September 22, 1794 — to His Parents

As usual Asbury shows his great concern for the salvation of his parents. He also shows his concern for his old neighbors, as well as those around him, and the world.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

September 22, 1794

[TO HIS PARENTS]

My very dear Father and Mother:

I am not unmindful of your present and eternal welfare. When I was in Philadelphia, in July, I remembered you; and I hope by this time you feel the effects of my filial duty. I desire I may hear from you all the particulars of your souls and bodies. I wish to know who among my poor old neighbors are converted to the Lord, and live religion. I suspect, were I to return, I should be a great stranger in the place where I was born. I am at present in a good state of health. Time has been when I have feared I should leave the world before my poor parents, and you would come to want. But God is all sufficient. The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof. O let me hear, if you go hence, that you die triumphant in the Lord, and go shouting to glory. We are not without the downpourings of the Spirit of God in a wonderful manner. But I want the continent, the world, to flame with the spiritual glory of God. O my father! O my mother! be much in prayer for meek, patient, loving, holy souls. O how awful to live almost one hundred years and not be fit for heaven and glory. I am, as ever, your dear, faithful obedient son,

F. ASBURY

Drew University Library