January 30, 1801 — to Daniel Hitt

If Asbury had had his way, there would be a considerable history of early Methodism. Repeatedly he tried to get the presiding elders and preachers to provide the materials. He indicates here how little had been written and how serious he was about the history. As usual he gives some report of the work.

PEE DEE, S.C.

January 30, 1801

[TO DANIEL HITT]¹

Very dear Brother:

Grace and peace be multiplied to thee and the preachers and people of thy special and sacred charge. I esteem it spiritual impoliteness not to answer a letter from a Christian friend, and more so to a minister of Jesus, and still greater to one highly official as you are, considering the dutiful correspondence you have always honored me with. But of late years my debility was my apology. This is in part removed. Once in every year I wish to hear circumstantially from the president elders, that we may collect, as in a medium, the most pleasing and interesting things of the work of God, not only for the episcopacy, but the Conferences, and the press. I think we have paid but little attention to the work of God, or pure history of religion in America. Except my Journals and a few letters, and our Annual Minutes, what have we to show of the great things God hath done with us, for us, and by us, for thirty years? If the Magazine of necessity must fail, a very choice collection, or selection, of the most pure American papers will be introduced; and it would be well for those that have been of standing in the work to write the beginning of their lives, and religion, and labors, and it will be more easily finished in the memoirs of their deaths. We have been graciously supported in our route through the Western States; and the revival of religion among the united Presbyterians and Methodists in Cumberland gave me most animated pleasure and felicity. In the South we have harmony, but not a great increase.

I hope but little murmuring will be heard of the administration. Some missed their choice, no doubt, in such a popular election [Bishop Whatcoat].² I hope we shall do as little harm as any men they could have chosen; and we will do all the good that is in our power. We wish to know no places or persons after the flesh. The cities will be no more to us than the country, only as Conferences call our attention. We intend to travel ten months of the year at least, and to ride about 6000 miles in the year. I am sorry that any men of respectability among us should join the men of the world, or the separating party, and reflect upon characters and countries. It is a pity any man should bear reflection because Divine Providence gave him birth and being in this or any other land; the fault was not his, if such it is, and was by no means in his power to prevent. It will only serve to show some men’s hearts, that they have judged themselves worthy of an honor which a judicious Conference hath conferred upon another. I hope, however, none will be so ungenerous as to charge me with duplicity, and join the disaffected party when disappointed: this will only teach me what I have always believed, all flesh is frail and myself also. I have always taken a pleasure, as far as it was in my power, to bring men of merit and standing forward, and have rejoiced to find citizens take the superintendency of the work in various parts,—I congratulate you, brother, upon the prospects of the West. Late letters announce great prospects of good in the North and East. Of Maryland, east and west, with Delaware, I have not heard: it is possible you have heard more than I have. If a president elder doth not write to me once in six months, I shall fear he is not in his duty, or in a good temper.

This is a day of good tidings. We cannot hold our peace: if we do, some displeasure may come upon us. When I have read the accounts of the work of God in Cumberland and Delaware, I have found it has given fresh springs to preachers and people, our own and others also. As Conference has willed a larger supply to the preachers, it would be well to make collections quarterly, and in every Sabbath congregation. In our South Carolina Conference we came short only about $48, and this was expended nearly in expenses. You will present us to the preachers in much love. I have sold my carriage, and am on horseback; but Old Gray will never stand the whole continent. Perhaps you may find a young, strong, good-tempered, well-gaited, light trotting or pacing horse of moderate price. I might be able to purchase. I have sold my carriage to Stith Mead,³ who is unable to ride upon horseback: for at least, I must wait for pay twelve months. As your letter found a post, for which I am much gratified, I hope this will come to hand in answer. Thine as ever,

F. ASBURY

The Quarterly Review of the Methodist Episcopal Church,

South, XIV (1860), 624-25