June 10, 1799 — to Ezekiel Cooper

The Philadelphia Conference had been in session, and Asbury had evidently received some very unkind letters. He was quite despondent and his health was very poor. Ezekiel Cooper was evidently not eager to leave the pastorate to become the Book Agent. However, the Minutes show that he was appointed to that position.

EAGLEWORKS, PA.

June 10, 1799

[TO EZEKIEL COOPER]¹

My dear Brother:

Your letter came to hand in the haste and distresses of conference, I confess I have not had such a shock since I received yours in Charleston. It is enough! My own children are risen up against me; one of the dearest friends I had in America; his² letters are like the piercing of a sword, to my breast and heart. In real tenderness to you, I have offended, fearing your strength would not be sufficient for the charge. I have suffered much of late in labour and loss of my health, horse; and perpetual crowds of brethren. My Christian doctors, say rest, rest or death, or great danger! I have resigned the pulpit, I am weaning the conferences, I am absent whole days at a time; I keep no minutes now, never preside, seldom speak in conference, only when called upon in a special manner by the conference. I am at present resolved to seek the Lord a whole year; to know his will, should my life be spared, I have no more to say about your removal. Keep your station; it may never be my duty; or in my power, to give you another. Feeling the great; the exceedingly great wane of preachers I wished to keep one, another year. George Roberts, he hath stayed an unwarrantable time in New York; he cannot be supported upon any station but Baltimore. It may be thought, I am a very changeable man. It is by necessity; of others who change I am one, ye are three hundred; watching, I can, and complaining of my conduct. I may shortly come to this, that I cannot serve the connection, without sacrificing, my health, my life, or my conscience. I am willing to break my heart with labour, but not with the continual reflections [?] of the supposed best and holiest men upon earth; I do not believe God has called them to use me so; I find it groweth daily. I think reason, and revelation will teach me, when men are so generally displeased with my services; to doubt whether I ought to serve them any longer, then I can resign with propriety.

I am yours

FRANCIS ASBURY

Garrett Biblical Institute Library