March 4, 1774 — to William Duke

This is the first of the letters in which Asbury deals with the appointments. These appointments do not agree with those listed in the Minutes for 1773-74. Asbury shows his care for the preachers and especially his desire for them to study. This day he had spent much time reading the works and meditations of John Brandon. (See Journal.) There is evidence here of the conflict which developed with Thomas Rankin.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

March 4, 1774

[TO WILLIAM DUKE]¹

My dear Billy:

If you have not had orders from Rankin² I would direct you to go into the Jerseys to Philip Gatch,³ if Brother Strawbridge⁴ comes away as I expect he will. Unless the stranger that is about the country should go or be sent into the Jerseys then you need not go, but otherwise you must go and stay until the Conference, and as you have been a quarter in Newcastle it may be better for you to move. If there is a call in Newcastle I can send Richard Webster. I would have Daniel Ruff and Philip Gatch change the 11th or 12th of April unless Mr. Rankin has given orders anyways to the contrary. Now my Brother give your heart to God, be faithful to the gift of God that is in you, be much in prayer and reading the word and other profitable books that your profiting may appear to all. Keep your heart with all diligence. I believe your parents are well and after the Conference you will see them. Take every opportunity of getting knowledge and always consider yourself as ignorant and as having everything to learn. Stand at all possible distance from the female sex, that you be not betrayed by them that will damage the young mind and sink the aspiring soul and blast the prospect of the future man. I leave you to your Master and be sure you keep close to your faithful guide. I am as ever

Your loving friend and brother

FRANCIS ASBURY

Drew University Library