[November 20, 1797] — to His Parents

The uncertainty and slowness of the mail are shown in the fact that two letters, one for each year, have come into Asbury’s hands. However, his letters frequently were held at a city some months for his arrival. Here he shows that he has made up his mind to remain in America until he shall go to glory.

VIRGINIA¹

[November 20, 1797]²

[TO HIS PARENTS]

My very dear, and never to be forgotten Father and Mother: I have received your letters, written in 1795, and 1796, and must wish you to get some friend to write very circumstantially once a year. I have been laying by, in the hands of our general book-steward,³ in Philadelphia, about twenty guineas. The distance, and the difficulties of remitting money, are great, at least in such small sums. I have now resolved that the only way will be for our general book-steward to send his orders to Mr. George Whitefield, in London. I have strong assurances of brethren, on both sides the water, that they will take care of you, if I were dead. But all flesh is grass! It is with the greatest difficulty I can see you supplied while in life; and as much whisper and noise about it as though I had sent you thousands. How will it be when I am gone to rest! Next to leaving the church, I feel for you. We must learn, you and I, to trust God. It gives me pleasure to think you have kept open house near forty years, and spent what you had to spare on the cause of God. I hope my dear neighbours, and the rising generations, will not forget to praise God, and remember the name of Asbury, that brought and supported the Gospel among them. If I were to leave America I should break my heart; and if I stay perhaps I shall break my constitution. But here I must die! May you find a safe passage from England, and I from America, to glory. I send a small present for each, [a chasm made here by the breaking of the seal]. I have settled with Doctor Coke for the ten pounds. If the Doctor should offer you money you may take it, I shall use every prudential means to pay him. I must now, as I have done this thirty and eight years, commend you to God, and remain your unworthy, yet grateful son,

F. ASBURY

Drew University Library