1788

Preached at the Widow Agatha Ball’s, on Psalm 90:12.

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Crossed the Rappahannock, and came to G.’s, but did not feel free to stay. I went on to Blake’s.¹ Came to brother Billups’s,² in Kingston parish, Gloucester county.³ Here we were at home, and happy in our religious exercises. During the last one hundred miles of our journey we have preached very little for the want of appointments. We left brother Billups’s, and, riding after forty miles, and preaching by the way, we came to Cappahosie Ferry; but being unable to cross we rode on ten miles to the widow Rowe’s.

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There being a storm of rain and a thaw, we set out to cross the river at York: we succeeded, but with some difficulty: I had had some distressing apprehensions of this. I preached at B——’s, on “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet,” &c. We came to James River: the ice was in the way, yet we pushed through safely to the opposite shore, and arrived at Mooring’s just as the quarterly meeting ended; nevertheless, we too had a meeting, and the cry of glory! was heard in great life: God is among these people. Brother Cox¹ thinks that not less than fourteen hundred, white and black, have been converted in Sussex circuit the past year; and brother Easter thinks there are still more in Brunswick circuit. I preached at Pinner’s² in Nansemond circuit; thence to Cowling’s, and preached on Isaiah 53:1-4. We came on to Sleepy Hole Ferry,³ being unable to get our horses over, we walked five miles to Turner’s.⁴

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I had some liberty on Isaiah 52:6-8.

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We continued our meeting nearly four hours, but had little satisfaction by reason of the extreme cold. There is a growth in religion here since last year.

We came to Portsmouth, but too late, the ice hindered: however, I preached at three o’clock. Next day it rained, and few attended; so that, upon the whole, we had but a low time there. I preached at N. Wilson’s. Here I had an interview with James Morris¹ he wants to go into the Old Church. I had a great and good time at brother Williams’s on Isaiah 35:3-5, the power and love of God were manifested and felt. NORTH CAROLINA

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I preached at Col. Jarvis’s; and on Monday at Saunders’s; dull times at both these places.

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At Coinjock¹ there is a death here. —— has been experimenting on extremes; wise doctrine—hard discipline. I doubt whether it will end well.

I have ridden about eighty miles, and preached four times to about eight hundred people, most of whom were dead and ignorant; yet I hope God will arise.

Currituck—a pleasant place: I rode along the shore and enjoyed the view of its banks of evergreen.

I preached at Camden court house with freedom, but the people appeared insensible: after meeting, we rode, hungry and cold, to brother C——’s.²

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We had a violent storm; so we kept within doors; and man and beast were well provided for.

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Was an uncommonly cold and windy day; I nevertheless attempted to preach at Richardson’s chapel. In the evening visited W.P.

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Saturday, 26, and Sunday, 27. We had cold weather, and a cold people at the quarterly meeting at Flatty Creek chapel.¹ On Sabbath evening I preached at Nixonton.²

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Rode to Gates’s; and next day preached at Knotty Pine chapel:¹ there were but few people, and it was a barren meeting.

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Preached on “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men.”¹ Alas for the rich! they are so soon offended. Rode to Winton,² is a little town on Chowan River; here I had a dry meeting with a few people in the court house. I housed for the night with W——. I seldom mount my horse for a ride of less distance than twenty miles on ordinary occasions; and frequently have forty or fifty in moving from one circuit to the other: in travelling thus I suffer much from hunger and cold.

I preached at W——’s, with some liberty. Our brother Chastaine stamped to purpose.

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At Wicocon¹ I enlarged on Peter’s fall.

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I preached on Hebrews 6:11, 12. I rode that evening to friend Freeman’s, whom I had not visited for five years past: I found him still an honest Baptist, and we were kindly entertained.

Rode to Ross’s in Martin’s county. The rise of the waters of the Roanoke River had inundated the lowlands more than a mile from the banks, and made the ferry altogether a wonderful sight. We came to our lodging about nine o’clock, and found a plain, kind-hearted host.

I preached a funeral sermon; my text, “The sting of death is sin.” I spoke on the nature of the law; of sin—its guilt, power, nature, and punishment; and the victory through Christ. Does it not appear that those who live in sin, which is a breach of the law, wish to abolish the law, seeing they must know the necessary consequence of its violation? And if this postulation is just, what saves them from theft, murder, rape? Self preservation. Alas, poor world! is this all thy virtue?

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Rode twenty miles and had the ice to break in two swamps. Preached at Lloyd’s, near Washington.

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I had a very unfeeling people at Mr. O.’s, to whom I preached with some freedom on Luke 4:18. Death! death! death! in the lowlands.

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I had many to hear at S.’s; but it was an uncomfortable time: thence I rode to Cox’s on Neuse River, where we had an open time, and there is a prospect of good. We then had to move towards Trent.¹ Our rides are still long—from fifteen to twenty miles a day.

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We had many dead souls at the quarterly meeting at Lee’s.

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My heart melted for the people: they do not, will not pray; and if they so continue, must be undone.

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Came to poor J.’s, where I spoke dreadful things to a lifeless people on Isaiah 53.

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We rode to T——’s, an old stand in Duplin county, where I was met by a few souls. We had naught to eat, nor where to lodge short of Colonel C——’s; we pushed for that shelter, and reached there about nine o’clock at night; a poor place for religion it is, but we met with good entertainment.

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I had about five hundred hearers at Samson court house, to whom I enlarged on Peter’s denial of his Master. 1. He was self confident.

2. Followed afar off. 3. Mixed with the wicked. 4. Denied his discipleship, and then his Lord.

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At Fayetteville I was unable to preach. Wednesday we pushed on for the south state, but being unacquainted with the way, we fell ten miles too low: after tiding as many in the night, we ended our blunders and our fatigue for that day at S.’s, who used us kindly.

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We rode twenty miles in the rain through the woods and sands, and had but a poor time at Colossians M.’s: thence we descended to the Green Ponds,¹ fifteen miles, where we were very comfortable at Crossland’s.²

SOUTH CAROLINA

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I attended the quarterly meeting at the Beauty Spot:¹ the weather was cold, but I had great assistance on Isaiah 35:1-6.

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I preached on Zechariah 11:12: we had a gracious, moving time.

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We crossed Peedee at the Long Bluff, and rode nearly fifty miles to brother Gardner’s.¹

I preached at Black Creek² on Psalm 145: I was much fatigued, and had a high fever; but my soul had peace, and was stayed upon God.

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After preaching at D.’s, I had to ride ten miles out of my way to cross Lynch’s Creek. We moved forwards to our worthy friend Rembert’s,¹ who entertained us kindly, and supplied us with horses to ride to our appointments at Lenoir’s and Moore’s,² where we had few hearers and dead times. After our meetings at these places we returned to Rembert’s, at whose house our quarterly meeting began, on Saturday the first of March, which was not without some life; in our love feast there appeared to be more feeling than speaking.

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We rode through the snow to Bradford’s,¹ and next day had no small difficulty in crossing the swamps in order to get to Santee Ferry: we made it a ride of about fifty miles to Hart’s² and did not get in until about nine o’clock at night.

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I passed Dorchester, where there are the remains of what appears to have once been a considerable town: there are the ruins of an elegant church, and the vestiges of several well-built houses.¹ We saw a number of good dwellings and large plantations on the road leading down Ashley River.² In the evening we reached the city of Charleston, having ridden about fifty miles.

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Brother Ellis¹ preached in the morning. In the evening I felt some liberty in enlarging on Romans 10:1-3. On Monday my soul and body enjoyed some ease and rest.

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Our conference began, and we had a very free, open time. On Saturday night I preached on “I have set watchmen upon thy walls,” &c. On the Sabbath, on “The Lord turned and looked on Peter,” &c. It was a gracious season, both in the congregation, and in the love feast. While another was speaking in the morning to a very crowded house, and many outside, a man made a riot at the door; an alarm at once took place; the ladies leaped out at the windows of the church, and a dreadful confusion ensued. Again whilst I was speaking at night, a stone was thrown against the north side of the church; then another on the south; a third came through the pulpit window, and struck near me inside the pulpit. I however continued to speak on; my subject, “How beautiful upon the mountains,” &c.

Upon the whole, I have had more liberty to speak in Charleston this visit than I ever had before, and am of opinion that God will work here: but our friends are afraid of the cross.

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Preached in the morning and took my leave of the city. When I reached Mr. Givhan’s¹ the congregation had been dispersed about ten minutes.

I preached at Rumph’s,² at L.’s,³ and at Cattle Creek church,⁴ in the Edisto circuit. The people are insensible, and, I fear, are more in love with some of Christ’s messengers than with Christ. I now changed my course, and went through Orangeburg, by the Congarees, to Saluda, and thence up to Broad River quarterly meeting. We rode till one o’clock on Friday, the

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21st of March.¹ I believe we have travelled about two hundred miles in five days: dear brother Isaac Smith accompanied me. I was so unwell that I had but little satisfaction at the quarterly meeting. My service was burdensome; but the people were lively.

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We rode from Finch’s to Odell’s new church,¹ where we had a good time, whilst I enlarged on Titus 2:14, and administered the Lord’s Supper. Thence to Smith’s,² thirty miles. After preaching we had a night meeting, that prevented our getting to bed until about twelve o’clock. We had a comfortable cabin, and were very well entertained.

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I had but little freedom on, “The foundation of God standeth sure.” Brothers Mason and Major¹ spoke after me. I went alone into the woods, and found my soul profitably solitary in sweet meditation and prayer.

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Rode about thirty miles to Brook’s.¹ My soul was tired, but it was also comforted in the Lord. I was much led out on Ephesians 6:18, and we were employed till nearly twelve o’clock at night.

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I had some liberty in preaching, but the people began to move about when they were pointedly dealt with. Brothers Mason and Major spoke after me. I found it good to be alone by the solitary stream and silent woods, to study the welfare of Zion, and to pray for her prosperity.

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We rode within a mile of Savannah river. The land in general, during our route, is very fine. We were benighted, and moping in the woods made our journey a long one of about fifty miles. GEORGIA

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We crossed the Savannah at the Forks,¹ and came where I much wanted to be—in Georgia. Nevertheless, I fear I shall have but little freedom here.

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I rested; and compiled two sections which I shall recommend to be put into our form of discipline, in order to remove from society, by regular steps, either preachers or people that are disorderly.

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I was led out in preaching at the quarterly meeting, on Zechariah 12:10.

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There was a moving of the souls of the people; and I felt much life on Isaiah 45:22.

I have been told, that during the last rupture the Indians butchered nearly one hundred people.

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Our conference began at the Forks of Broad River, where six members and four probationers attended.¹ Brother Major was sick, and could not meet us. Soon after, he made his exit to his eternal rest. Thursday and Friday, 10, 11. I felt free, and preached with light and liberty each day. Many that had no religion in Virginia, have found it after their removal into Georgia and South Carolina. Here at least the seed sprung up, wherever else it may have been sown. Our little conference was about sixty-one pounds deficient in their quarterage, nearly one-third of which was made up to them.

SOUTH CAROLINA

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I called at a Presbyterian meeting house,¹ and heard Mr. Hall, the minister preach a good sermon on Isaiah 55. After the meeting we rode to brother Moore’s,² twenty miles on the Saluda.

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Was almost entirely occupied with writing letters to the north.

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I had many people at the widow Bowman’s.¹ While here we had a most awful storm. I was afraid the house would come down. We rode in the night to M. Moore’s.² I was seized with illness on the way which continued during the night. Next day, however, I was able to pursue my journey.

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We rode along crooked paths to Kasey’s,¹ where we received the afflicting account of the death of dear brother Major, who departed this life last Saturday. He was a witness of holiness, and died in peace and love.

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I preached at Wilson’s, with some liberty, on 1 Peter 3:7.

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I spoke with little enlargement. Our friends here on Tyger River are much alive to God, and have built a good chapel. We rode to Buffington’s in the evening, on Fair-forest Creek,¹ and were kindly entertained.

NORTH CAROLINA

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Rode to Rutherford court house; and the next day to Burke court house: it being court time, we went on, and reached brother White’s, on John’s River,¹ about ten o’clock at night. Here I found both the saddles broke; both horses foundered; and both their backs sore—so we stopped a few days.

I preached on Revelation 22:5-8; and had liberty in speaking to the people: our souls were blessed in a near access to the Lord. Our preachers in the Yadkin circuit have been sick; they have had hard travelling the past winter; and the work has consequently suffered. I have read D.’s Study of Divinity—the catalogue of books at the end I thought of more value than all the rest of the work.

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I preached at the Globe, on the main branches of John’s River, where there are a few who fear God. There was some stir, and I hope some good done.

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After getting our horses shod, we made a move for Holston,¹ and entered upon the mountains; the first of which I called steel, the second stone, and the third iron mountain: they are rough, and difficult to climb. We were spoken to on our way by most awful thunder and lightning, accompanied by heavy rain. We crept for shelter into a little dirty house, where the filth might have been taken from the floor with a spade. We felt the want of fire, but could get little wood to make it, and what we gathered was wet. At the head of Watauga we fed, and reached Ward’s that night. Coming to the river next day, we hired a young man to swim over for the canoe, in which we crossed, while our horses swam to the other shore. The waters being up we were compelled to travel an old road over the mountains. Night came on—I was ready to faint with a violent headache—the mountain was steep on both sides. I prayed to the Lord for help. Presently a profuse sweat broke out upon me, and my fever entirely subsided.

TENNESSEE

About nine o’clock we came to Andrew Greer’s.² After taking a little rest here, we set out next morning for brother Edward Cox’s³ on Holston River. I had trouble enough. Our route lay through the woods, and my pack-horse would neither follow, lead, nor drive, so fond was he of stopping to feed on the green herbage. I tried the lead, and he pulled back. I tied his head up to prevent his grazing, and he ran back. The weather was excessively warm. I was much fatigued, and my temper not a little tried. I fed at I. Smith’s,⁴ and prayed with the family. Arriving at the river, I was at a loss what to do; but providentially a man came along who conducted me across. This has been an awful journey to me, and this a tiresome day, and now, after riding seventy-five miles, I have thirty-five miles more to General Russell’s. I rest one day to revive man and beast. VIRGINIA

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Rode to Washington,¹ where I met brother Tunnell² on the way to Mr. Cox’s. We have to put up in houses where we have no opportunity for retirement.

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We came to General Russell’s; a most kind family in deed and truth.¹

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Preached on Philippians 2:5-9. I found it good to get alone in prayer.

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I had many to hear at Easley’s¹ on Holston. I was much wearied with riding a strange horse, having left mine to rest. It is some grief that I cannot be so much in prayer on the road as I would be. We had a good time, and a large congregation at Keywood’s.²

TENNESSEE

The people are in disorder about the old and new State: two or three men, it is said, have been killed.³

At Nelson’s⁴ I had a less audience than was expected; the people having been called away on an expedition against the new State men. My subject was Hebrews 6:11, 12. Rode to Owens’s,⁵ and met our brethren from Kentucky, where I preached on Psalm 145:17-19, with some fervour.⁶

VIRGINIA

Came to Half-Acres (Huffakers) and Keywoods, where we held conference three days, and I preached each day.⁷ The weather was cold; the room without fire, and otherwise uncomfortable. We nevertheless made out to keep our seats, until we had finished the essential parts of our business.

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We came to General Russell’s,¹—and on Friday to Isaac Smith’s, on the south fork of Holstein (Holston) River.

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Rode to a chapel near New River, where I preached on “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet,” &c. After eating a morsel, we hasted on our way to Gideon Farris’s.¹ A twenty miles’ ride through the mountains brought us to our lodgings for the night at Francis Kincannon’s, near the Flower Gap.²

NORTH CAROLINA

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We rode about fifty miles to S——’s: the weather was warm in the extreme; we had rain, thunder, and lightning—and were weary enough.

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After riding nearly thirty miles we came to M’Knight’s chapel in North Carolina. Here I preached on Peter’s denial of Christ. Thence we went to Hill’s. After meeting, we proceeded to the neat and well-improved town of Salem; making a journey, besides the labours of the day, of nearly forty miles.

I came to the quarterly meeting at C——’s, where I spoke feelingly and pointedly; and the word appeared to have effect.

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Preached at P——’s chapel: we then rode to C——’s, about seven miles from Guilford court house, where we had a good time.

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Was a damp, rainy day, and I was unwell with a slow fever and pain in my head: however I rode to Smith’s chapel and preached; and thence to brother Harrison’s on Dan River, and preached. In the space of one week we have ridden, through rough, mountainous tracts of country, about three hundred miles. Brothers Poythress, Tunnell, and myself have had serious views of things, and mature counsels together.

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Preached, and had a love feast and sacrament. I then rode to the widow Dick’s: many were waiting here, and the power of God was felt by some, whilst I enlarged on Isaiah 55:1-3.

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We had a good time at Martin’s. Leaving this, on our way to Stamfield, we were obliged to swim our horses across Dan River, and losing our road, made it late before we arrived.

Riding thirty miles brought us to Hammon’s: here we had a serious, feeling time, while I spoke on Isaiah 61.

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Reached Edmund Taylor’s¹ about two o’clock, and gave a short discourse on “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help.” Thence to Pope’s, to Green Hill’s, to Long’s, and to Jones’s chapel: on our way to the latter place we got out of our route when within a mile of the chapel, and did not reach it till two o’clock.²

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At Clayton’s there are a hundred blacks joined in society; and they appear to have real religion among them—here Ethiopia doth stretch out her hand unto the Lord. I suppose there were not less than a thousand souls at preaching.

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Preached at Moore’s in Northampton—once a poor, dead people, but now revived, and increased from eleven to sixty members. We had much of the power of God at Clark’s: sixty members, among whom are some children, are the subjects of this work. I feel life among these people—preaching and praying is not labour here: their noise I heed not; I can bear it well when I know that God and Christ dwells in the hearts of the people.

VIRGINIA

Thence I passed through Southampton,¹ where I also beheld the power of God manifested in several lively meetings.

Rode to and rested with Phillip Davis. On Saturday I had a feeling, living time on Psalm 85:9, 10.

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We had a gracious season: it was a memorable day, and my soul was much blessed. After meeting, we hastened to Petersburg, where I preached on 2 Corinthians 5:20. Our elders and deacons met for conference: all things were brought on in love. The town folks were remarkably kind and attentive; the people of God in much love. The awful circumstance of B. C——’s losing his religion, and lately attempting to pull out R. Swift’s eyes, may yet be sanctified to some, and explained by his conduct hereafter.

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I preached a pastoral sermon, under a large arbour near the borders of the town, on 1 Timothy 4:13-16, with considerable consolation. Ordained Henry Ogburn and John Baldwin, deacons; and Edward Morris and Ira Ellis, elders.

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I preached at the Manakintown; then rode to Maxey’s.¹

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Rode about fifty miles to brother Agee’s in Buckingham county; and thence to Bedford circuit; in our route we were compelled to ford the James River, not without danger: we were hospitably entertained.

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At night, I had some opening whilst I enforced “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Heavy rains, bad roads, straying, bewildered in the woods—through all these I worried to Murphy’s:¹ great was the cross under which I spoke on “The grace of God that bringeth salvation,” &c. I had a high fever, and was otherwise distressed in body, and ill at ease in mind: I was afraid the medicine I had made use of would be injurious to me in consequence of my getting wet.

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I had considerable liberty, though unwell, at Ayres’s¹ new chapel.

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After preaching I went to V——’s, and after trying, had to silence him. O, my God, what awful subjects come before me! WEST VIRGINIA

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Crossed the high mountains, and came to Hogg’s¹ in Green Brier.

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I enlarged on Galatians 3:22. We then rode to Alexander M’Pherson’s, a serious family on Sinking Creek, where I preached with some freedom. After crossing some considerable mountains, and preaching occasionally, on Friday we arrived at the Sweet Springs: here I preached and the people were very attentive.

Saturday and Sunday, 5, 6. I had large congregations at Rehoboth.¹ I preached with some satisfaction.

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Our troubles began; it being the day we set out for Clarksburg. Thirty miles brought us to Watt’s,¹ on the Great Level.²

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Reached John M’Neil’s, on the Little Levels,¹ where almost the whole settlement came together, with whom I found freedom on Matthew 11:28-30. Our brother Phoebus had to answer questions propounded to him until evening.

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We rode to the Clover Lick,¹ to a very remote and exposed house. Here we found good lodgings for the place. The former tenant had made a small estate by keeping cattle, horses, &c., on the range, which is fertile and extensive.

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We had to cross the Alleghany mountain again, at a bad passage. Our course lay over mountains and through valleys, and the mud and mire was such as might scarcely be expected in December. We came to an old, forsaken habitation in Tyger’s Valley. Here our horses grazed about, while we boiled our meat. Midnight brought us up at Benjamin Jones’s, after riding forty, or perhaps fifty miles. The old man, our host, was kind enough to wake us up at four o’clock in the morning. We journeyed on through devious lonely wilds, where no food might be found, except what grew in the woods, or was carried with us. We met with two women¹ who were going to see their friends, and to attend the quarterly meeting at Clarksburg.² Near midnight we stopped at William Anglin’s, who hissed his dogs at us; but the women were determined to get to quarterly meeting, so we went in. Our supper was tea. Brothers (William) Phoebus and (Valentine) Cook³ took to the woods; old —— gave up his bed to the women. I lay on the floor on a few deer skins with the fleas.⁴ That night our poor horses got no corn; and next morning they had to swim across Monongahela. After a twenty miles’ ride we came to Clarksburg, and man and beast were so outdone that it took us ten hours to accomplish it. I lodged with Col. Jackson.⁵ Our meeting was held in a long, close room belonging to the Baptists. Our use of the house it seems gave offence. There attended about seven hundred people, to whom I preached with freedom; and I believe the Lord’s power reached the hearts of some. After administering the sacrament, I was well satisfied to take my leave. We rode thirty miles to Father Haymond’s,⁶ after three o’clock, Sunday afternoon, and made it nearly eleven before we came in. About midnight we went to rest, and rose at five o’clock next morning. My mind has been severely tried under the great fatigue endured both by myself and my horse. O, how glad should I be of a plain, clean plank to lie on, as preferable to most of the beds; and where the beds are in a bad state, the floors are worse. The gnats are almost as troublesome here, as the mosquitoes in the lowlands of the seaboard. This country will require much work to make it tolerable. The people are, many of them, of the boldest cast of adventurers, and with some the decencies of civilized society are scarcely regarded, two instances of which I myself witnessed. The great landholders who are industrious will soon show the effects of the aristocracy of wealth, by lording it over their poorer neighbours, and by securing to themselves all the offices of profit or honour. On the one hand savage warfare teaches them to be cruel; and on the other, the preaching of Antinomians poisons them with error in doctrine: good moralists they are not, and good Christians they cannot be, unless they are better taught.

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I had a lifeless, disorderly people to hear me at Morgantown, to whom I preached on “I will hear what God the Lord will speak.” It is matter of grief to behold the excesses, particularly in drinking, which abound here. I preached at a new chapel near Colonel Martin’s,¹ and felt much life, love, and power. Rode to the widow Robinson’s,² and refreshed with a morsel to eat; thence to M. Harden’s, where, though we had an earth floor, we had good beds and table entertainment.

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Rode forty miles to quarterly meeting at Doddridge’s,¹ where we had a melting season.

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From twelve o’clock to-day we rode forty miles—my soul in sweet peace.

PENNSYLVANIA

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Our conference began at Union Town.¹ We felt great peace whilst together; and our counsels were marked by love and prudence. We had seven members of conference and five probationers. I preached on 1 Peter 5:7; and brother Whatcoat gave us an excellent discourse on “O! man of God, flee these things.”

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We concluded our conference.

Saturday and Sunday, 26, 27. Attended quarterly meeting.¹

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Came over the mountains along very bad roads. Brother Whatcoat¹ and myself were both sick. We stopped at Simpkins’s, and were comfortably entertained.

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Reached Barratt’s, where we had a little rest and peace. WEST VIRGINIA

We had left our horses at Oldtown, Maryland, on the other side of the river, but I thought it best to have them brought over, and so it was; for that night there were two stolen. On Monday we rested; on Tuesday rode down to Capon; and on Wednesday visited Bath. I took lodgings at brother Thomas Williams’s, was well fixed, and found the waters to be of service to me.

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Preached at Bath. I received heavy tidings from the college—both our teachers have left; one for incompetency, and the other to pursue riches and honours: had they cost us nothing, the mistake we made in employing them might be the less regretted. I have read one volume of Church History, by Mosheim, containing an account of the state of ecclesiastical matters in Germany, and the different Churches.

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I attempted to preach at Bath, on “the lame and the blind:” the discourse was very lame; and it may be, I left my hearers as I found them—blind.

I am now closely engaged in reading, writing,¹ and prayer—my soul enjoys much of God. We have great rains, and are obliged to keep close house; but we have a little of almost everything to improve the mind—the languages, divinity, grammar, history, and belles-lettres; my great desire is to improve in the best things.

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Preached at Bath, on Isaiah 63:1, with little liberty and poor attendance. But we have some stir among the poor people in the country.

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We left Bath, and on the Saturday and Sunday following attended a quarterly meeting. I felt enlargement on Peter’s case, and also in the love feast.

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I enlarged with some freedom on the case of the man who brought the child to our Lord.

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Rode from John Hite’s¹ to the Blue Ridge: the weather was warm, and so were the hearts of the people. VIRGINIA

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I preached at Leesburg, and was very warm, on, “Thou wilt arise and favour Zion”; and the people appeared to be somewhat stirred up. To-day I received a letter from brother Tunnell, informing of the spreading of the work of God in West New River, and several parts of North Carolina. Glory be to God, for his great and glorious power! MARYLAND

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Our conference began in Baltimore.¹ I chose not to preach while my mind was clogged by business with so many persons and on so many subjects.

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I felt considerably moved at our own church in the morning, and in the Dutch church in the afternoon: the Spirit of the Lord came among the people, and sinners cried aloud for mercy: perhaps not less than twenty souls found the Lord from that time until the Tuesday following. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were spent at Cokesbury in examining and arranging the temporal concerns of the college.

PENNSYLVANIA

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I preached with some satisfaction, morning and evening, in Philadelphia. On Monday, our conference began and held until Friday, 26.

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We left the city.

NEW JERSEY

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Preached with some assistance in Elizabethtown. NEW YORK

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Rode to New York. Next day (Tuesday, 30) our conference began,¹ and continued until Saturday, the 4th of October. NEW JERSEY

Sunday and Monday, October 5, 6. My soul was uncommonly led out in prayer and preaching—I found it a very gracious season. My return brought me through Elizabethtown, Amboy, Hightstown,² Crosswicks,³ and Burlington.

DELAWARE

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I was much depressed in spirit whilst in Philadelphia. I left there on Wednesday, and preached at Chester, where I had some energy; and had openings at Wilmington and Duck Creek,¹ where I also administered the word of life.

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Our meeting in Dover was attended with some power. At Milford we had liberty and love. At Johnstown I was very unwell, and was under the necessity of going to bed, but our friends were alive: God is with them of a truth. Preached at Shankland’s. My soul enjoys great peace and love. On Sunday I was under bodily affliction, but I went to the court house¹ and spoke a few words on, “Ye will not come to me that ye might have life.” We have a house now building, and I hope something will be done here.

MARYLAND

Monday was remarkably warm weather, and I was ready to faint whilst I rode to the Sound. We reached Powell’s² about three o’clock.

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I was very alarming—seldom, if ever, have I felt more moved. We came away, and rode twenty-five miles, having nothing to eat from eight o’clock in the morning till six at night. My body was weak, but my soul was kept in peace. Knowing the obligations I am under to pay money to several persons to whom the college is indebted, my mind is much exercised, and I feel very heavily the weight of such responsibility. The Lord opened the heart of ——, and I thankfully received the kindness as from God and man.

Preached at Jepthah Bowen’s, and I trust the Lord was present; as also at the Lord’s supper.

We then hasted to the widow Paramore’s, about nineteen miles: the people were moved whilst I exhorted them to come boldly to the throne of grace. On Friday I met with an engaged people at Parnell’s, and they appeared tender whilst I enlarged on, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” VIRGINIA

After meeting we rode to Burton’s, nineteen miles.

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Attended a quarterly meeting at Garrettson chapel. O how changed! A preacher absent nearly nine weeks from his circuit, failing to give proper notice of the quarterly meeting. Other persuasions are less supine; and their minister boldly preaches against the freedom of the slaves. Our brother Joseph Everett¹ with no less zeal and boldness, cries aloud for liberty—emancipation.

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Brother Whatcoat preached, and I exhorted a little. My soul and body are deeply impressed. We rode fifteen miles that evening, and held meeting again.

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Myself and the people were comforted at Seymour’s:¹ we had a meeting in the evening.

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I preached at the school house, on Peter’s denial of Christ: it was a time of refreshing—there were few present that did not feel the word. Spoke again in the evening at Seymour’s to a very unfeeling people. Friday. 7. Preached at the court house, to many people, with liberty. We have had heavy riding; dust, heat, and fevers. Our meeting at Downing’s almost overcame us with heat and fatigue.

MARYLAND

At Annamessex quarterly meeting¹ I was at liberty on Revelation 3:20. Again I preached on, “Fear not, little flock,” &c.: most of our members in these parts have freed their slaves.

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We had a precious season at the Line chapel¹ on Revelation 3:18: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire,” &c. After meeting I rode to Broad Creek. We have travelled little less than two hundred miles a week.

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At quarterly meeting I preached on, “Thy teachers shall not be removed into a corner.”

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My subject was, “Is my hand shortened at all that I cannot redeem, or have I no power to deliver?”—there was some moving on the souls of the people. Rode twelve miles to Lewis’s¹ and preached at night on “Search the scriptures.”

DELAWARE

After preaching at North West Fork, I rode twenty-five miles to quarterly meeting at Henry Ennall’s chapel: here we had a good time. I preached at Johnson’s, Levin Todd’s, and at the chapel. I feel myself weak, but the Lord is present.

MARYLAND

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I felt some power in speaking on Matthew 11:5, 6, at Mr. Keel’s. We came on to Hooper’s,¹ where we had a time of refreshing. Saturday and Sunday, 22, 23. Attended quarterly meeting at William Frazier’s: there was some quickening among the people each day. We crossed Choptank River to Bolingbroke—death! death! The second day of our meeting a great power went through the congregation, and a noble shout was heard among the people.

I was much led out at the Bay-side chapel. At Doctor Moses D. Allen’s I was greatly comforted, after a wet ride of thirty miles. I preached at Queenstown to a few people, who appear to be far gone in forgetfulness of God.

I went to Kent Island, and found about two hundred and fifty people, among whom were some of the rich and great: we had a good meeting. I then returned to Queenstown, and gave the citizens another rally; there were more to hear than before.

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I felt some power in preaching at John Boardley’s. We had a little move among the people at Choptank. My soul is kept in peace. In times past I have felt some disagreeable impressions on my mind about the college being burnt; now I have heard of an attempt to do it; but I trust the Lord will encamp about the house. We had a very good meeting at Dover, although the weather was very cold. We had meeting again that night in town—I hope not in vain. Next day I rode to Dudley’s church, Queen Annes; and thence to Chestertown, and preached on, “Let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear.”

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I had some freedom in preaching at Stillpond church,¹ on, “Simon, Satan hath desired to have you, that he might sift you as wheat,” &c.

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I preached at the widow Woodland’s;¹ was not in a good frame of body or mind. At Georgetown I felt still worse; and to crown all, I had a long dispute with Mr. B——² about ordination and experimental religion.

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Rode to Cecil court house, and had, I trust, a profitable time. We crossed Elk River to brother Ford’s,¹ and had a gracious meeting at his house.

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We had a damp ride to Cokesbury, and found it was even as it had been reported to us: an attempt had been made to burn the college by putting fire into one of the closets; but some of the students made a timely discovery, and it was extinguished. I stayed two days and expended more than £100, and felt my spirit tried. I put the young men to board in the college. We have some promising youths among them for learning, but they want religion.

I came to Baltimore, and found some tokens of the Divine presence, at the quarterly meeting, on 2 Chronicles 14:11, “Thou canst save by many, or by those that have no might.”

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Came to Cromwell’s and preached with some satisfaction. Thence I hasted to Annapolis, where the Lord was present while I declared “The Lord’s hand is not shortened.”

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Rode to Weem’s chapel, and preached with fervour on, “O Zion, that bringest good tidings,” &c. Thence to Calvert quarterly meeting: the weather was very cold, but there was some spiritual heat among the people.

VIRGINIA

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Rode thirty miles to Hoe’s ferry; and thence to Pope’s, about thirty miles more: the weather is still excessively cold.

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I preached to a few tender souls at Pope’s, on Isaiah 29:17: “Yet a very little while and Lebanon shall be a fruitful field.”

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Had a few lively people at Woolard’s. I read, write,¹ pray, and ride; and hope to see much of the power of God on this journey. Christmas day. I preached in the open house at Fairfield’s, on Isaiah 9:6. I felt warm in speaking; but there was an offensive smell of rum among the people.

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At the Presbyterian church in Lancaster, there was a divine stir in the congregation. Envy and disputation have been injurious to the work of God in these parts. O may the Lord yet help us and revive his work! I found our opposing the doctrine of final perseverance had given offence: a house of our own will alone fix us properly.

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