January 14, 1786 — to His Parents

Asbury shows his usual concern for his parents. He was deeply moved for their spiritual welfare as well as .for their physical well-being. They were always in his prayers.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

January 14, 1786

[TO HIS PARENTS]

My dear Parents:

If Providence will so dispose of us as that we shall not see each other in time, let us live for eternity, and labour to meet in Glory. I comfort myself that while the Doctor [Coke] lives, and remains in England, I shall insure you a friend. O that you would each of you live to God, and press after holiness; that your title and qualification for heaven may be good. I enjoy great health for this climate, and my labours. I love my European friends. I cannot write to them all; but salute them in the Lord. At the earnest request of the Doctor, and for Mr. Wesley’s Magazine, I have been at the trouble to have my picture¹ drawn. I intend to send it to the Doctor to be engraved, and then to be returned to you. I should have thought this high vanity in me, had it not been done on these considerations. Remember for many years, I lived with, and laboured, and prayed for you. I, at this distance of time, and place, care for, and send to your relief, and cease not night and day to pray for you, who am as ever your most unworthy, but dutiful son in the Lord,

FRANCIS ASBURY

Drew University Library

More extracts from the closings of letters, some of which are evidently copies of originals.

Title-pages of two pamphlets from a bound volume of pamphlets in the private library of George Washington. The collection is in the Athenaeum Library in Boston.