May 16, 1782 — to Stephen Donaldson

Nothing is known about Stephen Donaldson. Evidently Asbury had had some word to the effect that Donaldson was thinking of leaving the Methodists. It seems that Donaldson had probably had some difficulties with the preachers as well as with some of the members.

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA

May 16, 1782

[TO STEPHEN DONALDSON]¹

My dear Brother:

I was pleased to receive a letter from you but should have been much more to have seen you when I was in Leesburg last, or at this Quarterly Meeting. I did not intend to make Leesburg on my way to South Branch,² but my not seeing you, and the hint you give of stumbling out of Society will lay me under a temptation to come by you. Oh my brother—if you stumble out of Society you cannot tell where it may end; woe to him that is alone. When you come to be as well acquainted with the weakness[es?], want of religion, and loose walking, of the members of other societies, as you are with ours, you may see them as unworthy your fellowship as the Methodists, and yet I think it the indispensable duty of every man that fears God, to be a member of some religious society. You may be tried sometimes with yourself, and then Satan trys [tries—sic] you with others. Your trials I presume are only with the nominal preachers and people, not any real Methodists. Yet it is our misfortune to have some of these we disapprove; and find it hard to get rid of them; but this is a common calamity. Every one knows there are nominal Baptists, and Quakers, as well as Methodists, we may all look home.

I have heartily wished that some preachers and people had never been joined with us, and had I been present and consulted, they would not. I have not the exercise of the rod of discipline in every circuit but we must struggle along for a season, but hope not to be afflicted with the loss of my faithful Friends, when the spirit of division rages, and some we have put great confidence in rise up and draw away disciples after them. I hope you will consider well and not hastily leave Society, nor be slack in your attendance. I am in much love as ever

Yours

FRANCIS ASBURY

Methodist Historical Society of the Baltimore Conference (Lovely Lane Museum).

Transcribed by Kenneth R. Rose