September 12, 1801 — to Mrs. John Dickins

Mrs. Elizabeth Dickins was one of the elect ladies of early American Methodism. Asbury referred to her many times. This letter accompanied a letter which Asbury wrote to Mrs. Dickins’ son, Asbury, on the same day. On the opposite page of the original letter there are two other letters to Mrs. Dickins, one from Nicholas Snethen and the other from Philip Bruce. These

preachers were Asbury’s traveling companions.

BOTTETOURT, VIRGINIA¹

September 12, 1801

[TO MRS. JOHN DICKINS]²

My dear Sister:

I do not use lightness in my sayings and doings with any, and much less with you. I have joyned you at a Throne of Grace to pray for the salvation of the souls of your dear children, in the conversion of whom their, and your present and Eternal happiness is greatly concerned. Last Monday was a day to be remembered to my humbled soul. I hope always to recollect the first Monday in every month. You will never! never! lose sight of salvation from all sin; ask it in every prayer, seek it in every means. Oh my sister it is your priviledge now, by faith, tis this will sweeten every bitter cup, always holy, always happy, tis perfect Love. I am in a particular manner urged by the spirit to enforce it upon you; when shall I hear you witness this good confession? I hope in your next letter. I must be made perfect in suffering, this the Lord hath shown me. I am called to do and suffer more than any others in America. God hath done such great things for me. The work of God is running like fire in Kentucky. It is reported that near fifteen if not twenty thousand were present at one Sacramental occasion of the Presbyterians; and one thousand if not fifteen hundred fell and felt the power of grace. I remain your Friend as ever, F. ASBURY