August 30, 1810 — to Jacob Gruber

For the third time in recent days Asbury is writing to Jacob Gruber. He is attempting to satisfy the West Wheeling Circuit. He gives his views on the duties of the presiding elders.

BARNESVILLE, OHIO

August 30, 1810

[TO JACOB GRUBER]¹

My dear Son:

God be gracious unto thee and grant that thy bow may always abide in strength and the arms of thy hand made strong by the mighty God of Jacob. As it is the wish of the West Wheeling people, that the circuit should be under your care; and I am told you are willing, to take the charge, I submit. I shall make no change in the minutes. I think the loss of time and expenditure of money is so much that it would be well if half the preachers could stay on the district, if they would not stay all the time at home, instead of the circuit. This western country is rich, ought to support their preachers; if not in money, in property of any and all kinds, except whisky, skins, wheat, rye, oats, corn or any victuals for the family, which the stewards ought to have an account of, and charge as quarterage; that the quarter meetings ought to know what is done for the preachers upon the circuits.

Tell the preachers plainly you must get your reward where you do your work. I hope as you reform in other things in the district you will in the money business. Our Funds are small enough to support our widows, orphans, superannuates and worn out preachers. I feel [the] burden, I can scarcely help seventy married preachers losing one 4th or one 3rd of their time and paid for the whole, presiding elders losing half their time or not spending more than 23 weeks in a year in the districts. It is such men that bring this weighty office into dishonor. Oh Timothy keep that which is committed to thy charge.

I am still thy Father,

F. ASBURY

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