[January 7, 1811] — to Mrs. Mary Mcdowell

BEGINNING THE SECOND DECADE OF THE

NINETEENTH CENTURY

January 7, 1811 - May 9, 1812

CHAPTER 12

It is not known who Mrs. Mary McDowell was, but she was evidently in charge of the work of the Methodist Female Friendly Association.

THE PARSONAGE (CHARLESTON)

[January 7, 1811]¹

[TO MRS. MARY MCDOWELL]

We have read with attention the Constitution of the Female Society,² the rules are good, the discipline strict, the property well secured, such an institution, in which the sisterhood may preserve their rights and privileges, and in time of prosperity provide for the days of adversity; women so weak, so unprotected, and strangers in the land, widowed and forlorn. I advise two things, the presiders be called governesses or directoresses; and that when you have founded the sum of 2,000, you would make a clause in the Constitution to appropriate a certain sum of the annual income to charity to meet female distress of any and all descriptions. This will like [tythe?] to sanctify the institution.

FRANCIS ASBURY

The Wesleyan Journal, February 10, 1827. Transcribed by Albert D. Betts