninth, Monday 30 at ---- in Hebron. ---- Tuesday 31, Windham, at Thompson, Wednesday June 1-3, you will find the directions where to write in his letter. Fr Asbury

P.S. As I shall not return through New York and probably the preachers will not all go, I must stay 4 or 5 days in order to know what and which

is to be done. I am inclined get B---- to take charge of the Genesee District. F A

You are powerfully perplexed with your little local plagues but my work lies in 2000 oblong miles here and there and has almost every where, where we have preachers. Tell Burrows that Brother Whatcoat and myself shall probably be together, perhaps one of us will be able to preach.

Drew University Library

This letter has neither date nor place. However, it was evidently written in 1794. In the letter of September 1, 1793, Asbury refers to Suckley^ visit to his mother. He says in this letter that it was a year ago. Therefore the date of 1794. Asbury shows continuous love and concern for his

parents' welfare.

To his Parents

My very dear Father and Mother:

I have had some considerable pain of mind from two or three letters I have received from you, as also the information given by others, that the money was not paid. I have had certain information that Mr. ---- received a sum last September, or thereabout. I last evening made an arrangement for a remittance to you, by my agent John Dickins, with Mr. Suckley, the young man that made you a visit last year. It will come by Mr. Holley, transmitted to Mr. James Foster, in Birmingham. This sum will come into your hands in the space of three or four months. There will be a great certainty of this cash coming into your hands.

My salary is fourteen pounds, ten shillings, sterling ($64). I have sold my watch and library, and would sell my shirts before you should want. I have made a reserve for you. I spend very little on myself. My friends find me some clothing. I might have money, but the wicked world, and those [The O'Kellyites.] that leave our connection, strive to blacken my character by saying I have the profits of books at my command, and profits from the College, and the schools established in many parts of America. These reports I am able to refute, and yet they say "he remits money to his parents every year." The contents of a small saddle-bag will do for me, and one coat in the year. Your son, Francis, is a man of honor and conscience. As my father and mother never disgraced me with an act of dishonesty, I hope to echo back the same sound of an honest, upright man.

I wish to despise flattery and injustice. I hope you will guard against fretfulness and discontent. I am well satisfied that the Lord saw fit you should be my parents, rather than the king and queen, or any of the great; also, as to when and where I drew my breath. I sometimes think you will outlive me. I have made my will, and left my all to you, and that's soon done. While I live and do well, I shall remember you every year; perhaps come to see you, if you live many years, and peace and harmony should take place between the continent and kingdom.

I rejoice that religion prospers once more in my native land. Above all, my dear father and mother, seek a deeper sense of God and religion, to be holy and ripe for glory. 0 that your last days may be your best! and that you may not only live long, but live and die well. Only be much in prayer, that your day of grace may never be past, while life and thought and being last, to all eternity. I am much obliged to those kind brethren that have written to me on your behalf. I beg you will take every opportunity of writing to me your true state of body and mind! If I should be removed, I have left the charge with brother Whatcoat [Richard Whatcoat, later bishop. ] to do for you in my place.

I am as ever, your dear son,

Francis Asbury

On envelope

To Joseph Asbury

Hampstead Hall

near Birmingham

Staffordshire

Drew University Library

John Kobler was one of Asbury's most dependable preachers, as this letter indicates. Asbury is giving directions for the Western Conference in case he could not be present.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

January 22, 1794

To John Kobler [Presiding elder of Holston District.]

Dear Brother:

Notwithstanding I have enjoyed very little health since the first of August, having had inflammation, lameness, influenza, fever and colds, I have been struggling along to the present day. I have been frequently desired by the preachers and people to give up coming to the westward. I never consented until a few weeks past, believing myself unable and that it might probably endanger my life. But it appeared like an indication of Providence at that time unknown to me, that I should transact all my temporal concerns respecting Kentucky at the Conference in Petersburgh. I was then in a languid state not knowing what would befall me, and I have been much more so since.

I have herein enclosed a plan of the stations of the preachers which I should be glad should take place, but you must do as well as you can in cases of failure of contingences, and I desire you, if Brother McHenry [Barnabas McHenry was presiding elder on the district in 1793 which includedBedford, Bottetourt, Greenbrier, and Cowpasture circuits. Name of district not given in Minutes.] should not be present, you must take the Presidency of the Conference, and go through in regular order, taking their names, numbers, and election, if any of them should have the right of deacons election, which is two years probation.

I have desired Brother Poythress,[ Francis Poythress was presiding elder on Cumberland District in 1793.] if possible to meet me at conference at Brother Mitchell's,[ Edward Mitchell's.] Bottetourt, May 26 to present me with the Minutes and information of the district, as I shall require and that we may give him such advice and direction as we judge necessary. I wish likewise to see you there for the same purpose as it may be needful for you to continue the oversight of the Holston District. If there should be any deacons, elect, they may take ordination there if you come. I shall likewise want the Minutes of your Conference. If our aged brother that went to Russell is not useful, and unacceptable to the people you must try what is the judgment of the Conference concerning him, if the majority is against him he must locate himself.

If I should be able to visit the western country next year you may consider the matter in your Conference and we can talk it over, should we meet at Bottetourt, whether it would not be best for the Cumberland, Kentucky and Holston Districts to meet in the new territory about the first of May, the conferences in Baltimore, Petersburg!! and Charleston will be held late in the fall and early in the spring, so that I shall have no conference but yours to attend for several months and can make more time and better weather. I feel very unwilling to give up the western country altogether but whether I shall be able to come every year I doubt with me, but if we should meet we can fully talk these matters over. I conclude and am as ever thine in love,

Francis Asbury

Drew University Library

On March 22 Asbury records in the Journal his great concern for the brethren in the Western Conference. On March 23, Sunday, he says he has written several letters westward "to supply my lack of service."

WHITE RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA

March 23, 1794[Date, see Journal, March 23, 1794. The month is not on the letter.]

To John Kohler[Presiding elder of Holston District.]

My very dear Brother:

I am sorry it is not for me to come westward. You will do the best you can for Holston. May the first, 1795, I must try the mountains again. If ordination is needful for any for deacons, they may meet me at Mitchell's[Edward Mitchell's. Southwest Virginia, Bottetourt County.] May 26, 1794, or you may meet me and let us take some counsel together and you will be able to give me some just account of the state of the Holston District. If the Lord is with you wonders will be wrought and you shall go on valiantly. I hope Brother Lindsay[John Lindsay was placed on the Holston charge as assistant to Francis Acuff. (See Minutes, 1794.) The preachers were listed as assistants.] has grace, his gifts are small, his language is not much improved. He may do with a steady man, to direct him. The poverty of the church is exceeding great for preachers, yet not so great as the demands to different and distant parts. I have declined taking a person that is fit for the circuits with me, the call is so great.

If you are straitened for money, you must let me know. I think you had better meet me and tell me all you hear at Mitchell's. I am much better, but coming about 400 miles by riding it in 10 or 12 days, cold lodging and rains has given me rhumatick touches. I am now going where I have not been for years. I wait the providence of God in my moves. My dear Brother, press purity on thy own soul, on the souls of the preachers and the people there. That is the spot we feel our glory is departing. We must preach holiness plainly, pointedly, now to be obtained by grace through those, in great love as ever,

F. Asbury

Drew University Library

As usual Asbury shows his great concern for the salvation of his parents. He also shows his concern for his old neighbors, as well as those around him, and the world.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

September 22, 1794

To his Parents

My very dear Father and Mother:

I am not unmindful of your present and eternal welfare. When I was in Philadelphia, in July, I remembered you; and I hope by this time you feel the effects of my filial duty. I desire I may hear from you all the particulars of your souls and bodies. I wish to know who among my poor old neighbors are converted to the Lord, and live religion. I suspect, were I to return, I should be a great stranger in the place where I was born. I am at present in a good state of health. Time has been when I have feared I should leave the world before my poor parents, and you would come to want. But God is all sufficient. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. 0 let me hear, if you go hence, that you die triumphant in the Lord, and go shouting to glory. We are not without the down pourings of the Spirit of God in a wonderful manner. But I want the continent, the world, to flame with the spiritual glory of God. 0 my father! 0 my mother! be much in prayer for meek, patient, loving, holy souls. O how awful to live almost one hundred years and not be fit for heaven and glory.

I am, as ever, your dear, faithful obedient son,

F. Asbury

Drew University Library

There were two churches in Brooklyn. Asbury preached three times on the Lord's Day, at ten o'clock in the morning and in the evening at the old church. In the afternoon he preached in the new church.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Lord's Day, September 28, 1794

To Ezekiel Cooper[Pastor in New York.]

My very dear Brother:

I am now satisfied that you should take your stand here till further orders. It is my wish that you should keep a conference with the preachers in this city, stationed and supernumeraries. It is my desire that once in five or six weeks each one of you should spend a Sabbath in Brooklyn. Brother Phoebus[The appointments in 1794 for New York and Brooklyn read, E. Cooper, L. McCombs; supernumeraries, W. Phoebus, J. Brush, D. Kendall. (See Minutes, 1794.) J. Brush had been the presiding elder in 1793. Freeborn Garrettson was the presiding elder in 1794.] has heard my mind. I want quarterly meetings to be held at each of the three houses, first at one and then at another. Meet the first day, and the following day call the leaders and stewards in conference, close conference, about the work of God and their souls, the order and harmony of the societies and their temporal supplies. Have a love-feast for all of the societies. Let me hear from you, and you shall hear from me. I have been greatly employed preaching three times this day; am going off early tomorrow morning.

Thine in love,

Francis Asbury

P.S. I give it as my real opinion, that you should have no open love-feast. Attend to this. F. Asbury

G. A. Phoebus, Beams of Light on Early Methodism, 190-91

The statement in reference to Jacob Hall, the president of Cokesbury College, was written in 1794. It was printed in an article entitled "Jacob Hall, Surgeon and Educator, 1747-1812.'" Hall resigned on October 17, 1794, after six years as president.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

October 23, 1794

[To whom it may concern]

This is to certify whom it may concern, that we the employers of Doctor Jacob Hall, late president of Cokesbury College, find no cause of complaint, either respecting his moral character as a Christian, his ability as a teacher, or his attentions to the students when present. And hereby declare our satisfaction for the services rendered to the College for six years past. Signed in behalf of the Conference,

Francis Asbury

Attest. Nelson Reed

Joshua Waller

Lem'l Green

Rich'd Whatcoat

Maryland Historical Magazine, VIII (September, 1913), 217.

Maryland Historical Society Library

The conference started in Charleston on January 1 and ran through January 7. Asbury as usual was not well. He was met in the city by bad news of the loss of three friends. In this letter he discloses some of his ascetic views as to eating and drinking-views which were so characteristic of his life.

CHARLESTON, S.C.

January 2, 1795

[To Ezekiel Cooper] [Pastor in New York].

My dear Brother:

I am, by the good and always kind providence of God, brought safe to this city in peace, but a little unwell by hard traveling and changes. Serious things have taken place here. Brother Hughes is dead. Captain Darrall and William Adams drowned. We creep along, with an increase of hearers and members. Some wandering stars appear and shine a little in the new Trinity. We pay our debts, and go on fair and easy. I must say, every time I visit Charleston my feelings are better, and I hope there is some fruit of my toil.

I should be much obliged to you to favor me with your former kindness in letters, any thing that is of moment for me to know, especially from the eastward, that comes to your knowledge. Charleston, Holston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Boston or Hartford, are good points to meet me with letters.

I am in hopes that something valuable will take place in New York in the year 1795. Your attention ought to be paid to Discipline, and visiting from house to house, but not to eat and drink. I am pointedly against that. You have a house to eat in; you need not go to feast with the Church of God. We ought to visit as doctors, or as persons to plead the cause of their souls; not as guests, to eat and drink, but as divines for souls. I am convinced it is and will be an evil.

We have had few city preachers but what have been spoiled for a poor man's preachers. That is a truth we can awfully substantiate. What persons and times are past and gone, let them go. I trust your soul is more engaged with God than ever, and you will send me good news of the spiritual affairs of the society; as to the temporal matters, Cokesbury[Statement is not clear. The college burned in December, 1795.] is out of blast, and let it go; we were great too soon. My ten years' dread is over; I shall leave the world and my charge shortly. Excuse my not writing a longer letter. I have many to write.

I am as ever,

F. Asbury

Garrett Biblical Institute Library

From Fish Dam Ford, North Carolina, Asbury is making his engagements with John Kobler of the Holston District. On April 26 he reached friend Nelson's in western North Carolina; and there he was met by William Burke, Francis Acuff, and Thomas Wilkerson. He does not indicate who is the brother from the east of Virginia. He evidently met the brother at Edward Mitchell's.

FISH DAM FORD, N.C.[ See Journal for the place, March 27, 1795. On the letter, which was defaced, only "Ford" appears.]

March 27, 1795

To John Kobler[Presiding elder of the Holston District.]

My very dear Brother:

I have an intention of being at friend Nelson's to hold a general meeting there Sabbath Day, April 26. I should be happy to be favoured with the company of the preachers and people that wish to see me. I shall be exceedingly straightened for strength, time and horse, to get to Baltimore by the first of June. I am to stop and communicate with our brother in east Virginia. I shall have to hasten to New Virginia, Rockingham[Now Harrisonburg, formerly Rocktown, also called Rockingham because it was the courthouse seat of Rockingham County.] in the interests of the church and education.[ Asbury had started a school at Harrisonburg. (See Cummings, Early Schools of Methodism, 426.)]

If it should turn out that any of the preachers should have a horse that they want to let me have, I want change and the balance of 4 or 5 guineas, good size, young, 5 years old, well gated, and good life. I have not spent my time altogether in vain in Charleston, poor Joseph's brethren[The Negro brethren. ] are coming to Jesus. You will do your best to meet me, and hasten the conference. At least I should wish my horse to rest till I come up from Holston; after bringing me over the mountains. You will, I hope borrow a horse to carry me down to Conference if it be where it may be. I am under such great expectation of going to the northern boundary of the United States this summer, Provinces of Maine, Hampshire, and Vermont, as we are just entering these fields. I am now obliged to save myself all I can. Twenty-five years maketh a great difference, I cannot do as heretofore, and it seemeth my heart is bigger than ever it was and the people and preachers I think require more than ever more than man. I am a poor weak man too.

Thine as ever,

Francis Asbury

Drew University Library

The conference had been meeting in Baltimore, and Asbury was writing from there. He is disturbed because his parents had not received the money he had sent to them. The cheap gossip about him had irritated him, and he answers the criticisms. Interestingly, he reports himself as enjoying great health.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

October 30, 1795

To his Parents

My very dear Parents:

I am pleased to hear from you, by Benjamin Rhodes, or any other person. I am sorry you had not received what I mentioned in my last. I wrote to you a few weeks back, from Philadelphia. I have delivered into the hands of my agent the supply for the present year. By a late letter I am informed it will soon be transmitted to you. Were it ten thousand per year, if I had it in my possession, you should be welcome, if you had need of it. No person could have been in more difficulty of circumstances than myself. It is wickedly reported of me that I collect money from the printing concern and college,[ Cokesbury.] and send it home to my friends, in large sums. This is done by wicked men whom I have prevented from oppressing and robbing the Church of God. To cover their own baseness they charge me; so that my good to you is evil spoken of.

I hope you use carefully what I dearly purchase by riding six or seven thousand miles a year, besides sitting in and conducting conferences of two hundred preachers, and the charge of many things for the cause of Christ. The coat and waistcoat I now have on I have worn thirteen months, and I would not carry a second shirt if I could do without it. But all these things are but trifles. If you are wholly given up to God, the Gospel is preached to my poor neighbours and their children, I shall rejoice. I have enjoyed great health, and have travelled extensively through twelve of the United States, now growing into little kingdoms. I had hopes of seeing you, but now they fail, unless you come to me. My one prevailing desire is that you may make sure work for heaven.

I am often thankful you have kept open house for the word and people of God, almost forty years. Go on, my dear parents. You hear so often from me that you will think you see me, and I am very near you. Never give your souls a moment's uneasiness about living. If I live and do well in temporals, you shall live also. Think not that any thing comes grudgingly from me. Could you eat wedges of gold, if I had them you should be welcome to them. I should be glad if you would take the time of my baptism from the church register, that I may know it perfectly. It will cost you but a shilling, unless that, as everything else, is doubled. Provisions are high with us; but workmen's wages are in proportion. Four shillings and sixpence a day laborer's wages in summer; and in towns common laborers gain that always. I am as ever your most unworthy, yet most obedient, loving son,

F. Asbury

Drew University Library

Nelson Reed was the presiding elder over Cokesbury, and it seems here that he exercised some functions over the college even to the curriculum. Asbury discusses the Preachers' Fund.

LANCASTER, VIRGINIA[Asbury stayed at the Widow Woodland's. (See Journal.)]

November 13, 1795

To Nelson Reed}[ Presiding elder on the Baltimore District.]

My truly dear Brother:

I wish you to be particularly cautioned against corrupt Latin authors

being taught in the College,[ Cokesbury College, which was within Reed's district.] it is this that causeth such places, and filleth the minds of youth with infidelity, and lust. And it is strange the poets have not been purified or banished from the schools. After the Grammars, and Cordini,[ Reference seems to be to Cremutius Cordus, whose Roman history, rabidly republican in tone, was made a ground for a charge of treason in A.D. 25. (Encyclopaedia Britannica, XIII, 751.)] they ought to read Eutropius,[ Eutropius, fourth century A.D., Roman historian who wrote a complete compendium in ten books of Roman history.] Cornelius Nepos,[ Cornelius Nepos, first century B.C., Roman historian who wrote Chronica, epitome of universal history, letters to Cicero, and lives of Cato and Cicero.] Selectae Profanis,[ Selections from profane works.] and the Latin Testament. The poets ought to be purged or burnt and not to be used in Christian schools. We might as well teach them Aristotle's Masterpiece. I am inclined to think Brother Dickins[Book Agent,] could procure some pure elegant Latin authors fit to read. I have had some labor and consolation. Oh, that our preachers could but feel for the souls of the congregations of hundreds who wait for the message. When I think such a poor hobbling man as I am should travail through 4 circuits before they come to the charge in Lancaster; and yet I stopped a week in Baltimore. I do not regret my visit to the Ridges, Georgetown, Alexandria, and Lancaster, where we have a very good ----.

To ---- John Moss came ---- I have thought powerfully about having trustees incorporated in Philadelphia for the Preachers' Fund, this would help me out of the care; satisfy the connection and be a means of commanding legacies. I wish Tommy Haskins[Thomas Haskins, who had formerly been a preacher, then a trustee at St. George's Church, Philadelphia. He was a grocer.] to make a bill to lay before the General Conference. I have a design should the fund ever be reduced or not reduced soon, below the appointed sum, that the sixty pounds might lie in your hands only giving an acknowledgment. I feel mightily eased of the burden. Mr. Fouks has payed John Potts [One of the early preachers who served with devotion and distinction. Asbury stayed with him in Manchester (now part of Richmond) shortly before Asbury's death. Across the James River in Richmond, Asbury preached his last sermon. (W. W. Bemiett, Memorials of Methodism in Virginia, 611-12.)] nine pounds Virginia currency, he must breathe a while before he will pay the balance. He frowned at Dawson for keeping an order on a person in Georgetown till he supposed it was lost, yet and hoped the College debt was paid. If you truly acknowledge God the College can be made a paradise, a Bethel to your souls.

I am as ever thine

Francis Asbury

P.S. Dear Sister Reed will play the soft counter of love and tender feelings when you are a little rough. Read Blair on Gentleness.

Drew University Library

 

            Neither date nor place is given for this letter. Evidently Cokesbury College was still in existence as he does not refer to its burning, which happened in December, 1795. The letter was probably written in 1795. Coke was about this time frequently in Europe, as the letter suggests.

To his Parents

My ever dear Parents:

            It is with the greatest difficulty I can communicate to your wants, or even be informed of them. I have requested and will request Doctor Coke, as he is so frequently in England, to know and supply, or order a supply of all your wants. Every act of kindness done to you in England, I shall return to the Doctor when in America; and also repay what he requires. I am in great straits about advising you to come hither. It would be attended with great expense and danger; and should you suffer, by land or water, it would give me great pain. My hands are very full. I am here, and there, and every where, upon the continent. But I should fear nothing so much as your not being devoted to God, or so holy as you ought to be.

            I frequently pray for you. I want to see you both in heaven; it is but a little, yea, a very little time, and we shall close our concerns here. If at any time you should be shortened, write to the Doctor, and he will supply you, and I will answer to him. If I were not about a great work, and under indispensable obligations to the preachers and people here, chiefly raised up under my ministry, you might hope to see me. I have reason to believe, and that firmly, that the hand of God has been clearly seen in bringing me to, and continuing me in this land, from the first moment to the present. We have opened a house for learning. ---- So far I am concerned for the present and rising generation. I am in some measure, by a multiplicity of business, constrained to forget my own country, and my father's house. I am as ever, your affectionate son,

                                                                        F. Asbury

               The Methodist Magazine and Quarterly Review, XIII, 310

            This letter was written just after the burning of Cokesbury College. Thomas Haskins was a trustee of St. George's Church, Philadelphia. It is mainly a newsletter.

                                                           CHARLESTON, S.C.

                                                                        January 11, 1796

To Thomas Haskins

My own dear Son:

As Cokesbury. . . .[ The Cokesbury College fire occurred on December 7, 1795. The reference is clearly to that. (See Journal, 1852 ed., January 5,1796.) Note the following comment on Cokesbury College in an excerpt from a letter from Devereux Jarratt, of Virginia, to John Coleman, an Established Church preacher in Maryland, January 28, 1796.

"I have heard of the fall and destruction of Cokesbury; but as I am not a prophet, nor a prophet's son, I will not tell you what I said to the little doctor Coke, when he first opened to me his design of building that great house. However, like Micaiah, I gave him no mighty encouragement-nor have matters there turned out much better than I expected. When men, like those on Shinar's plain, have determined to build, that they might get themselves a name, the Lord has frequently blasted the design. However I was sorry when I heard of the catastrophe: I felt for Mr. Asbury-though I never expected any great things, or good purposes, would result from the erection of that vast pile. Indeed, I see not, how any considerate man could expect any great things from a seminary of learning, while under the supreme direction and control of tinkers and taylors, weavers, shoemakers and country mechanics of all kinds-or, in other words, of men illiterate and wholly unacquainted with colleges and their contents." (The Life of Devereux Jarratt, written by himself, 181. Also see letter of October 17, 1806, in which Asbury refers to Coleman's publication of Jarratt's life.) Jarratt died January 29, 1801; and on April 19, 1801, when Asbury was passing through Virginia, he preached Jarratt's funeral, paying tribute to his friend. (See Journal reference for this date.)]

            Attention will be turned toward the spiritual interests of our Society chiefly. This hath perhaps been one cause of its consumption. I wished and prayed if it was not for his glory it might be destroyed. It hath taken up my time, consumed my spirits and would eventually have rendered me useless if I had not given it up. As to the bill for the fund, it must be drawn according to the section in the form of Discipline on the subject. 3,000 pounds will be sufficient.

            The subject of relief of the superannuated preachers and widows and orphans of preachers, as are this order[It seems he means "are in this order."] in the minutes and recommended from year to year by the Bishop and Conference or President and Conference held in any part of the U.S. Oh, my dear Brother, how I pant for thy soul to be wholly alive to God and flowing with holy love. I hear of a stir of religion in New York, and we have had the city in motion here. God is with and hath perfectly recovered its love, one distracted with Solomon wronghear gossip.[ Reference to O'Kelly schism. Note Jarratt's comment on O'Kelly in the following excerpt from his letter to Coleman, March 3, 1794.] It is very low times here with the separate

"Though I have not had a letter from you since my last-yet being favoured with an opportunity by the little man Coke, I must write a few lines. With regard to religious affairs in general I refer you to him, who is both intelligent and communicative. I hope to have some respite from methodistical tongues for a while, as they seem to have work enough to do among themselves. O'Kelly does great things in the devisive way and I dare say he will make Asbury's Mitre set very uneasy on his head, so as to give sensible pain to his heart, and it may be to such a degree, that he may sincerely wish Dr. Coke had never given him a Mitre at all. Indeed I never expected that Mitre would set easy for any considerable length of time, as it was but a cobbled piece of work at first-and Dr. Coke was the principal agent. The divisions and animosities now subsisting are greater, perhaps, than you can conceive, and yet all these may be but the beginnings of sorrow. In a word I have seen and heard so much of the party zeal, party interest and party spirit of the people called Methodists, and the nefarious methods made use of to put down one and set up another, that I really doubt whether there would be any propriety in giving them the epithet of a religious society. Not that I doubt but are numbers of good people among them. What the end of these things may be, I know not. The little man Coke, will inform you of more than I can write." (The Life ofDevereux Jarratt, written by himself, 78.)

 people.[ The Hammett faction, followers of William Hammett, who had separated in Charleston.] Our Society is greatly augmented with the return of old and increase of new members.

            Dr. Coke writes me he is now about to sail for Timboo in Africa with six companions. One of the kings hath invited him. I am in great hopes God will work upon our prosperous darker continent. I am solemnly happy in God, but I am pained to be cooped up here 2 months, but the winter campaigns are the cause of my pain. So I must submit. My love to ... Norths and Bakers[Laymen at St. George's Church.] and all that ask after me, thrice more than ever,

                                                                        F. Asbury

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

            Prayer meetings were a great source of power in the early church. Asbury's letters reveal the place of importance they had in his mind. This is one of several letters in which he gives detailed instructions as to how they shall be conducted.

                                                                                    CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

                                                                                                January 30, 1796

To John Hagerty[Book stationer, Baltimore. He is listed in the Minutes of 1794 among the preachers who had located "through weakness of body or family concerns." Like many others, he probably had to support a family, which in those days meant location. (See Asbury's letter to his parents, August, 1796.) He was converted under John King about 1771. He died in 1823 and was buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Baltimore.]

My very dear Brother:

            I have felt an uncommon impression on my soul concerning the society in Baltimore, I am afraid they are sinking into formality. My wish is that prayer meetings should be established in every part of the town where they can be admitted two nights in the week, six or (7) on the same evenings. The women, also in equal number, might be for them. I would advise short sermons, and two or three join in prayer after, in the Church. I feel greatly impresst, I am sure the women could have a prayer meeting at Sarah Hagerty's room. And if any of the old line, are sick and cannot come out, "we will come to you," must be the answer.

            I wish there be a move made in the leaders meeting, and let the matter be done systematically. Let a preacher, or person, go round and see who will admit meetings for prayer, mixed, with a few pointed words of exhortation. Let certain persons, one, two, or three, or more be appointed to lead these meetings, and keep order. I am absent, yea six hundred miles, from you, yet like Abel altho' dead by distance, I must speak to you, and to you the preachers and leaders, arise this work belongs to you. I believe God hath laid it on my heart, if you try it I shall find your souls alive when I come.

            I wish my letters, in substance, may be read to the leaders meeting. Formerly, fool that I was, I used to be writing about temporal things. Oh! had I have spent as much thought and care about the church as about that altar of bassok[Reference not clear.] which is burnt[Cokesbury College burned in December, 1795. Asbury evidently felt that the building of the college was a mistake.] down how happy I might have been. I am as ever thine.

                                                                           Francis Asbury

                                                                Drew University Library

            A most interesting insight into Asbury's attitude toward the women is reflected in this letter. It was written with the intent of stirring up prayer meetings among the women. Asbury wrote to the wife of Thomas Haskins. Haskins was a grocer in Philadelphia, though he had been a preacher. Mrs. Dickins, wife of Book Agent John Dickins, and Mrs. Daniel Ruff were preachers' wives.

                                           CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

                                                            February 17, 1796

To Mrs. Martha Haskins}[ Wife of Thomas Haskins. Letter addressed "near 4th Street, Philadelphia." She was Martha Potts before her marriage.]

My very dear Sister:

            My soul longs for the prosperity of Zion. Oh that the sisters would establish prayer meetings once a week. Will you and sister Dickins [Mrs. John Dickins.] and those about the square Oh if we had a spirit of wrestling prayer, we should see great, very great things. I have written to the brethren. Having a little time I remember the dear sisters. I trust they love God and me, and will listen to my advice. We have a woman's prayer meeting in this infant society.

            Oh my sister you have a suffering, dying life but the grace of God is sufficient for you. Some bitters are good for the soul as well as the body.  I wish that those among you who are sick, let those that are healthy and more able come to the rooms of the weak. Oh, perfect love. I am resting, reading and writing. I think on the dear souls, my children, and think perhaps my God will bless some little instruction I may give their souls. I have thought you would take your flight soon. Oh may you soon be ripe for glory.

            I can only preach publicly every Lord's day. My congregations, 1000 or 1200 souls. I am at times greatly led out for souls. It is low times with the new sort of Methodists. We have had several souls brought to God, and I am sure if there were half a dozen prayer meetings in Philadelphia, in private rooms, men and women apart, we should have great times. Women are weak, but remember Eve, and Sarah, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Shebah's Queen, Elizabeth, Anna, Phebe and such like, bring the gifts to enrich the temple of God. Some of you may be powerfully quickened in perfection, love, and go in triumph to glory shortly.

            I am with great respect thine. If my advice is taken, I shall find you all aflame for God when I may come in July. Sister Ruff[Mrs. Ruff, the wife of Daniel Ruff, the preacher, had died. He entered the traveling connection in 1774 and traveled until 1781, when he evidently "desisted from travelling" because of marriage.] is gone. Oh my sister how shall I rejoice to hear it said, your old friend is gone but she was uncommonly happy before she died.

                                                                        Thine in Jesus,

                                                                        F. Asbury

                                                Historical Society of Pennsylvania

            John Kobler had been with Asbury as they had traveled together through the Holston District in Virginia. Now Asbury has traveled through West Virginia, then Virginia, and into Maryland to near Frederick Town, where this letter was written.

                                                NEAR FREDERICK TOWN, MARYLAND

                                                            June 21, 1796

To John Kobler}[ Presiding elder, Holston.]

My very dear Brother:

            I cannot fully express in words my obligations to and love for thee. Whilst I was busy at Rehoboth[The places referred to are all in the present West Virginia.] Daniel Hitt[Daniel Hitt was presiding elder of the Pittsburgh District, which included the Clarksburg, Ohio, Redstone, and Pittsburgh appointments. (See Minutes, 1796.)] was waiting for me at the Little Levels to take me to the Clarksburg quarter meeting the very Saturday and Sabbath Day I was at McNeals. I engaged the awful march through Tygar's Valley after riding about 160 miles in about 42 or 45 hours taken from three days. When I came near Morgantown Shin grew weak and falling down cut his knee and made the blood fly as if he had been struck in a vein. I rode him no more till I came away from the district. I was honoured with half a dozen preachers being with me continually attending three quarter meetings and filling up each day of one week. I rode near 100 miles in the district[The reference is to Virginia, now West Virginia. He says he was accompanied by Daniel Hitt. (See Journal, 1852 ed., June 1,1796.) On June 22 he gives a summary of his travels for the period.] and near 300 to Baltimore, my upper appointments upon Potomack Branch were deranged. We had to work near 200 miles to Frederick Town, Maryland,[ Frederick Town was in the Baltimore District, where Joseph Everett was presiding elder. (See Minutes, 1796.)] all but 10 miles last Saturday by 11 o'clock.

            I have had a cold in my head that hath been very uncomfortable to my sensations. Redstone Pa. is amazingly improved. Work on the Eastern shore Maryland and Virginia attended with a deep and lasting conviction of long continuance to what some former calls have been. Schools and families ought not to be neglected. I have thought it might be of consequence for the eldership to take every member of the families alone and they would not fail of making, by the blessing of God, impressions. I am as ever thine,

                                                            Francis Asbury P.S. Brother Riggan's love to you. Farewell.

                                                            Drew University Library

The parents of Asbury were continuously on his mind. He wished to provide for them and regularly looked after their wants. What with his travel, the great distance from England, and the lack of mail facilities, he had many difficulties in getting money to them.

                                                                      PHILADEPLHIA, PA.

[To his Parents]

My very dear and never to be forgotten Parents:

            I came providentially to this city, and had hardly time to breathe, after reading several momentous letters, from various parts of our continent, when I was told Mr. Suckley[A lay friend of Asbury's at whose home in New York he stopped from time to time.] was going to England. I hope to embrace this opportunity of sending you what little I have saved since my last remembrance of you. I wrote you from Charleston. Perhaps I was constrained, from the high sense of filial duty I had, to invite you here. I feared the nation England would be in blood. I now think you are much better where you are. And I sincerely wish I could come to you, but I see no way without sinning against God, and the Church. Since I wrote from Charleston, I have traveled nearly two thousand five hundred miles, through Georgia, South and North Carolina, and Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Hard wear, and hard fare. But I am healthy and lean, grayheaded and dim-sighted. But I hope I enjoy as much of religion, or more than ever, preaching, living and feeling.

            I wrote to Dr. Coke to let you have ten guineas, and I would repay him when he comes to the continent. I must watch every opportunity to send you small sums. As my life is an uncertainty, I have employed a person[It is not clear to whom he referred. He later asked Thomas Haskins to do this. (See letter, June 26, 1801.)] to transcribe my journals for the press; either here, or in England. You know how long I served the church for nothing. I might if I would, have money; but I am set for the defense of the Gospel. When men will labor as hard for God, as for man, and take no more than poor men ought to have, God will own them. 0 my dear father and mother, be wholly for God! Make haste to get ready for glory! I have great cause to mourn over my dear America! The people are growing wealthy and wicked. It is not with our society as we could wish. I wish you to take some care to write to me as often as you can. I am not sure what I shall remit. Mr. Suckley is my very great and kind friend, and yours also. Whatever I send, he will faithfully apply it to your service. I am now returning from a journey of about three thousand five hundred miles, since the beginning of November 1795, to this date. I now commend you to God. As ever, your dear and only son,

                                                                        Francis Asbury

            P.S. I am now, in the heat of our season, going to New-England, which is Old England continued. I shall pass through New-Jersey, the state of New-York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts; performing perhaps, a tour of near one thousand five hundred miles, before I come back to Baltimore which is like my centre and home. It may be happy for me, let the climate be healthy or unhealthy, to soul or body, hard or easy: I soon change. You will excuse my manner of writing. I have been called off several times since I began this epistle.

                                                                        F.A.

On envelope

            Joseph Asbury

            at Hampstead

            near Birmingham

            Staffordshire

                                                Drew University Library

            This letter is not dated, nor is the place from which it was written given. However, Asbury says he is beginning the fifty-first year of his life, hence 1796. It was written before October 20 as indicated and probably written in the summer. Since Asbury did not refer to the Cokesbury fire, the letter may have been written in 1795.

                                                                        PHILADELPHIA, PA.

                                                                        August, 1796

[To his Parents]

My own dear Father and Mother:

            I have received several letters expressive of your paternal love and gratitude towards me. I have often revolved the serious thought of my return to you. To say nothing of the State of Europe, and Britain, or the society, with whom I claim, in England. I have frequently asked myself, Can you retire to a single circuit, and act as a lay preacher, and step down This is not my difficulty, if I know my own heart. With humility and self-abasement I may say, one hundred thousand respectable citizens of the new world, and 300 traveling and 600 local brethren, would advise me not to go. I hope the voice of the people is the voice of God. At present we have more work, than faithful workmen. We have a state or two out of 17 states[Seventeen states in 1796] and territories, that call for help, and we are not able to supply them and support it.

            I am like Joseph, I want to have you near me. I am not ashamed of your poverty; and I hope after so many years professing religion, you will not be wanting in piety. I have considered you have that which is my joy and glory; that you have had open doors above 40 years for religious exercises, when no other would or even dared to do it. It is a serious subject whether you think it is your duty still to keep a place for preaching, or if upon your removal the Gospel will be taken from poor Barr![ Great Barr, England.   ] Yet, when I think you have no child, nor friend that careth for you, the distress of the land, and high prices of provisions, I wish to see you, and have you near me. 'Tis true, whilst I live you will live also; if I keep my place and piety.

I have passed the slippery paths of youth; and am now entering the 51st year of my life, I have very different views and feelings. I have had the burden of a school, hastily called a college,[ Cokesbury.] by Dr. Coke. I gave that up into the hands of trustees made by law. I study daily, what I can do without. One horse, and that sometimes borrowed, one cloak, one great coat, one coat, one waistcoat, (the last coat and waistcoat I used about 14 months), 4 or 5 shirts, 4 or 5 books. I am in doubt that if I should be called away you will not be provided for so well as among those I have faithfully labored for this 24 years. It is true, you are not immortal, anymore than myself, judging according to the nature of things you may go first, one or both of you. All these things I have weighed in my mind. I wish you to reconsider the matter, and ask much counsel of God, and your best and most impartial friends.

            I have received information of thirty guineas put into the hands of Mr. Suckley, to remit to your service. I received a letter from Brother Rhodes on your behalf, for which I am much obliged to him. On the subject he wrote to me, let him know I avoid all worldly encumbrances. Our Book interest is in the hands of John Dickins, in Philadelphia. Brother Dickins[John Dickins, the Book Agent.] keeps a stationers shop. Should he choose to receive his grammars in sheets, without the British constitution, he may safely send them. The Americans think their own constitutions the best. John Hagerty, in Baltimore, keeps a stationery. He may trade with him also. Should the grammars come over by our General Conference, the preachers may take some. I shall remember you by Dr. Coke. I wish my dear parents to consider the matter and send me another letter between this and the 20th of October. Whether I be present or absent, dead, or alive, I trust my friends in Baltimore will take care of you, by my help.

            You have spent many pounds upon Christian people, I know from my childhood. Happy I was when this was done; and I hope it will come home to you in mercy. You must make it matter of much fasting, and prayer, before you attempt anything. You must not expect to see me above once in a year. I hope the accounts I have had of the piety of you both are not too large. May you ripen fast for glory. We have not any extraordinary displays of the power of God. America is the young child of God and providence, set upon the lap, dandled upon the knees, pressed to the consolating breasts of mercies in ----. But we are not as thankful as we ought to be. The --- of the church I wish to make the cause of---. I stand in such a situation, and relation for the state of the ministry and people. I may have a thousand letters of information in a year, while swiftly moving through the continent every year.

            The time certainly is drawing near when universal peace shall bless the earth: when distracted Europe, superstitious Asia, blind Africa, and America shall more abundantly see the salvation of our God. Oh let us be much in prayer. For the health of my body and by the desire of my friends, I stop two months, in the soft climate of Charleston, South Carolina, the winter months, to avoid the rains. It is supposed my complaints have been derived from changes of lodging, and weather. I must travel rapidly for 10 months. My kind love to Brother Rhodes. I remember well seeing him at Witney, and his giving his horses something when sick. I am as ever your unworthy but loving son

                                                                        F. Asbury

The envelope has

            Joseph Asbury H

            Hampstead Hall

            near Birmingham

            Staffordshire

                                                              Drew University Library

            The British Conference met in London on July 25. In that conference a letter of greeting to the General Conference in America was prepared. This was to be taken over personally by Bishop Coke. He presented it to the General Conference; and this letter of November 1, 1796, is the answer sent back by the General Conference.

                                                            BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 

                                                             November 1, 1796

To the General Conference of the people called Methodists in Great Britain,

Fathers and Brethren, dearly beloved in the Lord:

We feel ourselves highly gratified by your kind remembrance of us, and with great satisfaction embrace the present opportunity, by Dr. Coke,[ Bishop Coke.] of returning you our sincere thanks for your welcome address,[ The British Methodist Conference met in London on Monday, July 25, 1796, and agreed that Coke should take over a letter of greeting from the conference to the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Coke took it with him when he embarked at Gravesend August 6 on the "Friendship" for Baltimore. To the General Conference of the People called Methodists in America.

Dearly beloved Brethren:

With real pleasure we embrace the present opportunity, by means of our highlyrespected brother, the Rev. Dr. Coke, of greeting you in the name of our common Lord, and of convincing you that we still remember you in love, and have your peace and prosperity greatly at heart. . . . We consider you as a branch from the same root from which we sprung, and of which we can never think but with inexpressible gratitude.

You will rejoice to hear of our unanimity and increase. The more so, as on the death of our venerable father, Mr. Wesley, the contrary was feared by our friends, and wished for by our enemies. Glory be to God, we never were more united to each other; nor were our labors, in general, more owned by the Head of the Church.

We trust, dear brethren, that you will join us, in frequently calling to mind our original design, and "walk by the same rule and mind the same thing; namely, to save our own souls and those who hear us."

We congratulate you on the honour which our blessed Lord has put upon you, in crowning your endeavours with such amazing success, and blessing you with the enjoyment of civil and religious liberty, for which we also have great cause to be thankful.

May we still remember that, whatever differences may mark other denominations, we are eminently one body, actuated by one Spirit, having one faith, one Lord, one baptism.

That the ever-blessed Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, may preside in all your

 November 1, 1796

assemblies and continue to distinguish you by particular manifestations of His love, till we meet together in the peaceful mansions of unmixed and never-ending happiness, is the sincere and fervent prayer of,

Dearly beloved Brethren, Your truly affectionate Brethren in Christ Jesus,

The English Conference Signed by order and on behalf of the Conference,

Thomas Taylor, President Samuel Bradburn, Secretary

This seems to have been the first official address which passed between the Methodists of the two countries, apart from John Wesley's letter of September 10, 1784.

No mention is made in the address of the formal written engagement into which Coke had entered in order to assist Asbury more fully in the oversight of the rapidly spreading societies.

"I offer myself to my American brethren, entirely to their service, all I am and have, with my talents and labors in every respect, without any mental reservation whatever, to labor among them, and to assist Bishop Asbury; not to station the preachers any time when he is present; but to exercise all the episcopal duties when 1 hold a Conference in his absence, and by his consent; and to visit the West Indies and France when there is an opening and when I can be spared.

Thomas Coke Conference Room, Baltimore, October 27, 1796."

The news of this engagement, released by Coke at the Irish Conference, preceded him to the English Conference, causing grave disquiet. Whatever misgivings the English preachers had about Coke's supposed ambitions, they realized that he was too valuable a leader to be driven from them. They made somewhat belated atonement for past neglect-or rejection-by electing him president of the conference. They also pleaded with him on four separate occasions not to desert them for America. Coke was deeply moved but hardly knew what to do. He obviously acquiesced in the reply to the address from America, though for modesty's sake he did not add his presidential signature. This answer, "To Mr. Francis Asbury, and all the Conferences of the People called Methodists in America," spoke of the discord within British Methodism, leading to the formation of the Methodist New Connexion, and pleaded that he might be released from his engagement to America:

"It is on this ground, that we must request the return of our friend and brother, the Rev. Dr. Coke. He has often been a peace-maker among us, and we have frequently experienced the salutary effects of his advice and exertions in behalf of this part of the Connexion. He has informed us of the engagements he has made to you. But you must spare him to us for a time, at least while these convulsions continue in our Societies; and the sooner you permit him to return, the greater will be the favour. In this, we address you as your elder brethren; and therefore, we had almost said, we will not be denied; and if, when our affairs are in a settled state, he must return to you, to devote the remainder of his days to the work of God upon your continent, he shall return with our blessing and thanks. And, at all events, he shall visit you, if God preserve his life, at your next General Conference."

The English Conference's address went on to proclaim the real unity in spirit of Methodists on both sides of the Atlantic, and stated that any of the American itinerant preachers coming to Great Britain with a recommendation from their annual conference would be freely accepted on transfer and be accorded the full status of their years of traveling. The address was "Signed in behalf, and by order of the British Conference in Leeds, August 10, 1797, SAMUEL BRADBURN, Secretary."

For Asbury's reply from the Virginia Conference see letter, November 29, 1797.

November 1,1796] and of assuring you of our unfeigned esteem and affection for you. Though a vast ocean divides us, we are intimately one with you in spirit, and frequently with much delight remember you in our prayers. We doubt not but we are remembered in yours; and we entreat also, through you, the fervent petitions of your dear flocks to the throne of grace in our behalf.

            With you, beloved brethren, we deeply lament the increase of infidelity in the world. But it is no more than we have reason to expect, from the sure word of prophecy. And we have full confidence that, through the exercise of one great prerogative of the Head of the Church, abundance of good will be brought out of this greatest of evils. The faithful will be made manifest; the reign of antichrist to be put down by the infidels, who are the fittest instruments for the work; and the church of God will eminently become the city set upon a hill, the salt of the earth, the light of the world.

            There certainly is, as you observe, brethren, a liberal spirit gone forth into the Christian world, and bigotry and party-rage daily lose ground. But the carelessness, and the contempt of the sacred writings, which more and more prevail, are perhaps as dangerous to individuals as the former. May we be able to steer between the rocks on both sides, under the guidance of our heavenly Master!

            We admire with you the method God is taking to beat down the pride of philosophy, even by choosing the foolish things of the world to confound the things which are mighty: and this is agreeable to the method of God's proceedings in the purest times of Christianity. At the same time, the Lord has not left us without men who, when necessary, are able to contend against that vain philosophy with its own weapons of logical arguments, and with success; though we are sensible how far we are inferior to you, our elder brethren, in this respect.

            We bless God, that both we and our people highly esteem all the branches of the Methodist discipline; nor can we possibly be too thankful to our adorable Lord, for that highly-honored instrument of His grace, your and our late Father in the Gospel, the Rev. John Wesley. We do trust, brethren, we shall with you persevere to walk by the same rules, and mind the same things.

            We candidly confess to you, that we were very fearful, when the Lord took that eminent man to his reward, that divisions would take place among you, from the delicate circumstances in which you were placed. To us in general he was personally unknown, and acted only by his delegates. But you were honoured with his constant residence and useful labors. Among you he superintended for half a century, to the admiration, we had almost said, of the whole civilized world. But our God is infinitely kind to us all. He has preserved both you and us in a wonderful manner. We rejoice in your union; and can bless God that we were never more united than at present. A few indeed, who were as great enemies to the civil government under which they lived, as to our discipline, have left us; and we have now not a jarring string among us. God has abundantly owned our feeble labors, during this present Conference, to the people of Baltimore; and we trust it is an earnest of a glorious Gospel-harvest through this continent in the ensuing and future years. At present you have the largest sphere of action in respect to the number of souls; but we are humbly endeavouring to sow those seeds of grace, which may grow up and spread in this immense country, which in ages to come will probably be the habitation of hundreds of millions.

            We trust we shall never forget your kind advice, but shall always remember that the Methodist Societies through the world are eminently called to be one body, and to be actuated by one spirit; and that we have but one faith, one Lord, and one baptism.

            To you and our God we humbly recommend you, fathers and brethren. May His everlasting arms be ever beneath and around you; may His blessed Spirit overshadow you in all your conferences, and in all your labors; and may that love which we mutually feel towards each other increase a hundred-fold, till we all meet in those realms of bliss where we shall see each other eye to eye, and, with the children God hath given us, live together in the complete union forever!

            We subscribe ourselves, with great respect and esteem, Your affectionate and younger Brethren in the Gospel,The American General Conference Signed, in behalf and by order of the Conference,

                                                                            Thomas Coke,

                                                                            Francis Asbury

"An Extract of the Minutes of Several Conversations held at Leeds, July 31, etc. 1797." (Minutes of conference.) Transcribed with notes by Frank Baker