Undated — to Daniel Hitt

HARRISONBURG [VA.]

Aug. 11, 1806

[TO DANIEL HITT]

My Very Dear Daniel:

We have a grand house built here, and the best seat I know for Conference in 1808. Those that have served the connection 18 or 20 years, & mean to serve for life, should not be inattentive to all the interests of so great a body; if from among that description these cannot be called forth —— be like a campground night after night. It is begun in York, the City, —— & immorality. Oh! how has truth been imprisoned. Oh! how we have been [?] in our houses, at Quarterly meetings, when thousands were perishing for the word, & could not hear it. Blindness in part has happened to our Israel. I saw a letter that Doctor Coke wrote to a brother Myres; that he would do anything to support this blessed form of things in America. How far he, that has many things to learn, of our plan of things, will excell those who have had constant practice, during his 20 years absence from the Continent; I am not able to say. Learning Dignity & money are great in the eyes of some, as well as an extensive acquaintance with men and things. For my part, an age of 62 years, and 57 may teach us to moderate our zeal for commanding. If 40 years is not time enough, or 35 for American gradation, we may as well quit, and pronounce that they shall be under Tutors & governors from Europe till the end of time. I should be pleased, you would have a fire place in the Conference chamber, at the expense of the society or Conference; if we have those wretched stoves, we shall have our men of business sick, if you have not written, write me fully to Newbern, North-Carolina, by the 2nd of Feb. 1807. Let me hear if you have any thing certain or special from any part of the work. I am still your faithful Brother and Friend.

F. ASBURY

Letters to Daniel Hitt, Ohio Wesleyan University Library