December 17, 1811 — to Jacob Gruber

Jacob Gruber was one of Asbury’s most dependable men. The camp meetings are again upon Asbury’s mind. He urges Gruber to diligence by the suggestion of his own example.

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

December 17, 1811

[TO JACOB GRUBER]¹

My dearly Beloved:

I only honor you as you honor God. I pray for you daily twice. I write to you. The God of all grace help me, thee, and all his children, and ministers. Surely it is America’s Day. The prospects are great beyond description in the outward search; hundreds are converted. So many popular meetings in one year. I think river will be the line of the 2 districts. As to the nomination, we shall know hereafter, you will make out the plans. The preachers, as many as can, will meet in Leesburg, [Va.]. We have lamed 2 horses, and one man twice. We are so simple when we set off from one conference to another. We ride so crooked; that where we might go for six, we take 1200 miles. Oh for men like Baxter’s² pastors, for doctrine, discipline, duties, diligence.

My painful 40 years expired the 20th of October. Oh! what have I been doing, the chief of sinners saved, less than the least of all, and was I to live over again perhaps no better my poverty the purity of my intention, the souls gone to glory, and those that now preach and live the gospel, comfort me. Letters and life will shorten. I feel as if the year 1812 will be great in the new and old perhaps in grace and judgment. You heard we stationed 101 in the West Conference, added members between 3 and 4000. I expect we shall station 100 in the South. We must form new districts, circuits and conferences, in the west and other parts, I am,

FR. AY.

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