July 21, 1803 — to Thomas Morrell
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
ASB_VOL3.PDF, PDF page 333
This is one of the few letters extant in which Asbury deals with a particular preacher’s case. Lyell had become a problem and became more so until he located.
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
July 21, 1803
[TO THOMAS MORRELL]1
My dear Brother:
Grace and mercy crown thee. Since I came to this city I received a letter from Brother Lyell2 by order and wish of elder Pickering3 to detain Brother Lyell longer in the Boston District, thinking it would be most for the Glory of God, for Brother Lyell to stay longer. I have but one only source of supply, to send Brother Michael Coate, that will be along as soon as possible. I wish you to write to Brother LyelI to Newport and let him know according to his and elder Pickering’s wish, I excuse his coming this year to New York, and that he should continue under the direction of elder Pickering for the present year.
In haste and yet yours, most affectionately,
FRANCIS ASBURY
Garrett Biblical Institute Library
Notes (3)
- Pastor in New York. ↩
- Thomas Lyell had been a very useful preacher. He was pastor in Richmond, Virginia, in 1799 when the new First Church building was erected. However, this is the beginning of the end of Lyell as a Methodist preacher. On May 11, 1804, Asbury records in the Journal, 1852 edition, that he received a letter from Lyell saying he wished to be located. Asbury says, “I am willing that he should belong to the church (Episcopal) people: I believe they have more need of him than the Methodists have. I answered Mr. Lyell by telling him that I would do what I could to procure him a location at the Boston Conference.” Lyell became a preacher in the Episcopal Church. ↩
- George Pickering, presiding elder on the New England District. ↩