August 1, 1802 — to Mr. John Rogers

Asbury’s mother’s maiden name was Rogers. John Rogers is a cousin on his mother’s side of the house. Mrs. Asbury has died, and Asbury has received some news of her demise. He writes to John Rogers for more news of his home and the people there. As ever, he is concerned with the spiritual life of the person to whom he is writing.

PHILADELPHIA, PA.

August 1, 1802

[TO MR. JOHN ROGERS]¹

My very dear Cousin:

I am exceedingly grateful to you that you have taken the trouble to write me a confirmation of my dear mother’s removal to glory. I most sincerely wished to have heard of her exercises and views when near her journey’s end. It was what I was daily looking for the time of life she was brought to. I hope her prospects were good for glory and that she is gone to her eternal rest. As to her property I never expected or desired a farthing, my only wish that it might be appropriate, as all we could spare for between forty and fifty years had been for the support of the gospel, at that dark place of my nativity. If they are unable as a society to support the cause I would contribute a small annual sum, so that the lamp might be kept burning in the Tabernacle.

I hope my dear cousin you will correspond once a year with me. Our continent from the north east to the south west is two thousand two hundred miles. My work is to visit seven conferences in one year, and to ride upward of four thousand miles. I am twice in the year, in the extremities, and twice in the center; and more accessible parts. As to the work of God, it is astonishing thousands out live six millions in the United States, thousands are converted annually,² the work is spreading among both Methodists, Presbyterians and Baptists, hundreds under operations of grace, at one meeting.

You will see by our annual minutes our increase: and the work is but beginning but we are amazingly scattered over the whole continent. Is she that was the Widow Griffin now living and in what circumstances? and in what station? be pleased to write me if she has religion. Is Mrs. Moorhead the person I knew to be once the wife of Mr. Moorhead? Oh, my dear cousin I fear you have gained the world and lost your religion. Oh, may our God have compassion upon you and heal your soul that you may live in Christ, in Jesus. I am afraid you live in a public way, you and your wife were frugal thrifty people, as you ought to lay aside, your business if you save wherewith to support you, and make the best of your last days. You must be temperate if you are nervous.

Who is that that wrote to me, under the name of John Rogers, that took my other likeness? I have no conception of any such person. He says he lived with a Reverend Hadden in Wednesbury and now lives in London. If you wish to write soon, direct to me in Light Street, Baltimore. I am so well known,³ any letter in any publick town or city upon the continent; as we have societies in most of them, the letter will be sent immediately to our preachers that are upon the stations. I hope if you are able you will be very particular in writing of your soul, of your sisters, of your sons, and daughters. Present me to all known, and unknown friends, that ask after me.

I have no correspondent in England but Dr. Coke. I should wish to exchange a letter with you once in a year. We have peace, some liberty and some slavery. African slavery, in America, great plenty except Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. All men are free to hear and pay who they please, or have nothing like law mixt with our Gospel, all societies are equal and free, no usurpation over conscience or money. I am very rapid in my writing and riding.

I am dear cousin, your most affectionate friend and brother. FRANCIS ASBURY

P.S. Please to accept one number of my second Journal and the Annual Minutes 1802.

Drew University Library