January 5, 1803 — to George Roberts

Here Asbury is writing to Roberts about the Book Concern and its connection with the Chartered Fund. He is making it clear that the pension fund is the concern not simply of the Philadelphia Conference but of the whole church. He also delivers his soul on the matter of slavery.

CAMDEN, S.C.

January 5, 1803

[TO GEORGE ROBERTS]¹

My very dear Brother:

We have this morning adjourned the Camden Conference after a close application of five days, in conference and congregations. We have had great peace, upwards of 3000 have been added in this as also in the Western Conference. I was exceedingly pleased that you enclosed the account of the [Chartered] fund. It came in time. We have had our talk about the Book Concern. Camden Conference, elected a committee to prepare a letter for you as a member of the Book Committee; and as a member of the Philadelphia Conference with whom the weighty matters of our stationery are intrusted. You will see the contents which I approve. I have in a previous letter insinuated the same sentiments to him² and I thought it my duty to commend you to them as being upon the spot. I took the liberty to tell how we proceeded in appointing a committee to examine the book stewards concern: and how you rose up in the conference and spoke and they said you were right in so doing and that the interest of one was the interest of all the conferences. This is the substance as to the Philadelphia affairs, so they are and so they will be. There is no doubt that M’Caine³ will be at the Baltimore Conference. Be assured I shall not be sorry to see you there if you can make your way. I have thought that in the above ——⁴ Book Committee and next conference in —— be better fixed. I wish the conferences see and vote by ballot. I have no desire even to nominate in any case. Let them choose by ballot whom they please.

My dear mother⁵ was in such an advanced age that she gave her property into improper hands that what little there was will not profit me or the connection, which my mother and myself wished to give our all to the church. William Bruff is gone and I suppose the principal and interest of [600?] pounds is gone with him from me. I have brought a charge last year of 128 dollars against the Connection, salary and expense of which I was 12 dollars deficient. I made a demand upon the Camden conference for a seventh, 20 dollars. I have a letter or letters, in which it appears that after near 20 years exceeding great and precious promises we may depend upon Dr. Coke.⁶ I gave him to understand he must be all or none, at least he formed that idea.

Whenever the General Conference or the Bishop shall see fit to exonerate from stationing the ministry, then I can save myself. If they do not I must ease myself by going upon more straight lines, but it will be very difficult for me to divide the stationing with any man, but Brother Whatcoat.⁷ Peoples, presiding elders, bishops may dictate but if they control they govern. As to any vindication pamphlets or subjects upon slavery; I have done with the parsimonious niggardly method of printing and selling these matters. If it was to do again; I would have Snethen’s⁸ answers to Mr. O’Kelly given away. I would pay the money out of my own pocket. The General Conference has made no law against giving away.

The South Conference have passed an order that Brother Snethen should collect “Othello upon slavery” or anything excellent, to print and give away, and they will have the work done in Baltimore. They think they will force conviction upon the people this way; as it is not meet to preach upon the subject. There are such heaps of slaves, always present and in the houses, there are always two or three in the houses. Brother Hagerty⁹ will be employed and something will be done every year to oppose. I shall be pleased to hear from you at Washington in North Carolina, about the first week in February. Let me have general information of the state of the work. As I have wrote you a long letter you will excuse me now as I have only one day to finish my correspondence. I am still the same, thy friend and brother

FRANCIS ASBURY

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