May 29, 1791 — to Nelson Reed

Here we see some of the insights which Asbury had into the evaluation of his preachers. In the letter he deals with their abilities in a more intimate way than he does in the Journal. Many criticisms had arisen in reference to Coke’s absence from America. As usual, Asbury is giving advice as to conduct. NEW YORK, NEW YORK

May 29, 1791

[TO NELSON REED]¹

My very dear Brother:

I am not at all disappointed in McClasky.² Unstable as water thou shalt not excell. You will see what you have to pay him and discharge the poor creature; I expect he cannot retrieve his character.

I was solicited to preach Mr. Wesley’s funeral sermon in both churches from one text, 2 Timothy 3:10, 11 verses. We have had a blessed conference and large, with great searchings of heart. I have sent for Jeremiah Cosden. But Martin Dale is a poor afflicted man. If he will not do you must employ ——[?]. Mr. Hammet will stay sometime as a stranger, but let the discipline and government be with Brother Pryor, whom I have ordered to be sent. Poor Baxley, I am afraid, will lose not only his senses but his life.

Be prudent how you speak and act when spies may be about. My soul is in peace. I can trust God with his work. If we have anything to object to Dr. Coke, we must tell him to his face and not backbite him. If the American Preachers stand together, no man, good or bad, angel or fiend, can hurt them.

Next Wednesday we go towards New England, full sail. I am home at [?]. I live in the sight of eternity and feel myself in the presence of God, and my soul is love. Oh my dear Brother, drink deeper into God, and push on the blessed work more and more. Oh stir up that wrestling agonizing spirit more and more, after justifying and sanctifying grace; without this the souls of the people will die, even the souls of believers. Preach ever sermons pointedly and close on this head. Show the promises and excite the souls of believers [?].

Examine your preachers at every two months, like a conference, of their growth in grace, and walk with God and be very particular to know how the classes’ meetings are, and establish bands. I wish you to take about a day in conference or a day when the people are gone. Call the leaders, stewards and local preachers and exhorters, know the state of their souls and their classes. Inquire of local preachers about their congregations and the work under them, let them speak of the exercises of their souls. Every circuit wants a conference, as well as every district, and get all your men together, let them witness for or against each other. If you have any doubts of an exhorter or local preacher desire him to bring a recommendation from the society where he lives, of his piety, and do not proceed to authorize any unless recommended, if doubtful. If the societies have to complain, let them send their witness or sign their letters of complaint to the elder. Any local deacon, or elder, must come before such a court, if unfaithful. It would not be amiss to list their names, and if they do not appear inquire if they stand clear, so you must judge Israel as Samuel did. Push prayer meetings. You have always obeyed and we must keep good order and close discipline. I want to improve daily for the better souls time, heaven is precious. Go on my dear Brother with great courage and diligence and prudence, Thine

F. ASBURY

P.S. Till General Conference, if I can rid myself then, I beg you will push the finishing of the College. I want to quit building. I think we shall be able to answer all demands and have [?] sway.

Drew University Library