July 30, 1807 — to Stith Mead

It seems that the camp meetings were arousing opposition in many quarters. Mead had trouble in Virginia. Asbury is reporting on his travels. Attached to this letter is another letter, which is to Mrs. Tabb of Gloucester, Virginia. Mead knew her, and he was to copy the letter and send it on.

LITTLE YORK, PA.

July 30, 1807

[TO STITH MEAD]¹

My dear Mead:

May the good will of him that dwelt with Moses in the bush (Emblem of the Church and Charge) be with thee. According to this time it shall be said of our Jacob, and Israel, in America; what hath God wrought. A carnal world, a fleshly ministry, and people, rise up against us. A spirit of persecution is waked up over the whole continent. All earth and hell is roused against field meetings,² but we will endure fines, imprisonment, and death sooner than we will give them up. We have 25.00 dollars to pay, on the Eastern shore of Virginia, no law, or justice for Methodists. Since the Virginia Conference I have ridden above 3000 miles. We have great peace in all our conferences, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, great and good prospects. New England great increase of preachers, and openings. Generally increase this year, preachers 103, 32 located, increase of members 1420. By making a comparison between the British and American Connection, Methodism began in Britain 1730. In the British Empire of Kingdoms, and Islands, above 30 million of souls to operate amongst; the minutes of last year, number of members in Britain 150,974, the number of Methodists in the States and Canada 144,590. The British Kingdoms 900 square miles of operation. The American state above 22,000 square miles. They have had only from two to three, and three to five million to operate among. Methodism began in America 1763³ and 1770 but chiefly; as very little was done till the latter end of the year ‘71 except a small beginning in [New] York and Philadelphia. Number of preachers in the British 576, American 536. We have made a happy improvement in the three Conferences, Philadelphia, [New] York, New England. We have sent out eleven missionaries, for the exterior, and interior, any place, and every place, unsupplied by the circuits, streets, lanes, shades, market houses. In Pennsylvania chiefly the Germans are the object. We conclude many thousands will hear our Gospel by these men that will not in our circuits.

Pray for these heralds of grace. Do all you can by fair means to keep order in your meetings in the woods but we will not give up this ground, Satan will rage. I think it will be proper for you to take a station like what you say, and settle your temporal matters that you be free. I cannot tell how to answer and direct a letter to Mrs. Tabb⁴ you will copy it and give it to her and any thing you please from yours.

F. ASBURY

Drew University Library