January 8, 1799 — to Ezekiel Cooper

Cooper had been in charge of the Book Concern for about three months. It is clear here that Asbury had made to a great extent the rules for the handling of the books. Cooper was not finding it easy to carry on in John Dickins’ place. In fact, it took a long time to settle up the business and close the Dickins’ estate.

[CHARLESTON, S.C.]¹

January 8, 1799

[TO EZEKIEL COOPER]²

My very dear Friend:

I anticipated the difficulties that would come in your way of conducting the Book Concern. It was not in my power to stipulate with you for what time, you should have the management. We feel ourselves under doubts with respect to remitting money without special assurances of the application and proper security for our property. We cannot desire any person to do our work for nothing; yet we want it punctually done. Brother Haskins’s³ and Asbury Dickins’s letters came while the Conference was sitting in this city. Conference voted, hit or miss, to carry on the work forthwith, and nominated several books to be printed immediately. Conference agreed that a committee should consider the contents of your letter, received this day. We feel our doubts concerning the printing of more books at present. We have some scruples upon our minds if it will be possible to carry on the work in Philadelphia in future. The collecting of money will be attended to by Brother Lee,⁴ with the greatest activity and punctuality. If you stay in town, I wish you would see books sent to orders, that we may sell off with great speed. I judge it will not be improper for you, upon the side and safety of the connection, to keep a list of money paid to the executors, and how it is applied; and you may keep an account of all the books you send out, and receive the cash for them; and what you shall have for your service you must leave to the Conference.

How to talk at the distance of seven hundred miles is not easy. My infirmity, and the general abuse I have had from men that have risen up against us, and the great suspicions raised in the minds of some of the ministry still with us, maketh me very cautious in my movements. If I should not write to Brother Haskins, you may show him this letter and welcome.

I am, with respect and heartfelt concern, thy brother in Jesus, FRANCIS ASBURY

Garrett Biblical Institute Library