March 6, 1808 — to Ezekiel Cooper

It seems that Asbury was in some slight difficulty, as between Ezekiel Cooper, the Book Agent, and John Wilson, the Assistant. Evidently Cooper had sent some word about Asbury’s writing to Wilson and not to him. Asbury is consoling Cooper. The General Conference elections are uppermost in his mind.

GEORGETOWN, MARYLAND¹

March 6, 1808

[TO EZEKIEL COOPER]²

My very dear Brother:

May great grace attend you. I will not plead age, my haste, my sight, long journies, my conference duties, my letters of special duty, for not writing to you. I had nothing special to communicate when I wrote to John Wilson,³ it was for my account. I thought John would tell you anything that passed amongst us. We have had great peace and some increase of ministers and members, in all the conferences. In the west they had predetermined to elect seven men for General Conference, it is done. I doubt if there will be 40 members from all the 4 distant conferences, whether Philadelphia and Baltimore will send 80, 40, or 20 members, from each.

I hope all will be well, and doubtless Brother Coke will hold his relation to this connection as it hath been from the beginning. If you see Brother Totten,⁴ but he is moving down, I have not heard from him. I feel as if this would be the greatest year that hath ever been known in Europe, or America for the power of God, come what will in the outward state. If I did not write from Waterford, I might plead my crutches. I have not had any letter from Brother Cooper, unless outside work. Indeed I expected to have seen Brother Cooper at Georgetown, but you may be well employed with the books, and Bible. Oh, Brother, perfect love, be wholly for God, for souls, and glory. May the good will of him that dwelt with Moses in the bush be with thee. I am your father, brother, friend, and servant in Jesus, F. ASBURY

P.S. I cannot lock myself up a moment in a room as Mr. Wesley would. We are republicans here. If I sit down three or 4 will come in talking around. It shows their love but it proves my difficulties in preventing my speaking. My absent brethren I have only to let you know that all the brethren appear to wish some more equal representation.⁵ I know not but the Baltimore Conference will fix upon a liberal elect number of the best members they have. I find it is the wish of many of the members. F. AY.

Garrett Biblical Institute Library