1813

I preached morning and evening. It was a small time—cold, or burning the dead. We have about one thousand blacks, and about one hundred white members; most of them women; the men kill themselves with strong drink before we can get at them. My home in Georgetown is not quite so comfortable; possibly I shall hereafter leave it to better men. Monday, it is so cold I have a small fire to write my letters by. Tuesday, we took the path to Coachman’s, Black River. My evening talk to them was, “Take earnest heed.”

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I was so lame I stopped at Richard Woodbury’s.¹ We held a meeting at two o’clock, and at night. Friday, we had a meeting at Collins Woodbury’s; I preached in the evening—it was excessively cold, and I was lame.

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I preached at Newsom’s¹ on Little Pee Dee. Monday, a bleak ride brought us to General Lee’s. I took an emetic. My foot is much swelled.

NORTH CAROLINA

Tuesday, I was glad to stay at M’Neil’s, in Lumberton. Applied a blister to my foot: Henry Boehm preached. Wednesday, came in great pain, and very unwell, to B. Russell’s. I went to bed in a high fever and a mild medicine. Thursday, came on to Fayetteville through a cold, heavy rain. I blistered my foot again. The Lord blesses me with patience.

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They carried me into the church. I ordained two deacons and one elder. I failed in strength after preaching, and Rev. Mr. Turner, a Presbyterian, concluded our meeting by prayer. I came home, applied three blisters, and retired in a high fever to bed. A fourth blister completed the work. Tuesday and Wednesday, closely confined.

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A bitter cold ride of thirty miles brought us to James Purdy’s. I have a high fever, and am in great pain. Friday, a heavy ride of thirty-six miles brought us to King’s. I anticipate a night of fever and pain. Saturday, to Wilmington: there is little trade here, and fewer people; of course there is less sin.

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I was carried into the church, preached, and met the society. I preached again in the evening. A bread poultice has procured me a mitigation of pain. Lord, be merciful to me in temporals and spirituals! William Capers is married—he twenty-three, his wife eighteen.

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We made a journey of twenty-two miles to the widow Nixon’s—a widow of Sarepta, and a mother in Israel. I have a fever, and swelled feet. We had a small congregation. Thursday, we took the road in the rain.

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Called a meeting at Mr. Shepherd’s. Blessed be God! I have lived to see the third generation of father Ballard. He was the first man that joined us at New River: now his grandson is in the Church, and in Christ. My trials have lately been great. We stemmed the cold wind to Lot Ballard’s, eighteen miles. I suffer violent pain in my right foot.

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It rained heavily; nevertheless, we held meeting at Richland chapel. I rested above an hour, on my knees, preaching, and in the ordination of Lot Ballard a deacon, and in prayer. We retired from the meeting to G. Rowe’s, a son of affliction and consolation in God. We are in a palace—peace, and rich accommodation. Was it with us as in former times, we should be flying north; but we are fast bound by lameness. I have filled all my appointments, and answered the letters received. I neglect not all opportunities of instruction and prayer.

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Lowering, cold day. Tuesday, I preached at Rowe’s to about sixty souls. What a land is this of widows; and men sick, dying, and drunken! We came to John Shine’s on Wednesday; we found his wife ill, and prescribed for her as well as we might. After dinner and prayer, came away to the widow Bryan’s. Her husband is dead, and her son sick: we prayed, ventured to prescribe for the diseased subject, and continued onward to Adonijah Perry’s.

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Once more I put on my leather shoes. O, the sufferings I have endured—patiently, I hope! One more warning I gave these people, on Hebrews 2:1-4; it is perhaps the last. I am occupied in marking for reprint about three hundred pages of Baxter. Friday, we rode round to Thomas Lee’s. Saturday, at rest.

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We had about two hundred souls, white and black, to hear us. I was two hours preaching, meeting the society, baptizing and ordaining Roscoe Lipsey. I gained a fever and a clear conscience by my labours. Alas! it is the time of Jacob’s trouble. Monday. I am in Newbern on crutches. Tuesday, reading, receiving the visits of presiding elders, and writing letters.

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We opened our conference in sister Tenkard’s elegant schoolroom: we had great order, great union, and great despatch of business. The increase here in membership this year is seven hundred; but ah! deaths and locations—then the preachers!

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I was called upon to preach. Thursday, conference rose and we came away, twenty-six miles, to Murphy’s. Friday, excessively cold. A ride of fifty miles brought us to Edward Hall’s. Saturday, we started in the rain, crossing Tar River, and driving through the snow driving in our faces: we were glad to stop at James Hunter’s; my feet begin to swell again.

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Came in to Halifax, calling upon the widow Jones, mother of the Shaker of that name. I preached to a few whom the weather could not keep back. After meeting, and taking food, we directed our course to brother Barratt’s. We wished to cross the river whilst the weather would permit: I fly, and a strange flight it is for a sick cripple.

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I halted at James Barratt’s, and ordained John Moore, Edward Price, and Edward Drumgoole, one after the other, as they happened to drop in; I lectured in the evening. VIRGINIA

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Came away to Jane Fisher’s: here I ordained Thomas Drumgoole. Wednesday, I ordained John Comber at Smith Parham’s. We found lodgings for the night at Hall’s tavern. We passed through Petersburg to Cox’s, on the James River. Here flesh failed, and I wished for rest and found it. A heavy ride on Friday brought us to Mr. Bleaky’s happy family and pleasant mansion. I have looked into Whitehead’s Life of Wesley—he is vilified: O, shame!

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I preached in Richmond old chapel, gave counsel to the tarrying society, baptized two infants, and ordained John Sullivan and William Whitehead deacons. I spoke again in the afternoon to a congregation made up of the young and the aged. The Presbyterians and Episcopalians are striving to have places of worship.

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Came away to Burrough’s. Tuesday, came to Carson’s ferry, crossed, and kept on to Mrs. Alexander’s. After leaving this, we became entangled in the woods, and had a gentle upset, which brought us, without much damage, to the bottom of the hill; a ride of two miles on horseback brought us and our baggage to our lodgings for the night. My mind enjoys great peace; but I am in pain of body, and my legs are swelled.

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We were obliged to lie by until the shaft of the sulky was mended. I improved this opportunity of rest to take medicine. I exhorted the family. My mind mourns over the citizens of King George county. O for a Gospel day and work!

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A desperate plunging of thirty miles through the clay brought us to Dumfries. We stopped at mother Mason’s and lectured in the family. Friday, to Edward Sandford’s.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Saturday, came to Georgetown, dining with Jacob Hoffman, in Alexandria.

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I changed my subject after getting into the church; and I spoke long and plainly. We have news from the English Conference. It has given me an invitation to my native land, engaging to pay the expenses of the visit.

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I sat upon the carpet, reading and writing. William Watters visited me. In the evening I performed the ceremony of marriage, uniting two young people in the house.

MARYLAND

Wednesday, I visited Doctor Tiffin, baptized his child, Edward Parker Tiffin,¹ and then came on to Bell’s chapel,² and had here a very respectable congregation; but, alas! I was feeble in body and mind. We lodged with brother William Revet. Thursday, we visited Colonel Beale,³ below Piscataway⁴; and here I preached to a very genteel, serious people. Friday, I preached at Ford’s chapel: the word was not wholly lost. We lodged under the hospitable roof of the widow Ford. Saturday, was held a quarterly meeting at Smith’s chapel.⁵ We preached to a full house. After meeting we were invited to the house of Mr. Somerville.⁶ Sabbath, 14. I suffer extreme pain in one of my limbs, and move with difficulty. A dumb Sabbath; but there is no lack of aid. I feel perfect resignation, knowing that it is all for the best. Monday, we left our kind host, Captain Somerville,⁷ an old revolutionary hero, who lost an arm in the contest. We crossed Patuxent River, and had a cold ride from Lower Marlborough to Samuel Essex’s, Plum Point. I am feeble, and have to endure pain and cold, and perform double labour: blessed be God, for the support I receive!

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I preached in Child’s chapel, and was assisted by Joshua Wells, Henry Boehm, and Henry Smith. We came in, chilled by the cold and rain, to Philip Dorsey’s,¹ and lodged there. Wednesday, faint and feeble, we took the road to Tannyhill’s, and gave a sermon to a small congregation. We lodged with Samuel Wood, who lives where Griffin formerly lived.² and has married the widow: here I preached thirty-six years ago.

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I met about four hundred people at Weems’s chapel, to whom I preached, and we hope the word was not lost: my congregation was serious and attentive. But, ah! there is death in the pot! will my exhortations to the society do much good? We found our host, William Weems, with an afflicted family.

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We drove through a storm of wind to Lamplin’s chapel, and preached to about two hundred attentive hearers. Dined with Doctor Murray’s family, and gave them some plain talk. We lodged with Samuel Maccubbin. I was feverish and in pain, and worried through a night of affliction. We have visited Prince George, Calvert, and Anne Arundel Counties; the weather and roads, how unpleasant; and the people, how decently attentive in meeting; and how kind and attentive in their houses! Saturday, I housed with my friend Absalom Ridgely, in Annapolis: this amiable family is much favoured.

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There was a serious, solemn attention in the congregation, whilst I tried to speak on Colossians 1:27-29. I gave the Africans a sermon in the afternoon. I felt the pain of coughing, and the effects of the blister. Monday, came to Sewell’s.¹ I preached on James 1:22-24. A heavy ride brought us to Baltimore. I gave an evening to the great Otterbein: I found him placid and happy in God. He says the commentators are mistaken—that the vials are yet to be poured out. Tuesday, I had a serious interview with the presiding elders. Wednesday, we opened conference,² and went forward in our business in great peace and order.

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I ordained deacons in the forenoon and preached in the afternoon.

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Conference rose in great order and peace. I stationed eighty-three preachers. This conference holds, in their several relations, ninety preachers, twenty thousand two hundred and seventy-two members white, and seven hundred and ninety-nine coloured. We came away to Perry Hall: Alas! how solitary!

PENNSYLVANIA

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To Ewen’s. Saturday, to mother Boehm’s. It was necessary to put seventy miles between us and Baltimore before we could write a line: must we always thus fly away to be at rest?

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At Boehm’s chapel I expounded 2 Timothy 2:15. Henry Boehm preached in German; James Norton in English. The society received an exhortation. Monday, I wrote a letter to my British brethren, thanking them for their kind invitation to visit them. Tuesday, I preached at Strasburg.

DELAWARE

Wednesday, desperate roads to Newark kept us late. We had about two hundred people to hear us, to whom we spoke upon the great salvation.

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I preached at Salem, and went home to dine with Abraham Keagy. After dinner we went down with Judge Richard Bassett to Bohemia. Spring has at last returned—a treble spring—natural, spiritual, and political. What a winter we have gone through! what weather for five months! what roads!

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We rode down to Smyrna: and preached at night, remembering to exhort the society. I visited sister Davis; near her end: but calm and waiting for deliverance. Saturday, went to Dover.

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I spoke at Wesley chapel plain words in the forenoon, and I spoke again in the afternoon at Farra’s chapel.¹ We dined with Denny,² and finding them at the table when we afterward called at Doctor Sykes’s,³ we sat sociably down and ate there also. I called upon Judge Cooper,⁴ who is a subject of great affliction: he felt much whilst I prayed with him. The evening was cold, nevertheless we came away, thirteen miles, to lodge at Purnell’s.⁵

MARYLAND

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A rapid ride brought us to Collins’s,¹ in Caroline. I preached at three o’clock, and went home to lodge with Peter T. Causey. Tuesday, rode fifteen miles to preach in Frazier’s chapel. I preached in the evening at James Harris’s. Thomas Foster took us in for the night.

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We came to Cambridge.

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There was an alarm from the enemy,¹ and of course no preaching. We came back to Foster’s. I preached in Newmarket, and ordained George Ward to deacon’s orders. Friday, retired for humiliation and prayer. Saturday, I preached at Washington chapel, and ordained Henry Baine a local deacon.

DELAWARE

We visited Eccleston Brown, now a subject of grace, and lodged with Lemuel Davis, an old disciple.

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I preached at Brown’s chapel, and had a serious, attentive congregation. I preached also in the evening at Bridgeville. What a change is here! the children and grandchildren are left, but few of the first generation. I baptized Daniel Polk’s son. Monday, to Milford, and preached for them.

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I preached in Barratt’s chapel, dined at Dover, and slept at Smyrna; making a journey of forty miles.

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There was a high wind, and I set out, feeble and faint, and reached Wilmington.¹ I lodged with Governor Bassett. My peace flows like a river. I suppose we have, in sixteen circuits, ten chapels in each. I preached for the folks in Wilmington.

PENNSYLVANIA

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A heavy ride brought us to Philadelphia.

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We opened our annual conference, ninety preachers present: much order, and great peace.

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I preached in the academy chapel in the morning; and at night at St. George’s. My congregations were large. We continued in conference until Saturday, the first of May. We had speakers in plenty; but peace and union. There is a falling off in numbers, occasioned by locations, and the retirement of the superannuated, and other causes; so that the increase of effective preachers is but two.

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I preached at Ebenezer, and exhorted to union; and again at the Tabernacle. I shall throw all the troubles of the times, the Church, and the conference, into shades; nor will I record these tales of woe.

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We set out in an easterly storm up the Bristol road, and reached Burlington.

NEW JERSEY

Wednesday and Thursday, still raining. Busy writing letters. The increase in six conferences is, in members, twenty-one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four; in preachers seventy-nine; but of these there are only thirty-three travellers. The Baltimore Conference paid up without any charitable dividend. I preached in Burlington on Thursday; many attended, although it was damp. Will this place and Trenton ever be famous for vital religion?

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Stormy. I preached at Mount Holly. After meeting, visited William Richards,¹ a friend of ours for many years. His wife and daughter departed in peace, and are gone safe.

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I preached in Lumberton. Here we have a good house, after forty years’ labour. I dined with Mr. Hosea Moore. His mother is a public speaker; yet she attended our Methodist meeting, and told me she found it a blessing to her. We rode to New Mills, to shorten our distance to the city. My mind is greatly in God; but my body is feeble.

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I preached, and it was an open season. We met the society after preaching, and said many things to them.

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Dined at the widow Bunting’s,¹ Crosswicks. At Allentown, I preached nearly two hours, and had gracious access to God and to truth. We lodged with John Hughes.² I am filled with God.

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We came to New Brunswick, thirty miles, and a desperate road. I was weary and faint; yet I went to the meeting house in the evening, delivered my testimony, and retired sick to bed to take medicine.

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We came fifteen miles to William Flatt’s, Rahway, without breaking bread. I preached in our unfinished house in Bridge-town,¹ at noon; and at Elizabeth, at night. There are distressing accounts from the sea coasts, and from the northwest. God’s people must flee to the stronghold of Divine protection.

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Dined at Newark. Preached at Belleville. Friday, preached at Paramus.¹ The rain was abundant; the people, nevertheless, attended. Lodged at Albert Wilson’s.

NEW YORK

Saturday, preached at Benjamin Sherwood’s. We had an open season. We toiled over the rocky road to Haverstraw, sixteen miles; and I delivered my testimony in great feebleness of body. We lodged with Peter Noyelle. Our host built his house for a tavern, but it was turned into a church. At Philipstown² we have an elegant new chapel; I preached in it on Monday, and felt liberty in the word.

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Came to Richard Jackson’s, twenty-five miles. I was required to preach at a minute’s warning, as I found an assembly ready. It would seem as if the preachers think they are committing sin if they do not appoint preaching for me every day, and often twice a day. Lord, support us in our labour, and we will not murmur.

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A cold, uncomfortable ride brought us to Amenia. We dined with brother Ryder, an ancient disciple and local preacher.

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We opened the New York Conference in great peace and good order. Friday, day of abstinence. I ordained twelve deacons after sermon. My text was 2 Timothy 4:5.

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King Gordius had well-nigh been amongst us; but the knots were untied peaceably, and not cut in rashness.

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Bishop M’Kendree preached. It appeared to me as if a ray of divine glory rested on him. His subject was, “Great peace have they that love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” My subject was Ephesians 4:1-3. The appearance, manner, and preaching of brother M’Kendree, produced a very powerful effect on Joshua Marsden,¹ a British missionary, who has been present at our conference.

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I preached the funeral sermon of Robert Hibbard.¹ He was drowned in the St. Lawrence, on his way to his former circuit. Our conference concluded in peace, and the bishops, upon reading the stations, gave a valedictory address, in which our brethren were assured that the plan of their future labours was deliberately formed, with the aid of the collected and re-collected wisdom of judicious counsel, and in much prayer. We heard no complaint, and there was no appeal. CONNECTICUT

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We travelled this day ten hours. I preached in the evening in a school house; but had not much freedom. Saturday, we made a tedious day’s ride to the widow Pease’s. In our way we called in to see a sick brother, and prayed with him.

MASSACHUSETTS

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I preached in Pittsfield. Monday, preached at M’Farlan’s. Sickness, death, and judicial blindness are the miseries of this part of the world. We called upon John Leland, late from the margin of the grave: we found him pleasant and kind. Hereabouts we scattered some pamphlets on discipline, and the supper of the Lord. But baptism is all in all still with them. We avoided controversy.

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We have a fine prospect of the Hoosack River, and the Green Mountain, bleak as January. After dinner at Tinney’s (kind souls), we descended the precipice, crossing by a slight bridge. We lodged with Deacon Allis: the good Presbyterian officiated for his family; but in the morning we settled the matter, and I prayed.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

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We reached Winchester, in New Hampshire, stopping to dine with the nice Websters,¹ in Greenfield. My knee is swelled again. Like priest, like people, in these parts; both judicially blind. We lodged two nights in Winchester with Caleb Alexander, whose father I followed to the grave. The dust I visited, afterward the widow, and came away. This town is not reformed by Methodist conference or Methodist preaching. We shall direct our course straightforward to New London, to meet our conference there. Studiously employed, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, at brother Marble’s.²

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I preached in the morning and afternoon with little freedom. May we not expect increasing days of distress? Methodism in the east is as likely to be anything else as that which it ought to be, unless we have great displays of the power of God, and a strict discipline. We have a gracious rain in mercy, if not in answer to prayer. Knowing the uncertainty of the tenure of life, I have made my will, appointing Bishop M’Kendree, Daniel Hitt, and Henry Boehm, my executors. If I do not in the meantime spend it, I shall leave, when I die, an estate of two thousand dollars, I believe: I give it all to the Book Concern. This money, and somewhat more, I have inherited from dear departed Methodist friends, in the State of Maryland, who died childless; besides some legacies which I have never taken. Let it all return, and continue to aid the cause of piety.

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I preached in Winchester village; a plain discourse.

MASSACHUSETTS

Tuesday, came on to Orange, and preached at Asa Lord’s. We have had pleasing rains, and nature begins to put on her charms. My mind enjoys a constant serenity, whether labouring or at rest, in ease or in pain. “To me to live is Christ; to die is gain.”

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We came in haste to Ashburnham, and attended a prayer meeting at the widow Barrell’s:¹ I lectured upon Luke 18:1. We came to Howard² about mid-day. Here are good houses of wood; the country around barren, but partly improved by the cultivation of grass. Thursday, was cold. Surely we shall rise in New England in the next generation. I believe, for one, that there has been more true Gospel preaching in the other States, than in the five New England States, after all their boasting. God is my all. I preached in Howard at six o’clock in the evening, plainly and pointedly. Ah! there is death in the pot.

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At Waltham, we stopped, lectured, and prayed; and came away to Needham. Faint, yet pursuing. I endure heat and abstinence, in patience, and in hope.

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We had a pleasant rain; came away to breakfast, eight miles, in a tavern, praying at the table. Sixteen miles through dust and heat, made us willing to stop for dinner at Easton; and continuing on to Taunton, we sought rest with father Prattson,¹ a Lot in Sodom.

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We rose at four o’clock, to gain twelve miles for Somerset quarter meeting. I lectured on the Lord’s prayer. Dined with Captain Read,¹ and gave an exhortation in the afternoon. I am told there is a revival of the work of God here, and at Warren, and at Bristol. I have difficulties to encounter, but I must be silent. My mind is in God, In New England we sing, we build houses, we eat, and stand at prayer. Here preachers locate, and people support them, and have travelling preachers also. Were I to labour forty-two years more, I suppose I should not succeed in gettings things right. Preachers have been sent away from Newport by an apostate; so we go. O rare steeple houses, bells! (organs by-and-by?)—these things are against me, and contrary to the simplicity of Christ. We lodge with our brother Brayton.²

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We visited the Reeds,¹ senior and junior, and Doctor Winsler² and family.

RHODE ISLAND

I preached in Warren in the evening, and lodged with kind Smith Bowen.³ preached at Bristol at six o’clock: we did not trouble the people with ourselves or horses. My congregation was large. A pious sister had gone in triumph: we committed her earth to parent earth.

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Storm bound. Writing, planning, and reading. Thursday, we came in haste, along to Providence. An African gave me his hand in the street, having seen me in New York. George Pickering turned me aside, and presented me to the Governor, Jones,¹ who gave me his hand: we were entertained splendidly. Here are grand buildings; but no chapel for the Methodists. We rode on to Lippett’s factories:² what a population here is! Friday, fast and physic.

CONNECTICUT

Reached Kayser’s, in Canterbury. Nature is now in all her grandeur and loveliness. When alone, I am all prayer and praise. Saturday, to Colchester, dining with Williams on the route.

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Brother M’Kendree preached at eleven o’clock; and I in the afternoon. Was it ever known before, that the stations could be ready in four days? Two cases in committee delayed us nearly a day.

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We rose in peace. Here was an account of the expenditure of six hundred dollars in a charity; and the bishops knew nothing about it: mark! let us have no more fellowship in giving or receiving money. We rose in peace, with satisfaction, generally, as it respected the stations; and this has been the case throughout the eastern States.

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Moved forward to East Hartford: and lodged once more under the roof of Esquire Elisha Pitkins.

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Came the Hartford Bridge road to Jonathan Coe’s, Winstead. Hail, home! Rest, my heart! We have made a stand in the New England Conference against steeples and pews; and shall possibly give up the houses, unless the pews are taken out, and the houses made sure to us exclusively. The conference now pursues a course which will surely lead to something decisive: we will be flattered no longer.

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Bishop M’Kendree preached in the morning, I spoke in the evening. I did not go out at night, but stayed at home to nurse myself and to meditate.

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A heavy ride brought us to Benedict’s, in Canaan;¹ and thence onward to brother King’s in Egremont.² Tuesday, to father Merwin’s to lodge.

NEW YORK

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A long ride brought us to Daniel Ostrander’s, in the Holloway.¹ It is surprising to see the improvement of the city of Hudson in twenty years. We have spent about ten dollars a month, as road expenses; but where is our clothing and our horses to come from; what have we left for charity? It must be gotten from two hundred dollars, allowed us by the conference. But may we not beg? For ourselves—no.

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I preached in a school house:¹ the weather was sultry, and I was weak and in pain.

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Came to Rensselaerville, and called a solemn meeting. Saturday, I was greatly afflicted and stayed at home.

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I rose unwell; but the appointment had been made for me. I spoke an hour, and officiated in love feast and at the sacrament: the meeting held about three hours. My dinner and supper today has been tartar emetic. I never knew the state of the Methodist chapel in New Durham until now. It was bought of the Presbyterians, carried five miles, and rebuilt or replaced within hearing of the Independents’ church: there is, surely, little of the mind of Christ in all this, and I will preach no more in it, if I can avoid it. Should the Methodists have imitated the Low Dutch, who treated them exactly thus in Albany?

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At Sharon; Caukin’s, the aged father, is dead. Tuesday, a ride through the heavy rain brought us to Springfield.

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Came on to Litchfield, and thence to Richards’s,¹ a pleasant home.

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To Westmoreland: in the last two hundred and seventy miles I have suffered much from hunger, heat, and sickness. If we were disposed to stop at taverns (which we are not), our funds would not allow it always when we need refreshment and food; we have not brethren at every place, and the east is not hospitable: Maryland, or the south!

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We opened our conference in peace in our house, sixty by fifty feet; built by the Independents, and bought by the Methodists. We progressed two days in much union and sweetness, having one day the presence and company of our Canadian brethren.

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Daniel Hitt preached at nine o’clock. I preached and ordained nine deacons; Bishop M’Kendree ordained six elders, and preached also. We had sermons inside and outside of the house, and in the woods: we might have three thousand souls to hear. Shall our labour all be lost? By sitting in an open, cold house I have taken the influenza.

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Our conference adjourned in great peace, and all satisfied with their stations.

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Tried medicine. I preached on a short notice at our little chapel at Paris Green. We lodged at Richards’s.

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We had four hours’ rain to fall upon us in our eight hours’ ride to Brookfield. Brother Pearce¹ was sent in the name of the bishops to communicate to W.B. Lacey² what conference had done in his case, and to demand his parchment; the culprit refused to deliver up his credentials in a very peremptory manner: after degrading himself, and despising our authority, it is said he means to be rebaptized.

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We called at our brother Clark’s house: our friend and his wife lay in the same grave. We talked and prayed with the grandmother and daughters, one of whom is in society. We have travelled some rugged roads since we left conference, and we have had two hair-breadth escapes for life, both horse and rider, each one. O Lord, thou preservest man and beast! Came to Corkin’s. Behold, elder Strait is crooked enough; gone off with things not his own.

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A thirty miles’ ride brought us¹ to Jericho bridge² where the family of Banks generously entertained us.

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Bishop M’Kendree stopped to preach; I rode on thirty miles to Brush’s. We stopped with a poor family on our route, fed, and prayed with them, and were blest indeed. Next day began our trials. It had rained in the night. We set out and encountered the logs, stumps rocks, and torrents, which came down upon us from the hills above. PENNSYLVANIA

We put into a house at the Great Bend, and stopped to dine: here I lectured, sung, and prayed with the poor infidels in the house; some stared, some smiled, and some wept. The lady asked me to call again as I passed: yes, madam, on conditon you will do two things; read your Bible, and betake yourself to prayer.

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On our way we stopped to visit and pray with the widowed family of our brother Smith, who is called away. As we came into Shawnee¹ the drunkards welcomed us with a dreadful roar. I fail here— my foot is much swelled and very painful.

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The horse in the sulky has his shoulder swelled. Brother M’Kendree’s beast dragged me over a rough path to Bowman’s.¹ My face and teeth are in great pain and disorder.

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Great suffering from pain in my face. Saturday, I preached, and retired in a high fever to take medicine, and to blister my face. And this is Briar Creek camp meeting! I am alive, however; and some of the good folks of Philadelphia and Jersey have said they should never see Francis again. In the midst of all our suffering and disappointment, God is with us.

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I must preach again: my subject was Acts 20:21. The testimony of the ministry—in holiness of life; unwearied labour; in suffering, and in martyrdom. It was the fidelity of this testifying which led the first martyrs to the stake; and the unfaithfulness of this testifying will lead ministers to hell. Repentance—of sinners; of believers; of backsliders:—the difference in their nature. Faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ—of seekers of salvation—of believers in sanctification:—in backsliders. I suffer greatly at night.

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We came through the heat, twenty-two miles, to Danville. The wife of Daniel Montgomery¹ is my old friend Molly Wallis. Yes, I saw her; but ah! how changed in forty-two years—time has been eighty years at work upon her wrinkled face. We crossed the river to Jacob Gearhart’s.² My company went to bed, and I sat up helping to hull peas. And am I to preach at six o’clock? be it so. But behold, the saddle horse broke away whilst John French was washing him, and off he went as if Satan drove him.

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Our runaway was brought home yesterday at noon. We started at six o’clock, bending our course down the Reading turnpike.¹ We halted at an inn, prayed, and kept forward to Shoemaker’s:² here we prayed and exhorted in the evening.

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We bear our trials patiently. John French’s sick horse is foundered. Crossed the Schuylkill at Sewey’s.¹ We asked for food, and were told the tavern was near. Our money was scarce—we had borrowed five dollars, which will be barely enough, perhaps, to bring us through this inhospitable district. We bent our way along the mountain, stopping at Francis Zellar’s, where we were partially welcome. He had a son, a Lutheran priest, who refused to read or pray in the family: Alas! so stupid and so wicked: I would rather be a slave in South Carolina with the gospel and a good master.

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Our saddle horse was stiff enough. We breakfasted richly in Shafferstown¹ for sixty cents—man and beast. We pressed forward to Abraham Bee’s, Warwick township.² We have great toils and great peace.

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We halt and limp forward, through Lititz to Lancaster. Happily we met Henry Boehm, who had appointed a meeting at Boehm chapel.

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I preached in the forenoon and afternoon. Rest, man and beast! Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, busily employed in writing letters, reading, and in prayer. I addressed a valedictory statement of my opinion to Bishop M’Kendree, on the primitive Church government and ordination; I shall leave it with my papers.

Thursday, we paid a visit to Jacob Boehm. Friday, fast day, we went a rough road to the camp meeting, forty-five miles distant.¹ Feeble though I was, the stand was ready for me. I delivered my testimony in great weakness of body. On Saturday we had a Sabbath congregation: I preached at three o’clock.

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I did not preach a sermon, yet I had often occasion to speak. There was singing and prayer through the whole night; possibly we slept three hours. There were, I suppose, three thousand people on the camp ground, most of them tolerably attentive. Amongst these were some drunkards, but so deeply laden that they could not have done much mischief had they been so disposed. We have gone forty miles out of our way to be here, and to do good; God will bless this coming together of his humble worshippers. Richard Bassett and wife, and sister Bruff, came forty miles to see me. Tuesday, the flies plague us. The bridge at Columbia is begun on both sides of the river. We reached Little York. MARYLAND

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A tiresome ride brought us to our home at the widow Willis’s.¹ From the door I saw the tomb of dear Henry Willis. Rest, man of God! Thy quiet dust is not called to the labour of riding five thousand miles in eight months—to meet ten conferences in a line of sessions from the District of Maine, to the banks of the Cayuga—to the States of Ohio, of Tennessee, of Mississippi—to Cape Fear, James River, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and to the completion of the round.² Thou wilt not plan and labour the arrangement of the stations of seven hundred preachers; thou wilt not attend camp meetings and take a daily part in the general ministration of the word; and often consume the hours which ought to be devoted to sleep, in writing letters upon letters! Lord, be with us, and help us to fulfil the task thou hast given us to perform! Thursday. The Pipe Creek camp meeting begins to-day.³

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I lectured on the Lord’s Prayer, at the camp-stand. We might have three thousand hearers. I have sufficient exercise by riding six miles backward and forward to the ground, and speaking a little. We are told there are between forty and fifty converts, and many professors powerfully quickened; the poor Africans, abandoned by all sects to us, were greatly engaged.

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We started for Ohio, passing through Frederick and Middletown, to Williamsport. Called on father Everhart,¹ and sheltered under his shade from the excessive heat. The old saint has a son and a son-in-law, local labourers. We have encouraging accounts from the encampment near Winchester, Virginia.

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Our new chapel here (Williamsport)¹ is too small. I preached to a large congregation on a short notice. I felt that I was commissioned by the anointing of the Holy Spirit: surely the day’s labour will not go for nothing.

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At Cumberland I preached in the chapel, and ordained John Jeremiah Jacob, Thomas Lakin, and William Shaw, holy men, to the office of elders.

PENNSYLVANIA

A day of toil over the desperate mountains brought us to Brownsville. We have had our trials and afflictions.

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I preached strong words from “Examine yourselves”; and after the congregation was dismissed, gave counsel to the society. OHIO

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We opened our conference¹—about thirty members present. On Saturday deacons and elders were ordained. We have had preaching four times in the day. My mind is at peace, and my body at ease; glory be to thee, O my Creator!

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In Bezaleel Wells’s grove I may have had one thousand souls to hear me. Bishop M’Kendree preached, and the exercises closed with the sacrament. The people were attentive to hear with much solemnity.

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I preached in Chilicothe. We pass on swiftly from tavern to tavern, for we are in great haste, and dare not turn aside to seek our brethren. Mrs. Wells, after painful anxiety, was speedily and happily delivered of a man-child—in answer to prayer, she says; she calls it Francis Asbury. I lament my loss of public labours, especially on the Sabbath: but can I preach more than once a day, constantly engaged, as I am, in conference, in writing answers to letters, and receiving those who come for counsel? Let candid and thinking minds answer.

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Reached West Union, with a swelled face, I preached to the people here for the first time; may it not be for the last also? I was turned into another man—the Spirit of God came powerfully upon me, and there was a deep feeling amongst the people.

KENTUCKY

Wednesday, we came to Limestone,¹ where I consecrated our new house by bearing testimony to the truth of God, on Luke 19:10. I saw the foundation of our new house in Paris² with the more pleasure because of the interesting little history attached to it. An honest brother had failed in business, moved away, recovered his loss, came back, paid his creditors, and moved a subscription to build, and is now building a Methodist chapel.

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I preached in our enlarged Ebenezer church, in Clark county.¹ Once more I see Doctor Hinds² from the other side the flood, rejoicing in Jesus; he will never again, I presume, put a blister on his wife’s head to draw Methodism out of her heart; this mad prank brought deep conviction, by the operation of the Spirit of God upon his soul. His children, some of them, already rejoice with him, having the same joy, and faith, and hope. We came rapidly through Danville to Mulder’s. Next day to Thompson’s.³ Next day to Wallis’s;⁴ and next day to father Bracken’s,⁵ near the camp ground. What a flight we have had!

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I preached in the camp. Our ride from Steubenville has been through pleasant rains, welcome to the before-parched earth. We read the word of God, and prayed in every house in which we stopped. The tavern keepers were kind and polite, as Southern folks should be and as Southern folks ought not to be; they were sometimes two sheets in the wind. O, that liquid fire! The thing I have for some time greatly feared is come to pass— the Creek nation have taken up the hatchet: unhappy people! the whites will take vengeance, cruel vengeance on them for their barbarian warfare on unoffending women and children. O God, save thy people from rage of the heathen!

TENNESSEE

We came to the Tennessee Conference.¹ I lodged under the hospitable roof of mother Roscoe. Our progress daily was great, and made in great peace and order.

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I preached, and ordained about twenty deacons.¹ We rose on the sixth instant finding very few difficulties objected to the stations. The families in the neighbourhood have not been left unvisited; and we hope our prayers and exhortations will not be in vain to and for the Walkers, the Maxeys, the Saunderses, the Reeses, the Blackmans. Will it be believed that the races agitate the public mind notwithstanding the alarms of Indian wars? If in the midst of such terrors the people will not forsake the race-course, why should the people of God neglect to frequent their meetings? in this case they may learn from the example of sinners. The Tennessee Conference were not willing to let the bishop go to the Mississippi Conference.² Sabbath, 10. I preached at John M’Gee’s.

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Last night preached at Porter’s chapel. At Marysville,¹ the whole city came out to hear us. Our travels have been through toil, and crowds, and storms. It is our business to read, exhort, and pray, wherever we stop.

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We came away, having first taken an emetic. A thirty miles’ ride over unpleasant paths, and through heat, brought us to our lodging for the night with more endurable feelings. I preached at O’Haver’s¹ on Wednesday, and ordained Joshua West² an elder.

NORTH CAROLINA

We visited the Bolings, the Nelsons, and the Barnets. I feel pleuritic pains in the breast; but they must wear themselves away.

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I preached in great weakness. I am at Daniel Killian’s once more.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Our ride of ninety miles to Staunton bridge on Saluda River was severely felt, and the necessity of lodging at taverns made it no better.¹

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On the peaceful banks of the Saluda I write my valedictory address to the presiding elders. At Staunton bridge we rest five days; my horse and his master both disabled. I preached but twice. My leisure has permitted me to read Sellon: I hesitate not to recommend this work to our Book Concern. James, the son of John Douthat, gave me an interesting account of his father:—John Douthat was born in Maryland; left his native place and settled on the Yadkin; became a member of the Methodist society, and was honoured as a class leader, making his house a house of God for the assemblies of his brethren. An infamous woman had found her way into the society, and seduced Douthat away, and he departed from his brethren and from God. Some years after this, the family removed to the Table Mountain, Pendleton district: the preachers came to the house, the father was reclaimed, and his two sons, James and Samuel, joined the Methodists, and were useful and respectable travelling preachers; the former labouring twelve, the latter seven years in the ministry. But the elder Douthat had a failing—he was fond of liquor, and indulged himself, and backslid a second time; retaining, nevertheless, his character for strict integrity and his habit of private prayer, occasionally hearing the Gospel. Last summer he fell ill, and came to lie down and die at his son James’s; here he became a true penitent, was blest with justifying and sanctifying grace, and slept in peace in the seventy-third year of his age.

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We visited Talliaferro’s¹ and went forward to B. Lyon’s.

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Called a meeting at Edward M’Craw’s: I spoke with enlargement of mind on Hebrews 10:38, 39. We saw Henry Gains, a disciple since 1777; now feeble, but wishing to be faithful unto death. Came forward to Conner’s, Abbeville district.

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I preached in the tabernacle, on 2 Corinthians 5:11. If the people say it was like thunder and lightning I shall not be surprised. I spoke in power from God, and there was a general and deep feeling in the congregation: thine, O Lord, be all the glory! Came home with James Cox.

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I gave an alarming lecture at John Brannon’s. There is a serious mortality on the middle and lowlands of South Carolina and Georgia.

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We rode through the heat, crossing the Little River to Mr. Shield’s, twenty miles.

GEORGIA

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I tried five grains of tartar, and felt the good effects of medicine. We continued on to Petersburg into Georgia. Into what house may I enter without finding two cold professors, and five or ten impious persons? Yet God will favour a righteous cause, though there may be thousands as wicked as fiends.

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I preached at Thompson’s chapel, and had a pleasant season. We lodged at senator Tait’s,¹ and I retired to bed with a fever. Here are two sick families. There is a great drought: these are judgment days. I preached at Peter Oliver’s: my host and wife are both sick.

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I preached in the new chapel at James Mark’s—Elbert’s—in folly called Asbury.¹ We visited Doctor Bradly, recovering from his affliction; a miracle of grace. We have visited about thirty families. Imprudent man that I am, to take off my flannel, and ride in the damps after sunset! I preached at Sparta, and ordained two deacons. A journey of six days brought us to Savannah: we were careful to leave our testimony and to pray with every family where we stopped. Kind widow Bonnell sent her chaise after me. I must change my mode of travelling, I suppose. I preached twice in the Wesley chapel.² This is a good, neat house, sixty feet by forty. I enjoyed great peace. Our chapel cost five thousand dollars: others would have made it cost twice as much, perhaps. We are indebted to Myers and Russell³ for much of this saving. The Presbyterian Church hath changed its form to Independent—Doctor Kollock must be the same.

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Rode to Mr. Thibeau’s plantation: sweet retreat!

SOUTH CAROLINA

Tuesday, we rode forty-six miles to Wainer’s. I am again in a chaise: James Russell insisted upon giving me an old gig worth forty-five dollars. We are safe in Charleston, visiting black swamp¹ and some families as we came along. We have had cold, hungry travelling. My mind is holiness to the Lord. We found our family here in health.

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I preached in Trinity church: we have it now in quiet possession. I also officiated in Cumberland and Bethel churches. The society is not so lively as formerly. In visiting six families I found but two that acknowledge God in his word and worship: Ah, woe is me!

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We attended the funeral of Doctor Keith, suddenly called away, and greatly lamented by all, especially by the people of colour: he had been twenty-six years a minister of the Independent Church.¹ Most of the clergy of the city were present, and there was great solemnity observed. We had no gloves or scarfs given us: this was well; but I could have wished there had been prayer in the house before the corpse was removed. We lecture morning and evening. We labour to live in and for God; we desire to receive rich and poor, people and ministers; and to consecrate, in the order of faith and prayer, every room and every heart in the house, to God.

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I preached in Cumberland chapel, in Trinity, and in Bethel. How much good will my ten days’ visit do here? I preach, lecture, and pray. I invited the stewards of Bethel, and the trustees of Trinity came to see me on Tuesday; we dined and prayed together, and parted in love and peace.

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In a cold day we left Charleston, and came thirty miles to preach to preachers at Nichols’s.¹ We lodged with Ecclesiastes² Friday, my mind is in peace in bodily affliction. Weather, roads, swamps—we heed them not. On our way to Black River, we visited many families: O, let me do some good whilst I may! time is short.

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At Rembert’s settlement.¹ How my friends remove or waste away! yet I live: let me live every moment to God!

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