May 1, 1791 — to Daniel Fidler

Daniel Fidler, one of the early preachers, was on the Ohio Circuit in 1790 and on the Redstone Circuit in 1791. May 1 was a historic day in the lives of Asbury and Coke. They received information of Wesley’s death. Coke determined to leave for England. (For account see Journal, Friday, April 29-May 1.)

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

May 1, 1791

[TO DANIEL FIDLER]

My very dear Brother:

Grace and peace be with thy spirit. It is with some pain I am obliged to be absent from your conference, but I hope the Eldership will do all things well, and our dear young brethren will cheerfully consent to their supplying my lack of service. I have directed the stations. My call this year appears to be easterly where I have long wished to go, and now providence calls loudly. I do not expect if God prolongs my life to be absent again from you. I have made a new arrangement of Conferences. Give your own soul wholly to God. You must be holy. Expect this every moment and preach it faithfully and constantly to others.

I am ever thine,

F. ASBURY

Original property of Mrs. Frederick Brown Harris of Washington, D.C., great-grand-daughter of Daniel Fidler