1805

We opened our conference,¹ I preached upon Colossians 4:5: “Walk in wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time.” To “walk in wisdom towards them that are without” is to purchase the present and future time, both of which are in our power. The highest “wisdom” of ministers is to propound and set forth faithfully, the end and motive of thus “walking.” Christians “walk in wisdom” when they earnestly seek perfection by the best and only means; and in the highest “wisdom,” when in the possession of all the communicable fulness of perfect love. I preached the ordination sermon of four elders, James Crowder, Henry M. Gaines, James H. Mellard, and Hugh Porter. My body failed a little in these exercises. We had a sacrament, and some singing and tears; but for want of more and closer exhortations, there was nothing special done. The intendant of the city has forbidden our prayer meetings with the blacks before the rising sun; nor must the evening meetings be held later than nine o’clock. The preachers are seriously occupied with the work of the conference; and they are countrymen, and do not speak boldly as they ought to speak; but I believe real good has been, and will be consequent upon the sitting of this conference.

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I attended to the entering of the minutes; wrote letters; packed up our stuff for removing; received visits, and bade farewell.

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We came off early and in haste, but we were soon checked; the causeway was bad, and the flat at the ferry aground: we were three hours getting over. At Andrews’s tavern, we had to beg and pray to be taken in for the night; aye, and pay for it too: our supper and lodging were three dollars. Next day, at a lone and slow ferry we waited some time, and lingered on the road: at seven o’clock we came in to Moses Miller’s, upon Black River. On Thursday we crossed the bridge below Kingstree, and called upon Captain Williams, who took us in, and treated us kindly.

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A cold day. One night at Port’s ferry, and away. We have fallen short in our calculations of reaching Lumberton on the Sabbath day. On Saturday we came up to Robert Dunham’s: here brother Whatcoat thought proper to stay a night. My mind has been in great peace. In a day and a half, with lodging, food, and ferries, three of us have spent nine dollars. I will here observe, that we have admitted upon trial eighteen preachers in the Western, and eleven in the Southern, conference; and added two thousand members within the bounds of each, notwithstanding a great mortality, and the constant removal to new lands.

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We rode eleven miles to James Ford’s, a stage-house, and company: we were kindly treated gratis: we gave them our prayers and thanks.

NORTH CAROLINA

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We came to Mr. Lee’s, dined, and came on, lodging at Lumberton, a town of about twenty families. On Tuesday we had another cold ride to Fayetteville. At the African meeting house, I preached upon Hebrews 10:38, 39: it was a time of feeling; but eleven o’clock was no hour for some folks. I was invited to preach in the State house, but it did not suit my mind at all; the object of our visit was a Methodist congregation and society. Home is home: ours is plain, to be sure; but it is our duty to condescend to men of low estate; and therefore I felt justified in declining the polite invitation of the Rev. Mr. Flinn, to officiate in his meeting house. I must take the road again. O, what sweetness I feel as I steal along through the solitary woods! I am sometimes ready to shout aloud, and make all vocal with the praises of His grace who died, and lives, and intercedes for me. Brother Whatcoat preached at night: I added a few words, a sort of gossiping exhortation.

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We crossed Cape Fear, dined at Simpson’s, and after night stopped at the widow Andres’s,¹ a stage house. On Friday we had a stormy morning; it paid us off for a time, and then cleared away. We came to Moore’s creek: we were so near swimming, I dipped my heels: we stopped at Parker’s, dined, and continued on to Negro Head: we had swamps and spring-tides; and behold! one of the bridges in Mr. Mellett’s rice field was gone. Well for us, the overseer, one of our sheep, brought a ladder for us to walk upon, and by means of two planks laid together lengthwise, our horses passed over. We asked the housekeeper to let us stay; she consented, little thinking who we were, which, when she discovered, the poor thing was surprised and gladdened: we had a room, and prayed and talked with the blacks, and exhorted them. On Saturday morning we crossed North East before sunrise: we came to our own house to breakfast. Our chapel in Wilmington is elegant; sixty-six by thirty-six feet. Brother Whatcoat preached this morning.

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Editorial note: The supplied edition cites “Titus 11:14” (ASB_VOL2.PDF, PDF page 421), but this is not a valid reference in the library’s KJV numbering. The source’s own footnote discusses the difficulty: There are only three chapters in this book. The context does not indicate what passage this may have been. The 1821 printed journal also reads “Titus xi. 14”; that older witness does not remove the citation difficulty. Francis Asbury, Journal (1821), PDF page 159.

I preached on Titus 11:14.¹ Brother Whatcoat spoke in the afternoon. Our enlarged house was filled with both colours.

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Many attended our meeting, though the weather was severe.

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Tuesday, 22, we came on to Top Sail. Brother Nixon and family are preserved in the midst of disease and deaths. Dear Mrs. Campbell is gone home.

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We came to Lot Ballard’s, forty-one miles. The weather was very cold in the morning, and there was so much ice in the way we could scarcely get along. Brother Whatcoat was afflicted with dysentery and bloody urine. On Thursday we rode sixteen miles to the widow Argate’s: here is a change; the man is dead: the widow was attentive, and the blacks crowded to prayers.

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We reached Newbern,¹ twenty-six miles. On Saturday it rained: we have happily escaped it. We have made two thousand nine hundred and eighty miles since General Conference. We lodged at the widow Jones’s; her dear James is gone: he appeared to be as healthy as any man in Newbern: he went off after a few days’ illness, of a pleurisy in the breast. Lord, and am I yet alive!

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Sabbath 27, was an awful day of cold rain: few attended the worship of God. In my zeal I preached again at night: I exposed myself, and exerted myself.

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We came away through a cold wind to Neuse Ferry: Swift Creek swam us: and the waters of the greater stream floated us across in a tottering canoe, the horses alongside swimming: a twenty-eight miles’ ride brought us to the widow Richard’s to lodge. Arrived at Tar River we found it was blowing a storm: I was unwilling to cross. The flat was nearly filled with water shortly after we put off: a boat came out to take us up: brother Whatcoat stood midleg in water; I had gained a plank and kept my feet dry; and it was well, as I had a touch of pleurisy, and had discharged blood yesterday evening; we came safe, and praised that God who in deaths oft had delivered us. Brother Whatcoat preached at Washington in the evening.

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I preached to a congregation of very unfeeling people. The blacks have no gallery. The whites look upon us with contempt. O, Washington! Washington!

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We came to Williamstown. I preached at brother Watts’s house; my subject was Romans 5:1-5. Roanoke was full.

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We rode up to General Williams’s, forty-eight miles from Washington. We must yet go sixty miles out of our way to go by Norfolk; poor men, and weary horses!

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We stemmed the northwest wind, twenty miles, to cross the awful Roanoke. For a mile and a half from the ferry, the fences were swept away; during the freshet, cattle, and hogs, and some slaves, had been carried off: its proud waves were stayed when we arrived. We rode thirty-two miles to Joseph Penner’s, Northampton, without seeing the inside of a house. I was most severely penetrated with cold; and my bowels were disordered. We had snow and cold on the Sabbath day, and we were glad to rest. The people came to meeting, and we delivered our testimony.

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Editorial note: The supplied edition cites “1 Corinthians 5:13-17” (ASB_VOL2.PDF, PDF page 422), but this is not a valid reference in the library’s KJV numbering. The source’s own footnote discusses the difficulty: There are only thirteen verses in chapter 5. This may have been I1 [sic] Corinthians 5:13-17, which passage Asbury often used. The supplied footnote’s numeral is damaged (ASB_VOL2.PDF, PDF page 833); its suggested passage remains uncertain. The 1821 printed journal also reads “1 Cor. v. 13–17”; that older witness does not remove the citation difficulty. Francis Asbury, Journal (1821), PDF page 160.

The day was excessively cold: the icy, frozen roads endangered limbs and life itself. We kept on. At Murfreesboro we had a meeting at the house of the widow Merideth; I spoke to them from 1 Corinthians 5:13-17.¹

VIRGINIA

Next day, at Sommerton, we had a small meeting in Hazlett’s house.

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In Suffolk, at the house of Mr. Yerbury, my subject was Revelation 3:11, 12.

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I was very unwell; but we pushed on, through water, mud, and mire, to Portsmouth, where we arrived about an hour in the night. At eleven o’clock on Friday, we had a meeting of the official members for business; they unanimously wished to have a stationed preacher: this was a great difficulty last year. Our chapel has been enlarged to sixty feet by thirty; I advised the addition of galleries. As I passed over the bridge to Norfolk, I examined and was pleased with it: it is more upon the Eastern plan of such improvement than any I have seen to the South; it is one thousand one hundred feet long, and thirty wide; the piles coppered to high water mark, to preserve the wood from the worm; and it has a drawbridge; the cost is said to be thirty thousand dollars, and it yields five per cent. to the company. We met the official members of the Norfolk society; here are some difficulties, and more poverty; but the work progresses here as well as at Portsmouth, where the society has grown and prospered under the care of John Potts.¹

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I preached at Norfolk, upon Romans 13:11-14: “That knowing the time,” &c. Slumbering, sleeping professors are called, by the signs of the time, to “awake—to cast off the works of darkness,” as they would clothes which no longer suited their characters, garments no longer appropriate to their profession, and “to put on the armour of light—the whole armour of God”; to “walk honestly,” that is decently—as it becometh the true, consistent, dignified, Christian character, to avoid the sensualities of the world, and the sins and indulgences of the flesh and spirit; to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” to be dressed, decked, adorned with Jesus Christ, and filled with his Spirit; “to make no provision for the flesh,” with the intent of fulfilling its lusts. At Portsmouth I preached upon Luke 3:6: “All flesh shall see the salvation of God”:— I. The excellencies of this salvation: it is a common salvation, a great salvation, the salvation of God.

II. The nature of this salvation: in its degrees of justification, sanctification, and glorification.

III. The present subjects of salvation—infants and believers. The ample means furnished to all, that they may see this salvation—faithful ministers, faithful, consistent, praying professors, and all the holy ordinances of the Church. I was greatly assisted in speaking. I warmly exhorted our friends in Norfolk to build a tabernacle in some part of the town.

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At Joliff’s chapel I spoke on an appropriate text, from Isaiah 49:20; the house is not half large enough. We dined at brother Denbigh’s, and came on to the widow Reddick’s: she and her sister are both professors.

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At Suffolk, brother Whatcoat preached a very appropriate sermon. At Murphy’s the work revives; a new house is in preparation: the place is too strait: we must make room for them to dwell. My subject here was 1 Timothy 2:3, 4.

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Brother Whatcoat preached at Joseph Moody’s. God has wrought powerfully at Blunt’s and Benn’s: they are preparing a large house for worship at the former place. General Wells and family have returned to us: Willis Wells is coming back from following O’Kelly, besides twenty other members who had been drawn away: they profess to have had enough of him. Mr. O’Kelly has come down with great zeal, and preaches three hours at a time upon government, monarchy, and episcopacy; occasionally varying the subject by abuse of the Methodists, calling them aristocrats and Tories; a people who, if they had the power, would force the government at the sword’s point. Poor man! The Methodists have but two of their very numerous society members of Congress; and until these democratic times we never had one. I question if, in all the public legislative bodies in the seventeen United States, there are more than twenty members Methodists. No; our people are a very independent people, who think for themselves; and are as apt to differ in politics (so do the preachers), and divide at the hustings, as those of any other denomination; and surely, they are not seekers of the offices of this world’s profit or honour; if they were, what might they not gain in many parts of the United States? Whilst one rails at us, others, who are always fond of fishing in troubled waters, take those who are already in our net; or, hunting on forbidden ground, pick up our crippled game: see what believers their Church is composed of!

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The rain held us in doubt until eleven o’clock; then we started, and about two o’clock a dreadful storm of thunder, hail, and wind overtook us, and drove us to a house for shelter; here we remained an hour, and then came on to Captain Birdsong’s: it blew up excessively cold. O death! death! in the neighbourhood of Ellis’s chapel, where we have held conferences too!

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We stopped to feed our horses at a Quaker preacher’s, a friend Nixon: we would not eat ourselves, where it was not agreeable we should pray. We found the wind so cold and cutting as we made towards Petersburg, we could hardly bear up against it.

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Colder still! snow in the North; five and six feet deep in New York. Ice! ice!—awful time!

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Calm and cold. I preached from Revelation 3:3-5; the people came very late, and my mind was fettered. I will here take the liberty of inserting the following account:—

A SKETCH OF THE LABOURS AND TRAVELS

OF IRA ELLIS.

In March, 1781, I left my father’s house in Sussex county, Virginia, and spent some time with Leroy Cole, in Mecklenburg circuit. This spring and part of the summer I spent mostly with the preachers; and occasionally supplied some vacancies in one or two circuits. About November, I attended a quarterly meeting at Rose Creek chapel, Brunswick circuit; and from thence was sent as a travelling preacher into Mecklenburg circuit, being then about twenty years of age. In April, 1782, I attended the conference held at Ellis’s chapel, Sussex circuit. From thence I received an appointment to Pittsylvania circuit, where I continued six months; the six following months I officiated in the Yadkin circuit. In the spring of 1783 the conference was again held at Ellis’s chapel, and I received an appointment to Tar River circuit: after spending two quarters there, I spent the remainder of the year in Roanoke circuit. In the spring of 1784, I was stationed in Bertie circuit: six months I laboured there; one quarter in Camden; and the last quarter—excepting the time spent in attending the General Conference, in Baltimore—in Portsmouth circuit. At the conference held in April, 1785, at William Mason’s, Brunswick county, I was appointed to Philadelphia circuit: here I continued nearly one year, spending one-third of the time in the city. In the spring of 1786, I was stationed in Dover circuit, in the State of Delaware, and remained one year. The next year I laboured in Kent circuit, on the eastern shore of Maryland: whilst here, I received a letter from Bishop Asbury, informing me that I was stationed for the ensuing year in the city of Charleston, South Carolina. I set out in May, and arrived there, and took my station in July, 1788: except one tour of duty, of about three months, through the district and State at large, I continued here until February, 1790. After this period I was stationed in what was called the middle or centre district of Virginia, lying between James and Rappahannock rivers: in this district I remained, and officiated as presiding elder, until the General Conference held in Baltimore, in November, 1792. James O’Kelly having then withdrawn himself from the Methodist Connexion, I was appointed to succeed him in the south district of Virginia, which station I filled until November, 1795. I then changed my state in life, and became located; and so continue to this day.

IRA ELLIS.

Brunswick, Virginia,

Feb. 24, 1805.

The above-named Ira Ellis being about to travel some distance through the United States, on business, Bishop Whatcoat and myself gave him the certificate, of which this is a copy:—

To the Ministers, Members, and Friends of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States.

With our Christian salutations we send greeting. Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied to you, through Jesus our Lord. We have thought it proper to recommend our beloved brother, Ira Ellis, to your pulpits and attentions. One that has travelled fourteen years, extensively, faithfully, and acceptably—nine years he has laboured locally, preserving always a good ministerial and Christian character: he hath filled the various stations among us, having exercised the offices of preacher, deacon, elder, and presiding elder. We give him the recommendation we think his standing and services have merited in our Connexion; he is going upon business of consequence to himself; he may also be as attentive as circumstances will admit to the ministry of the word of God, at all times and places where he can have a congregation. Given under our hands this 22d day of February, 1805.

FRANCIS ASBURY.

RICHARD WHATCOAT.

Brunswick County, Virginia.

I desire to render to all their due. Ira Ellis is a man of quick and solid parts. I have often thought that had fortune given him the same advantages of education, he would have displayed abilities not inferior to a Jefferson or a Madison. But he has, in an eminent degree, something better than learning—he has undissembled sincerity, great modesty, deep fidelity, great ingenuity, and uncommon power of reasoning. His English schooling has been good: he is a good arithmetician, and expeditious and ready with his pen: when asked for an account of his travels, he took his pen immediately, and without a recurrence to books or papers, gave it at once; in the conferences and elsewhere, as my secretary, he has been of signal service to me. He is a good man, of most even temper, whom I never saw angry, but often in heaviness through manifold temptations: he is a good preacher too. O, may he finish his life as he hath continued it—faithful, and acceptable, and successful in the travelling and local line! Ira Ellis is married to an agreeable woman, who has made him the father of three beautiful, serious little children.

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We rode away to the high hills, Nottoway, and stopped with Stith Parham; on Tuesday we came to Robert Jones’s; on Wednesday to Peter Pelham’s; on Thursday to William Ruffin’s; on Friday to Sterling Ruffin’s, where I preached, and then came to Ira Ellis’s. On Saturday brother Whatcoat preached at the Olive Branch Chapel. We visited Matthew Myrick, who was sick.

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I had a most serious talk at the Branch chapel on Revelation 2:1-5. We lodged at E. Drumgoole’s.

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We rode to John Seward’s through the rain. William and Sterling are among the rich—so called: they had been deistical in their notions; but they appear to be sincere and zealous now. Bishop Coke had been made a blessing to William and his lady. We have passed through Norfolk, Nansemond, Isle of Wight, Surry, Sussex, Prince George, Brunswick, Greensville and Mecklenburg counties.

NORTH CAROLINA

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We directed our course to Salem, chiefly to see sister Taylor, at Howell Taylor’s:¹ she is true yoke-fellow to Sally Jones: one is gone to rest, the other, confident in God, is suffering on patiently until she is released from her load of painful affliction. On Wednesday we crossed Taylor’s ferry, and rode twenty miles to Edmund Taylor’s, the seat of the Virginia Conference: we had rain part of the way. We felt a little serious— thinking our elder children and strong sons would leave us by location; and that we should have none but old tottering men, and green, unpractised boys to take care of the plantation: but we have a great husbandman, Jesus, and a good God. On Thursday made preparations for conference.

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We opened our yearly conference for Virginia, at Edmund Taylor’s,¹ Granville county, North Carolina. We closed our sitting on Friday evening following. I have so frequently noticed the affairs of conferences, and they are so common, that I will only observe of this, that we added fourteen preachers, and located four; our business we conducted in great peace, and we had preaching as usual. Our increase is one thousand nine hundred members.

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We came to John Owens’s, and spent an agreeable hour. I was pleased to see sister Owens; she is the daughter of my old good friend, Daniel Grant. We took horse again, and hastened on through the warmth to Doctor R.A. Holland’s, making thirty-three miles.

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I preached upon Isaiah 40:5. We had many Baptists to hear. It was an open time to me, although I was unwell. Brothers Mead and Bruce exhorted.

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We came away to brother Pate’s; and then on to father Chapell’s. We lodged with Joel Tucker.

VIRGINIA

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We crossed Staunton River at Pannell’s ferry. We called at Mr. Old’s to warm and feed, and came on to lodge at Henry Brown’s, having made thirty miles this day—and very cold it was.

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I rested, read, and wrote, whilst brother Mead copied letters narrative of the work of God. We have passed, since conference, Granville, Person in Carolina, and Halifax and Campbell counties in Virginia. I find that nothing so interrupts my communion with God as the cold. I cannot keep my mind fixed, when my whole system seems to be penetrated and stiffened with the cold wind. I suppose this will pass for a very long, hard winter; if the spring is backward, the harvest will be late and full. O, may there be a great harvest of souls gathered in to God!

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We must needs ride to New London. I felt the cold; the wind gave me an influenza. We had a meeting in Doctor Jennings’s house. I spoke on Revelation 2:8-10.

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We came to Lynchburg: I did not find my body or mind, or the circumstances of the chapel, or the state of the society as I wished. We did not lose time. Brother Whatcoat spoke at night. On Saturday I preached upon Ephesians 4:2-6. I was very unwell on the Sabbath day. Brother Whatcoat preached, and administered the sacrament. At three o’clock, I was forced to duty by the wishes of the people; I spoke on 1 Corinthians 6:1. We had about one thousand or fifteen hundred people of the town and country: we lodged with Mr. Wyatt. I felt very willing to move along.

On Monday we came to Colonel Meredith’s, New Glasgow: we were entertained with great friendship and Christian politeness. We were accompanied hither by Lewis Dawson, whose kind attentions it is proper I should acknowledge. The people being gathered at a short warning, brother Whatcoat gave them a sermon.

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Brother James Floyd led us along with as much attention as he would have paid to his parents. We crossed Pine Creek and Tye River, passing Amherst court house. After dining with William Breedlove, we mounted and pursued our way across the rocky ford of Rockfish: we stopped at Benjamin Paine’s. God hath wrought amongst the children of these families.

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We came to Tandy Kee’s; here we found more children coming to Christ. I was pleased and cheered to hear from the local preachers the great things God hath done in this circuit. Brother Mead is coming to preside, and I hope he will have a glorious camp meeting in every circuit in the district. Amherst should, by all means, have another preacher—I hear—I see—I feel. The Baptists are under the whip— straining for victory; Bedford is their stronghold. We shall see. I must be going; although I have a poor, weak, tripping beast; and if she makes a long stumble fifty times a day, I bear it patiently. My mind is in great peace: glory, glory to God!

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We came to Williams’s tavern; dined and passed the elegant seat of Mr. Divers; thence to Ray’s ford upon the north fork of James River, called Fluvanna; thence to the north branch of Swift Run: we lodged at Mr. Fretwell’s—threescore and ten, and not born again! wretched old man! At Stonersville, on Friday, we called on Doctor Douglass, formerly a travelling preacher, halted an hour, and made for the waters of Rapidan— Staunton, middle, and south branches: after scaling an arm of the ridge over to Robinson’s River (flowing in three branches from the ridge), we came in to lodge with Mr. Glower, a Baptist, who was very hospitable to us. On Saturday we reached T. T.’s, upon Hughes’s River; and thence continued on to Woodville; thence to Washington, a small town under the south mountain in the west of Culpepper county. We have made one hundred miles of these roads in three days: poor men! poor horses! We are housed with Elias Clark, Esq., near Chester Gap.

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Having taken cold in my head, I was very unwell; I was merely forced to preach at Pennell’s. On Monday we crossed the ridge at Chester Gap, passing the head spring of the north branch of the Rappahannock River. We stopped at Front Royal or Lucetown; I preached at three o’clock; and brother Whatcoat at night. My subject was Romans 12:1, 2: “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” It was observed, that the apostle’s form of address was excellent, and particularly directed to the Christian believers—the subjects of grace. That the people of the “world” who lived in conformity to its manners and maxims, lived in their proper element—”but ye (said our Lord in addressing believers) are not of the world, as I am not of the world, because I have called you out of the world.” The apostle had in view one thing, in two parts, namely: the devotion of the whole man, body and soul, to God; without which the man cannot be a Christian, perfect and entire. “Present your bodies a living sacrifice,”—this can only be done by abstaining from all things sinful in practice. We must not only not live in the use of unlawful things, but we must not indulge in the unlawful use of unlawful things: it is lawful to eat, but not to gluttony; it is lawful to drink, but not to drunkenness; it is lawful to be married, but it is unlawful for either husband or wife to idolize the other. We ought to make the faculties of our bodies subservient to the worship and service of God—our eyes to see for God; our ears to hear; our hands to be liberal; our feet to move for God, so as to do or suffer— this is “reasonable service”; and thus occupied, the “mercies of God” excite us properly, and we are “not conformed to this world.” That we be “renewed in our minds”—that all the powers of the soul be given in love and service to the Lord; in conviction for indwelling sin, the repentance of believers; in sanctification; persevering grace; perfect love; and the fruition—perfect and eternal glory. We “prove the will of God” by this—to be good—to be “acceptable” to our own souls; and to be “perfect” in our Christian perfection, holiness, and happiness eternal.

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We came a rugged path to Elijah Phelps’s once more. On Wednesday I was busy writing and fitting for conference. Front Royal contains about sixty houses, a Methodist chapel, and academy, a mill, and several stores. We lodged at James Moore’s. It was very agreeable to have a home, a room, and everything comfortable for a day or two. Our poor horses needed rest too.

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We came to Winchester. I ordered a room fitted for conference, with one above the other. On the Sabbath day I preached.¹

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We opened the Baltimore conference,¹ sitting five days in very great order and peace: on the 5th instant it rose. We had seventy-four preachers present. We had preaching day and night, and some souls were converted to God. On Saturday we came to brother Davenport’s. At Charlestown, West Virginia, my Sabbath day’s subject was 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. We lodged with Mr. Key.

MARYLAND

On Monday we reached Fredericktown; on Tuesday, Joshua Jones’s,² Sam’s Creek; and on Wednesday, 10, came into Baltimore. I have been greatly supported, but afflicted in my breast and heart; it will not last long. I have made, I calculate, three thousand eight hundred and fifty miles from the 1st of June, 1804, to the 10th of April, 1805. Lawrence M’Combs³ had refused to take his station; after some alterations were made, he consented to go to Philadelphia. Thursday was occupied in writing letters, &c. On Friday I preached at Oldtown.

Sabbath day, I preached in Light Street: I had a very heavy congregation: I fear the people are preached to death. In the afternoon I visited the Africans: my subject was Ephesians 4:1-6. Lord, look upon our city congregations, for they are a valley of dry bones!

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I preached at Fell’s Point; it was a time to be remembered. I made my escape from Baltimore; low in religion. At Perry Hall I spent a night. The house, spacious and splendid, was newly painted, and the little grandchildren¹ were gay and playful; but I and the elders of the house felt that it was evening with us.

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We came to North East, and called a meeting; the notice was short; the men were fishing.

DELAWARE

On Friday we reached Back Creek, Delaware. Very warm and dusty. My mind is in great peace. On Saturday I was at Duck Creek; and on Sunday evening I preached in Dover state house with very little life: in the morning I had an open time on 2 Corinthians 6:16-18.

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I rode to Milford; on Tuesday to Z. Hazzard’s;¹ rested, and came on to Lewistown, where we called a meeting, and preached upon Romans 13:11-14: I was assisted greatly and the people were engaged. We lodged at Caleb Rodney’s. There may be in Lewistown one hundred and twenty houses, and about eight hundred souls. We came thence to Georgetown, the seat of the courts of justice for Sussex county; containing about forty houses. As the court was in session, we were offered the house, and desired to hold our meeting there: the judges and counsellors attended; and brother Whatcoat spoke, and I followed upon Psalm 41:10: we had a moving season.

MARYLAND

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We came on to Caroline; dined at Caleb Jacob’s, and lodged with Thomas Foster. I was gladdened in heart to find that the work of God was progressing in this society.

On Friday we came to brother William Frazier’s. The fierceness of the wind made Choptank impassable: we had to rest awhile; and need I had, being sore with hard service.

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We crossed at Dover Ferry, and came through Gaston to Lebanon, lodging at brother William Brown’s.

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I preached at Lebanon chapel,¹ the neatest on this shore; my subject, Isaiah 40:19, 20. We hasted on to Easton: brother Whatcoat preached; brother Blake gave us lodging.

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We rode forty-three miles through Centreville to Chestertown,¹ to meet the Philadelphia Conference.

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We rested and prepared for our work.

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On Wednesday last our conference began:¹ one day was occupied with the appeal of Caleb Kendall. On the Sabbath I was called to duty; I spoke on Luke 3:4-6: “All flesh shall see the salvation of God.” I. The perception; the sense in which this object is seen. II. By whom? “By all.”

III. The provision made for this, and the cause of its operation. The love of God; the general atonement; the general influences of the Spirit; the number of ministers, and the general commission to “preach the Gospel to every creature”; the number of Christians and praying souls. The hinderances that obstruct the universal and efficacious spread of the Gospel; they were diabolical and human. We ordained elders Henry Boehm, James Aikins, James Polemus, John Wiltbank, Asa Smith, and Benjamin Iliff.

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The conference rose, after seven days’ close labour. We had, as usual, preaching noon and night, and some souls were blessed.

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We came away to Wilmington, Delaware, and lodged at Collector Allan M’Lane’s.

PENNSYLVANIA

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We reached Philadelphia. Eighty miles in two days. Sarah Williams has left £200 to the disposal of Bishop Whatcoat and myself; we ordered its application to the Chartered Fund.¹ Thank the Lord! I am happy in the midst of the murmurs of many who are disappointed because I do not meet their strange expectations: O! what a wonder if I walk officially straight, when so many would wish me to incline a little to the right or left, as their whims and fancies would lead!

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I prayed, read, wrote, and conversed with friends.

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I preached at St. George’s chapel, and again in the Academy: this was a gloomy day—in weather, in the congregation, and in my mind.

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I preached in the new house at Kensington;¹ I had light and openings. I was continually in prayer; after breakfast, after dinner, after tea or supper. I visited Doctor Samuel Magaw: his whole system is shattered, but he has intervals of reason; and although he wants the plenitude of witness of justifying and sanctifying grace, he appears to be full of goodness, full of God: I felt that God was eminently with him: I had confidence and power in prayer for him.

NEW JERSEY

We set out for the East on Tuesday morning, and came as far as Trenton; I was unwell with fasting and riding, so brother Whatcoat preached.

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At Kingston, fifteen miles, we fed and started, but a storm drove us into Mr. Henry Gulick’s: we again set out, but I was afraid of riding in the rain, and turned in under the roof of a Cornish man by the name of John Rule.

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The roads heavy and damp. We came on to New Brunswick, dined, and reached Benjamin Drake’s for the night. Next day, we dined with Thomas Morrell at Elizabethtown, and lodged with Mr. Richard Leaycraft at Newark.

NEW YORK

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We were in New York by eight o’clock. I felt a desire to go to the camp meeting at Mosquito Cove,¹ thirty miles from Brooklyn, on Long Island. Brother Russell took me there. On my journey I felt as if God had been, and would be, and was at camp. We arrived about nine-o’clock. The Saturday’s exercises continued through the night until near the break of day.

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I preached to a multitude on Acts 2:21; in the afternoon Michael Coate¹ spoke. The work went on through the whole night. Many precious souls were blessed. On Monday night I preached at Brooklyn. I gave them a sermon in John street church in New York on Tuesday morning.

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We came away to the widow Sherwood’s,¹ where I preached: I had a little time to read. In this State the subjects of succession, rebaptizing, are much agitated. I will tell the world what I rest my authority upon. 1. Divine authority. 2. Seniority in America. 3. The election of the General Conference. 4. My ordination by Thomas Coke, William Philip Otterbein, German Presbyterian minister, Richard Whatcoat, and Thomas Vasey. 5. Because the signs of an apostle have been seen in me. On Saturday I lodged with Nicholas Fisher at the Plains. At the White Plains meeting house on the Sabbath day I stood up once more; my subject, 1 Corinthians 15:33, 34. We had some feeling souls to hear; but there is a call for abundantly more. Brother Whatcoat preached at four o’clock. This was a sorrowful day to me; I was in sackcloth.

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I called to see Elder Coleman’s wife,¹ who was ill—or expected soon to be. I dined with James Hall.² We rejoiced that after sixteen years we were bound heavenward. We crossed Croton to Stephentown, stopping at Thomas Bailey’s.³ I preached at five o’clock.

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We made our way across the Peekskill mountains, by Gilead meeting house.¹ We came by the grand encampment where the God of glory appeared last autumn.² We lodged With Richard Jackson.

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Wednesday, 29, was a day of rest. We called a meeting, and brother Whatcoat preached upon the perfect law of liberty. I exhorted. Next day, through an unusually cold north wind, we made a laborious journey to Rhinebeck. We stayed with our brother Robert Sands.

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I read the latter part of Mr. Wesley’s Journal. How great and unceasing were his labours; how various, comprehensive, and just are his observation on men, women, modes, manners, doctrines, opinions, authors, and things! I have felt myself strongly urged to pray after every meal, where the families are in the habit of prayer; but I believe there are Methodist households that sometimes fall in my way, who never pray in this way: and is this our poor success, after eighteen years of faithful labours? God be gracious to us, and to such families and unfaithful souls!

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Reading closely.

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I spoke at Rhinebeck chapel, on Joel 2:28, 29: “It shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit.” The preacher’s mind was somewhat clouded, or he might have better shown. I. What are the common and extraordinary operations of the Spirit. II. The subjects of this operation—the children of God, and their children; the “servants” of God, and their servants and slaves; the “old men” of the first generation living, down to the third and fourth; “young, men,” gay and forgetful; “young women,” giddy and thoughtless; rich and poor. III. The provision that is made for this—in the love of God, in the death of Christ, in the general grace of God, dispensed by men and means. Brother Whatcoat spoke in the afternoon. It was a heavy day with me; I wearied myself in vain; but my judgment is with my God.

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I rested and read Mr. Wesley’s Journal and the last of his Life.

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We made, through heat and dust, to Gale’s tavern:¹ a plentiful rain afterward drove us into Mr. Booth’s, at Claverack. On Wednesday we dined at Kinderhook, and lodged with Burtis Goslin, Esq., at Greenbush.²

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On our way to Stillwater, we passed Troy, Lansingburgh, and Waterford, crossing the North River upon a grand bridge. We got within a mile of the camp meeting ground. There is no great shade, nor many tents; but we expect preachers from Canada, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.

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We opened our camp meeting exercises in the pine woods at Stillwater. It continued four days and three nights. There were many people, many sermons, many prayers, many sinners, many saints, and little intermission, night or day, of labours and praises. The particulars may be printed.

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We came twenty-five miles to Ashgrove, and next day opened conference. On Tuesday, the 18th, the conference rose at noon. We had blessed harmony and order; and I never heard less murmuring about the stations, of which there were sixty-two upon the list, and two having no appointments, because of debility. The committee of business, and the committee of addresses, were very attentive to the affairs brought before them, and their labours were highly approved. By allowing the usual provision for the married preachers and their wives (no supplies given for the children), the conference was insolvent seventeen hundred dollars. There were about eight hundred dollars in money, and other things, given to, and given away by, the conference. We had a sacrament and love feast on the Sabbath, and I preached: the duty was performed by others at other times, as usual; but there were no special marks of good done.

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Editorial note: The supplied edition cites “1 Corinthians 2:29-31” (ASB_VOL2.PDF, PDF page 437), but this is not a valid reference in the library’s KJV numbering. The source’s own footnote discusses the difficulty: There are only sixteen verses in this chapter. The text does not indicate what passage this may have been. The 1821 printed journal also reads “1 Cor. ii. 29, 30, 31”; that older witness does not remove the citation difficulty. Francis Asbury, Journal (1821), PDF page 173.

We came to the Falls of Hoosick, and stopped at George Croye’s. Here I preached, 1 Corinthians 2:29-31.¹ VERMONT

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We came through Pownall, in Vermont, to Williamstown, the seat of the college—containing two houses, one, probably sixty by forty feet; the other, one hundred by fifty feet, four stories, of brick. We dined at brother Kinney’s, near New Ashford. Thence we came away to Lanesborough, and on to Pittsfield. We have passed through a well-cultivated land of wavy, well-watered surface, roughened with rocks, and broken often enough by hills. We have had two days and nights of heat equal to that of Georgia. Some thunder showers cooled the air, and our ride yesterday was pleasant, though laborious, through Washington, Becket, and Chester, and along upon the headsprings of Agawam River, whose meanders we followed upon a turnpike road, winding amongst the hills of the Green Mountain, equal to any in the West; forty miles brought us to Westfield; and rested at Joel Farnam’s.¹ Mr. Knapp² invited me to preach in the Congregational temple; but I refused, for sundry reasons valid to myself.

MASSACHUSETTS

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I attended at a Baptist church. My first subject was Isaiah 55:6, 7. My second Acts 26:18, 19. It was hard labour indeed. I rode home with Nathaniel Phelps, in Tatham.¹ I asked an aged man at the meeting, how many souls were computed to be in the town. Four thousand, was the reply. Not one-fourth of these were at meeting. Here is room! It is a day of feeble things; and I am afraid that some of our friends, instead of boldly facing them, turn their backs upon their enemies; whilst others join them. Here Ralph Williston² was well-known—once so full of fire; and what is he now?

CONNECTICUT

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We set out after mid-day—crossed Connecticut at Enfield, and came on to Ellington, housing with Doctor Steel.¹ Here the Standing Order have built a grand temple to—fame. It is feared there is not in the congregation one soul alive.

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I preached in the school house to a few men, women, and children. I went home with Mr. Ostrander¹ at the Square Ponds.² I believe Methodism is as low here as true religion: yet there is hope that God will visit New England, as well as every part of the continent, before long. At the Square Ponds meeting house I preached upon Romans 8:1,

2. It was an open season—the best time I have had in New England. Several felt. I hope it is a prelude to a revival here. I am resting, writing, and reading our Form of Discipline, and the Jews’ Answer to Voltaire.

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At Tolland quarterly meeting my subject was Jude 1:20,

21. It was a gracious time. On the Sabbath we had love feast and sacrament. I ordained Nathan Fox, John Norris, and James Hyde, deacons. These are some of the first fruits. Tolland revives. We had some living testimonies, and several souls are brought into the Church. At ten o’clock we went into an orchard adjoining the chapel. I spoke on Hebrews 8:10, 11. Brother Ebenezer Washburn’s text was, “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Many exhortations followed, and prayers, with power. There was a great cry, and the meeting held without intermission until night.

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We set out to Willington; went on to Mansfield; thence, after dining with Mr. Cyrus Dow, fifteen miles to Thompson. On Tuesday we passed through Douglass and Mendon and lodged with Mr. Ball, at Milford.

MASSACHUSETTS

Our Wednesday’s ride brought us through Hopkinton,¹ Framingham, Natick (where we dined with Mr. Jameson), and on to Needham, to lodge. The last two days have brought us through heat (occasionally cooled by shade) and dust, and the kindness of friends, several miles from the camp ground.

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I preached at N.W. Bogle’s meeting house,¹ on John 8:30, 31. We stopped Friday night at Waltham. On Saturday we reached Boston. O heat and dust! I felt like Jonah without his gourd.

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I preached in our complete little meeting house, well-filled with hearers, from 1 Corinthians 5:7, 8. It was an open time and gracious season. In the afternoon Joseph Crawford spoke upon 1 Timothy 1:15. The word of the Lord appeared to strike like sharp arrows. I feel as if Epaphras Kibby had been faithful in Boston.

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We took the turnpike for Lynn, passing over a bridge three-quarters of a mile long, said to have cost forty thousand dollars. It is rather a causeway, thrown over a marsh—plenty of flies and mosquitoes. I found Peter Jayne in the new house built for the accommodation of the stationed preacher at Lynn. God is moving amongst the people here; they are prepared for the conference.

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At Marblehead I spoke on Galatians 4:20: “I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.” 1. Evangelical men, or apostolic witnesses, may feel a desire to be present with societies at particular times when it is in their power. They will, where this cannot be done, write. 2. That there may be very alarming and doubtful cases and characters in the congregation and Church; such as open sinners, hypocrites, half-awakened souls, backsliders, slothful believers. 3. Changing the voice—using a different method, as to matter and manner of preaching or writing, pointing at the cases and characters which are doubtful. We had another meeting at five o’clock, and then returned to Lynn. I received a letter from Doctor Coke, announcing to me his marriage;¹ and advising me, that he did not intend to visit America again as a visitor, but rather as a sojourner (if at all), could work be appointed him to do. Marriage is honourable in all—but to me it is a ceremony awful as death. Well may it be so, when I calculate we have lost the travelling labours of two hundred of the best men in America, or the world, by marriage and consequent location.

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We had a full conference. Preaching at five, at eleven, and at eight o’clock. Sitting of conference from half-past eight o’clock until eleven, in the forenoon; and from two until six o’clock, in the afternoon: we had great order, and harmony, and strict discipline withal. Sixteen deacons and eight elders were ordained.

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We held our meeting in a grove belonging to Benjamin Johnson, a beautiful and sequestered spot, though near the meeting house. My subject was 1 Thessalonians 2:6-9. 1. The system of imparting the “Gospel of God”—which is preaching Christ. 2. The doctrines, privileges, precepts, and power of this “Gospel.” 3. Apostolical purity of intention, disinterestedness, tempers, manners, labours, and travels. The affection of soul “imparted”—manifested—in preaching and prayer, and bowels of mercies and sympathies. There were many exhortations and much prayer; many must have felt; some were converted: from this day forth, the work of God will prosper in Lynn and its neighbourhood. On Monday, the labours of conference, and public religious exercises were continued. On Tuesday evening conference rose in great peace. On Wednesday I gave them a sermon, and immediately set out to Waltham, twenty miles: wind, heat, dust!

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We gained Captain Nichols’s,¹ Shrewsbury. Wilbraham brought us up on Friday. We rested with Abel Bliss on Saturday.

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At Wilbraham I spoke on 2 Timothy 4:5-8: “But watch thou in all things,” &c. Introduction—the special relation of a spiritual father and son. The time and circumstances peculiar to Paul and Timothy: “Watch, in all things”: as a Christian; as a Christian minister or bishop; endure afflictions of mind and body, as a Christian and a minister—endure heat, cold, hunger, thirst, labour, persecution, temptations. “Do the work of an evangelist”—spread the Gospel where it is not, support it where it is. Paul knew he was going by martyrdom: he had “fought a good fight of faith”; and by faith he had “kept” justifying “faith,” which some had made shipwreck of: the “crown” of justifying and sanctifying, and practical righteousness, was waiting to encircle his triumphant brows—a “crown” thrice radiant with the three degrees of glory. In conclusion I said many things, and with great plainness, urging the necessity of being civilized, moralized, and spiritualized, by the Gospel in the plenitude of its Divine operation. I ordained Luman Andrus an elder, and Urijah Clough to deacon’s orders. After two hours’ serious labour I retired. CONNECTICUT

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We came in heat to East Hartford, and lodged with Squire Elisha Pitkins. Tuesday, to New Haven: Wednesday, to Stamford: Friday, to Peter Bonnett’s, New Rochelle.

NEW YORK

We have ridden two hundred and thirty miles in six days—some of them awfully warm. The earlier fruits and productions of the year have been very abundant; but without a rain, the latter fruits and grain must fail. I took a day to refit clothes, and to write letters. At four o’clock I preached at Rochelle meeting house: the subject suited the state of the town: the men were few, the women many. The Lord was present with us. I lodged under the hospitable roof of the widow Sherwood. On my road hither, I thought I saw what would make a good camp ground:¹ I wrote to the presiding elder,² advising him of this circumstance. I am still bent on great designs for God, for Christ, for souls. Saturday brought us through excessive heat and dust to New York I would say; but we were barred its entrance by proclamation, having passed through New Haven, afflicted with the yellow fever.³ I stopped at George Suckley’s.⁴ Being a little unwell, I made the best use of the day I could by writing letters.

NEW JERSEY

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I preached in our very neat chapel at Second River.¹ We came to Elizabethtown; and on Tuesday to Joseph Hutchinson’s; and Wednesday brought us up at Burlington.

PENNSYLVANIA

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We found ourselves proclaimed at Philadelphia as at New York. We directed our course to Mr. Henry Manley’s seat, in the neighbourhood of the city. I received several letters, from which I learn that there was great order preserved at Duck Creek camp meeting; and that great good was done—three hundred souls were blessed! On Saturday I wrote letters. I redeem a day by hard riding for this service. I have bought, for one hundred dollars, a neat little Jersey wagon. On the Sabbath day I preached at Germantown, on Isaiah 49, 50:2. I returned to Mr. Manley’s, and preached at five o’clock, at Mr. Manley’s; this day appears to have been poorly spent. I am waiting for the minutes of conference, and my little wagon—then away to the West.

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I visited brothers Cook’s¹ and Haskins’s² families; and rested on Tuesday.

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We set out and reached Radnor. We stopped to dine with brother Gyger, and had a serious time at prayer in his new house, which they are about to move into. We lodged with Daniel Meredith, an old disciple, in the Valley. Thursday brought us, through heat and dust, to Soudersburg. Sick on Friday, and took medicine. Saturday, wrote a great deal.

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At the chapel at Soudersburg, I preached upon 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10: “And to you who are troubled, rest with us,” &c. 1. The sources of “trouble” to the people of God—temptation, persecution, disorderly walk and backsliding of professors, and the wretched state of sinners. 2. The present and future “rest”—first on earth, and then in glory: the cause—”the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” hath been obeyed by, and hath had its full operation on, “them that believe.” 3. The revelation “of the Lord Jesus Christ”:—the characters of those whom he shall judge, and take vengeance upon—ungodly heathens; disobedient hearers of the Gospel. “Vengeance”—for God; for himself; for his insulted Spirit; for the ministers of Christ, and the people of God. “Punished”—their punishment to be beyond the interference of mercy: to be sufferings of body and soul; and these to be eternal. I was considerably assisted; yet I left the subject in an unfinished state, after speaking a full hour.

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We came off with courage, passing through Lancaster still unpropitious to Methodism: seven miles beyond, father Musselman received us with a smiling countenance, a willing hand, and ready mind. We fed, and talked, and sang, and prayed, and parted in the Lord. We crossed Anderson’s ferry,¹ the best I know on the river, and came into York. I stopped a day. O! how kind our friends are, at their beautiful retreat: may friend Pentz,² and wife, and mother, be blessed of the Lord!

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We set out for Carlisle, but I changed my mind and my route to East Berlin¹: we put up with Isaiah Haars.² Thursday brought us to Shippensburg, thirty miles. On Friday we bent our course towards Pittsburg, over the three mountains,³ to John Thompson’s, in Burnt Cabins Valley.⁴ I have moved swiftly, but in my flight have written to five of the preachers. I walked down the mountains, which fatigued me. My soul is at peace; but I have severe trials at times. On Saturday we rested, refitted, read and wrote. Sabbath day, at Fort Littleton chapel, I spoke upon 2 Corinthians 3:12. We had a feeling, melting season. We lodged with father Ramsay—an exceeding kind people.

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We reached Bedford. At night we had fiddle and flute to enliven our prayers, and assist our meditations. I had but little rest. On Tuesday we rode sixteen miles to breakfast. We stopped at Berlin, and I gave them a sermon. Wednesday brought us over awful roads to Connellsville,¹ forty-two miles. We were nearly wrecked. A very serious drought prevails west and east: O, we are wicked—we are covetous! we abuse the blessings of abundance, and God in justice withholds. I am indebted to a kind Providence for my good little wagon, and my excellent and active driver—and good preacher too. I am resolved to quit this mountainous, rocky, rugged, stumpy route. It was a mercy of God we were not—men, horses, and wagon—broken in pieces; I praise God now, but I hardly had time to pray then.

The camp meeting begins, to-morrow, at Short Creek, near the Great River.² On Friday and Saturday we laboured onward to Short Creek: I foundered my mare; and had many trials.

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I preached at the camp ground: it was a moving time. On Monday I preached again. It was judged there were five thousand souls present to hear; and that one hundred souls were converted to God. I purchased a horse; and bent my course through Wheeling, on the banks of the Ohio: we crossed,¹ and in the evening came to Morristown. OHIO

Friday brought us to Muskingum; Saturday, we reached John Murphy’s, and on the Sabbath I rested with Edward Teel. Joseph Crawford is sick.² I have had little rest for six nights past. I have ridden, by computation, sixteen hundred and eighty miles since I left Baltimore.

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I preached at Richland chapel, on 1 Peter 5:10: the subject was gracious; and so was the season. I find here the children of Methodists, according to the flesh, known elsewhere, and long ago.¹ Jonathan Jackson is married: O thou pattern of celibacy, art thou caught! Who can resist? Our married man was forty years of age: he has taken to wife a Mrs. Roberts—a poor pious widow. Joseph Crawford is very ill. I cannot go on. I have sent sixteen miles for a bottle of wine for him. We started away on Tuesday, and came to Judge Vanmeeter’s, at the Muddy Prairie, and dined and prayed: brother Crawford still ill of a flux and fever. We stopped at Crouse’s mill for the evening. Edward Tiffin’s brought us up on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday, brother Crawford could not move on. Doctor Tiffin, the present governor of the State, administered some relief. I was happily employed in reading the Portrait of St. Paul, by the divine Fletcher. I preached at Chillicothe—we have excessive heat. My mind is in great peace.

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We rode to Deer Creek, and dined with Mr. Davis. The evening found us at White Brown’s.

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I preached in the barn,¹ upon 1 Corinthians 12:8, 9: “My grace is sufficient for thee.” A view was taken of the cases, characters, and stations the people of God might be in, and their several relations to each other, as it respected their duty to God, to the world, to themselves, and to their brethren. It was attempted to be shown, that in all possible situations arising out of the faithful performance of this duty, the grace of God was sufficient for them. The manner in which this grace is to be obtained:—by fervent prayer, three times a day, or oftener; by a diligent use of all the means, and a faithful improvement of the grace given.

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We missed our path, and went out of our way—we intended for the falls of Paint, and went to Bullskin, twenty miles: we lodged with Michael Hains, who rode with us eleven miles. We passed Franklin, on the way to the town of Newmarket, containing eight cabins. We lodged at Ross’s, and were kindly and freely entertained. The roads were heavy; but the wagon was a covering in the heavy rain. The roads were dreadful to Williamsburg, Claremont county. We had a beach swamp, mud up to the hubs, stumps as high as the wagon body, logs, trees:—after all, we came safe. Wednesday, we lodged with Levi Rogers—once a travelling preacher, now a physician. We were greatly outdone, but we called a meeting at Williamsburg. Brother Whatcoat preached, and I exhorted. I saw several Jersey friends. On Thursday we rode on to Mr. Dimmitt’s, on the route to Little Miami: we have made one hundred miles in four days. I was made glad to hear of the revival of the work of God in the new settlements: the local ministry have shared in this labour with the travelling preachers. On Friday we came down the east branch of the Little Miami, to Judge Gatch’s. On Saturday we rested, and I read and wrote. On the Sabbath day we held a meeting of four hours at Philip Gatch’s:¹ brother Whatcoat’s subject was, “Repent and be converted”; Joseph Crawford’s, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ”; and Francis Asbury’s, “I have no greater joy than this, that my children walk in the truth.” We felt quickened and comforted in God. Our route on Monday led through Columbia, and the rich lands of the Miami. William Lives sent one to meet and invite us to his house in Cincinnati; I gave them a discourse upon, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found,” &c.

KENTUCKY

Next day I called on Elijah Sparks,² at Newport, and baptized two of his children. We dined with the widow Stephens. I rejoiced to find that a new circuit had been formed, and there were several growing societies—much of this has been effected by the faithful labours of Benjamin Edge.³ We passed Grant’s Lick, and lodged very comfortably with William Daniel. On Wednesday we reached Joshua Jones’s; and next day beat along to Isaac Nevey’s—here we were at home. In Kentucky we passed through Campbell, Pendleton, and Harrison counties. Our estimate is one thousand nine hundred and eighty miles from Baltimore to Mount Gerizim.

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We attended at White’s chapel; Bishop Whatcoat and myself preached. We dined at brother White’s and came through Cynthiana, the capital of Harrison county, to Jonathan Jaques’s.

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At Benjamin Coleman’s. On the Sabbath day, brother Joseph Crawford and myself had a warm time of it at Mount Gerizim, where we have already held our conference twice. We both preached; we exerted ourselves greatly, and I hope there was good done. We visited Daniel Grigg. I found several of my old friends at this place—among them Colonel Barratt of Alleghany, and his wife; Mrs. Tittle, and some from Baltimore county, and the State of Delaware—and thus our people are scattered abroad; but, thank the Lord! they are still in the fold, and on their way to glory. My own soul is closer and closer united to God.

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I visited John Vernon, an early member of society, at Lewis Afree’s, near Duck Creek, State of Delaware. I must look up our old sheep and lambs. On Tuesday I went to John Whitaker’s, Bourbon county. Joseph Crawford preached at J. Robinson’s, on Wednesday. I spoke upon 1 Corinthians 4:1-5: “Let a man so account of us as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” “Of Christ”—for us, and Christ in us. That these “mysteries” are not subjects of reason, but revelation and inspiration—that we must believe them upon Divine testimony. The apostle was not conscious of evil, but he was not his own judge. Men are incompetent judges of what belongs to God and his Spirit; it will be found in the judgment day, that pride, covetousness, and backsliding were the probable cause of the union of heresy and schism. A divinity-doubter was present.

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I visited Luke Hanson. Next day it rained, and I rested. On Saturday I stopped at Madox Fisher’s, in Lexington. I was of necessity in our old house on the Sabbath day; we could not preach abroad, the weather was damp. My sermon was the echo of my text: “Cry aloud and spare not.” Joseph Crawford preached twice. On Monday I was unwell, but I rode to Jesse Griffith’s, Scott county. On Tuesday we rested.

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We opened our conference in great peace;¹ there were about twenty-five members present: six hours a day were steadily occupied with business. The committees of claims and of addresses did much work, and it was done well. I completed my plan for the coming year, and submitted it to the presiding elders, who suggested but two alterations; may they be for the best! On the Sabbath day I preached to about three thousand souls. On Tuesday, after the rise of conference, I rode to Lexington; and on Wednesday to J.S. Hoard’s, Jessamine county. I was under affliction of body; but perfect love, peace within, and harmony without, healed every malady.

Our friend Job Johnson gave us a lodging on Thursday night; and at Rock Castle chance furnished us with another, such as it was, for Friday night,— but we had peace and prayer.

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We took the path about five o’clock in the morning, and came eighteen miles to dinner at Mr. Freeman’s.¹ We reached Johnson’s, upon Richland Creek. On the Sabbath day we were under the necessity of moving forward slowly, to Ballinger’s, where we dined. The evening brought us to Dalton’s—crowded with company, but we kept good order.

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Our trouble began. We dined at Davis’s; then came on to Jesse Dodson’s. Tuesday morning was rainy, and the road was bad before we came to, and after we had crossed Clinch River: it was not better than it had been in its native state. Our carriage had nearly upset. I am decided to take the Cumberland path hereafter—at least, until this made and mended road—the worse, perhaps, for making and mending—is in a better condition; the turnpike takes fifty dollars a day, for having made bad worse.

TENNESSEE

At the Stubblefields we rested a day. We are one hundred and forty miles from Kentucky. Sure I am that nothing short of the welfare of immortal souls, and my sense of duty, could be inducement enough for me to visit the West so often: O, the roads, the hills, the rocks, the rivers, the want of water—even to drink; the time for secret prayer, hardly to be stolen, and the place scarcely to be had! My mind, nevertheless, was kept in peace: I prayed in every house I lodged in, and at almost every place I stopped at. We have heavy rains at present; and another wilderness, bad as this, yet to pass. We meet crowds of people directing their march to the fertile West: their sufferings for the present are great; but they are going to present abundance, and future wealth for their children: in ten years, I think, the new State will be one of the most flourishing in the Union.

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We crossed Main Holston, and came into Tennessee, and put into Colonel Conaway’s, Little Nolachucky; we rested here on Friday. At Moses Ellis’s, on Saturday, we saw Moses Black¹ and his wife—he about forty, and she fifteen: such are the wise contracts Methodist preachers sometimes make.

Sunday, I felt very unwell from cold taken. We passed Quorton’s ferry, upon Great Nolachucky. In crossing the Paint Mountain, on Monday, we rode up, and walked down; and I sprained my ankle.

NORTH CAROLINA

We came into North Carolina,² and lodged with Wm. Neilson at the Hot Springs. Next day we stopped with Wilson, in Buncombe. On Wednesday I breakfasted with Rev. Mr. George Newton, Presbyterian minister, a man after my own mind: we took sweet counsel together. We lodged, this evening, at Mr. William Fletcher’s, Mud Creek. At Colonel Thomas’s, on Thursday, we were kindly received, and comfortably entertained. SOUTH CAROLINA

We came into South Carolina³ on Friday, and lodged with Captain Edwards;⁴ and on Saturday, at Staunton’s, Staunton’s ferry, Saluda River, Greensville district, we were at home.

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At Salem¹ I preached upon Hosea 10:12: “Sow to yourselves in righteousness,” &c.

I. The great and glorious end of the coming of the Lord:—”to rain righteousness”—to impart his grace in all its plenitude—to give a right state of heart in justifying, sanctifying, experimental, and practical holiness. “Reap in mercy”: when God gives, do you give—do all the good in your power.

II. The means of obtaining this grace, and the blessings consequent to its reception and improvement. “Break up your fallow ground”—seek deep conviction. “Seek the Lord”—by repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. “Rain righteousness upon you”—by justifying grace; humble, holy obedience. The end, everlasting life.

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We proceeded on our way to Georgia, winding along some crooked paths through Pendleton district to Eliab Moore’s, upon Rocky River:¹ night came on, and we missed our way into the plantation; I walked up a hill, and called for help, and was relieved. We crossed Rocky River four times on Tuesday, and came to Mr. Dunlap’s.² Wednesday morning we rode twenty miles for our breakfast, at Petersburg. We lodged with John Oliver; Joseph Crawford preached two evenings. GEORGIA

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I preached at eleven o’clock on 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. Instead of building a small convenient house, they have bought an old house and fitted up a room for everybody: this did not please me. I have, for the first time, seen Judge Marshall’s Life of Washington;¹ I have read four hundred pages in it. Critics may, for aught I know, find fault (especially on the other side of the water) with the style and general execution of this work; I like both: the early history of the country very properly precedes, and is connected with the life of the great man who has been so justly styled the father (politically) of his country. There is nothing in the work beneath the man of honour; there are no malevolent sentiments, or bitter expressions, derogatory to the character of a Christian. The author deserves credit for the pains he has taken to furnish authorities and authentic records in the notes to his work. If any author has in America, done better than Marshall, it is Belknap,² perhaps.

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I visited Richard Easter, and Judge Tait. On the Sabbath day I preached at Thompson’s chapel on Ezekiel 33:2; it was an alarming season. Joseph Crawford spoke after me, and we then rode to Mr. Clark’s, fourteen miles, and lodged. At three o’clock on Monday we held meeting at Mr. Mark’s.

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We rode to Mr. Pope’s, Oglethorpe. I preached at the new chapel; Joseph Crawford preached at General Stewart’s.

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I was sick, and went to bed.

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We came to Joshua Moore’s, upon Shoulder Bone: we were benighted in the woods; the flesh fails, but my mind is in peace.

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We reached Sparta. The heat was great. From Kentucky to Sparta, five hundred and sixteen miles.

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I preached: my subject was 1 Peter 4:17. Joseph Crawford gave two sermons.

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We came to Matthew Harris’s: and next day I preached upon 1 Corinthians 11:30, 31. We drove back to Sparta that evening. I have ridden about fifty miles to preach to about twice as many souls. I would have gone down to the state; but appointments had not been made, and brother Crawford grew very unwell, I judged it proper for him to go through a course of physic, and the weather was cold, and I wanted a coat. I only lamented that I could not see my poor black sheep at Buffalo Creek; but was glad to hear that Ethiopia still stretched forth the hand of faith and prayer. I feel very serious about the supplies of preachers for the South Carolina Conference: some are sick, some are settling in life—men of feeble minds. But let the Head of the Church see to his own work—it is not mine. Why should I despond? What was the work thirty-seven years ago, when there were but two local preachers—one in New York, and one in Maryland? Now there are two thousand local, and four hundred travelling preachers.

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We rode to Rehoboth.¹ Next day Joseph Crawford preached on—”The foundation of God standeth sure.”

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Joseph Crawford held forth, and I followed: my subject was 2 Peter 2:20, 21: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world,” &c.

I. The “pollutions of the world,” the sins of the flesh and spirit, by which people are led captive by the god of this world.

II. The Gospel method of salvation, by Jesus Christ, “the way of righteousness,” justifying, sanctifying, and practical, as set forth in “the holy commandments delivered unto” believers.

III. How persons may be “entangled” and overcome by heresy, schism, and sin.

IV. The last state worse than the first, because they so highly dishonour God, and wound the cause of Christ; and because of the great difficulties attending their recovery; from which causes arise the great danger of eternal perdition.

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At the new chapel at Warrington my subject was Mark 11:17. Joseph Crawford followed upon Mark 10:9. Next day I preached at Cowles’s iron-works.

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We reached Augusta.

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I rested. I preached at Spent Creek on Friday.

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Joseph Crawford took the pulpit. I rode twenty-five miles on Friday, to preach to twenty-five souls; the appointment had not been made for me.

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I preached in Augusta.

SOUTH CAROLINA

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I bore up for South Carolina and came to Barnwell court house: I was kindly entertained by Mr. Powers.

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We reached Jacob Barr’s.¹

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We reached Mr. Perry’s;¹ and next day came into Charleston. From Augusta one hundred and fifty miles—heavy rides, and weary men and horses. I was under some dejection of spirits. I have lately read the Life of David Brainerd²—a man of my make, such a constitution, and of great labours; his religion was all gold, the purest gold. My eyes fail; I must keep them for the Bible and the conferences.

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Engaged in closest exercises. I do not find matters as I wish: one preacher has deserted his station; and there are contentions amongst the Africans.

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My soul is deeply oppressed with a heavy sea of troubles.

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“Still heavy in my heart; still sink my spirits down.” At Cumberland street church I spoke upon Revelation 7:13-17. My two general heads were—

I. The gracious, although afflicted state of God’s people in this world. II. The glorious state of the righteous in heaven.

Our lower floor was nearly filled with communicants, white and black. Do they all indeed “discern the Lord’s body?” It will never do for me to record all I fear, hear, and think. At Bethel church I took for my text Romans 12:9-12. I observed that the text contained evangelical Christian duties, privileges, promises, and marks, by which we might judge of ourselves as Christians. That if these marks, and this experience, were not upon us and in us, we could not be Christians. Within twenty years I have visited this place, going and returning, at least thirty times.

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Since Monday, amongst other occupations, I have been employed in reading a thousand pages of Mr. Atmore’s Memorial,¹ and Mr. Wesley’s Journal: these books suit me best—I see there the rise and progress of Methodism.

I met the members of society, white and black, in small companies in our own house. I gave my advice as to temporals. I recommended the painting of the new, and the enlargement of the old church to eighty feet by forty; to enlarge the preacher’s house,² and to buy another burying ground. Besides praying regularly after every meal in our own house, I am obliged to go through this exercise many times, daily, with the poor Negroes. I feel that I want to go hence, but not until my God and Guide gives me liberty. I wait to know his will about going to Georgetown, two hundred and thirty miles, before Camden Conference. I wrote a letter to Mr. Atmore, advising of affairs of society and of my own; and counselled him to pursue the good work he is engaged in, and bend all his strength to the Memorial.

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I was in great heaviness through manifold temptations; yet I preached in Cumberland street in the morning and at Bethel in the afternoon. I was happy, and had great openings. I fear, sometimes, that my commission will wear out amongst one description of people here. Religion of a certain kind must be very valuable, since we spend so much to support it. There must be a prodigious revival in the Independent society¹—a building of theirs will cost fifty, or, perhaps, one hundred thousand dollars: there is a holy strife between its members and the Episcopalians, who shall have the highest steeple; but I believe there is no contention about who shall have the most souls converted to God.

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Reading and receiving all visitors who came to our house, with counsel and prayer, from room to room, with white and black.

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We have goodly weather. God, by his Spirit and his providences, tells us we must set out to-morrow for Georgetown. I doubt if in Charleston we have joined more than one hundred and seventy-eight members of the fair skin in twenty years; and seldom are there more than fifty or sixty annually returned: death, desertion, backsliding: poor fickle souls, unstable as water, light as air, bodies and minds!

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We rode to Monk’s Corner, and lodged at Mr. Hatchett’s.

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We pursued a blind road to the ferry. We came on to Murray’s,¹ and continued along to Mr. Coleman’s,² a German. Next day we reached Rembert Hall. We had hot weather—man and beast felt the burden.

Some of my northern letters have come in: they bring good news; camp meetings at Albany, New York; at Lebanon, Vermont; in the New Hampshire districts; all successful. But O, the wonders of Doctor Chandler’s report!³ He says his authority bids him say, that at Duck Creek camp meeting five hundred souls; at Accomack camp meeting four hundred; at Annamessex chapel, in the woods, two hundred; at Somerset, Line chapel, one hundred and twenty; at Todd’s chapel, Dorset, two hundred; at Caroline quarterly meeting, seventy-five; all, all these profess to have received converting grace!

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I committed the remains of Abijah Rembert¹ to the dust. He was sixty-two years of age, the last sixteen years of which he had been a member of society. He was visited by, and greatly blessed under, the word at camp meeting: in his last illness, he was patient, happy, and confident: he died in the Lord. I was unwell on the Sabbath day; but wrote a long letter to Freeborn Garrettson. My soul greatly rejoiceth in the Lord, and exults in the prosperity of Zion. Brother Crawford preached in the morning, and I lectured in the evening in Rembert Hall. On Monday I wrote to elders Brodhead² and Chandler. This week writing letters and reading Haweis’s Church History. By this work I learn it is the author’s opinion, that the evangelists were chief, superintending, episcopal men: aye, so say I; and that they prescribed forms of discipline, and systematized codes of doctrine. After the death of the apostles, it would appear that the elders elected the most excellent men to superintend: this course was doubtless the most expedient and excellent. Every candid inquirer after truth will acknowledge, upon reading Church history, that it was a great and serious evil introduced, when philosophy and human learning were taught as a preparation for a Gospel ministry. “Hitherto,” says our author, in his observations on the close of the second century, “not a man of eminence for science or letters, had appeared in the Church; all of this time, whose works have come down to us, give thereby no evidence of human attainments—they bear the stamp of simplicity.” Yet by these the Gospel had been supported in its purity, spreading it by their labours to the ends of the earth; and these were they who helped to fill the bloody ranks of the noble army of martyrs.

On the Sabbath day I preached a funeral sermon for Abijah Rembert. There is a revival in the society here; so much for camp meetings. I am now in the fortieth year of my labours in the ministry: thirty-four years of this time have been spent in America, counting from October 28, 1771, to October 28, 1805. On the Christmas day I preached at Rembert’s chapel: my subject, 1 Timothy 3:16: “Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness,” &c.

I. I gave a pastoral introduction.

II. A brief explanation of godliness—the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus; confidence in God; love to Him; fear of offending Him. To this were added a few thoughts on the six cases in the text. It was not a pleasant season: Christmas day is the worst in the whole year on which to preach Christ; at least to me.

George Dougherty³ informs me that the wife of John Randle, upon Pee Dee (known by the name of dumb John), died in great peace and joy, after a thirty years’ profession of religion amongst the Baptists and Methodists: safe anchorage; clear gains! But I have similar accounts from various parts; my soul triumphs in the triumphant deaths of these saints. Glory be to God!

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I rested and read; and on Friday rode into Camden. I was favoured with a number of letters giving accounts of revivals of religion. Saturday employed my pen. Sabbath day I preached.

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We opened our conference.

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