January 5, 1809 — to Zachary Myles

One method that Asbury used to keep in touch with England is shown in this letter. He had several friends who were in constant touch with their kinsmen in England, and he corresponded with them with a view to getting news back and forth. In a day when means of communication were slight, Asbury felt the importance of spreading news and information.

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.¹

January 5, 1809

[TO ZACHARY MYLES]²

My dear Friend:

God be gracious to thee and thine, now and ever! I thank you for your letter. I greatly rejoice to hear from my mother’s house, the chamber of her that bore me. My mind shares in the prosperity, and mourns in the adversity of that venerable branch of our society, the British Connexion. I think the missionary plan is greatly owned of God. We have sent two from the Western, and three from the Southern Conference. Our Western Conference extends over the Western Empire of the United States, about 1700 or 2000 miles. We have seven districts belonging to that Annual Conference. The last time it met we admitted seven preachers, stationed eighty-four, and the increase of members in the last year was 3437. The Conference was held, by encampment, eight days. At the Southern Conference, we admitted sixteen preachers upon trial, the increase of members belonging to that Conference, was 3088. Finding the travelling ministers to be only about 62, I called for an extemporaneous account of the local ministers. The names and number then given were 201. I think that the preachers belonging to each of the seven annual conferences (separately taken) in the United States, are about 300, including such as are local, and that they preach to about 3, if not 400,000 souls annually. I feel myself failing in my strength, being in my 64th year, and 43d of my travelling ministry; and each conference being five times larger than it was formerly. Bishop McKendree and I travel together at present, and no earthly consideration has, and I trust never will have, for a moment, any influence on our minds. If we live in the confidence of the preachers and members of society, and above all, in the approbation of our God; and see the increase of the kingdom of Christ we are happy. But all we do is nothing without Christ. I am, to you and Sister Myles, the same in affection.

FRANCIS ASBURY

The Methodist Magazine (1809), 265