January 16, 1813 — to Stith Mead

An interesting résumé is given here of Asbury’s life and travels and their relation to early American war history. One wishes he had elaborated on the persons to whom reference is made in the letters.

FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

January 16, 1813

[TO STITH MEAD]¹

My dear Son:

Great grace attend us. How shall we be wise like the serpent, harmless like the dove? Beware of men! said one that knew what was in man’s heart and actions. Serious times with me, an old soldier of Jesus. I hand my crutch and say how fields have been won. In the 68th year of my age, 52nd year of my ministry, 42 year of my American mission, I have lived to see above 200,000 in Methodist fellowship, 3000 local laborers, 700 travelling laborers. Ohio, Tennessee, South Carolina Conferences, these three, held in the last of the year 1812, to be returned 1813 [members], increase 18,000! beyond all calculation. Great General Conference year, 30 of the most valuable men in those conferences absent² 6 months of the best part of the year, delegates to General Conference. Alas I have lived to see the French, the Revolutionary and the present war.³ But may all our church, and national afflictions be sanctified to all, when they come to press on rich, and poor, patience, faith, prudence, love, diligence, long-suffering, gentleness, guidance. I am yours,

F. AY.

P.S. I have established the 9th and appointed the tenth Conference on Mississippi, a complete circuit for the president round United States lines, and 5000 miles and meet Conference in 12 months. Your letters made your friends laugh, to hear how you had —— the fox. You made him mad, he will bite me again, and whorry [?] the Baltimore bull,⁴ if Smith⁵ will hold the rope.

Drew University Library