January 1, 1792 — to Nelson Reed

It is clear here that the church is having disturbances. The Baltimore church difficulties are giving Asbury much concern. Mr. Hammett has divided the church in Charleston and set up his separate congregation.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

January 1, 1792¹

[TO NELSON REED]²

My very dear Brother:

I am seated here for a few days after a rapid march to this city. I think it my duty to write many letters. My soul can rejoice in God. I feel myself uncommonly moved to believe the Lord will give peace to his church, and great prosperity to his Zion this year. Such a sweet loving spirit runs through the conferences. Noticeable changes have taken place. I am grieved because the Lord is offended, that simple happy society in Baltimore, famed and respected for many years for hospitality, simplicity and union, should be distressed and disturbed with restless spirits. I think it is your indispensable duty to call a solemn meeting of the society the first opportunity and read that minutes pointing at those members who shall rise up against the government of the church, that such persons being found guilty shall be expelled. You may plead my order and authority if you choose.

It was early sent to this town (if report can be credited) that some person has written, and for aught I know the very day or soon after that the minority had departed from us, and gave advice to Mr. Hammett³ to come forth to meet these disaffected men. When I left Virginia they were all gone quietly to their stations but two, one of which some of the preachers and people were unwilling to receive, and viewed his resignation very providential.

I shall not say who has done this deed, and there are so many strange things told here. This I know, one of the most respectable members in the society, his name has been mentioned through mistake but I am not yet bereaved of my children in Baltimore. I think you will do well to consult one or two faithful friends on the contents of my letter. Opposition to the laws, union, and government is treason against the Church: to defame the Conference. Brother Smith⁴ hasted home; but one of the brethren had written up the state near an hundred miles to know what it was that was so dreadful at the General Conference. I hope you will give fair warning that you will put the law in force against such. The society in Baltimore is applauded through the states. I know them so well they would not keep a contentious person that would rejoice and publish abroad a division after it is made, much more before. I have had my mind much impressed that it will give more knowledge, union, and circulation. If the Redstone preachers, yours and Brother Bruce’s above the Ridge, could meet at Oldtown⁵ it would be far better. Then the Eastern and Western shore, the other part of Brother Bruce’s⁶ District, to meet in Baltimore the last week in October, making about 50 or 60 preachers. It will never do for preachers to rise up in a district and never move out of it for three or four years. If our brethren can hear this trouble they will have more of my company in the town, and district. If this letter should have good success write to me. I expect to be here again in the middle of February. I have my troubles, one horse is lame, my favorite riding horse. But Oh Jerusalem, my only cause of grief and joy. I pity your college⁷ perplexity, but this I hope will be better, then you and some other will be able to purchase with cash and support better credit. I am as ever thine FRANCIS ASBURY

Drew University Library