March 21, 1803 — to Francis Asbury
ASB_VOL3.PDF, PDF page 324
A Letter of John J. Jacob to Asbury
John J. Jacob lived near Romney, West Virginia, and is buried in the cemetery in Romney. He was a local preacher for years, but was ordained elder August 25, 1813, by Asbury. He freed his slaves soon after his conversion, and the manumission record is in the clerk’s office in Romney. He was a devoted Christian. Jacob formerly lived at Old Town, Maryland.
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY, [VIRGINIA]1
March 21, 1803
[TO FRANCIS ASBURY]2
On Saturday, December 19th, we had preaching at Old Town, but no move; but in the class, the Lord was powerfully and graciously present. Tuesday night, prayer meeting at Cresap’s; we had life and power and some awakenings. Wednesday night at ‘squire Martin’s, four or five were converted, and many awakened. On Sunday, at ‘squire Martin’s, we had a great day. There was trembling and quaking among sinners on every side, and bursting praises from the Christians. On Tuesday night, we had meeting at sister Breeze’s, there was a goodly company, much weeping, some rejoicing—many awakened, and four or five professed faith. On Wednesday, prayer meeting at [J.] Cresap’s. We had a gracious season on Thursday night, at Luther Martin’s—a time of great awakening among sinners, and much rejoicing among Christians. On Friday we rested; but two or three got together at ‘squire Martin’s and one soul was set at liberty.
On Saturday, January the 1st, 1803, we had a meeting at Brother McLaughlin’s a crowded house, and much of the sweet presence of Jesus; we continued the meeting at night, the flame rose higher and higher— about nine o’clock, I invited the weary and heavy laden to come home to the Redeemer and join the fold of Christ; they did not want much inviting, but came forward boldly to the number of twelve. They all came and kneeled at the table.
On Sunday, we had meeting at William Pool’s: the new converts carried the flame with them. Perhaps it was the greatest day I ever saw, the Lord was of a truth in the midst, the solemn air that sat on all face the floods of tears and lamentations, the shouts of praise, and almost general spirit of prayer among all sorts of people, made this day a never to be forgotten. This day twenty-one new members were added to the church. The meeting, with small intermission, continued till past nine o’clock at night, when Brother Martin and myself, having no help, were obliged to send the people home, being quite exhausted.
From what has been said, you have had a view of the beginning of this glorious work, I shall now confine myself chiefly to those times when new members were added, as this will give you an idea of its progress. The Sunday night following, we had prayer meeting at ‘squire Martin’s; one converted, and nine added. The next night we had two converted. The Thursday week after, two were added: on Saturday one was converted in my own house, and many awakened. On Sunday, at McLaughlin’s, the largest congregation by far that ever was seen here. Sinners trembled on every side. It was a day of remarkable power, and nine were added. On Monday, January 31st, we had a love-feast. It is impossible to describe the inexpressible sweetness of that day. The young converts spoke to admiration; two or three were justified by faith this day. At night we had prayer meeting at T. Cresap’s; and two were added.
Sunday, February 13th. Preached at McLaughlin’s, and seven were added. Sunday 20th, meeting at Old Town, we had a gracious day, four were added. On Sunday 27th, at Pool’s, we had a glorious day, nine were added here, and three at Old Town.
Thursday, March 3rd, in my own house; we had such a time in family worship, as I never saw before. The next Wednesday night, at the widow Breeze’s, two were added. Saturday, we had meeting at McLaughlin’s, in the day, and at S. Taylor’s at night, five were added this day and night. Thursday, March 17th, we had meeting at Brother Martin’s, two were added.
Thus I have given you in a few words as possible a sketch of the beginning and progress of the most remarkably gracious work among us. It has not reached far as yet, but appears to be spreading.
Yours, — J. J. JACOB3
Letters to Bishop Asbury from various people,
South Carolina Conference, Historical Society, Wofford College
Notes (3)
- Now West Virginia. ↩
- This is the kind of report Asbury was asking for so frequently. It was published in the only set of reports that were printed. Jacob’s ordination certificate is in Duke University Library. ↩
- When this letter was printed, it was signed I.I. Jacob. However, Jacob’s name was John J. Jacob. Frequently in transcribing Asbury’s letters, a J was mistaken for an I. (See Journal note, July 21, 1785.) There are three records in the courthouse at Romney, West Virginia, of John J. Jacob’s emancipation of his slaves. There are two for April 10, 1788, and one for May 15, 1789. The first reads: “Jno.J. Jacob to Sundry Slaves A Manumission Exam. “To all to whom these Presents Shall come—Be it known that I, John Jeremiah Jacob of Hampshire County in the Common Wealth of Virginia taking into consideration the injustices of the oppressive practice of holding mankind endowed with Immortal Souls, Susceptible of the Grace of God and the gift of eternal Life in perpetual Bondage and being desirous to glorify God, in my conduct, by doing to others as I would have them do unto Me. And in order to bear a testimony thereof before God and all Mankind, Do by these presents declare that the following Negroes Shall be liberated, emancipated, and forever Discharged from my Service, claim, or demand, or the Service, claim or demand of my heirs on the days to their names respectively annexed, to wit.…” (From deed books at Romney, West Virginia.) He names the slaves and the dates when they shall be manumitted. ↩