July 31, 1807 — to Jacob Gruber

Jacob Gruber is the recipient of this letter. It is another link in the chain showing Asbury’s deep interest in the German people. Asbury gives an account of the work and again compares the statistics of American Methodism with those of the British church. Daniel Hitt was Asbury’s traveling companion.

LITTLE YORK, PENNSYLVANIA

July 31, 1807

[TO JACOB GRUBER]¹

My dear Jacob:

May you wrestle like Jacob, and prevail like Israel, Oh may the arms of your hands be made strong, by the mighty God of Jacob. I am here by grace, a most awful and joyful year; travels, and weather. I had to try the lakes, hands, knees, crutches. I have been lame for 6 weeks. I am learning to walk again. We have done a new, and blessed thing in the Philadelphia, New York, and New England Conferences, in sending out nine missionaries; and two from Gennessee, John Richards,² and George McCrackin,³ to Lower Canada. These men will go everywhere, in all vacancies. Thousands will hear our Gospel that would not by the circuit supplies.

The poor Germans, also Dear Henry,⁴ feels faith. He is about to print our disciplines in Dutch. I hope you will redeem what time you can for the Germans in your charge. In your appointment that was in sight, you keep it in constant view; they are children of the same Father bought with the same blood of Christ. Oh could you with Paul wish if it was lawful to die like Jesus for your brethren and kinsmen according to the flesh. I feared Brother Ward⁵ would have his known, and unknown difficulties; help him all you can. Be very soft, but very firm in discipline, persuade him. I see a spirit of persecution rising all over the Continent! Among carnal priest and people, we shall have fines, stripes, imprisonment, to drive Israel from the tents of Moab. I cannot say but some of us, may be called to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Let us not start nor fear to die. No ministry upon earth are under such obligations to God and duty, as we are. Never was such a work carried on by such hands. I have compared the work in Britain, and America. See the disproportion Methodism began in England, 1730, numbers 150974, number of preachers, 576—Methodism began in the country part of America, 1771, [now] numbers 144590, preachers 536. Britain had not more than 900 square miles, America 2500, with the Canadas and New purchase. Britain 38 million of souls in the kingdom and Islands. America from two to three million, or five. Britain, books, men of great learning: we know men of learning; [American] boys born in the woods, Oh how many in Glory already. Campmeetings, preach all over the Continent, hundreds converted, but there will be greater in the fall. 1402 added this year and was it not for the mortality and perpetual moving to new countries we might have 20,000.

Possibly we may make 2 or 3000 miles to Charleston, where you can write me again. There is always a little storm about General Conference. Some want to localize the Connection, but find themselves disappointed and fly like Lyell and Williston,⁶ or locate like others, that cannot always be indulged. Some fright themselves to death as if the Heavens were to fall, and the earth to be moved out of its place and terrify themselves to death, with their own fears. Some think they must go to General Conference, or we shall import Rome,⁷ and Constantinople,⁸ they know not what, they sit awhile, and then beg and pray to go home, they find there is nobody, no blood to be shed or honors to be made. Pray much, he that ruleth with diligence. Farewell in Jesus,

F. ASBURY

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