February 22, 1806 — to Mrs. Mary Pilkinton

Here Asbury is following the example of Wesley and giving suggestions for healing. Some of his concoctions were very primitive, and of course useless so far as cancer is concerned. John Wesley had already written his book, Physic, which had gone into several editions.

ISLE OF WIGHT [VA.]

February 22, 1806

[TO MRS. MARY PILKINTON]¹

My very dear Sister:

May great grace rest upon you now and in the power of death. I feel for your soul and body. The latter must return to death, and dust, the former, to endless bliss. If you are not too far gone, one peck of red oak bark burnt to ashes, boiled to a very stiff substance, to make a plaster applied and reapplied till the roots of the cancer are eaten away. Then apply a soft healing salve of malorate or any healing salve. You will be well, by the blessing of God. Oh my sister faith and prayer, and perfect love, and then to glory. Your bishops, one is sixty, the other² is near 70, and we have seven conferences to visit, and the seventeen United States, and about 5000 miles to ride in nine months. I have many letters to write and my eyes fail but my faith is stronger than ever.

The glorious increase, Virginia Conference 2390, Western Conference 813, South Carolina 965, pray with your latest breath for Zion’s glory. We hope there were near 100 souls converted in Norfolk and Portsmouth during the sitting of conference and we hope for another 100 before all the preachers leave the towns. Oh, glory Hallelujah, and a rich supply of preachers for every station and circuit. I am your dear brother that knoweth how to feel for, and pity the afflicted and fatherless and widows, that are widows in deed Christians, in deed, thy maker is thy husband, the Lord of hosts is his name. May the everlasting arms surround you now and ever. Your father, brother and friend,

FRANCIS ASBURY

Duke University Library