August 11, 1810 — to Henry Smith
LITTLETON, PA.
ASB_VOL3.PDF, PDF page 546
It is not clear why Asbury is writing to Henry Smith as if he were a presiding elder. He takes up the case of Brother Clark, but who this was is not clear. One wonders about the reference to Cassell. Here are other references to the recent Genesee Conference. LITTLETON, PA.
August 11, 1810
[TO HENRY SMITH]1
My dear Brother:
God be gracious to thee in all thy labours, and sorrows. We serve the Lord Christ; let us be faithful, time is short. Thomas Budd2 is gone. Oh! how anxious apparently, was he and dear Cassell about the church, as if afraid to trust their father. Especially at the General Conference could I be so correct in matters of evil tidings; I have felt, I have feared, I have heard of the state of that society; I am glad matters are no worse. I hope your labours will be blessed yet, in the town and country. If Brother Clark will not be satisfied, why not try his gift in another place or places. This year, hitherto, has been marked with conferences, building house beyond any former years. Genesee Conference promises to be among the foremost in number, and prosperity; near 40 members, in its infancy, some aged; stationed 63; commands 600 miles length and 200 in width, seated at the distance of 400 miles from Philadelphia, and [New] York Conference seats. Increase this year 11,000, preachers 51. The 8 Conferences will cause the Episcopacy to ride 6,000 miles in 8 months through strenuous lonely wilds to lodge and live any where, at vast expenses. It is no small matter to support 2 men and horses one fourth of our time at Publick expenses, swimming, wading deep waters, hanging over hazardous rocks, black swamps, mountains.
Oh keep close to the doctrines of deep depravity, salvation by grace, good works, holiness. The August packet has fallen into my hands, 20 or 30 letters to answer and to pay. Brother McKendree is gone to Missouri, if he does not faint or die by the way. He is in ill health. Pray for him, for me, for all. Fit up your house where it is before winter if you can. I cannot retreat to write letters, we must move along daily. I am very heartily thine, F. ASBURY
Methodist Historical Society of the Baltimore Conference (Lovely Lane Museum)