March 20, 1784 — to John Wesley

Here is an account of Asbury’s labors in a section of America which he visited repeatedly. There had been a great revival here on the Brunswick Circuit in 1775-76 under the preaching of George Shadford. The Brunswick Circuit included most of this territory in North Carolina. Asbury is anxious for Wesley to come to America. There is great need for preachers.

HALIFAX, NORTH CAROLINA

March 20, 1784

[TO JOHN WESLEY]

Reverend Sir:

My last letter was from Edenton [North Carolina] in answer to one I had the pleasure of receiving from you. From that place I came to Bertie Circuit, which lies between Chowan and Roan-Oak-Rivers. There is not now such a prospect of religion as we saw in the beginning; but yet I trust there are some who continue faithful, while a few more are added to the societies.

My next remove was to Brunswick, the oldest and best circuit in Virginia. Many faithful people joined us at our first coming here; having been convinced by the powerful preaching of our worthy friend Mr. Jarratt.¹ I found the labours of those two men of God, James O’Kelly, and Joseph Cromwell, had been blest to the awakening and conversion of souls. I next came to Mecklenburgh, [Virginia]; but the deep snow, and severe frosts prevented the people from attending. However, I was enabled to pursue my journey, and under the necessity of so doing, as my appointments were all made out long before. From thence I came to Halifax;² a Circuit newly formed. It lies between Dan and Staunton Rivers, which together form the great River Roan-Oak. Here some have been brought to God; a few Presbyterians and Baptists lifted out of the Calvinian and Antinomian quicksands.

From thence I came to Caswell, in North Carolina. Here are a few souls who love God: and as it is in part a new-formed Circuit, there may be much good done. From Caswell I came to the Guilford Circuit, which lies up, and on both sides the Dan River. Here we had some revival of religion, and an ingathering of souls. The land is good, and may come to something great in time. But the present preachers suffer much; being often obliged to dwell in dirty cabins, to sleep in poor beds, and for retirement, to go into woods, but we must suffer with, if we labour for the poor. One thing may be said in their favour, they have very few Negroes [slaves], and they put their children early to work. I would have gone to the Yadkin River, but was prevented by an inflammation in my foot. However, in about a fortnight I was able to travel again.

I have formed a plan for the next year (if the Lord spares me) to stretch along to Salisbury, Pee-Dee, Santee, Charles-Town in South, and Wilmington in North Carolina. We expect the South will give up largely. I came to a place called New Hope [North Carolina], which I found to be a place of very small hope. From thence I went to Tar River, and spent eight days there very comfortably. The congregations were large. Some have found the Lord; and others are groaning for redemption. I am now in Roan-Oak-Circuit. The people here are much in the spirit of moving, to the new lands in Georgia. There are a few faithful souls among them but nothing great.

Dear sir, we are greatly in need of help. A minister, and such preachers as you can fully recommend, will be very acceptable; without your recommendation we shall receive none. But nothing is so pleasing to me, sir, as the thought of seeing you³ here: which is the ardent desire of thousands more in America.

As to myself, I can say, the Lord gives, and wonderfully preserves my natural and spiritual health. My soul is daily fed: and I find abundant sweetness in God. Sometimes I am ready to say, he hath purified my heart; but then again I feel and fear. Upon the whole I hope I am more spiritual than ever I have been in time past. I see the necessity of preaching a full and present salvation⁴ from all sin. Whenever I do this, I feel myself, and so do also my hearers. I find it is good to use frequent fervent prayer; without which a man cannot continue qualified to preach the Gospel. You know, Sir, it is not easy to rule: nor am I pleased with it. I bear it as my cross; yet it seems that a necessity is laid upon me. O pray for me that I may be filled with light and power; with zeal and prudence; and above all, with humility and in a single eye. In so doing you will greatly oblige, Your dutiful son in the Gospel,

FRANCIS ASBURY

The Arminian Magazine, IX (1786), 680-82.

Transcribed by Frank Baker