January 30, 1796 — to John Hagerty

Prayer meetings were a great source of power in the early church. Asbury’s letters reveal the place of importance they had in his mind. This is one of several letters in which he gives detailed instructions as to how they shall be conducted.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

January 30, 1796

[TO JOHN HAGERTY]¹

My very dear Brother:

I have felt an uncommon impression on my soul concerning the society in Baltimore, I am afraid they are sinking into formality. My wish is that prayer meetings should be established in every part of the town where they can be admitted two nights in the week, six or (7) on the same evenings. The women, also in equal number, might be for them. I would advise short sermons, and two or three join in prayer after, in the Church. I feel greatly impresst, I am sure the women could have a prayer meeting at Sarah Hagerty’s room. And if any of the old line, are sick and cannot come out, “we will come to you,” must be the answer.

I wish there be a move made in the leaders meeting, and let the matter be done systematically. Let a preacher, or person, go round and see who will admit meetings for prayer, mixed, with a few pointed words of exhortation. Let certain persons, one, two, or three, or more be appointed to lead these meetings, and keep order. I am absent, yea six hundred miles, from you, yet like Abel altho’ dead by distance, I must speak to you, and to you the preachers and leaders, arise this work belongs to you. I believe God hath laid it on my heart, if you try it I shall find your souls alive when I come. I wish my letters, in substance, may be read to the leaders meeting. Formerly, fool that I was, I used to be writing about temporal things. Oh! had I have spent as much thought and care about the church as about that altar of bassok² which is burnt³ down how happy I might have been. I am as ever thine.

FRANCIS ASBURY

Drew University Library