1804

We met for conference: Bishop Coke preached in the morning; and in the afternoon at John’s (the old house), Augusta. On Monday we opened our conference in Mr. Cantalou’s house. We conducted our business in great harmony, and did it hastily. There was preaching every evening; and the bishops bore their share of ministerial labours. Elders and deacons were ordained. I found little difficulty in stationing the preachers. The conference rose at eleven o’clock on Thursday, and I took the road to Swearingen’s, eighteen miles. SOUTH CAROLINA

On Friday I reached Williams’s; and on Saturday, Columbia.¹ Sabbath day found me in bed, confined by a deep cold, and an affection of my breast; nature relieved herself. A cold, hungry ride brought us to Camden on Monday. I gave Bishop Coke a plan for a journey as far as Boston, before the General Conference.

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I continued in Camden, occupied in writing answers to Northern letters,¹ and reading Hawies’s Church History: this is, perhaps, amongst the best I have seen; but his partiality to good old Calvinism is very apparent. I have been unwell; but I am cheered by the glorious prospects of Zion’s welfare: I mark this year, 1804, as the greatest that has ever yet been known in this land for religion.

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I preached in the morning and afternoon; and James Jenkins¹ in the evening. On Monday I rode as far as Mr. Rembert’s, on Black River: here I retire to read and write; my body is weak, but my mind is stayed upon God.

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For three days past I have been reading Hawies: he is concise, elegant enough, and deserves credit for his abridgement of the fathers, purged from their fables; his characters of Whitefield and Wesley are appropriately great; but O, his Calvinism!

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I preached at Rembert’s chapel,¹ and on the Sabbath day from Luke 20:21: “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; even so, Father, for so it seemed good unto thee.”

I. What things they are that are hidden from the wise and prudent: the things of the Gospel, the great things, and the deep things of the Spirit of God, in the Divine operations, and sensations, and affections, and fruits of the Spirit of grace; these are revealed to simple-hearted, ignorant, poor, and unlearned men and women.

II. Why are they hidden from the “wise and prudent”? 1. Because they seek the knowledge of them by their own wisdom. 2. Because they will not submit to the rules of discipleship that they may learn. 3. Because they have chosen the world for their portion, with its riches, honours, and pleasures; and thus living, they cannot learn. 4. Because they will not, cannot part with their darling passions and besetting sins. 5. Because they will not submit to suffer reproach. Jesus rejoiced that his heavenly Father has made foolish the wisdom of this world, so contrary in its spirit to humble faith and holy obedience; and that so many hath been made, and that millions might be made, the subjects of the grace of God—that wisdom which cometh from above. But our Lord did not rejoice in the spiritual ignorance and damnation of “the wise and prudent”: he upbraided them for what might have been prevented; and wept, as man, with Godlike love, over Jerusalem.

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Reading, writing, and planning a route and Sabbath labours from now until January, 1805. The ninth volume of Mr. Wesley’s Sermons engaged a part of my time.

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We braved the weather, keen and freezing, to Pudding Swamp,¹ taking a cold cut in the cold woods: we were well warmed at Mr. Kissam’s; we felt powerfully for the parents and children of this family.

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By riding an hour in the night we reached Jane Green’s;¹ on our way we found the waters of Black River spread near a mile over the low grounds about the bridge at Kingstree, where we crossed: we dined at Miller’s, and baptized a child.

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At Black River meeting house I spoke to a few souls, on 1 Timothy 2:1. The weather became cold, but I had good lodging at Mr. Heideger’s. This part of the country has a solitary appearance, because the white inhabitants have been much lessened.

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We reached Georgetown. I have suffered in my flesh, and have had “deep waters” of a temporal and spiritual nature to wade through. If I should die in celibacy, which I think quite probable, I give the following reasons for what can scarcely be called my choice. I was called in my fourteenth year; I began my public exercises between sixteen and seventeen; at twenty-one I travelled; at twenty-six I came to America: thus far I had reasons enough for a single life. It had been my intention of returning to Europe at thirty years of age; but the war continued, and it was ten years before we had a settled, lasting peace: this was no time to marry or be given in marriage. At thirty-nine I was ordained superintendent bishop in America. Amongst the duties imposed upon me by my office was that of travelling extensively, and I could hardly expect to find a woman with grace enough to enable her to live but one week out of the fifty-two with her husband: besides, what right has any man to take advantage of the affections of a woman, make her his wife, and by a voluntary absence subvert the whole order and economy of the marriage state, by separating those whom neither God, nature, nor the requirements of civil society permit long to be put asunder? it is neither just nor generous. I may add to this, that I had little money, and with this little administered to the necessities of a beloved mother until I was fifty-seven: if I have done wrong, I hope God and the sex will forgive me: it is my duty now to bestow the pittance I may have to spare upon the widows and fatherless girls, and poor married men.

Saturday and Sunday, I rested at Georgetown.¹ I preached in Mr. Hammett’s house, now fallen into our hands.² Alexander M’Caine attended the afternoon and evening services. The Baptists have built an elegant church, planned for a steeple and organ: they take the rich; and the commonalty and the slaves fall to us: this is well. We have about twenty whites, and between three and four hundred blacks in society here. My mind has been deeply tried by my friends who wished me to derange appointments made in two circuits, that one station might be supplied: I do not sport with preachers or people; I judge for the Lord and his Church; I stand in the order of God, as well as the appointment of men.

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We crossed Black River at Evans’s ferry, and lodged at Henry Britton’s,¹ where we were entertained.

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I preached at Jenkin’s chapel, on Hebrews 2:3. We dined and came on to Port’s ferry, an hour after the setting of the sun.

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We crossed Great and Little Pee Dee: over the latter I crossed in a canoe. At Potato Bed Ferry,¹ a forlorn place, we were detained three hours. At Kingston (Conway), brother M’Caine gave us a sermon; and I also gave an exhortation: we lodged at Richard Green’s.

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We came to Hullum’s; a curious, fearful road we had—we hardly escaped miring several times. The simple-hearted, poor people have built a house since I was here last. I gave them a sermon, from 2 Timothy 4:7, 8. After meeting we pushed on to father Hullum’s, dined and lodged with William Norton.¹ Brother Benjamin Jones,² who had come on Bladen circuit, about ten days back, died upon the road, whether by fits, to which he was subject, or by drowning, we have yet to learn. He was a native of South Carolina, near to Georgetown, a pious, good young man of unblemished life: he had travelled five years, and is now gone to rest. Lord, what is man! Lord, what is life! Let us, let me be also ready! NORTH CAROLINA

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We rode eighteen miles to Ebenezer: there were about thirty souls, to whom I spoke, from Titus 2:13, 14. We came to Pieraway Ferry: I was unwilling to cross: nevertheless, we all got into a small broken flat; and scarcely had we launched, when we upset, and were obliged to back out by wading: had this been in the middle of the river, fifteen feet deep! Lord, thou preservest man and beast! By making three trips of the horses, men, and baggage, our crazy skiff put us safe over. At the widow Cressett’s, we were well entertained.

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We rode to little John Gaine’s, thirty miles; no food from sun to sun.

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We rode to Smithville, so called from General Smith: we rode thirty-three miles through the rain. We lodged at the widow Douyer’s, and were plagued with our horses breaking away.

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Our horses were taken and brought to us. I preached at Smithville, and brother Alexander M’Caine also in a house in the town. This is the old fort Johnson, at the mouth of Cape Fear River: it is partially rebuilt.

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We came to Brunswick, an old town; demolished houses, and the noble walls of a brick church: there remain but four houses entire. I preached at Miss Grimshaw’s on 2 Corinthians 4:5; and ordained Nathaniel Bell to the office of deacon. At Edward Sullivan’s I found that the cold weather, and hard labour of riding and preaching, began to press me down.

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At Rork’s, at Town Creek, brother M’Caine preached: I also spoke, enforcing, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” A late camp meeting upon Town Creek has given a revival to religion amongst both whites and blacks. I thought I perceived intimations of this in my last visits. About the going down of the sun we came into Wilmington, faint and feeble.

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We had nearly one thousand souls, to whom I spoke upon Hebrews 12:25.

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I rested, wrote, and regulated some matters of a temporal nature.

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I preached on 2 Peter 2:10-12.

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We set out, and made Nixon’s, at Topsail.

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Lodged with Lot Ballard, New River.

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Reached Thomas Lee’s, Trent River.¹

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I preached in Lee’s church on 1 Corinthians 15:58; after meeting we had a cold ride to Newbern.

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I spoke under great heaviness: my subject was Colossians 3:12-16; again in the evening on Ezekiel 35:2: my load was thrown off, and we had life springing up in the assembly.

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We moved a subscription to raise one thousand dollars to enlarge and finish the chapel: we have obtained six hundred dollars. Brother M’Caine preached, and there was something of a shout.

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I spoke from Hebrews 3:15. Our official brethren were called up in the night to attend two gay females; one had run to call the brethren to pray for her distressed companion, and she also was stricken: they both professed to find the Lord.

Wednesday and Thursday, 22, 23. We called assemblies in Newbern, and unwieldy congregations came together.

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We took the path to Washington: it was clear and cold: at Neuse Ferry it blew fresh: at Tar River the gale had subsided, and we crossed in comfort.

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I felt the effects of my long and very cold ride from Newbern: nevertheless I gave them a sermon.

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I spoke at Washington on 2 Corinthians 5:11-15. I collected three propositions from the whole.

I. The Gospel is a universal ministration of grace and truth: “we persuade men”—all men, everywhere. This position is proved by the general love of God; the general commission given the ambassadors of Christ; the general atonement; general offers of grace; the general judgment. II. That consequently, the Gospel must be, in all its administrations, applicable to the cases, consciences, and characters of all; and thus does it behoove the ministers of the Gospel to preach it.

III. It is a ministry of terror: “the terror of the Lord, we persuade men”; it is a ministry of love: the “love of Christ constraineth us.”

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At Gardner’s bridge I spoke to many hearers, on Luke 4:18, 19; it was very chilly. In the evening we came to John Watt’s; thirty miles to-day, without fire or food, from seven to five o’clock in the evening. On Tuesday, being unwell, brother M’Caine officiated for me. “I groan, being burdened”: seven conferences to appoint the stations in; to officiate in the General Conference of this year; seventeen States to visit, requiring a ride of five thousand miles at the rate of twenty, thirty, and forty miles a day. O Lord, give me support! for every day, every hour, and every moment is a time of need with me! We rode up to Colonel Samuel Williams’s, twenty miles. At Williams’s chapel, Taylor’s ferry, truly the great ones were present to hear, and I preached to them upon the great salvation; to little purpose I fear: small fruit of twenty-five years of faithful labours upon the rich lands of Roanoke.

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After a lonely ride of fifteen miles in the rain, I preached at the widow Ann Whitmell’s, near Edward’s ferry: we had twenty females, and half as many males to hear. The Baptists go ahead of the Methodists in this settlement: if it be well done, it matters little who does it. My mind is in peace, but my body is weak and in pain.

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After preaching at Whitaker’s chapel, on Revelation 2:10, I ordained Henry Bradford, Benjamin Nevell, and William Lindsay, deacons: it was very cold.

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I rode twenty miles, crossed Roanoke to Bridges Creek, and lodged at Richard Whitaker’s.

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Sabbath day, 4, was extremely cold. I preached at Rehoboth chapel, and ordained Richard Whitaker a deacon; we had many more people than I expected; the house was nearly filled with both colours.

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At J. Pinna’s my subject was Romans 10:12. We had excessive snow on Tuesday: I ordained E. Everett a deacon. At Montgomery’s old house about two dozen souls met me, to whom I spoke on James 2:6. Twenty miles to-day in the snow, pitch and drive; it was well my mare had no shoes behind to ball her feet.

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I preached at Wicocon, where I never expected to be again: the windows were open, and the people trembled under the cold, if not under the word. After crossing two ferries, we came to Gates court house, twenty miles: my mind is in peace; but I feel for the people of these low lands: with the exception of a few towns and select places, my ministry amongst them must be near its end. To go around by Norfolk on my route eastward is objectionable for many reasons; and I may find it expedient to bid this part of the country farewell forever.¹

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At Gates court house I spoke on 1 Corinthians 7:29-31. It was a very cold day: we held our meeting in the house of Daniel Southall: the loss of a favourite child has awfully clouded the day of his prosperity. Ah! hair-hung, breeze-shaken worldly bliss, what art thou!

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We rode to Edenton, and lodged at a tavern. After nineteen or twenty years, I preached in the court house, and many attended. I dined with Mr. Beesly, a printer, and supped with Mr. Constantine Luton, both Baptists. I found out Caleb and William Manning, nephews of my ancient friend Caleb Manning: these young men want preaching established. I now know why I came to Edenton; that I might feel for the people, and make an appointment of a preacher for them: but we must get a house of worship here of our own.

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At Yawpin chapel I preached on Luke 11:9-13. I had a very serious, attentive people to hear: I believe God is amongst them. I called upon Mr. Ross, a Baptist minister of the Gospel, much thought of: I found him in a feeble state of body: we prayed and parted in great affection. We had rain, and night came on before we reached brother Sutton’s, twenty-eight miles: we crossed Perquimans upon a floating bridge. My mind is in great peace. To-day Humphrey Wood became my companion in travel.

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At Mr. Muller’s, at Nags Head, I preached upon 1 Peter 5:10; we had a full house, and the truth was felt; I dined with mother Wood, and lodged with Mr. Samuel Whidbees; were this last family as good as they were kind, they might be perfect.

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I spoke on 1 John 3:1-3, at Nixonton chapel: I had openings, and felt as if God was about to visit this people. In my subject, I showed,

I. The effects manifested by Divine “love” in the fruits produced by it, and the consolations flowing from it.

II. The progress of becoming, and the privileges of being the “sons of God.”

III. The evidences furnished by the “sons of God” of their claim to sonship; they “purify themselves” from all sin by humble faith and holy obedience.

IV. The “world”—blind and wretched, “knowing not God,” nor the real character of the Eternal Son of God, and mainly ignorant of the hearts, the exercises, the sufferings, the trials, and the heavenly consolations of the “sons of God.”

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At New Begun meeting house I preached, and was filled with my subject: the rich amongst the people came and offered gifts, but we did not receive them: how little do some folks know us! I lodged at Mr. F——’s; a cold night to me in a double sense.

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At the court house in Elizabeth City, Pasquotank county, I preached upon Matthew 7:7-11: many heard, but few felt. I dined with Mr. Mitchell, a lone Methodist from Cornwall, Great Britain; Lot in Sodom. The site of this place is beautiful for its land and water prospects; and the situation is good for trade. We rode on to Camden, and had to beg a lodging of Mr. Joseph Sandlin, who belongs to the Baptists: these people carry the day here in respectability and numbers.

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At the widow Capp’s we had a small house, but well filled. I enlarged much upon the salvation of the world, including infants and adults of the Christian and heathen world: a Baptist might not think this is a kind return for my night’s lodging; but it was the truth. I lodged with Edward Bunnell, from New Jersey.

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I ordained Joshua Gambling and Nathaniel Brook, both of Currituck county, deacons in the local line. I baptized Mary Forbush: she had been brought up a Baptist. At Williams’s chapel I was very unwell: we had a cold house, and cold people. After meeting I retired to Zachariah Morse’s. Eight hundred miles from Augusta, Georgia.

VIRGINIA

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I preached at James Wilson’s; Tuesday at Cutherell’s; Wednesday at Portsmouth; Thursday at Norfolk; and on Friday and Saturday I was housed. At a meeting of the women, we laid the foundation of a female charitable society of Norfolk; similar in plan to those of New York and Baltimore, but more liberal: may this live, grow, and flourish when I am cold and forgotten!

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I preached at Norfolk, upon Matthew 28:19, 20; and at Portsmouth, in the afternoon, my subject was 1 Peter 2:9-12.

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I preached at a new meeting house fourteen miles up the road towards Suffolk: here, after thirty years’ labour, first and last, we have a chapel; I named it Ebenezer. At Suffolk, on Tuesday, unwell as I was, labour went hard with me: I had an almost total obstruction of perspiration; but a pulpit sweat relieved me in a good degree. My soul is calm.

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I preached at Powell’s chapel: on Thursday at Benn’s chapel, Isle of Wight, we had a decent, but not a feeling congregation. After preaching I rode up to William Blunt’s. On Good Friday, so called, I preached at Blunt’s, and administered the sacrament: I had a cloudy day, and a bad house to speak in. I rode to Joseph Moody’s. We drew a plan of a new house, forty by thirty feet, two stories high: but will it ever be built? I doubt it.

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I preached in an old, abandoned Episcopal church in Southampton¹: we had an open house, and a cold day. I lodged with Philip Davis. I have made a thirty-miles ride to-day.

Easter day, the first of April, and of the week, found me at Lane’s chapel: my subject was Colossians 3:1-4. We, after meeting, rode fifteen miles to Frederick Pennington’s. The time and electioneering increased my congregation on Easter Monday. I lodged at James Rogers’s. On Tuesday, I preached at Jones’s chapel. I feel feeble in body, but confident in mind. I know not if I shall not take leave of week-day appointments: if I do more than preach on the Sabbaths, it will be in towns, or at a called meeting, where I wish to stop.

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I preached on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, at Mabry’s chapel, made anew; now sixty by twenty-five feet. I was a preacher here before the first house was built, thirty years ago: first an addition was made, now it is rebuilt in another form, and a gallery added for the blacks. I rode home in the rain with Peter Pelham: here is death temporal, and life spiritual—Thomas Pelham was converted, and is dead since my last visit; and there remain three living children, newborn babes.

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I preached at the camp meeting house; and on Friday at Hobb’s chapel; although very weak, I administered the Lord’s Supper, after preaching a sermon on Titus 3:8. I went in the evening to the widow Wyche’s.

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At Wolsey’s barn¹ I spoke on 2 Corinthians 3:12; there were few people: we had a stormy day, and a poor, weary preacher. I dined with Ira Ellis, and rode up to Edward Dromgoole’s. The wife of my old friend is lingering out life.

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I spoke on 2 Peter 3:7-11, at the Olive Branch chapel; I am taking leave of the people every visit. I have made up one thousand miles, from Augusta, Georgia, to Brunswick county, Virginia. In old Virginia I have administered the word thirty years.¹ There is a great mortality amongst the aged: our old members drop off surprisingly; but they all, by account, die in the Lord, and in general, triumphantly. Now I have finished my awful tour of duty for the past month. To ride twenty and thirty miles a day; to preach, baptize, and administer the Lord’s Supper; to write and answer letters, and plan for myself and four hundred preachers—O Lord, I have not desired this awful day, thou knowest! I refused to travel as long as I could, and I lived long before I took upon me the superintendency of the Methodist Church in America, and now I bear it as a heavy load; I hardly bear it, and yet dare not cast it down, for fear God and my brethren should cast me down for such an abandonment of duty. True it is, my wages are great—precious souls here, and glory hereafter.

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Our Virginia Conference began in Mecklenburg county, Salem.¹ We sat six hours a day, and wrought with great application. We had an addition of fifteen preachers, besides two dead, seven located, one expelled; so there was a gain of eight. I liked what was done; only, the preachers’ experiences, the state of the work, and the circuits were not given; so we concluded to recommend a session of six days for the next yearly conference, appointed to be held at Edmund Taylor’s, North Carolina, March 1, 1805. What I have felt was only known to the Lord; what I have done, was for God and his Church. We have added, after a great mortality, one thousand members to the Virginia Conference bounds.

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We came away with elders Jackson, George, and Pinnell. On the Sabbath day we stopped at John Rogers’s, Brunswick county, and I preached from 2 Corinthians 13:14; after sermon we rode to Peter Robinson’s, Nottoway county, fifteen miles.

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We stopped at John Morgan’s, Amelia county. Serious times in this family—two sons dead—young men! We put in for the night at Nathan Anderson’s, Chesterfield county. Next day a long ride of forty-five miles brought us to Elisha Maxey’s. We have lately had moderate rides, but heat and dust; our meetings were small, as the people had but partial notice. I ordained Elisha Maxey deacon.

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We crossed at Judah’s Ferry,¹ upon James River, and came on to Goochland court house, forty-five miles, and lodged with Joseph Perkins. Next day brought us to John Lastley’s, Louisa county. On Friday we had to be at the hills of Orange and Madison counties, to Robinson River, and once more sheltered under the roof of our brother, Henry Fry. He was labouring under a weakness of his bowels; I gave him Fothergill’s recipe. It is thus: one ounce of bark, half an ounce of rhubarb, three nutmegs all boiled together in a gallon, until reduced to two quarts: a wine glass of this to be taken every two hours. On Saturday we had a powerful rain; but we were under the lee of a good room. Part of the Sabbath day was taken up with a short ride of fifteen miles, to Nicholas Kobler’s, Culpepper. I have read John Smith’s View of the Last Judgment. I think it elegant and spiritual. Monday evening brought us to William Suttle’s, in Prince William, thirty-five miles; and on Tuesday we reached William Watters’s, after a ride of nearly forty miles, without food or rest, as we were disappointed at the place we had expected to get our dinner at. I had heedlessly thrown off my top-coat for a few hours, and caught cold.

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Our conference began in Alexandria. On Saturday, I preached in the new chapel. The business of conference was taken up on Monday and Tuesday, and conducted in great peace.

MARYLAND

On Wednesday we came to Georgetown, D.C., and I visited Wilson Lee, ill with a bleeding of the lungs. We lodged at Biggerly’s.¹ On Thursday we came to Baltimore.

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Our General Conference began.¹ What was done, the revised form of Discipline will show. There were attempts made upon the ruling eldership. We had a great talk. I talked little upon any subject; and was kept in peace. I preached but twice.

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I came off to Perry Hall, on my way to Soudersburg, to meet the Philadelphia Conference. The Lord did not own the ministerial labours of the General Conference: it was a doubt if any souls were converted; I prayed for hundreds; but God did not answer my prayer. PENNSYLVANIA

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We came to Jarratt’s and dined, and continued on to Benjamin Mannifold’s. On the Sabbath we crossed the Susquehannah at M’Call’s ferry, and came to Martin Boehm’s. I preached at Boehm’s chapel, and then came away to Soudersburg. The conference opened on Monday morning, 28. We had great order. We sat five days and a half. There were one hundred and twenty-five preachers present, whose characters and experiences were brought before us. I preached twice.

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I rode through the rain to the Valley, twenty-eight miles. On the Sabbath day I reached Radnor. Here my little Jane was horned by a cow, and lamed: she is done, perhaps, forever for me; but it may be all for the best. I am unwell, and the weather is bad, but, except my feelings for the poor beast, I am peaceful and resigned. I was able to write, but not to preach on the Sabbath day.

On Monday morning I desired Isaac James¹ to ride thirty miles, going and coming, and purchase me another little Jane, at eighty dollars; he did so, with great good will. I came to Philadelphia, and found that Richard Allen² had bought me a horse for ninety dollars; so I had two, one to sell for sixty dollars: so much for my haste.

NEW JERSEY

On Tuesday I dined at Burlington, and lodged at H. Hamilton’s. Wednesday evening brought us to Joseph Hutchinson’s; at New Brunswick we dined next day, stopping for the night with Mr. William Flatt, Rahway; and on Friday passed through Elizabethtown and Newark, and reached New York.

NEW YORK

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Busy answering letters. On the Sabbath I preached in our house in John street, on Hebrews 10:23-25; it was an open season.

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We spent some time in social conference with the preachers. To-day, Mr. Thomas Lyell¹ spoke out in a letter to me, saying that he wished to be located. I thought that I had discovered his designs, and those of Mr. Dashiell, during the sitting of the General Conference in Baltimore: I am willing that he should belong to the Church people: I believe they have more need of him than the Methodists have. I answered Mr. Lyell, by telling him that I would do what I could to procure him a location at the Boston Conference.

It may suffice to say that our present conference was a happy one, and a conference of great business. We had sermons every day at noon. Fourteen deacons and eight elders were ordained; these last at the Bowery church, where I preached upon 2 Timothy 4:1-4. By hard labour I read off the stations on Saturday night, and our conference sat on Monday. We proclaimed a fast, with prayer, for the Methodists, the health of the city, the general Church, and the continent. Nicholas Snethen gave us a melting, nervous discourse on the occasion.

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Wednesday, 20, and the next day, I was kept by a storm within doors; at the widow Sherwood’s I wrote letters.¹ I read brother Thacher’s answer to Mr. Tagart’s book; it is said there is a special call for learned men to the ministry; some may think so, but I presume a simple man can speak and write for simple, plain people, upon simple truths.

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It still continued to rain; but I felt uneasy, and came down three times to move eastward. William Thacher came home and told me Sylvester Hutchinson had brought his horse over the North River, at seven o’clock last night to accompany me. We set off, and called in our way at Mr. Sheet’s: we found sister Basling sick.

CONNECTICUT

We dined at Byram, drank tea at Stamford, and lodged with brother Absalom Day at Norwalk; the rain made the ride painful.

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We rode to brother Elnathan Wheeler’s, dined, and rode on to New Haven: we have a good turnpike to travel on, and a good bridge to cross the Housatonic.

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I preached to a few souls in our small house on Hebrews 3:12-14. My chief suffering is from riding: I am under the necessity of riding soft, fearful as I am of worse effects, and my blanket makes me gall sadly; as yet I have been little affected with the piles, thanks to my good God! O, New Haven! thou seat of science and of sin! Can thy dry bones live? Lord, thou knowest! Brother Branch preached this afternoon; and brother Hutchinson¹ at night. I have little leisure to journalize. My soul has constant peace and joy, notwithstanding my labours, and trials and reproach; which I heed not, though it come, as it sometimes does, from the good, when they are not gratified in all their wishes. People unacquainted with the causes and motives of my conduct will always, more or less, judge of me improperly. Six months ago a man could write to me in the most adulatory terms, to tell me of the unshaken confidence reposed in me by preachers and people: behold, his station is changed, and certain measures are pursued which do not comport with his views and feelings: O, then I am menaced with the downfall of Methodism; and my influence, character, and reputation are all to find a grave in the ruins. First, my hill is made so strong that I shall never be moved; anon, O man, thou hidest thy face and changest thy voice, and I must be troubled, forsooth! But I am just as secure as ever, as to what man can do or say. Should this journal ever see the light, those who read it when I am gone may, perhaps, wonder that ever I should have received such letters, or had such friends: yes, gentle reader; both have been. Whom shall I believe; and whom shall I trust? Why, whom but a good, and true, and never-failing God?

On Monday the 25th, we took the path to Durham; here we stopped, as there was room for us in the inn to lodge. On Tuesday we passed through Middletown, and found that our brethren were about to purchase a lot on which to build a chapel on a small scale. We rode on to Hebron. I have made four hundred and twenty miles since I took my departure from Baltimore. At Canterbury we lodged at Captain Lyons’s: the day’s ride brought us through Windham and Scotland.

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We came through Plainfield, Sterling, Scituate, and Coventry, to Cranston; and stopped at General Lippett’s.

RHODE ISLAND

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I preached to a few people at Lippett’s chapel; my subject was 1 John 1:3-7. It was a gracious season to the speaker and the hearers. Sylvester Hutchinson, my travelling companion, gave them a sermon in the afternoon. I came this way only to hear how the preachers had conducted their work.

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We rode through Providence, dined five miles beyond, and housed with a Mr. Guilds.

MASSACHUSETTS

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We journeyed through Wrentham and Medfield to Needham, nearly thirty miles, without food or rest for man or beast: we passed Weston, and came into Waltham in the evening. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, I rested; and read and wrote as my failing eyes would permit. My soul is in great peace.

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A very sultry ride of twenty miles brought us to the pleasant town of Lynn. On the Sabbath day I preached upon 1 John 3:1-3; the state of the society in this town is more pleasing than formerly. Peter Jayne, brought up amongst them, is an acceptable preacher. A house is begun for the preachers to live in. Sylvester Hutchinson preached in the afternoon: I spoke also; and read letters giving an account of the work in the South. O, when shall we see such things in New England!

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We rode to Salem, Beverly, Windham,¹ Hamilton, Ipswich, Rowley, and Newburyport, and so on to Salisbury; we had flies, mosquitoes, heat, dust, and weariness. We lodged at the sisters Eaton. NEW HAMPSHIRE

Passing through Seabrook, on Tuesday, we saw one, once of our despised order, robed in his gown, and sitting in his house like a gentleman, whilst we were beating along like Jonah: well, the end is all. Our route carried us through Seabrook, Hampton Falls, Exeter (where is an elegant meeting house), and Epping.

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At Epping I preached on Acts 26:18, 19; we had an open time. Thursday brought us through Lee, Dover, and Berwick, to Alfred. On Friday we passed Doughty’s Falls,¹ on the way to Standish, and landed at Buxton.

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We opened our conference. We admitted and elected nine deacons and two elders. We had preaching on Friday and to-day.

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We opened by prayer and exhortation, at eight o’clock. At half after ten o’clock I took my stand in the woods, but in about forty minutes the rain fell. There were powerful exercises in the meeting house, until near six o’clock: the Lord appeared; several souls were brought under distress. I trust the fruits of this day’s labour will be seen in eternity.

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We had preaching and the ordination in the woods; my subject was 2 Timothy 3:1-7; it was an open time, and the work of God broke forth upon the right hand and upon the left. On Tuesday we hasted the work of the conference and concluded, after appointing our next session at Lynn, July 12, 1805.

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It is reported there were fifty souls converted to God: the work continued last night. This morning we took our departure; came to Lymington,¹ crossed Socco River, dined at Doctor Cochran’s, and came on through Limerick to Effingham, the first town in New Hampshire, putting up for the night at Lord’s tavern. On Thursday we passed Ossippee bridge, and came nine miles through the woods. We dined at Night’s house, and kept on to Sandwich, rested awhile at William Webster’s, and then pushed on to Centre lake and harbour; we had four hours of heavy rain, and rocks, hills, and dales to Chamberlain’s. We started away through New Hampton, Bridgewater, and New Chester;² dined, and went forward to Alexander and Grafton: we felt willing to stop at deacon Hoyt’s for a night. The morning found us under way over the Isinglass hills,³ which furnish the windows of the country with lights; it was cold to purpose; I could have borne a third coat very well on this July 21st. We dined at Mr. Haynes’s, in Canaan: at a short warning, I spoke to about fifty or sixty souls, on 1 Timothy 4:7, 8. We came on through Enfield; upon the banks of the pond I saw the settlement of the Shakers. Poor souls!—they have landed where all other sects have landed. O this love of the world! But the Shakers are near the end of the world—they forbid to marry—they are as the angels of heaven! I came to Hanover Town, and lodged at Mr. Hall’s. I have travelled, by computation, seven hundred and forty-six miles from Baltimore. O, New Hampshire, thy perpetual hills and rocks! Alas, poor people! Alas, poor suffering preachers!

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I preached in the evening at Hanover, on Philippians 3:8,

9. On Monday we came on through Lebanon and Plainfield, and crossed Connecticut River into Vermont, at Hartland.¹

VERMONT

We called at Windsor, a beautiful town upon the river, of about one hundred houses. Mr. Spooner² entertained us with pleasure. We passed through Weathersfield and Springfield, and stopped at Rockingham, lodging with Captain Williams:³ forty miles to-day.

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We came in haste to Westminster, to breakfast; this is another pleasant little town; it may have fifty houses. At Putney we found a stream, mills, a store, and a tavern. Passing over a slate ridge, and through Dammerston, we came to Brattleboro which we found a pleasant place, with the advantage of a stream, well employed as a mill power. At Guilford we rested with Mr. Jacobs,¹ from three o’clock in the evening until Wednesday morning, at five o’clock, when we took our departure from our host, and from the State of Vermont.

MASSACHUSETTS

At Greenfield, in Massachusetts, we breakfasted, having passed Barnardston, the first village we entered in the State. We started away again to Deerfield, and Conway, and Ashfield, and Plainfield, and Commington, and Windsor, and Dalton, and Pittsfield, and Richmond, and so out of the State; but I was glad to stop fifteen miles short of Pittsfield, after riding over dreadful hills and rocks forty-five miles: we lodged at a tavern, weary,—weary enough! We took our breakfast with Robert Green, in Pittsfield. Here we crossed the head branch of the Housatonic River. NEW YORK

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We lodged at David Wager’s,¹ in the State of New York. Next day we directed our course through Claverack,² and came in to Robert Sands’s,³ Rhinebeck, about five o’clock. My mind hath been cheerfully happy, and mostly in prayer. I was sometimes ready to wish I had no company, and no observations to make, to hinder my constant communion with God. I suffered from hunger, and was skinned several times. Since I left New York, I have spent fifteen dollars, feeding man and beast by the way; and my companions were also obliged to do so. I have seen the sufferings of our preachers, and they have awakened all my sympathies. Seventeen times we dined, fed, or supped at taverns; and well it was we had these to go to, else we had been starved. We have crossed the east and west ends of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and have ridden about three hundred miles in the State of New York.

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I preached in the chapel at Rhinebeck, on Psalm 126:3-6. It was a good beginning of the quarterly meeting. I visited the family of Freeborn Garrettson.

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We had our feast of charity, and the Lord’s Supper followed. I preached in an orchard, upon Matthew 11:3-6: we had about one thousand hearers. I rested at brother Garrettson’s. On Tuesday we rode forty miles, to Oliver Ledue’s, Fishkill Hook;¹ we called up the family at nine o’clock, and went to rest at half after ten o’clock.

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We rose at five o’clock, and rode, fasting, over the rugged hills of Peekskill and Fishkill; but we were willing to walk at times. We breakfasted with William Likly, from Aberdeen, Scotland; he has been about forty years in the New World. We came on to Esquire Kirby’s,¹ and, having dined in haste, pushed on, and came, an hour in the night, to my home at the widow Sherwood’s. We have ridden fifty miles to-day, over a path so rough and uneven we could not get along fast: this hasty work interrupts that dose communion with God my soul longeth after. I have made, I judge, one thousand and fifty miles since I left Baltimore; and there still remain one thousand miles between me and Mount Gerizim, the seat of our conference for the 1st of October next. Thursday and Friday I devoted to rest, reading, writing, meditation, and prayer. On Saturday I came alone to New York.

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I preached at the north church, upon Matthew 16:24, to the end of the chapter: I felt some opening. At the old house in John street, my subject was 1 Timothy 6:6-8. New York is the valley of dry bones.¹ O, Lord, I lament the deplorable state of religion in all our towns and cities.

NEW JERSEY

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We crossed the river in a calm; but we were dripping by the time we came to Newark; here we rested two hours, then hastened on to Elizabethtown, dined, and kept on to Rahway: the night brought us up at Perth Amboy, with Benjamin Drake.

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We had a rainy morning. We have our ancient seasons— plentiful rains and cold weather: this will prevent the fevers. Mr Lyell has engaged with Mr. Pilmore’s old congregation, at f450 a year: so, farewell to Tommy Lyell! I hope it may end well. We got as far as Joseph Hutchinson’s.

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I had a sweet, solitary ride to Hulet Hancock’s; the next day found me breakfasting at Burlington; and by two o’clock I had reached Henry Manly’s retreat.¹

PENNSYLVANIA

My mind is devoted to God: I had a pensive letter from Elder John M’Casky, lamenting the death of his son:—but one—but only one—alas! I wrote to Smith,² Chandler,³ and Colbert,⁴ presiding elders. I preached once at St. George’s, upon Luke 17:5; at the Academy, in the afternoon, on 1 Corinthians 15:58.

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I came away from the city to breakfast with sister Withy. DELAWARE

I dined with Allan M’Lane, and lodged with John Hersey: forty-five miles to-day.

MARYLAND

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I took breakfast at North East, ordained James Cook a deacon, and came on to Perry Hall; forty-five miles to-day. I found the family of Perry Hall absent; they are gone to Bath.

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I rested, being stiff and sore. My poor beast should have had three days to perform that which she has done in two; she shall rest three days in Baltimore: thence to Mount Gerizim,¹ she will have only twenty miles a day, or less, to travel. Next day I came alone to Baltimore: here I remained.

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I preached in Light street church; my subject was Luke 14:25-27. At three o’clock I preached at Mr. Otterbein’s, on 1 Timothy 6:6-10; this has been an open day with me. I am inclined to think preaching must be in the lanes and streets of the cities:—I advised the preachers to go out to the churchyards; to the sisters I recommended more frequent prayer meetings. I revised the Revised Form of the spiritual part of our Discipline:¹ I had long wished to separate the most excellent from the excellent.

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I began my Western tour, bending my course up to Cornelius Howard’s,¹ thence to Macklefresh’s,² and lodged with Alexander Warfield, upon Sam’s Creek: the heat was tempered in some measure by a breeze from the West. My appointment at Linganore chapel³ was not generally known; I preached to a few, and went to dine with Ephraim Howard;⁴ we reached friend Shelmerdine’s in the evening. WEST VIRGINIA

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We had showers to brother Reynolds’s: we passed through Sharpsburg, and lodged at Shepherdstown.¹ I was informed of a camp meeting held near Charlestown, Jefferson county, at which between sixty and seventy souls professed to be converted to God: the meeting held nine days. On Thursday I started, and next day breakfasted with Mrs. Gough, at Bath. I found Mr. Lyell here—his mind deeply engaged with his new design; he was very attentive to me. After resting three hours, I came away to William Dimett’s.

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Starting at six o’clock, I made fourteen miles to Clarke’s tavern, to breakfast, through mountain rain and over mountain roads. After a long absence, I came once more to John Jacob’s. From him I had the awful account of the awful end of Joseph Cromwell.¹ He had walked backward, according to his own account: three days he lost in drunkenness; three days he lay sick in darkness—no manifestations of God to his soul; and thus he died! We can only hope that God had mercy on him. Compare this with what I have recorded of his labours and his faithfulness in another part of my journal. O! my soul, be warned! Brother Jacob preached his funeral sermon, and gave a brief sketch of his life, his fall, and his death. His text was, “Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon”: how appropriate the choice! I have travelled through great heat: the people are generally sickly; but I have got along one hundred and sixty miles since I left Baltimore; thank the Lord, and kind friends!

MARYLAND

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I had a meeting at Oldtown at four o’clock: my subject was 1 Peter 5:10; the heat for some minutes was so intense that it appeared as if flesh could scarcely bear it.

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After the rain, J. Jacob rode with me to Joseph Cresap’s, upon the north branch of the Potomac. We crossed this water three times, and climbed over the mountain, but not without rain. Now I have left the travelling preachers to mind their own work, and I only make my appointments when I come to the places: the local preachers are my guides, and good guides, and good aids, and good companions they are.

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In Cresap’s mill I preached upon Hebrews 8:10-12. We had many people at a short warning.

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I was prevented setting out by rain. I made feeble attempts to make peace between two old members of the society: may I have the blessing, and they have the peace—for the good of their children and the society. I came to the Ten Mile house; here I overtook company—a certain Mr. Doyne. We wrought our passage to Tomlinson’s, dined, and came on to Simpkins’s stand.

PENNSYLVANIA

Next day we breakfasted at the Great Crossings—William Smith’s; then on we went to Mr. Slack’s—brisk enough to wait upon travellers. At four o’clock we dined. Once more I was compelled to walk down the Laurel Hill. We came into Uniontown about seven o’clock, wearied by the heat and the toils of the day. Brother and sister Thornton Fleming are gone away two hundred and seventy miles to Philadelphia, in search of a cancer doctor: both her breasts are turned black, I understand, and she has a babe of six months to take with her over desperate roads and through heat scarcely supportable: dear souls, what trouble have they in the flesh! The husband is sick in the wife’s diseased breast—the fond, anxious wife suffers because she is the cause of his sufferings—and O! how are all the sympathies of nature in the parents awakened by the sufferings of the poor, solely-wearied babe!

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I ordained at Jacob Murphy’s, Mount Braddock, William Page travelling elder.

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I rested, wrote, read, and planned a little. I appointed James Hunter, who has been seven years in the work, president, pro tempore, of the Monongahela district, in the absence of Thornton Fleming: he is next to him in standing and reputation.

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I rode to Uniontown, and preached upon Matthew 10:37, 38; I also spoke at Murphy’s barn, at four o’clock, on Jeremiah 31:31- 33.

I. The “house of Israel” the Jews—the national and Church privileges of that ancient people: the term when applied to professing Christians—their peculiar and important privileges.

II. In what characters God “writes his law upon the heart”—conviction, repentance, faith, and all the evangelical and moral virtues; “Write it in their hearts,” in allusion to the “law” written upon tables of stone.

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I visited Colonel Isaac Meason—may it be for his good!

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I ordained Andrew Hemphill a deacon, at family prayer, at brother Murphy’s. We came in company to the widow Hawthorn’s: out of eight children, here are seven subjects of grace. News came after me that Bishop Whatcoat had appeared at Connellsville: as I had failed to come along by Carlisle, he thought I might be sick, or lame, or dead; and that it was time for him to bestir himself.

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I came by Bromfield and Geneva, crossed Monongahela River, and stopped with Stephen Gapen, Wayne county,¹ Pennsylvania. The wife of my host was ill, and I was obliged to prescribe: she rested better. I was greatly outdone by walking down the rugged, perpetual hills. Next day I felt stiff and sore.

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After thirty-four days of afflictive illness,¹ I recommence my journal. I have been, during my sickness, at Harry Steven’s; kinder souls than this family I could not wish, but there were many of them and others continually coming and going. I had two doctors: but at last was happily left to myself and Charles Conaway. The fever subsided and left a cough. I have not had a more severe attack since I have been in America: the doctor was seldom right and medicines were not to be had, nor indeed, the comfort and alleviations which surround a sick bed in the cities. But the best of all was God was with us—God, the glorious Lord, appeared. I was led into the visions of God; I shouted his praise.

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We took our departure and came to Mapletown. The work of God revives. Brother Smalley’s daughter has found the Lord. On Thursday we came to Jackson’s, Carmichaeltown. Friday brought us to Crouch’s, near Washington, and on Saturday we reached Philip Doddridge’s.

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I preached. Riding brought on a daily fever, and an inveterate cough. Brother Whatcoat being unable to ride at a greater speed than a walk, I exchanged my mare for his horse: we made more speed by this arrangement, but his great beast jolted me in such a manner as I could not have borne in health: I was pressed above measure, so that I despaired of life, or health, or making our journey in this manner. We have lost the Kentucky Conference,¹ and have about eleven weeks for our trip of fifteen hundred miles to Charleston.

WEST VIRGINIA

We were compelled to spend a week at John Beck’s.

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Brother Whatcoat preached at West Liberty. From thence we rode to John McCollough’s, within a mile of Ohio River: here my fever rose, and I had to quit all hopes of going to the westward: I returned to John Beck’s. As I was my own doctor, I resolved to breakfast upon eight grains of ipecacuanha; this cleansed my filthy stomach, and so broke up my disease that a fever of fifty days fled. My cough, nevertheless, is very distressing at night. I have submitted to have a large grinder extracted. Should November prove favourable, I do not yet despair of getting along in time. Brother Whatcoat has been of great service to me: he was still urgent to go on, and he has gone on, wandering alone through the wilderness—I am afraid, in vain:¹ he said he had a mite, and it must go. I fear his precious life will go.

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My fever abated. I applied a blister, and bled again. I begin to eat and gather strength.

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The weather has changed greatly—we have the Indian summer.

On the Sabbath day a small meeting: and what must I do—go into the woods? The eyes of the preachers were upon me—I was too weak to travel, but not to preach. We had a melting time; it was so unexpected! With some it was the first time: with others the last, perhaps, they would ever hear me in this part of the country.

PENNSYLVANIA

It was so pleasant in the afternoon, I rode down to John Casebeers, an Israelite.

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A summer’s day. We rode twelve miles, near to Washington. Here I heard of a suit gained by the Rev. Mr. Birch against the Rev. Mr. M’Cullen: the slander was a charge of drunkenness; the damages awarded thirteen hundred dollars, costs included. On Tuesday we gained Joseph Taylor’s, near the Old Fort. Wednesday we came to Uniontown, seventeen miles.

WEST VIRGINIA

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Thursday, November 1, to the Crossings, twenty-four miles.

MARYLAND

Friday to Musselman’s, thirty miles: and on Saturday to Joseph Cresap’s to breakfast, making one hundred and twenty-five miles this week: here we rested for the Sabbath. It is wonderful to see how Braddock’s road is crowded with wagons and pack-horses carrying families and their household stuff westward—to the new State of Ohio, no doubt:¹ here is a State without slaves, and the better calculated for poor, industrious families. O highly-favoured land! I saw the death of Wilson Lee confirmed in the Frederick Gazette: he died at Walter Worthington’s, in Anne Arundel county, Maryland. Wilson Lee was born near Lewistown, State of Delaware: he was of a slender habit of body, but active, diligent, and upright in his walk; a pattern of neatness in his habits and attire; and full of gentleness, meekness, and love; his presence commanded respect; his zeal for God was great, and his labours successful, and continually so; few excelled him in the duties of a presiding elder—it is not impossible that the toils of this important office have been too great for his feeble frame. He had been twenty years and ten months in the Methodist Connexion. Sabbath day I spoke in Cresap’s mill, upon Hebrews 2:2, 3. After sermon we rode to James Cresap’s, near Old Town; notwithstanding what had passed at Cokesbury, he received me as a father—that matter might have been managed better. We were to have the boys to become all angels! I sent for brother Jacob and his wife: we breakfasted, and prayed, and rejoiced in God together. John Hesselius² sent me a note of invitation to call and see him: I did so. He reminded me of his respectable father, who took me to his house thirty years ago in the time of my visiting Annapolis, when I was exposed to daily reproach and contempt. I have reason to believe the old gentleman died in the Lord.

WEST VIRGINIA

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We forded Potomac about a mile above the south forks, and called in to see mother Pool. We came on to Capon, and lodged at Mr. Largeat’s.

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We breakfasted at Quaker Brown’s, and then came on to Winchester.

VIRGINIA

In the evening I preached in George Reed’s house; and next day in the house of Elijah Phelps. On Thursday, I rested and refitted. My body is in health; my soul established in grace. Sickness has been very common below the mountains, and there are many deaths.

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The weather has been unpleasant; and our clothing needed improvement and increase: above all, I wished to see Daniel Hitt.¹ My friends were solicitous for my presence at the quarterly meeting at Newtown.² On the Sabbath day I preached, feebly, upon John 1:50. The Superintendent Bishop of the Methodist Church in America being reduced to two dollars, he was obliged to make his wants known.

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We came to Hand’s ferry,¹ went on to Front Royal,² or Lucetown; we dined at J. Moore’s, and passed over the Ridge, our route leading near the head spring of the north branch of the Rappahannock; we stopped at Justice Clark’s. I came in unwell; but the well-ordered house and its solitude, the social family and their polite attentions and great kindness, were very consoling: the old folks gave me their room and bed— I was overcome quite—my thoughts and feelings were all gratitude. On Tuesday we left our kind-hearted hosts, and took the path to Little Washington and Woodville towns, in Culpepper county, and met with a kind reception and good entertainment. Twenty-eight miles over rough roads, and through cold, enough to make me uncomfortable.

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We had not gone above fourteen miles, when the threatening snow began to fall: it made a heavy damp plaster for our garments: we came to Henry Fry’s, Robinson River, Madison county. I felt the cold of yesterday’s ride, the horses were to be shod, and it was meeting day: so I have reasons enough for resting.

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We rode through Orange to Louisa county: I had a comfortable interview with John Lastley, his good afflicted wife, and serious daughter. On Saturday we came on to Joseph Perkins’s, crossing the grand branch of Pamunky, at Colonel Norris’s five story new mill. The weather is exceedingly pleasant. We had a small congregation called together at a short warning: I spoke from Hebrews 8:10-12; not in vain, I hope.

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We rode through Goochland, crossing James River, at Cartersville—Satan’s Ville, I fear—they have rejected the Gospel: Charles Hopkins is their priest—a poor wretch. He was once with us; but when I preached for a suspension of ordinances, and a partial conformity to the ancient Episcopal Church, he raised the cry of Popery: but behold! when there were Churches to supply, and money to be given, there was no Popery. I lodged with Lewis Isbett: I found kind people, and comfortable entertainment. I heard of three camp meetings in Cumberland circuit: one at Charity, one in Buckingham and one in Prince Edward; the first was greatly successful.

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We came to Robert Smith’s—a very damp day. My mind was greatly engaged with God. On Wednesday, through deep damps, we came to David Thompson’s, at the upper or west end of Powhatan county. On Thursday, we crossed Appomatox at Clement’s bridge¹ near a mill and small town of the same name. Our route led through Amelia—solitary Amelia, with its worn-out fields of hundreds of acres, and old houses falling into ruins. We lost our way, wandering without friends or food, from seven in the morning, until seven at night: we made about forty miles, and came, fatigued and hungry to John Ryall’s: here we had entertainment good enough for a president.

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We passed Nottoway court house, crossed at the Fall’s bridge, where a Morris, owner of a mill and sawmill, finely seated on the stream, gave us food for our horses gratis, and unasked: we came to Zachariah Davis’s, near Lunenburg court house. On Saturday we crossed Meherrin at Saffold’s bridge: by accident we came to Mr. Warner’s, the son-in-law of Samuel Holmes: we were hungry and faint, and the table was soon spread. On the Sabbath day I had a local preacher’s congregation, to which I discoursed upon 1 Thessalonians 2:11, 12.

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We came to Allen Young’s: the weather was unusually sultry; my clothing was burdensome. A traveller in this iron clime, must feel almost all the climates in the world, with all their extremes; and he must carry with him, all the year, as many clothes as he may possibly want but six months of it: in November he may not need a top coat; and yet, if he is wise, he will not be without his cloak in July.

NORTH CAROLINA

As Tuesday was pleasant, the river low, and the wind moderate, I pushed forward to Edward Taylor’s, Granville county, North Carolina—twenty-six miles; here I rested to refit. At this point, Joel Smith being unwell, consented to stop, after travelling with me six hundred miles, frequently afflicted and depressed by some peculiarities of both his constitution and country: I wished him to leave me.

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We came to Edmund Taylor’s senior: the aged people were happy, waiting with cheerful patience for the moment which was to change this mortal for an immortal state. On Friday we dined at Jesse Carter’s, on the banks of Neuse, and crossed the river at the Fish-dam Ford, and put up for the night with Lewis Moore.¹ Our road led us by the home of John Kinsborough, whom we visited: I was pleased to find that the like precious faith entailed upon the children, was now enjoyed by the children’s children of those who first trusted in God thirty years ago.

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We came to Sihon Smith’s, accompanied by Nathaniel Moore. I was glad to house here, and escape the rain. It is a cordial to my spirit to reflect, that although we had but one preacher on that ancient and good circuit of Tar, and that one was a young one, and esteemed by some only of moderate abilities, his labours have been signally blessed: it is true the local brethren helped faithfully; and there were some good seasons at camp meetings. My mind has great peace in God.

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I preached: my subject was John 1:50. I was chilled for an hour after speaking; a fever succeeded this, and I was very ill through the night.

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I baptized three children of Squire Hinton’s. I breakfasted with them. We rode on to the Redfield ferry, upon Haw River.¹ On Tuesday morning we breakfasted fourteen miles ahead, with brother Reeves, at the Hickory Mountain. I ordained William Masters a deacon. I dined and lodged with him: God has blest him—his twin sons, converted at the same time, are both called to preach the Gospel. On Wednesday, we came away twenty miles, to Bell’s house and Mills, to see Alexander M’Caine: we had a night meeting, at which I saw extravagances frequently seen among our people. I believe, nevertheless, that the young people were sincere. On our way to Wiley Harris’s, we stopped at Mr. Fuller’s to dine. On Friday I rode eight miles to breakfast with Ethelred Harris, and came on eighteen miles to John Randle’s.² On Saturday I thought it well to rest. I have ridden, since leaving Baltimore, nine hundred and eighty-eight miles. At Randle’s I preached upon Galatians 5:9. In the evening I visited our former brother, my friend Tomkins: he was expelled for selling a slave. The Lord is amongst the coloured people in this family. On Monday we lodged at Thomas Shaw’s, thirty-five miles distant: his wife still lamented the loss of a dear child.

SOUTH CAROLINA

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We reached Lynch’s Creek;¹ and next day, twenty-eight miles brought us to Camden: my friends receive me as risen from sickness—tenderly attentive. On the Sabbath day Alexander M’Caine² supplied my place; on Friday, Saturday and twice upon the Sabbath; this last day, I gave the sacramental discourse upon 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. Whilst resting, I wrote some letters,³ and received some persons who wished to converse with me upon the best of subjects. I felt as if we wanted more living religion in the society here.

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I came to James Rembert’s, upon Black River, twenty miles. I wish I could be more solitary this week. On Tuesday I kept close, that I might finish the short memoirs of Nicholas Watters¹ and Tobias Gibson,² both deceased this year.

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I preached at Rembert’s chapel: we had a cold rain—it chills the people; they cannot hear to profit: my subject was 1 Thessalonians 5:24: “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it”: that is, give you entire sanctification, and persevering grace to the end.

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We had snow four inches deep: I felt thankful that I had a house, and all things necessary to temporal enjoyment and comfort. Next day it cleared away; my soul is happy in God—purity of heart is my joy, and prayer my delight. I feel as if God would sanctify all the conferences in the South: O may it, in answer to my unceasing prayers, be a great time with the Lord’s prophets. It is nine hundred miles from Wheeling on the Ohio, to Charleston, South Carolina: from Baltimore thither, by this route, about twelve hundred miles.

On Thursday, Saturday, and Sabbath day, I rested: Jonathan Jackson¹ preached at Rembert’s chapel on Monday, and on Tuesday, Christmas day, I gave them a sermon upon Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” A “child,” after his human nature; a “son”—of God. “The government shall be upon his shoulders”—upon the shoulder it was that ancient temporal governors carried their badge of office. His “shoulders”—shall be strong enough for the thousands of his faithful ministers, and the millions of his faithful people in his Church militant, who shall confide in his strength. “His name shall be called”—that is, he shall in reality be what he is called. “Wonderful”—that is, a mysterious and miraculous person in his manifestations—in his birth, spiritual and holy; and in his miracles, notable, perfect, and undeniable. “Counsellor”—this may refer to his ministry—his prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices. “Mighty God”—mighty in the power of his grace. “The Everlasting Father”—as such, giving life, and life eternal. “Prince of Peace”—giving and preserving peace in his kingdom; and thus contradistinguished from temporal princes, who are so generally promoters of war.

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We set out for Charleston; the rain overtook us, and we passed Sumter court house dripping. We dined with Mr. Bradford, and pursued our journey, wet as it was: stopping at a house where we might have remained for the night, we were driven off by a drunken madman who went on like a fiend: it was dark, and we had rain above, and mud and water below; the elements appeared to be at war with us: at length Mr. Boyd saw us in our deep distress, and led us to his house, and treated us very kindly. I was wet; I was blistered; I was skinned.

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We came on to contend with Santee at Nelson’s ferry, where I once had a surge with Hope Hull in company. The mud and mire were bad enough in the road, but O! the swamps! I dipped both feet, yet I came off pretty well: the water was rising; the wind blew fresh; but happily for us, James Jenkins¹ came over in a canoe and brought the flat just as we were ready. We pushed on to Mr. Herrin’s, and came in before the sun disappeared.

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We came thirteen miles to Monk’s Corner to breakfast; thence to the Ten Mile House,¹ fed our horses, and put off again and reached the city. It may go for one hundred and twenty miles from Rembert’s to Charleston.

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I had to rest indeed: I was sadly sore. Many letters came from various parts, which I answered. Daniel Hall¹ made me glad by his account of the Suffolk camp meeting: in four days they calculate there having been as many hundred converted to God. On the Sabbath day I preached at Cumberland street on John 1:50. I feel comforted in spirit: the sitting of this conference will not be in vain in Charleston. Two letters from Philadelphia announce to me that nearly one hundred souls have been converted in the different congregations since October: O, fire of the Lord, come down and consume the fire of contention in that unhappy place! I have a pleasing account also of the success of a camp meeting in New York State.

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