December 8, 1789 — to the Arminian Magazine

This is the preface to the second volume of The Arminian Magazine, which was published in 1790. The preface to the first volume, printed in 1789, which is also included in this volume of letters, deals with the Arminian theology; whereas this preface deals largely with the first part of Asbury’s Journal. A part of the Journal was printed in Volume II of The Arminian Magazine, and Asbury in this preface is pointing out some of the differences between his Journal and the Journal of John Wesley. Asbury refers here to the article on the life and death of the Rev. John Fletcher which is in the magazine.

BALTIMORE

December 8, 1789

[TO THE SUBSCRIBERS FOR THE ARMINIAN MAGAZINE]

Dear Friends and Brethren:

The former volume of this work, like all other human compilations, has both its excellencies and defects. But as we intend to aim at an improvement every year, we shall carefully attend to any judicious remarks, which our candid readers may think proper to suggest. In this volume you have more experimental pieces and letters. Bishop Asbury’s journal enlarged may have its use to his own heart, by reminding him of some of the most painful and pleasing circumstances of his life. And as it may quicken his own soul on review, it may likewise remind his old friends of some useful matter; that they may compare the past with the present, and either weep or rejoice, as occasion may require, when they measure their present with that past experience. As no other satisfactory account can be procured, this journal will be the more acceptable to many, as it contains a brief relation of the progress of Methodism, step by step, through the continent of America.

The journal of our venerable friend, John Wesley, needs no recommendation at all. It abounds with the most pleasing and simple accounts of many remarkable places and events in the three kingdoms of Great Britain; which are very acceptable both to Americans and Europeans. But what renders this journal most profitable, is his faithful circumstantial account of the work of God; and the instruments employed both for and against it.

In this volume, you also have the life and death of our almost inimitable friend, John Fletcher; which, considering the compiler and the matter, brings its own recommendation.

It is worthy of observation that, in time, this Magazine may form a complete American Library; as most of our publications will be included therein. Unbound tracts are soon damaged or lost; but here all is secured in good binding. And this magazine may serve the next generation. Great care will be taken to keep up the goodness of the paper, printing and binding; and to render the whole work as acceptable and useful as possible. Signed in behalf of the council,

FRANCIS ASBURY

The Arminian Magazine, II (1790), iii-iv