1806

We closed our conference in great peace and order: no murmurs about the stations from preachers or people.¹ Since we came here we have had twenty-six sermons; one of which I preached upon 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no man despise thy youth.” Brother Whatcoat ordained the deacons. We see no immediate fruit of our labours; but doubtless we shall hear of it, following our many prayers night and day.

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Seven of us came away in company to Mr. Evans’s, Lynch’s Creek; and next day I parted from brother William M’Kendree, bending my course to Jerningham’s, in Anson county, North Carolina. NORTH CAROLINA

On Wednesday we crossed Well’s ferry after waiting an hour: a snowstorm kept with us from Pee Dee to Rockingham; here the people would have assembled, but there was a wedding afoot; this is a matter of moment, as some men have but one during life, and some find that one to have been one too many.

On Thursday a cold, cold ride of twenty miles without stopping, was as much as we could well bear; after warming we took the road again, and came to Smith’s, twelve miles. This week we have had heat for the first of June; and cold and snow for January.

On Friday we reached Fayetteville; putting up with John Lumsden, near the African church. I felt that I had taken a deep cold. I was busy on Saturday in answering letters. Joseph Crawford, that he might not be idle, preached to the Africans in the evenings.

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Unwell; nevertheless, I took the pulpit. Monday morning, we made a start for Wilmington, and came to the widow Anderson’s, forty-six miles, Next day we took the round-about way by the bridges, and made forty-five miles: to ride ninety-one miles within day-light, in two days, kept us busy; but we are safe in Wilmington. My affliction upon my breast was great.

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We rest. It is very cold; ice in the tubs.

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I preached on that great subject, Colossians 1:27, 28; we had about fifteen hundred hearers in our house of worship, sixty-six by thirty-three feet, galleried all around. There may be five thousand souls in Wilmington; one fourth of which number, it may be, were present. Joseph Crawford preached in the afternoon and at night. I gave order for the completion of the tabernacle and dwelling-house, according to the charge left me by William Meredith.

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On our way to Newbern we stopped with Mr. Nixon, at Topsail: his house and heart are always open to the faithful ministers of Christ. I have been greatly afflicted with cold, but exceedingly happy in God—I live in love.

On Tuesday we had a solitary ride to Lot Ballard’s, New River. Hail, prosperity! the chapel shaded; a revival amongst white and black: Lot lives in Jerusalem.

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A heavy storm of rain. I rode to Eli Perry’s, son of John; here is a son of faith and prayer; I walked with his dear good father—now, I trust, in the paradise of God. I met elder Bruce; all our talk is, What hath God wrought! In Beaufort the Lord hath put forth his power: the whole town seems disposed to bow to the sceptre of the Lord Jesus, after being left and visited again, within the last twenty years, by his faithful ministers.

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We came into Newbern, twenty-three miles. The prospects here are good. The providence of God was manifested in our preservation to-day. Our horses took fright whilst in the wagon, and went off like fire: they happily struck, and locked a wheel on a poplar; the swingle-tree snapped, no more: less damage, if any, could scarcely have been done.

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I have read the Jewish Antiquities. I have read Mungo Park’s Travels in Africa.¹ Certain parts are so extraordinary, that it appeared like a romance. If true, he experienced astonishing hardships. It would seem by this narrative, that the Africans are in a state so wretched, that any sufferings with the Gospel, would be submitted to in preference. But I have my doubts.

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I preached upon Hebrews 10:37-39. It was a time and a testimony that was felt.

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It is as pleasant as May: the rivers are very low. We came with great ease to Washington, and lodged one night. Joseph Crawford did not let that awful town go unwarned.

On Tuesday we took the road and came to James Williams’s, on Tranter’s Creek. Griffith Floyd died in the Lord a few days ago. He was a man of affliction, and a man of God—but not a preacher. At the new chapel, I spoke on Wednesday, on 1 Peter 3:14. I was very warm, upon death, the resurrection, judgment, and glory. I visited brother Knowis, and saw sister Hinton and the widow Williams,—on their way to glory.

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We came very pleasantly to Williamstown. I was afflicted with a severe pain in my foot. On Friday I was busy planning; but in pain.

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We came twenty miles to the widow Williams’s, near Taylor’s ferry. On the Sabbath I preached on Acts 17:30, 31: “Now he commandeth all men everywhere to repent.”

I. The nature of repentance—the whole of religion.

II. The universality of repentance—all orders, stations, characters, must repent.

III. The possibility of, and the provision made for, repentance,—the gift of Christ—the death of Christ—the agency of the Spirit—the preaching of the Gospel—the means of grace.

IV. Necessity of repentance—from the considerations of the fall and our own actual transgressions, a future state and general judgment. V. The time for repentance—now—this Gospel day of grace.

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We lodged at B. Pinner’s, on the east side of Roanoke, Northampton county.

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We lodged at the widow Meredith’s, in Murfreesboro. We crossed Manney’s Ferry next day, and came to the widow Baker’s, Knotty Pine.

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I preached at Daniel Southall’s, Gates court house: my subject was Revelation 3:5. I was pleased to see so many come out upon so short a notice; may they overcome! From Camden to Gates court house I compute four hundred and eighty miles.

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We came to Edenton. At Joshua Manning’s. Saturday, rested, and read, and wrote. I begin to prepare my mind and my papers for the conference. On the Sabbath I preached in the court house, upon 2 Corinthians 5:20.

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We started and came rapidly along, calling to see Martin Ross, a Baptist minister, by the way. We lodged with Colonel Hamilton, Elizabeth city.

VIRGINIA

On Tuesday we reached James Wilson’s, Northwest Woods, Norfolk county. It takes many jolts to ride one hundred miles over rough roads, in two days and a half. I called upon John Hodges: I feel seriously for his soul’s welfare. I saw the grave of sister Wilson: these were profitable visits to me.

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Virginia Conference began in Norfolk; progressed peaceably, and ended on Thursday. One member opposed all petitions from the people for conference sittings: he also condemned all epistles from the sister conferences, as being too long and pompous, and as likely to make innovations. He dictated an epistle himself by way of sample, to show how epistles ought to be written: the committee of addresses wrote one too; but it was rejected, as being too much like that of the objecting member, whose epistle was rejected as being too much like himself: the conference voted that none should be sent. Strange, that such an affair should occupy the time of so many good men! Religion will do great things; but it does not make Solomons.

We had preaching morn, noon, and night; large congregations, and many souls engaged. We have reason to hope that nearly one hundred souls were under the operations of grace. I ordained two elders, and brother Whatcoat twelve deacons.

We have a rich supply of preachers for every circuit; and an addition of two thousand three hundred and ninety-eight in numbers, exclusive of the dead, expelled, withdrawn, and removed.

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We came away to Suffolk; next day came to General Wells’s, Isle of Wight.¹ On Sunday, at Blunt’s chapel, I spoke on Hebrews 13:13. It was not a great meeting. I have not had a good night’s rest until last night, for the last twenty days; during the sitting of conference, five hours were as much as I could get in the twenty-four. I feel happy in God continually.

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We came to Bernard Major’s, Surry county: on Tuesday to Petersburg; and Wednesday to Richmond: I had no time to preach, but Joseph Crawford gave them a sermon in each place. On Thursday we left the capital, and came on to Lyon’s, Caroline; on Friday got to Fredericksburg.

Saturday,March 1. We rode to brother Samford’s, Pohick, within twelve miles of Alexandria. Cold for certain. Sunday, brother Whatcoat preached in the forenoon, and myself in the afternoon, in Alexandria. The cold was great, and the wind piercing.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

On Monday we rode to Georgetown (D.C.).

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I preached; my subject was, “Godliness is profitable unto all things”: it was a feeling, quickening time to myself and others.

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I was employed in writing to the missionaries in the Mississippi Territory. Company does not amuse, congress does not interest me:¹ I am a man of another world, in mind and calling: I am Christ’s; and for the service of his Church. Some years past, I called at Mr. M.’s, in Calvert county: I acted as I do in all houses: now I have found one of his sons a member of the Georgetown society. Does God always hear prayer, and answer it? If it is in the Spirit’s groaning, and in purity of intention, and in faith, doubtless He does.

MARYLAND

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We set out to Spurrier’s—all my old friends are dead or removed. Saturday brought us to Baltimore. Sunday, at Light Street, my subject was Colossians 1:28; at the African church, Colossians 1:9- 12.

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Rested, wrote, and received friends.

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My mind is wholly for God. What hath the Lord wrought, and what is he still doing! Scarcely a letter from any one that does not tell us good news of the work of God, as our yearly letter-book will testify.

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Our conference¹ began in great peace.

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The stations were read off, and all concluded in great peace: never had we a better conference in Baltimore. An answer was given to Dr. Coke’s letter, I fear, in a manner that will not please him. An order was passed that the answer should be presented to all the annual conferences. It was also recommended to the annual conferences to consider on the propriety of having a select, delegated Conference: the eastern, western, and southern conferences were counselled to take such measures as they, in their wisdom, might see best, to produce a more equal representation from their several bodies to the General Conference.

On the Sabbath (16th), I preached at Fell’s Point: my subject, Isaiah 61:1: “For Zion’s sake I will not hold my peace.” Introduction. Zion—the interests and welfare of the Church: Jerusalem—the interests of the State. General propositions. On what principles we should calculate the true interests of the Church and State—who are concerned—what are the ways and means, and what the instruments to be used for the promotion of their welfare. At Old Town¹ I also gave them a talk: my subject, Psalm li: “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted to thee.” On Thursday we had an ordination of elders: I preached on the occasion; my subject was 1 Peter 5:1-4. The work of God went on in all the four congregations, night and day: there might be thirty souls converted; but I hope we had one hundred under the operations of grace. We had nearly ninety members on the conference list, eighty-three of whom were stationed. On Saturday I went to Perry Hall, to enjoy a calm after such a storm of labour.

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I preached at Perry Hall; and after the snow ceased, came away to Josias Dallam’s, twenty miles.

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We crossed Susquehanna. Calm and cold. Dined at Captain William Howell’s at Northeast, and lodged at Mr. Moody’s, having called in for a minute at Back Creek:¹ by riding a little in the night, we have made little short of fifty miles today.

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I preached at Georgetown Cross Roads. Ah! there is death in the pot here. I rode on to Chestertown. On Thursday I spoke in the new, neat chapel in Kent;¹ and was long and laboured. I visited Carvill Hinson: after a twenty years’ separation, we who were left were comforted in God together. I have made twenty-four miles today—feeble, and afflicted with a cold and sore throat, but happy in God. The appointment for Friday, at Centreville, was filled by Bishop Whatcoat. After dining with Thomas Wright, I rode on to Mr. Lockerman’s. I preached at Easton on Saturday; my subject, Romans 14:19: “Let us follow after the things that make for peace,” &c. In their estimate of the things of the world, as also of the ceremonials of religion, men will widely differ:—these objects, to a divinely-illuminated mind, are not worth the dispute they frequently occasion. But the things most worthy of all our attention, and our most engaged and diligent following after, are the things that make for peace, and promote the soul’s edification; and these are the great things of God— the love of God; the death of Christ; the operations of his Spirit; and the deep things of God, respecting sanctification and eternal glory. I stay at Captain Frazer’s, Caroline county. My hoarseness is afflictive, but my soul is filled with God.

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A very dry season. My mind was greatly engaged for a spiritual rain—and temporal also. The Chesapeake district, so far, is not promising: the people’s minds are agitated about stationed preachers, some for and some against. The devil would rather they would do something worse than disagree; but this to him is better than nothing. I only exhorted a little at Frazer’s chapel, and after meeting rode home with Thomas Foster—of the old stamp and steady.

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I rode down to Cambridge, and preached at eleven o’clock: my subject Psalm 51:9, 10; I felt assisted.

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We returned to Thomas Foster’s. I saw Joseph Everett— feeble but faithful, in patient waiting for his Lord. DELAWARE

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At Brown’s chapel¹ I spoke on 2 Corinthians 6:1: “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.”

I. The Gospel dispensation.

II. The revival of religion.

III. The operations of grace in enabling believers to make advances in the Divine life: this was the grand point urged, to wit: that God giveth grace to prepare for more—grace for grace—convictions for sin that they may repent—repentance that they may believe—justification that they may be convinced of indwelling sin—this convincement will evidence to believers the necessity of sanctification; from whence follow faithfulness unto death, and the crown of glory.

The work of God revives; the chapel will soon be neatly finished: the second generation are filling the house, and joining their labours to what myself and their fathers did in the days of their fathers. I lodged at brother Davis’s.² They have built a good chapel at Deep Creek.³ I exhorted here on Thursday after Joseph Crawford had preached. We dined at brother Baker’s, and came on to Salisbury, Maryland: here the work revives; Joseph Crawford preached; I was unwell. VIRGINIA

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We came to William Downing’s, Virginia. At Downings chapel I spoke on Revelation 2:10. After sermon we rode to Accomac and lodged at Mr. Seymour’s: here Joseph Crawford preached in the evening.

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That no time might be lost we started away at eight o’clock in the morning to brother Watts’s, twenty-seven miles; my subject was Isaiah 33:14-16: “The sinners in Zion are afraid,” &c. I preached in the court house, Accomac: it was an alarming season. The cold was great; and the winds are high. No rain—it is judgment weather—O Lord, arise! MARYLAND

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At Snow Hill my subject was Hebrews 3:12-14. A blessed rain came on before sermon and continued after it. DELAWARE

We rode fifteen miles to brother C. Hazzard’s, Poplartown, State of Delaware.

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We rode forty miles to Broadkilntown:¹ I spoke on 1 Corinthians 15:58.

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I preached at Millford, and then rode on to Dover, and took up father Whatcoat; on the way he was taken with a fit of the gravel, and I was afraid would die. I preached in Dover next day. We afterward rode to Duck Creek Cross Roads in a snow storm. Here the people are all very fervent, and the children praise the Lord: Joseph Crawford preached.¹

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We came in on as cold a day as one would wish who was fond of extremes, to Wilmington, forty miles. Ah! but I must preach. Well, I gave them a sermon at seven o’clock. The Africans here have a house to themselves, of stone, and equal in size to that of the whites.¹ PENNSYLVANIA

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Saturday, 12, brought us to Philadelphia. From Baltimore, round by the eastern shore hither, has cost us, by computation, five hundred and fifty miles. I have been greatly supported in body and mind; glory be to God.

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I preached at St. George’s upon 2 Peter 1:12-14; at the Academy I spoke on James 5:7, 8. Many of the preachers were already in the city for conference. In the sitting of conference we had so much irregular, desultory work, that we went on slowly. We had sixty-three members present for travelling, besides those to be received in locations, and as supernumerary and worn out. Doctor Coke’s letter was answered by a committee of ten preachers.

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Conference rose. Of seventy-six preachers stationed, all appeared to be pleased but two or three; but neither they, nor any one else, can know the difficulties I had to encounter in the arrangement of the stations. Brother Whatcoat was left very ill at Dover—perhaps he is dead. Eight deacons and six elders were ordained. I preached three times. I hope many souls will be converted in consequence of the coming together of this conference—having had great peace in the societies, and sound, sure preaching three times a day.

NEW JERSEY

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We came to Gloucester Point,¹ and on to Carpenter’s bridge;² here we have a Quaker Methodist meeting house: I preached upon 2 Peter 1:4; heavy as I was, I had some openings. I visited my old friends Thomas and Margaret Taper. At Sharptown³ on Wednesday—no appointment. I walked to the meeting house; in the burying ground I saw the graves of some of the faithful—amongst these that of John Vanneman,⁴ once a travelling preacher. We rode to John Firth’s, Salem—no appointment.

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We returned to William Dilkes’s.¹

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Except a few wandering thoughts, I feel great peace and holiness to God in my soul. I preached at Bethel upon Romans 12:1, 2. We lodged at Daniel Bates’s. I spoke upon 1 Corinthians 10:12, 13. We had a ride of thirty-five or forty miles to-day.

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I preached at Burlington once more: my subject was 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise,” &c. The characters to whom repentance is essentially necessary—the unawakened; the unfaithful; the backslidden. The repentance of believers—the consciousness of indwelling sin, improved by faith and prayer, is productive of holiness. The gracious will of God is, to furnish means, men, and opportunities, because he is not willing that any should perish, until they have a suitable trial. The coming of the Lord was his judicial appearing to say, Depart, ye cursed: or if understood as some judicial displays of his wrath, his coming will not be the less certain because of delay—for one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day with the Lord.

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I spoke at New Mills on 1 Thessalonians 5:23. I visited Richard Swain:¹ there were several preachers, and some others present, and the Lord’s supper was partaken.

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I preached at Mount Zion,¹ in the woods, near a little town called Egypt.² We dined at Fuller Horner’s,³ and rode on to Stephen Barcalow’s.⁴ We have made nearly forty miles to-day. I enjoy great evenness of mind and life in my labours.

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I preached at Lower Freehold. I came home with Simon Pyle.¹ Ah! what a death there is in the Leonard family!²

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I breakfasted with Throckmorton:¹ his loss is his gain—he has lost his birth-right as a citizen of the State, but he has the blessing of God on his soul. I preached at Cheesecake meeting house:² here, a people who have a trick of claiming a right to all free meeting houses, had shouldered the Methodists out; but the earth helped the woman—the people of the world have built a house for us. We lodged at Mr. Warne’s.³

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I feel the effects of my toil. I declined preaching in New Brunswick; Joseph Crawford supplied my place. I rode on to Benjamin Drake’s.

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I crossed Long Ferry¹ to Staten Island. It is like winter here: but what cannot the God of nature and of grace do physically and spiritually? I viewed the spot where I first landed on the island in October, 1771: I am alive, and about my Master’s work still—Glory! glory!

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At the first meeting¹ Joseph Crawford preached, I only exhorted; at the second meeting house,² on the north side, I preached: we lodged at Nicholas Crocheron’s.

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I preached at Elizabethtown, and then came on to Newark. After stopping awhile, we moved forward to Second River,¹ and called a meeting at which Joseph Crawford preached. We have a warm day, the harbinger of spring: universal nature seems starting into innumerable forms of promise of the fruitful year—O that it may be so spiritually!

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I preached at Belleville, and rode on to New York. NEW YORK

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I viewed the ground at Philip’s Manor, selected for our camp meeting.¹ I felt as if God would be there, in answer to our prayers for nine months past. In the evening we came to Sherwood’s Vale; and at night I went to the camp ground, and looked on at the people, busy clearing the ground, fixing the seats, and building the stand.

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I rested and wrote.

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Friday, 9, began with a storm; but the people came, bringing their tents and baggage weary with walking.

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The weather cleared.

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I preached: it was an open season; companies here and there dispersed, kept up the exercise of singing and prayer through the day, and far into the night; the Brooklyn tent was all prayer the greater part of the time. A marquee had been fixed for the preachers; and provisions came in from both town and country, the brethren from both delightfully meeting in worship and affections. On Monday the people of the world seemed to make a surrender; there was no longer a necessity for guards. There were between eighty and one hundred official members present; about one thousand Methodists; and some presumed, about six thousand souls were on the ground at different times: the people were so dispersed, and there was such a continual coming and going, I had no means of judging.

We had great order and great power from the beginning to the end: I judge two hundred souls were made the subjects of grace in its various operations of conviction, conversion, sanctification, and reclamation. Glory! glory!

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We came to New York.

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I recollected myself and wrote letters.

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The conference commenced its sitting,¹ and rose on Thursday. We sat seven hours in each day, in great love, order, and peace. A paper was read, setting forth the uncertain state of the superintendency,² and proposing the election of seven elders, from each of the seven conferences, to meet at Baltimore, July 4, 1807, for the sole purpose of establishing the American superintendency on a surer foundation: this subject will be submitted to the consideration of all the conferences.³ The answer to Dr. Coke’s letter,⁴ by the conference of New York, was read, to be submitted to all the conferences. I preached three times, and ordained three African deacons. We had preaching in the Park⁵ as well as regularly in the meeting houses, and a day of fasting and prayer for the health of the city, the success of our conference labours, and the prosperity of Zion. I was greatly supported and blest. The preachers were, perhaps, never better satisfied with their stations. CONNECTICUT

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I preached at New Haven. After meeting I visited sister Thacher,¹ rejoicing in perfect love; perhaps she is near her end. Since the 16th of April, 1805, I have, according to my reckoning, travelled five thousand miles: everlasting glory be to my all-sufficient God!

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I dined at Meriden and lodged at Mr. Pitkin’s,¹ East Hartford.

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I reached Thompson, forty-five miles, faint, yet pursuing. MASSACHUSETTS

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At Milford, the people, young and old, were on the green; the active playing at ball, the aged and others looking on; it was election day.

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Thursday, 29, we dined at Mr. Bogle’s, Needham,¹ and rode on to Waltham. A few young people are under the operations of grace here; amongst whom are the two children of George Pickering—my namesake Asbury, aged about ten, and Maria, still younger; and there is a small revival of religion in the district. We rested here on Friday, and I preached at night, on Philippians 1:8-11.

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We have a gracious rain; it was greatly needed. In the evening we rode to Boston.

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I preached in Boston: as usual with me in this place, it was an open season; some souls were powerfully moved, myself for one.

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I took a walk to West Boston, to see the new chapel, eighty-four by sixty-four feet. The upper window frames were put in. We came to Lynn at two o’clock. I preached at two o’clock, on Haggai 2:8. After meeting we rode as far as Marblehead: here Joseph Crawford preached. I find that David Batchelor has been useful in this town; a revival has taken place.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

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We came, through dust and heat, to Enoch Sandbourn’s,¹ East Kingston, forty-five miles.

MAINE

We had a ride of about fifty miles to Old Wells on Wednesday. Eight or ten of these we might have saved, had we known the nearest way from Exeter.

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We came to Portland; Joseph Crawford preached.

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We went towards Buxton, to attend the camp meeting. At two o’clock we came on the ground. There were twenty preachers, travelling and local.

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I preached; and on the Sunday also. Some judged there were about five thousand people on the ground. There were displays of Divine power, and some conversions. Our journey into Maine has been through dust and heat; in toil of body, and in extraordinary temptation of soul; but I felt that our way was of God.

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We journeyed on through Buxton, Limerick, Parsonsfield, Elfingham, into New Hampshire, stopping at Sandwich, to lodge with Mr. William Webster.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

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Through town after town we came to Dorchester, lodging at Deacon Blodgett’s. Canaan brought us up on Wednesday.

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We opened the New England Conference, and went through our business with haste and peace, sitting seven hours a day.” The New York Conference address respecting the superintendency was concurred in, and the seven elders for this conference elected accordingly. We did not (to my grief) tell our experiences, nor make observations as to what we had known of the work of God; the members were impatient to be gone, particularly the married townsmen.

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I ordained eleven elders in the woods. At three o’clock I preached in the meeting house; it was a season of power.

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I lodged with John Broadhead.

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My labour is great; but I am blessed with a great willingness to duty. We came along through Enfield, Hanover, Lebanon, crossing Connecticut at Lyman’s bridge into Vermont, and kept on by Hartford, Sharon, and Royalton.

VERMONT

We brought up with Samuel Curtis, upon White’s River, for the night. From New Haven to White’s River we have made, by computation, four hundred and sixty miles. I have had sufferings in the flesh, but perfect peace of mind.

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We reached Barnard. I preached at Thomas Freeman’s, on Acts 26:17, 18. Here is a lively, large society. We had a full house at a short warning. Our way on Thursday led through Randolph, Brookfield, Williamstown, Northfield, and Berlin. I preached at Samuel Smith’s.

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We came upon Onion River, at Montpelier, the contemplated seat of government for the State. I think it eminently well selected; for a site of this kind I know nothing in England or America more suitable. At Palmer’s mill¹ I preached, on 1 Corinthians 1:30.

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Brought us over the heights of Onion River to Russell’s bridge;¹ thence to Bolton and Williston, dining at brother Bradley’s.² After dinner we rattled along to Burlington, on Lake Champlain. Here I saw a grand college—equal, in exterior, to that of New Haven—a state house, meeting house, and other elegant buildings.³ We passed Shelbourne into Charlotte, on the lake, and put up with Mr. Fuller,⁴ We have made forty miles to-day. I am resolved to be in every part of the work, whilst I live to preside. It will be the best plan to bring on the sessions of all the conferences as early as possible, that there may be time given to all the preachers to go to work in the dawn of spring. The New England Conference should meet about the middle of April, and thus be ready for General Conference.

I feel as if I was fully taught the necessity of being made perfect through sufferings and labours. I pass over in silence cases of pain and grief, of body and mind.

From appearances it would seem no great stretch of imagination to suppose there have been many lakes dried up in this country. Onion River Falls, for instance, must at one time have been a boundary; at this narrow pass, as at Harper’s Ferry, on the Potomac, and the French Broad in North Carolina, the weight of waters has broken through the mountain on some day far upward in the history of past ages; they now supply Lake Champlain.

On the Sabbath I preached in an upper room at Fuller’s, to about four hundred people: my subject was Luke 4:18, 19; and God bore witness to his own word. Why did I not visit this country sooner? By moving the conferences to an earlier period in the year, it might have been done, and may yet be done: what appeared to me to be impossible, I see now is very practicable. Ah! what is the toil of beating over rocks, hills, mountains, and deserts, five thousand miles a year Nothing; when we reflect it is done for God, for Christ, for the Holy Spirit, the Church of God, the souls of poor sinners, the preachers of the Gospel in the seven conferences, one hundred and thirty thousand members, and one or two millions, who congregate with us in the solemn worship of God: O, it is nothing!

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At Vergennes court house, I preached upon Mark 1:15. I had to walk up a great hill, a mile, by the falls of Otter. At Bridport, at six o’clock, I spoke upon Titus 2:11, 12.

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Passing through Shoreham, Benson, and other towns, we came to Hampton church¹ at six o’clock; I gave them a sermon upon Hebrews 3:14-16.

NEW YORK

On Wednesday we came along by Granville and Salem, down to Cambridge. At six o’clock, at Ashgrove, I preached upon Jude 17 to the end. I have travelled one hundred and fifty miles through New Hampshire; and two hundred and twenty or more, in Vermont. We have sustained more damage than I can tell, by the absence of the preachers, two or three months, at every conference: this is an evil that must be remedied. O! how I felt for the people! this was worse than my incredible toil: help, Lord, for vain is the help of man! Were it not for the aid we receive from the local and official members, the suspensions of the travelling preachers would ruin us. What is to be done? 1. Meet the conferences early. 2. Engage the official members to more engagedness and labour. 3. Let prayer meetings be more frequent. 4. Let all the probationers stay on the circuits; and let all who are recommended stay on the circuits also, until they can be admitted into the Connexion.

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We came rapidly down the pike road to Pittstown, Housack, Lansingburg, Troy, and Greenbush; on Friday through Scodack and Phillipstown, breakfasting at Mr. Bushe’s well-conducted stage tavern; and then onward through Lebanon and Canaan, in New York State, and Stockbridge, Old Barrington, and Sheffield, in Massachusetts. On Saturday we came into Connecticut, breakfasting at Salisbury: our dinner we took on the Sharon camp ground.¹

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I preached in camp on 2 Corinthians 6:2. On Monday we pursued our route through to Dover, and rested with father Rose awhile; dined, and went on to Salem in New York State, and slept at Franklin, under the hospitable roof of father Howes.

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We came to Jeremiah Miller’s and dined, and reached Elijah Crawford’s at the Plains. We have travelled about five hundred miles in the State of New York. I may remark here, now that I have time to make the remark, that the Lebanon camp meeting was great as to the numbers which attended, and great in power. We are now, in many congregations and classes, reaping the fruits of the conference camp meetings, all through the circuit of New Rochelle: and the Sharon camp meeting will equal, in effect, those of the conferences. We have a few refreshing rains; the promise of rich crops of wheat; and abundant spiritual harvests. Glory to God!

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We came to New York. I had left my little travelling wagon to be sold at the Plains. On Thursday I came on to son Aaron Hunt’s:¹ Joseph Crawford came over the ferry with me; when about to part, he turned away his face and wept. Ah! I am not made for such scenes, I felt exquisite pain.

NEW JERSEY

At Newark I lodged with brother Leaycraft: I felt for, prayed with, and spoke to all members of this family.

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Noise, parade, seventeen rounds; and then to breakfast. I stole away quietly from this bustle towards Rockaway.¹ I stopped at brother Shearman’s,² with brother M’Lenahan³ and wife. At Turkey⁴ chapel I spoke on 1 Corinthians 15:58: it was an open season. When there is a stir amongst the Methodists, other denominations send supplies, if they have not a stationed minister: the process is, to hold a week-day meeting, perform a sacrament or a baptism, to place the new convert within the ark of safety; and all is done. Now we may stand still, or sit still, and see the salvation of God! I rejoiced to hear of the appointment of a camp meeting on Turkey, in August.⁵

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I came to Germantown,¹ twenty-five miles, through a pleasant, beautiful, fruitful land of hills and vales. The place chosen for the encampment on Turkey I found a handsome height, elegantly sloping to the north. I trust four hundred souls will be converted: may it give new springs and tone to the work of God in the Jerseys!

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At Mindurt Farley’s I preached upon Galatians 6:9; in the afternoon again upon Acts 20:32. I was led out in an uncommon degree. May it be the prelude to better days! My first visit here was during the revolutionary war; now the children of people not then married are born, grown up, and married. After meeting I rode on to Pennington, housing for the night with Jonathan Bunn.

PENNSYLVANIA

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I was on the road at five o’clock. The bridge over the Delaware is said to have cost three or four hundred thousand dollars. I reached Manley Hall about four o’clock. From New Haven to Philadelphia, I judge I have made one thousand sixty-five miles, going and returning; and about one thousand eight hundred miles, since I left the Philadelphia Conference: much suffering and much toil: not unto me, but unto thy good providence, O my God, be all the glory! After writing some letters, I preached at Kingston at five o’clock, on Acts 20:24. On my return, I found a letter from Doctor Chandler, declaring the death of Bishop Whatcoat, that father in Israel, and my faithful friend for forty years—a man of solid parts; a self-denying man of God; who ever heard him speak an idle word? when was guile found in his mouth? He had been thirty-eight years in the ministry—sixteen years in England, Wales, and Ireland, and twenty-two years in America; twelve years as presiding elder, four of this time he was stationed in the cities, or travelling with me, and six years in the superintendency. A man so uniformly good I have not known in Europe or America. He had long been afflicted with gravel and stone, in which afflictions, nevertheless, he travelled a great deal—three thousand miles the last year: he bore in the last three months excessively painful illness with most exemplary patience. He died in Dover on the 5th of July, and his mortal remains were interred under the altar of the Wesley Dover church: at his taking leave of the South Carolina Conference, I thought his time was short. I changed my route to visit him, but only reached within a hundred and thirty miles; death was too quick for me.

DELAWARE

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I came to Wilmington; and on Saturday to Northeast. MARYLAND

On the Sabbath I preached. Monday brought me to Perry Hall: and on Tuesday I reached Baltimore.

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Busy writing letters to the South, and to England. I enjoy great peace, and am in the spirit of prayer. On Friday I visited three families on Elk Ridge. On Saturday I came to brother Riggs’s;¹ dined, and went on to Doctor Watters’s.² I preached at Goshen meeting house. We have, it is said, the greatest drought that can be remembered in this country; the springs seem to be failing everywhere. Monday I went to Rachel Hall’s,³ dined, and rode on to Samuel Howard’s; here I had a bilious attack, and became quick bed sick.

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We have a most blessed, glorious shower of rain. I received it as an answer to prayer. The oats in the fields are unpromising; but the corn looks green, and the people are diligent in ploughing and dressing: a fine example this to Christians; O, how diligently should we labour! The heat is great.

WEST VIRGINIA

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I called upon Joseph Perkins, the superintendent of the U.S. armoury. Here is a factory of stores of instruments of death, tastefully arranged in the several apartments: there may they remain forever! But will it be so? Alas! no. I was caught in a rain upon the river, the effects of which I felt next day.

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I am here at John Davenport’s. I have been sick, and laid up since Thursday last. Copious bleeding, emetics, cathartics, and bark have had their turns. The fever, since the day before yesterday, has left me. I have been providentially favoured with a good physician, kind friends, and temperate heat; the Lord hath done this well. I might have been taken amongst strangers, and have had more pain. Rest was wanting; and I may hereafter have better weather for the toilsome journey before me. Happily I laid my hands on Simpson’s Plea for Religion, in which we have a wonderful and interesting account of good and bad men for three centuries. The author has drawn aside the purple curtains of the Church of Rome, and the black robes of the antichristian Church of England, to lay bare the abuses of bad systems, and the vices of mitred heads: he has raised his warning voice against the corruption of manners and morals in all orders, which will, he predicts, without a speedy reformation, cause the downfall of all ecclesiastical establishments; he has magnanimously renounced his living as a minister, which his conscience would permit him no longer to hold: he said he knew not where to go; but the Lord has taken him to the Church of the first-born. O, what a warning is here given to all Churches, to all ministers, to all Christians, and to thee, O my soul! Recollecting I had never preached in the neighbourhood, and feeling a little unwilling to pass another dumb Sabbath, we called a solemn assembly, as much as if we had come to the funeral of one of the family; my subject was 1 Kings 8:35-39. I was rapid for about an hour: they are faithfully warned; let them look to it.

VIRGINIA

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I came to Winchester. Wrote to Myles and Dougherty. Report says, that a copy of Dr. Coke’s letter was taken by stealth: the British are irritated, and the Americans are not pleased; but they were calm in counsel. I lodged at sister Phelps’s.¹

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Came to the camp meeting at Crissman’s Springs, now Stover’s Springs. Necessity compelled them to come here for the sake of the water in this great general drought. I moved on to Stoverstown.

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I breakfasted at Millerstown; rode to Wire’s to dinner; and by driving two hours in the night reached Rocktown, or Rockingham,¹ and put up with Mr. Williams. I have travelled fifty miles to-day over rough, rocky roads. I rested my feeble body on Saturday.

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Our house here,¹ forty by forty-five feet, may contain fifteen or eighteen hundred people: now that we have a place of worship of our own, I hope we shall have another revival. I preached the first sermon; my subject, Isaiah 56:8. We had an open time.

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I rested.

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I came away to Staunton: I preached in the court house on Isaiah 55:6, 7.

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Wednesday, 13, brought us to Fairfield: I lodged at Mr. Moore’s tavern. At Lexington I found Mr. Shield, my host, sick: I prayed with them; it was a time of tenderness. I set out, faint indeed, for Mr. M’Conkey’s, a decent house: here I prayed as amongst the Methodists. This excessive delicacy of feeling, which shuts my mouth so often, may appear strange to those who do not know me; there are some houses in which I am not sure that I could speak to my father, were he alive, and I to meet him there—bystanders might have cause to exclaim with wonder, What a son!

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I rode fifteen miles and breakfasted with Mr. Topcotts; eleven miles farther brought me to Mr. Thomas’s, near the camp ground, at a little town called Amsterdam. I have been afflicted; but this may be for good. Had it not been for the top of the sulky, perhaps, sultry as it was, I should have been obliged to stop: faint and feeble, the kindness of good men, and the affectionate attentions of good women supported me: may a gracious God bless those who were thus made blessings to me! In prayer I have had uncommon life and liberty; but I had not strength to talk as much as I wished about God and religion. On Saturday I felt unwell.

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I ventured to the camp. I preached at eleven o’clock to about three thousand souls: I held on, loud and long; it was the Lord, not I. Notwithstanding matters were not as I could wish, I trust much good will be done.

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I rested at Mr. Thomas’s.

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I ventured on the camp ground again, and preached at eight o’clock: I was weak and unwell, but was divinely aided, whilst enlarging on Philippians 1:1; may this weighty subject rest on the minds of the preachers, and on none more than the heart of the speaker! I came away with Samuel Mitchell.¹ Friendship and good fellowship seem to be done away between the Methodists and Presbyterians; few of the latter will attend our meetings now: well, let them feed their flocks apart; and let not Judah vex Ephraim, or Ephraim, Judah; and may it thus remain, until the two sticks become one in the Lord’s hands.

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Being unwell, I rested.

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We came away through excessive heat to Thomas Barrett’s, at the foot of the Allegheny mountain.

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Friday, 22, brought us over the rough, rude mountain: they are making a turnpike here. After breakfasting at brother Haymaker’s, we came on to Pepper’s ferry, sometimes directing our route by chance. Since the twenty-third of May to this day, I believe we have not had a steady rain for six hours together; yet it is a miracle and mercy that the prospects of corn are so good. We rested for the day at Pepper’s; and, need we add, weary, men and horses.

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At Page’s chapel¹ I spoke on 2 Chronicles 7:13, 14: it was an awful talk, and the people were alarmed. We dined at Edward Mitchell’s, and lodged at Whygler’s, that we might lose no time.

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I was in danger of being cast away on my route to Crocket’s, but was mercifully preserved: I felt exceedingly grateful that not even the skin of either horse or man was broken: I jumped out of the carriage. Ah! I see that old men will fail in great danger.

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We came to Wythe court house, eighteen miles, to breakfast, and reached David Stewart’s to lodge.

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I came to Charles Hardy’s. I have not slept well. I am faint with toil, and excessive heat—like an oven in the afternoon.

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Thursday, 28, brought us over the dreadful roads to the Salt Works. The great drought has not prevailed so greatly on Holston, of Tennessee.

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I preached at the widow Russell’s; my hostess is as happy and cheerful as ever.

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I preached at the Mahanaim meeting house.¹ I once thought we should scarcely ever have a tabernacle of our own in these parts; we have now three in a triangle of eight miles’ extent. TENNESSEE

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I was weak, but attended the appointment of the stationed preacher, A. Houston: my subject was 1 Thessalonians 5:12- 15: strong in spirit, but feeble in body. Next day I rode thirty miles over to Edward Cox’s.¹

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I preached at Bethel. I was faint; and felt the effects of sickness and the rough roads. I lodged at the widow Lewis’s, on Beaver Creek.

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I felt that I was done, and must lay by awhile.

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I preached at Charles Helton’s, upon Main Holston: weak as I was it was an open time.

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We crossed Holston at the mouth of Watauga: the Sabbath I do not often employ in travelling—sometimes when I fall in with the circuit preachers. I was very close in my discourse at Dingworth’s, on Psalm 51:10-13; the people have sat under a Calvinistic ministry. I lodged at William Nelson’s,¹ an ancient home and stand for Methodists and Methodist preaching. I have gone over rough roads, and a wild country, rocks, ruts, and sidelong difficult ways, sometimes much obscured; it was thus I lost my way, and travelled twenty miles farther than I needed.

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Prepared for conference.

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My bowels for some days past have been much disordered, and I have been otherwise ill; but constant occupation of writing, reading, and praying, has diverted my attention from my sufferings: the medicine taken to-day has done good. I am obliged to avoid the sun as I would a burning fire.

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I preached at the stand in the woods, brother M’Kendree followed: it was a season of feeling.

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Saturday, 20, the Western Conference commenced its sitting, and ended on Monday.¹ The Mississippi missionary preachers could not be spared, they thought, from their work, and therefore did not come. We had great peace. There are fourteen hundred added within the bounds of this conference. Of the fifty-five preachers stationed, all were pleased. In unison with the preceding conferences, an answer was given to Dr. Coke’s letter. We had preaching at noon and night, and good was done. The brethren were in want, and could not suit themselves; so I parted with my watch, my coat, and my shirt. By order of the conference, I preached a funeral discourse, on the death of our dear friend Whatcoat,² from John 1:47-50; there were not far from two thousand people present. If good were done, which I trust and hope, it is some compensation for my sufferings—thirteen hundred miles in heat and sickness on the road; and in the house, restless hours, the noise of barking dogs, impatient children, and people trotting about, and opening and shutting doors at all hours.

NORTH CAROLINA

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We came to Buncombe: we were lost within a mile of Killian’s and were happy to get a school house to shelter us for the night: I had no fire, but a bed wherever I could find a bench; my aid, Moses Lawrence, had a bear skin, and a dirt floor to spread it on.

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My affliction returned: considering the food, the labour, the lodging, the hardships I meet with and endure, it is not wonderful. Thanks be to God! we had a generous rain—may it be general through the continent!

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I rode twelve miles to Turkey Creek,¹ to a kind of camp meeting. On the Sabbath, I preached to about five hundred souls: it was an open season, and a few souls professed converting grace.

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Raining. We had dry weather during the meeting. There were eleven sermons, and many exhortations. At noon it cleared up, and gave us an opportunity of riding home: my mind enjoyed peace, but my body felt the effects of riding. On Tuesday, I went to a school house to preach: I rode through Swannanoa River and Cane, and Hooper’s Creeks.

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I preached at Samuel Edney’s.¹ Next day we had to cope with Little and Great Hunger mountain. Now I know what Mills Gap is, between Buncombe and Rutherford: one of the descents is like the roof of a house, for nearly a mile: I rode, I walked, I sweated, I trembled, and my old knees failed: here are gullies, and rocks, and precipices; nevertheless, the way is as good as the path over the Table mountain—bad is the best. We came upon Green River,² crossed, and then hobbled and crippled along to Martin Edward’s, a local preacher: my host had waited two years; I ordained him to deacon’s orders. I feel as if I ought not to preach one sermon without being pointed and very full upon the doctrine of purity.

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Crossed Green and Broad rivers, to attend a meeting in the woods in Rutherford county.¹ I preached on the Sabbath, on Psalm 51:8-11; and on Monday at eight o’clock in the morning, on 1 John 1:6, 7—it was a moving season. I made my lodging with brother Driskells on Sunday night and on Monday at Major George Moore’s, twenty miles from the ground.

SOUTH CAROLINA

On Tuesday, we came rapidly through a part of Lincoln, to South Carolina, about thirty miles, and lodged at Alexander Hill’s; next day stayed with Mr. Fulton.² My mind is in constant peace under great bodily exertions. I preached at my host’s, upon Matthew 24:12, 13.

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At the Waxhaw. We crossed Catawba at M’Lenahan’s ferry, and came to Robert Hancock’s to lodge.¹ We have had a blessed rain. On Friday we came to the Hanging Rock—death! death! The death of our friend, Daniel Carpenter, makes a great breach: but he has gone safe. Saturday, rain—rest—closely occupied in writing. On the Sabbath I preached at the Hanging Rock²—few people; but a good season. On Monday I copied the minutes. I feel full of God: glory to God! On Tuesday I went over to Thompson’s Creek, Anson county, to see George Dougharty; but his friends had conveyed him away on a bed.³ I spent Wednesday in reading, meditation, prayer, and Christian converse in Thomas Shaw’s family.

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Rode back to the Hanging Rock: I felt the effects of the ride, as the exercise was somewhat new. I prayed in two out of three families we visited: it seemed to me as if they were cases of life and death. It is the duty of a general officer to be careful of all his men, especially those composing his staff. A drought is the cause of want and affliction: in such seasons we should use humiliation, fasting, penitence, and prayer.

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Closely occupied in writing.¹ On Saturday, rode to Camden. I have received a full account from Doctor William P. Chandler,² Delaware district, of the work of God from May third to August twenty-fourth. What hath God wrought!

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I preached upon 1 Corinthians 11:28: “Let a man examine himself.” After making some general observations on the sacrifice of Abel, of Abraham, and the nature of the passover and the Lord’s supper, I enforced the necessity upon sinners, seekers, backsliders, believers, and ministers, to examine themselves. In the afternoon, I heard the Rev. Mr. Flinn, and was pleased with him as a Presbyterian minister. Mr. Smilie, a Presbyterian, preached for us in the tabernacle.

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I rode to Rembert Hall, eleven hundred and twenty miles from Philadelphia—in health, and, I trust, in holiness. Glory to God!

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Reading closely. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, reading the eighth and ninth volumes of Wesley’s Sermons: they wake the powers of my soul. Abstinence and prayer. I feel my mind in great peace, and a stayed trust that the Lord will provide for the South Carolina Conference: let the preachers go, as they have done, to their farms and their merchandize, yet I am greatly confident of the success of the cause of God in these parts.

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At Rembert’s chapel I preached on 1 John 3:1-3. 1. The manner of love—not that of a master, a father, a mother, or a Christian; but love of a peculiar character—the love of God, demonstrated in Christ for our redemption and salvation. 2. A view of the past, present, future, and eternal state of believers—First, The low estate; Secondly, Adoption, and regeneration, and sanctification; Thirdly, Glorification of soul and body. Behold, and wonder whilst ye adore. Lastly: the men of the world know not the Father, how then should they know the children of God the Father?

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I am bound for the city of Charleston. We sought lodging at two houses at Bruton’s Lake: we found it at Mr. Martin’s.¹ On Tuesday we made twenty-five miles to Murray’s ferry, instead of fifteen: at Long Ferry, to which we were obliged to steer,² we were detained five hours through the swamp; heat, mosquitoes, gallinippers—plenty. We rode twenty miles after sundown to get to Mr. Hatchett’s, at Monk’s Corner; the family being sick, we went to Mr. Jones’s, who kindly entertained us; we made fifty miles to-day, and came to lodgings about ten o’clock at night. On Wednesday, we came through heat and heavy roads to Charleston, where we found all things well, and in good order: Lewis Myers is an economist.³

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At Cumberland street church I preached in the morning; and at Bethel in the afternoon.

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Neither unemployed, nor triflingly. If we call for social prayer seven times a day, there are none to complain; the house is our own, and profane people board not with us.¹ My time is spent in reading, writing, and receiving all who come, whites and Africans: I am sometimes called away in the midst of a letter. God the Lord is here. I am happy that we have finished our new church, and bought an acre of ground; should I live long, I shall see a house in the Northern Liberties of Cooper River.² On Tuesday I wrote a letter to Dr. Coke, giving a general statement of the late work of God upon our continent.

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I preached again in Cumberland church, on 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18. I spoke under serious depression of body and mind: in the afternoon I gave them a discourse at the Bethel church, upon Philippians 1:27-30. I have read many pages of Church History, written twelve long letters, preached four sermons, and received all visitors, and spoken to them on the concerns of their souls.

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It appears that there is a work amongst white and black— some have found the blessing. I received a letter from Daniel Hitt, giving an account of the Long Calm camp meeting, in Maryland:¹ it held from the eighth to the fourteenth of October; five hundred and eighty were said to be converted, and one hundred and twenty believers confirmed and sanctified. Lord, let this work be general!

On Tuesday I left my prison, and got as far as Captain Perry’s, thirty miles; and next day, by riding two hours in the night, reached Jacob Barr’s. On Thursday we rode up Edisto to Benjamin Tarrant’s, twenty-two miles: next day we reached Weathersby’s, twenty-five miles.

GEORGIA

Saturday brought us to Augusta: we have made a journey of about six days in five, through deep sands.

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The morning was cold, and few hearers; my subject was Romans 13:2. High time indeed. In the afternoon I spoke again on Hebrews 11:25, 26. I wrote to Daniel Hitt on things sacred. I am grieved to have to do with boys. Hugh Porter¹ had written to this town about a station: and added to the mischief he had formerly done: I shall take care of these youngsters. And behold, here is a bell over the gallery!— and cracked too; may it break! It is the first I ever saw in a house of ours in America; I hope it will be the last.

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Pleasant ride to Sindall’s, sixteen miles. Here, after the second generation is risen up, we have a revival in Columbia county. By being lost, we made a ride of thirty miles to Thomas Haynes’s on Tuesday. A few met for prayer: I spoke to them on 1 Peter 1:3-6. On Wednesday we rested. At Fountain’s, on Thursday, I preached on 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14. On Friday I rested, wrote, and visited.

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Rode to the west end of Wilkes county. At Stevenson meeting house we held a three-days’ meeting: four travelling, and two local preachers were present. I read the letter from William P. Chandler,¹ in Delaware, and exhorted a little.

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I preached on Luke 4:18: there might be one thousand souls. We hope three were converted, and many quickened—preachers and people. I ordained James Allen a local deacon.

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Rained. I kept close; read, wrote, and prayed. A thought struck me that I would take the names and numbers of our congregations in Georgia; this I effected with the assistance of Josias Randall,¹ and found them to be one hundred and thirty; which I calculate to consist of one thousand souls each; so that we preach to one hundred and thirty thousand souls in Georgia—to some of these once in a year, others once in a quarter, others in four, some in two, and by the labours of the travelling and local ministry, to some every week. The return of members for this State will be about five thousand for the present year. It is quite probable we congregate two hundred thousand in each State, on an average; and if to these we add those who hear us in the two Canadian Provinces, in the Mississippi and Indiana territories, it will perhaps be found, that we preach to four millions of people. What a charge!

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A clear sky—and a soul unclouded. On Thursday we rode to Arthur Matthews’s, a healthy, decent, serious family, in Warren county. Friday brought us to William Hardwick’s, Jefferson county. Next day I preached at Bethel chapel, on 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 7. I took lodging at Benjamin Bryan’s.

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We had very cold weather after a rain; the house was badly calculated for the change: my subject was 2 Corinthians 4:2. I lodged at Russell Brown’s.

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Came back to Rehoboth. I have ridden eighty-four miles to attend this meeting at Bethel—to little purpose, I fear, unless for the trial of my own faith and patience: I was greatly chilled in my system. On Tuesday I read and wrote; and rode through a storm two miles to see Billy Stith. Next day we had rain, snow, and excessively cold weather: I preached upon Romans 12:12, 13; there were twelve souls present. On Thursday we had our horses shod. The excessive rains and freshets have done damage: the bridges on Ogeechee are generally carried away; so also upon Little River.

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We passed Williams’s Creek; and afterward Little River, where the bridge once stood: I lodged at Thomas Grant’s, and left a family exhortation.

Saturday brought us along through Washington to Petersburg, thirty-two miles. We fed our horses on the route, though we starved ourselves. I preached at seven o’clock in the evening. Reverend —— Cummins, and Reverend —— Doke, our Presbyterian brethren, were present.

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At Tait’s meeting house I preached upon Luke 12:40. It was a very cold day; and the house was so open we had little satisfaction. I visited Charles Tait, a judge; I did not present myself in the character of a gentleman, but as a Christian, and a Christian minister: I would visit the President of the United States in no other character; true, I would be innocently polite and respectful—no more. As to the Presbyterian ministers, and all ministers of the Gospel, I will treat them with great respect, but I shall ask no favours of them: to humble ourselves before those who think themselves so much above the Methodist preachers by worldly honours, by learning, and especially by salary, will do them no good.

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We had cause to rejoice at James Allston’s that parents and children love the Lord: the old people have I know for twenty-seven years. I preached here on Monday, on 2 Peter 3:2. On Tuesday I came to Blackwell’s: the widow is my hostess—the former head of the family is gone to rest.

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At Ralph Banks’s.¹ Where shall we find so healthy and happy a man and wife as we have here? the mother is but thirty-seven, and she has twelve fine children. I was determined to go to the meeting house, excessive as the rain was: we had one woman and thirty men; we rejoiced in God. They have had a camp meeting blessing at Coldwater—the people are lively.

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We rode twenty miles to James Marks’s,¹ Broad River quarterly meeting. Another plentiful and powerful rain. On Friday night we held a feeble night meeting. On Saturday, at the meeting house, I spoke on Galatians 6:9; it was penetratingly cold. We held a meeting in James Marks’s dwelling-house at night.

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At ten o’clock we had prayer meeting. S. Matthews preached at eleven o’clock; and I held forth at twelve o’clock in the open air: I faced the sun, but my glasses saved my eyes. We felt cold enough.

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Rode to Oglethorpe, and put up with Henry Pope. Our thirty miles’ ride was made without feeding man or beast. Reaching Athens on Tuesday, we had an evening lecture at Hope Hull’s.¹ I wished to have crossed the river into Jackson county, but the rain came on and we returned to Blanton’s and Pope’s. General Clarke and L. Crawford had been dwelling on Indian lands: they and their company, five in all, lodged at Pope’s with us; in my presence they restrained their wild, fearless, frontier character, and behaved with great decency and politeness.

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Great rain. Reading and writing. On Friday I visited James Freeman. At Blanton’s, on Saturday, I spoke on 1 John 2:15-17. I preached at Pope’s church, on Romans 8:7-9: elders Stith Mead, Hope Hull, and Moses Matthews were present, and bore a part in the public religious exercises. John, a black man, preached in the evening.

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We rode to General Stewart’s. Very warm—like a summer’s day. What amazing changes we have in this country! I gave them a sermon. On Tuesday we had a night meeting at John Crutchfield’s: I spoke on 1 John 2:1-3: we had a gentle gale of grace. On Wednesday we were at liberty. Alas for poor Samuel Mayo, the son of pious John, a local Methodist preacher in England! I have no children to blot my name by drunkenness or murder.

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Our new chapel at Liberty is thirty by fifty feet. I gave them a sermon in it on 1 Peter 4:3-5. Lodged at Joshua Moore’s. On Friday I found Myles Green preaching; I ordained him immediately, and then gave a discourse on Hebrews 12:1, 2. After meeting I came on to Sparta. I received a dozen letters from the north. More good news from Doctor Chandler. The work of God is wonderful in Delaware. But what a rumpus is raised! We are subverters of government—disturbers of society— movers of insurrections. Grand juries in Delaware and Virginia have presented the noisy preachers—lawyers and doctors are in arms—the lives, blood, and livers of the poor Methodists are threatened: poor, crazy sinners! see ye not that the Lord is with us?

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Prayer meeting at six o’clock. John M’Vean¹ preached at eight o’clock. At twelve o’clock I read the letters narrative of the great work, and preached upon Colossians 4:7, 8. Brother Bennet Kendrick occupied the pulpit at three o’clock; and brother Stith Mead² at night.

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We began our conference. The subject of the delegated Conference was adopted, with only two dissenting voices: these members, however, cheerfully submitted, and one of the dissentients was elected a member. All was peace respecting the stations. We had prayer meeting at six o’clock; at eleven, at three, and at seven o’clock at night we had preaching. I was called upon to deliver a funeral discourse for Bishop Whatcoat. On the Sabbath morning we had a band meeting in the conference, and I preached in the open air at eleven o’clock; my subject, Mark 16:19, 20. From Philadelphia to Augusta I count it one thousand eight hundred and twenty miles, the route we have made. We have fifty travelling preachers in this conference this year, and an increase of one thousand members.

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