[June 3, 1798] — to His Mother

The news of Joseph Asbury’s death had come to his son, Francis, though not directly. He writes immediately to his mother and gives some advice. He cannot see that it would be best for her to come to America. He reviews his sicknesses over recent months. He received the confirmation of his father’s death upon his arrival in New York on June 13.

[PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA]

[June 3, 1798]¹

[TO HIS MOTHER]

My dear Mother:

From the information I have received, I may fear my venerable father is no more an inhabitant of this earth; you a widow, myself an orphan, with respect to a father. I cannot tell how to advise you in this important change. I dare not forbid your coming to this continent. At present, I have neither health, nor purse, nor inclination, nor confidence, to re-cross the seas. It was there my serious times began. Comparatively, I never knew charge or trouble till I became an inhabitant of the sea; and in the new world. You have washed the saints’ feet this forty years; you have entertained strangers, brought up children, and have done some good works. It is a comfort to my soul when I reflect that you have kept the Gospel ministry in your house so many years, whilst, with my small abilities, I have been doing a little to spread the Gospel through sixteen states, any one of them, except two, affording more space than England. I wish you to stay, to support the cause of Christ in your house, to the latest hour.

If my father is taken away, I advise you to take a pious prudent woman to live with you, for company, and consolation. If I should wear my coat, one of the kind, with other parts of apparel, fourteen or fifteen months, I will try to remit as heretofore. I have formed no other connection. This might give you some assurance that I am still your son. As to the reward for the troubles you have felt, what compensation could I give? It is pretty well known here that I was born poor, my calling and everything. We have had many who have risen up from Europe, and in this country, that could not have their gratification, and have cast at me what they could find. I thank my God, I have been able to live up, in some degree, to the dignity and duty of a Christian and a minister.

I am exceedingly pleased with the attention Mr. Philips has paid and will pay to you. You have had yourself respectable, and extensive in friends, who, although they cannot give to you, can comfort you. I have been, as you may have heard, afflicted by excessive labours of mind and body. I had to neglect writing, reading, and preaching, for a time. I only attempt to preach on Sabbath days. I have had many ounces of blood taken away. I had to stop and lie by in some precious families, where parents and children, in some measure, supplied your absence. I laid by in Virginia.² When you hear the name, you will love it unseen, and say, “That was where my Frank was sick.” I am much mended, and live wholly upon a vegetable diet.

I move in a little carriage,³ being unable to ride upon horseback. My route ought to be three thousand miles a year. I should wish, if a few guineas would procure it, a perfect plain portrait of yourself. O my mother! let us be holy, and watch, and pray, that we may meet in heaven. You have professed religion fifty years, living, feeling religion; a mother you ought to be in Israel. Your numerous friends will hear, and listen, when you die, to know if your last days were peace and triumph! were you to see me, and the colour of my hair, nearly that of your own. But still God is with me. My soul exults in God.

As ever, your dear son,

FRANCIS ASBURY

Drew University Library