[February —, 1816] — to David Young

Though Asbury is very near the end of his life, he still shows great concern for the appointments. There is reference here to the subscription which was being circulated in the church, a copy of which is included with these letters.

[February —, 1816]¹

[TO DAVID YOUNG]²

I recollect your letter, I could not write. I was hawking up blood. I judged it lay with you as any presiding elder to take up a stray or mend a conference case. A man fit for no station was sent back in mending and accommodation. An old steady preacher said Brother B. Mervin must change a brother. The people will not receive him. He was in the circuit a few years back, he offended the people generally, he will not do. Yes, said Francis, I sent him back to the west end but accommodation altered it, but I was mute. I have wished one letter once a year, an abstract from all the statements of presiding elders showing the general state of the narrative³ of the whole work in that conference it might be seen with other and a general narrative of the work printed, it would save money and labour. I cannot write now as in days past.

FRANCIS ASBURY

P.S. As to the printed subscription paper it is a plan of benevolence you may use or not. It has met with most general applause among our own people, and hearers and almost all. It should be booked as ours is. I presume we have furnished a relief to every conference and perhaps sent 2000 dollars and over last June—12 months.

Methodist Historical Collection, Ohio Wesleyan University Library