August 18, 1803 — to George Roberts

At Pittsburgh, Asbury wrote two letters to George Roberts, one on August 18 and the other the next day, August 19. He is reporting upon his journey, his health, and the work. A notation on the envelope has “Pittsburgh, Aug. 1803.” However, as this letter indicates, he was at the camp meeting, “30 miles from

Pittsburgh.”

CAMPMEETING, PA.

August 18, 1803

[TO GEORGE ROBERTS]¹

My dearly beloved George:

By the grace of God I have now hobbled along near 410 miles from the city of strife, but in this wilderness I have only a lodging place as a way-fairing man that tarries but a night. I have been chiefly in Penn’s woods, east and west. I feel as if God would shake this wealthy and sinfully secure people and work powerfully among the sections and remnants of the people in their narrow lives of parties and opinions.

I have had a serious dysentery for two weeks. In the first, I crossed the great mountains alone, in part, the last I rested, but was very unwell. I am now in better state (all is well). It was needful my stomach and bowels should be scoured before I go into the new state² where it is more sickly and the lands are low. I am now waiting upon a campmeeting that begins this day, near the Monongehela River, near a place of notoriety [?] called the Old Fort, 30 miles from Pittsburgh. It is the first of the kind attempted in this country, and we expect thousands. I shall not close this letter till I see what is done, if anything special, you shall hear.

Report says there was a mighty falling among the Presbyterians, but it is reported they are without conviction or conversion, some at least. They say the elders go among them and hold the candles but they will not or cannot say anything to the distressed. They want God to work alone. They want God to work without man or means except preaching and ordinance to see if his work is real. The people report they bark and snatch, and make strange noises. No wonder if they are left poor souls to themselves to contend with the devil and sin, and sinners. Mark, these are only reports. I think it is either judicially come upon these people or it is because they are come to the birth and there is not strength to bring forth for them and the people, that are stricken, educated in the doctrine that they can do nothing, they will not attempt to do anything. Here I will stop till I come to Pittsburgh if spared and receive thine and have something more to write. F. ASBURY

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