Undated — to George Roberts

Roberts was in a ticklish situation with the Academy Church in Philadelphia. Asbury is conscious that he has not pleased either group. He refers to the Journals again. They had come off the press. He was not very well pleased. Thomas Haskins had edited them, and Cooper had had responsibility for the printing as the Book Agent. Asbury again makes suggestions as to making peace. In conclusion he discusses union with the Presbyterians. PHELP’S, NEAR WINCHESTER, VA. — August 23, 1802

[TO GEORGE ROBERTS]¹

My dear Brother:

May grace and peace attend you in your critical and dangerous station. I may well say of the dear Philadelphians, with Jeremiah, oh that I have in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring man that I might leave my people. My wish will shortly be obtained. Your conjectures about my conversation with Brother C.² is not well founded. I cannot recollect anything of the kind. As to my staying here or there, or yonder; if there is no conference held in the city, the other Bishops³ will do better than I shall. Indeed both sides have so committed themselves, in my view, that I stand nearly on equal ground with both, and this judicious party on each side must know. It is this spirit of the times; it is the spirit of that city that both wrought through every religious society in the city. We have more real distress with those societies, than the whole connection. If the church in St. George’s would ruin me, the members of the other societies would have gone far, to do it, if I would have given them a preacher,⁴ as a separate society, before the last vote of conference took place. I could make quotations of their words and letters. I believe both parties are mistaken, and see and judge, erroneously. I have thought that the people in Saint George’s would perhaps commit themselves as the college society hath done; and perhaps may have to perform 12 months quarintines.

I cannot blame Brother Cooper⁵ for my journals, first from my great affection to Thomas Haskins⁶ and high opinion of his literary abilities. I wished him to read, correct and strike out what was improper. Secondly, I desired Brother Cooper to print it as it was, except some pointings. I had stricken out many things; and oh that I had stricken out many more but I left chasms and incoherences in the copy. If I had left him [Cooper] at liberty it would have been done better.

The talk about ruining me I have had liberally for a whole year, from the members of the college society, wonder not, but allow me to think they have you go on such hints. As to the smallness of the congregation; if they go to one house they cannot go to the other. That side of the question, told me the congregation had fallen off amazingly. As to Chandler, they have paid him off and if they have paid him more than his due, the conference may look to that, as he and every preacher must answer at the great day of the Conference: if they are impeachable bring the charges forward. I know but one way for peace. That is to appoint meeting after meeting of both the warm men on both sides, and let them bleed one another freely; and answer face to face as to that I hear. I have two ears, one for each party, but if I could hear them make good their charges one against another, like men, and not to say Christian; I should hope for better times—backbiting and fighting in the dark. I despise report, say they, and we will report. You will see I am not in a high ease, for many you⁷ will supply if’s and I’s and but’s, or what else. I feel for our cities.

Yesterday I preached in the borough of Winchester in our house and also administered the Sacrament. The travelling⁸ line were young and sick, the elder shift left me to serve alone. In the afternoon I went to the woods, and read some letters and preached and almost the whole city came out. I am feverish and feeble today and lame in the mouth. My jaws are not well. I have a horse and a mere bishop’s levee⁹ of the fraternity about me. Maryland grows, the work goes on in several counties. The Redstone District flourishes.

In Salisbury District¹⁰ the supposition is one thousand added since the conference in April. God is eminently working in the Carolinas and the union groweth between the Methodists and the Presbyterians. Oh shame of men, deviled with —— demons, firm concord yield, and Methodists and Presbyterians unite whilst the Methodists in the city of brotherly love, —— [but] there is but little religion, in reunion. You will bear with me. I am weak, the weather is hot, what I do is in haste but in love and pity. My prayer is that God may keep you body and soul.

Your brother as ever in Jesus Christ our Lord.

FRANCIS ASBURY

Methodist Historical Society of the Baltimore Conference (Lovely Lane Museum)