March 17, 1799 — to Francis Asbury

A Letter of Mrs. Baker to Francis Asbury

This letter from Mrs. Baker is one of the few letters extant from a woman to Asbury. She gives a report of people, telling of each by name. Knotty Pine Chapel was one of the earliest churches in North Carolina, and Asbury was frequently there.

KNOTTY PINE CHAPEL, GATES COUNTY, N.C.

March 17, 1799

[TO FRANCIS ASBURY]

When you were with me last, you desired I would give you an account of the dear saints who are fallen asleep in Jesus, in this place. I will give you a list of their names, with a sketch of some of their characters. Elizabeth Norfleet, one of the first that embraced religion after the gospel was preached here; she was one of the meekest women, a pattern of piety to the end of her days.

Ann Gipson, converted from the height of pride and vanity to a humble lover of God and man; full of good works.

Mary Hays, a dear simple, humble, tender, affectionate woman. Moses Kittrell, a man of great stability; when living he kept up Joshua’s resolution; his wife, children and servants bade fair for the kingdom of heaven, some are faithful yet, and some have turned out of the way. Mary Parker, who had much forgiven, and loved much.

Mary Richardson, a good young woman.

Susannah Benton, an honest hearted Christian, I believe; she went through the water and fire of affliction unhurt! such she continued unto her end. Mary Haslett, a faithful follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. Sophia Hunter, former wife of brother Isaac Hunter; a very pious precious woman.

Mary Tugwell, her life was upright, she married, and died soon after the birth and death of her first child, and was much afflicted five or six months, and though she was so weak she could not sit up, yet she would rise off her bed and praise God for the sweet manifestations she had of the love of Jesus.

Henry Smith, and his son Thomas Smith, who were said to be good men. Milberry Billips, a tender-hearted, loving woman, her husband a gross backslider; he brought his family to poverty; she died a few days after her husband, of a broken heart, as was supposed. Oh, the few happy matches! Mary Hays, she lived happy with her good old Methodist husband, and died in peace.

Rachel Lawrence, a harmless, inoffensive person, under great affliction a long time; very patient and much resigned to God.

Mary Parker, a former wife of brother Thomas Parker; she professed religion ten or twelve years.

Priscilla Graham, a dear, lovely, meek woman, she lived about fifteen months after she professed religion; her humble, pious walk, manifested to all that were acquainted with her, that she had been with Jesus; and when she was on her death bed, her dove-like innocence and lamb-like patience were admirable: she had an unshaken confidence in God. One asked how she was, she replied, “O yes, I must go to Jesus:” She then intreated her husband not to be excessive in grief, but to prove faithful a little time, and they should meet in heaven to praise king Jesus. She soon became delirious: she would often say, “I am ready,” and whisper “Jesus,” as long as she could speak! One week after the birth of her first child, she fell asleep in the arms of her Saviour.

Mary Duke, she walked in honour to her profession for near fifteen years; in life she was blameless, in death triumphant and glorious. Christopher Reddick, a man truly converted from the error of his ways, too manifestly to be denied by the worst of enemies; he never was ashamed to own his Lord, or to defend his cause; a peaceful man in his family, and useful to his neighbourhood; in his last hours he appeared to be in peace, and much resigned to God.

Hardy Brown, a bright and shining light; an Israelite in whom there was no guile; an example of true piety; he had but short notice of his death, suffocated with the quinsey in a few hours; he exhorted his wife and all about him, to serve God; and cheerfully, with a smile on his countenance, left this world of sorrow.

Mary Gregorie, a daughter of sister Glover’s, thirteen years of age; she came to live with me in April and died in October following; seven or eight weeks before she died, she became very serious, and often was much pleased to talk with me about religion; she was powerfully converted on her death-bed, and the Lord opened her mouth to speak and sing his praise. She would beg the sinners to look at her and repent. I believe she had a vision of angels just before she died; she lifted up her eyes and said, “O you pretty creatures!” and breathed her last in three minutes. O, my dear brother, while I write and think of the dear saints in glory, how it fills my heart with joy! Oh, the time will shortly come, when these eyes shall weep no more; this heart, which is now the seat of sorrow, shall cease to flutter and beat, and not a wave of trouble roll across my peaceful breast! I hope the Lord will renew your health and strength, that you may live long to water his vineyard. Pray for me, that I may be more holy, and more heavenly minded. Give my love to brother Lee; Mr. Baker and the children join me in sincere love to you.

Your affectionate sister,

I. BAKER

[J.]¹