This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project to make the world's books discoverable online. It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover. Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the publisher to a library and finally to you. Usage guidelines Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying. We also ask that you: + Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for personal, non-commercial purposes. + Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help. + Maintain attribution The Google "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it. + Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe. About Google Book Search Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web at |http : //books . google . com/ Digitized by Google i V Google Digitized by* M Digitized by CjOOQIC \ { \ ' ii It Digitized by G^s gle Digitized by Google f , , k ^ .nV ISAAC HENDERSON /v t „Mo,. ; Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Jf.y- ^ •,\-*\ Digitized by Google TH£ JOURNAL OF TBS REV. FRANCIS ASBURY, BISHOP OF FROM AUGUST 7, 1771, TO DECEMBER 7, 181i. ndHflii VOL.n, ' V-: •::!• :: ; •FROM JULY 15, 1786, TO NOVEMBER '^^ 1§00. r- V; V ;i^MW'FORK: PUBUSHXD BT IT. BAKfiS ASp T. MASON FOR THS MBTH0DI8T KPis^oPAL $;hvrch. ^knluun Paul, Priater, 183 Watw-StrMt. 1821. Digitized by Google PUBLIC UBR^RV 562801. TILBtK fOUKDXT;#l« MM II II n- iiiw ■<■ ■»■ * BE I^ HEJffEMJlBR^iy.JtoA} ^n th« tfairtieih day of AptU. in the forty-fifth year of the lode* pendeo«e qf the United StatfeOe^AiQerica, JV. Bangs and T. JUaton, of the said district, have de- posited ip'thisCb^tj^ tfie«tjil«of B4>ook, the right whereof they claim as Proprietors, in the worda foUo^of , 5© wit ;•••-:>, ; «*Th'e Joftftrtil*»^tl»ek?R.ef. Francis Asbarr, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, from • •' A1^u^7, 1J271, t^ December 7, 1815. In three rolumea** inccifbxfi^^ ih'itii/(ci of ttie Congress of the United States, entitled *' An Act for the Encou- raAni%nt«f Li I preached ta accommodate them ; my subject was Joshua liv. 8. Monday 13. I had about &fty hearers at Myles's chapel, where I preached a funeral sermon on Ezek. xxxvi. 26. Tuesiky 14. i crossed Pocomoke-River, and had soaie^enlarge- ment in preachiug at Melvin's. Virginia. — Thursday 16. Rode to Paramore'^. The winter comes on apace. I am at thnes beset with temptation ; but sin is as hateful to me as ever. Friday 17. The weather was cold and rainy, so that there were but few people at the widow Burton's ; among these there were some who enjoyed, and others panting after, the perfect love of God. Sunday 19. I rode about twenty miles through the rain to Garrett- son chapel, where about fifty whites, and as many blacks met me, to whom I preached with liberty. Monday 20. 1 rode about forty -five miles ; and on Tuesday preached at Snow-Hill to about one hundred people. Here I visited seme prisoners under sentence of death; they were sunk down witli feat and horror. Delaware. — Friday 24. My soul has peace under sore temptation* I want to live from moment to moment under a sense of God. Saturday 25. We had a coH, long ride to the sounds On Sunday we had an open house, and the weather was very cold; but my preaching was not all in vain : I spoke from these words, ** I wilt give them a heart of flesh." Monday 27. 1 rode thirty miles to Lewistown, very unwell. I preached at Shankland's, and the people were serious, but I was compelled to cease from speaking by a violent pain in my head, ac- companied by a fever. ^ Tuesday 28. I preached in the court-house at L^wistown, and I trust the word went with some weight ; the congregation was large. Maryland. — I attended a quarterly meeting at William Frazier's, where I rested from travelling two days ; the first day I spoke on <' Fight the good fight of faith ;" and on the second, " Look unto me, all ye ends of the earth, and be saved." ^My soul was blessed, although our meeting was cold ; and our dwelling-bouse crowded with a dozen preachers, besides others. Digitized by Google JI&64] RE;yt r&4J»ci8 asbv&v's jouehtal* 7 Sonday, D^iieaiber a. Preached at Tackahae chapel oo ** I'hese •haligo away iato everlasttog panifthiiieiit^ bat the lighteona into life fefc^nml." I spoke agaia at widow Lyder's at foar o'clock* Monday 4. I rode to the bay-side throogh sdow and hail, and met •koal one hundred people : this we owe to the revival of religion among them. ./ Onr return thence was throogh heavy roads. I stop- ped in my way at H. Banning's, whose wife felt conviction under my preaching three years ago. TuesdiTf 5. I had afew people at BoUngbrook, and spent the even- iBg with Colonel Borckhead, who wants to know the Lord ; he opened his mind to me with great freedom and tenderness. Brother White says that five hundred souls have joined society in this circuit (Tal- bot) this year ; that half that number profess to have found the Lord ; and more than one hundred to have obtained sanctification ; good news this if true. At Barratt's chapel there was some move during the course of the quarterly meeting, especially at the love-feast. 1 rode in the even- ing to Dover^ and preached on ** so is every one that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God." Friday 15. We had a heavy ride to queen Anne's chapel. I did sot arrive there until near two o'clock. My soul melted for back- ilidecs. I was much led out on Hos. xiv. 14. ; and hope it will never be forgotten. We dined, and then rode to Newtown by sunset. . Sunday 17. A day of rest to my souL I preached, and adniinisier- ed the sacrament in Newtown. They have a comfortable house for worship here, especially in the winter. Came to Worton chapel, and had some life in speaking to a few people. We waited at the widow Frisby's for a boat to cross the Chesa- peake bay ; but none was to be had. We rode round the head of Elk River, and crossed the Susquebannah : we came in, after riding that evening in the rain and snow, with the wind in our faces, about twenty miles. Maryulnd. — Thursday 23. Reached the college ; and on Friday went to Baltimore, where 1 was in great haste to settle the business of the book concern, and of the college. Saturday 25. We. called a meeting of the trustees, formed our oonatttution, and elected new members. 1 preached twice on the Sabbath, and ordained Woolman Hicksou'and Joseph Cromwell to the eldership. 1 met the trustees and. adjusted the accounts. We find we Ime^ expended upwards of £2000 ; we agreed to finish two rooms, and to send for Mr. Heath for our president. On Tuesday I left town, and came to Annapolis about seven o'clock. Finding my Digitized by Google 8 REV. FRANCIS ASBURY's JOURNAL. [1787. , appoiDtmeftts were not made, I determined to direct my course towards Alexaadria. The Lord has been powerfully at work at An- napolis since I was here last Autumn : twenty or thirty whiter aad some blacks ha?e been added to the society. Virginia. — I reached Alexandria, and on Saturday, preached in the court-house on '' If we suffer, we shall also reign with him." January 1, 1787. Preached at brother Moss's on 2 Chron. xr. 12, 13. on the people's entering into covenant with God. Tuesday 2. We rode near fifty miles on our way to Westmoreland ; next day, by hard riding, we came to Pope's, in Westmoreland ; but I hare not been more weary many times in my life. Saturday k Sunday. Attended the quarterly meeting in the North- ern Neck : there were many simple and loving testimonies delivered in the love-feast. Thursday 1 1. Rode through the snow to Fairfield. Here a Capt. R. had turned the people out of the barn in which worship was held, and threatened to take brother Paup to jail if he did not show his authority for preaching ; after all this vapouring of the valiant Cap* tain, when the affair was brought before the court, Captain R — found it convenient to ask pardon of our brother, although he sat upon the bench in his own cause : — so the matter ended. The Lord is at work in the Neck : more than one hundred have been added to the society since conference, who are a simple, loving, tender people. We bad a good time on Friday the 12th ; I spoke on Acts xxvi. 18. 1 think Grod has spoken by me to S — s, a wild man— but the Lord can tame him : O Lord, speak for thyself! Sunday 14. We had a crowd at the Presbyterian meeting-house in Lancaster, to whom I delivered a very rough discourse : it was a close and searching time, and we had many communicants, both white and coloured. Tuesday 16. Preached at the church on the love of Christ. I find it hard to the flesh to ride fifteen or twenty miles every day and perform the duties of my station ; especially when indisposed and suffering therefrom the bodily pain incident thereto. Lord, give me patience ! I feel uncommon affection for the people here. Wednesday 17. 1 had a crowd of careless sinners at Mrs. Ball's, who is a famous heroine for Christ. A lady came by craft and took her from her own house, and with tears, threats, and entreaties urged her to desist from receiving the preachers, and Methodist preaching ; but all in vain. She had felt the sting of death some years before, and was a most disconsolate soul ; having now found the way, she would not depart therefrom. Digitized by Google 17d7-} ABV. F&AHCI8 ASBURY's JOURnW 9 Thursdqj 18. Roile ten miles, to the«ferrj ; bot being iiiiable to cr4i88) I returned to Mrs. B.'s : next mormng I came away before 4ay9 and reached Shackford's. Saturday 20. Preached at Douglas's — very low in body and spirit. Sunday 21. & Monday 22. Cold times in religion in this circuit, (Gloucester) compared with the great times we have had in Lan- caster. Tuesday 23. Came off early, and preached in Yorktown to some well-behaved women. Dined with Mr. Mitchell, and went on to dear brother Weidon's, whose heart and hands were open. Wednesday 24. According to appointment, I attended at Williams- burg. 1 had about five from the country, and about fifteen hearers from the town, besides a few blacks and children. I spoke with free- dom on " They made light of it." I returned through the rain, but hope to receive no harm. " He guards our souls, he keeps our breath. Where thickest dangers come : Go, and return ; secure from death, Till God commands thee home. . Friday 26. We waited four hours in the rain before we could qwHB the ferry at Old Jamestown ; it was two hours after night when we came to brother MoringSw Tuesday 30. We held a quarterly meeting at Craney Island ; iht weather prevented many from attending. I was blessed in the com- pany of the preachers. Wednesday 31. I enlarged on " What shall the end be of them who obey not the Gospel of God ?" I observed to them that the Gos- pel had oAce been taken away from them ; and that they ought to lay it seriously to heart, lest it should be the case again. We had some quickening in the sacrament and at the love-feast. Thence I went through Portsmouth, and preached on ** Ye are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." Saturday, February 3. Visited my old friend Fullford : he is fee- ble in body, and not much at ease in his worldly possessions, yet happy in God. Brother Poythress frightened me with the idea of the Great Swamp, the east end of the Dismal ; but I could not consent to ride sijtty miles round ; so we ventured through, and neither we nor our horses received any injury.—Praise the Lord ! — Our passing unharm- ed through such dangers and unhealthy weather, feelingly assures me that I am kept by the immediate interposition of His providence Vol. II. 2 Digitized by Google- 10 , &EV* FRANCIS ASB9Rt'6 JTOQRViUn {MB7> I.|WdftG]iied in. the new chapel. — 1 hope not in vain. I 9111 im>w snt- Eoaaded with watera, and hideoas swamps, near the head of Pasqoo* thnk- River. NoatTH Carolina^ — Thursday 9. Came on, wet and unwell to Froby's. Wenton toNixontoD, where I had many to hear, and was blessed in my own soul, and, I think, spoke to the cases of some of my audteoce. Friday 10. I had a long ride of nearly fifty miles to Gates county. We stopped at one Newby's, one of the society of Friends, who en- tertained us kindly. We reached sister Gibson's, cold and weary. The poor fiesh complains, but my soul enjoys peace and sweetness. Sunday 11. We had a large congregation, and an open time at Knotty-Fine chapel. — Here we have a little revival. Tuesday 13. I had about sixty people at Wicocpn : I spoke as I felt on Jer. xiii. 11. I mourned over the people and left them. I came to Hardy's, where I Spoke with some light on Matt. xxii. 5. I unhappily ran a splinter into my leg which has alarmed me. I found we had to go twelve miles by water, and send the horses another way. O what a world of swamps, and rivers, and islands, we live in here ! I met brother B — and A — ; two devoted young men ; the former, a native of Maryland ; the latter of Virginia, ^t (he desire of several < of the brethren I preached at Washington, where many collected in the court-house, whom I addressed on my favourite text, 1 Tim. i. 15. Three miles on the water, and riding three more on roads under the water, (such is the inundated state of the country,) made our jaunt unpleasant. Thursday 22. We set off for Newbern. Stopped at Kemps- Ferry* kept by Curtis, where we were kindly entertained, gratis* I feel heaviness through labour and temptation, yet I am given up tp God. Friday 23. I arrived at Newbern^ I felt the power of death as I journeyed along. We rode round the town, and could get no certain information about preaching, brother Cole being absent. We were at last taken in at Mr. Lathrop's. The place and people were in such a state, that I judged, by my own feelings, it would be as well to leave them just as I found them — and so 1 did. Tuesday 27. It was rather a dry time at the love-feast and sacra- ment. There was some life and melting while I enforced ** Look uuto me, and be ye sayed, all ye ends of the earth." We then rode to H '^s on Island Creek. I went alone into the woods, and had sweet converse with God. At night we were poorly provided agamst the weather ; the house was unfinished ; and, to make matters worse, Digitized by Google 1787.] HfcT. F&jLirCIS ASSURY's JOVRNAI^. 11 9 faoKse Ucfced the door open, and I took a cold» and bad the toolhaeh, with a high fever. Thursday, March 1. I had more hearers, and they were more attentive than I expected : 1 trust it was a profitable time. Rode to brother Johnsou's — without the labour of slaves he manages to have abuDdance for man and beast. Tocf&day 6. My horse is stiff, and almost foundered, and there is ad appearance of a swelling on his head. I have always had hard struggles to get to Cbarieston — Lord, give me patience, and bear me up ! Wednesday 7. Crossed the main fork of Black-River, and came through a wild country to Colonel R ^'s : the Colonel's wife is a tender, devoted woman. Thursday and Friday 8, 9. Directed our course to the south : crossed Cf^e FeaJr, and reached Drowning-Creek. Rested a day at W— '«, a Idnd people, but without religion. South Carolina. — Sunday It. Preached at Robinson's new court- house. Rode in the evening to M — 's. Crossed Little Pee- Dee ; stopped at S — 's ; ate a morsel, and came on to Buck Swamp. Thursday lb* Preached at the new church at S — 's : here I heard that Doctor Coke was in Charleston. Proceeded thence to the, widow Port's, where I had much ado to prevail on brother H. to stay. We rode nearly fifty miles to get to Georgetown. Here the scene was greatly changed : almost the whole town came together to bear the word of the Lord. We arrived in Charleston, and met Doctor Coke. Here We have already a spacious house prepared for us ; and the congregations are crowded and solemn. Sunday 25. I enlarged on, '< I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of God, than to dwell in the tents of Wickedness ;" at night again on Isai. xlv. 22. We held our conference in this city. Tuesday 27. We exchanged sentiments on matters freely. Wednesday 28. The Doctor treated on the qualifications and dutieis of a deacon. Thursday 29. Our conference ended, Friday 30. I left the city, and rode thirty miles, although my horse had been injured by over-feeding. Next day I rode forty miles through the rain, and begged a lodging with Doctor W. Sunday, April 1. We came to Santee Ferry, and there was such aa overfipwiog of water in our route that we had to swim upon our Digitized by Google 12 RET. FEAHCIS ASBURT's JOURNAL. hones several times : mj horse performed so well that I was not wet moch higher than my knees : that day we rode thirty miles, and the next day fifty miles, and came to Moore's. Here we met with brother R. Swill, who had been near death, bat then was recoTering : we advised him to go with as for his life. The people here begio to feel, and yield to the power of truth. Wednesday 4. At Camden I preached on *^ They made light of it :" thence we rode on to qaarterly meeting, where 1 met with a maltitade of people who were desperately wicked — ^bat God hath wrought among them : we had little rest by day or night Friday 6. Rode forty miles to preaching at Jackson's ; and then to brother Pace's. Saturday 7, and Sunday 8. Attended Anson quarterly meeting, in North Carolina : the Doctor preached on the love of Christ, and I on '* the grace of God that bringeth salvation ;" sacrament followed. From Saturday to Saturday, I have rode about three hundred miles, and have preached only about half the time : O may the Lord seal and water his own word, that all this toil of man and beast be not in vain. Tuesday 10. The Doctor and myself preached to a few simple people at W.'s, I hope not in vain. At our next meeting we ha# many hearers. We have scarcely time to eat or sleep. North Carolina. — Thursday 11. I preached at Salisbury. After- ward rode to Huggins's, where we had many hearers, and a meltiag among the people. Good-Friday, 12. I was much led out at Caton's. Thence to M'Knight's chapel, where we found a living people. Saturday 13. We hasted to C — ^y church, where we had many peo- ple : after riding twenty-two miles, we had another meeting about six o'clock; and about midnight got to bed. Sunday 15. Rose about six o'clock, and went to Newman's church, where the Doctor and myself both preached : the people were rather wild, and we were unwell. I came to Arnat's about eight o'clock, having rode forty miles : the Doctor went by Dick's ferry, and did not get in until near midnight. Monday 16. Rode to Jeremiah White's, and on Tuesday about fifty miles to Page Mann's, in Charlotte county, Virginia. Virginia. — Wednesday J 8. Rode to Rough-Creek. On Thursday the 19th, our conference began at William White's. We had much preaching, morning, noon and night; and some souls were converted to God. Digitized by Google REV. FRAKCIS ASBUKT's JOtRHAL. 13 Saturday 21. I gave them a discoarse od Jer. iii. 15. " And I will give you pastors accordiog to mine heart." Sonday 22. The Doctor spoke on the qualifications of a deacon ; and I gare them a charge. Some said there were three thousand people to hear : it was a solemn, weighty time. Monday 23. We called at Hampden and Sidney college, in Prince Edward : the outside has an^ unwieldy, uncommon appearance, for a seminary of learning ; what the inside is, I know not. The presi- dent, Mr. 1. Smith, is a discreet man, who conducts himself well. About half past eleven o'clock we reached John Finney's, in Amelia, having rode about sixty miles. I want to live more constantly in the spirit of prayer. Wednesday 26. Preached atj. A.'s, and then rode to Manchester, where I preached again. The Doctor preached in Richmond. Thursday 2C. Went onwards to the north. We have made it a point to pray in the families where we lodge, whether public or pri- vate ; and generally where we stop for refreshment. Saturday 28. At night the Doctor preached in Alexandria ; and again on the Sabbath morning, to many hearers. We were kindly entertained on Sunday night at S. Turner's, near Bladensbnrg, Mary- laBd, and on Monday reached Baltimore about noon. Maryland. — ^We had some warm and close debates in conference ; but all ended in love and peace. AAer much fatigue'and trouble, our coaference ended on Monday the sixth of May. We went forward to Perry Hall. Thence we went to Cokesbury ; drew a deed for the conveyance of the property of the college, and settled our tem- poral matters, there. Wednesday, May 8. Many attended at Elkton, and we were received bj[ the Rudolph family with great respect. Thursday 9. We attended at Wilmington at noon ; and at Chester, at night. Friday 10. We reached Philadelphia, where the Doctor preached that, and the following evening. >Ve spent the Sabbath in the city, and on Monday came to Trenton, where we found a lifeless peodfe. New-Jersey. — Tuesday 14, The Doctor preached with life it the Episcopal church at Elizabethtown, and we had a good time. New-York.^ — Wednesday 16, Arrived in New- York and rested. On Friday, Saturday, Sanday, and Monday, the Doctor preached with great energy and acceptance. Tuesday 16. After long silence I preached on "For Zion*s sake I will not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest." Digitized by Google 14 WV* rvLAtuci^ Awmv*9 j^^val. [1787. Bode twenty miles on Loiig-hland, ta Hemfiateaidl Harbour, and preached with some liberty in the erenii^. I am now out of the city, and have time to reflect : my sonl returns to its rest» and to its Isboor ftr soids, in which I can live more bj role. Tbarsday 18. I roae ?ery sick — ^felt solemn and devoted to God. I preach^ in ^ paper mill on *< If any man wiU do his will be shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God.'' I preached at Uoscheto Cove, where many attended notwithstand- ing the rain : there was a power went with the word. Saturday 26. Rode to — — : our friends had procured the Pres- byterian church for me. I felt a sfnirit of life on these words, " Be ready to gi?e an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." I called to sq^ my old friend and asslslant, James GIaisbrook> who was the first preacher I travelled with upon a regular appointment in England. He is now a Presbyterian minis- ter ; much changed in his outward man, but 1 believe his sentiments are much the same as when I first knew him. The Lord be with, and bless him ! Sunday 27. I came to Harper's, where we have a little, new house, and about thirty members : I hope, and expect, in a few years, to see a circuit of siit weeks formed here, and four or five hundrefl members in society. The people on this island, who hear the Gos- pel, are generally poor, and these are the kind I want, and expect to get. 1 have had great assistance and freedom in speaking. Monday 28. Game to York — Preached at night on " They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh, and they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.'* I found it necessary to stop brother Hickson from going to Nova Sotia : brother C— * is mar- ried, and I expect brother Jessop will go alone. ' Tuesday 29. I delivered a close and awful discourse on " They shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob," &c. 1. A scriptural view of the kingdom of heaven. 2. The subjects or citizens thereof. 3. Sit down with Abraham, famous for &th ; Isaac for justice, truth, meditation, and walking with God ; and Jacob, mighty in prayer. I was in prayer until near midnight. O Lord make me all life and love ; patience and resignation under the troubles of the church and disappointment of its ministers. Sunday, June 3. I had a gracious time on 2 Cor. iv. 1, 2, 3, 4. Ordained £. Cooper a deacon. In the afternoon my soul had peace whilst I enlarged on Matt, xviii. 15. to the end. Digitized by Google I>7i7.] Mxw. FHAircia jlsbvat's jovrkal* 1^ . Taeidiiy 6. Preadied on «' No man faaviD^ pnt hit baid te tte plo^h,^nd loeksog back, k fit for the kingdom of hearen*" 1 felt £reedotk and poorer in apeaking. Wednesday 6. Met leaders aod trustees, and after «ome etf^a- tioa, settted matters relative lo singitig in public worsbvp. I j^each- ed at tbe poor-ho^e on ** Wbosoeyer shall call ott Hie name of the Lord shall be saved." My soul^ has peace. I keep myself busy in Tisitiftg the families 6f the society, or the sick, or meeting class, if some other bnttoess dees not call me. Sunday 10. I had ^some life in preachixig on Ltike ir. 18. and in tbe aflerhoou on ** I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth because thou hast hid these things from %he wise and pru- dent," &c. I left the city in great union with the Lord and with tbe ch«HM:h. My soul is variously exercised : I want the country air, ^nd to live more in the spirit of solitude and of prayer. Came to Eagt-Chestor and preached in the shefU of the new church on ^' To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts ;" the power of tjfod was felt. I came to the widow Bartoe's, where I lay sick fifteen years «^, and was treated with the greatest tenderness ; may tbe Lord reward them 441 a hundred fold, and convert tbeir souls ! Tuesday 12. i found it the same at New-Rochelle town as in times past : will it always be so ? — ^If there is no change I shall trouble them no more. In the afternoon I rode to C — 's, where I laboured many years ago, and there is some fruit remaining to this day* Wednesday 13. We had a long and warm ride to North-Castle. Here a multitude were gathered together, to whom I spoke in an orchard on '^ Him hath God exalted with his right-band to be a Prince and Saviour, to give repentance unto Israel, and remission of »ns." I was quite un well, /atn^ yet pursuing. Rode to R-p-'s, of the society of Friends, who received us with great love. At H — 's a multitude came Iq hear, whom I exhorted to *' Seek the Lord while he might be found." I was happy in being alone. I poured out my soul to God for the whole work, and the dear people and preachers of my charge. My body is weak— my soul enjoys peace. I have power over all sin, and possess a spirit of prayer and watchfulness : I feel myself dead to all below, and desire to live only for God and souls Friday 15. I preached to a listening multitude at Peekskill ; and was alarming and ctose on << By grace ye are saved through faith." Digitized by Google 16 ftcr« FRARCIS ASBVRY's JpURKAI.. [1787. I thought there were do people here of spiritoal understandiDg ^ bot I was iDformed, to my comfort, that a number of siii^ple-hearted peo- ple had formed themselves into a society for prayer : perhaps these will be some of the first-fruits in this place. Saturday 16. Rode over the mountain, and was gratified with the sight of a remarkable recess for the Americans during the last war : the names of Andre and of Arnold, with which misfortune and trea- chery are so unhappily and intimately blended, will give celebrity to West-Point, had it been less deserving of notice than its wonder* fol appearance really makes it. It is commanded by mountains rising behind, and appears to be impregnable : there are block- bouses on the east ; and on the west, stores, barracks, and fortifica- tions. From West-Point we crossed a high mountain, and came to Newburgh. Sunday 17. In the love-feast, sacrament, and public exercises, we were employed nearly seven hours: there was some life in the love-feast, but the congregation appeared very little moved under preaching. " Monday 18. I presume I had nearly seven hundred hearers at Allen's, to whom I spoke with some power on Luke xi. 13. I bap- tised several adults, and some children ; and came to W 's, and baptised others. Thence to Mr. Ellis's, whose wife (a dutch lady) entertained us liht a queen. I visited Colonel P , supposed to be at the point of death : after close examination, I administered the sacrament to him. New-Jerset. — Wednesday 20. I came to Warwick, where I sup- pose not less than a thousand people were collected : I was very low both in body and spirit, but felt stirred up at the sight of such a congregation, and was moved and quickened while I enlarged on Gal. i. 4. r baptised some, and administered the sacrament to many communicants. Thursday 21. A multitude attended at B 's, in a barn. Here God hath wrought a great work for a poor, blind, ignorant people* Friday 22. I preached at the stone church, afler riding upwards of thirty miles : we then rode until ten o'clock in the night through a heavy rain. I was much tried in body and mind : I had nothing to eat but a little bread and milk, and that made me sick. Saturday 22. We had a good time at Sweezy's. After administer- ing the sacrament, we had another long ride after night. Sunday 24. I preached in the woods to nearly a thousand people. I was much oppressed by a cold, and felt very heavy in body and soul. Like Jonah, I went and sat down alone. I had some gracious feeKngi Digitized by Google 1787.] IIEV. FlURCIS ASBURY^S JOURNAL. 17 ifi the ssicrament-— others also felt the quickeoiDg power of God. I haptisred a number of idfants and adults, by sprinkltDg aod by im- mersion — I felt my body quite weary in, but my spirit not of^ the wonk of God- Tuesday 26. Preached at W. Wallace's to a dull, contracted people. Since last Mooday two weeks, I hare rode about three hundred and fifty miles. FEKNSTLYANiir. — Woduosday 27. We had a warm ride through a fertile, pleasant country to Trenton ; and on Thursday the 28th to Philadelphia. Here I found T. V. had scattered firebrands, and thrown dirt to bespatter us. Friday & Saturday 29, 30. Taken up in writing letters, packing up books, and begging for the college. Sunday, July 1. Preached three times in the city of Philadelphia ^-^On Monday 2. to a few simple-hearted souls at Radnor. Tuesday 3. We had a flat time at the Valley. . Wednesday 4. We had a few feeling souls at Uchland-^after- ward went to Covontry Forge. Saturday 7. I had some energy in preaching to a few people at Morgans-Town. ^ Sunday 8. Preached at Evans's, Rich-Land^— a poor people for region : I hope, nevertheless, that God will visit them. Monday 9. Preached at I. Miller's, who has a pious wife. Friday 13. We rode to Hagerstown ; and found it a journey of about fifty miles : we and our horses were weary enough. I was sorry to hear that the people came twice to hear me last year ; and the lameness of my horse caused me to disappoint them. Saturday 14. At five o'clock in the evening the court-house was opened ; a few of the great and many of the poor attended, to whom I spoke with divine assistance. I preached again on Sunday at eleven o'clock. I find T. V. has misrepresented us as having cast ofi* Mr. Wes- ley, making this a plea for his re-ordination. Virginia.— -Monday 16. Set out for the springs. — In the first .place we missed our way ; then my baggage horse ran back two miles — I was tried not a little. — O, how sad the reflection, that matters trifling as these should make a person so uneasy. We reached the springs about seven o'clock. I preached the two fol- lowing days with some satisfaction. By advancing nine pounds, for nails and planks, I engaged brother Eaton to have our chapel co- vered by the first of August. ^ Vol. H. 3 Digitized by Google It RBV» FRANCIS ASBVHY'S iOVtOIMii* [17t7; MAitTi.AifD.-^Fridtty 90. W* kad a hcaty rid« to Old Town : we met with a kind reeeptioD ; and bad a remiag seaflon ki tho fiusily. Saturday 21. Was a day of rest to my Boal aad body. Preaahed on Cant. iv. 16. Sunday 22. We had sacrament attended with tome power in Ike ^ evening. Tuesday 24. There was to faaf e been great ddings i^ Cimiber- land, but Mr. B — , a minister, failed coming. I had a good tima ia Mr. BelPs mill on " Thou art fairer than the sons of men." We had feeling and weeping at Barratt's-^my subject, ^' I sleep, but my heart waketb," &c. eight or nine verses. I feel a sweet* ness of spirit, and much of the love of Christ. Came to Cressap^e^ Friday 27l Ordained brother Phoebus deacon, and had a seri* OHS time< Sunday 29. At Jones's; all death I death ! death t My mind was devoted to God. I administered the sacrament, but could find no openings. Rode to Old Town. — Six years ago I preached in this place, when there was scarcely a soul that knew any thing of God ; now there are sixty in membership, many of whom are happy in the knowledge of the troth. We held a love-feast, andl^ had a quickening time. Tuesday 31. Rode to the springs (Bath) much tried in spirit. 1 gave myself to reading and prayer. Wednesday, August 1. Preached at Bath. Sunday 5. Preached on Pet. iii. 9. to a large congregation, with but little liberty. Monday 6. I began my lectures on the Prophecies by Bishop Newton, and had more hearers than I expected. The weather is very warm ; many are sickly ; and continued changes of comers and goers — all this leaves but little opportunity for prayer. I for- bear reading on account of my eyes, lest I should not be able to read in public. Tuesday & Wednesday 7, 8. Had very few to hear, soi gave them up : every thing that is good is in low estimation at this place. 1 will return to my own studies : if the people are determined to go to hell, I am clear of their blood. My soul is clothed in sack- cloth and covered with ashes before the Lord. Thursday 9. I enjoy some peace. Friday 10. I feel a calm within, and the want of niore life, and more love to God, and more patience with sinners. I read my Digitized by Google 1787.] JtEV. FlUMCIS ASiMJUY's J0URVA4. 19 T««iaili6at. Ok! wlmta weMinesfewouldUfebe wUliOQtCk>d,and love, aad labour. The two first weeks of my time at Bath have been •feet «a carryiog oo the teUdiog of tb« new cbapel, reading New- ton on the Profh^dM^ visilkig, bathiog. ke. My soul has been under great trials, at times, hot hitherto the Lordiias helped, Tnesday 21. O, how «weet witt lahoar, and Christian society, and the seUtar y woods be iQ me. Thursday 23. I have beoa aoder fj^eat exefeises> but was di- vinely assisted in preocfaing on ^ The ey«s of the Lord are o?er the righteous,*' &c. Sunday ^. I preached on '' How bea»ttfol upon the mountains tfe the feet of him tftot briogeth good tidingB,'' &c. It was a selema tim&--4i^ son! was stayed «pon God. We had a melting saerament and love-feast, and many spoke. The devil is angry, and so are his children : brother Whatcoat spoke at the steps, and it was with difficulty the people kept themselves within decent bounds of respect. VxftUNiA.-^Friday 31.1 gave them my farewell address at Bath, and had many hearers. Saturday, September 1. I set out in the rain, and came to the wtfkrtv StriMid's, where I met with T. V. who made some acknovnr ledgments for what he had said in the heat of his zeal at Philadel- phia and at Bath. Sunday 2. I attended at, a place where every one has liberty to preach ; but it so happened that no one had an appointment there but myself-— The Methodists would do well to withdraw from this as a preaching place in their circuit. I had a laige congregation at Shepherds-Town, to whom I spoke on Luke iv. 18. I have had some trials and great consolations ; and at times, it is Paradise Re- gaioed with me since I left Bath and the wicked there. Mahylanb. — Friday 7. 1 had a cold time at Ryster's on *< Wo to them that are at ease in Zion." Thence I rode to the new church, where I had not much life. Came to Baltimore. The weather is extremely warm. Sunday 9, Preached in the morning— my text, ^< Thou art fairer than the sons of men :" in the afternoon at Mr Otterbine's churoh : andat night on '< They shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south," kc* — large crowds attended : 1 was straitened in speaking. The following Was a week of haste and business. Wednesday I went to Perry- Hall — thence to Cpkesbury — ^fixed the price of board, and the Digitized by Google 20 REV. FRANCIS ASBVRY'S JOVRNAL. 1787,] time for opening the college. On Friday I returned to Baitiinore. In the midst of business my mind is calm. Sunday 16. Preached at totvn and Point. On Monday, the peo- ple waited nearly two hours at Evans's before I arrived, owing to my horse being out of the j^ay : I found he had stuck a nail into his foot, so that I had to leave him. Under these discouraging cir- cumstances I was much exercised ; nevertheless, I had liberty in speaking, and there was a melting time among the people. Thence I hastened to Hunt's chapel, where I enlarged on ** I know you, that you have not the love of God in you." I rode by I. C— I's gate — an old stand of mine-— It is now, in two senses, fallen into decay. The want of religion oftentimes causes the want of economy. Ah ! how do the persons and fashions of this world pass away ! Tuesday 18. I found the work of God in a reviving state at G V. Wednesday 1 9. I had a liberal opening at Wilson's on " who- soever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Thience I hasted tp the Fork church, and preached on Cant. iii. 1-^—6. I lamented the gayety of the children of Methodists ; but yet they do not appear to be so full of enmity against God and his peopleas other children. I hasted to Cokesbury, it being the examination : some gentle- men, and some triflers were present. Friday I preached at Joseph Dallam's. Saturday 22. I preached at Havre de Grace, on Acts ii. 23. Sunday 23. I had a large congregation at Elk-Town, and some power attended the word. In the evening spoke at Isaac Harshay's. Monday 24. I had a large, solemn congregation at Wilmington. I feel a persuasion that God will revive his work at this plare. Tuesday 25. I attended at Chester ; and next day came to Phila- delphia. I had liberty in speaking on Cant. v. 6 — 10. On Thurs- day and Friday, I had not freedom as I wished. I was seized with a violent headach, exceeding any thing, as I thought, 1 had ever felt. Saturday 29. I felt a little better. My mind was stayed upon God. Sunday 30. We had a good sacramental occasion. In the after- noon brother Willis preached ; and at night I had some enlarge- ment on Ephes. iv. 17, 18, 19. Digitized by Google [1787. REV. FRAKCIS ASBVKY's JOVRliTAL. 21 Wednesday, October 3« I met the people, and explained the na- ture and design of the college* Thursday 4. I preached on the primitive design of the church. Friday 6. We had an uncommon love^feast — a gracious season — much speaking. On Saturday I met class, and on Sunday 7. There was life in the administration of the sacrament I felt humbled before the Most High. I trust the Lord will revive his work, and make his power known.' Monday 8. I came to Chester, and preached on ^* My grace is sufficient for thee." Delaware.— Tuesday 9. I had unusual freedom in speaking at Aaron Mattson's. Thence I pushed on through the rain, and was sorely tempted to complain. Wednesday 10. I was at Wilmington ; and next day came late to, Dickinson's. I visited Duck-Creek Cross-Roads, where we have a comfortable house which cost about two hundred pounds. Saturday 13 Came to Dover very unwell, and brother I. £. preached in my stead. Sunday 14. I read prayers, and preached on 2 Tim. iii. 10. ; and solemnly set apart Jacob Brush and Ira Ellis, for the office of deacon : I trust it was a profitable time. I spent two days at Thomas White's. Ttiesday 16. I preached the funeral sermon of Joshua Barack ; a faithful, steady man, who had followed the Lord about ten years^ my text was, ** These all died in the faith." Thursday 18. I had divine aid in preaching at Millford's : the house was open, and the day was cold. Friday 19. Came in the evening to Shanklands. Here I found the people in disorder and violence about the election ; some had gone so far as to take up fire arms. Sunday morning, 21. Before sacrament I preached on Psalm ii. 24, 25. and then in Lewistown, on ** God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world," &c. Tuesday S3, and Wednesday 24. I had a good time at quarterly meeting, at the Sound church : thence, through a barren sandy country, we came to Evans's church, where we had a good and gra- cious time, more so than I have felt for some time. From Evans's we rode to the beach, and gratified our curiosity with a sight of the raging, roaring sea. Wednesday 24. I spoke closely upon the discipline of the cburch — my subject, *' all Scripture is given by inspiration of God^ . Digitized by Google ^2. ^ftY. FJUNCiS AWVAV'« JOVflNAL. ^ [1787. and 18 profitaUe for doctrine^" kc* After neetiog, vre htA a. very long ride to brother Bowea's. MA]iri.A5D.— Friday 26. After preacbiog at PeDoaU't on '* I will gire them a heart to know me," &c. I rode ia the eTeaii^ to Downing's. Saturday 27. Reached Paramore's at nigbt Suoday 28. We had a gracioua time indeed. Monday 29. There were life and power among the people in the iacrament and loFO-feast. I was greatly comforted to find the Lord had greatly blest the laboacs of brother S— -, and that a revival * had taken place all around the circuit. In the evening I rode to Burton's, in Virginia. The former inhabitants hare gone to the dust« It seemed as if I was let into heaven, while I enlarged on ^' Be* hold .what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.'' We ha?e twenty miles, and sometimes more, a day to travel ; but we have fine roads, kind friends, and good entertainment. Thursday, November 1. The people coming in still after I began, caused me to lengthen out my discourse. Came afterward 4o Captain Burton's, and spoke with life and consolation. Friday 2. Was a day of sore exercise of soul, and barreo preaching. I visited Mr. R. and administered the sacrament tn. him. Rested that eveniog with Mr. Curtis. Saturday 3. Quarterly meeting. I was close on keeping the feast, and on disciplines-some felt the word. Sunday 4. Preached on *< Thou shalt arise and favour Zion." I believe God will make his power known ; and I trust brother Everitt will be made a blessing, as well by strictness of discipline, as by faithful preaching. Monday 5. I had a few living people at Phcebus's. My soul is given up to God ; but I have felt Satan near : Lord, help, or I perish I Sunday 11. 1 had some light in preaching at the Fork chapel. Spent the evening with brother Fnnall. Monday 12. 1 preached at Hooper's-rThence I rode to Johnson's chapel, and spoke on 2 Tim. 8 — 12. 1 had ^|ome enlargement. Ailer riding thirty miles, and preaching twice, we held a watch- night at Todd's. Sunday 18. We went to church at Cambridge, and heard a ser^ mon. Afterward I spoke to a large congregation at Tucker's en Rom. X. 1 — i. : upon the whole it has been a laborious, trying time of late. Digitized by Google 17S7*] KSir. nuNcis asbv&t's jovrnal* 33 TiMsdqr 90^. We rode Unvqgb excemire rain ihittf milts. Oat quartevly meeting at Fraaaer's chapel wias lafge and liirelj/ I had Tery tew to hear at Doctor Allen's, the fiery edge is greatly worn off tiiere.. Tharsday M. We had a IMiog time at Bolingbrook ; but it it not here ae in months past. Ob how soon does the power of religion deeii&e ! I eaoae to Easton, Talbot connty, wtere we had a watch- nigftt, and the gentry had a balk Friday 23. We had a gracious season at the Bay side, where many attended. ^ Saturday £4. My sool is dejected : O that it was perfectly re- signed to the will of God ! Sunday 25. I stopped at Keet's on my way to Kent Island. AHbough under a great depression of spirits, I was uncommonly led out whilst I enlarged on *^ Wo to them that are at ease in Zion,'* to a large assembly of people. Monday 26. My mind is still depressed. I called on poor Colonel H. who bears his imprisonment for debt with great forti- tude : I had a good time at Boardley's, notwitstanding two drunken men came in and made some disturbance. Friday 27. Cold, straitened for time at Tockaboe— something better at Choptank. I here heard of the conduct of A. C so ; he is gone from us at last. There were many people at Barrett's chapel during quarterly meeting, but I had little life in speaking. Monday, December 3. We had a melting time at Queen Anoes chapel. I enforced ^ Because iniquity shall abound, the Iofo of many shall wax cold." Tfiesday 4. At Chestertown, I had but little life on Isai. Uii. 1 — 5. : at night the Lord was with us indeed, while I enforced << Let your moderation be known to all men." WednesdwjT 5. After preaching at Worton chapel, we set out to cross the Bay, and were on the water until ten o'clock at night. Thursday 6. We opened our college, and admitted twenty-fire students. I preached on ** Trust in the Lord, and do good." On the Sabbatb I spoke on " Oh! man of God, there is death in the pot^'^-^md on Monday, ** They are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offiipring with them." From Cokesbury I came to Baltimore, where I was closely employed, and much in haste about temporal concerns. Saturday 15. I had a cold ride to Annapolis ; and but few to hear aoe on Sonday^moming. Brother H. attempted to travel with Digitized by Google 24 KiSV. VRAVcrs asbury's JOmtLKAL. [17t8> me, but was sooD (glad to resign. My soul has been kept in {lea^, and forlhree weeks past, I have enjoyed a most devoted frame of- mind. Thursday 20. We most now direct oar coarse for Laneaster,^ Viiginia, through a barren route of sixty miles. This is the only iincultiTated part of Maryland ; and God will surely visit these people, and bless them in his own time, if they hear his vtHee» We crossed Patuxent-River at sunrise : brother James having iHk* dertaken to be our guide, led us ten miles out of our way. Bear- ing near to Port Tobacco, we came to the ferry, crossed about sunset, and put up at Mrs. H.'s, where we paid eight shillings for our oats, and six for our fodder — all this exclusive of charge for lodging, as she said. Friday 21. Reached Pope's some time in the night. On Satar*- day I read the apostolical canons, pulished by Johnson — corio^ enough : he is a violent churchman, and appears to have liiUe charity for the Presbyterians, upon whom he is unmercifully .* severe. I have been sorely tempted, and at sword's point with the enemy* Sunday 23. I had very little life in preaching to a few dead souls at Pope's ; on Monday, at Hutt's, it was nearly the same hoihr* in preaching and sacrament ; in the evening at brother C^aens,^ the Lord powerfully Inroke into my soul, and the cloud disappeared. That night while sleeping, I dreamed 1 was praying for saoctifica*' tion, and God very sensibly filled me with love, and 1 waked shout- ing glory ! glory to God I my soul was all in a flame. 1 had never felt so much of God in my lifb ; and so 1 continued : this, was o& Christmas day, a great day to me. I rode to the widow Wollard's, and preached on *' For this pur- pose was the Son of God manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil." During the five last days, we have rode one • hundred and forty miles. We crossed Wicomoco and came to G.'s : death prevails here : my spirit was. clothed in sackcloth. Saturday 29, and Sunday 30. Held quarterly meeting at Lancas- ter meeting-house : there was a large gathering, and some life on the first day. On Sunday there was much snow, and only about three hundred people attended. I ordained £. EUid a deacon. Tuesday, Jantiary 1, 1788. Preached at the widow Ball's on Psalm XG. 12. Thursday 3. Crossed the RappahanDOck and came to G.'s, but did not feel free to stay. I went on to Blake's. Came to bro- ther Billups's, in.Kingston parish, Gloucester county : here we were Digitized by Google t?88,] REV. FRANCI6 A^BVltT'S JOVRHAL* 25 at bome, and bappy in oar religions exercises. During the last one hundred miles of oqr journey we have preached very little ibr the want of appointments. We left brother Billups's, and, after riding. forty miles, and preaching by the way, we came to Cappaho- cey-Ferry ; but being unable to cross, we rode on ten miles to the Wi4ow Roe's. Toesday 8. There being a storm of rain and a thaw, we set out to cross the river at York : we succc^eded, but with sooie difficulty : I had had some distressing apprehensions of this. 1 preached at B— 's ; on ** How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet," &c. « We cB^e to James- River ; the ice was in the way, yet we pushed through safely to the opposite shore, and arrived at Horeing's just as the quarterly meeting ended ; nevertheless, we too, had a meet- ing, and the cry of glory ! w^ heard in great life : God is among these people. Brother Cox thinks that not less than fourteen bun- dred, white and black, have been converted in Sussex circuit the past year ; and brother Easter thinks there are still more in Bruns* wick circuit. I preached at P.'s in Nansemond circuit: thence to Cowling's, and preached on Isai. liii. 1 — 4. We came on to Sleepy-Hole Ferry ; being unable to get our horses over, we walked five miles to Turner's. Sunday 13. I had some liberty on Tsai.lii. 6, 7, 8. Monday 14. We continued our meeting nearly four hotirs, but had little satisfaction by reason of the extreme cold. There is a growth in religion here since last year. We came to Portsmouth, but too late, the ice hindered : how- ever, I preached at three o'clock. Next day it rained, and few attended ; so that, upon the whole, we had but a low time there. I preached at N. Wilson's. Here I had an interview with I. H. : he wants to go into the Old Church. I had a great and good time at brother Williams's on isai. xxxv. 3, 4, 5. the power and lore of Ood were manifested and felt. North Carolina.'— Sunday 20. I preached at Col. Jarvis's ; and on Uooday at Saunders's— dull times at both theae places. Tuesday 22. At Coenjock : there is a death here. — has been experimenting on extremes — wise doctrine— hard discipline. I doubt whether it will end well. I have rode about eighty miles, and preached four times to about eight hundred people, most of whom were dead and igno- rant ; yet I hope God will arise. Currituck«*-a pleasant phice: I rode along the shore and en- joyed the view of its banks of evergreen. Vol. If. 4 Digitized by Google 26 nsv. viuKcia AsanT.'* jov&xal. ItSS.] I preached at Camden court-hoaae with freedom, but-the peo- ple appeared iDsenaible : after meeting, we rode» hnngrj and coU> ' Thursday 24. We had a violent atorm ; to We kept within doors ; and man and beast were well provided for. Friday 25, Was an uncommonly cold and windy day ; I never- theless attempted to preach at Richardson's chapel. In the even- ing visited W. P. Saturday 26, and Sunday 27. We had cold westber, and a cold . people at the quarterly meeting at Flatty-Creek chapel. On Sah- hath evening I preached at Nixonton. Monday 28. ftode to Gates's ; and next day preached at Knotty- Pine chapel : there were but few people, and it was a barren meeting. Wednesday .30. Preaclied on " The grace of God that brtng- eth salvation hath appeared unto all men." Alas ! for the rich — they are so soon oillended. Rode to Winton, a little town on Chowan-River ; here I had a dry meeting with a few people in the court-house. I housed for the night with W I sel- dom mount my horse for a ride of less distance than twenty mrlea on ordinary occasions; and frequently have forty or fifty ,:«Ib moving from one circuit to the other: in travelling thus I suffer much from hunger and cold. I preached at W ■ *s, with some liberty.— Our brother Cbastaine stamped to purpose. Saturday, February 2. At Wicocon I enlarged on Peter's fall* Sunday 3. I preached on Hebr. vi^ 11, 12. I rode that evening to friend Freeman's, whom I had not visited for five years past : I found him still an honest Baptist, and we were kindly entertained. Rode to Ross's in Martin's county. The rise of the waters of the Roanoak-River had inundated the low-lands more than a mile from the banks, and made the ferry altogether a wonderful sight. We came to our lodging about nine o'clock, and found a plain, kind- hearted host. I preached a funeral sermon — my text, *^ The sting of death is sin." I spoke on the nature of the law— -of sin ; its guilt, power, nature, and punishment, — and the victory through Christ. Does it not appear that those who live in sin, which is a breach of the law, wish to abolish the law, seeing they must know the necessary con- sequence of its violation ? — And if this paHtdaHon is just, what -saves them from theft, murder, rape ?-— self-preservation. Aha I poor world, is this all thy virtue ! Digitized by Google lTSt«] llEV. FIUHOIS ASBDET's JOVAVaL. 27 Wedaeidaj 0. Rode twenty milM, and liad the ice to break in tiro BwampB. Preached at Lloyd's, near Wa«bingtoo. Saturday 9. I had a very unfeeling people at Mr. 0.% to whom I preached with some freedom on Luke tr. 18.*-Death! death! deaUi I in the low-lands ! Sunday 10. I had many to bear at S.'s ; but it was an uncom- ArtaMe time : thence I rode to Coz*g on Neose River, where we bad an open time, and th^re is a prospect of good. We then had to DOTO towards Treat.- Our lid^s are «till long — ^from fifteen to twenty miles A day*. Wednesday 13. We had many dead souls at the quarterly 'meet* iog at Lee's. Thursday 14. My heart melted for the people : they do not, will not pray ; and if they so continue, most be undone* Friday 15. Came to poor J.'s, where I spoke dreadful thing* to a lifeless people on Isai. iiii. Sttturday 16. We rode to T-^-^'s, an old stand in Ouplia coun- ty, where I was met by a few souls. We had nought to eat, nor where to lodge short of Colonel C 's ;. we pushed for that shelter, and reached there about nine o'clock -at night: a poor fince for religion it is, but we met with good entertainment. Sunday 17. I had about five hundred hearers at Samson court- house, to whom 1 enlaiged on Peter's denial of hia Master. 1. He was self-confident 2. Followed afar off. 3. Mixed with the wicked. 4. Denied his discipleship, and then his Lord. Tuesday 19. At Fayetteville 1 was unable to preach. Wednes- day we pushed on for the south state, but being unacquainted with the way, we fell ten miles too low : after riding as many in the night, we ended our blunders and our fatigue for that day at S^'s, who used us kindly. SoOTfi Caroliiva. — Thursday 21. We rode twenty miles in the raio through the woo^ and sands, and had but a poor time at Ceeti dispersed aboat ten minntes. I preached at R.'s, at L.'s, and at C. C. church, in the Edisto circuit: the people are iDsensible, and,.! fear, are more in love with some of Christ's messengers than with Christ. I now changed my course and went through Oraogeburgh by the conga- rees to Saleuda, and thence up to Broad-River quarterly meeting : we rode till on^ o'clock on Friday the 2Tst of March ; I believe we have travelled about two hundred miles in five days : dear bro- ther Smith accompanied ine. 1 was so unwell that 1 had but little satisfaction at the quarterly meeting : my service was burdensome ; but the people were lively. Wednesday 26. We rode from Finch's to Odell's new church, where w^ had a good time whilst I enlarged on Tit. ii. 14* and administered the Lord's Supper. Thence to Smith's, thirty miles ; ' after preaching we had a night meeting that prevented our getting to bed until about twelve o'clock : we had a comfortable cabin, and were very well entertained. Thnrsday H, I had but little freedom on ** The foundation of ^Aod standeth sure." Brothers Mason and Major spoke after me. I went alone into the woods, and found my soul profitably solitary in sweet medilatlod and prayer. Friday'28. Rode about thirty miles to B.'s : my soul was tried, but it was also comforted in the Lord. I was much led out on Eph. vi. 18. and we were employed till nearly twelve o'clock at night. Sunday 30. I had some liberty in preaching, but the people began to move about when they were pointedly dealt with. Bro« tbers Mason and Major spoke after me. I found it good to be alone by the solitary stream and silent woods, to study the welfare of Zion, and to pray for her prosperity. Monday 31. We rode within a mile of Savannah River. The land in general, during our route, is very fine. We were benight- ed, and moping in the woods, made our journey a long one of a^out fifty miles. : Tuesday, April 1. We crossed the Savannah at the Forks, and came where I much wanted to be, in Georgia ; nevertheless, I fear I shall have but little freedom here. GEoRoiA.-^Wednesday, April 2. I rested ; and com^tiled two sections, which I shall recommend'to be put into our form of dis- Digitized by VjOOQIC L ' so Asv. rRAiras A8bvry'« jovrital. [l^f^B. dflioe ID order to remove frooi Society, by reguhr eteps* eith«r . preachers or people that are disorderly. Saturday 5. I was led oat in preachiog at the quarterly meetiDg OB Zech. ni. 10. Sunday 6. There was ^ moving on the souls of the people ; and I fell much life on Isai. zlv. 22. I have been told, that during the last rupture, the Indiami butchered nearly one hundred people. Wednesday 9. Our conference began at the Forks of Broad* River, where siz onembers, and four probationers attended* Bro^* ther Major was sick, and could not meet us : soon after, he aiade h^ exit to his eternal rest. Thursday 10, and Friday 11. I felt free, and preachied with light and liberty each day. Many that had no religion in Viiginia, have found it after their removal into Georgia and South Can^ina : here at least the seed sprung up, wherever else it may have been sown. Our httle conference was about sixty*one pounds deficiei^ in their quarterage, nearly one third of wbith was made up to thera» South Carolina. — Sunday 13. I called at a Presbyterian meet- ing-house, and heard Mr. Hal), the minister, preach a good sermon oil Isai. Iv. : after meeting we rode to brother Moore's, twenty^ miles on the Seleuda. * Monday 14. Was almost entirely occupied with writing lettera to the north. Tuesday 16. I had many people at the widow Bowman's. Whi]« here we bad a most awful storm ; 1 w|m afraid the house would come down. We rode in the night to M. Moore's : I was seized- with illness on the way, which continued during the night ; next ^ day however, I was able to pursue my journey. Friday 18. We rode along crooked paths to Kasey's, where we received the afflicting account of the death of dear brother Major, who departed this life last Saturday : he was a witness of holi- ness, and died in peace and love. Saturday 19. I preached at Wilson's, with some liberty, on Peter iii. 7. Sunday 20. I spoke with little enlargement. Our friends here on Tyger River, are much alive to God, and have built a good chapel. We rode to Buffington's in the evening, on Fair-forest Creek, and were kindly entertained. North Carolina. — Tuesday 28. Rode to Rutfaerfbrd court- house ; and the next day to Burke court-house : it being court Digitized by VjOOQIC t7lS«3 RSr. MUirolS ASMTAY'S MWlNAt. dl imSy we went on* andreach^d liroUier White'ty on JAii8*Rifer, aboat ten o'clock at oight : liere I found both the saddlot broke $ both horses fooodered ; and both their backs sore— so we stqpped a few daj«. ' I preached on Rer. xxti. 6—8 ; and had liberty in sped^ing to. the people : oor souls were blest in a near access to the Lord. Onr preachers in the Tadkin circuit have been sick : they haye had hard travelling the past winter ; and the work has consequently enffsred. I have read D.'s Study of Davinity--the catalogue of books at the end I thought of more value than all the rest of the work. Sunday^27. I preached at the Globe, on the main branches of f ohiis*River) where there are a few who fear God : there was' tome stir, and I hope some good done. Monday 28. After getting our horses shod, we made a move for Holsteio, and entered upon the mountains ; the first of which 1 caedled steel, the second stone^ and the third iron mountain : they are rough, and difficult to climb. We were spoken to on our way by mosi awful thunder and lightning, accompanied by heavy radn. We crept for shelter into a little dirty house where the filth might hove been taken from the floor with a spade : we felt the want of fire, but could get little wood to make it, and what we gathered was wet. At the head of Watawga we fed, and reached Ward's that night. Coming to the river next day, we hired a young man to swim over for the canoe, in which we crossed, while our horses swam to. the other shore. The waters being up we were com- pelled to travel an old road over the mountains. Night came on*- I was ready to fiunt with a violent headach^-the mountain was steep on both sides. 1 prayed to the Lord for help : presently a profuse sweat broke out upon me, and my fever entirely subsided. About nine o'clock we came to Grear's. After taking a little rest here, we set out next morning for brother Coxe's on Holstein- River. I had trouble enough : our route lay through the woods, and my pack-horse would neither follow, lead, nor drive, so fond was he of stopping to feed on the green herbage. I tried th6 lead, and he pulled back. — I tied his head up to prevent his grazing ; and he ran back : the weather was excessively warm. — I was much fatigued tod my temper not a Ittde tried. 1 fed at I. Smith's and prayed with the family. Arrivii^ at the river, I was at a loss what to do ; but providentially, a man came along who conducted me across } tibis has been en awful journey to n^e, and this a tiresome Digitized by Google St AET. FlUHCIS A8B0RY'fli 90mMAJu [ItS^ day» %iid nair, after riding seventy- five miles, I have thirtj-five mijes more to Qeneral Russell^. I rest one day to revive man aii4 beast. Friday, May 2. Rode to Washington, where I met brother Tan- nell on the way to Mr. C.'s. We have to pat up in houses where we have no opportunity for retiremept. Virginia. — Saturday 3. We came to General Russeir^fr-a mos^ kind family in deed ai^d in truth. Sunday 4. Preached on Phil. ii. 5 — 9. I found itgood to get alone in prayer. Tuesday 6^ I had many to hear at Easley's on Holstein. I was much wearied with riding a strange horse, having left mine to rest* It is some grief that I cannot be so much in prayer on the road as I would be. We had a good time, and a large congregation at K,% TENNi:ss6E.-rThe people are in disorder about the old and new state ; two or three men, it is said, have been killed. At Nelson's I had a less audience than w^s expected ; the peo- ple having been called away on an expedition against the new- state men : my subject was Hebr. vi. 1 1, 12. Rode to Oweos's, and niet our brethren from Kentucky, where I preached on Psalm cxlv. 17, 18, 19, with some fervour. .^,, Came to Half- Acres and Key woods where w;e held conference three d9ys, and I preached each day. The weather was cold ; the room without fire, and otherwise uncomfortable, we nevertheless, made out to keep our seats until we had finished the essential paFt& of our business. Thursday 15. We came to General Rosseirs, — and on Friday to I. Smith's on the south fork of Holstien* River. Sunday 18. Rode to a chapel near New River, where I preached on ** How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet,'' &c. After eating a-morsel, we hasted on our Way to F ^'s. A twenty miles' ride through the mountains brought us to our lodgings for the night at K ' 's, near the Flower Gap. Monday 19. We rodorabout fifty miles to S '&; the weatbjer was warm in the extreme ; we had rain, thunder, and lightning — and were weary enough. Tuesday 20. After riding nearly thirty miles, we came to M'Koight's chapel in North Carolina ; here I preached on Peter's denial of Christ. Thence we went to Hill's : after meeting, we proceeded to the neat and well-improved town of Salein : making a journey, besides the labours of the day, of nearly forty miles. Digitized by Google 1-988.1 R&V. VAANCIS ASBUAV'S JOURNAL. 33 'I came to tbe quarterly meeting at C 's, where I apoke ' fMKogiy and. pointedly ; and tbe word appeared to have effect, Thursday 22. Preached at P — 's chapel : we then rode te C-^ — 's, about seven miles from Guilford court-house, where wc had a good time. Friday 23. Was a damp, rainy day, and I was unwell with a slow fever and pain in my head : however I rode to Smith's chapel and preached : and thence to brother Harrison's, on Dan-River, and preached*^ — In the space of one week we have rode, through rough, mountainous tracts of country, about three hundred miles. Brothers Poythress, Tunnell, and myself have had serious views of tUngs, and mature counsels together. Sunday 25. Preached, and had a love-feast and sacrament. — I then rode to the widow Dicks's : many were waiting here, and the "^ power of God was felt by some, whilst I enlarged on Isaiah Iv. Monday 26. We had a g^M time at Martin's— Leaving this, on our way to Stamfield, we were obliged to swim our horses across Dan-River, and losing our road, made it late before we arrived. . • Riding thirty miles brought us to Hammon's: here we had a s^ous^ feeling time, whilst I spoke on Isaiah Ixi. Thursday 29. Reached E. T — 's about two o'clock, and gave a skort discourse on ^* Haf^y is be that hath the God of Jacob for his help." Thence to Pope's, to Hill's, to Long's, and to Jones's chapel : on our way to the latter place we got out ,of our route when within a mile of the chapel, and did not reach it till two o'clock. Sunday, June 1. At Clayton's there are a hundred blacks joined in society ; and they appear to have real religion among them — here Ethiopia doth stretch out her hand unto the Lord. I sup- pose there were not less than a thousand souls at preaching. North Carolina.* — Monday 2. Preached at Moore*s in North- ampton — once a poor, dead people, but now revived, and increased from eleven to sixty members. We had much of the power of God at Clark's : sixty members, among whom are some children, are the subjects of this work.—! feel life among these people — preaching and praying is not labour here : their noise I heed not ; I can bear it well when I know that God and Christ dwells in the hearts of the people. Thence I passed through Southampton, where I also beheld the power of God manifested in several lively meetings. Vol. II. 5 Digitized by Google 34 REV. FKAKCIS A&BUHY's JOV&fUL* * [It^ Virginia. — Rode to and rested with Philip Davis. On ^aturda^f I had a feeling, living time on Psalm Ixxxt. %. 10. Sunday 8. We had a gracioua season : it was a memorable day, and my soul was much blessed. After meeting, we hastened to Petersburg, where I preaphed on 2 Cor. v, 20. Our elders anj deacons met for conference : all things were, brought pn in love. The town folks were remarkably kind and attentive ; the people of God in much love.-— The awful circumstance of B. C — 's loSf ing his religion, and lately attempting to pull out R.. Swift's eyes, may yet be sanctified to some, and explained by his conduct here* after. ^ Friday 13. I preached a pastoral sermon, under a large arboujr near the borders of the town, on 1 Tim. iv. 13, 16. with consider- able consolation.— Ordained Henry Ogburn and John Baldwin, deacons ; and Edward Morris and Ira Ellis, elders. Sunday 15. I preached at the Manakintown — then rode to Maxey's. Monday H. Rode about fifty miles to.brother Agee's in Bucking' bam county ; and thence to Bedford circuit ; in our route we were compelled to ford the James-River, not without danger : we %yere hospitably entertained. ^ , Wednesday 18. At night I hadspme ppeniug whilst I enforced '* Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall b^ saved." Heavy rains., bad roads, straying, bewildered in the woods,«--» through all these I worried to Murphy's : great was the cross under which I spoke on '^ The grace of God that bringeth salvation," kc,. I had a high fever, and was otherwise distressed in body, and ill at ease in mind : I was afraid the medicine I had made use of woul4 be injurious to me in consequence of my getting wet. Saturday 28. I had considerable liberty, though unwell, at Ayres's new chapel. Sunday 29. After preaching I went to V 's, and after trying, had to silence him. O, my God, what awful subjects come before me ! Monday 30. Crossed the high mountains, and came to H 's in Green- Brier. Tuesday, July 1. I enlarged on Gal. iii. 22. We then rode to JVrPherson's, a serious family on Sinking- Creek, where I preached with ^some freedom. After crossing some considerable mountains, and preaching occasionally, on Friday we arrived at the Sweet- Springs : here I preached, and the people were very attentive. Digitized by Google I7M.] nev. pRAwciti assury's jovrmiil. 3d ' 'iSatarday 5, and Sunday 6. i had krge congregations at Rohoboth ; 1 preached with some satisfaction. Monday 7. Oar troubles began ; it being the day we set oat for Clarksbor^. Thirty miles brought us to W 's, on the Great- Iievels. Tuesday 8. Reached M^Neal^s, on the Little Levels, where almost the whole settlement came together, with whom I found freedom on Matt. xi. 28, 29, 30. Our brother Phoebus had to answer questions' propounded to him until erening. Wednesday 9. We rode to the Clover- Lick, to a very remote and exposed house : here we found good lodgings for the place. The former tenant had made a small estate by keeping cattle, horses, &c. otk the range, which is fertile and extensive. Thursday 10. We had to cross the Alleghany mountain again, at a bad passage. Our course lay over mountains and through val- leys, and the mud and mire watf such as might scarcely be expected in December. We came to an old, forsaken habitation in Tygers- Valley : here our horses grazed about, while we boiled our meat ; midnight broqght us up at Jones's, after riding forty, or perhaps, fifly miles. The old man, our host, was kind enough to wake us up at four o'clock in the morning. We journeyed on through devious lonely wilds, where no food might be found, except what grew in (he woods, or was carried with ns. We met with two women who were going to see their friends, and to attend the quarterly meeting at Clarksburg. Near midnight we stopped at A 's, who hissed his dogs at us : but the women were determined to get to quarterly meeting, so we went in. Our supper was tea. Brothera Phoebus and Cook took to the woods ; old gave up his bed to the women. I lay along the floor on a few deer skins with the fleas. That night our poor horses got no corn ; and next morn- ing they had to swim across the Monongahela : aAer a twenty miles' ride we came to Clarksburg, and man and beast were so out- done that it took us ten hours to accomplish it. I lodged with CoK Jackson. Our meeting was held in a long close room belonging to the Baptists : our use of the house it seems gave oflence. There at- tended about seven hundred people, to whom I preached with free- dom ; and I believe the Lord's power reached the hearts of some. After administering the sacrament, I was well satisfied to take my leave. We rode thirty miles to Father Haymond's, after three o'clock, Sunday afternoon, and made it nearly eleven before we came in ; about midnight we went to rest, and rose at five o'clock next morning. My mind has been severely tried under the great Digitized by Google 36 REV. FRANCIS ASRIZRy'S JOURNAL. [It$ft. fatigue endured both by myself and my horse. O, how g^ad sboi^ I be of a plain, clean plank to lie on, as preferable to most of the beds ; and where the beds are in a bad state, the floors are worse. The goats are almost as troublesome heroi as the moschetoes in the low-lands of the sea-board. This country will require much work to make it tolerable. The people are, many of them, of the bold- est cast of adventurers, and with some the decencies of civilized society are scarcely regarded, two instances of which I myself wit- nessed. The great landholders who are industrious will soon shonr the effects of the aristocracy of wealth, by lording it over their poorer neighbours, and by securing to themselves all the offices of profit or honour : on the one hand savage warfare teaches them to be cruel ; and on the other, the preaching of Antinomians poisons them with error in doctrine : good moralists they are not, and good Christians they cannot be, unless they are better taught. Tuesday 15. I had a lifeless, disorderly people to hear me at Morgantown, to whom I preached on ** I will hear what God the Lord will speak." It is matter of grief to behold the excesses, par- ticularly in drinking, which abound here. I preached at a new chapel near Colonel Martin's, and felt much life, love, and power. Rode to the widow R— ' — 's, and refreshed with a morsel to eait': thence to M. Harden's, where, though we had an earth floor, we had good beds and table entertainment. Friday 18. Rode forty miles to quarterly meeting at Doddridge's ; where we had a melting season. Sunday 20. From twelve o'clock to-day we rode forty miles— *^ my soul in sweet peace. Tuesday 22. Our conference began at Union-Town : we felt great peace whilst together ; and our counsels were marked by love and prudence. We had seven members of conference and five probationers. I preached on 1 Peter v. 7. : , and brother Whatcoat gai;e us an excellent discourse on *' Oh ! man of God, flee these ' things." Friday 25. We concluded our conference. Saturday and Sunday, 26, 27. Attended quarterly meeting. Monday 28. Came over the mountains along very bad roads* Brother Whatcoat and myself were both sick. We stopped at Simkins's, and were comfortably entertained. Virginia. — Tuesday 29. Reached Barratt's, where we had a little rest and peace. We had lef^ our horses at Old Town on the other side of the river, but I thought it best to have them brought over, and so it was ; for that night there were two stolen. On Digitized by Google }78S*] iiinr. TRmcis AsimiY's JovEUAt. 37 ifonday we rested ; on Tuesday rode down to Capon ; and on -Wednesday visited Bath. I took lodgings at brother Williams's^ was well fixed, and foand the waters to be of seryice to me. Snnday, Aagast 10. Preached at Bath. I received heavy tidings from the college — both our teachers have left ; ooe for incompe- tency, and the other to pursue riches and hohours : had they cost us nothing, the mistake we made in employing them might be the less regretted. I have read one volume of Church History, by Alosheim, containing an account of the state of ecclesiastical mat- ters in Giermany, and the different churches. Sunday 17. I attempted to preach at Bath, on the lame and the blind : the discourse was very lame ; and it may be, I left my hearers as I found them — blind. . I am now closely engaged in reading, writing, and prayer — my soul enjoys much of God. We have great rains, and are obliged to keep close house ; hut we have a little of almost every thing to improve the mind — the languages, divinity, grammar, history, and belles-lettres : my great desire is to improve in the best things. Sunday 24. Preached at Bath on. Isaiah Ixiii. 1. with little liberty and poor attendance. But we have some stir among the pcmr people in the country. Friday 99. We left Bath, and on the Saturday and Sunday fol- lowing attended a quarterly meeting. I felt enlargement on Peter's case, and also in the love-feast. Monday, September 1. I enlarged with some freedom on the case of the man who Jbrought the child to our Lord. Wednesday 3. Rode from I. Hite^s to the Blue-Ridge : the weather was warm, abd so were the hearts of the people. Thursday 4. I preached at Leesburg, and was very warm on « Thou wilt arise and favour Zion ;'' and the people appeared to be somewhat-stirred up. To-day I received a letter ft'om brother Tunnell, informing of the spreading of the work of God in West New-River ; and several parts of North Carolina — Glory be to God, for his great and glorious power ! Maryland.— Wednesday 10, Our conference began in Balti- more. I chose not to preach while my mind was clogged by busi- ness with so many persons, and on so many subjects. Sunday 14. I felt considerably moved at our own church in the morning, and in the Dutch Church in the afternoon : the Spirit of ^e Lord came among the people, and sinners cried aloud for mercy : perhaps not less than twenty souls found the Lord from that time until the Tuesday following. Digitized by Google 38 ^ AEv. rftAveKT ASsmiT'd JotiRKAL. {ns^ Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, were tpent* ki Cdkesbnry in ezaminiDg and arranging the temporal concerns of the college. ' PERirsTLVAinA. — Sunday 21. I preached with some safisiaetiott, morning and evening, in Philadelphia. On Monday onr conference began and held until Friday 26. Saturday 27. We left the city. New-Jersey. — Sunday 28. Preached with some assistance in Elizabethtown. New- York.— Monday 29. Rode to New-York. Next day (Tues- day 30.) our conference began, and continued until Saturday Hhet 4th of October. New-Jersey. — Sunday October 5, and Monday 6. My soul was' uncommonly led out in prayer and preaching — I found it a very gracious season. My return brought me through Elizabethtown, Amboy^ Hydestown, Crosswecks, and Burlington. Delaware. — Sunday 12. I was much depressed in spirit whilst in Philadelphia. I left there on Wednesday, and preached aff Chester ; where I had some energy ; and had openings at WiN mington and Duck-Creek, where I also administered the word of life. Monday 20. Our meeting in Dover was attended with some power. At Milford we had liberty and love. At Johnstown I was very unwell, and was under the necessity of going to bed, but ouf^ friends were alive : God is with them of a ti^uth. Preached at --» Shankland's. My soul enjoys great peace and love. On Sunday I was under bodily affliction, but I went to the court-bouse and spoke a few words on <^ Ye will not come to me that ye might have life.'* We have a bouse now building, and I hope something wiH^ be done here. Monday was remarkably warm weather, and I was ready to faint whilst I rode to the Sound. We reached PowelFs about three o'clock. Wednesday 22. I was very alarming — seldom, if ever, have 1 felt more moved. We came awaj, and rode twenty -five miles, having nothing to eat from eight o'clock in the morning till six at night. My body was weak, but mj soul was kept in peace. Knowing the obligations I am under to pay money to several persons to whom the college is indebted, my mind is much exercised, and I feel very heavily the weight of such responsibility. The Lord opened the heart of , and I thankfully received the kindness as from God Hnd man. Digitized by Google i-TjOhft.] REV, FliMCIS AdtUKY'S JQVIVSAL. 3B MARTI.A17P.— Preached at Bowen's, and I trust the Lord was pre- sent ; as also at the Lord's sapper. We then hasted, to Ae widow ParaiDoi;e's, about nineteen qailes : the people were moTed whilst I exhorted them to come boldly to the throne of grace. On Friday I met with an engaged people at Pernal'Sy and they appeared tender whilst I enlarged on *^ My grace is sufficient for thee." After meeting we rode to B.'s, nineteen miles. ViRC^XNiA. — Saturday, November 1. Attended aquarterly meeting at QarrettsoA'Chapel— O how changed ! A preacher absent nearly Qin^ weeks from his circuit, failing to give proper notice of the quarterly meeting. Other persuasions are less supine ; and their minister boldly preaches against the freedom of the slaves. Our brother Everett with no less zeal and boldness, cries aloud for liberty — emancipation. Sunday 2. Brother Whatcbat preached, and, I exhorted a little^ My SQul and body are deeply depressed. We rode fifteen miles tbatevening, and held meeting again. . Monday 3. Myself and the people were comforted at S.'s : we had a iheetiug in the e?ening. Wednesday 5. I preached at the school-house, on Peter's denial oC Christ: it was a time of refreshing — there were few present that did not feel the word. Spoke again in the evening at S — 's to g f ery unfeeling people. . Friday 7. Preached at the court-house, to many people, with liberty. We have had heavy riding ; dust, heat, and fevers. Our aneetio^ at Downing's almost overcame us with heat and fatigue. Maryland. — At Annamessex quarterly meeting I was at liberty «D Rev. iii. 20. Again I preached on *' Fear not little flock," &c. most of our members in these parts have freed their slaves. Wednesday 12. We had a precious season at the line chapel on Rev. ''I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire," &c. After meeting I rode to Broad-Creek. We have travelled little less than two hundred miles a week. Thursday 13. At quarterly meeting I preached on << Thy teach- ers shall not be removed into a corner." Friday 14. My subject was ^< Is my hand shortened at all that I cannot redeem, or have i no power to deliver ?" — there was some moving on the souls of the people. Rode twelve miles to L — 's, and preached at night on '' Search the Scriptures." DfiLAWARE.— After preaching at North West Fork, I rode twenty- five miles to quarterly meeting at £--*'s : here we had a good Digitized by Google 40 1;EV. FRANCIS ASBURV 6 JOURNAL. [17B&. time. I preached at JohpsoD's, Todd's, and at the chapel. I feel myself weak, but the Lord is present. Friday 21.1 felt some power in speaking on Matt. xi. 5, 6. at Mr. K. — 's. We came on to Hooper's, where we had a time of refreshing. Saturday 22, and Sunday 23. Attended quarterly meeting at Wil- liam Frazier's : there was some quickening among the people each day. We crossed Choptank to Bdiogbroke — death ! death ! The se- cond day of our meeting a great power went through the congrega- tion, and a noble shout was heard among the people. I was much led out at the Bay side. At Doctor Allen's I was greatly comforted after a wet ride of thirty miles. I preached at Queenstown to a few people, who appear to be far gone in forgetfulness of God. Maryland.— I went to Kent- Island, and found about two hundred and fifty people, among whom were some of the rich and great t we had a good meeting. I then returned to Queenstown, and gave the citizens another rally; there were more to hear than before. Saturday 29. I felt some power in preaching at Boardley's. Vf^ had a little move among the people at Choptank. My soul. is kept in peace. In times past I iiave felt some disagreeable impressions on my mind about the college being burnt ; now I have heard of an attempt to do it : but I trust the Lord will encamp about {he house. 'We had a very good meeting at Dover, although the wea- ther was very cold. — We had meeting again that night in town — I hope not in vain. Next day I rode to Dudley's church, Queen- Annes ; and thence to Chester-Town, and preached on ** Let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear." Saturday, December 6. I had some freedom in preaching at Still- pond church, on *' Simon, Satan hath desired to have you that he might sifl you as wheat," &c. Sunday 7. I preached at the widow Woodland's — was not in a good frame of body or mind. At Georgetown I felt still worse ; and to crown all, I had a long dispute with Mr. B — about ordina- tion and experimental religion. Monday 8. Rode to Cecil court-house, and had, I trust, a profi- table time. We crossed Elk-River to brother Ford's, and had a gracious meeting at bis house. Digitized by Google 1719 •] REV. VIUNCIS ASBUKT^$ J^VKfUAL* 41 T^^sdaj SU We bad a daipp ride to Cokesbaryy aod foood it was tYW as it h^^ been reported to us :— au attempt bad been made to bom the college by pqttiog fire into ooe of the closeta ; but soiiQe of tii^ atudeuts made a timely discovery, s^d it was extio- gqished* I stayed two days aod expended more thao £100, and felt my spirit tried, I put tbe young men to board in tbe college. — We ba?e some promising youths among theip for learning, bat they want religion. I came to Baltimore and found som6 tokens of the Divine pre« sence» at the quarterly meeting, on Chron. xv. 8, <^ Thou canst save by i^any, 07 by those that have no might." Monday 15. Came to Cromwell's and preached with some satis- (iictiop. Thence I basted to Annapolis, where the Lord was pre- soQt while { df clared *' The Lord's band is not shortened." Tuesday 16. Rode to Weems's chapel, aod preached with fer- VQi^r oq '^Oh! Zion that bringeth good tidings," £&c. Thence to dra«i^n out greatly for these people. Firday 20. I spoke very pointedly on Rev. iii. 20:— 22. bnt the people are of small spiritaal dnderst^ndiog. Lord, stir them up ! I was closely einj^oyed in making my plan, and arratiging Ihe papers fot conference. 1 made out a register of aU the preachers on the cootinent who bear the name of Mcjthodists. Saturday 21. I Was rery til ^ith a fever and chdic ; bbd it being rainy, I kept within ddors. \ Sunday 2S. Very rainy, but 1 had about a hundred Uackd, and nearly Efly whites' to hear me. I pireached also in the aftern^oDd, and at ntght. Tuesday 24. 1 4et out for Edisto circuit, jonmeying up the sotfth side of Ashley-River. Here live the Tich and' great who hikth bouses in tfie city and country, and go backward and forward in their splendid chariots : the land, howevel, with the etceptton trf the rice-fields, b barren, the Weather is cold ; but my soul htts . peace, full and flowing peac6. After riding thirtj^-sit miles, 1 waft kindly entertained by Mr. Oiveham— but there was still somei9iiD|; wanting. Wednesday 26. They were out of bread at P-^ *s, and we' found bur own stores of use. We had to send one of our wearj horses eight miles to fetch the flour from the mill. Thursday 26. Rode to Bruten's, and enjoyed uncommon hap- piness in God. Some time in the night Dr. Coke came in : he hkd landed in Charleston about three hours after I left the city : next, day he and myself both spoke at Ridgell's. Sunday, March 1. We spent the day at Chester's : we had rery few hearers, occasied at. Georgia. — Came to Doctor Fuller's, at Beach- Island, and next day arrived in Augusta, Georgia. Riding late two nfghts past, hal much disordered me ; having taken a cold, attefnded wHh a feter and pain in the head. Digitized by Google IWI,] RBV. MlAKtJrt lSltJRt*S8 J6tll«fAL. 46 Tbarsday 5. I obtabed a little rest at brother ffttinesti. ' Friday 6. * Althoagb it rallied, we had a few people ftt Br<>*vrM^ bdirbugh : nett day there Was some life at Scott's t here they hat<& btnilt HB a large chapel. Sattday 8. Our conference began ^t Gratit**. Hefe we hate a hotlse for public worship ; and -one also at Merreweather^s. ^n Thorsday we jippointed a committee to procure 600 acres of land ibr the estabiishment o( a school in the state of Georgia. Cotifef^ etace beiti^ ended, we directed our hasty steps back to Charleston, CdlNbg at the several places We attended on our journey hither. Souttt CAftoLiN A.— Sunday 15. We reached the city, batitig r6de two htlt^dred miles in about five days and t«0 hours. Here 1 received a'iitter pill from one of my greatest f^ri ends-upraise tb« Lord for my trials also — may they all be sanctified ! Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 17, IB, 19. were spent in tottferetice : it was a time of peace and love. My fhrnd was much hcrrried with book, and other tempoVal concerns. We had aft unkind attack published against us relative to our slave rules ; it Was answered to porpose. I had not much doubt who the author *f this unworthy work was. Saturday 21, was spent in preparing to (nove on Monday ttttt Sunday S2. Doctor Coke preached an ordination sermon in the forenoon ; atid in the afterttoon I Fetf livi^ly in soul whilst I enlarged on Eeek. xxxiii. 5. Monday 23. We left the city, and rode upwards of forty miles. Tuesday S4. Crcmsed Santee, atid caaHe to brother Browman's. Wednesday 26. Preached at Gibson's— then rode to Ramsay's, Xiekr Statesburg, sixteen miles. Thursday 26. I was hurried away to preach a fnneral sermon. t hate rode abodt one hundred and fifly miles, and preached three times since I left Charleston, last Monday morning. I am at times tempted to lightfiess ; yet, blessed be God, my soul has sweet com- munion with him. Saturday 28. At Bradford's chapel I preached on Hebr. xi. 16, 17. At Rembert^s, ola Isaiah tl, 1. My soul was blest among the people. Sunday 29. 1 Was led out in preaching and prayer ; the people were melted ; and the work of God progresses. I trust the Lord will get himself great glory here. ^ Monday 30. We rode about fifty miles to Colonel Marshall's : the weather Was very warm, and we were hungry and weary. Digitized by Google .46 WEV. FRANCIS ASBXJRV's JOITRNAL. [1789; North Cailolisa, — Wednesday, April 1. The people catiie together at Jackson's at twelve o'clock ; I did nof reach there until three — I enlarged a little on Zech. xiii. 12. and was sonse- what serere. I rode to Savannah-Creek» and met with an Antino- mian people. Reached Threadgill's ; having been out twelve hours, and rode nearly forty miles, without food for man or beast. Friday 3. Preached by the way, and came to Randall's^ twenty . miles. We have rode three hundred miles in about nine day», and our horses' backs are bruised withtheir loads. 1 want more faith, patience, and resignation to the will of God in all things. I wish to send an extra preacher to the Waxsaws, to preach to the Cata* baw Indians : they have settled amongst the whites on a tract of country twelve miles square. Sunday 5. We had. a move wbilst I was speaking on Isai. xxxiii. 14, 15. some souls were brought to experience peace with God. Here Doctor Coke came up with us : we expect to continue toge- ther for some time. We had a \(mg ride to Jones's : I preached there^ and continued on to IVt'Knight's, on the Yadkin. Friday 11. We opened our' conference, and were blessed with peace and union ; our brethren from the westward met us, and. we had weighty matters for consideration before us. ViRGFjNiA. — We left M^Knigbt's, having about two hundred miles to ride iti four days. We had a tedious ride to Almond's, and a blessed season oi^ grace. — Set out from Almond's, and reached Good's. Saturday 19. We rode thirty-six miles to Petersburg. On Sun- day the Doctor preached. I had nothing to say in public. We met the preachers on Saturday and Sunday evenings, and brought our work forward. I had disagreeable feelings while here ; there is a spiritual death among the people. — I spoke a little on Monday and on Wednesday, Thursday 23. We came to Manchester. My exertions, want of rest, and distress of mind, brought on a violent headach ; instead of preaching, I found myself under the necessity of going to bed. Doctor Coke had gone over the river to Richmond and preached there, • Friday 24. We rode about fifty miles ; and next day reached Fre- dericksburg, but found no door open. We met with one soul in distress. Sunday 26, Having no appointment to preach, we pushed on and rode forty*five miles, and lodged in Prince- William county. Digitized by Google 1789.] AEV. FRANCIS ASBUAv's JOU&NAL. 47 Mooday 27. Arrived at Leeabarg, and opened tlie coofer^nce. We found a little rest comfortable to man, and advaotageoas to beast. MARYLA5D.<-p-Thur8day 30. We crossed Patomac into Maryland. My soul cleafes to God ; bat I am again a£Bicted in my head. Reach- ing brother Nicholson's, in Montgomery, we were kindly entertained. . Friday, May 1. I f<^t life in speaking. Saturday 2. We attended qufirterly meeting. Not being permit- ted to use the chapel, we went into a tobacco-bouse : many attend- ed — and the young converts shouted aloud. Sunday 3. Was a great day to saints and sinners : God has wrought wonderfully in brother Pigman's neighbourhood ; fifty or sixty souls have been suddenly and powerfully converted to God. Came to Baltimore, and had very lively meeting»^; multitudes came to hear, and great cries were heard among the people, who continued together until ^hree o'clock in the morning ; many souls professed to be convicted, converted, sanctified. On reaching Cokesbury, we found that here also God was work- ing among the students. One, however, we expelled. We revised oar laws, and settled our temporal concerns. Tuesday 12. We were detained at Susquehannah-Ferry, so that we were compelled to ride in the night to reach Chester-Town. We had a blessed work of God on our way, loud shouting was heard in almost every meeting — at sacrament especially, the Lord's power and presence were great indeed. — At Dqck-Creek we had a good season. Saturday 16. Doctor Coke preached in Wilmington. Sunday 17. The Doctor preached at Chester ; and in Philadel- phia in the evening. Wednesday 20. In the evening the Lord's power came down among the people in the city ; and I hope to hear He is doing great things. New-Jbrsey.— Thursday 21. Rode to Burlington in Jersey. In crossing the Delaware we encountered an unpommqu storm, but were providentially brought safely over. We were comfortable in our meeting ; but we bad a painful interview and explanation with L. H. H. O, my soul, keep near to God ! Friday 22. We rode to Trenton ; and on Saturday 23. opened our conference in great peace. We laboured for a manifestation of the Lord's power, and it w^s not altogether in vain. Sunday 24. We had abundance of preaching. Monday 25. We rode throogh a heavy rain to Elizabethtoivn, Digitized by Google * 9ii4 peit ilay r.e4cbed New-Yprk. I wat aader great tniraiV of 9aul for a i^f ival of raligioa. N«w-Yo]iK.*^Tbqr9daj «8, Our cpofereoce began : nil tbiogs wero contacted in peace aad order. Our work opens io New-Toric 9la(« t N^w Eoglaod $tr9i^heth out iha hand to oiir mioistry^ and I trust thousaodfl will shortly feel its ioflqeoce.-^My sool shall pirwe tSe l^ord. In tbp midst of haste 1 find peace within. Sooday SI* We bad a gracious seasoo to preachers and people^ while I opened and applied Isaiah «?. 6, 7, 8. '' And in this mQUii* tain shall the Lord of Hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things ; a feast of wines on the lees ; of fat things fa)) of marrow t of vtrines on the lees well refined.*^ Friday, June $. Doctor Coke iefl ns and went ep board the Union for LiTerpool. My soul retires into solitude, and to Gpd., This erening I was enabled to speak alarmingly, and felt my heart much engaged for about thirty mintites oq Isaiah vxif. ]?« 18, 19. the power of God, and a baptising flame came among the people. . I have lately read Wbisiop's Translation of the Apostolical Institutions (so called)-^Ai9P Oave's Lives of the Apostles and Fathers. Sunday 7. Was a good day. I felt inwardly quickened toward*- the close of my morning's discourse, and the people were moved ; in the afternoon many were divinely drawn, and my own sou) was humbled and filled with the Ipve of God* — Several souls have beeoi stirred up this conference : 1 trust the Lord will claim the pto-v pie of York for hjs own. Tuesday 9. We left the eity of New York, and came to Kings- bridge ; after refreshing ourselves and our horses, we pushed on ta East-Chester^-^Tbe appointment for us was to have been made at D-^'s: there came together about two hundred people^ among whom there was a considerable move. Wednesday JO. My hprse was lamed, (by fetters, I suppose) so that I bad to walk part of the way to NewRochelle : proper notice of my coming not having been given, I bad but one huDh- dred and fifty hearers.-r-We bave a good houiie here ; a large so- ciety ; and several of the old members whpm I formed into a society some years past, are still alive ,to God. Thursday 11. Rfy horse continues lame ;-r>tbe journey is Iong> and tbe day i|nfavourable-**yet I must go, r came on to CruohPond, and expected to have preachpd at Oakley '9 Qhnrob» but my appointment was made at P— 's, wbere* Digitized by Google 17i^.] REIT. FBAHCXS ASBURv'i JOtlILN.AI^ 49 I had but few. Returoed to F-— — 'a ; we had a comfortable time at Oakley's charch.at seven, o'clock. We rode four miles, aud stopped at K — 's for some refreshment s then hasted on to Peekskill- Hollo w« where I found a poor, simple- bearted people, to whom 1 enforced *^ Repent, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ;*'' there wap a power attended the word. We rode aboui twenty miles to brother Jackson's, where brother Cook lay sick : we had heard that he was dead. I laboured onder violent temp^tion — vast consolation followed. ^ Glory! Glory to God! He bears roe up, body and soul. In our way we stepped into a house, exhorted and prayed with the mother and daughter, who appeared thankful for our services. Sunday 14. Preached at Jackson's, in Ihitchess county, to a con- siderable number of quiet hearers ; I hope not in vain. Brother Cook is low in body^ but his soul is solidly happy in God, who will be glorified in his life or death. The people here are a still kind of folks ; but God can work in a storm or a calto. Monday 15. We rode about twenty miles to Dover : the settlers in this neighbourhood are mostly Low Dutch. It is a day of small things with us ; yet I trust there are a few feeling souls. We had wj alarming meetings at noon and at night. Thence to Oblongs, where I found a dull people : I exerted myself, sick as I was ; and had I been well, I should have made no little noise. After meet- ing we rode to «— — , where an Antinomian came, drunk as he was, t«%ell his experience: he gabbled strangely until I stopped his mouth ; he then left us. Rode td L s, and preached on " Seek ye first the kingdom of God," &c. the people appeared like rocks ; O that the hammer and fire of God's word and love might come down among them ! . Friday 19. 1 preached in a barn on the North-River : my hear- ers were chiefly Low Dutch. Our congregations are small— t^e ' craft 18 in danger; we are therefore not to wonder if we meet with opposition. To begin at the right end of the work, is to go first to the poor; these willf the rich, may possibly j hear the truth : there are among us who have blundered here. 1 feel as if 1 wanted to get across the river ; I am pressed in spirit, and pity our preachers who labour here ; it seems as if I should die amongst this people with exertions and grief. Sunday 21. Preached at Latin-Town to a poor, dull people ; some, however, appeared to be moved. At Allen's I was more enlarged, and n^any wept, and felt the word. We have had a try* ing, warm day to ride in, and preach twice. Vol. II. 7 Digitized by Google 50 EEV. FKAKCIS ASBtJJtT^S JTOVMAXi. [I9t&* Monday 22. Rain and bnsinasa prevented moat of flit p^ofle from attendiDg at Newboig, ei^cept a few WMnen. I felt mored while I spoke on Isaiah liiii. : I hope the Lord will water the word sown. Ni;w-Jersev.— Thursday 25. 1 was flick. Brother Whatcoat gare them a sermon at Warwick, an the '* wages of sin ;'* and I §^ve them a Bnishiog exhortation: I have ^no desire to flee them again antil there is some change. Friday 26. The power of God came down among the people at B.'s, and there was a great melting. After meeting we rode through the heat fifteen miles to Pepper^Cotton. Saturday 27. Rode to the stone church ; and found stony hearts. The Methodists ought to preach only in their own houses-^i have done with the houses of other people : brother Whatcoat bore the cross, and preached for me here. When I see the stupidity of the people, and the contentiousness of their spirit, I pity and griere over them. I have hard labour in travelling amongpt the rocks and kills. Sunday 28. My body is weak ; my spirits are low ; and I am bpr« dened under the spiritual death of the people : yet;, O my floul, praise the Lord ! I spoke a few words with freedom at Sweezey*«, to insensible people ; we then drove tbrongb^ the heat to A%fQrd% where I found life and liberty amongst my hearers. Monday 29. We bad a heavy ride to C.'s, where brother W. preached, while some of the audience slept. Thence we cane to M'CuUock's. I had no small trial with A. C. who was once a preacher amongst us and disowned. He had, in some instances, fallen short of his quarterage during his ministry, and now insisted on my paying him his deficiencies ; 1 did not conceive that in jqfl* tice or conscience this was required of me ; nevertheless, to get rid of him, I gave him £14. Pennsvlvania. — Wednesday, July 1. I had a good time at Newman's, near Hunt's ferry. We crossed the ferry on Thurs- day, about six o^clock, got some refreshment at Inkletown, whence we proceeded to Climer's, where we bad a good meeting. Friday 3. Came to Philadelphia ; here 1 found enough to do. My soul longs for more religion in this city ; I am distressed for these people : twenty years have we been labouring in Pennsylva- nia, and there are not one thousand in society: how many of these are truly converted God knows. Sunday 5. We had a dead time^ O that the Almighty would bless and stir up this people ! Digitized by Google ITflS.] :&EV. FRANCIS asuvrt's journal , 51 Rode to Raiidon» where there were- a few feeling souk. Tuesday 7. It being harvest-home, and short uotice, we had few hearers. I lore God supremely, and feel myself greatly weaned from earth : I have a g^erioua victory ; sweetly resting and suffer* ing in Christ. Yesterday I felt so unwell that I could scarcely sit OB my horse. My soul was so filled with God» that it appear^ ed aa if all sense of pain was suspended by the power of faith. I- was so led out in speaking at the Valley church, that all my suffer- ings were forgotten. I spoke very loud a part of the time ; we had a gracious season. Wednesday 8« After riding thirty miles, I preached at Rod- fong's at night with satisfaction, and souls were brought to God. Friday 10. 1 called on Mr. H ^, a Dutch Presbyterian minis- ter ; he and hir wife were both very kind : I believe they are chil- dren of God, I had an interview with Mr. M , a Lutheran minister^ and teacher of languages : he is a- childlike» simple- hearted man, and has a consiiderable knowledge of the arts and sciences. We came to York; but I felt oo desire to preach, i proceeded on to Carlisle : in the morning I was permitted to preach in the church ; but in the evenings this privilege wasdenied mi : ft was said^ the reasoa was, becauae I did not read prayers^ which I had forborne to do because of my eyes ; I apprehend the true cause might be found in the pointed manner in which I spoke , on <* Blessed is'he whosoever shall not be offended in me." I went to th% court-house and called them to repentance, from '* Look unto me, and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth ;" to the great offence of all who set themselves up for judges, and who declared it was no preaching. Wednesday 1$. Came to Juniata- River ; we were well nigh being lost in the woods, but kind Providence brought us safe in company with brother W— to I. C 's, and we lodged there. Thursday 16. Came to G--^ — 's, nine miles from Bedford, and being informed that the people thereabouts were willing to hear, we yielded to the persuasion of some who desired us to stay and preach* Friday 17. Werode~i)nto Wells's, a place visited by our preach- ers : here we had a good night's rest. Saturday 18. We passed Greensburg, stopping at Hanover Davis's, a man who has had trouble and conviction : his three sons were killed by the Indians; his wife and two children taken prisoners, and detained from him eighteen months. Sunday 19. Came to Rowlett's and dined ; thence we set out and Digitized by Google 52 KEV. FRANCIS AIBVRY'S JOURN^At. [17S9. reached Pittsbarg, twenty-five miles ; I preached in the evening to a serious audience. This is a day of very small things : what can we hope ? yet, what can we fear ? I felt great love to the peo- ple ; and hope God will arise to help and bless them. Monday 20. I preached on Isai. Iv. 6, 7. had some zeal : and the people were very attentive ; hut alas ! they are far from God, and too near the savages in situation and manners. We were not agreeably stationed at , who was continually drunk, and our only alternative was a tavern. Tuesday 21. 1 spoke on <* The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost :" we were crowded, and I felt more courage. The night before, the rude soldiers were talking and dancing about the door ; but now they were quiet and mute ; this, I judged, might be owing to the interference of the officers, or magistracy. Wednesday 22. We left Pittsburg, and came by the Alleghany- River to Wilson's, who was formerly an elder in the Presbyterian Church. Brothers Green, Willis, and Conway, were my compa* Dions on the road. Thursday 23. We had a number of poor, attentive people at M'G 's, the weather was excessively wurm, and We were in a close log-house, without so much as a window to give us air. Saturday 25. We rode through a heavy rain to Yohogany, to brother Moore^s quarterly meeting. * We had a shout amount the people, and I felt much liberty of soul in speaking. In the love- feast the Lord manifested his power ; one woman, in particular, was so wrought upon that she fell to the ground. We came to Union-Town, where there appeared to be some melting love among the people. Now I believe God is about to work in this place : I expect our circuits are better supplied than formerly ; many of the people are alive to God ; and there are openings in many places. I wrote a letter to Corn-planter, chief of the Seneca nation of Indians. I hope God will shortly visit these outcasts of men, and send messengers to publish the glad tidings of salvation amongst them. I have constant consolation, and do not feel like my former self. Maryj^and. — Friday 31. I crossed the mountain, and lodged, I trust for the last time, at S - ' s. Preached at Barratl's, to a dry, unfaithful people. The number of candidates for the minis- try are many ; from which circumstance I am led to think the Lord is about greatly to enlarge the borders of Zion. Monday, August 3. Preached at Cumberland. It is partly fd- Digitized by Google 1789.] ACr. FKAKCI» ASByAY^S JOUllNAU 63 fifled-^-none cared to give us ought to eat. My poor couutrj- woman, who sometimes heard and trembled, was absent this time ; in her siqkness she cried out, ^'it is too late'* — and rejected prayer. It was a time of refreshing at Old Town, in Maryland ; the Lord is among this people. Brother Willis preached the funeral sermon of Mrs. Spri^ ; a blooming, fair woman ; at her own desire she was interred in our burying>ground. She died greatly lamented by her family, to whom her deiaith is one loud call to turn to God. I trust she died in peace, v Virginia. — Friday 7. Came to Bath. I took lodgings with our Virginia friends, Adams and Summers. Saturday 8. My soul has communion with God, eren here.. When I behold the conduct of the people who attend the springs,, particularly the gentry, I am led to thank God that I was not born to riches ; I rather bless God, that I am not in hell, and that I can- iH)t partake of pleasure with sinners. I have read much, and spoke but little since I came here. The water has been powerful in its operation. I have been in great pain, and my studies are interrupted. August 19. I left Bath ; which was much sooner than I ex- pected. God was powerfully present at Hendrick's, where there were twelve or fifteen hundred people : many professed to be converted to God — Glory be to his qame ! My body enjoys better health ; fiuad Messed be God ! my soul is wholly kept above sin : yet I blame myself for not being more watchful unto prayer; and I sometimes use unnecessary words. We made a tour through Berk* ley circuit, where I had some freedom; and where we found not a little living afiection in the congregations. Sunday 23. We had alarming words at Winchester, from JBzek.. xxxiii. 11. I feel the worth of souls, and their disobedience gives mer^sorrow of heart. — Oh Jehovah ^ work for thine own glory 1 Saturday 29. Our quarterly meeting began in the woods near Shepherd's-Town : we had about seven hundred people : I felt energy and life in preaching, and power attended the word* Brother Willis spoke, and. the Lord wrought powerfully. Sunday 30. Was a high day — one thousand or fifteen hundred people attended ; sinners began to mock, and. many cried aloud ; and so it went. I was wonderfully led out on Psalm cxlv. 8 — 12 ; and spoke, first atid last, nearly three hours. O, how the wicked contradicted and opposed ! Digitized by Google 54 REV. FRANCIS ASBIIRY*S JOUMAL. [17^9. MAiiYLAifj>« — ^Wednesday, September 1. I came to brother PU* lips'a^ in Marylaod, and had a qtiickeniRg time. God has preached to the whole family by the death of bis daogbter, and the fire spreads throagheot the whole neighbourhood. We ratt^ needs go ^through Samaria.— I called at Frederidc- Town, and had a nomber of wild, unfeeling hearers. Thence to Liberty, where the Almighty is working amongst the peoj^e^ i preached in the day, zni again at night — I hope not in vain. Friday 4. I rode to Seneca — O what hath God wrought for these people ! manj prcfcious souls have been brought to the kltowledge of salvation. Mondey 7. Pleached at Rowle's : bere fifty or sixty souls pro- fess to have been brought to God in a few weeks. We had a shout, and a soul coaverted. to God. 1 preaohed in the ereniog at Balti- more, on " L terlymeetiE^ was ^wonder- working time : fiAy or sixty souls, then' and the^e, appeared to be brought to God : peofde were daily pray^ ing from house to house ; some crying for mercy, others rejoicing in God, and not a few, day after day, joining in society for the be- nefit of a religious, fellowship. Praise the Lord, O my soiri*t '-'1 spent some time in visiting from house to house, and begging fer the college. The married aien, and the single men; the married women, and the single women, I met apart, and was comforted*. Many of the children of the Methodists are the happy subjects of thn glorious revived. We have more members in Baltimore, (town and Point,) than in any city or town on the continent besides. Sunday 13. I preached three times ; baptised, and administered the sacrament twice ; and ordained A. F. ■ ■ and W. L dea* cons. I trust it was a profitable time to many.--<-I took told, ^nd was much hurt by labour, so that I could hardly move my body. Monday 14. Came to Daniel Evan's, one of our oldest menders*, and his house one of our oldest stands ; to this d$y he has continued to be steadfiist. — The Lord has now made bare his arm, an ^ brought in forty or fifty young people, among whom are some of his own children, for whom so many prayers have been ofiered up to God : the fire 'of the Lord spreads from house tb house, and from heart to heart. Tuesday 15. I bad but few hearers at Hunt's chapel, but the Lord was present, and I am persuaded there was not an unfeeling son] in the bouse. I spent the evening with one of the great : the Dipitized by Google lIMft] REV. FiuHGis Asavjuy's JOtmicAX.. 66 L«rd and bid owd coDscieooe will witoisM that I did not flatisr ina. that his soul were converted to God i Friday 18. At G 'g we had a toleom time ; the power of the Lord haa been displayed here to great purpoae. Sunday 20. Was ao alarming time at the Foriu church— a nuaber of serious people— oo trifliog here now : how many dead aouls restored from a backsliding state ! and their children converted too. Monday 21. Rode in the evening to Cokesbury. I found L Steward had gone to his final rest : he was a pious lad who kept too close to his studies. He praised God to the last, even when he was delirious : it made the students very solemn for a season. Sunday 27. Preached at Gunpowder chapel in the forenoon, and at Abingdon at three o'clock. - Monday 28. After a long absence I preached at Bush Forest ^ chapel : this was one of the first houses that was built for the ^ Methodists in the state of Maryland ; and one of the first societi^ was Ibrmed here. They had been dead for many years ; of late the Lord has visited this neighbourhood^ and I suppose, from report, fifty souls have been converted to God. I preached at Havre de Grace with divine illuminatbn and authority. Thence I went to — — ; I was hardly welcome-^per- haps 1 wrong him ; 1 shall know wh^a 1 call again. Gdied at I. and S. Hersey's, and found the Lord had not departed firom these housea; I hope their children will all come to God. Wednesday 30. At Wilmington I was warm in spirit. Thence 1 rode to Philadelphia ; where I gave a abort discourse on another man's appointment ; my subject— Jecab's wrestling with God. On Friday night I apoke on *' Who may abide the day of his coming?" Sunday, Octc^r 4. We were not without the presence of the Lord at our love-feast and sacrament this day. Brother Willis spoke feelingly in the afternoon. Monday 5. We had a meeting of the principal members in order to consult about the incorporation of our church. New* Jersey. — Tuesday 6. After twenty years preaching, they have bnik a very beautiful meeting-house at BurMngton ; but it is low times there in religion. At New-Mills both preachers and people appeared to feel, and the watch-night was attended with some breathings after God. Thursday 9. We had a poor, dry meeting at Mount-HoUy : some were alarmed with fear, lest we should make a noise as we had Digitized by Google 6& Riy* rs^tsscin A50vay's jovmal. [1768i cidoe iQ Philadelphia ; sonie dear couotcy frienda felt the Lord powerfoUy, aod carried hooie the flame. Friday 10. i felt inward strength at Bethel qd. Isai. Ixtii. IS The ^ower vras present, but there is not as mnch religion amongit them as formerly. Saturday 11. My ride to. Bethel was thirty miles; and thirty miles more broaght me to Deerfield ; ^ I spoke very alarmingly, an4 to little purpose at the Methodisttco^Presbyteuan church. Sunday 12. At the Glass- House I felt myself, and the Lord made others feel-*-to purpose, I hope. Thence to Salem,, at tlM^ee o'clock : it was leveliing work, storm and thunder, whilst I opened and applied Isai. izx. 20, 21. Monday 13. I returned to Philadelphia, where there were five ;^ criminals hanged ; one of them professed conversion. ""' \^ Tuesday 15. Was the day of election for representatives^ ^^ching in the eveniog was to little purpose, on " Arm of Uie Lord awake." '' O Lord, of life ! when shall it be.*' . ,:, Delaware. — I preached at Wilmington, on the dedicatipn of our new chapel : thus far are we come after more than twenty years' labour in this place. Thursday 174 I preached at Dickinson's. Here we have a.goc4 house built ; and a blessed, foundation of living, stones fixed on the chief comer-stone. After preaching at Severson's and Duck* Creek Gross Roads, we came on Saturday to Dover quarterly abat- ing ; here the congregation was large and serious. ,f; Sunday 20. Preached on *' The Lord whom ye seek shall sud- denly come to his temple." Ordained W. I. and I. B. elders* We have had encotiragiog intelligence of an opening in New-Eng- land : we shall send Jacob Brush to assist Jesse Lee, who has been some time visiting those parts. Reached judge Whitens in the evening, and rested there on Monday. Tuesday 22. Rode to Millfard ; where we bad a great move aod noble shouting. 1 felt myself very unwell. We had a very c<^- fortable love-feast next morniog. 1 was taken with a sore throat, • and brother Whatcoat supplied my lack of service. 1 was laid up four days ; a violent headach and fever attended the inflamma- tion in my throat, with little or no perspiration. I made use of flaxseed tea, and a very great expectoration followed. - Wednesday 30. I came to Lowry's, at the head of Nanticoke. Digitized by Google 17E9.] REV. FRAHCIS ASBURY '8 JOUIUVAL. 57 I still feel much ps^io, mth a r<^?er and hoarseness. I must take blame to myself for ridiug sometimes in the night and cold even- ings without an upper coat : I am growing old ; add I live much in sonthern climes. 1 lodged at brother H — 's, who was ill with a bilious and nervous complaint. Thursday 31. Came to W , and was kindly entiertained. Friday, November 1. We rode in the rain — it was almost enough to kill healthy men. — Afler steeping our feet in warm water, we came to brother Downing's. Nest day we rode twenty-eight miles to Paramour's ; my rest being interrupted, I rose early, and rode through the cold to the lore-feoBt, where we had great shouting. Although very weak in body, I rode thirty miles ; a dish of tea, and a biscuit and a half, was all my food till six o'clock in the evening. Monday 4. I rode forty miles to Magotty-Bay, and preached to a few people. The Antinomians please them and gain them — ^alas ! for us. O, that the Lord would send an earthquake of his power among them ! Tuesday 6. We hadi an open time at brother J 's. The school for the charity boys much occupies my mind : our annual ex- |l1ANiiture will amount to £200, and the aid we get is but trifling : the poverty of the people, and the general scarcity of money, is Hie great source of our difficulties ; the support of our preachers who have fai|>ilies absorbs our collections, so that nmther do our elders or the charity school get much. We have the poor, but they have no money -, and the worldly, wicked rich we do not choose to ask. I have rode about one hundred miles from Sunday morning till Tuesday night ; at the same time very ynwell with a cold and influ- enza, which spreads in almost every family. Wednesday 6. We had many people at Accomack court-house, and power attended the word whilst brothers E. and W. spoke Thursday & Friday 7, 8. We held quarterly meeting at Down- ings ; the first day the Lord was powerfully present, and the peo- ple were greatly agitated ; on the second day at the love-feast and sacrament there was a shoot, and I believe two hundred souls prais* ed God at one time ; my soul was happy among them. Maryland. — Saturday 9. At Annamessex quarterly meeting the Lord was amongst the people on the first day. On Sunday at the love-feast, the young were greatly filled, and the power of the Most High spread throughout ; it appeared as if they would have Vol. II. 8 Digitized by Google 58 mV. PtLAMCtS MMmmY^B ffCfOMIlU [I7W. coDtiwied tiir niglit if they had not been in some measure forced to stop that we might have pabiic worship. I stood tfear the win* dow and spoke on Isaiah Iziv. 1 — 5. there was a stir, and se* Teral sinners went away. There were rery uncommon dream- stances of a sopematural kind said to be observed at this meeting. The saints of the worlds are dreadfully displeased at this work ; which, after all, is the best evidence that it is of God. The preachers orged me to preach at Princess Anne ; I did so ; and many poor, afflicted people came ont ; I tm.st some will be able to say of Christ, " He is altogetbor lovely !" I felt nncommon poorer In preaching at Thomas Garrettson's — sorely the Lord will work. At the quarterly meeting I did not speak the first day ; (he se- cond, I preached on Rom. x. 14, 15. there was a little stir, yet this is said (o be the dullest, or one of the dullest places in the peninsula. Thursday 14, was a warm day, and we had a heary ride Itf the Line chapel : there were but few hearers, owing to the great affliction that prevails. The influenza, and other complaints, carry off many people ; and it 4S an awful time. Friday 15. Came to Broad-Creek chapel, where some oftliil wicked had broken the windows. There liad been a stir at the quarterly meeting, and a testimony borne against their revellings, and it was judged, that on this account the injury was committed on the house. My throat was sore, and my testimony feeble oA 2 Cor. vt. 1. f rode to the head of Nanticoke, where brotter Whatcoat preached a warm sermon. Saturday 16. Preached at Brown^s chapel: the geoend aHlie* tion hindered many from attending ; but we were happy "^together, and it was a strengthening, confirming time to many tried souls. Sunday 17. The people were shouting the praises of God when I came ; after the noise and fervour Bad subsided, 1 preached on the men of Nineveh's repenting at the preaching of Jondi ; and the word sunk into some hearts. Monday 18. We had a noUe shout, and the people rejoiced in the Lord. Friday 22, being the day -of our quarterly meeting fast^ we strove to keep it as well as our feeble bodies would admit. Saturday and Sunday, 23, 24. There was a shaking among the people ; some were alarmed ; some professed to be justified ; and others sanctified ; whilst the wicked brought with them much of Digitized by Google 1789.] .liS¥. imAVda AOIllliY's ^lOHfJUIAL. 59 ibe pow«r of Satao. I received flome relief for my poor orpbaos. For some claya past I hare been kept in an bomble, U?ing, boly^ conquering frame. , Monday 25. ^ Altboogh the north-west wind blew very strong, we crossed Choptank River and came to Bolingbroke : here we had lood shouts, and liriog teatimooies from many of our oldest members, whilst some of our gay young Mctbodisfo were mute. Being a day of public thanksgiving, I rode to Wye, where there is 4 good new chapel : the rain hindered, so that we had but few hearers. Came through the rain to Tuckahoe. Friday 29. There was a good move at Choptank-Bri(^. I ordained five persons to the ofiice of deacons. Saturday 30. Preached with some freedom at Dover. . Sunday 31. I preached at Duck-Creek. Stopped, and gave ,tbem a discourse at Middletown; and spent the evening with a- worthy kind friend. A number of dear old brethren accompanied mne to Cokesbury^ where we had an examination of the boys, and stationed eleven on charity. Thence we hastened on to Baltimore. Thursday, December 4. Our council was seated, consisting of the following persons, viz. : Richard Ivey, from 6e<»gia ; R. ElUa^ Sesth Carolina ; E. Morris, North Carolina ; Phil. Bruce, north district of Virginia ; James O* Kelly, souths district of Virginia ; L. Green, Ohio ;^ Nelson . Reid^ western shore of Maryland ; J«&erett, eastern shore; lohn Dickens, Pennsylvania; J. O. Cromwell, Jersey ; and Freeborn Garrettson, New- York : all our business was done in love and unanimity. The concerns of the collie were well attended to, as also the printing business. We formed some resolutions relative to economy and union, and others concerning the funds for the relief of our suffering preachers on the frontiers. We rose en the eve of Wednesday following. During our sitting,, we had preaching every night ; some few souls were stirred up, and others converted. The prudence of some bad stilled the* noisy ardour of oury^nng people ; and it %vas diffi- cult to rekindle the fire. I collected about £28 for the poor suf> fering preachers in the west. We spent one day in speaking our own experiences, and giving an account of the progress and^ state of the work of God in our several districts ; a spirit of union per- vades the whole body ; producing blessed effects and fruits. Thursday Ih This and the two following days were spent in writing, and other necessary business. I also preached at town and Point. Digitized by Google --^ 60' REV. FRANCIS ASBURT'S JOORNAL. [ITW. Sanday 14^ I delivered some alannmg truths at oar meetfogs house with some life. I preached ,at the Germaa chorcfa is the aflernoon ; and in the evening I spoke on ^ The men of Nineveh shall ri^e up in judgment against the men of (his generation^ and condemn it," &c. ' Monday 15. To my comfort 1 found one of Thomas Cromwell's children under deep distress; when I formerly frequented the house she was a child^ Came on to Annapolis, and found the work rather dead. Tuesday 16. 1 preached with more liherty than the eveaiog be^ fore. Wednesday 17. Set out for Herring Bay : it rained, and our ride ivaa heavy. I lodged with William Weem's, once a great zealot for the Old Church. * Thursday 18. We rode to Cbilds's— it was an awfully stormyv rainy day, and we had no meeting. The Lord has made hare bis arm since my last visit here, and souls have been converted aand sanctified. Friday 19. Rode to Gray's: here also the Lord hath wrought powerfully amongst the children, ViAGiNiA. — Saturday 20. Rode through Charles county to Hal^s ferry .T--Death ! death ! We had prayer at our todgings : Mr. H. treated us very kindly. Sabbath morning 21. I read part of the thirty^tbird chapter e'sv where I spoke with some liberty. We found ourselves.not at home, so we went, to our friend S 's ; my spirit has been wounded not a little.' 1 know not which to pity most, the slaves or their masters^ Thence we went on to the widow Hutt's ; I am ill, and have little to do, which makes me worse^ On Christmas eve I made a visit to counsellor Carter ; a very social gentleman, a Baptist. After preaching we had fifteen miles to ride* to sister W— ^ — 's ; and twenty miles the next morning to Lancaster quarterly meeting. Sunday 27. Feeling myself unwell, brother Whatcoat preached ; abd our public and society meeting occupied sis hours. and a half* Notwithstanding the rain, we had many to hear, l;)oth white and black. 1 was very sensible that the work of grace was deepened in the souls of the people : several spoke of the pure love of God. Monday 28. I felt much enlarged in spirit. It seemed to me as if Digitized by Google 1790.] UEV. SaANClS ASBVRY'S jaURKAL. 61 the Lord -was ooly begioDiog to work ; bat the Aotinomians oppose, -r^eirertheleas, 1 bs?e growing hopes that the glory of Zion will shortly appear. . Tuesday 29. After waiting at the ferry about four hours, we made an attempt to cross in an old boat, with tattered sails, which gateway near. the middle of tbe river ^ throagh mercy we got safe over. Thence directing our course to Torks^Ferry, a poor old negro made out to get us across in a little flat : about eight o'clock we arrived safely at sister D 's, where we found three of the preachers waiting for us, preacbiog having been appointed for the morrow. We had the presence of God with us in the meeting, and at the sacrament. Thursday 31. We bad a few attentive people at brother Bel* iamy's. O Gloucester 1 Gloucester ! when will it be famous for religtoii. Finding my appointments not made, we crossed York- River, jand came once more to my dear old friend Welden's. — I was d»eb indisposed. January 1, 1790. No appointment for preaching. We are bound to the southy and shall proceed on as iast as we can. Saturday 2. We were refreshed in the evening. Next day (SaWmtfa) I preached at Chickahominy church once more : sin- ners, Phariaees, backsliders, hypocrites, and believers, were faith- fdlly warned ; and of all these characters there were doubtless a goodly: number in tbe large congregation which attended. . Brother Bruce, went to Browa?s, and brother W. and myself to Welden's ; at both these places the Lord was powerfully present in our meetings. Monday 4. We crossed James-River, with a fresh wind*a-head, and only two poor' blacks, where fonr ferrymen are necessary. Two brigs under sail came do^n full upon us, and we had hard work to get out of their way. These large ferries are dangerous and expensive : our ferriages alone have cost us £3 since we left AooapoJis. Tuesday 5. Rested, and next day preached at brother Morings ; I felt some power among the people ; but the glory is measurably departed ; the imprudent haste of the young people to marry un- believers, and divisions excited fay other causes, have done much injury. Thursday 7, Was an ameliorating time at Ellis's church. Tbe next day, at Lane's, 1 hnd many people, although it rained ; I felt comfortable in speaking to them. Saturday 9. Was a cold time in a cold house at brother M 's Digitized by Google ^ RGV* FiUNcis asiivrt's JOimirAL. [tfdCL I fek uniPeR, and moch dejected at the situation ef the pea|il€, whom I foand divided about the merits of a certain character^ once a preacher among the Methodists, but now disowned, and strifiog to make a party ; this man, and the disputes for and against slavery have been hurtful. Sunday 10. Came to Jones's church, and was much lifted up in spirit. Monday 1 1. I had many to hear at Mabry's. Tuesday 12. From Mabry's we came to Brunswick quarterlj meeting, where there was a considerable quickening, and mapi* festation of the Lord's power. We had a good meeting at Roaflh oak chapel ; f rejoiced that the society had increased to more than a hundred souls. I received a letter from the presiding elder of this district, James O^Kelly : he makes heavy complaints of my power, and bids me stop for one year, or he must use his influence against me---powerS power ! there is not a vote given in a conference in which the presiding elder has not greatly the advantage of me ; all the iofla- ence I am to gain over a company of young men in a district muat be done in three weeks ; the greater part of them, perhaps, arf^ seen by me only at conference, whilst the presiding elder hM bad them with him all the year, and has the greatest opportmiuty of gaining influence ; this advantage aray be abused ; let the Ushopa look to it : but who has the power to lay an .embargo on me, and to make of none effect the decision of all the conferences of Ihe union ? - North Carolina. — Friday 16. Crossed Roanoak, and was met by several preachers at sister Pegram's, where the Lord was with us. . Saturday 16. 1 had along ride to R; Joneses; we had a good season at the sacrament : several spoke powerfully of the justify- ing , and sanctifying grace of God. A hundred souls have been brought to God : thus the barren wilderness begins to smile. I found it a time to speak from Isai. lii. 1. We had to ride sixteen miles ; and here, O what my spirit felt ! It is a day of very small and feeble things, and but little union among the people. I found it needful to enforce that prayer* O Lord, revive thy work \ One poor black fell to the ground and praised God. Tuesday 19. I had some freedom in preaching at B ■ ■ -' a ; but I fear there is too much vanity and Antinomian leaven amongst them to permit much good to be done. > Rode to Tomlinson's — but here they had made no appointnp^ent. Digitized by VjOOQIC i * i J fiBff.] RET. PftAHGIS ASWAt'i l«inUlAL* , 63 At Merritfs chapel, on New-Hope Creek, Cbtthaoi eoimty, I ftQ-* ibfted «« HotR^flbeH I give thee ap, O Epbraim !'' — there wes some iMltog among tbeoi ; bat tbey are not a aDited people. Thtfrsday 81. I rode to the widoir Snipe's, tweotjr milei ; and preached on Isaiah iIt. 22. then crossed Haw-River, and eaoie to M— ^'s, about two hours i»the night, where I found a congrega- tion waiting, to whom I spoke on '' I am not ashamed of the.Gos* pel of Christ," 4ic« the people were tender. Friday 22. Came to Rainey's, in Orange county, to a quarterly meeting, where seven of our preachers met together ; the first dtiy the people were dull ; the second, our congregation was large ; iiy subject was, ** We will give ourselves to prayer and the minlS" try of the word." I ordained Thomas Anderson to the oflke of an elder. We rode throngh a heavy rain sixteen miles to our l^nd Burr's ; here they have built us a complete house of the heart of oak." Plt)ceeded twelve miles to Rocky*River, and pleached at fif^Master's chapel ; afterward we had a night meeting, and upon the whole I tielieve we were speaking about four hours, besides nearly two spent in prayer. We came to our friend K — % and were kindly entertained. Thence we went to Mr. BeM'a, on D^e^-Rtver, and were received in the kindest manner ; before I iaft the house, I felt persuaded that that family would come to eiperienee the power of rel^on. Tuesday 26. We had to make our way througb a dreary path, aflid rode about fifty miles : we Were fayoured by only getting a sprinkling of rain, which became very heavy after we were housed at Thomas C— — *V, about eleven o'clock. Rode (b Doctor King's, twenty-five miles, and performed the fdneral rites of Captain C-^, who was sick when I was here last year. I then prayed for him, and felt as if his sickness was unto death : now, i preached his ftineral sermon — my text was, *' It is appointed unto men once to die," kjt. I felt some entailment in speaking, end a few people appeared to be moved. I have read an account of the wonderful revolution in France ; may the good of Protestantbm and the glory of God be advanced kyit! Since we crossed Roanoke-River, we have passed through Wat* ren, Granville, Wake, Chatham, Orange, Randolph, and Richmond counties, in North Carolina. - After passing Hedge-Cock creek, I preached at Night*^ chapel OB <«My grace is sufficient for thee :" there was some quickening, and I was blest. It is no small exercise to ride twenty miles, or Digitized by, .Google 64 REV. FftAircis ASBvmr's jovrwai.. {f ildO. more, as we freqaiintly do before tftrelve o'clock ; taking dl tnodd of food and lodgiog aod weather too, as it comes, whether it btf good or bad. I saw the hand of the Lord in preserving ay life and limbs wfaen my horse made an Qocommoo start and sprang some yards with me» it was with difficulty I kept the saddle. South CAROLiirA. — We had a severe day's ride ; and called at the Beauty -Spot : the beauty here has somewhat faded : the society is disjointed, and in a poor state. We made it a fifty miles' ride, or thereabouts, to Pryor's. Sunday^ 31. There were some signs of remaining life seen under preaching, and a little spirit and feeling in the lore-feasts 1 felt great enlargement on ^' Oh h £phraim, how shall 1 give thee up," &c. I found it heavy work. Monday, February 1. Brother W. preached at the Grove ; I. £•- and myself spoke after him, and there were gracious signs of ten-^ derness among the people. An elderly Baptist preacber attended, whose heart the Lord touched, and he acknowledged the power of the Most High to be present. We lodged at old friend J ■ ' s, having rode twenty-five miles ; we were weary and hungry, baviog breakfasted on tea at eight o'clock, and taken nothing more ttH six o'clock at night. Lord^ help me to bear all things without mar- muring or disputing. At Fiowers's there was a living stir ; one sonl found peaoe^; Rod I had freedom in preaching. After riding fifteen miles to Sweet's meeting-house ; on a cold day, we had about a dozen people : of these few, some were drunk, and began to laugh and trifle round the bouse. After three exhortations and prayers, we came to Port's ferry, and had to cros» in the night, and wade tbe low places. Came to sister , and had a comfortable table spread before us, which, to us, who had rode thirty miles through heavy raio, without eating or drinking, was almost necessary. I think our kind hostess has several of the marks St. Paul gives of a widow indeed. I have lately read Thompson's Seasons, containing upwards ^ of two hundred pages. I find a little wheat and a great deal of chaff; I have read great authors, so called, and wondered where they found their finery of words and phrases ; much of this might be pilfered fVom the ** Seasons," . without injury to the real merit of the work : and doubtless it has been plucked by literary robbers ; and my wonder may cease. Digitizedtby CjOOQIC J9M.| RET. FIIAKCI9 iiftHRX'S JOURVAL. 65 >^ ' ttj 0wn soul hm peaee : bat I feel a death amoogst the people. i hope the itotd will come aod riait them in power ; if they do not toro to God, I expect they will be cat off, aad that soon. . Saturday 6» Rode to Georgetown ; and on the Sabbath, brother W — ^preached on >^ In all places where 1 record my name, I will come in to thee, and 1 will bless thee." MoDiday 8. I gave them , a close and serions address on rightly dmdti^ the word of troth. sToesday 9, €akne to Wapataw^ and preached on 1 John iv. 16, 17. ' W«dB€r«day 10. Came to Charleston. Here I receiyed good Hews from Balttmore and New- York : abont two-hnndred souls have been brooght to God within a few weeks; 1 ha?e been closely oc- copied in writing to Eorope, and to different parts of this continent* We feel a little quickening here: brother AVhatcoat preaches eTeryni^t^ ' Stttofday 13. The preachers are coming in to the conference. I have felt fresh springs of desire In my soul for a revival of religion. Q may the work be general ! It is a happy thing to be united as is Oiu: society ; the happy news of the revival of the work of God ffie9 frofulimepart of the continent to the other, and all partake of the joy. Sunday 14. I preached twice. Next day (Monday) oar confe- rence began : onr business was conducted in great peace and love* The bosiiiess of the council came before us ; and it was^determioied that the concerns of the college, and the printing, should be left with the council to act decisively upon ; but that no new canons should be made, nor the old altered, without the consent of the conftarenee ; and that whatever was done on this bead, should come in the shape of advice only. We -had some quickening seasons, and living meetings : several young people come under awakenings. Wednesday 17. I preached on *' If thou take forth the pre- deus ftom the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth^:" it was a search- ing season t several" spoke and prayed ; and we had noise enough. The evening before an eitract of sundry letters from New- York and Baltimore was read in the congregation^ at which saints and sinners were aflietstedw But we have not a sufficient breast- work : our friends are too mute and fearful, and many of the out- d0or9 people &re violent and wicked. I have had a busy, trying tiifte for ](d>oot nine days past; and L have hopes that some hun- <]^ds in this city will be converted by this time next year. Our csiifereiic^ resolved on establishing Snuday-sehools for poor chil- (Iren, white and^ black. Vol. H. 9 Digitized by Google 06 REV. FRAKCIff ABBVRT^S JOURNAL. [Vi9Q^ Friday 19. We rode to Edkto: at Guebam's Ipreaeted .oq the '* Great salvation :" there appeared to be atteniioD, and aooie were affected. Saturday 20. Was a dry time at Lynder's. Brother Wbatcoat preached — I was very unvTiell with a headacb. Sonday 21. We had a better season at Cattle-Creek, on Mai. iii. 1. May God arise to help these people, and revive and worli: mightily for and amongst them ! Monday 22. We had a heavy ride to B.'s : it-was still more so when we came to preaching. Poor souls I the Antinomian leaver brings forth death here : some appeared hardened, others, never- theless, appeared a little melted — may God help these people J I was unwell — could eat but Kttle. I was not at home — I felt %9 if God had departed from this house, and waa miserable until I left it. Tuesday 23. We rode to R— 's. Here we found people of another spirit. We had a large congregation-rbut very blind, deaf, and dumb. O Lord ! can these dry bones live ? I spoke very close, but to little purpose. May the Lord help, and stand by the poor preachers who labour on this side Edisto t Wednesday 24. At Chester's, and next day at P 'a tl^re was a small stir. Some here have been awakened, b«^ they lean to Calvinism, and the love of strong drink carries almost all away : my spirit was bowed down amongst them. I spoke a little, and so did brother Wbatcoat. We appointed a night meeting; Uiere came only two men, and they were drunk. Friday 26. There came about a dozen people to hear us at Treadwell's, to whom brother Wbatcoat preached on the ** work» of the flesh,'' and the " fruits of the Spirit." After riding thirty miles through heavy sands, we came to Doc- tor Fuller's. I am strongly inclined to think I am done with this road and people ; they pass for Christians^^a prophet of strong drink might suit them. 1 was clear in not receiving any thing without paying for it. Saturday 27. Rode to Campbell- Town, and stopped at brother G 's. Since Friday, the 19th, we have rode about one hun- dred and sixty miles. I have beeo^ under various trials and exercises, and have some dejected hours : this also shall tend to my humiliation, and work for my good, . , Sunday 28. I preached on 1 Tim. i. 15. I had a very still and unfeeling congregation. The inhabitants of this little town (Caiap- Digitized by Google It96»] EEY. FRANCIS ASBUAt's JOVRNAL. €7 beU-Town) seem to be sober and indastrious ; bat even here I ^itnd some droDlEardfl' Georgia. — Monday, March 1. We crossed at Angnsta, in Creorgiay and rode to S. C. church. I had some enlargement on Luke ir, 18, 19. Thence we proceeded to Brier-Creek. Tuesday 2. I preached in an old church, near Waynesborough ; , at Wyche's, in (he evening; and next day at Golphin's, Old Town-^the house was open, and the day cold. Thursday 4. I preached with liberty in a new church, near IPan's bridge. We have been exercised in public night and day ; * frequently we bav€ not more than six hours' sleep ; our horses are weary, and the houses are so crowded, that at night our rest is much disturbed. Jesus is not always in our dwellings ; and where He is not a pole cabin is not very agreeable : provisions for man and horse we have plenty of. Our journeys are about thirty miles, day by day ; but under all these trials I enjoy peace and patience, and have much of the love of Gpd. Sunday 7. We had a crowded congr^ation. at H.'s; brother W. attempted to preach, but soon concluded. We lodged with brother S , above the forks of Ogeeche. My mind has been .ibiieh tried under so much bodily fatigue. ^ I went to view four hundred acres of land, and found it not s.uitably situated for a seminary of learning. Came to S ■ *8— a cold place, and cold congregation there. Wednesday 10. Our conference began at Grant's. We had preaching every day, and there were some quiql^enings amongst the people. Our business was conducted in peace and unanimity. The deficiencies of the preachers, who receive a salary of sixty-four dollars per annum, from this conference, amounted to seventy-four pounds for the last year. . Thursday 11. We had a rainy day, yet a full house, and a living love-feast ; some souls were converted ; and others professed sanc- tification. I had some opening in speaking from Ezek. ii. 7. We have a prospect of obtaining a hundred acres of land for every £100 we can raise and pay, for the support of Wesley and Whit- field school. On Monday we rode out to view three hundred acres of land offered for the above purpose. My soul has been much tried since conference began : I must strive to keep from rising too high, ot sinking too low. Tuesday 16. We set out on our journey, and came to the new chapel at Bibb's Cross Roads ; I preached with some life and liberty, and ordained brother Bennet Maxey to the office of 4eacon. I Digitized by Google — €8 HET. FRAVjCIS ASBVKy's ^OUMTAX'. {ItM. spent the ereoing at brpther Herbert'fl^ where lie inNir^od^llMl remains of dear brother Major. I was told that a. poor siooef mn struck with coDviction at his grave, aod thought he hear^ the mce of God calling him to repentance. . I was also told of a woman who sent for brother Andrew to preach her funeral while living ; abe was blest under the word, and died in peace. South Carolika. — Wednesday 17. We were kiod^ OB[tertoinod at P. C 's ; and next day, after riding twenty-two milea to p »g^ vre had an evening meeting, and were happy with a few living souls. The Presbyterians are Tery kind, giving m freely whatever is needful for man and horse. 1 have great «on8<^- tions, and severe trials. Friday 19. We had some stir, especially aosongst the yottng peo- ple, at the widow Bowman's on Reedy-River. Saturday 20. Rode to M 's ; and finding brother Ellis was to be at C — ; — 's, we hasted to see him, and rode twenty miles, cross- ing Ennoree-River, near the alaugkUr ground^ where a baUle was fought in the last war. Sunday 21. Preached to a quiet people, and bad a small stirr We had a meeting in the evening at brother Smith's. Monday 22. 1 feel myself unwell with a sick and nervous l^ad« ach; which returns once a month, and sometimes oftener. We have travelled about six hundred miles in about three weeks, beside the time taken up in conference. Thou, Lord, wilt hirve mercy, and sav^e both man and beast. I expect Providence brought tls this H^ay, to pily and to help the people. Dear brother and sister S are unspeakably kind. North Carolina. — Friday 26. Rode about twenty-two miles; stopped at Col. Graham's, dripping wet with rain ; he received us, poor strangers, with great kindness, and treated us hospitably. We had awful thunder, wind, and rain. 1 was still unwell with a complaint that terminated the life of my grandfather Asbury, whose name 1 boar ; perhaps it will also be my end. We were weather bound until Monday morning, the 29th of March : for several days I have been very sick and serious; I have been enabled to look into eternity with some pleasure. I could give up the chnrDrti, the college, and schools ; nevertheless, there was one drawback— what will my enemies and mistaken friends say ? why, that he hath offended the Lord, and He b^th taken him away. In the aflernoon I felt somewhat better. Brother Whatcoat preached a most excel- lent sermon on ''The kingdom of God is not in word but in power" — -not in sentiments or forms, but in the convincing, con- Digitized by Google f790.] REV. FRAKCI8 ASBVRT's JOURNAL. €9 v«Hteg^, r^genemtitig, saoctifjing, poiyer of God. I am making tk>8e application to my Bible ; reading tbe Prophets at my leisnre whilst on my j6umey, I met* with a pious Baptist — Glory to God ' for What Religion there is still to be fband amongst all sects and denominations of people ! Wedaesday 31. Rode to Gilbert*Town, and preached at H— -— 'a with some freeddm, but was very unwell in the afternoon. Thursday, April I; Rode about fifty miles through Rutherford and Burice counties : it is a day of small things here* t at in the wildernesa. I slept about an hoar die fint night, and aboat two the last : we ate no regular meal ; our bread ^grew short, and I was much spent. I saw the graves of the slain— twenty-four in one camp. I learn that they had set no guard, and that they were up late, playing at cards. A poor woman of the company had dreamed three times that the Indians had surprised and killed them all ; she urged her husband to entreat the people to set a guard, but they only abased him, and cursed him for his pains. As the poor woman waa re* lating her last dream the Indiaps came upon the camp ; she and her husband sprung away, one east, the other west, and escaped. She afterward came back, and wit nesaed the carnage. These poor sinners appeared to be ripe for destruction. I received an ac* count of the death of another wicked wretch who was shot through the heart, although he had Vaunted, with horrid oaths, that no Creek Indian could kill him. These are some of the melancholy accidents to which the country is aubject for the present ; as to the land,, it is the richest body of fertile soil I have ever beheld. Wednesday 12. I preached for the first time at R.-.-^'8, on Jer. 1. 4, 5. and the Lord was with me, . Thursday 13. Being court time, I preached in a dwelliog-houaev at Lexington, and not without some feelii^. The Methodists do but little here — others lead the way. After dinner 1 rode about five miles ip company with poor C W . Ah ! how many times have I eaten at this man's table, in New- York — and now, he is without property and without grace. When about to part, I asked him if he loved God : his soul was in his eyes ; be burst into tears, and could scarcely speak — <' he did not love God, but he desired it." Our conference was held atltirother Masterson's, a very comfortable house, and kind people. We went through our business in. great love and harmony. I ordained Wilson Lee, Thomas Williamson, and Barnabas M'Henry, elders. We had preaching noon and night, and souls were converted, and the fallen restored. My soul has been blest among these people, and I ani exceedingly pleased with them. I would not, for the worth of all the place, have been prevented in this visit, having no doubt but that it will be for the good of the present and rising generation. It is true, such exertions of mind and body are trying ; but I am supported under it : — if souls are saved, it is enough.' Brother Poythress is much alive to God. We fixed a plan for a school, and called it Bethel; and obtained a subscription of upwards of £300, in land and money, towards its establishment. Digitized by Google 1796.] WfiV. FRARCW JlSBtlRv'S JOtJllNAL. 75 ' Monday 17. Rode to Coleman's chapel, about ten miles from Lexington, and preached to an un'engaged people. We thence rode to I. Lewises, on the bend of Kentucky- River. Lewis is an old acquaintance, from Leesbnrg, Virginia ; 1 was pleased to find that heaven and religion were not lost sight of in this family. Brother Lewis offered me one hundred acres of land for Bethel ^ on a good spot for building materials. We rode through mire and rain twenty-one miles to Francis Clark's, near Danville, where we had ai^umerous congregation. ' Saturday 22. We had a noble shout at Brown's, and four souls professed to be converted to God. Reached the Crab-Orchard, and lodged under a tree, very feverish and unwell— a poor begin- ning this. Monday 24. We set out on our return through the wilderness wKh a large and helpless company ; we had about fifty people, twenty of whom were armed, and five of whom might have Mood fire. To preserve order and harmony > we had articles* drawn up for, and signed by our company, and I arranged the people for travelling according to the regulations agreed upon. Some disaffected gentlemen, who would neither sign nor fome under discipline, had yet the impudence to murmur when left be- hind. The first night we lodged some miles beyond the Hazel- pntcb. The next day we discovered signs of Indians, and some thought they heard voices ; we therefore thdught it best to travel 6n, and did not encamp until three o'clock, halting on the east side of Cumberland-River. We had gnats enough. We had an alarm, but it turned out to be a false alarm. A young gentleman, a Mr. Alexander, behaved exceedingly well ; but his tender frame was not adequate to the fatigue to be endured, and he had well nigh fainted on the road to Cumberland Gap. Brother Massie was cafHain ; and finding I had gained authority among the peo- ple, I acted somewhat in the capacity of an adjutant and quar- ter-master amongst them. At the foot of the mountain the com- pany separated; the greater part went on with me to Powell's River; here we slept on the earth, and next day made the Grassy Valley. Several of the company, who were not Metho- dists, expressed their high approbation of our conduct, and most affectionately invited us to their houses. ' The journeys of each day were as follow : Monday forty-five miles ; Tuesday fifty miles; Wednesday sixty miles. Tehnessee.-— Thursday 27. By riding late we reached Capt. Amie's, where I had a bed to i^est on. Digitized by Google _. 70 RBT. CRAnreiS A^UVKt'B J0VftBf4|(- [179Q. Fridaj $8, Saturday 29, and Saoday 30. I spent at Gen. Rai* sell's, whose wife 10 coDverted sioce I left the house last ; I thoi^^ht theo that she was not far from the kiugdoio of God. I found myself dispirited in public preachios* I afterward er^ dained 1. Ragau and B. Vanpelt, local preachers, to the office of deacoos. , Monday 31. Rode to New-River, forty ^fife or fifty miles ; heve I saw John Tuonell, rery low ; a mere shadow ; butTery huoable and patient under his affliction. North Cabolina.— Tuesday, June 1. I rode about forty-five miles to Armstrong's, and next day about four o'clock reaohed M*Knight8 on the Yadkin-River, in North Carolina ; here thecoa*- ference had been waiting for tne nearly two weeks : we rejoiced together, and ray brethren received me as one brou^i from the jaws of death. Oar business was much matured, the critical concern of the council understood, and the plan, with its amemi- ments, adopted, ' Saturday b, and Sunday 6. Were days of the Lord'a pretence and power — several were converted. We had an ordination each day. We have admitted into full connexion some steady men, with dispositions and talents for the work. Monday 7. Rode through Salem Town ; the Moravian brethren have the blessing of the nether springs, and houses, orchards, knills, stores, mechanic's shops, &e. I rode about three hundred miles to Kentucky in six days ; and on my return about five hon- dred miles in nine days : O what exertions for man and horse: ViROiNiA.^—Wednesday 9. Came forty-five miles to 1. C— *'s, and next day, thirty miles to sister Jones's. Friday 11. Rode to brother l-— -— 's, and next day late in the evening reached Petersburg. Sunday 13. I preached on Psalm Ixxxv. 6. I was weak and un- well with excessive labour and wai^ of rest Monday 14. Our conference began ; all was peace until the council was mentioned. The young men appeared to be entirely under the infiuence of the elders, and turned it out of doonu I was weary, and felt but little freedom to speak on the subject. This business is to be explained to every preacher; and then it must be carried through the conferences twenty-four times, i. e. through all the conferences for two years. We had some little quickentngs, but no great move among the people at our public preaching. Mr. Jarratt preached for us ; friends at first are friends again at last. There were four elders, and seventieen Digitized by Google iJM>.] ig&v. ^ft4»ci8 A^avivir's joq&kax.. 77 cincoiis' onUned} ten yoqng men who offeM to travel, befiiies liietfe who reoMined oo triaL We have good news fi^om a for country^ Jersey flames with religion ;. some bandreds are con* ▼erted. The work of God does rerive here, although not in the saoae degree 9$ it did two years ago. Id the midst of. all my laboar and trouble I enjoy peace within. Saturday 10. Ended my week of bnsiness. I am crowded with lettedra^^haYe much reading and writing, and the temporal concerns of the college, and the printing to attend to. ^ Sonday 20«.I spoke melttog words on Hoseaxi.S. many felt; etie fonnd peaee with God« In^tke aflernoon, I believe the power of Qod was felt in' the hearts of some of my congregation. I i did not wonder that there was not a greater work of religion In this place, when I learned that they were sometimes three or four weeks without preaching : thns Satan tries to keep preach- ers and people asunder — yet some cry out, *' We. have no faith for Petersburg !'* My dear old friend and fellow traveller W— is smitten with boils so that he cannot go on. Stopped at brother G .'s. > Monday 2K We had the divine presence in onr worship at sister Stringer's. — 1 am -often blessed at the houses of the fttherless and widows. Now, I say to my. body, return to thy lab^r ; to my soul, Yefarn to thy rest, and pure delight in reading, meditation, anil prayer, and solitude. The shady groves are witness to my retired and sweetest hours : to sit, and melt, and bow alone before the Lord, whilst the melody of the birds warbles from tree to tree-*-- how delightful ! Tuesday 22. The Lord was with us at Finney's church ;, and God's dear children praised his name, whilst sinners felt and looked seHoos. . Wednesday S3. 1 preached at Paiac^'s, an ancient, and almost worn- out place. At Ryall's, the next day, I was quite unwell ; and what made the matter worse, was, that I imprudently walked out, and sat upon the ground, and took fresh cold. From Ryall's I proceeded to the old court-house, where I spoke with great pain-— from bead to foot was pain, all perspiration appeared to be quite stopped. 1 lodg- ed at Jones's — a whole family snatched as brands from the burning. Saturday 26. I was so unwell that I could not preach at Pride's church. Sunday 27. I^ode to brother Strong's, where, as there were/many who bad come expecting to hear me, I made a feeble attempt in the woods on 2 Th^ss. i. 5-<-9. my head was greatly aiBicted. Digitized by Google 7U HKV. iriuNcte asbuky's journal. p790«^ Monday moraiDg 28. I took a strong decoction of roe and wonn- svood. My fe?er breaks, and I feel a little better .-^1 fonnd j^feet patience in great misery of body. Lord, make me perfect through suffering ! Monday 28. I had a few Christians, and a few sinners at the Widow Lackland's ; and there was a small reriying amoog the peo- ple. The leaven of Antinomianism prevails here, and the Metho- dists talk much about persons and opiaioos, when they shoald be looking to God. Tuesday 29. I am very weak and low in body. — Lord, sanctify affliction, and make it a mean of health to my soul ! Brother W preached 'on " He that believeth- shall not make haste." I have felt grieved in mind that there is a link broken out of twelve, that should form a chain of union : I hope God will sanctify some pro- videoce to the explanation of this matter, and heal the whole. AVednesday 30. Brother W gave us a weighty discourse on the prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices.x>f Christ In greet weakness, I enlarged on 1 Peter iii. 15. and showed that it is not enough to sanctify the Lord God in his name, word. Sabbath, ordi- nances, ministers, people, and worship ; but that the heart muatbe^ fitted with a holy, constant fear of^ coofidence in, and love to, Gvd/ But how common is it for different denominations to ask each other of their distinguishing peculiarities ; and how very rare it is for them to talk closely of the dedtngs of God with their own souls. July 1. As we rode on, there was a great appearance of imme- diate rain ; 1 prayed that it mi^t pass, fearing its effects in my very weak state ; I was mercifully preserved ; a few drops fell on me - only, and I found, as I proceeded, that it had rained very heavily ahead. We had a few unfeeling souls at Swiney's ; one man appeared to be hardened to an extraordinary degree : I thought I felt his spirit as soon as 1 came. Thursday 2. I preached in a school-house, near brother M ^"s, with some enlargement, but, I fear, to little purpose : one woman appeared to be under conviction. Friday 3. I bad a painful ride of twenty-five, or thirty miles, to brother C— 'g. Saturday 4. My mind was afflicted, and my^dy weak. I was led to speak on " Be ye also ready,'*— -and some felt the word. Sunday 5. I was set at liberty, and there was a little shaking and' breathing after God, while I opened and explained, <' And there is Done calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take bold of Digitized by Google t990.] R£V^. FAANCIS ASSIfRY^igr ^rOttANAXi. 73 thee." Afterward I rode to brother Marphj'9.--I ftilt very wkA^ bat patieatlj happy in God. Monday 6. W.e had some move at Ayre's church ; brother W-— -^ was much led out in exhortation and prayer. I spent the after- noon in reading and spiritual exercises. Tuesday 7. We rode to Liberty, the county-town of Bedford. We set out towards Botetourt, and reached brother Mitchell's sdK>ut ten o'clock the next day, and found some zeal amongst the people. Next day at E. Mitchell's, on Craig's Creek, one soul found the Lord. Friday la We had a tedious, tiresome journey over hills and mountains to Pott's Creek. After a melting season at brother C 's, we came to brother W > — 's, where we were in- formed of the death of dear brother John .Tonnell. Saturday U. Brother Tunnell's corpse was brought to Dew's chapel. I preached his funeral — my text, ^* For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." We were much blessed, and the power of God was eminently present. It is fourteen years since brother Tannell first knew the Lord ; and he has spoken about thirteen yean, and travelled through eight of the thirteen States : few men, as public ministers, were better known or more beloved* He was a simple-hearted, artless, childlike man : for his opportunities, he wad a man of good learning ; had a lai^ fund of Scripture know- ledge, was a good historian, a sensible, improving preacher, a most affectionate friend^ and a -great saint ; be had been wasting and decltaipg in strength and health for eight years past, and for the last twelve months sinking into a consumption. — I am humbled. — O, let my soul be admonished to be more devoted to God 1 Sunday 12. The morning was rainy. About noon I set out for the Sweet-Springs, and preached on 1 Cor. i. 23—29. A few of the gentry were kind enough to come and hear — and some were enraptured with the sermon 9 for — it was very like the subject. The three following days I rested, and was very unwell. I had no place to preach, but under the trees, and preaching here seems unseasonable with the people except on Sundays. Thursday 16. Rode to Rohoboth, where brother W preach- ed, and brother A ■ ■ and myself spoke after him, and the peo« pie. appeared somewhat affected. Friday 17. We had twenty miles to Green-Brier court-house : — here eome sat as critics and judges. We had to ride thirty-one miles without food for man or horse, and to call at three houses Digitized by Google aO HKW. FBJLMtiS ASftlTftT'S JOCtBllAl.. [ItdOi befiire we could fet water fit to dniik«*aU this any terre to Ivy oar faith or patience. Satardajr 18. ^ne rtty pointed things were deKvered idatiTa to parents and children from Gen. XTiii. 19. After beinf in pA^ lie exercises from ten till two o'clock, we rode in the afteniomi twenty miles to the little levels of Green-Brier. On mj way I premeditated the sending of a preacher to a newly settled f^aoe in the Kenhaway county. Sunday 19. We had a warm sermon at M'Neai's, at which maiqr ' were highly offended ; hot I trast their felse peace is hrokea. There are many hears in this part of the country ; not long since, a child in this neighboarhood was killed by one. ' ' Monday 20. Rode to Drinnon's, whose wife was killed, and^his son taken prisoner by the Indians. Tuesday 21. I believe I never before traveled such « path as 1 this day rode over the mountains to reach Mr. Nekon^s, in Tyger- Valley. Wednesday 22. I preached at Wilson's. Here many careless people do not hear a sermon more than once in one or two years ; this one of them told me ; and that he and bis wife had not l»eea to preaching since I was here on my last visit. I endeavoured io apply *' My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.^^ Thursday 23. My horse lost a shoe on a bad road, and next day on the mountaiDs dropped two more ; so I rode my old haggige horse along a most dreary, grown-up path to brother C ' " ''s. ^ Saturday 25. Attended quarterly meeting at Morgan- Town :•*-<- 1 spoke on superstition, idolatry, unconditional election and re^ probation, Antinomianidm, Universalism, and Deism. Sunday 26. Preached on Matt. xxv. 31. to the end, brother W also gave us a sermon ; and a Presbyterian minister two^^ so here we had it in abundance. Monday 27. Preached at 6 — -'s ; and the next day at H - * ■ * s, Our conference began at Union-Town On Wednesday the twenty- ninth of July :— -it was conducted in peace and love. On Thurs- day 1 preached. Pennsylvania Saturday, August 1. I spoke on education, from Prov. xxii. d. I was led to enlarge on the obligations of pu* rents to their children ; and the nature of that religious education which would be most likely to fit them for this, and which alone could qualify them for the next world. Sunday 2. 1 ordained C. C , I. L , andO. C— *, eldeirs^ Digitized by Google 110b.] fi£V:. VEAECIS AftBITA^'B JOVllHAL. H tad fbar deacoDfl. Here there is a reviyal among preachers and people ; some of the societies are much engaged with God, and a^r we have had a few ofiore conferences in Union-Town^ I hope we shall drive Satan out, and have a glorious work. Tuesday 4. Rode to B 's ; and next day came to Cressap's, tvheve I rested the following day, and was employed in reading, meditation, and prayer. 1 had very solemn thoughts of God and his work : I want a closer walk with God ; and to be more alone, ami in prayer. Friday 7. We had divine breathings at the chapel. Saturday 8. We held a quarterly meeting at Uie widow Coul- son's. There was much rain ; we had many people, and but little room : these circumstances rendered the meeting in some respects uncomfortable ; yet, I trust, it was profitable : many souls felt the ' divine power, among whom were some poor backsliders. Tuesday. 11.. I had an attentive, well-behaved congregation at Squire Vanmeter's. O that they may feel the truth and effects of godliness on earth, and io heaven. At Dootor Navcs's, formerly Hyder's, I applied " O Ephraim, liow shall I give thee up ?" I felt a vast weight upon my spirits fbt^ these people. Wednesday 12. We had about forty miles to ride to G , and Brock's Gap, over a severe mountain to cross : the weather was extremely warm. I viewed and pitied the case of the people on the sooth fork of the sooth branch of the Patomac : they are Ger- viaQ8> and have no preaching in their own language, and Englisb preaching is taken from them — none careth for them. 1 am of opinion, that if a preacher would come and continue amongst them for one year, riding up and down the river, preaching from house to bouse, it would answer a very good purpose. Virginia. — Came to brother Baker's, a pious German, well set- tled on a branch of Shenandoah- River. I had an attentive congre- gation of bis countrymen* Saturday 15, and Sunday 16. I preached at Rockingham, where there is the beginning of a good work. We have a church built •o a bill, that cannot be hid. People came as far as thirty miles .to preaching '^ and some found the Lord during my stay. We have some very respectable friends here. Tuesday 18. We had a crowd of people s^t Bethel, who appeared very insensible. Rode on to Millers-Town, properly Woodstock : Jiere I was permitted to preach in the Episcopal church ; many attended, and behaved well, and I had light and liberty in speaking. Vol. IL II Digitized by Google 8$ ftsv. vaAJicis jLSBDmT^s JAVRSJX.. [17SK)L Wednesday 19. We had Ureatj-two milea to Newtown : iieve they have built us a spacious chapeL Oar horses are stifi^ and Isvoe, aad sore, and the weather is oppressively warm : we haste many sick, hungry, weary rides through the heat, and over hiUfl« rocks, and mouotaios. Saturday 22, and Sunday 23. We held our quarterly meetiog at Newtown : many felt the power of God—particularly at the love« £M»t ; some were of opinion that twenty were converted. Tuesday 25. We bad a melting time whilst I opened these words, '^ Neither is there salvation in any other," &c* I feel a persuasion that these people will come home to God. One was deeply distressed under preaching. I rode about an hour, after night, in order to reach brother Donaldson's, by which i found I had taken cold. Wednesday 26. Our conference began at Leesburg ; and we contiaued^together until the Sabbath following : and had a happy time of peace and union. To conciliate the minds of our brethren in the south district m£ Virginia, who are restless about tbe council, 1 wrote their leader a letter informing him, ** that I would take my seat in councti as another member ;" and, in that point, at least, wav« tbe dakna^f Episcopacy ; — ^yea, I would lie down and be trodden upon, riither than knowingly injure one soul. Maryland. — ^Monday 31. Preached at the Sugar-Loaf moitotaia with great freedom on '' For Zion's sake I will not hold mj peace," &c. and found the work of God had been greatly Ao^ thered : — here I preached sixteen years ago. Tuesday, September 1. I had a blessed season at Ptgman*a church, where the Lord bath wrought wonders. Wednesday 2. There was an appearance of good at 1. Holland's ; and the work goes on there« Thursday 3. At the widow H 's, I put them in mind of my first labours amongst them from house to house, and some siBaefs felt and shook. Next day at Rowe's, there was a shaking. Friday 4. At night I preached in Baltimore, ** Oh 1 £phraimy how shall I give thee up ?" Monday 7. Our conference began ; was conducted in great peace and union, and ended on^ Wednesday 9. Thursday 10. I rode to Cokesbury. Friday 11. In the morning philosophical lectures were deli- vered ; and in the afternoon the boys delivered their oratiiMis, some parts -of which were exceptionable, and duly noticed. Digitized by Google iTSfiOi] ft&V;* FRItKCn ASBmv'S JOURHAL. 83 :8at(irdbj 12. Wftinadeflome r^vlatioin relative to the order and governmeDt to be observed lo tbe college. SiiDdajr 13; I preached in tbe college ball, on Matt. xxv. 31. to forty -six sebolarf ^^-^-brotbers D-— — , and C ^ spoke after me. Mowky 14. Set oat, and next day reached Dack-Creek Cross* Roads, where we held oor conference for (be eiutern shore of Maryland and Delaware. One or two of oar brethren felt the Virginia fire about the question of tbe cooncil, bat all things came into order, and tbe council obtained. Whilst in session i preached twice ; first, on Jos. iii. 5. and tbe second time, on Psalm cxxxrii. 6»: we bad a solen&n, uniting, melting season, and great power at- tended odr last meeting. Saturday 19. At noon I set out for Philadelphia, but my saddle horse being lame, 1 was compelled to ride my old horse, which is OQJ^ 6A to carry my baggage. Sunday 20. Dined with brother Bond, and came on to Wilming- ton. Whilst preaching we had Satan inside and outside of tbe house, and throi^b the windows ; 1 believe good was done, at which he Wat not well pleased.' A daogbterof my old friend, Stedharo, had not forgotten me ; she invited me, with much affection, to her bouse ; shfe remembered the livii^ and dying monitions of her father, add was mindful of his frieiids^ -PftxfirsTLVARiA. — Monday 21.1 reached tbe city of Philadelphia. Our brethren have built a new chapel, thirty feet square, at the south end of tbe city. I feel myself fatigued and unwell, occa- sioned by riding a rougb-going horse. Tuesday 22. Was spent in reading, writing, and visiting. 'Wednesday 23. Tbe oonference began in poor Pennsylvania district : all was peace and love. Our printing is in a good state. Oor society in the city of Philadelphia are generally poor ; per- haps it is well : when men become rich, they sometimes forget that they are Methodists. 1 am weak, and have been busy, and am not animated by the hope of doing good here ; 1 have therefore been lilenttbe whole week :-->'* 1 must needs go tbrough Samaria.'* Friday 25. There was some feeling, and profitable speaking ; we also had a love-feast. Next day, Saturday, I was closely em- ployed in writing. Sunday 27. Many felt an^ wept, whilst 1 enlarged on '' The Lord is in his holy temple.'' At the new chapel, called Ebenezer, in (he afternoon, my subject was 1 Sam. vii. 12. I first explained Digitized by Google _ 84 BBT. FKAlVetB ASBURT'S JOVIUIAL. [tJM. the teid ; then showed tbe Methodist doctrine aad diieipfitte, wmti the work God had wrought by them io this country. New- Jersey. — Monday 28. Rode to Burlington, the pkce ap- pointed for our next conference : here I preached on *' searehing Jerusalem with candles," and it was a searching season. On Taes- day night we had a shout — then came the bulls of Bashan and broke our windows ; it was well my head escaped the violence of these wicked sinners : I hope tbe strong power of Satan will feel a shake this conference. The session has been in great peace ; harmony has prevailed, and the council has been nnanimoosly adopted. Wednesday 30. We had a love-feast ; and a genuine, tweet melting ran through the house. S. Strattan stood up and declared he had followed the work of God for six months, and that he be- lieved six hundred souls had professed conversion in that lime. There is a most genuine work in several places ; vie. in Flanders» Trenton, Burlington, Salem, and Bethel circuits — glory to our wonder-working God ! All hail, eternal Father, coequal Son, and everlasting Spirit, in time and for ever ! Amen, and Amen 1 ! I I delivered a discourse on Psalm cxzii. 6. On Friday I rode through Cross- Weeks, and Allen-Town, and Cranbury, lodging at Doctor Jaques's. Friday, October 1. As we could not reach York, 1 stopped and gave them a discourse at Elizabethtown. We afterward had a safe, although a long passage, by water to New- York ; and found all in peace. New- York. — Sunday 3. I preached at the old church ; and in the afternoon at the new, on Matt. xxv. 31 — 46. The new church is commodious, elegant, yet plain. Monday 4. We began our conference, and sat with close appli- cation to business until Thursday morning : all was peace, order, and unanimity. On Thursday evening I returned to ^izabeth- town. Friday 8. Rode twenty-five miles to Trenton, and preached at night. Next day I rode through a heavy rain to Philadelf^a. FENirsyLVANiA. — Suoday morning 10, was rainy; 1 however preached at St. George's church, and again in the evening. H. Willis is come hither to settle himself in life, and will probably go into trade : the church has (hereby lost, in part, a faithful servant. Thursday 14 I left the city ; dined at Chester ; and here I saw one whose soul was made dear to me by long acquaintance^ now feeble in body, and deeply affected in »md. Reached New-Castle, Digitized by Google 2796.] IIEV* FIIAJICIS asivry's JOTJEWAL Ho ID Delaware, and once mdre preached there» and had a few sen* oos hearers. Delaware.— Friday 15. I did not reach Dickinson's in time; however, 1 spoke a little. 1 found sister Dickinson wrapt in clay, -whom I lefl sick abont three weeks ago : she has been an atten* live, devoted woman, has washed the saints' feet, and kindly served the dear servants of God ; and I trnst her soul is now in peace, i spoke a little at Duck Creek Cross Roads, where nearly thirty members have been added to the society since last conference. Sunday 17. We had a gracious love feast, and a very powerful meeting ; many bore a living testimony ; there was great life and ehouting among the people of God. In the evening I rode to bro- ther White's. Monday 18. At Thomas White's my soul has been made to feel very solemn : a. view of the remarkable work of God ; the death 4)f some, aod the deep spirituality of others ; the sending out .young men (or the ministry ; and the providing for the fatherless . and widows — these are all weighty matters, and greatly occupied my mind. In the midst of all my soul panteth after God. Wednesday 20. We rode twenty miles to Millford quarterly meeting. They have ceiled the chapel, and put the galleries in order; and what is still better, there were many living souls among them. Thursday 21. At the love-feast many spoke of lh^\4ealings of God with their souls. I once more visited B. Williams, and felt my soul powerfully drawn out towards the children. The people jare alive ; but I fear they are not as much engaged as they were this time last year. Friday 22. Came once more to sister Sharkley's ; now my dear t>ld friend is gone, perhaps the Gospel most go out of the house : I trust the dear woman is gone to heaven. I then visited the fa- therless and the widow, (sister Abbitt :) 1 felt sweet peace, and a . solemn sense of the presence of God. . Saturday 23. Came to Lewistown. There being no preaching appointed, we rode to the light-house : I could but praise God that the house was kept by people who praise and love him — no drink- ing or swearing here. Brother H is a Christian and a preacher; and God has owned his labours. An Irish vessel had been cast away with three hundred souls on board, all of whom perished but about forty ; I asked him concerning it, and 1 learned that they were within sight of land ; and that if they had timely thrown themselves into the sea^ they were nigh enough the land Digitized by Google 66 ll£V. FlUNCIS ASBURY'S JOUIUYAL. [1790. , to baveHeen washed ashore, so that many more would ha? e pro- bably been saved. So much for a drunken captain, who throw these precious lives away. Brother H^-— ^ told me that he did not go near the wreck until afler his return from Lewistowd, with a guard ; that it was reported some of the crew were aa ready to plunder the goods on board as others ; stricter laws are now made ; and the people on this shore are greatly reformed--^for which they may thank the Methodists. We have a chapel buitt at Lewistown ; and we had an agreeable Sabbath day. The peo* pie, however, have their prejudices. Mr. W- ■ , a minister for thirty or forty years standing, has gone (since 1 was here last) to give an account of his stewardship, sis we most all shortly do. Tuesday 26. I preached at the Sound chapel. Brother Everett then spoke of the sin of unbelief as the chief sin that keeps people from the blessings of the Gospel. We administered the sacra*, ment, and in the afternoon rode to Buckingham. I rejoiced ia the account brother Powell gave me of the state of religion at tlie Sound ; he said that the. Lord bad owned and blest their prayer, meetings; that he thought one hundred souls had been affected and shaken, and perhaps eighteen or twenty converted, in the space, of eighteen or twenty months ; that brother Wilhams, a loeel deacon, was in the spirit of the work ; formerly he pleased dl with his smooth speaking, but that now they cry out against him. Wednesday 27. I felt glad in my. soul, notwithstanding brother Lee is on forbidden ground — and, in spite of prejudice and ADtioo** mianism, that souls are awakened by his ministry. I feel myself under some temptation ; but 1 fight and conquer in the strength of Christ. Thursday 28. I finished reading the second volume of. the Ar- minian Magazine. Notwithstanding its defects, I am persuaded it is one of the best and cheapest books in America : the Hf^ of Mr* Fletcher, the tracts, letters, and sermons are good — the poetry might be better. , Saturday 30. I feel the weakness and infirmities of flesh and blood ; having rode seventy miles the two last days. At the qm- terly meeting, at Garrettson's, I was unwell, but felt divine assis* tance in preaching. Virginia. — Sunday 31. We had a powerful love-feast; and I believe it would have been more so had God's dear children had time to speak. We had a vast crowd of people. Brother F— preached first, and 1 alter him : I had a solemn sense of God, and sinners were serious. Digitized by Google 1790.] RET. FRANCIS AflBURV'S JOVRKAL. tl Hoaday, NoTember 1. Preacbedat Accomack conrt-boufle, oa Rom. i. 16. We had a weighty season. A poor man, who had lately professed religion, appeared to be somewhat distracted : be has been a vile sinner ; bat I hope he will recover his right mind ; the family is subject to derangement. There are some unrea* sonable things among the people here ; but we are afraid of gathering oot the tares, lest we should root up the wheat also. We must continue to observe the order of God and our own disci* pltne — ^attend to preaching, prayer, class-meeting, and love*feast ; and then if they will shout, why let them shout. Wednesday 3. I preached on education, from ** Come, ye chil« dren, hearken to me ; I will teach you the fear of the Lord." The word was felt by the parents. After preaching I rode to Littleton Long's. This neighbourhood is supplied with preaching by the Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists. All is well, if the people are saved. Maryland.— rThursday 4. We had but few hearers, and an un« comfortable time at our quarterly meeting in the Annamessex cbapel. Next day we had a full house, and 1 preached on edoca- tioQ«-i>my text, *' Train up a child in the way he should go : and wbeii he is old he will not depart from it." After meeting we rode eighteen miles without our dinner, which, with the disagree* able weather, made me sick. Hode twenty-five miles to Broad- Creek quarterly meetit^, and preached on Matt. x. 37, 3S ; and the next day on Hosea vi. 4. it was a searching time. We came oS, and found the wind blowing fiercely ; but when we had en- tered the boat, we had a sudden calm : if this were not an answer to prayer, it was as 1 prayed. I reproved myself for a sudden and violent laugh at the relation of a man's having given an old negro woman h^er liberty because she had too much religion for htm, Monday 8. We held a quarterly meeting in Dorset, in a new, unfinished house. Tuesday 9. We had a gracious love-feast ; and I addressed pareiits ver^ seriously on Deut. vi. 67. I lodged with brother Heofy Ennalls, who, with his wife, has been powerfully brought to God-~^is slaves were freed immediately. His sister, Nancy Bas- sett, has gone to rest : the other two have followed the example of a dear brother^— God has heard their prayers. Wednesday 10. I came to Frazier^s chapel : my spirits were very low ; and I felt that there was death amongst the people. Thursday 1 1 . Our love-feast was living and powerful. I have Digitized by Google IrT-" SB REV. FRANCIS ASBURt's JOTTR^AL. ^ [1790. seen a wonder of grace in Cdpt. B : this has been the wish of my heart, the desire of my soal, and the answer to prayer; for which I am thankful to God. Friday 12. 1 preached At Bolingbroke to a full house od Ephraim's mixing himself among the people. Saturday 13. We had a gracious season at the love-feast. lo the evening I came to Allen's. The next day, being rainy, we had but one hundred hearers at Tuckahoe ; whereas, we expected, that had it been a clear day, we should have five or six hundred. ' I preached in the evening at Choptank Bridge to a few people. Monday 15. 1 see the wonders of grace; and have had severe conflicts: my soul is more and more established in God ; but so many persons and things occupy my time, that I have not as much leisure and opportunity for prayer and communion with God, and for drinking into the Holy Spirit of life and love as 1 could wish. We had a seasonable time at brother White's : I was very pointed on 2 Peter ii. 9. Perhaps I have spoken my last admonition to some who were present. . Thursday 18. Rode to Dover; and next day we had quarterly meeting at Dudley's chapel. Saturday 20. At Duck Creek Cross Roads a spirit of prayer pre- vails amongst the people, and God is with tbem< Sunday 21. At Cecil quarterly meeting, held at Dickinson's, we had many people, and some life. On Monday I rode to Dr. Clay* ton's ; and next day to Cokesbury, where I continued until Mon- day the 29th. We then examined the students relatively to learn* ing and religion— paid debts, and put matters in better order. We have forty-five boys. The charitable subscriptions to the establishment amount to £300 per annum. Tuesday, December 1. The council was seated in Philip Rogers's chamber in Baltimore. After some explanation, we all agreed that we had a right to manage the temporal concerns of the church and college decisively ; and to recommend to the confe* rences, for ratification, whatever we judged might be advantageous to the spiritual well-being of the whole body. For the sake of union^ we declined sending out any recommendatory propositions : we had great peace and union in all our labours. What we have done, the minutes will show. Sunday 5. 1 preached a funeral discourse on the death of Mrs. Murray, on 2 Cor. xv. 29 — 31. it was, I hope, not altogether in vain. In the afternoon I preached in Mr. Otterbine's church. I Digitized by Google 17dflLJ KET. FRANCIS ASBURX'S JOURRAL. B9 hare kept no journal daring the sitting of the council ; I enjoy peace of soul, but such a variety of persons and subjects agitate my poor mind. Lord, keep me in perfect pe^ce ! Thursday 9. The council rose after advising a loan of £1000, payable in two years, for Cokesbury ; and giving directions for proper books to be printed. Friday 10. 1 left Baltimore, and reached my old friend S. Turners : the girls, who were babes when I first visited this house, are now grown up, and, I trust, possess religion. Virginia. — Saturday 1 1. We rode through heavy rain to Alexan- dria in Virginia. Sunday 12. I preached morning and evening, but the streets being muddy, and but few friends attending from the country, we had a thin congregation. Monday 13. We set out for Stafford. The weather being un- comfortable, and the roads deep, we turned in at twenty miles, to Mr. Dawning's, who treated us kindly. Tuesday 14. We hasted to Mrs. Waller's, where we found a few people, to whom I spoke on Rom. ii. 7, 8, 9. Finding Tommy (a son of Mrs. W.'s) had genius, 1 gave him a pass to Cokesbury : it may be that he may serve himself, his family, and his country :*^ O that he may serve bis God ! Wednesday 15. Came to King George ; and, cold as it was, I found nearly one hundred people had assembled at the widow Bomby's. Saturday 18. Attended the quarterly meeting at brother Ed- wards's : the weather was extremely cold, and we^had but few hearers. Sunday 19. Afler preaching at the quarterly meeting, I visited Caunsellor Carter; and spent the evening in much peace and love : he has the manners of a gentleman, the attainments of a scholar, and the experience of a Christian. Monday 20. The weather softening, I made haste to get across the Rappahanock, and reached brother B — — s, about twenty-five miles : I found myself much chilled by my ride. My soul has been kept in great peace ; and, almost, in constant prayer : I wish to feel so placid as not to have any" acid in my temper ; nor a frown, or wrinkle on my brow — to bear all things, do all things, suffer all things from the ignorance or weakness of thexhildren of God, or the wickedness of the sons and daughters of Satan. I think my soul momently pants after more of God. Vol. II. * , 12 Digitized by Google 90 KEY. FRANCM ASBHrKT's JOVRNAL. [1790. Thara At the invitation of Mr. C , I came to Waynesborougfa. I lodged with Mr. Henry, a Jew«: we read He- brew part of the night, and I should have been pleased to have spent the night thus occupied with so good a scholar. . Thursday 10. I preached at C 's church ; my body was wearied with labour and want of sleep. Sunday 13. Came to Georgetown at Ogechee Shoals, and found Satan was there. I levelled away on the parable of the sower. I Digitized by Google I7BI.] Rev. VJURCIS ASBVIlY^d JOURITAL. ^'i 6omt to brother H-— ^-^'jf.'-^tleajrd h^avy tidi^igs. My aoqI is calm — Let the Lord look to his own house. 1 hasted to Scott's : Poctot Coke came io time eDoa|;h to preach ; and then we opened con- ference. We sat very closely to our work ; and had some matters of mo*- ment to attend to in the course of our deliberations. 1 have rode about two hundred aiicl fifty mUes in Georgia, and find the work, in genetsd, very dead.r-"The peace with the Creek Indians^ the settle ment of new lands, good trade, buying slaves, &c. take op the atten- tion of the pepple. Sunday 2(K There was a shaking 'amongst the people whilst I spoke on Rom. x. 21. , SotJTH G^HOLtNA.-^Afler meetjlDg, I came away, Qod rode twenty miles to brother Herbert's that eyening. Whilst Doctor Coke stayed behind to fweaob atNinety-i^ie Town, i came on and made ai^ appointment and preached at Finehe*s ; and some, I know, felt the word. Wednesday 23. We crossed the Ennoree, Tyger, and Broad Rivers. Saturday 26. We had white and red Indians at Catawba ; the Doctor and my»elf both preached. I had some conversation withi the chiefs of the Indians about keeping np the school we haV6 been endeavouring to estaibli^h amongst them. I asked for one of their children ; but the father would not give conaent) nor would the child come. My body is weak ; bu€ my mind has heaven and peace within. We closely employed our intervals of leisure in preparing different trstcts for the press. Lord^s day 27. We found the people insensible at the Waxsaws church: some few seemed alarmed tvbilst Isai. xxxiii. 14* was opened and enforced. Wednesday 30. We came to Salisbury : I felt unwell, and no freedom to speak. Doctor Coke gave them a sermooi and we then rode five miles to B *8. Next day we reached Jones's; and the day after (first iof April) M'Knight's^ %vhere we opened conference in great peace. Many of the preachers related thetr experience, and it was a most blessed season of gtace. Monday 4. We rose, after sitting each night (Sabbath excepted) until twelve o'clock. Several of our brethren expressed some- thing like the. perfect love of (jod, but they had doubts abottt their having retained it. Tuesday 5. We rested awhile at Salem on our way, and came in the evening to brother W-^'s^ and had a meeting there* I believe Vol. U. 13 Digitized by Google 90 REV. FRANCIS ASBITRY^S JOURNAL. [17dl. trouble is at hand : — but I trust God with his cause, and Christ with bis church. My soul drinks into holiness. Friday 8, I observed as a day of abstinence and prayer, read-; ing and meditation. O for pore of heayen ! Poor Minters's case has given occasion for sinners, and for the world to laugh, and talk, and write. Saturday 9. We had a large congregation at A 's ; I felt life in speaking, although weak and weary in body. We rode seven miles to the banks of Dan-River, bat knew not where to cross. At length we came to the Fishery ; crossed in a canoe, and walked two miles, in the night, to T. Harrison's : thus ended the labours of the day. Virginia.— Sunday 10. Doctor Coke and myself both preached at Watson's church ; and there was some little effect prodaced^ I spent the evening with George Adams, a true son of his worthy father, Silvanus Adams, for kindness to the preachers. I am con-' stantly weak and feverish in body ; but my soul is uncommonly happy and calm. We moved from G: Adams's to the widow Dicks's i and thence, next day^ to brother Marten's. Wednesday 13. Came to Difficult church: where we were honoured with the company of some of the great : the Doctor preached a noble sermon on the Divinity of Christ ; and 1 urged, " It is time to seek the Lord." Afterward we preached in Cbar« lotte and Mecklenburg ; and on Sunday following came to quar* terly meeting at sister Walker's, in Brunswick. Doctor Coke went to the bam ; and I p^eacl^d in the house: the rain rendered our meeting uncomfortable. Monday 18. Near Dinwiddie court-house I waited, it being the day of the election, until our brethren returned from the court* house, and then preached in the new church on 2 Cor. vi. 17, 18» .Tuesday 19. We rode to Petersburg. We agreed to take diffe- rent lodgings during the sitting of the conference — the Doctor at brother Davis's, and myself at brother Harding's. Wednesday 20. I preached on *' Qur light afflictions which are but for a moment," &c. ; and there was some warmth amongst the preachers and people. The business of our conference was brought on in peace ; and there was a blessing attended our speak- ing on our experiences, ami in prayer. The affair of the council was suspended until a general conferences Friday 22. Late in the evening our conference rose* Saturday 23. I preached at E. West's, to a large congregation ; and ha4 a little spring of power. Digitized by Google 1701.] nCV. FHANCIS ASBVRT^S JOURNAL. . 99 Sanday 24. Came to Colonel ClaytoD'a ; who was very ill. We bad a large collectioo of people, and a good meeting : we were to have held our^conference at tlje Cobners, but his illness prevented. We sat at his son, B. Clayton's ; and were amply provided for : the son is not a member ; but he was very kind. Monday 25. Doctor Coke and brother I. Ellis preached ; and there was some power attended the word. I foand the Doctor had tnnch changed his sentiments since his last visit to this continent; and that these impressions still continued — I hope to be enabled to give up all I dare for peace sake ; and to please all men for their good to edification. We hastened our business ; and on Tuesday, twenty-six, came to New-Castle: here l' preached on " How often would I have gathered thy children together as a hen gathereth her brood un- der her wings, and ye would not :'* I have no doubt but the peo- ple felt the word. W^ came on to Hanover-Town ; where the Doctor preached in the afternoon. Wednesday 27. We rode thirty miles to the widow Collins's* Caroline county, much wearied in body, but greatly comforted in God. Thursday 28. At eleven o^clock, at Pope's chapel, the Doctor preached on " Pray without ceasing." Myself, on ** By grace are ye saved, through faith :" I was long and very close. We hasted to Fort Royal, where a number of fine people were waiting, to wliom the Doctor preached on '^ Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Chi^tst in God:'' they expressed a desire for me to preach also ; but it being late, 1 declined it. Friday 29. The solemn news reached our ears that the public papers had announced the-deatb of that dear man of God, John Wesley. He died in his owu house in London, in the eighty- eighth year of his age, after preaching the Gospel sixty-four years. When we consider his plain and nervous writings ; his uncommon talent for sermonizing and journalizing ; that he^.had such a steady flow of animdl spirits ; so much of the spirit of government in him ; his knowledge as an observer; his attainments as a scholar; bis experience as a Christian ; I conclude, his equaljs not to be found among all the sons he hath brought up ; nor his superior among all the sons of Adam he may have left behind. Brother Coke was sunk in spirit, and wished to hasten home immediately. For my- self, notwitstanding my long absence from Mr. Wesley, and a /ew . unpleasant expressions in some of his letters the dear old man has written to me, (occasioned by the misrepresentation of others) I " 562801 ' / " ^ Digitized by VjOOQIC / 100 REV/. FJiAHCis ASBiritT's ;rovi(if4^. 0791. f«d the stroke most fiensiUj ; and» I expect, I nhdl never read his works withoat reflectiog on the loss which the church of Go4 end the world has sustained hy his death. Dr. Coke, accompanied by brother C-*-^ and Dr. G — ^, set out for Baltimore in order to get the most speedy passage to England ; leaving me to fill the i^ poiotments. I had a laige congregation at sifter Bombry's. In the afternoon I rode to sister Waller's, making a journey of forty miles for this day. Next day I overtook Dr. Coke and bis c^m- pany at Cholchester. Brother Coxes*s horse being sick, I put my old horse in bis plate to carry them to Alexandria ; where we ar* rived about three o'clock, after riding forty miles by our reckon* ing. At Alexandria Dr. Coke had certain inforqaation of Mr. Wes- ley's death. On Sabbath day he reached Baltimore,, and preached on the occasion of Mr. Wesley's death ; and mentioded some things which gave offence. Maryiiand— May, Thursday 5. This day, and the two fpilowing days we held conference in Baltimore ; and great love and sweet* ness prevailed throughout the sitting. I preached to a large con- gregation on the Sabbath, and we had a gracious time. Monday 9. Came to Cokesbury. I foqnd there was a vast de^ mand for money for the establishment, th^re having been an ex- penditure of £700 in five months. Tuesday 10. Crossed Susquehanaah and came to Cecil; and next day reached Duck-Creek. Our conference began, and was con- ducted in much peace and haraM>ny amongst preachers and people. Our meetings' in public were attended with great power. Sunday 15. Two elders and three deacons were ordained. After the ordination, I rode taMiddletown, Delaware, and preached to a large congregation. PcNNSYi^vANiA. — Mouday 16. 1 rode to New-Castle, and had the last interview with Dn Coke. Surely the time to favour New- Castle is swiftly coming. In the eyening I came to Chester ; and next day, (the 17th) arrived in Philadelphia, and opened confe- rence. We had a tender, melting aqcouot of the dealings of God with many souls; and settled our business in much peace. Mr, Hammett came from Charleston with a wonderful list of petition- ers desiring his return : to this, as far as I had to say, I submitted ; but — - ' . - I see and hear many things that might wound my spirit, if it were not that the Lord bears me up above all. Wednesday 18. I preached on '* The Lordliveih^ and blessed b^ my rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted." Digitized by VjOOQIC ' 1791.] EKV, FAilf CIS ASBUKY'9 JOURNAL. 101 Friday SO. We hud d fast-day ; and in the afternoon a feast of lore. It was a time to be remembered : some precious souls were concerted. Saturday 21.1 left Philadelphia for New-Jersey. On the road I felt much of the spirit of prayer. New-Jersey. — Sunday 22. I preached in Trenton on Joel ii. 17. Several preachers exhorted, and the Lord made sinners tremble Eighteen years ago 1 often slipped away from Philadelphia to Bur* lington one week, and to Trentou another, to keep a few souls alive : ! had then no conferences to take up my time and occupy my thoughts ; and now — what hath God wrought 1 We attended to the business of the conference with a good spirit. In the course of our sitting we had some pleasing and some painful circumstances to excite our feelings. Tuesday 24. I set out for New-York. At Princeton I preached, QDd I trust a few felt the word. Passing through Kingston, I pro- ceeded on to Mr. Jaques's, near Brunswick, making 32 miles. My soul is in peace ; my body weak and weary, Wednesday 25; Rode to Elizabethtown. After dinner, I went by water to New York ; and found all io peace* New-York. — Thursday 26. Our conference came together in great peace and lore. Our ordinary business was enlivened by the relation of experiences, and by profitable observations on the work of God. Nothing would satisfy the conference and the society but my con- senting to preach on the occasion of Mr. Wesley's death, which I did on Sunday May 29; my text was 2 Timothy iii. 10, 11. I took the same subject at the old church in the' momjlng ; and io the afternoon at the new church, varying, but retaining the substance. Monday 30. Our conference rose ; and after love-feast, the preachers dispersed. We had had about 30 preachers at this con- i^srence, and not a frown,, af sigh of sour temper, or an unkind word wa^ seen or heard amongst us : — but I am sick, and quite out-done with constant labour. Mr. Hammett's preaching was not well re- ceived : it was supposed to be aimed at our zealous men and pas- sionate meetings : at the new church his preaching was still more exceptionable to those judicious persons who heard him. I expect some things will be retailed to my disadvantage. Be it so — I trust the Lord. Wednesday, June 1. I preached at New-Rochelle church : the weather was unfavourable ; but we had a living meeting. Digitized by Google 102 REV. FRANCIS ASBURY's JOURNAL. [1791. Tbarsday 2. We had a decent, lifeless coog^egatioD at the court- house OD the Plains. In the afternoon I preached at North-Castle on Phil. ii. 12. My clay is heavy, and my spirits low. Friday 3. I very sensibly feel the cold I had taken on my way to New-RocheUe by riding in the rain ; however, I rode to Bedford, and preached in the town-house to about 200 serious and deeply attentive hearers. Rode on to brother H — —-'s and was much in- disposed. . Connecticut. — Saturday 4. I rode over rocks and hilte, and came to Wilton ; and preached to a serious, feeling, well-beha?ed people at squire R 's. In the evening 1 went on to Reading. Surely God will work powerfully amongst these people, and save thousands of them. We have travelled about 24 miles this day over very rough roads : the weather is cold for the season ; my horse is very small, and my carriage is inconvenient in such rocky, uneven, jolting ways. This country is very hilly and open — not unlike that about the Peak of Derbyshire. I feel faith to believi' that this, visit to New- England will be blest to my own soul, and the souls of others. We are now in Connecticut ; and never out of sight of a house ; and sometimes we have a view of many churches and steeples, built very neatly of wood ; either for use, ornament, piety, policy or interest-— or it may be some of all these. } do feel as if there had been religion in this country once ; and I apprehend there is a little in form and theory lefl^ There may have been a praying ministry and people here ; but I fear they are now spiritually dead ; and am persuaded that family and private prayer is very little practised : could these people be brought to constant, fervent prayer, the Lord would come down and work won- derfully among them. I find my mind fixed on God, and t(ie work of God. Lord's day 5. About ten o'clock we assembled in a bam at Reading, where we had, perhaps, tbre% .hundred serious, attentive people to hear — My subject was Eph. ii. 8, 9. I felt freedom, and the truth came clearly to my mind. Rode in the evening twelve miles over rocks and uneven roads to Newtown : I found multitudes of people in a Presbyterian meeting-house, many of whom appear- ed wild in their behaviour — the young laughing and playing in the galleries ; and the aged below seemed to be heavy and lifeless. — I was sick and weary ; nevertheless, I attempted to preach on Acts v. 31, 32. and endeavoured to enlarge on— 1. The humiliation of Christ— 2. His exaltation in his resurrection, ascension, glory, Digitized by Google Hdl.] RfiV« FRAKCI3 ASBURY's JOUAKAL. 102 Head of the church : a Prince to give repentance and pardon to rebels. I felt the power of Satan, and soon ended my feeble testi- mony. Brother L preached at six o'clock. I felt much weakened and wearied. — My impressions relative to the people in these parts are unfavourable. Monday 6. Came to Stepney, and found a few people waiting for us at brother O — 's, to whom I gave an exhortation, and we had an awakening and melting time. Came on to Cheshut-Hill, about twenty miles from Newtown ; the people here had not had pro- per notice of our coming ; a few, however, being informed of it, let others know, so that by the time I had exhorted and prayed many joined them :- I exhorted again about forty minutes in as pointed a manner as I well could. After meeting, we called at £. H 's, and obtained refreshment for man and beast ; after conversing and praying with the family, we set out and reached J. H 's in tbe evening, where we had a small family meeting, at which I spoke on Hosea x. 12. ** Break up your fallow ground, for it is time, yea, yet time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you." To-day I have felt weary and heavy, and yesterday I was agitated in mind, and sorely bufifeted by the enemy— but I have peace with God. Tuesday 7. Body and mind more tranquil and serene. Time was when I should have thought the prospects here were very great — the people attend in great multitudes. I find it necessary to guard against painful anxiety on the one hand, as well as against lukewarmness on the other. I judge that the spirits of men must be stirred up to expect more than in former times, and pray, preach, and converse accordingly. We came to Stratford — ^good news — they have voted that tbe town- house shall be shut : well — where shall we preach ? Some of the select-men — one, at least, granted access. — I felt unwilling to go, as it is always my way not to push myself into any public house : — we had close work on Isaiah Iv. 6, 7. some smiled, some laughed, some swore, some talked, some prayed, some wept — had it been a house of our own, I should not have been surprised had the windows been broken. — I refused to preach there any more ; and it was well I did — two of the esquires were quite displeased at our admittance. We met the class, and found some gracious souls ; tbe Methodists have a society consisting of twenty members, some of them converted ; but they have no house of worship— they may now make a benefit of a calamity — being denied the use of other houses, they wiii the more earnestly labour to get one of their own ; the Presbyterians Digitized by Google 104 lt£V. FAANCiS ASBVRY'S JbURNAL. {iTOl^ And the Episcopaliaos have each one, and both ate elegant butldiogs. Wednesday 8. We rested at Stratford ; and had tneettng in bto- ({ier P ■■■ J s house : finding that most of those who attended ffere serious people, I spoke on our blessed Lord's words Matt. xi. 98^ 29, 3Q. it was a time of comfort to the few seeker's and beUe?ers present. Thursday 9. Came to New-Ha?en, and found my appointment to preach had been published in the newspapers. Every thing was quiet ; we called on the 8herifir*-*he was absent : we then put up our horses at the Ball-tavern, near the college yard.-— I was weary and unwell. I had the honour of the president S » Dr. W — ^— , and the Rev. Mr. E— to hear me, and several of the collegians, with a few scattering citizens. I talked away to them very fest, telling them some little stories, whilst the sun shone full in my face. The judges looked very grave while I endeavour- ed to show-^i. What we must be saved from ; 2. What has been esteemed by the men of the world as the wisdom of preaching ; 3. What is meant by the foolishness of preaching. — When 1 had done no man spoke to me. I thought to-day of dear Mr. Whit^ field's words to Mr. Boardman and Mr. Pilmore at their first (doming over to America : — " Ah !'' said he^ '' if ye were Calvinists ye wotild take the country before ye." We visited the college chapel at the hour of prayer : I wished to go through the whole, to inspect the interior arrangements, but no one invited me. Tbe divines were grave, and the students were attentive ; they used me like a fellow Christian, in coming to hear me preach, and like a stranger in other respects : should Cokesbory or Baltimore ever furnish the opportunity, I, in my turn, will requite their beha- viour, by treating them as friends, brethren, and gentlemen. The difficulty I met with in New-Haven, for lodging, and for a place to hold meeting, made me feel and know the worth of Methodista more than ever. My body is fatigued and listless — my spirit tried and tempted ; infirmities cleave to me. From New-Haven, through a poor country, we passed on to Korthbury, where there is a large Independent church. In Wal* lingford the meeting-house o£ the Separatists supplied a place for our preachers,; we have also used a .neat Episcopal church — small indeed, compared with others. 1 am reminded of England in travelling here ; this country more resembles my own than any 1 have yet seen on this side the Atlan- tic. I preached at five o'clock^ in the meetingrhouse of the. Bt^ Digitized by Google 1791.] Rirv. FRANCtS ASBURt'S JOURNAL. 105 paratistfl — a large room, and small company. My subject was 2 Cor. yi. 20. I alarmed the town by tbe escessiire noise I made, and thereby enlarged my congregation. I felt more assisted tban I expected. Saturday 11. At Wallingford-Farms. Here has been some stir about religion ; but the people say new divinity has put out the fire— Methodists, Baptists, Separatists, &c. &c. 1 felt somewhat #armed while I opened and applied '* Strait is the gate, and nar- row is the way that leadeth unto life." Some were tender, and some appeared a Tittle alarmed. I then came to Middlefields, and lodged at the house of a niece of David Brainard. Here we enjoy the quiet use of a meeting-house. Lord^s day 12. Very unwell, but bad to preach three times. I began at ten o'clock, on ** Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me." I had the attention of the people much moire than 1 expected. In the afternoon I enlarged, under very great Weakness, on " How shall I give thee up, Ephraim ?" Came in haste to Middletown, where the committee favoured me with the meeting-house belonging to the standing order. I felt ejreeedingly low in body, while I spoke to a very large, serious, and attentive congregation, and I had liberty in preaching on 1 John iii. 23. After meeting we rode a mile out of town to get lodging. It was to the poorer classes of people that this preaching on love and charity was anciently blest. Monday 13. Rode by Haddam, where David Brainard was born. We came through dreadful rocky ways to Capt. Lee's : a Congre- gational minister had just finished his sermon as we came in. As we did not wish to force ourselves on any one, we went forward to Lime, and found a^ free, open-hearted Baptist minister, who rose from his bed, and received us kindly. By this time we were . weary and sleepy. I trust the Lord had a dwelling in this man's heart and house — his wife is a kind, loving soul ; their children obliging, and ready to serVe us cfaeerfuHy. Tuesday 14. We came over rocks, and through heat and dast, to New-London. My mind has felt but little temptation to impa- tience until yesterday and this day ; but, through grace, I do not yield thereto. It is both unreasonable and unchristian to murmur -—it betters nothing : to deny ourselves, and to take up our cross daily, is aur duty— let us not flee from it. New-London standi upon the River Thames — almost newly built since the wan This town suffered in the general burning carried on by Arnold in this quarter. Th^ new meeting-house Vol. II. 14 Digitized by Google l66 AtSir. FftAHClB ASBUav's JOtRNAL. [1791* Stands 00 an eminence ; the Episcopal church is a {feasant, well formed building;. The Netv-Light Baptists were very kind, and some of them appeared l^e Methodists. My church was tke coart-honse — mj subject 2 Peter iit. 16. : I was not happy in speaking. Brother L gave them a sermon at half past eight o'clock. I understood there was a work of religion in this place last year ; little of it now remains. I came on to Stonington, pro- perly so called, a distance of ten miles, over a most dreadful road for a carriage : I would almost as soon undertake to drive oyer the Alleghany mountain. From Stonington I came on to Westerly, crossing the tine-bridge between Connecticut and Rhode-Island. I dropped a few words to the woman of the house where we dined, and saw very clearly that she felt them. I had some life in speak- ing to about one hundred people, at Mr. — — 's, in Charlestown, on Rev. iii. 20. One said, I had fitted the people well : another said, that I had the signs of the times. Rhode-Island.— ^Thursday 15. Came to Newport — the roadft were comparatively good — the ferry three miles wide ; which, however, we safely crossed fn a spacious open boat, excellent in its kind. In Newport are two Presbyterian meeting-houses,— ona, New-Divinity, so called : three others, regular Baptists, New- Lights, and Sabbatarians ; one Friends' meeting, and one Episco- pal church. We stayed two nights at our kind friend's, brother Green, a New-Light Baptist. 1 lectured the second night from Isaiiah Ixiv. 1-— 7. ; there was some life amongst the people, althou^ it was late, and the congregation like our Lord's disciples before his passion. There is also 'a Jews' synagogue, and a Moravian chapel. I expect before many years the Methodiists will also have a house for worship here. I feel the state of this people — they are settled upon their lees, and want emptying from vessel to vessel. My soul enjoys peace. Saturday 18. We go hence to Providence, attended by our kind friend for guide. Blessed be the Lord for a refreshing rain the last night. On this journey I feel much humbled ; I am unknown, and have small congregations, to which I may add, a. jar in sentiment — but I do not dispute. My soul is brought into close conimunion. I should not have felt for these people and for the preachers as 1 now do, had I not visited them : perhaps I may do something for them in a future day. We came to Bristol, and should have gone farther, but Captain 6 — - saw us, and took us to his house. At the request of a few persons I preached in the court-bouse to about a hundredpeople^ and enforced << The Son Digitized by Google 1791.] RCV. FRAVCis ▲sbury's jovkkal. 107 of man is come to seek and to sare that which was lost," and found a degree of liberty. Some time ago there was the begioning of a work here, but the few souls who began are now discouraged from meeting together : I fear religion is extinguished by confining it too much to church and Sunday senrice, and reading of sermons. I feel tl^it I am not among my own people : although I believe there are some v^o fear God ; and I find reason to hope that souls have gone to glory from this town. Sunday 19. Came to Providence. 1 attended the ministry of Mr. M , a Baptist, in the forenoon ; and Mr. S a New- Light, in the afternoon. In the evening I preached with some life on Isai. Ixi. 1 — 3t. There are Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Inde- pendents or CongregatiOnalists, here : but the Baptists^ appear to be the leading people. I found a few gracious souls, and some eeeking. It has been a season of deep exercise with me while here : I have had some weighty sensations ; I think the Lord will tevive^ work in Providence. Monday 20. I visited some serious families that truly love and fear God. The afternoon I spent very agreeably with the old pro- phet Mr. Snow, aged about seventy years : he was awakened by the instrumentality of Gilbert Tennant, whose memory I revere. He told me much about Mr. Whitefield, and old times, and of the ministers of old times — of himself, his awakening, and conversioi^ to Qcd — of his riding thirty miles to Newport, in exceeding cold weather, to bring Mr. Tennant to Providence. Having obtained more knowledge of the people, mysuliject waS: Gal. Ti. 14. — ^plain and pointed: my audience was serious and attentive. I endeavoured to show, 1. What it is for a man to glory in a thing. 2. What men glory in which is not the cross of Christ. 3. What it is to glory in the cross of Christy 4. How a person may know when he glories in the cross of Christ, vie. by the world's being crucified to hip^ and he unto the world. The people here appear to be prudent,, aptive, frugal ; cultivating a spirit of good family economy ; and. they are kind to strangers. They have had frequent revivals of religion : I had faith to believe the Lord would shortly visit them again, and that even we shall have something to do in this town. We rested a day at Easton, and appointed meeting at five o'clock. I had good freedom on Acts xvii. 27. and the people felt the word. We have had a sojemn, happy, and solitary retreat, and my.soul entered into renewed lifcx Digitized by Google ^ 108 REV. FRANCIS ASBDRV'fl JOURNAL. (17dK Masisachu8etts» — Thandaj 23. We rode through dast and heff. to Boston. I felt much pressed io spirit, 9S if the door wag np^ opeo. As it was court time, we were put to some difficulty in get- ting entertainment. It was appointed for me to preach at Murray's, church — not at all pleasing to me ; and that which made it 'worse was, that I had only about twenty or thirty people to preach to i^ a large house ; it appeared to me that those who professed frieiv^l" ship for us, were ashamed to publish us. On Friday eyening I preached again : my congregation was somewhat larger, owing, per* haps, to the loudness of my voice — the sinners were noisy in the streets. My subject was Rev. iii. 17, 18. I was disturbed, and DOt at liberty, although I sought it. I have done with Boston until we can obtain a lodging, a house to preach in, and sojme to join us. Some things here are to be admired in the place and among, the people — their bridges are great works, and none are ashamed of labour ; of their hospitality I cannqt boast : in Charleston, wicked Charleston, six years ago a stranger, I was kin<]ly« invited^, to eat and drink by many — here, by none. There are, I think, nine meeting-housea of the -Establishment ; Friends' meeting- house, one ; Sandeminians, one ; Upiversalists, one ; Roman Cathor, lies, one ; Baptists, two ; Episcopalians, two ; the Methodists have no house — but their time may come. I preached at Slade's tavern on my way to Lynn on '^ If our Gospel be hid, it is hid to{them that are lost." I was agreeably sur- prised to find a house raised for the Methodists. As a town, I think Lynn the perfection of beauty ; it is seated on a plain^ under a range of craggy hills, and open to the sea : there is a promising, society — an exceedingly well-behaved congregation— these thicks, doubtless, made all pleasing to me. My first subject was Rom. viii. 33. — in the afternoon Acts iv. 12. : here we shall make a firm stand, and from this central point, from Lynn, shall the light of Methodism and of truth radiate through the state. Our brother Johnson is sio^ple-hearted, and hearty in the cause : we owe our. entertainment and house for worship chiefly to him. Tuesday 28^ Rode to Marblehead. When I entered this town, my heart was more melted towards its inhabitants, than to any in those parts, with the exception of Lyun. After consultation, and some altercation among themselves, the committee invited me to preach in Mr. Story's meeting-house, which I did accordingly at four o'clock, on Acts xxvi. 17, 18. I was led to speak alarmingly, whilst I pointed out the Gospel as descriptive of their misery and Digitized by Google ]79|.] KEV, FRANCIS ASBVAy'S JOURNAL. 109 m^A of mercy : brpther Lee preached in tlie eveoiog to a great Qumber of people Id apd about Mr, Martia's boiifie. Next morn- log, weak as I was, I could not forbear speakiiig to tbem on '' Seek je first tke kingdom of God." Wednesday 29. Rode to Salem. Here are five me^ting^hoasea,! two of them on the New-Divinity plan— i. e. regeneration the first work — no prayer, repentance, or faith, until this as accomplished : the other three belong to the £stabli9hmeiit^--4>ne Episcopalian ; and one Friends' meeting-house. I found no access to any. I lec- tured in the court-house on Rom* v. &r-9. I looked upon the greater part of my cpngregation as judges ; and I talked until they,- becoming weary, began to leave me. I have dpne with Salem un- til we can get a better stand. I had the curiosity to vi«t the cal- vary of the witches — i. e. tjiofie who were destiroyed oa tbs diarge of witchcraft : I saw the graves of many innocent, good people, who were put to death, sufferiag persecution from those i^ho had stiffered persecution— such, and so strangely contradictory, is map* I have felt weakness of body, and deep exercise of mind» and, at times, good liberty in speaking — I am now convinced that the M4ethodists, as a body, have the most religion, md am more and more confirmed in my choice. We rode to Manchester. Mr. Foster received us with great kindness. The Selectmen granted us the privilege of the meeting- house : I lectured on Malacbi iii. 13. at five o'clock. Here are some feeling and understanding souls. This place has been visited for many years, and a society kept up, although the ministers did not favour the stir ; of this work, father Lee's ministry, an aged man of that country and town, has been the principal means ; for a long time he has faithfully stood his grodnd, praying with,, and eshorting the people. We were invited to lodge at a place where provision is made for the entertaintment of ministers, and in the morning money was offered. I declined accepting their invitation, and re- fuse^d their money. Friday, July 1. Came to L 's to dinner : after praying with them, and speaking to each in the family, I left them to God. Thence I proceeded to T *s, and preached at Brown's folly, to many people — my subject, Luke ii, 10. Saturday 2. I returned home to brother J 's in Lynn. Sunday 3. My first subject was ** The great salvation" — In the afternoon I spoke on Titus ii. 11, 12. and had liberty : in the eve- ning my subject was Matt. xi. 28 — SO. the congregation was atteai- tive, aiid my mind enjoyed sweet peace; although, outwardly, we Digitized by Google 110 RET. FRARCIS ASBVRT's JOURVAL. [1791. were nncomfortable, the meeting-hoase being open, and the wea- ther very cool for the season. I feel as if God .would work id these states, and giye os a great harrest. My interyals of leisure hare been spent in close application to my Bible, and reading Bax- ter's Call to the UoconTerted. Monday 4. I took the benefit of the sea-air, and began visiting. Tuesday 5. My soul is to great peace and love. Here it is a day of small things : the people have been neglected, but now the Lord has opened their eyes. O what skill, and patience, and wis- dom are needful to deal with souls ! I was happy in meeting the women, in class ; I found but few believers, but 1 do believe that God will bring them all into full liberty. Wednesday 6. Found my mind stayed upon God. In the event- ing I had a large, attentive congregation. Thursday 7. I was engaged closely in reading. I visited and con- versed freely with two families. I am informed that Lynn and LynnfieM afford upwards of 2200 souls (1791.) This day brother Jesse Lee put a paper into my hand proposing the election of not less than two, nor more than four preachers from each conference, to form a general conference in Baltimore in December, 1792^ te be continued annually. Saturday 9. I preached a sacramental sermon on « Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup." Sunday 10. Preached on the great supper, Luke xiv. a very solemn, baptising, and sacramental season. The people chose 16 receive the elements sitting, as is the practi<9B amongst Presbyte- rians. In the afternoon I enforced " What shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God :'' at night I spoke on ** These shall go away into everlasting punishment:" the Lord was among the people, and I hope and trust some real good was done. Monday 11. I labour under deep exercises of soul. The sea- bath I found to strengthen me. In the evening I met the men's class in Lynn, and was led to hope that a glorious work of God will be wrought here ; several people are under awakenings at this time ; my staying so long among them may be of the Lord. Tuesday 12. We had a blessed rain after nearly a month's, drought. Wednesday 13. We came through Waltham, Sudbury, and MaU borough ; at this last place there is a grand meeting house, and one not less elegant in its kind for the minister : thence we proceeded on through Northbury and Shrewsbury, to Worcester, through Digitized by Google lT91i] REV. FRAircis asbuky's journal. Ul raiD) and with paia and wearineas. Mr. Cbandier received us with kindness more than cornmon, and courtesy anxious to please, calling his family together with softness of address, and in all things else being agreeable ; perhaps more so tlian any man I have met with in America ; this reception shall comfort us a little in our toil. From Worcester, we journeyed on, passing through Leices- ter, Spenser, Brookfields, and another town. We dined at a place where *< the people are united, and do not wish to divide the parish"—- their fathers, the Puritans, divided the kingdom and the church too, and when they could not obtain liberty of conscience in England, they sought it here among wild men and beasts. At Greaves's tavern I saw a man from Vermont, who said the number of their inhabitants was ninety thousand ; he invited me to send preachers among them. Friday 15. My mind has been dejected ; Satan has assaulted me-^ I could not be fixed in prayer as I desired. We have made it one hundred and eight miles from Lynn to Springfield. I want to be with the Methodists again — O how unworthy of such fellow^ip ! jret am I seated among the princes of thy people ! At 6 o'clock I de- livered a discourse in Mr. C 's house on " It is time to seek the Lord till become and rain righteousness upon you:'' the people were a little moved ^ and .one fiifitec.ander4lefip conviction. This platfe is a haunt of soldiery : the armory being kept here : there appears to be little religion among the inhabitants. s CoNiTECTicuT. — Suuday 17. Passed through Suffield to Turkey- Hills, where 1 had a large and very criticising congregation,to whom I preached my first discourse on John vii. 17.: my second subject was Hebr. vi. 1.: there were some feeling hearts present ; the Lord will work here. On Monday I had a crowd at Proquonaq, in a school-house, to whom I preached on 2 Cor. iv. 1,2.: some were frightened, some melted, and some were offended. We came to Windsor ; Mr. S received u» kindly, but did not fail to let us know how lightly he thought of w and of out principles — here my feelings were very gloomy, and I secretly wished myself out of the way. I went to the school-house and found it crowded with people : the Lord lifted me up whilst I opened and applied Gal. iii. 22. I think I was given to see and feel the true state of these people ; some of them were melted and praised God for the Gospel. Tuesday 19l I came to the city of Hartford. At Mr. S 's meeting-house I was attended by three ministers : I was clear not to keep back any part of the truth whilst 1 enforced Ldke vii. 23. the people were mostly serious and attentive. Digitized by Google 112 KBV. FRANCIS ASBURT*8 JOURNAL. [179!. I had SID intetfiew with Dorcas Brown, who was conterted forty yean ago, and in the history of whose experience there were aome remarkable manffestatiooa of the power of God, and of the interposition of his providence in answer to prayer in times of per- secution and violence. Her son's case was alsa remarkable : he had been captured by the Indians, and was returned killed; in con- tradiction to this account, and the general belief, she pronounced that she should again see him in the flesh : contrary to the expec- tation of all but herself, he did return after an absence of three years and eight months. Wednesday 20. At East-Hartford I felt more than usually assisted on Luke xix. 10. I had an attentive, feeling congregation. On Thursday we had a gracious shower at the quarterly v meeting at West-Farmington, where 1 delivered a pointed discourse on Acts xvi. 31, 32. which was blessed to some souls. Friday 22. The Episcopal church was open at Litchfield, where I preached, with very little faith, on the love of Christ. I think Morse's account of his countrymen is near the truth : never have I seen any people who would talk so long, so correctly,and «o seriously about trifles. Saturday 23. By a rocky, mountainous way, we came to CornwaU in the midstof the harvest homa : we had about one hundred and , fifty hearers : I had openings of mind whilst I spoke on 1 Pet. iii. 15« Sunday 24. Came to Canaan, after preaching at a new meetiug- hoose: here nought would satisfy but my going to the ancient Presbyterian church ; 1 reluctantly complied, and made a fephlh attempt on Luke xi. 13. 1 oflended, and was ofiended : the pep- jde seemed uneasy, and wished to be gone. This is thefirst, and I expect will be the last time I shall speak in that house, if not in that place. Twenty-five years ago, the people in this place had religion ; at present, it is to be feared, there is little or none : how it is I know not ; but at such places I feel dreadfully,— ^as if such people were the worst of all under the sun, and at the greatest dis- tance from God. Wednesday 27. Although under considerable afiSiction of body and mind, I rode over rough ways, to New-Britain ; where, in general, the people appeared unfeeling ; nevertheless, I found a few among them who felt the need of Christ : 1 was led to exhort them, and to pray with them— I am persuaded some are not far from the kingdom of God. New- York. — Thursday 28. 1 felt some freedom at T 's, while speaking on 2 Tim. iii. 16. : the length of the ride, and the Digitized by Google 1791.] RET. FRANCIS ASEVRY'S JOURNAL. 113 langaor of my bodily powers, had not enfeebled my mind : vre foaod some gracious souls in the society. Friday 29. Came to Albany. My mind felt impressed with the valae of the souls in this place. By the curves I have made in my course from Hartford to this pkce, I suppose I have not travelled less than one hundred and fifty miles : perpetual motion is no small trikl to my body and mind ; but I must cast my care upon the Lord||| I am led to think the eastern church will find this saying hold true in the Methodists, viz. '* I will provoke you to jealousy by a peo- ple that were no people ; and by a foolish nation will I anger you :** they have trodden >upon the Quakers, the Episcopalians, the Bap- tists — see now if the Methodists do not work their way : the people will not pay large money for religion if they can get it cheaper. I preached to about three hundred people in a bam at Coeyman's Patent, the new stone church not being ready. Our society is pro- Qisittg in this place. Tuesday, August 2. Came to Hudson. I felt disagreeable sen- sations, a chill, hoarseness, headach, and fever. < Wednesday 3. The day was unusually warm, and I was sick and felt like Jonah ; 1 was ready to faint in my carriage ; at last, through nercyt 1 arrived safe at kind sister L 's : 1 went to bed, took tome chicken broth, and after a comfortable sleep felt revived. No more rest— I took the road again, and arrived at Rhinebeck by noon. My soul is in peace — 1 want more prayer, patience, life, and love — 1 walk daily, hourly, and sometimes minutely with God. Saturday 6. I had a few serious people at the Mountain meeting- house. 1 lodged at C *s, who was ^rmerly a Shaking Quaker.. Sunday 7. We received the sacrament ; and then went to a small grove, where we had a green carpet of nature's spreading underneath, and an umbrella of variegated leaves above us. I preached on Zech. xii. 10. to about a thousand or twelve hundred people, as it was judged : 1 felt solemn and recollected, and was assisted in speaking : I had some feith to believe it would be the beginning of days, and of a revival of religion. Connecticut.— .Preached at Salisbury on Acts v. 31, 32. My nund is in peace. I came to Sharon time enough to preach at three o'clock : the women crowded the house, whilst the men stood at the door, with psttient attention, in the rain, which indeed many seemed scarcely to perceive ; I spoke with life and freedom on Ephes. ii. 8 — 10. Here are some praying souls. I read, much to my comfort, Corbit'» Vol, it. 15 Digitized by Google 114 KEV, F4VANCIS AaUUAY'S JOUKKAL. .£179)* meiDoirs of the BecreU of bis heart, hrooght to pulbUp tiew af^ bis death. New- York.— February 12. I preached at B 's, on Loke xix. 10. to a number of simple-hearted people. Rode to brother j^ — 's to attend quarterly meeting i I felt weak and unwell^ yet happy in God. My soul enters into deeper union with God, and 0nto a sweet resignation and conQdence ip him fojr his work fuid church. I judge that my journey to Lynn, and ipiy x%^ thrciugb the country thereabouts, haye made a distance of little jess thsin five hundred miles i and thence to Albany ; nearly the ^qie, aad from Albany to New- York not much less ; with, occasionally i^ v^i'jf rough roa/^s for a carriage : well, it is all for God, iind Christ, and souls : J neither covet nor receive any man's silver or gold— food, raiment, and a Kttle rest, is all 1 want. Saturday and Sunday, 13, 14. We began our meeting in a barn at Jackson's : I had freedom whilst enlarging on Joshua sxiv. 15. : there w^s a large collection of people from far to our sacrament and lave-feast ; among these there was life, but the people about this place are dead — dead ! there is a curse somewhere. I dopbt « if one soul has been converted to God since I was here two years ago. Monday 15. 1 feel great power to trust God with his church and work : and am resolved on more frequent access to the throne of grace, not continuing so long as heretofore : I feel greater sweetness in so doing, and it tends more to an hourly and moa)ently walk with God. Tuesday 16. This is a day of rest from public labour. I have uncommon trials, and great liberty of spirit : my addresses to a throne of grace are frequent to-day. Wednesday 17. Felt a good degree of liberty at B 's on CoL i. 28. *' Christ formed in you the hope of glory" — perfect in Christ Jesus-^ours is not the perfection of God, of Christ, of angels ; such perfection must be ours as excludes evil tempers from the hearty and yet supposes us liable to ignorance and error, while in tene- ments of clay. As I came along to P- *s I was ready to complain of the roughness of the roads, but I was suddenly stopped, when I be- held a noor Irish woman with a heavy child on her shoulders, and without covering for head or feet ; she said she was from Canada, and thus far had begged her way : — pity for her at once stilled all murmur of complaint for myself. On Thursday we bad a gracious season at Stoney-Street, amongst sinners, seekers, and believers, while I applied Gal. vi. 10. Digitized by Google 1 791 ,} ^ REV. FRANCIS ASBtJRY'S JOtTRirAL. 1 ! 5 Satorday 20, Qdarterly meeting at North-Castle : it began well ; I was happy in mind, although unwell, whilst I spoke to. the many who attended on 1 Sam. vii. 3. Sunday 21. Our congregation became unweildy and restless ; my subject, Luke xxiii. 3. Was neiv, to me, at least : although my mtnd enjoyed some degree of peace, my frame was agitated, and my spt-' rits hurried. J received the olive-branch from Virginia — All is peace— it was obtained by a kincf letter from me to O'Kelly. Saturday 27. Quarterly meeting in Newtowb : I felt freedom of mind whilst treating on Deot. v. 26. Sunday 28. We had a good sacramental time, and a melting love- fettst. There are four houses of worship in this place, but I fear the church of Christ is very small. I have lately been led into great depths of God, and sight of my danger and constant need of prayer. Monday 29. Came to New York : the weathei* is warm, and here ii an aivful season of affliction. I preached at the new church on Hebr. v. 12. we had an accept- able time, and some gracious movings. Wednesday 31. We had a serious,' heart affecting time; many were ready to break out into praises to God. I respect the kind- bess of the dear people here, and leave New York in faith th^at the Lord will return to visit them. Thursday, September 1. I visited my old friends on Staten- Island : many whom i have preached to and prayed fbr, still keep at a dis'tance. Friday 2. I preached in our new chapel to a large congregation on '* Te that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still ; remember the Lord afar off, and let Jerusalem <}ome into your mind.** Jer. li. 60. : it was a gracious season : afler preaching the society met, and several declared the Lord's dealings with their souls. New-Jersgt. — Monday 5. I rode through much rain to Mon- mouth, New -Jersey, where 1 preached to a considerable congre- gation on ** The just shall live by faith ; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." There is some stir among the people : at Long-Branch, within eighteen months, as I am in- formed, nearly fifty souls have professed conversion. Tuesday 6. I found the Lord had not left himself without wit- nesses at Kettle-Creek. Wednesday 7. At P 's church I learn some were offended : blessed be God ! my soul was kept in great peace. Digitized by Google Htf AEV. FRANCIS ASBVRt'f# JOURNAL. E^'^^^* Friday 9. At Little-Egg Harbour I endeavoured to speak very pointedly on Acts xiii. 46. — my spirit was mach moved, and, I'tbiok, as a preacher and visiter, I am thus far free from the blood of saints and sinners. Saturday 10. Rode a dreary, moscheto path, in great weakiiQ88» to Batstow works. Sunday 11. Preached on Luke xiz. 10. I advised the people to build a house for the benefit of those men so busily employed day and night, Sabbaths not excepted, in th^ manufacture of irooT-* rude, and rough, and strangely ignorant of God. Thursday 15. Having exerted myself more than my strength would well bear last evening, I feel faint, yet pursuing, I gave )in exhortation to a house full of peojple. The evening was jpept with S. H ; — gracious souls, mother and children. Friday 16. Preached at C 's : here are some under awakeo- logs ; and the prospect is pleasing. Many attended the word oa the Lord's day : several of our sisters and of bur brethren on this day (and on Monday at Bethel) afler sacrament, testified to the goodness of God. Pennsylvania. — Tuesday 20. Rode to Philadelphia. Hefe, §8 usual, I was closely employed in writing ; I had several meetings, and some awful seasons that will be remembered in eternity— *Tiu8 city abounds with inhabitants — it is the London of America. ' Wednesday 28: We rode to Strasburg, thirty miles, where I preached at night in a respectable tavern on Acts iit. 19. 1 was yery plain, and had Qome energy in preaching, although unwell ia body. I have faith to believe we shall have a house of worship^ and that the Lord will have a people in this place. Thence to M. B — — 's : hitherto the Lord hath been our helper in spite of sin and Satan. We had a good time whilst I spoke on Zech. xii. 10. af\er sacrament several bore their testi- mony for the Lord. My soul is much, humbled, and brought into close communion with God ; yea, 1 rejoiced greatly to find so much religion among the people. We went hence to brother M rSy where, for two days, we had a gracious season : I preached on Acts ii. 37, 38. I had openings, and was made to feel after the souls of the people. How will Satan take advantage to raise pre- judice in the minds of many ! — At first the cry was, *• They are enemies to the country!" that tale worn out, it is said, ^* They will pull down the churches — they hold erroneous doctrines 1*' aye ; we will labour to raise a true spiritual church ; and if, in doing this, we injure wolves in sheep's clothing, let unfaithful ministers look to it : we shaU deliver our own souls. Digitized by Google nSf.] IVEV. FIUNCIS ASBURY's JOURNAL. 117 Delaware. — Came to Wilmington. Alas ! for poor Wilmiogton — ^when will this people open their eyes ! We rode in haste thirty miles to D 's, bat the people had met three hours before oar arrival, and brother E- — bad preached to them. I preached at the Cross-Roads, bat the minds of the people were so occupied by the approaching election, that I lear there was Kittle room for things of more importance. — Finding there were oo more appoint- ments pablished for me, I rode, tbrongh the dast, thirty -two miles 'to judge White's. O Lord, help me to watch and pray ! I am afraid of losing the sweetness 1 feel: for months past I baye felt as if in the possession of perfect love — not a moment's de- eire of any thing but God. I have an awful view of the reformed tharches, and am determined to speak to the very hearts of the people. After attending a quarterly meeting at B-— — **8 chapel, I came to W 's ; we had a large congregation : aAer pablic service, we had a meeting for the local preachers, leaders, and Stewards. Next morning we had love-feast for the coloured bre- threti at sunrise ; and at nine o'clock for the whites. We find new members are added every year ; many living experiences,, and miracles of grace in this society. . . ^ Friday, October 14. Came to brother L -/s. Hail, happy souls ! — three out of four in this ftmily love God. Saturday 15. Came to Downing's chapel; had a blessed love- feast ; most of those who spoke professed sanctification. My sonl iVas filled with God. I did what 1 coald to put those in band who had witnessed perfect love in love-feast. There is a great work of God in the lower counties of Virginia ; hot the Antinomian doctrines, so liberally set forth by some, greatly hinder. We kave rqjiigh weather. Thursday 20. The storm continued ; it was thoaght no one coald go oat ; we, nevertheless, ventured through heavy rains and came to P *s ; at night we reached D *s, making a jour- ney of nearly forty miles ; we were wet and uncomfortable ; but the Lord preserves our goings out, and our comings in. Marvlaitd. — Friday 21. Preached at brother L 's on Hebr. titi. 10, II, 12. 1 think the Lord will work in this neighbourhood, and take away the covering and the veil that are spread upon the oinds of the people. Temptations have oppressed my soul, and disease afflicted my body ; it is the Lord's power alone that can help me ; I fear I am not so constant in prayer as I should be. I made an effort to establish a female 'school, under sister G^-, and sister B-—— ; and endeavoured to impress the necessity and expc- Digitized by Google 118 REV. PRANCZS ASBUJtv's JOURNAL. [1791. dtencj ^f banchmeeti&g, on men aod Women, both married and single. Tvesday 2d. At M-^— ^'a, there was a living stir among soine who came to the quarterly meeting from a distance. Mj soul is bowed down for this neighbourhood. Wednesday, NoTember 8. W^ crossed Choptank- River and cs^e to Talbot quarterly meeting. My subject on the first day was '* Oh 1 let the wickedness of the Wicked come to an end»'' We had a close love- feast, and some living kouls. Sunday 6, and Monday 7. Attended quarterly meeting at Greens- burg, commonly called Choptank- Bridge : we had a strict and living love-feast, and powerful testimonies. Wednesday 15. Came to Havre de Grace, and thence hurried to Cokesbury, where 1 found all in peace. Thursday 16. Came to tbe old meeting house at Bush, and preached on ** Enoch walked with God:" the meeting-house at Bush is the second house built for the Methodists in the state : it is a poor building, remaining unfinished to this day, and likely so to continue. Friday 17. We had a powerful, melting time, at Deer-Creek s my subject was Jeremiah xiv. 8, 9, 10. Sunday 26. I preached at Baltimore a searching discourse on Zeph. i. 12. In the afternoon I preached at the Point, to some unfeeling souls ; and in the evening performed the funeral ^o* lemnity of my dear old friend sister Tribulet, on Acts xvi. 13, 14, 15. : I was uncommonly drawn out this day, and truly laboured in body and spirit. JHonday, December 7. I went from house to house through the snow and cold, begging money for the support of the poor jrphans at Cokesbury. Rode to Annapolis and preached at nights - ViRGiNiA.-^Wednesday, December 9. A day to be remembered. We stopped once in forty-three miles : when we reached Oxen- hill-Ferry, opposite to Alexandria, 1 was nearly frozen, being hardly able to walk or talk; We crossed the Patomacin an open btat, on whose icy bottom tbe horses with difficulty kept their feet ; and still worse it would have been, had I not thoughtfully called for some straw to strew beneath them ; we had five of them on board, and the waves were high. Friday il. Rode forty miles to Mrs. W ■ 's : I suffered not a little with cold : I thank God my life is spared. Sunday 13. I could not find the way to the hearts of an unfeeling Digitized by Google 1791.] REVf FRANCIS ASBU&Y^fi JdVJUTAL. 119 people at the widow Bombry's ; thence we went in haste to Port Royal ; the iohabitaiits, seeing us, ran together, to whom I spokt en Acts ii. 27. : the people were respectful and attentive. . Monday 14. Rode through a storm of snow to brother A— 's. My mind enjoys peace ; and although by constant tFavelling I an kept from the privilege of being so frequently in private prayer, yet I am preserved from anger and murmuring — ^my soul is wholly given up to God. I am now about entering upon the business of the conferences for the present year — all is peace. Notwithstanding I have been so highly favoured, my sufferings may be lessened by an earlier move to the south ; 1 will therefore remember to be on the sooth side of the Patomac by the middle of November, if circumstances allow. Wednesday 13. Came to brother Dickenson's, Caroline Gounty, and waited for the preachers composing the conference in the cen* tral district of Virginia. In the evening the brethren came together ; we opened con- ference, and went through a great part of our minute work ; all was peace and love. We had searchiqg work in speaking expe- riences, and in examining the young men who offered as candidftfes for the ministry. Friday 16. Afler fasting and prayer our conference rose. My subject at the new chapel was iCbron. xxix. 15 — 17. Saturday I rode to Hanover-Town. Sunday 18. I preached at Hanover on 1 Cor. ii. 17. I rode in the, evening to brother C 's. My mind was in peace. I journeyed on through Richmond, Manchester, and Petersburg, accompanied by brothers E and K ; on Friday 23d, arriv- ing at Lane's chapel, where our conference began and ended in great peace. Sunday 25. 1 preached on John iv. 14. and had a comfortable season ; many spoke of the dealings of God with their souls : the examination among the preachers relative to character and experi- ence, was very close : all was meekness and love. Tuesday 27. We had a long, cold ride to our kind brother Blunt's. Wednesday 28. I preached on 1 Peter iv. 1 — 4. Thursday 29. I rode twenty-five miles, through very cold wea- ther, without taking any refreshment, to sister P 's ; on our way we had a meeting at brother C *s, where many attended, to whom 1 spoke with freedom on 2 Tim. ii. 19 — 21. : here some wicked young men behaved quite out of character. Digitized by Google 120 RGV., FRANCIS ASIURT^S JOU&HAL. li*^2SL Sunday » January 1, 1792. On this beginning of the new yeiir, I preached, and had liberty on laai. \xv. 1, 2. in the evenipig I once more cried to the people of Norforlk, ** Repent, and be conver*^ ted :" my audience was attentive and tender. My body was greatly fatigued, my soul much comforted in the Lord. Religion revtres here^ the seed which has been sowing for twenty years begins to spring up: Norfolk flourishes; Portsmouth declines, and is al- ready low. Thursday 6. Rode to W. B *8, there were but few peo- ple. On our way thither brother M would stop to feed z I believe the Lord sent me to speak a word to a broken hearted, forsaken, distressed woman. My soul enjoys peace ; but eicessive labour, and bodily suffering from the cold, prevents that deep com^ munion with God I wish for : 1 do little eicept reading a few chap- ters in my Hebrew Bible. NoRTp Carolina. — Sunday 8. I preached at the widow Hardy's to a large congregation : I felt freedom in speaking, and the soub oC^ the people appeared tender. The prospect of our journey ahead seemed gloomy ; however, we came down in the snow, and got on board a leaky Jlat^ which we were obliged to bail as we went ; the ferry was five miles wide, our horses restless, the river (Roanoak]^ rough, and the weather very cold ; but the Lord brought us safe to shore, twelve miles from our destined place : we were stran- gers to the road, and had not an hour's sun ; nevertheless, kind Providence brought us through the dark and cold to brother Ward's about eight o'clock: here 1 sold my carriage and took horse again. Thursday 19. I rode with no small difficulty to Green Hills, about two hundred miles, the roads being covered with snow and ice. Our conference began and ended in great peace and harmo- ny : we had thirty-one preachers stationed at the different houses in the neighbourhood. I find we have had a good work in the eastern district of North Carolina in the past year. For some time back I have travelled with much difficulty, having few hearers, ' much weakness of body, and uncomfortable weather. Monday 23. Our conference rose. I rode twenty miles through severe cold to brother B 's. Tuesday 24. Brother Morrell, my fellow traveller, was unwell : we had our horses roughed^ which detained us an hour or two afler the appointed time. I reached brother T ^'s, and said a little from Philip, ii. 14 — 16. ; but the people could not hear, their souls and their bodies were cold. Finding it was twenty-two miles to Digitized by by Google iWd'^} EBV; FKANCIS ASUVRT'S JOVtlNAL. 121 ttiy nett appoititmeni, I set off without refreshment, intending to reach brother D^-^-^^s, near Hillsborough ; on the way, however, hearing of brother S , a local preacher, we called on him, and he gaVe us freely of such things as be had. Thursday 26. I was led out with freedom on the two last verses 0^ Hebr. kii. at M 's. I find outward difficulties in my pro- gress ; the roads are covered with ice and snow, and the severity of the weather prevents my having an opportunity, when I wi^h, of spending time in private exercises ; but blessed be God ! I am resigned, and am kept from sin, and my soul is stayed upon God. Friday 27. After riding thirty miles through ice and snow to Rainey's, I found many people waiting for me, and I began, with- out any refreshment, to speak on *' This is the victory that over- coiaeth the world, even our faith." 1. I endeavoured to point out the object of this faith ; 2. Its subjects ; 3. Its nature ; and 4. Its victory. In our route through North Carolina we passed through Bertie, Gates, Tyrrel, Tarl>orough, Franklin, Wake, Chatham, Orange, Guilford, and Randolph counties. We have travelled nearly eight hundred miles since the 7th of December last past. Seldom have I been tempted to a murmuring thought ; it is now the 29th of January : I want nothing but more mental and private prayer. Tuesday 31. Yesterday and today we have rod^ about sixty mil0s, a great deal of the way through heavjr hail and rain. I gave an exhortation at C-— — 's, on seeking the kingdom of God, Here we had all things richly to supply our wants ; and what was still better, we found the Lord had souls in this family. South €AROLiNA.—-February 1. I preached to a considerable congregation at M'D-^—- 's on Acts xiii. 38. Saturday and Sunday, 4 and 5. I attended a quarterly meeting. Monday 6. At JPlower's church. For some time past I have enjoyed much of God, though suffering under indisposition of body, and frequently in a crowd : I feel nothing but peace in my doul, asd find power to trust Jehovah with his own cause. Tuesday 7. We reached sister Port's* I find there is a great commotion among the people, excited by the conduct of W. Ham- mett, who has divided the society in Charleston, and taken to, him- self "somO chaff and some wheat. This is not all — they say our house will go too. Wednesday 8, We set off after six o'clock in the morning ; our hories being over-fed we did not push them, so that we did not reach Georgetown until near six in the evening. After my trials Vol. II. 16 Digitized by Google 122 BBV. FftAHCXS AMimV^ JOtfOMiL. . [I99S. and hard ridiikg my coj^dial is io preach at ni^ht. Except <3«ergfr* town and Charleston, there are few places where I have not a good copgregation when weather permits. I can praise God-*-my soqI is happy in Him ; by his grace I am kept from sin, and I still hope this dark clond Uiat lowers over us will yet break with blessings on onr heads. Thursday ft We rested ; and next day came to Wappataw, and foimd that brother S. C had moved. We then went to his brother's, whose wife was buried that day. We were fatigued aiid cold, and rejoiced to find we were not compelled to take up our lodgings under a pine tree. Saturday 11. Arrived in Charleston. 1 received a full and true account of Mr. Hammett's proceedings. Brothers E and p have done all things well. Mr. Hammett had three grand objections to us. — 1. The American preachers and people hisultsd him. S. His name was not printed in our Minutes, 3. The neta bene cautioning miniUe was directed against him. He has gone to the New-Market, to preach, and has drawn about twenty white members after him. We are considered by htm as secedershfrom Methodism!^ — Because we do not wear gowns and powder f and because we did not pay sufficient respect to Mr. Wesley ! Sabbath It. My subject was Isai. liii. 11. Brother H. preached in the afternoon. Tuesday 14. Our conference began. I preached at nigfaf «n Luke zxiv. 17. and endeavoured to show the low estate of tibe interest of Christ at that time. In our conference we were no* usually close in examination of characters, doctrines, and expe- rience : we had great peace and some power amongst us, and received the good news of eighty souls being converted in Phila- delphia, and of a revival in Connecticut. . I preached a sermon to the preachers, on *' Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.*' Saturday 18. I received an abusive, anonymous letter (I believe from Mr. S.) on several subjects. My spirits "were low ; I came frdm my knees to receive the letter, and having read it, I retnmed whence I came ; I judged it prudent and expedient, and I think i was urged thereto by conscience, to tell the people of some things relating to myself. I related to them the manner of my coming to America ; how I continued during the war ; the arrival of Dr. Coke, and the forming of the American Methodists into a church ; and finally, why I did not commit the charge of the Society in Chiaffles- ton, to Mr. Hammett, who wal unknown, a foreigner^ and did not Digitized ...,, .1-702*3 ^ XlftV- FBAKCIS A8BI7RY:'S JOUK^AL. 123 ^H:kiiOfvlBdge the antboniy.ofi nor join in coooeiioD witfa» the Ame* yiean conference. Sunday 19. I preached pn '* Who is on the Lord's side ?" Mr. M ■ f sent ia his resignation. For certab reasons we were led to pass ever his cbaraclcr, but we were wrong ; it might hare been better to subject it to scrutiny^ althongh none grieved at Us gQing from us. Monday 20. / came out of the fire. — Bode to Packer's ferry. Tuesday 21. Came to Mr. LambrighCs, and next day bad a heayy ride to Maixer's, and missed my congregation ailer all, and so I did at Hudson's, in Georgia ; however, I spoke a few words to a few people^ and it was felt. Friday 24. We had fitly miles to ride, but had the advantage of |^>od roads. Stopped at F— ^'s, and then came on to brother M->^— *^s ; he and bis father have kindly entertained us as the ser- Tents of the Lord. '* Saturday 25. I had, an attentive and feeling people at Providence, irhcre I saw C-«-^, and learned that poor Henry, the Jew (men- tioned March 9, 1791) was dead, and died wretched in body and mind^ a few montln after my departure. Let preachers or peq>le catch me in Waynesbojroogh until things are: altered and bettered. Since lest Monday I have rode one hundred and eighty miles, and was obliged to ride on, though late, to prevent man iind beasts hmtig on the road on the Sabbath day. . My mind was powerfully struck with a sense of the great duty of preaching in all companies ; ^f always speaking boldly and freely for God as if in the pulpit. IJsoBoiA. — Sabbath morning 26. I made frequent visits to the ttrooe of grace, and feel my soul comforted in God's word, *< Instead of thy lathers, thou shalt have sons, whom thou shalt make princes . in all the land :" I feel solemn ; the burthen of the work lies on me ; the preachers have left, and are leaving the field. Monday 27. W^ rode thirty miles ta Wbite-Oak meeting-house •—a painful joomey ; the weather was cold, and the house open ; Ibe people, however, were attentive. It is not pleasing to the flesh lo take only a little tea at seven o'clock in the morning, and then go until fiix at night before we have a table spread ; and ah ! how few Christian houses^— I had my trials in the evening. Tuesdi^ 28» We rode through the snow to Little-Riv^r, and a few people met us at S— -—'s : I preached on 2 Tim. iv. 2, 3, 4. Without staying to eat, we rode on to Washington, making thirty flnUes this day also. We collected our conference,^ and had great searching and sifting, and were under the necessity of suspending Digitized by Google 124 REV, ra^Ncis ASBtm's ^ovmac* (1?W«. one ; y/e were rery close ia ezdminiDg characters and principles : each preacher spoke his experience, and made his obsenralions. relative to the work of God since last conference. Brother Hnll accompanies n^e, and H. Herbert repairs to Alexandria in Virgi'^ nia. I hope\n future there will be harmony among the brethren.; if souls are converted to God \x answers no valuable purpose there- after to disciple them to ourselves. I preached on the marriage supper, and took occasion to show how some vre kept from, ^nd others lose, the grace of God by the unlawful use of lawful things. Saturday, March 4. Rode to Fisbing^Creek» and had an uncooi- fortable time on the Sabbath at Bibb's Cross-Roads. South CAROLiNA.-^Mooday 6. I left Georgia, and lodged near Whitehall in South Carolina. Tuesday 7. Rode fift^ miles to brother Finches ; here the bre- thren gave me a meeting on Wednesday ; the congregation w4& small, and the people unengaged; rode that evening to Odle's, aii^ the nextday to Watter*s. Sunday 12. Preached at Smith's on Romans, v. 1, 2, 3.; and kept the holy, solemn Sabbath as a day of rest for man and beast. NoKTB CAROuNA.--Monday 13. Rode < forty miles to Maj^;^^ Moor's, cold and weary. 1 have read, two volumes of Gordon's American Revolution, containing about one thousand pages. We came to the widow M— 's : here we heard that fifty poor wander* ing dinners had been brought back to God in this wild place^and we rejoiced at the glad tidings. Friday 17. 1 was very much chilled in riding twenty-five miles over the ijQOuntains to Wiltshire's : at 3 o'clock J preached «n iiebr. iii. 12, l3, 14 — I was very unwell and in tnuoh pain. , There waa «t poor man in the house who was wild enough to swim the river on a mare with another man behind him — what a mercy that he was not drowned ! Saturday 18. I felt death in some measure at this place. Brother Hull preached and 1 exhorted. Sunday 19* We had a close love- feast, and a few testimonies of the power and love of Christ : there was some little melting also amongst the people ; but it is hard to civilize, methodize, and spirit tualize ; sin, Satan, flesh, and hell are against us. We have rested two days besides . Sabbaths, and rode two hundred and fifty miles in about two weeks : our entertainment is geiierally mean. Monday 20; Our horses' backs being bruised, we had our dtffi* culties in getting to Rehoboth. Digitized by Google 2tf2«] R£V. FRANCES asbv&y's jovrnal. 125 We were well nigh cast away Id going to the widow W— 's : it waft very dark, and we were bewildered in the woods : my sad- dle turned, and I slipped from my horse, hut receired no harm. I bad to walk nearly half a mile through mud and water to reach the iiouse. Tuesday 21. F came to Gordon's, on the Yadkin: it is seven yeairs since I was here— dead! dead !— The world — ^the devil— Antittomianism in doctrine and practice. I was led out in preach* tng^on Deut. xxiiii 29. Wednesday 22. We started for Holstein. After riding about fif> teen miles, we stopped to feed, and a: woman directed us along the new way over Ihe Elk Spur : we found ourselves in a wilderness ; the weather was very cold, and the night coming on, we were at a loss what to do ; whilst we were wishfully looking about us, to our great satisfaction we discovered a house ; it was clean and com- ibrtable^ and we were well entertained. ViRGiNi^.-— Thursday 23. We made an early start for friend Osborne's, on New-River, fifteen miles distant ; here we were generously entertained. After talking and praying together, we were guided across the river, for which I was thankful. Arriving at Fox-Creek, we crossed it eleven times, and tarried that night ^ith C ■■ , a n&minal member of the society of Friends, who used tis very well. Friday 24. Rode twelve miles to S 's : after dinner, exhorta*^ tion, and prayer, we came down the south fork, and crossed the middle fork of Holstein river. Saturday 25. Came to the Salt Works, and on Sunday preached on *' Happy is the people whose Go^is tbe Lord." Monday 27. I had enlargement in preaching to an attentive con- gregation at Abingdon court bouse. Tuesday 28. Preached at Owen's on *' This people have 1 formed for myself." Thursday 30. We had many people to hear at Charles Baker's, io whom I preached with some life. We took half a day to have the smith's work done in fitting our horses for the journey through the wilderness* Tennessee.— Rode twenty-four miles to Mr. Y— 's on the main Holstein; and the next day, eighteen miles to Hawkins court'-house, and thence to Crabb's. We have confused accounts of Indians : our guard rested on the Sabbath day within four miles of the wilderness.' Digitized by Google 226 hbv. FRANCIS asbvuy's jovnifASi. (I79£r. Satordfly, April I. I heard a company had arrived fretn K^d« tocky to Crabb's : this man's soa and a Mr. Henderson have beefi killed by the liidians since I was here last Sunday 2. I preached to all the people i cOold collect* Monday 3. We entered the wilderness and reached Rofoinsofll*! station. Two of the company were on foot, carrying their packs ; and women there are with their children ;--^these eDcombraacMi make os move alowly and heavily. Kentuckt.— Tuesday 4. We reach«^d Richland* Greek, and were preserved from hahn. About two o'clock, it began to rain, and eon- tinned most of the day. After crossing the Laurel-River, which we were compelled to swim, we came to Rock-Castle statioii, where we found such a set of sinners as made it next to heU itseU Our corn here cost as a dollar per bushel. Wednesday 5: This morning we again swam the river, and ako the west Fork thereof— my little horse wasready to fail in tfaf^ coarse of the day— -1 was steeped in the water up to the waist?: about seven o'clock, with bard pushing*, we reached the Crab- Orchard. How much 1 have suffered in this journey, is only known to God and myself. What added much to its disagreeable pess, is the extreme fiUhiness of the houses. I was seized with a severe flux, which followed me eight days : for some .of the time I kept up, but at last found myself under the necessity of taking to my bed. Tuesday 1 1. I endured as severe pain as, perhaps, I ever felt. I made use of small portions of rhubarb ; and also obtained soipe good claret, of which 1 drank a botde in th^ee days, and was almost well, so that on Sunday following I preached a sermon an hour * long. In the course of my affliction I have felt myself very low ; I have had serious views of eternity, and was^ free from the fear ofdeath. I stopped and lodged, doring my illness, with Mr. Willis Green, who showed me all possible attention and kindness. • I wrote and sent to Mr. Rice, a Presbyterian minister, a m- mendation of his speech, delivered in a convention in Kentucky, On the natural rights of mankind : I gave him an exhorts^on to call ott the Methodists on his way to Philadelphia, and if conve** nient, to preach in our houses. Tuesday U. I wrote an address on behalf of Bethel schooL The weather was wet. and stopped us until Friday. Friday 21. Rode to Clarke's station ; and on Saturday preached on David's charge to Solomon. \ Digitized by Google 1792.] i(fiV.«P»All€f£k'A9B0IIY'S>Je«lilVAL. "^ 127 N8«iMiay 25. I f reaebed-fi'tong, mid perhaps a terrible serBBon, some may think, on '< Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord» we persuade men.*' Monday 94. I rode to BeUiei. I found it necessary to change the plan of the house, to make it more comfortable to the scholars in cold weather 1 am too mtich in company, and hear so mach abottt Indians, Convention, Treaty, killing and scalping, that ^my attention is drdwn more to these things than I conld wish ; I foand it good to get alone in the woods and converse with God. Wednesday 26. Was a rainy, damp day ; however, we rode to meet the conference, where I was closely employed with the tra- velling and Jocal preachers ; with the leaders and stewards. I met Ihe married men and women apart, and we had great consolation in the Lord. Vast crowds of people attended pab|ic worship. The •pirit of matrimony is very prevalent here ; in one circuit both preachers are. settled: the land is good, the country new, and indeed all possible facilities to the comfortable maintenance of a &mily are offered to an industrious, prudent pair. Monday, May 1. Came to L 's. An, alarm was spreading of a depredation committed by the Indians, on the e^st and west fron* * tiers of the settlement ; in the former, report says one map^ was killed ; in the latter, many men, with women and children — every t^ing is in motion. There having been so many about me at con* fereoce, my rest was much broken ; I hoped now to repair it, and get refreshed before I set out to return through the wilderness ; bat the continual arrival of pep'ple until midnight ; the barking of dogs, and other annoyances, prevented. Next night we reached the Crab Orchard, where thirty or fortyt people were compelled to cr^wd into one mean house. We could get no more rest here than we did in the wilderness. We came the old way by ScaggS" Creek, and Rock-Castle, supposing it to be safer, as it was a road less frequented, and therefore less liable to be way-laid by the aavages. My body by this time is well tried : I hsid a violent fever dnd pain in the head, such as I had not lately felt ; I stretched my- self on the cold ground, and borrowing clothes to keep me warm, by *^e mercy of God, I slept four or. five hours. Next morning we set off early, and passed beyond Richlaiid-Creek : — here we were m danger, if any where : I could have slept, but was afraid : seeing the drowsiness of the company, I walked the encampment and watched the sentries the whole night. Eariy next morning, we made our way to Robinson's station. We had the best com- pany I ever met with— thirty-six good travellers, and a few war- Digitized by Google 129 R£v. PiUffcts AssmT'ft jomti^, , [i,%9S^ yion^ bat we had a pack-horse, some old iQen» and two- tif^ bojrses^— these were not the best part. ViAoiBrfA.-^Saturday 6. Through iofinite mercj, we camesafe/ to Crabb's. Rest» poor boose of clay, from such e^ertioiis !-r-re« torn, O my soul, to thy rest ! Hooday 8. I came to Young's^a comfortable, quiet hause» within six miles of Katcliffels, whose wife and xshildreowofe mw* dered by the Indians. Here I slept comfortably. Tuesday 9. We came to brother Baker's, where we rested two days, and had our horses shod. Friday 12. Rode to Halfaere's, about fiAy miles, and came ia about eleven o'clock*. Saturday^ Sunday, and Monday, 13, 14, 15. We were engaged in the business of conference at Holstein. I bad a meeting with the men ; a lively one with the womeo, mosst of whose hearts the . Lord touched. . . ^ Tuesday 16. We came to Russell's qld place, M Seven Mil^ Ford ; and next day set out for Greenbrier, and reached C< — ^X My spirits were too lively and disposed to gayety, which indulged^ perhaps too far, made me feel mean before the Lprd. . .,_ T^rsday 18. Rode to Hogg's ; and next day to M-^-^-^'s ; (orJtj miles each day : the roads were better than I expected. Saturday 20. Rode twenty miles. My weary body feels ib^ want of rest; but my heart rejoiced lo meet with the bretbreii who were waiting for me. 1 am more than ever convinced of the need and propriety of annual conferences, and of greater changei^ among the preachers, I am sensible the western parts have suf* fered by my absence ; I lament this, and deplore my loss of strict communion with God, occasioned by the necessity I am under o^ constant riding ; change of place ; company, and sometiines disa- greeable compaoy ; loss of slef p, and the difficulties of clamber- ing over rocks and mountains, and journeying at the rate of seven or eight hundred mijes per month, and sometimes forty or fiAy miles a day— these have be^n a part of my labours, and make no small share of my btnderances. I crossed the Kanhaway et Paris's ferry. Here 1 coorersed with a man who informed me a brother preacher bad called there^ and, as he said^ was peevish : the dear man was just at death's door, and though his exercises ^nd bodily infirmities may have pressed him sore, and excited expressions of discontent^ he was, nevertheless, a meek and boly servant of God. My informant also mentiooed lanother, who had been a member, and who would swear. Digitized by Google I79SL] ' BET. FRAKcn asbvry's jovbral. 12^ bGtriUy and drink to excess : it is proper I notice, that I did not receive these accounts from a professor of religion. I thought within mysetf— Se^ how we are watched : ah !. we little think oftentimes how narrowly our conduct, our tempers, are observed by the world ; and poor sinners still less imagine how strictly we watch them, and how well this habit of observation, and the inti- mate knowledge we gain of odr own hearts, makes us competent judges of their cases, and enftbles us so justly and so powerfully to condemn their wickedness. Sunday 21. I preached at Rehoboth on Isai. Iv. 12. there was no great move : brothers H— — and C-^ — ' both spoke after me. " Weaiy world, when will it end ?" My mind and body feel dull and heavy, but still my soul drinks deeper into God. We rode about one hundred and sixty miles fh>m the Rich Valley to Greenbrier conference ; talking too much, and praying too little, caused me to feel barrenness of soul. We bad a hope that not less then ten souls were converted during the conference : at preaching, I myself having a violent headach, re- tired ; the Lord was with them at the sacrament ; after which, the doors being opened, many came in and the meeting continued un- tifl nearly sunset. ^ We had a most solemn ordination on Thursday morning. After- ward we rode through Greenbrier by the town, on to brother W — ' — 's, a distance of thirty-six miles. My headach still con- tinuing, brother Hope Hull preached, and I retired to rest. Friday 26. We rode twenty-six miies to the Little Levels. O what a solitary country is this ! We have now one hundred and twenty miles before us, fifty of which is a wilderness : there is a- guard at two houses on our route; but I do not fear: nature is spent with labour ; I would not live always — hail ! happy death : nothing but holiness, perfect love, and then glory for me ! Saturday 27. My body is much wearied ; my bowels being much disordered, the water, the milk, and the bread, are like physic to me. We now thought it necessary to be moving ; it was dreary woA as we rode along the dreary path to D 's ; one of my companions, as well as myself, was unwell. From D -'s we had still forty miles to go, over hills and mountains : this, I think equalled, if not exceeded, any road 1 had ever travelled : we at ' length reached Tygers Valley. We stopped at Capt. S— 's, where there were several families crowded together, for fear of Vol. H, 17 Digitized by Google 130 ' HEV. FRANCIS ASBITftT's JOVKKXL. [179f . the lodiaDA. The upper end of the ?aUey has been depopulated, one iamily has been destroyed sioce I was last here. The Captain's wife was decent, kind, and sensible. Thence we went on to W ■ '^s, where I .got some fowl soup ; thence a few miles to , where the woman of the house was kind and.atteotire; but a still, a mill, a store, causes much company, and some not of the most agreeable kind. Tuesday 30. We hasted to O *s in the Cove, wher^ we met with a most kind and affectionate reception. But O the flies for the horses, and the gnats for the men ! And no food, nor even good water to be had. I slept well, although forced, ever and anon, to stir a little. Wednesday 31. We had a dreary path, over desperate hills, for fifty miles ; no food for man or beast, which caused l>oth to begin to fM very sensibly : my bowels continued to be disordered, and had I not procured a little wine, I suppose I should have failed al- together. PENffSYJLVANiA.— Thursday, June 1. Both men and horses travelled sore and wearily to Union Town. O.hovv good are clean houses, plentiful tables, and populous villages, when com- pared with the rough world we came throi^h ! Here 1 turned put our poor horses to pasture and to rest, after riding them nearly three hundred miles in eight days. - Friday 2. Wrote letters to send over the mountains. Saturday 3. 1 began to feel lame, and had a severe touch of the rheumatism, accompanied with a high fever, which occasioned great pain to me while sitting in conference. I fooad it necessary to remove, by exchange, si^ of the preachers from this to the eastern district. Sunday U. Having been too unwell to attend preaching through the week, I now ventured in public : a great crowd of people at- tended, and there was some melting and moving among them. I feel the death of this district ; I see what is wanting here— disci* pline, ^nd the preaching a present and full salvation, and the en- forcement of the doctrine of sanctification. I have been variously tried, and was constrained to be cheerful. We have founded a seminary of learning called Union School ; brother C. Conway is manager, who also has charge of the district : this establishment is designed for instruction in grammar, langui^es, . and the sciences. I have had some awful thoughts lest my lameness should grow upon me» and render me useless. I sometimes have fears that I Digitized by Google 1792.] R£v. FRARcis asbvry's jockmal. 151 am too siffick in speaking in ptiblie, at coDferebees ; 1 also feel the want of time and places to pnrsue my practice of ^solitary prayer, being frequently obliged to ride all tbe day and late at night, that I may in time reach the appointed places to preach. Tuesday 13. We ascended Laarel-hill,^ and aAer forty miles riding reached M— — 's, quite weary. Came to 1. C 's, sind found the Lord was still in this house : I preached, and felt a melt- ing heart, and there was some move in the congregation. I find myself recruited in body and mind ; and I feel as if God would work once more amongst this people. I was informed that Mr. Hammett had sent abroad circular let- ters, and had been railing against the presiding eldership, &c. I am not surprised that he should find fault with the office — its du- ties he ivas a man not likely to fulfil ; yet had it not been for the power attached to it, how greatly might Mr. Hatnmett have con* fused the society in Charleston, and perplexed the preachets in the district. The Lord will see to his own house. Maryland. — I preached at Fort Cumberland, in our new bouse, tQ many people. Dined with Mr. D , at whose house I was entertained the first time I visited this town : O that each of th^ family may be everlastingly saved I It is now three years since I came down this road. — Swifl- winged time, O how it flies ! My body is in better health, and my soul in great peace ; I feel do wrong temper. O that my whole heart might be running out in holiness after God ! Lord's day 18. We had a solemn meeting, whilst I enlarge^ on ^^ Blessed are they^that hear the word of God and keep it." It was a good season. Virginia. — Monday 19. Rode to Bath. Here I had the Oppor- tunity of writing to all the connected preac^hers in the district. Friday 23. In the evening I preached with some assistance on Luke xiz. 10. ' Saturday 24. I attended quarterly meeting at the widow Flint's. Here 1 had the first sight of Mr. Hammett's and brother Thos. Morrell's attacks on each other — or rather Mr. Hammett's against the Methodists, and brother Morrell's reply. Had brother M. known more, he would have replied better. Mr. H.'s quotation of a clause in my confidential letter to brother S-*-— — d, is not altogether just. He has also misquoted the caution, leaving out the word ** District," which, when retained, shows it to have been American, and to have been directed against American apos- tates and impostors. Digitized by Google 133 AfiV. FRANCIS ASBVRY'S J^tRNAL. Ei?9£. Sabbath day 25. We had a liTing lore-feast, although the bouse ivas crowded, and Warm, almost past sufferance. Tuesday 27. I had a sweet opening at the quarterly meeting, on Ephes. ii. 1^. 1 met the preachers, leaders, and stewards, and thty resolved to enter more folly into the spirit of discipline. Next day 1 preached on ** My Spirit shall not always strive with man." Pennsylvania. — Rode twenty-two miles to S-- town, weary and warm ; the people were waiting, and 1 began on ^' Ah adul* terous and sinful generation." This is a poor place for religion. Friday 30. I rode nearly fifty miles through excessive heat, and felt somewhat like Jonah. Saturday, July 1. I was taken up with writing letters, having received accounts from Cokesbury. The college seems to be the weighty concern for the present. Sunday 2. 1 had heavy work — no freedom at D. W 's : Nothing will do here but discipline. I felt miy .spirit much hum- bled before the Lord, and a willingness to suffer. Tuesday 4. Rode to A. Kageell — it was the harvest home. I feel it my duty to press the people of God to go on to hpliness of heart and life. As the next morning was rainy, we staid until the aflernoon, and then rode to see our old brother M« Behem. We had a tender, feeling season on 1 John i. 8. on Salvation from fdl nn. At Strasburg, in the afternoon, we had a solemn meeting ; a young woman, who was married a few minutes before worship be- gan, was powerfully struck under the word, and wept greatly. O may she mourn until a second marriage takes place in her soul. Friday 7. We had a long ride to Morgantown : we came in at ] 1 o'clock, being much fatigued. I discoursed on the likeness be- tween Moses and Christ, in the academical church.} This building is well designed for a school and a church. I directed Esq. Morgan to one of our local preachers as a teacher. We set out for Coventry Forge, but we missed our way, and came to brother Meredic's, in the valley. I prayed heartily for,' and spoke plainly to the young people. O that the Lord would fol- low them powerfully ! Saturday 8. This day my soul enjoyed the presence of God. I dined at Radnor, and went into Philadelphia. Sunday 9. I preached at Ebenezer church on James iv. 8. : at St. George^s church on Mark viii. 38. 1 had large accouots from the eastward, and am requested to send them more preach- ers. Afler twenty years standing of the house in our hands, the galleries are put up in our old new church. Digitized by Google 179s;] BET* FKAKCIS AftBURv'S JOURNAL* 13d Monday 10 and Tuesday 11. Employed in reading and writing. 1 wish to be alone — O how sweet is sdlitude ! Wednesday 12. I soaght and obtained peace between two bre- thren who had, unhappily, been at variance. New- Jersey. — Thursday 13. Rode through great heat and dust to Burlington, New-Jersey. Here I had many of my o]d, and some aew hearers : but some are much wiser than they were twenty years ago. We had a cold time of it, whilst I spoke on Hebr. iv. 7. Friday 14. After {preaching at 's we rode on to brother H-- — 's. He is resolved, that after he and his wife are served, the remainder of his whole estate shall go to the church ; his plan- tation to be rented, and the annual income to be applied as the con- ference held for Pennsylvania and the Jerseys shall please to direct. New-Tork. — Sunday 16. Preached at our church on Staten Is- land. I was very close on the law and the Gospel — a few felt ; but it was a dry time. Lord, help us ! Monday 17. We hasted to V *8 ferry; but found ourselves detained by the absence of both boats, so that we did not so soon as we expected reach New- York. I did not find that life an4 har- mony here that there bave been in times past. 1 have just now ob- tained abd am reading Mr. Wesley's Life, the work of Dr. Coke and Mr. Moofe, containing five hundred and forty-two pages. * It is in general well compiled ; but the history bf American Methodism is inaccurate in some of its details, and in some which are inte- resting. For some days past I have been occupied in reading, and and in meeting the several women's classes^ and found the Lord was amongst them. .As very probably all of my life which I shall be able to write will be found in my journal, it will not be improper to relate some- thing of my earlier years, and to give a brief account of my first labours in the ministry. I was bom in Old England, near the foot of Hampstead Bridge, in the parish of Handsworth, about four miles from Birmingham, in Statfordshire, and, according to the best of my after-knowledge, on the 20th or 21st day of August, in the year of our Lord 1745. My father's name was Joseph, and my mother's, Elizabeth As- bury : they were people in common life ; were remarkable for honesty and industry, and had all things needful to enjoy ; had my father been as saving as laborious, be might have been wealthy. As it was, it was his province to be employed as a former and Digitized by Google 134 REV. FRANCIS ASDURV'S JOURNAL* [1792. gardener by the two richest families in the parish. My parents had but two children, a daughter called Sarah, and myself. My lovdy sister died in infancy ; she was a favourite, and my dear mother being very affectionate, sunk into deep distress at the loss of a darling child, from which she was not relieved for many years. It was under this dispensation that God was pleased to open the eyes of her mind, she living in a very dark, dark, dark day and place. She now began to read almost constantly when leisure pre- sented the opportunity. When a child, I thought it strange my mother should stand by a large window poring over a book for hours together. From my childhood I may say, I have neither " dar'd an oath, nor hazarded a lie." The love of truth is not natural ; but the habit of telling it I acquired very early, and so well was I taught, that my conscience would never permit me to swear profanely. I learned from my parents a certain form of words for prayer, and I well remember my mother strongly urged my father to family reading and prayer ; the singing of psalms was much practised by them both. My foible was the ordinary foible of children — fondness for play ; but I abhorred mischief and wickedness, although my mrates were amongst the vilest of the vile for lying, swearing, fighting, and whatever else boys of their age and evil habits were likely to be guilty of ; from siich society I very often returned home uneasy and' melancholy; and although driven awdy by my better principles, still I would re- turn, hoping to find happiness where I never found it. Sometimes I was much ridiculed, and called Methodist Parson^ because my mother invited any people who had the appearance of religion to her house. I was sent to school early, and began fo read the Bible between six and seven years of age, and greatly delighted in the historical part of it. My school-master was a great churl, and used to be^ me cruelly ; this drove me to prayer, and it appeared to me, that God was very near to me. My father having but the one son, greatly desired to keep me at school, he cared not how long ; but in this design he was disappointed ; for my master, by his severity,- had filled me with such horrible dread, that with me any thing was preferable to going to school. I lived some time in one of the wealthiest and most ungodly families we had in the parish : here I became vain, but not openly wicked. Some months after this I re- turned home ; and made my choice, when about thirteen years add a half old,- to learn a branch of business, at which 1 wrought about Digitized by Google n \1%%.'\ REV. FRANCIS ASBURY's JOURNAL. 135 9VL years and a half: daring thk time I eojoyed great liberty, and IB the family was treated more like a son or an equal than an ap- prentice. Soon afler I entered on that business, God sent a pious man, not a Methodist, into our neighbourhood, and my mother invited him to our house ; by his conversation and prayers, I was awa- kened before I was fourteen years of age. It was now easy and pleasing to leave my company, and I began to pray morning and evening, being drawn by the cords of love, as with the bands of a man. I soon left our blind priest, and went to West-Bromwick church : here I heard Ryland, Stillingfleet, Talbot, Bagnall, Mans- field, Hawes, and Venn, great names, and esteemed Gospel-minis- ^ters. I became very serious ; reading, a great deal — Whitefield and Cennick's Sermons, and every good book I could meet with. It was not long before I began to inquiry of my mother who, wh^re, what were the. Methodists ; she gave me a favourable ac- count, and directed me to a person that could take me to Wednes- bury to h^ar them. I soon found this was not the church — but it was better. The people were so devout — men and women kneel- ing down — laying Amen, — Now, behold ! they were singing hymns — sweet sound ! Why, strange to tel] ! the preacher had no prayer- bo^k, and yet he prayed wonderfully I What was yet more extra- ordinary, the man took his text, and had no sermon-book : thought I, this is wonderful indeed J It is certainly a strange way, but the best way. He talked about confidence, assurance, &c.— of which all my flights and hopes fell short. I had no deep convictions, nor had I committed any deep known sins. At one sermon, some time aAer, my. companion was powerfully wrought on : I was exceed- ingly grieved that I could not weep like him ; yet ^ knew myself to be in a state of unbelief. On a certain time when we were praying in my father's barn, I believe the Lord pardoned my sins, and justified my soul ; but my companions reasoned me out. of this belief, saying, <* Mr. Mather said a believer was as happy as if he was in heaven." I thought I was not as happy as I would be there, and gave up my conQdence, and that for months ; yet I was happy ; free from guilt and fear, and had power over sin, and felt great inward joy. After this, we met for reading and prayer, and had large and good meetings, and were much persecuted, until the persons at whose houses we held them were afraid, and they were discontinued. I then held meetings frequently at my father's house, exhorting the people there, as alsa at Sutton-Cofields, and several souls professed to find peace through Digitized by Google 136 REV. rllANCIg ASBUKir'S JOUBOTAt. [17^ my Isi^iinr. I met chsi awhile at Bromwick-Heath, and met Id band at Wednesbury. I had preached some moiidNi befbre I ptib- licly appeared in the Methodist meeting-hotises ; when my la- boars became more public and extensive, some were amazed^ not knowing how 1 had exercised elsewhere. Behold me now a local preacher ; the hamble and willing servant of any and of every preacher that called on me by night or by day, being ready, with hasty steps, to go far and wide to do good, visiting Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and indeed almost every place within my reach for the sake of precious sotils; preaching, generally, three, four, and five times a week, and at th^ same time pursuing my calling. — I think, when I was between twenty-one and twenty*two years of age I gave myself op to God and his work, after acting as a local preacher near the space of five years : itis now the 19th of July 1792. — I have been labour^ ing for God and ;sonls about thirty years, or upwards. Sometime after I had obtained « clear witness of my accep- tance with God, the Lord showed me in the heat of youth and youthful blood, the evil of my heart : for a short time 1 enjoyed, as I thought, the pure and pe^ect love of God-; but this happjl' frame did not long continue, altbough, at seasons, I was greatly blest. Whilst 1 was a travelling preacher in England, I was much tempted, finding myself exceedingly ignorant of almost every thing* a minister of the Gospel ought to know. How. I came to Ame- rica, and the events which have happened since, my journal wiH show. Yesterday I preached in New-York, on " Who is on the Lord's side ?" — I had some life in speaking, but there was little move in the congregation. O Lord, hasten a revival of thy work ! This ' city has been agitated about the choice of Governor : it would be better for them all to be on the Lord's side. — The standard is set up — who declares for the Lord ? — The wicked ; the carnal pro- fessors ; carnal ministei^, and apostates, are the Lord's enemies. Sunday 23. Was a melting time with many hearts in the old church : my subject, 1 John i. 6, 7. In the afternoon, although very unwell, I laboured hard in the new church, but the people were exceedingly insensible. There was a little shaking under brother Hull in the old church in the evening. Monday 24. We set out for Lynn, and made our way through Bedford, riding fifty miles the first day : I prayed in four houses, and felt much given up on the way. Digitized by Google / 29M^] HEV. FRANCIS ASSUAy'S JOURNAL, 137 CoyKECTicnT.— Tuesday 26. Rain to-day : after which, we pame to Reading ; aod althoogh' it was late, and the eYening datnp^ I was ttowilling to omit the opportunity of speaking to the people. Brother Hull, txxy fellow-traveller, went to hed very ill. God has wrought in this town : the spirit of prayer is amongst the people ; and several souls have been brought to God. Wednesday 26. We came to Newtown and fed — thence to Wa- terbary : brother H. is still very ill. Ijiere we were entertained kindly, and at small charges ; the people submitted and were at- tentive to prayer. Thence we continued on to Southeriogton : we dined at a public house, where we had cheap, good, plain usage : our host told us, " It was the misfortune of the Methodists to Ml in with some of the most ignorant, poor, and disreputable people in the state." My answer was, the poor have the Gospel preached to them — ^that it had been aforetime asked, '< Have any of the rulers believed on him ?" Came to the city of Hartford, and thence went on to East- Hart- ford. I was alarming on ^ev. xzi. 8. ; brother H. is still very ' sick ; and for my poor self, I am tempted to fretfulness ; but by gjmce I was-kept in peace, and blessed in speaking. The next day we came through the extreme heat to Stafford, and attended a quar- terly meeting, where we had a crowd of people in a new, open' bouse: I was very unwell, and much tempted, but I had good liberty in preaching ; my subject was Colos. ii. 6. ; on Sunday I waa very pointed on Rom. i. 18. There has been a work in Tolland circuit : I suppose one hun- dred and fifty aoub have been converted, and twice the number under awakenings in the different societies around : I felt very solemn among them. Brothers Smith, and Raynor, have been owned of the Lord in these parts. MASSACHusETT8.-«We Came through Asbford, Pomfret, Menden^ and Douglass : we lodged at a tavern, where the people were very obliging, and attentive to prayer : thence we rode to Medfield's to dinner ; thence through Dover, Newton, Cambridge, Maiden, to Lynn ; which we reached about midnight, having travelled sixty- five miles— my soul, meanwhile, continually filled with the good<- ness of God. Thursday, August 3. Our conference met, consisting of eight preachers, much united, beside myself. In Lynn, we have the out- side of a house completed ; and what is best of all, several souls profess to be converted to God. . I preached on 1 John iv. 1— >6. Vol. if. 18 I Digitized by Google 138 IL£T. FIU9CI8 AI»BU11T*8 JOUKMAt. f l'^^ mid bad^some life, bat was too fornnftl. - There wa» preachiBf^ every night through the sitting of tbe coofereace. Saturday 5. I preached an ordination aermon to a rery aoleiBii coi^regatioD, on 2 Cor. iii. 5. Sabbath morning 6. 1 preached on 1 Cor.^ v'u 19, 20/ In the , aiternoon brother A ' ■■ — preached j and I afterward gave them u farewell exhortation, and there were some affectioDaite fediags excited amongst the people. — Many were movedy md felt a great desire to speak in the love-feast, but they had nc^ coorage. O that we had more apostolical preaching ! Monday 7. We took leave of town, making a hasty flight. We dined at Cambridge. The vain drove us for shelter mlder thehos" pitable roof of Mr. How ; the kind family here accepted of family worship. Taciday 8. Wa. came through Brookfieki aod Shrewabury Us Worcester ; after restmg, we briskly pursaed our^way to Brook* field. We fouftal we had stopped at the wrong house; soai^ wicked labouring young men were intoxicated, singing psalms and song tunes for their amusement ; one man railed on, and cursed «s ' , because he was not told all be wanted to know. ; Wednesday 9. We came to Belcher Town, and were kindly en- tertained at W^-'-^'s : thence we pushed on to Hadley, crossed Connecticut- River, and stopped at Northampton* Ah I inhere j« the blessedness of which we formerly heard in this place»-a^I ia.^ quired of our host, but received littie satisfactory information* i proposed prayer, but found it was not well received. I went to bed weary and nnWell ; and labout half past six o'clock next mom^ ing'set out again over the rocks and uneven roads, across tbe moan* tain, having passed through WoHhtagtoav Chesterfield, and Par*- tridgefield. I wondered to see tbe people settled here so thickly, among the rocks, where Ihe soil can onfy be cultivated by the iron band of active, laborious industry : I should prefer any part of the Alleghany where it is not too rocky, becauscr the land is better. We^ made it nearly forty miles to Pittsfield ; and ouv journey was amre disagreeable from the falling of a heavy shower. We iiave oow rode about one hundred and seventy miles from Lynn in four 4a^. . My mind has been variously exercised, and my body much fatigued ; if I have been kept from sin, to tbe Lord's name be aU the ^ry ! PittsfieU is a pleasant plain, extending from mcmotain tomouittain ; the population may consist of two thousand souls. There is a grand meeting-house and steeple, toth as white and gltsteriag as Sol&fmnU Digitized by Google 179S;] REV. FHAlfCIS ASBUav's JOUaffAT.- . 139 Htiqfle. The tniiiister, as 1 Jearn^ is on^ the New-Dlfkdty fHaa. I heard the experien^te of one of the first settlers id the town» who was eieaiij hrooght ont of hoadage ; but by resting in UDfaihog per* •everaoce, he agaio grew cokl : of late be has been stirred up and restored by the iastranoentaliiy of the Methodists. I wae pleased to enjoy the privilege of retiring alone to the cooling sylvan shades in frequent converse with any best Friend.^ Saturday IS. We held oov meeting in a noble house, built for Baptists, Separatists, or sooMbody, and is now occupied by the Me- thodists. There was a large and attentive congregation, and some melting amongpt the people> with whom the Lord is at work. Sunday 13. I was so unwell, that I concluded not to go to meet- ipg* but was at last persmided along. 1 felt enlargement in preach- ing, and the people were tender and attentive. • It has been said, *^Tbe Eastern people are not to be moved ;" it is true, they are tmo much accustomed to hear systematical preaching to be moved bjra systematical sermon, even from a Methodist ; but they have their feelingjs^ and touch but the right string, and they will be Boved. I became weary of staying three days in one house ; Mr, Stevens was very kind, his wife was under heavy heart»awakenings» ' NKw*YoiiK.-r-We set out and came to Lebanon in the. state of Kew-York. The medical waters here are warm and . very soft ; pure and light, with no small quantity of fixed air. I found a poor bnth^boose. Here the devil's tents are set up, and, as is common at theae bis encampments, bis children are doing his drudgery* I baptised F— *— 's child : he and his wife came out from amongst the Shakers, where they had lived in celibacy many years. At the request of the people, notwithstanding my barrenness at bro- ^r W— 's, I delivered a discourse on 1 Peter iiL 15. ; my au- drence appeared to be strangers to our way. Mr. K a , a Pres- byterxan minister, bore his testimony in favour of the word' deliver- ed, and recommended it to his people. We then came to Bethle- hem, and the nest day 1 preached at the house of a Baptist to sibout three lumdred people : it was a searching, movings time. I also baptised, and adouoistered the Lord's supper ; I then went a smdl distance to lodge, but I felt not myself at home, the worship of .God not being in the boose. 1 now began to bring op my read- ings in the New Teatam^it. Wednesday 16. Came to Albany, and had a joyful, happy con- ference, twenty-one preachers being present. We constituted two deacons and four eldera. Each preacher was called upoa to speak of his exercises and observations since our last annual session : we ex- Digitized by Google 140 REV. FAASCIS ASfiURY^S MXTARAL. [iTdS;! amined our doctrines,* and whether oat faith was still firm in those which were heheved and taught amongst us. We appoihted J and brother confirmed what I had said, and I assured him that a desire to promote the caU96 of 'God was the only motive that led me to mention this to him, he resumed his former cheerfulness, and we parted in peace. It was appointed fbr me to preach at a place forty-five miles distant, but the weather being extremely warm, and our horses weary, we did not get in until eight o'clock, in consequence of which many people were disappointed. Thursday 24. I breakfasted at Governor Van Cortlandt's ' I feel as if the Lord had been striving here*. Digitized by Google 17SS.}' &£y. |?||Aff€IS ASBUKY's JOUAHAl.. |41 Sfttosday 26. Game to the quarterly meeling at New-Rocbelle. Tlie Lord gave light aod libei^ty in speaking. We had a meeting with the local preacherd^ stewards, and leaders who were present. Mr. Hammett's rejoinder has made its appearance. N. Manners has also come to town, to spread his doctrine and distribute his books : was he a gracious man, I cannot think he would write as he does' against Mr. Wesley and Mr. Fl,etcher. Perhaps he will find it rather easier to write and print books, than to sell and pay the cost of publishing them. Sunday 27. I preached to a vast congregation, with liberty, on 1 Cor. iii. 15, 16. Many hearts were touched, and we had a blessed season at love-feast and sacrami^nt. . Monday 28. Came to New- York, and opened confereqce^ twenty-eight preachers being present. We spent most of the af- ternoon in prayer ; • and nearly all the preachers gave an account of -what each one had seen and felt since last conference. The yt»ang gave us their experience, and there were several who pro-r fessed sanctificatioB. Awful H- haunted us one day, request- ing us to give him an honourable discharge from the connexion ; b«t we shall publish him expelled^—he is the Wheatly of America^ Friday, September 1. We bad a solemn love-feast, the lower iSoor of the house being nearly filled : several of the bretbrea professed perfect love ; others had lost the witness. « My mind has been so bent to the business of the conference^ ttiat I have sle'pt but little this week. Connecticut is supplied much to my mind ; several very promising young men having been admitted this conference. The societies are in harmony, but not as lively as they ought to be. I went to hear Dr. L— — — , but was greatly disappointed : he had such a rumbling voice that I could understand but little in that great house. How elegant the building ! How small the appearances of religion ! Lord, have mercy upou the Reformed Churches ! O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord ! I was much obliged to my friend for renewing my clothing and giving me a little pocket money — thi^ is better than £500 per annum. I told some of our preachers, who were very poor, how happy they were, and that probably, bad they mpre, their wants would proportionably increase. My soul is humble, and by grace is kept holy : 1 do the best I can, and leave the event to the Lord— if others do wrong, they must answer for themselves now, and at the day of judgment. Sunday 3. I preached a preparatory sermon, on 1 Cor. v. 7, Q. previously to the administration of the sacrament. It was ob^ Digitized by Google 14S RSV. FRANCIS ASIVRT'S JOUIINAJL. [t?0£. setved What a fitness of simtbrity there* wiB between the fiass^oFe)^ and the sopper of the Lord. The 8tm{dicity and purity 6f the )atter-*-^eae{, instead of the flesh of an animal, and tme; instead of the blood of the creature : mne, the blood of Christ, and gmer the life of our souls. It was shown who were proper commuBi^ cants-^troe penitents and real believers. Not with the leaven of malice and wickedness— acid, bitter, and puffing up, l^ut'theun* leavened bread of' sincerity and truth-*-uprightnes8 of heart; airf sound experience. I now leave New^Tork for one whole year, under the hope and prophecy that this will be a year of the Lord's power with them. New- Jersey. — We had. severe crossing the North- River: it was much as ever the horses could do to keep their fecft. We came to Newark, and thence to Elizabethtown, in Jersey. I now began to unbend my mind, and became very heavy, i went up stairs, sat in my chair, rested my head, and slept solidly ; bat a kind friend would have me waked, which made me sick. ' Tuesday 5. I pursued my journey through Woodbridge, imd came to Brunswick* The weather was very warm ; the rondt. 4usty, and our journeys long. We jreached Milford town in th^ eveiung. Wednesday 6. Passed through Crosswicks and fiorlington, and came to Philadelphia : L found I was too late, the preachers hav* ing waited a day for me to come and open the conference. Thursday 7. We had great peace in our conference. The preachers gave a feeling account of the work of God. We had more preachers than we needed this time ^ both ihey and the peo^ pie were. lively: most of our brethren in the ministry can now stand the greatest exertions. Sabbath morning 10. We had a melting love-feast — the OEiouthsof many were opened to declare the loving kindness of the Lord. 1 preached, but did not like their ill-contrived house. At Ebeneaset I had an attentive congregation, to whom I spoke on Philip, i. 18« At night the mobility came in like the roaring of the sea : boys were aroupd the doors, and the streets were in an uproar. Tiiey had been alarmed by a shout the night before, which, probably, was one cause of the congregation beii^ so large. Brother A — ^— - went to prayer ; a person cried out : brother G^— — joined in prayer ; the Wicked were collected to oppose. I felt Ibe powers of darkness were very strong. After ending my discourse, brother M-H— rose up and mentioned the shocking conduct he had^obser- ved among them-^fightiog, swearing, threatening, ^.«--But where Digitized by Google I7#lv} ' KEY. FHANGia AftBUIiy'fi JOVAliAt. 143 ue the watchmea ?---^le6p. — ^^Where are the masiiitrates ?->-dozii^ at home. . This is a wicked, horribly wicked city; and if the p90{^ do not reform, I think they will be let loose opoa one an* other,, or else God will send the pestilence amongst them, and slay tbem by hundreds . and thousands : — the spirit of prayer has de^ parted, and thespiritnal watchmen have ceased to cry aloud among all sects and denominations : for their upfaithfalness they will be smitten in anger : for sleepy nienee in the house of God, which Ofight to resound with the voice of praise and freq^uent prayer, the Iii^d will visit their streets with the nUnce of desolation. Dfiz^AWikRE.— Monday 10. I left Philadelphia, dined at Chester, and preached at Wilmington in the evening. The next day I rode lo Duck*Creek Cross-Roads, state of Delaware, to hold conference* We were full of business^ and had life and liberty. I met the lead* ers and local brethren in the ministry, and we had a powerful time* I requested them to give an account of their past and present ex« perience; the slate of their respective families; and the classes they had the charge of, together with the prospects of religion where they lived : they understood me^ and spoke much to the purpose. We parted^ with a good love-feast, from which the gay and the worldly, at least, were excluded, if we did not keep out ainners, Pharisees, and hypocrites. Saturday 16. Rode to Camden. To Dr. Barrett, a true son of a worthy fttber, we s^re chiefly indebted for a neat, economical meeting* house. I had so many friends I knew not where to go. My attendance on conferences and quarterly meetings has lately been so coastani, 1 found it expedient to make a sudden change and come home. In my way I stopped at a friend's house ; the wo- man had been early a member ; the man, not of us : I pressed family prayer upon her from divine authority : I saw her tears and heard her promises. Came home to T. White's. I resolved on the establishment of a prayer-meeting for the women before I go hence. I have felt my soul greatly quickened of late to bear and suffer all things, and to foel nothing but love : if we are tried by Christian people, it is chiefly for want of grace or knowledge in them, or us, or both-— they are objects of pity, not of anger. This day is spent in reading, writing, meditation, and prayer. To be retired and solitary is desirable after the presence of croi^ds, and the labours, various and unceasing, to which I am called : when our Lord was pursued by the people, he, as a man, would hide himself, r thought, if my brethren would not spare me, I must spare myself. - Digitized by Google 144 HEHT, TVtAHtl^ ASBU&X*S J^HMAL* lt%9^ I have beeD readiog Doctor Langdoa on the Reyekttons»' apd fiDd little new or very spiritaal ; be is like the Newtons and all the historical interpreters — one thing is wanting. And ini|^t not an interpreter show the present time foretold by these signs, which plainly point to the why and wherefore it is, that sotne tire ChriST tian bishops and Christian dissertators on prophecy ? A bishopric!^ with one, or. two, or three thousand sterling a year as an appenda^, niight determine the most hesitating in their choice : I see no reason why a heathen phiipsopher, who had enough of t|}is worM-$ wisdom to see the advantages of wealth and honours, should not ' say,^< (jrive me a bishoprick ^d I will be a Christian/' In the Eastern states also there are very good and ivffkient reasons f^i? the faith of the favoured ministry. Ease, honour, interest : what follows ?— idolatry, superstition, death. , Tuesday 19. Continued at Judge W ^^'s, and spoke a feijB words to a few people. Wednesday 20. .We came to Millford, and ha4a solemn time oil . Genesis vi. 3. Here I held a conference with the local preach* ers, and was pleased at the accounts they, gave of their prospects of religion in their neighbourhoods. Thursday 21. We had a moving feast of charity, and a clojse, searching time in public — my subject, 2 Tim. iii. 20, 21. Friday 22. I came to BrpadCreek with a heavy heart. We had a blessed time in the love-feast : many souls had longings for sanctification, and some boldly professed it. I felt as if it would 1>0 long before t should again visit this house. A poor man attempted to come near ipe ; beings encouraged by ray speaking to him, he approached, and told me, with a full heart, that about that time five years past,, the L6rd spoke through me, to his conviction> at Moore's chapel. ( Tuesday 26. Attended quarterly meeting at Myle's cb^pol, where I met with a few serious people : the second day we had a few Church-folks — something wild. , Virginia. — Thursday 28. Crossed Pocompke to L — — 's : at Dowiogs's at night. Brother Everett was sick. I had a large congregation at Garrettson chapel ; and was much blest on Rom. viii. 29, 3D. I had a comfortable conference with the leaders, stewards, local preachers, and exhorters ; and we had a living love- feast. , y Sunday, October 1. We had a crowded congregation^ and some melting amongst the people whilst I enlarged on '* Almost thoo persuadest me to be a Christian." I endeavoured to point out the Digitized by Google 179!^] > REV. FRANCIS ASBVRT'iS JOURNAL. ^ 145 gra«ioe marks of a Christian i. 2. Remove the objection against these marks ; and 3. Persuade by appfjing to the hopes and fears of oiy hearers. Monday 2* I had a kind of chill and headach, and was very un- well ; yet I rode about forty miles to Littleton Long's— -I went quick to bed. M ARVLAKD.-^I attended the quarterly meeting in Dorset on the tot day ; we had few people. Thence to Henry EnnalPs, where young sister Kane was struck with convictioa at family prayer : she followed us to quarterly meeting, at Easton, under deep distress ; and returning, found peace where she found conviction three days before. We had great plainness, and were much stirred up in the cooference with our local brethren. The congregation was large the second day, and the people were more quiet than common — perhaps because we were so. Thence we rode to Choptank, now Greensborough ; and preached o»£plies. ti. 17. ; and some power went through the house. I had a good conference with the local brethren ; making close inquiries rebttve to themselves, their families^ and the societies to which they respectively belong. . I stopped a day at Judge White's, and read in haste the most essential parts of *< Jefferson's Notes.'^ I have thought, it may be I am safer to be occasionally among the people of the world, tiittd wholly confined to the indulgent people of God : he who soiiietimes suffers from a famine, will the better know how to re- lish a feast. •Saturday 14. We had many gracious souls at Boardley's, barn. I was greatly Weakened by preaching; but I hope souls were spirituaUy strengthened. We had a gracious season iu conference with the local brethren, men who felt for the cause of God. Two professed to find the Lord ; and it was said two were awakened the first evening of the quarterly meeting. Sunday 15. We had a great love- feast, the women led the way. I preached on *' Thou koowest not the time of thy visitation." A larger or more attentive congregation has not, perhaps, been seen in these parts. I feel more than ever the necessity of preaching saactification. ^ Monday 16. Rode to Chester-Town. Here I was warmly im-* portuned to preachy and submitting to the desire of my friends, I enlarged on 1 John ii. 18. and was very pointed and alarming, at which some.were offended. Vol. II. 19 Digitized by Google (■ 246 HfiVr FlUVCia ASBVR1P'»J0tJElt*I<. (tfSS. SatordaySl. Rode to Back>Cve^ : being d^tainefd at lh» ftarty, I did not get iD until after nigbt, whieh made me itnwelh > Monday 23. Rode to Cokesbory — all is not well here. Saturday 28. I came to Baltimore : bere I only stopped to feed myself and borses, and tben proceed en to T. €■ ■ ' s^ and btd'a Httle rest and peace. Sunday 29. Contrary to my wish, I was constrained to ride to Annapolis, wbieh I reached about eleven o'clock, and gave tbem a sermon on 1 Peter iH. 1&. witb some help and liberty. Monday 30. We opened our distrld conference in great peace and love ; and so it ended. Tuesday 31. Came to Baltimore in a storm of rain. Whilst We --wece sittittg^in the room at Mr. Rogers's, in came Dr. Coke, of whose arrival we had not heard, and whom we embraced with great love. / I felt awful at the general conference, which began November ; I, 1792: At my desire they appointed a moderator, andprepMm- f tory committee, to keep order and bring forward the business with , regularity. We had heavy debates on 4he first, second, and Uurd sections of our form of discipline. My power to station the preaoh* ers without an append, was much debated, but Anally carried by a ; very large majority. Perhaps a new bishop, new conference, and new laws, would have better pleased some. I bav^ been jnoeli grieved for others, tod distressed with the burthen I bear^ and ' must hereafter bear. O, my soul, enter intO' rest ! Ah ! who am I, that the burthen of the work should lie on my heart, bands^ and ' bead? ' Thursday 8. Having taken cold, and had my rest broken,' T went tb bed to bring on a free perspiration ; and from this I recefved belief, my soul breathed unto God ; and I was exceedingly happy in his love. Some individuids among the preachers having their jealousies about my influence id the conference, i gave the matter wholly up to them, and to Dr. Coke, who presided : meantime I sent them the fellowing letter. My dear brethren, Let my absence give you no pain«— Dr. Coke presides* I am happily excused from assisting to make laws by which myself am to be governed: I have only to obey and execute. I am happy ia the consideration that I never stationed a preacher through enmily, or as a punishment. I have acted for the glory of God, the good Digitized by Google J 7021] RRVi FlUSGtS ASBtJRY 's JOURS AIL.. 147 of the*$eci|^^ iRh) to gemote (lie usdulneis of the Jireacheni. Are you sore, tbat if joa please yourselireSy that the people will be as fully satisfied ? They often aay^ *< let us have such a preach- :er ;'' and sometiineSy *^ we will not have such a preacher'— we will 66oDer pay him to «tay at home." Perhaps I mu$t say, " his api- peai forced him upon you." I am one-^ye are many. 1 am as jviijliog to aerve yon as ever. I want bot to sit in any man's way.. I flcom to solicit votes : I am a very tremblings poor creature to he«r praiae op diapraise. Speak your roibds freely ; but remember, j^d are only making laws ibr the present time : it may be, that as ID aome other things, so io this, a future day may.give you further Jigiit I am ydurs, &c. Ffaitcis Asbusly, u i ain not fond of altereations-r-we cannot please every body-^ miA flometimes, not ourselves : I am resigned. • Mr. O^KeUy being disappointed in not getting an appeal from any action made by Ine^ withdrew from the connexion, and went AiQE. For himselfi the conference well knew he could not com- ptainof the regulation : he had been located to the south district !0f Virginia for about ten ' succeeding years; and upon his plan, n^^t have located himself, and any preacher, or set of preachers, to the £strict, whether thet people wished to have them or not. The general conference went through the Discipline, Articles of Failh^ Forms of Baptism, Matrimony, and the- Burial of the Dead ; as also the OfSces of Ordination. The conference ended to peace, after voting another general conference to be hjeld four years hence. By desire of my brethren, I preached once on 1 Peter ui. ft^ ^ My mind was kept in p^ce, and my soul enjoyed rest in the Strong Hold. Thursday 15. I was comforted at the women's class-meeting : I appointed three prayer meetings for Aem, sister K , O — ^^^ and F , to be the leaders of them : if thk is regularly attended to, I think good will follow. Friday 16. I left Baltimore, and, contrary to my first intention, called on the widow H , whose daughter was awakened the last time I was here, and still continues to be happy io the Lord. I met the sisters here, and urged prayer meeting: perhaps it was for this I unexpectedly came here. Virginia. — Saturday, 17. Brother Ira Ellis and myself came on to c4nrgetown ; and thence to Alexandria, making a ride of fortjr Digitized by Google _ 1 43 REr. FRASCIS ASBVRY'S. JOUlLKAL. [t T0t. milecL Here the preachers were wattiog for the diitrkt confe- rence. Sunday 18. I preached in our smallj neatly finished hoase. Monday 19. We had a close sitting in conference, and completed our work in one day. Tuesday 20. We set out southwardly : the day was verjr stormy, and we had a gale in crossing the River at Cdchester^and came to our newly made friend Ward's, near Dumfries. Wednesday 2L Six of us set out, and rode fifty* three miles io D. Dickinson^s, in Caroline county — so much for an American €piscopo9, Trav.elling in such haste^ I could not be as much ib mental prayer as J desired \ although I enjoyed many moments of sweet converse with God. The mischief has begun : brother — ^ called here and vented his sorrows, and told what the general conference had done. I was closely employed in reading " The Curse of Divisions," and. my Hebrew Bible. Sunday 25. Came to Manchester ; and preached in the after- noon, and felt life amongst the people, and the preachers who were met for the district conference. I met the preachers in band» and found their fears were greatly removed : union and love pre- vailed, and all things went on well. W. M*Kendree and R. H sen^ me their resignation in writing. We agreed to let our dis^ pleased brethren still preach among us ; and as Mr. O'Kelly is almost worn out, the conference acceded to ^ly proposal of giving him his ^ £40 per annum, as when he travelled in the connexion, provided he was peaceable, and forbore to excite divisions among the brethren. The general conference and the district confe- rences have kept us a long time from our work ; but after all Satan's spite, I think our stfting and shaking will be ft)r good : I expect a glorious revival will take place in America, and thousands be brought to God. Thursday 29. Came to Petersburg — Myself, and several others preached during our stay. Saturday, December 1. I had a few attentive hearers at brother Bonner's, of whom I inquired, ** Where is the blessedness ye spake of." ' Sunday 2. Rode fifteen miles to G 's chapel, where we had a full house^ and I felt life and love in speaking to the young peo* * For a part of that year he recelFed it, but rftfitsed, and left us to form a new and pttrechnrcb. J^ Digitized by Google IT92;] REV. rtUNCis asbtjky's journal. 149 pk. I lodged ':«rith brother G--— *, and was very miich moved to lay a plan for a district scbooL Mooday 3; Preaclied at R— ^ — 's chapel : cold house and lan- guid people. Came to brother Coxe's in the evening. I am not consciouii of inward or. outward sin, yet I do not feel that inward life 1 wish. I have lately read our " Cure of Church Divisions.'^ and much of the word of God. • Tuesday 4. Preached at Mabry's chapel ; and the next day at J. Mason's, where we had a full house and a comfortable time. Thursday 6. Rode through the rain to Edward Drumgold's : iiere I found a few friends and formed a constitution for a District school, which, with a Httle alteration, will form a general rule for any part of the continent. Saturday 8. I once more visited Owen My rick, whose wife is gone, and from all we can learn, departed in a good old age, in tf kimpli to glory :' the dear old man is much dispirited. We spent the evening together very solemnly, remembering the occurren- ces of nineteen years ago, now gone as yesterday — ** Short as the watch that ends die night Be£>re the rising sun.** The cause of his slaves was not forgoften. Sunday 9. I came once more to Roanoak chapel, and gave them a discourse on Eph. ii. IS. R. and I. Eilis gave an exhortation : I oiet the society. W6 then rode six miles and got to Qur quar- ters about sunset. Monday 10. We crossed Roanoak at Black's ferry, and directed our course for Lewisburg. We passed Warrin|ton, and missed our way. We remembered the name of mllram Myrick, and inquiring after him, found he lived nearly on our way ; we ac-' cordingly called on him, and were gladly received, and kindly en- tertained. — Memory is good in distress — had we not housed here, we should have had our difficulties in getting to sister L 's. Tuesday 11. Rode to H *s, near Lewisburg. Here 1 met the preachers in conference, and were closely employed unti^l • Saturday morning. We had about forty preachers from the two districts in North Carolina. Our' labours finished, we rode to Neuse-River. Sunday 16. Preached at Merritt^s. Monday 17. Rode .fifteen miles to S -'s— preached on C3irist, the believer's msdomy righteousness^ sanctificationf and redemption. Digiti2ed by Google 1 loO REV. mktfCtS ASBURV'9 JOVRVAXr. [179^ We bad a di£kult road in going to Haw-Rtr^r, bat a kind prgri^ deDce brought us along very well, although the weather was ex^ oeedibgly cold : we crossed the stream by fording, about half past eight o'clock, and about ten arrived at R *8, very cold aadia Cnach pain. — I know not why, but so it is, that i cannot feel that i bold such sweet communion with God in cold weather as in warnd ; it may be that — • «* Nature beiDg opprest'd, Commands the miod to suffer with the body.'* The great lore and union which prevailed at the late conference makes me hope many souls will be converted in the ensoing year : an account was brought in of the conversion of about three hundred souls last year within its limjts— chiefly in the Lowland circiuts.-^ Glory be to God I I feel that he is with us ; and I have good evh dence that fiAeen or eighteen hundred souls have professed to have been converted in the United States within the last twelve months. At Rainey's a congregation of willing, patient souls was called hastily together, to whom I preached on 2 Peter i. 4. — I was led out on the corruption that is in the world, arising from three grand sour- ces, — the lust of the flesh ; the lost of the eye ; and the pride of life. Wednesday 19. I was detained until about ten o'clock, a«d then rode on to S 's, and dined : we then hastened on to Deep- River, and lodged at Mr. B ■ *s. Lord, show kindness to those who have succoured me ! Thursday 20. I took a route along a new path below the Nar* rows of Pee Dee ; and after riding forty -five or fifty miles, cattle ID, cold and hungry, about seven o'clock, and found a congrega- tion waiting : I uuis Jatigued, and could say but little to them. Friday 21. I rode thirty miles to Rocky-River — ^had few to hear. Saturday 22. The people were attentive and behaved well at Anson court-house. — ^In the evening we had a weary ride to bro- ther Jackson's. Sunday 23. We attended from ten till one o'clock m a house built of polei — here were light and ventilators plenty. We toi^ this evening twenty miles to Mr. Blakeney's : the rain caught us in the woods, and we were well steeped. Arriving, we found a good house, table, and bed, which was some relief to weather- beaten pilgrims. Christmas eve. We rode in the rain twenty-five miles to our kind brother Horton's, and foudd many people had gathered. Digitized by Google I ITtd.) Riv. nuiicss 4flmiv't jovtvii,. Ul ' Sevva OARot.iiiA.-«X!bn9tma» day* Akhoiigh the vealhwr wwi oold and damp, and mihealthy, witb ngns of soow, we Tode forty* fire miles to dear brother Rembert'f-^kind and good, rich and iiberal, who has done more for the poo? Methodists than any maa Id Sovth Carolina. The Lord grant that he, with his whole liontehold, may find mercy in that day. Wednesday 26. Preached at quarterly meeting on I Peter i7* 13. 1 was pleased to hear the yeung men exhort and sing after sacrament. I fetft nncommenly melted-^tears inTolohtarily burst from my eyes. God wa» there. Thnrs^y 27. I had a long, cold ride of forty-fire miles to hro- tber Bowman's, near SaMee. I was overtaken on my way by rain mingled with hail, which ended in snow, corering the ground six or eight inches deep. The nnfii^isbed state of the houses, lying on the floor, thin clothing, and inclement weather, keep me in a etate of indisposition. Friday 28. We had to cross Saotee, and ride thirty-five miles to d^ar sister Browings's. The weather still very cold. SatuiHiay 29. Rode thirty-three miles to Charleston, and found e We crossed the water at E-^-^'s ferry, and came to father M-~'s, an Englishman, from Epworth; who was formerly converted, but living under Antinomtan dotages, he lost the blessing* I trust the Lord hath again restored him by means of our labours. Here we have a chapel and society. . Sunday 3. This day was rainy, yet nearly four hundred souls came together ; but I could not fix the attention of the people, nor get them to understand. , Monday 4. Came to H 's, and thence through Columbia, the cafMtal of South Carolina. Brother Ellis, who is nearly risen from the dead, accompanied me from M— — 's : having left one sick man,. I now take up another. We came to a house five miles from Columbia ; we got a Uttle bread, drank our own tea, had our horses fed, and paid two dollars next morning — so the matter ended. Tuesday 5. We had our difficulties in crossing the river, which was rising ; and in beating up Cedar-Creek fifteen miles, much of it through the woods : in the evening, we came greatly wearied to R--1 — 's, and were kindly entertained ; it may be that Providence sent us here for some good — the man and his wife feel the want of religion. Digitized by Google 156 REV. FAANCI8 ASBVllV^S JOVRNAL. [ttdS. Wednesday 6. We came to Litlie-River-Bridge ; crossed at S-— ^^''s ferry, and at length came, thoroaghly wearied, to brother Finches* I expect we ha^e been forced to ride twenty or thirty miles out of our way among strangers on account of high waters ; my mind has been rarioudy tried : I have been en^loyed in improving myself in the Hebrew tones and points ; this being my horse-back study. Thursday 7. Preached at F 's. I consulted the minds of oar brethren' about building a house for conference, preaching, and a district school ; but I have no ground to believe that our well-laid plan will be executed ; our preachers are unskilful, andour friende have little money. Friday 8. The rains continued, and the waters kept up» crossed Enoree ; high — and rising powerfully — Tyger River being impass- able, we rode to Cokesbridge, and had a-hungry time-r-came to brother W 's, near Union court-hoyse. I next day preached to a few people at the open meeting-hoase, with some spiritual opening and sweetness. We were closely end- ployed in writing subscriptions for the district school, and copies of the constitutions. Great rains still continue. Thursday 14. I preached at Flat-Rock, in an open house, to an unfeeling people. Thence we came to Facolet : the waters were up ; but for our money we got across in a flat that had drifted and was taken up. Friday 15. Came to Father S *s, a German ; first a Baptist^ then a Methodist, but last, and best of all, a Christian. Saturday 16, and Sunday 17. Attended quarterly meeting in Union circuit. There were no elders present. I preached on £ph. vi. 10 — 18. and felt a great death among the people. Sun- day, we administered the sacrament and held love-feast. I de- sired D. A to preach, and brother G to exhort, whilst I retired to write to I. S , desiring him to take the president- ship of Union, Catawba, Little Pee Dee, Great Pee Dee, Anson, and Santee circuits. The people hereabouts have been poorly handled by those who, whilst they made a great profession of religion, main- tained Antinomian principles and practice. 1 have been unwell, occasioned by the change of seasons, houses, and tablesv Came to brother M.'s, on Sunday evening, to get a day of rest. I feel the want of religion in families, congregations, and societies. I have travelled about three hundred miles the last three weeks ; Digitized by Google 1793.] REV. FRANCIS ASBI^Rt's JOURNAL. 159 and hare escaped the excessive. rains, but have had to wrestle with doods. North Carolina.^— Monday 18. I spent in writing sundry letters to the north ; and in my favourite study. Tuesday 19. I had a full house at L 's. I felt very unfit for public exercises, both in body and mind. I have little desire to come here again : — we can hardly get entertainment. We want brethren and children here. A woman invited us to her house, but when I understood the distance, I determined to haste along, and made it about thirty miles to F.'s, in the cove of the mountsun ; where we rested in peace, after getting a little Indian bread, fried bacon, and drinking some of our tea. Our lodging was on a bed set upon forks and clap-boards laid across, in an earthen floor cabin. — But worse than all the rest, these people decline in reli- gion. I feel awful for them on this account. Next morning about sunrise we took the path up the mountain. I sent D. A. to Dr. Busnell's to inquire if there was any expec- tation of my coming to Burke to preach ; for being indisposed, I intended to turn aside to Johns-River. D. A. returned ; and the Doctor's nephew pursued, and brought us to town, where I gare them a plain, pointed sermon on *^ The Son of man is come to seek and save that which was lost :" every one, young and old, lawyers, doctors, and clerks, were obliging, attentive, and serious. Doc- tor Busnell is a man I have heard of these twenty years, but knew him not lyntil now.—He descended from the Bohemians. His son Joseph was happily brought home to God by means of the Methodists ; he lived to God, and died in Winchester about twelve months ago. The Doctor's usage to me was that of a gentleman and Christian. The transition with respect to entertsfinment was very great: here we had a table, bed, room, and whatever we wanted ; but all this could not give me rest, having a return of my rheumatic and nervous complaints. Friday 22. Rode up to Johns- River ; I am heavy ; cannot attend study nor mental prayer, and company is irksome. — ^Oh ! that my soul were always flaming with perfect love. In the evening eight of us met together and conversed on the work of God : all was love. Brother P. gave us an animating sermon on '* By whom shall. Jacob arise ? for he is small.^' Sunday 24. I preached on 1 Cor. xiv. 3. there was a noise, and a shaking each day : some were awakened, one professed to be con- verted, and several to be quickened : the meeting lasted from nine A. M. to four o'clock P. M. ** While he was yet speaking there Digitized by Google _ ]60 BBV. FIUNCI0 ASBURT'S JOVAlTiX. [1*795. .1 cama also another." I beard there was. a eonference appointed bX Reese's chapel, in Charlotte coantj, Virginia, to form what they ^ali a free constitution, and a pore church ; and to reject me and my creatures. I know not whose hand is in this ; I h<^e they will . call themselves by another name. Onl^ let them settle in eongre- ga^ons, and tax the people^ and I know how it will work. If we (the itinerant connexion) would give the government into the hands of a local ministry, as some' would have it) and tax the peo- ple to pay preachers for Sabbath work— this would please such men : but this we dare not do. Whenever the people are iinwill* ing to receive us, and think they can do better, we will quietly withdraw from them ; and if those who wish the change can serve them better than we have done, well. Perhaps some of them may think with , in Geox^ia, that I am the greatest villain on the continent ; I bid such adieu, and appeal to the bar of God. I have no time to contend, having better work to do : if we lose som%$ children^ God will give us more. Ah ! this is the mercy, the jus-, tice of some, who, under God, owe their all to me, and my tyrants, . so called. The Lord judge between them and me ! There nppewc^ to be a. general quickening in the Yadkin circuit, and about eigbt- souls have professed conversion there in the last three months. Monday 25« I rested and prepared to cross the Harmon harim^^ the multitude of mountains. Tuesday 26. We wrought up the meanders of Johns*River to the Globe, and met a few people at Mr. Moor's, a Baptist, a very kind head of a respectable family. Wednesday 27. We began our journey over the great; ridge of mountains ; we had not gone far before we saw and f<^lt the snow, the sharpness of the air gave me a deep cold, not unlike ap influenza. We came to the head of Watauga-River. Stopped at Mr. S ^'s, and bad some enlargement oa *^ The promise is to you and to your children," Sac My soul felt for these neglected people. It may be, by my coming this way. Providence will so order it, that I shall send them, a preacher. We hasted on to Cove's Creek, in- vited ourselves to stay at C 's, where we made our own tea, obtained some butter and milk, and some most excellent Irish po- tatoes: we were presented with a little, flax for our beds, on which we spread our coats and blankets, and three of us slept before a lai;ge fire. Thursday 28. We made an early start) and came to the Beaver- Dam ; three years ago we slept here in a cabin without a cov^ We made a breakfast at Mr. W 's ; and then attempted the Digitized by Google 1199.] REV. FEANOlfi ASBURy'sr JOVRNAt. I6| iron or stooe jBiOQot«in> wbich ig steep like the roof of a lio^8e» I fOQod it difficqlt and tryiDg to ipy langs to walk up it. D^scendi^ tbe ffloUntain we Bad to jqrap down the steep stairs, froiji two to tbree and four feet. At the foot of this mountain our guide left as to a man oo foot ; he soon declined, and we made the best of our way to Dagger's ford, on Roans-Creek. We came down the riyer« where there are plenty of large, roand, rolling stones, and the stream was rapid. jMfy horse began to grow dull: An intermit- tent fever and a deep cold disordered me much. I was under obligations to Henry Hill* my ^ew aid, who was ready to do any thing for me in his power. Perhaps Proyidence moved him to offer to travel with me, and his father to recommend him. Twenty years ago 9 rode, open loft did not affect me — now it seldom fails to iBJure me. Tennesseic.-- Friday 29. We took our journey deliberately. We passed Doe-River at the fork, and came through the Gap^^a opuost gloomyseene— not unlike the shades of death in the Alle- ghany mountain. Mr. L , a kind Presbyterian, fed our horses gratis. I must gi?e the t^resbyterians the preference for respect to mimtters. We prayed « and f^ame on to ■ . ♦ a kind people ; hot to our sorrow we fiod it low times for religion on Holstein afeid Watauga Rivers. In Oreen circuit there is some increase. My way Opens ; and I think I shall go to Kentucky. I laid my hands on what is called " The Principles of Politeness," imitated from Chesterfield : it contains some judicious remarks, and shows the author to haye beeb a man of sense and education— but of no religion. He recommends some things contrary thei:eto. Tuesday, April 2. Our conference began at Nekon's, near Jonesborough, in the new territory. We have only four or fi:ve families of Methodists ^ere. We had sweet peace in our con- ference. Wednesday 3. I gave an exhortation after brothers H-— -^ and WH- had preached, and there was a melting among the people* Thursday 4. I had a happy time at my old friend C— -^'s ; I am pained for fais children, who are yet unconverted. Friday 5. Rode to Nolachucky, and attended a meeting at Squire E— 's, where I had about two hundred hearers. We have formed a society in this place of thirty-one members-— most of Uiem new. There are appearances of danger on the road to Keotucky ; but the Lord is with us. We have formed a company of nine men (five of whom are preachers) who are well armed and mounted. Vol. II. 21 Digitized by Google IG2 REV. FIUNCIS ASBORV^S JOURNAL. [1793* Saturday 6. Rode 16 Green , and crossed the grand island ford of Nolachncky: the low lands are very rich,. the uplands barren. Stopped and fed at Green court-house ; here was brought a corpse to the grave in a covered carriage drawn by four horses: Solemn sight ! Be instructed, O my soul ! A whisl^ey toper gave me a cheer of success as one of John Wesley's congregation ! I came on alone through heavy rains, over bad hills and poor ridges, to brother Vanpelts, on Lick-Creek — he is brother to Peter, my old, first friend on Staten-Island : I was weary, damp, and hungry;" but had a comfortable habitation, and kind, loving people, who heard,, refreshed, and fed me. We had a large con- gregation at brother Vanpelt's chapel, where I had liberty in speaking. I left the yoiing men to entertain the people a while longer,^ and returned and read Mr. Wesley's Sermon on Riches. If reports be true, there is danger in journeying through the wilderness ; but 1 do not fear--rw.e go armed. If God suffer Sa- tan to drive the Indians on us ; if it be his will, he will teach our bands to war, and our fingers to fight and conquer. Monday 8. Our guard appeared, fixed, and armed, for the wil- derness. W^ /'amo flfi«>r> »/^ F iR,_Vxd JKfiJCfi^^«»eIl ^fttertntttcdr Thence we proceeded on to the main branch of Holstein, which being swelled, we crossed in aflat; thence to R ^^'s, where I found the reports relative to the Indians were true ; they had killed the post and one or two more, and taken some prisoners. I bad not much thought or fear about them. Tuesday 9. We came off ; there were only eight in our com- pany, and eight in the other — two wom^n and three children. We had two poor sinners, that set themselves to work wickedness; they would not let u^ go foremost ; so we took it patiently, and followed up to the Cumberland station. I went to Robinson's station, where the soldiers behaved civilly. We gave them two exhortations, and had prayer with them. They honoured me with the swinging hammock (a bear skin) which was as great a favour to me as the governor's bed ; here I slept well. Kentucky (East line) — Wednesday 10. We hasted on our way, meeting with our troubles at the foot of Cumberland mountain ; we then went foremost, and travelled at a great rate, the roads being uncommonly good. . We fed on the banks of Cumberlartd- River, and kept up the head of Rich Lands. We then pushed through Little and Big Laurel to the Hazle Patch, Hood's station. Here there was high life below stairs — talking, laughing, &c. We had a troop of poor, very poor sinners ; I gave dreadful offence by Digitized by Google 4793.] REV. FRANCIS ASBURY's JOURNAL J63 & prayer I made. After resting here from three to six, we ti;rged our way along the new road to Rock-Castle. Fed at the deserted station, and hasted to Willis Green's, but missing our way, did npt get in . until eight o'clock ; a supper at that time was good, and a bed was better, having not slept in one for three nights, and hstying rode one hundred miles in two days. I felt so well in the morn- ing 1 was ready to set out for Salt- River. I went to Danf ille, and $et myself down in Mr. Rice's church; thence to F. Clark's, ivhere I was not expected, but was quite welcome. I left my aid and pack horse at G— 's, to rest. Saturday 13. We rode thirty- three miles down to a quarterly meeting at Humphries chapel. Here my presence surprised the {brethren. The state of the work here appears to bd low. I had some light, life^and liberty in, preaching, andLsome felt the word. We closed our meeting after several bad joined in prayer. Lord remember the labours of this day ! Let not thy faithful word fall ta the ground! From the quarterly meeting we' came to Col. Harding's. He has been gone some time, as a commissioner, to treat with the Indians ; if he is dead, here is a widow and six children left. I cannot yet give him up for lost. We had a lai^e congregation at W 's, where I was led out on Psal. xxxiv. 17— £0. I cannot stand quarterly meetings every day— -none need de- sire to be an American bishop upon our plan, for the ease, honour, or interest, that attends the office : from my. present views and feelings, I am led to wish the conference would elect another bishop, which might afford me some help. Tuesday 16. Rode thirty miles without food for man or horse. I X was uncomfortable when i came into the neighbourhood of W' 's : there is a falling away among the people. Lotd help me to bear up in the evil day ! Let me not disquiet myself, and kill man and horse in vain ! Thursday 18. I rode sixteen miles to Clarke's station to attend the quarterly meeting. My winter's clothing, the beat of the weather, and my great exertions in travelling, cause me to be heavy with sleep ; yet, blessed be God, I live continually in his presence ; and Christ is all in tiH to my soul ! Friday 19.- I preached a short, pointed sermon ; and the preach- ers and members were moved. Sunday 21. We had sacrament and love-feast ; and some spoke much to the purpose : my subject was Hebr. vi. 4-^8. Thepongrc- gation was very large. I endeavoured to show, 1st. How far people may advance in the grace of God ; 2d. By what degrees they may Digitized by Google 164 KEV. FRANCIS ASIVRT's JOI/RSAL. ^[i^M. apostatize ; dd, The impossibility of a recovery when tfcey mif^ ^td certain degree of wickedoess: 1st, Becasse tbey An agaiM 0od, Christ,, and the JStemal Spirit, and lose all they ever fete dr kbew ; 2d, Every meatis is lost apon (hem ^ to sin against tii# IK!- nedy, is fo be undone without it. The difference betvreetl ihimt who are recoverable and those who are not — such are not who detiy the work to be of God, persecute, and say the devil wai the author of it ; the others acknowledge the work that, it was ef Gdd, sind bave some regard for his people. Lastly $ that the OAly security pointed out by the apostles against apostacy, is to go On to perfection. Tuesday 23. I was at Bethel-*-the place intended for a school. Sunday 1^8. We had sacrament and love-feast, and some liviag tefttimonies. Monday 29. Rode through the rain to Lexington. I stopped at C. White's once more. Oh that God may help him safe to glory I Came to brother Morgan's. I felt awful and solemn, and jsoliie de- jection of mind. Ah ! want of religion is too visible in OMSt . houses. ' Tuesday 30, Wedneday May 1, Thursday 2. We spent iacoot ference ; and in openly speaking our minds to each other. We ended under the melting, praying, praising power of God. We appointed trustees for the school; and made sundry regulationi relative thereto : we read the Form of Discipline through, sftctioa by section, in conference. Friday 3. I preached on Habakkuk iii. 2. I first pointed out the distinguishing marks of a work of God ; 2d, The subjects ; 3d^ The instruments ; 4th, The means. If ever I delivered my own (Tool, t think I have done it this day. Some people were moved in an extraordinary manner, shoutiog and jumping at a strange rate. Saturday 5. Came to Bethel to meet the trustees. Sunday 6. We had an awful time whilst I opened and applied '* Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade meo.'- It was a feeling, melting time, among old, and young ; and I am persuaded good was certainly done this day. 1 feel a good deal tried in spirit ; yet, blessed be God, I sti|l have peace within ; God is alt to me : I want more .faith to trust him with my life, and all I have, and am. Tuesdays. We rode down to the Crab Orchard, where we found company enough ; some of whom were very wild : we had a company of our own, and refused to go with them. Some of them gave us vfery abusive language ; and one map went upon a Digitized by Google 1993.] ti&T* FRiNdii A&BUftir's jourral. 163 hill Aote tt§, dtfd fired a jiistbl towards our eomptay. We resolvetl tb tfirrel id ^1* o^det^ and bdtifid oui'seltefl by bonour and con- flKciedcd t6 stlppott and defend eaeb 6tber ; and to see erery mail tblrddgifi 'tb«' wilderness, fiat we could not depend upon wicked "and dnprrncfpled men, wbo would leave and neglect os, and e^en otitisd IIS Us our fsicigs. Nor were w6 at liberty to mix with sweat*" eliB,nanf, drornkards ; and, for aught we know, this may not be the worst with soAe. W6 wer^ about fourteen or fifteen in company ; Mid had twehe guOs and pistols. We rode on near the defeated 4MAp, and rested till three o^clock under great suspicion of Indians : W€ pushed forward ; and by ridiog fortyfi?e miles on Wednesday, dud about the saUie distance on Thursday, we came safe to Robin- . ton's station, aboUt eight o'clock. Friday 11. We rode leisurely from the eijge of the wilderness ; cro^^ed'Holstein, and about one o'clock came to brother £•— ^*s« it being about sixteen miles. ' TENNE^SEE.-^Saturday 12. We came to brother Vanpelt's, with whom we rested on the Sabbath. I hare traveMed between five and flix hundred miles in the last four weeks, and have rested from riding fifteen days at conferences, and other places, t have been tnuch distressed with this night work — no regular meals, nor sleep ; Add it is diticult to keep up prayer in such rude companies as we Ikave been exposed to ; I hate also been severely afflicted throogh the v^ote journey. Monday 14. Was a day of great trial ; we rode about forty-six tnileS-'-stopped at , ^here, through carelessness, 1 nearly had ^laen burnt up. Tuesday 15. At eleven o'clock we came to B- 's. The sub- j^! W8(d, ** L«t this mind be in you which was also in Christ Je* SOS.'* Sisters W — — -j and H •, making some clothing, and re- pairing my burnt rsnment n^Kt day, we could not move until eight ' o'clock. We then set out without a guide, missed our road, and came in about two o'clock : we found the people patiently watting, to Whom I preached on '* Ye will not come to me that ye might hare life." ViRoiKiA. — Thursday 17. Came to Abingdon-^felt very heavy ; I howevc^r pi>eached in the court-house to a very genteel people on , the words of Joshua, " Ye cannot serve God," &c. Saturday 19. Came to Sister Russell's — I am very solemn. I feel the want of the dear man, who, 1 trust is now in Abraham's bosont, and hope ere long to see him there. He was a general of- ficer in the continental army, where he underwent great fatigue : he \ Digitized by Google 1€6 REV. fhaKcis asbury^s journal* [I7d3. was powerfolly brought to God, and for a few y^ars past was a living flame, and a blessing to his neighbourhood. — He went in the dead of winter on a visit to his friends ; was seized with an influ- enza, and ended his life from home— O that the Gospel may con* tinue in this house ! I preached on Hebr. zii. 1—4. and there fol^^ lowed several exhortations. We then administered the sacrament and there was weeping and shouting among the people : our exer- cises lasted about five hours. I have little rest by night or day— Lord, help thy poor dust! I feel unexpected storms — within from various quarters ; perhaps it is designed for my humiliation, —It is a sin in thought 1 am afraid of; none but J^sus can support us, by his merit, his spirit, his righteousness, his intercession, i. e. Christ in all, for all, through all, and in every mean, and word, and work. Monday 21. Rode to C % and was well steeped in rain : here I wrote a plan for a district school. Wednesday 23. We rode forty-five miles to H.'s, where we had many people. About five o'clock, on our way over the hiHs, we felt the rain without, and hunger within : next day we crossed Walker's Mountain, and in the evening met brother M*— st Mqnday's. Friday 25. Came to Rehoboth,in the sinks of Green-Briar.; where we held our conference. I was greatly comforted at the sight of brothers 6. J. and Ellis Cox. We had peace in our con- ference, and were happy in our cabin. I learn 4hat mischief is begun in the lower parts of Virginia ; J. O^Kelly, and some of the local preachers, are the promoters and encouragers of divisioufr among the brethren. Tuesday 29. We passed the Sweet Springs, and crossed a rough mountain to brother Drew's, on Pott's creek. I wrote many letters to the south district of Virginia, to confirm the souls of the peo- ple, and guard them against the division that is attempted among them. Came to £. Mitchel's. Crossed James* River, near the mouth of Craiges-Creek; but was prevented by the rain from pursuing our journey. We spent the evening comfortably at sister Fryer's. Friday 31. Rode forty-five miles to Moore's furnace ; and lodged with kind brother R. Saturday, June 1. We came to Staunton, a very unpleasing place to me. There is an Episcopal church, a court-house, good taverns and stores here. We went t% Mr. 's, expectigg to find a friend ; aAer making. the trial, we thought it best to return and Digitized by Google 1793.] AfiV. FKASCIS ASBVEy's JOVftHAL; 167. take lodging io a tavern. Thence we proceeded on to Rocktown, a beautiful place ; here J felt mjself stiff, and weary, and troubled with rheumatic pains : sweet sleep was quite welcome. My con- gregation was small, the people not having proper notice of my coming. Satan has Keen sowing discord here, and has hindered the work of God ; but I hope the approaching quarterly meeting will be a blessing to them ; and that we shall not toil in vain. The loss of sleep, and other circumstances, made me very heavy, and brought on a sick headach, which I had not felt for some time. I spent the evening with Doctor Dnlany. Rose, and took the rain next morning as usual, having had rain for eight or ten days sue- cessively. On my way I was met by an old German, who shook me by the hand, and said he wished he might be worthy to wash my feet — Yea, thought I — if you knew what a poor sinful crea- ture I am, you would hardly look at one so unworthy, but Jesus ' Kves — O precious Christ — Ihou art mine and I am thine ! . Came to Newtown : the roads exceeding mirey, and our horses very tired : we are glad to get a little rest at brother Phelp's. My aoul has been much tried by Satan, and I am pained for the work of God. In my six month's travel 1 find that six acceptable preach- ers are preparing to settle themselves in the world, and leave the itinerancy. Thursday 6. We came to Winchester ; where they have built an excellent house, and we have better times than I expected : here nothing would do, but I must preach, notwithstanding the lanes and streets of the town were so filled with mire, owing to the late rains. Friday 7. We rode to Bath, that seat of sin : here we continued to rest ounselves : my public work was a sermon on the Sabbath. A number of our society from various parts being here, I have an opportunity of receiving and answering many letters. I am afraid I shall spend nine or ten days here to little purpose ; I employ ^ myself in reading a Kempis, and the Bible : I also have an oppor- tunity of going alone into the silent grove, and of viewing the con- tinent, and examining my own heart. I hope for some relief from my rheumatic complaint which has so oppressed me for six months past. The people here are so gay and idle, that I doubt there being much good done among them. The troubles of the east and west meet me as I pass. Maryland. — Sunday 17. A number of us crossed the ferry at the mouth of Great Capon ; and made our way through great heat . to Oldtown, thirty-two miles : we were obliged to ride moderately, I Digitized by Google .168 iszy. FB4KGift j^uv^rs ^owii^t*. [J W?- or th^ excfimvB w9xmKh ^ (fee iv«attier tpi^{ fi^f • kilted 9wx hordes* W^ ba4 ^ small pposolatioo in fiqiliog the brethren firoQi tbi^e districts if) -oooffBr^Qce ; whose names lu^ly w^r^ )>?ii9re knowp to eaph pther. 1 gave them oqe aeripop op '* frfiy fyr the peace of Jeru^al^m : they «baU prosper that lo?e tb^e.". Oaf f^- fereoce sat three cbjs sac^ssively, very cLo«ely eippWyed^ Friday 21, We rode thirty-five w^es to F.'s, and thirty; five i^pi^ the next day to Fort Littleton. Our roads are rough j I aai ^^:; our fare 18 coarse s but it is qpougl)— I 901. to $e. I have beeiK upder violent ieoipjtationS'-^LiOrd, l^eep tpe every mpiqept ! Q»x hor^^s were OJi)t of the way, go th^t we could not pursqe o^r jou?* oey. 1 was desiroqs to be doit^ good s^ewbere^ and yvj^ led to speak io a woman unknown to me, apd urged h^r to pr^y thrive times a day : she appeared tepder ; and with tear^ propiisfd 9o t» do— perhaps thjs labour iPay nojt be lost. I have had the happi- ness to hear that my labour of this kind at the widow U.\ wbeii there i^t, was successful, and that a woma;^ w^s wrppght ppon to give her^lf to God, epd fbupd fieace. We collected the litUe persecuted society, to whoip I preached on '^ All that will |livegp% in Christ Jesus shall sulfer persecution:'* they were.po^f» bRt very kind* Thence we proee^de^ ^ to Joeifita^s erosfed (9 M\(y . lin-Town, and came to H. M.'S. , > Thursday 20. I bad some little ti^ie to re^d* write, and pray. My congregation was careless and onfeeling. I enforced Pavid'e charge to Solomon. Methinks it ought to be with those jrh/a have to do with sou)s, as with a tender, feeling physfciap tbfit attends a patient : — does the fever rage, or the delirium contipDP? bis countenance is sad ; and when, labour and medicine ^1, j^nd . the symptoms continue or grow worse, he is then fprcedi as a skUffll physician, to pronounce his patient incurablerr^whibt a qu^ck Al- ters and sees no danger : such is the iliffecence betw^p 9 trr dirt and lofty hemlock. We lodged in the middle of tbe swamp at S-- 's ; and made out better than we expected. Next morning ve set out in the rain, without breakfast : when we came to the ferry, a man took us to his house, and gave us s6me bread, butter, and some buckwheat, and then charged usi four shillings and two- pence, although we found our own tea and sugar, — the place we should have called at was a little further on the way. On the 6th, after very sultry weather, there came a whirlwind, ^ a very great storm ; in which there fell hail of such a size that three stones filled a pint measure : this went through Hudson, **o>e distance from us. New^JBiiaBy.-^Wednesday 9. We came to Broadhead's, and ^ere totally unknown ; 1 was sick, and stopped for breakfast— they Vol. 11, 22 Digitized by Google ^ 170 REV. FAANCIS ASBUftV'd J6tr|lSA£. [1793. siupected we were preachers; one asked brother Hill who I waf i being informed, the mother, son, and daughter came ranoing with tears to speak with me. — I stopped, «Qd gave them a sermon at Marbletown. I foand the work of God going on among the Low Ddtch : — these, of all the people in America, we have done the least with. New- York. — ^Saturday 12. W6 rode to Coejman's Patent^ we had a good quarterly meeting ; many newly converted souls testified of the goodness of God, and of the power of his grace. From thence to Albany with reluctance ; and lectured, being Sabbath evening : 1 felt the wickedness of the people : but we had a melting sensoa among the preachers in our conference. Great changes will be made among the preachers from this conference ; some will be sent to New-Jersey; others to Rhode-Island and Massachusetts. The people of Albany roll in wealth: they .have no heart to invite any of the servants of God to their houses ; unless a great change should take place, we shall have no more conferences here. I am tired down with fatigue and labour, under great weakness of body. Tet 1 must haste to Lynn — it may be, to meet trouble. But my days will be short. " My sufferio^ time will sgoa be o*er ; Then shall I aigh and weep no moce t My ransomM loul shall soar away* To sing God's praise in endless day." We hope two hundred souls have been awakened, and as many converted in Albany district the past year. Our friends are happy here, not being distressed with divisions in the church, nor by war with the Indians, as they are to the southward. According to our reckoning, we make it about four hundred and forty-seven miles from Oldtown to Albany-^to come the mountainous road through the woods ; and to come by Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New- York, it IS six hundred miles. Saturday 19. The congregation being small, and the preachers sleepy, made it a task for me to preach at Rowefs chapel. Sunday 20. There was a breath of life tn the love-feast I was enabled to be close in preaching on Matt, xviii. 3. ** Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven." In my int^oductton I showed that the being converted here mentioned, is the same word which in other places is translated, "born again;" answering to the new creatibfi and resurrection. In this discourse I took occasion to show the m^era- Digitized by Google ;} REV. ^RAircis' asbvm'3 jovavi t . 1*7 1 bh state af tiie unconverted, both present and fatare^ and the ex- ercises that converted sonls do, and must pa^s through ;-*that they most be made as little children, wholly dependent on God ; possess- ing meekness of spirit, and freed from the goilt, power, and nature of sin. My mind enjoyed peace ; but I was grieved at seeing a number of young, unfeeling sinners assembled at a tavern on the Lord's day. ^ CoHNECTicuT.-^Monday 21. We rode fifteen miles to Sharon, two miles from Litchfield— there is a little mo?e among the peo* pie of this place. Tuesday 22. Came to H -'s. I rested in a very solitary shade, and was comforted in my own mind. Perhaps the old man 4s right who says, not many of tbi? generation will enter into the promised land, bjit their children. .- Came to East-Hartford, and find it still a day of small things. Falling under deep dejection (such as I had not known for months,) I concluded to preach this eve- ning for my own consolation on '* Thou that teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?'* We passed through and spent a night nt Windham— a pleasant town. Thence through Canterbury and P)ainfield : where our preachers from Connecticut have visited — but it is a dry land — little rain in a double sense. Thence I came upon the state of Rhode-Island ; stopped in Coventry, and found that the two preachers stationed here have been running over al- most the whole state, and had formed but few societies. When I came to Providence, I. Martin told me, that under the present dif- ficulties they had agreed not to forward the preachers of the Me> tfaodists among them, nor to befriend them ; 1 asked for a tavern, and was directed to General T— 's, where i was used well : some were displeased at our praying ; and acted much like Sodomites. ;Oh ! the enmity and wickedness that is in the human heart. In the inoming I was visited by Mr. Wilson ; I gave him my mind free]y, and left him : the secret of the matter was, that many in that con- gregation would have been kind to us, but meeting with Mr. , coming from Ireland, (once a travelling preacher) he settled with them : their convenience suited his interest. But the people can hear us in the school-house ; and if any are awakened, they will join the church over the bridge. Massachusetts. — We had heavy work for man and horse to reach Easton—- our money grew short. Sunday 27. Reading the Scripture in the congregation appeared to be a new thing among the people. I gave them a lecture Digitized by Google 172 REV* FHAHCIS ASBUIIY'S JOVRITAIh [179$; under the apple-trees on haiab xxxv. 3 — 6. ; and trvdi m]r hibour fras not lost. Monday 28. We rode upwards of thirty miles, through great heat, to Lynn. On our way we fed our horses', and bought a cake and some cheese for ourselves ; surely we are a spectacle to^mM and angels ! The last nine days, we have rode upwards of two butt» dred miles, and, all things taken together, I think it worse than the wilderness : the country abounds with rocks, hills, and stones ; and the heat is intense — such as is seldom known in these parts. Tuesday 29. Preached in Lynn on 2 Chron. xv. 2. the prophecy of Azariah by the Spirit. I. We are to seek Jehovah in the means ; by the directioft of the word and Spirit { through Christ, by ir^pentance and failh. IL The Lord will be with his people, as a Faiher and God ; in his wisdom, love, truth, and mercy ; at all times, and places ; in every strait and difficulty. IlL We should be with God as his children, to fear, trust in, worship, and serve him. IV. The breach of the covenant by idolatry, departing from the love, fear, and confidence they have in him. . Vt That the Lord will withdraw from such souls* August. We have only about three hundred members in this district ; yet we have a call for eight or seven Preachers : although our members are few, our hearers are many. Sunday 3. We had preaching at six, twelve, two, and seven o'clock, and administered the Lord's supper also. . I have now finished my work at Lynn. Circumstances have occurred which have made this conference more painful than any one conference beside. Monday 4. We rode to Cambridge. On our way. we called On Mr. Adams, and found him and his wife under deep exercise of mind. We then came to Walktham, where many attended. Things appear strange here ; but several souls are under awakenings, and there is hope the Lord will work. The harvest is great ; the living, faithful labourers are few. We hasted to Westham ; am^ found a congregation at the Baptist meeting-house. From Westham we came two miles to Needham; here the majority of the people prefer the Methodist preachers ; and want to pay them by a tax on the people*; but brothers Smith and Hill absolutely refused this plan ; for which i commend them. I gave them a sermon, and found some feeling souls. Digitized by Google ll^dS.] REV. FliANCIS ASBURY^S JOURNAL. 173 Wedae«daj 6. We passed several little towns, and came to Mil- ford» ahoat nineteeo miles from Ne^dham ; here they tiave a good priest's bouse, and meeting-house ; all appear to be in peace and ftilness of biread. About three handred were soon collected, to whom I preached on ** The love of Christ conslraineth us," &c. The man at whose house we lodged was very kind, and told me bis father held society meeting in the house where we preached ; and« except conditional perseverance, preached our doctrines. We rode through Minden, Douglas, Thompson, Woodstock, up to Pom- fret ; missing our way, and being very unwell, as I have been for some time with an inflammation in my throat, we concluded to turn IB at^a tavern, and spend the Qight in pain : pain begets invention. i now began to think. What shall I do ? I am my own physician. I sent for two blisters ; applied both to my ears ; and then began to march to Ashford. I turned in at Mr. W.'s, and met brothers T. and S. and was dragged out to baptise an household, whilst I load a fever ; the weather was excessively warm, like Carolina : I had an awful night. CoiTNECTicuT.— Saturday 9. Came to brother H.'s : here I grew worse : this night I had some discharges, and was somewliat re- lieved. For a few days 1 have felt some pain in my left foot : it now inflamed more and more, until 1 could scarcely put it to the floor ; 1 applied a poultice, and spent the Sabbath in private ; and was closely engaged in reading the Scriptures. Monday 11. Our conference sat at Tolland. Lame as I was, I went through the business ; and notwithstanding I was tired out with labour, heat, pain, and company, 1 must also preach ; so I ^bmitted ; and endeavoured to apply 2 Tim. ii. 24— 26i Being unable i6 ride on horseback, I drove on in a carriage through the rain, over th^ rocks in the dark, and came to Doctor Steel's at Ellington. Yesterdiay the pain seized my right foot. I am now not able to move Arom my horse to a house ; an attack 6{ this kind generally terminates in about eight days. Thursday 14. Came in brother S.'s carriage to Hartford. From what wie can gather, we are encouraged to hope that upwards of three hundred souls have been awakened ; and more than two handred "converted to God, the last year : if this work goes on, Satan will be labouring by all meatis, and by every instrument. From Hartford I came to Middletown. I slept at E. F.^s, who was the first separate minister on the west of Connecticut- River ; a man who had laboured, and wrote much: had his learning beefi Digitized by Google 174 BEr« FRANCIS asbury'^s jqurnal. [I793& equal to his piety and good sense, the standing order woold hare trembled adder his hand. Wh6 woald Ihink his church would Tote him oat, when old and g;ray headed, because he coold not sabscribe to the new divinity ? He is now, as he saith, like a brdken yessel ; upwards of fourscore years of age: his wife and children favour us. I came to New- Haven; thence to Derby ; and had a return of the inflammation in my throat. Came to West- Haven— very un« well. I had heavy work to get to Reading, being lame in both feet : I laid myself down on the road*side, and felt like Jonah or I^jab. I took to my bed at Reading. Monday 18. Rode ten miles on horseback, and thirteen in a car- riage, to Bedford, and rested a day at dear widow Banks*S, where i was at home. Oh, how sweet is one day's rest ! New- York. — Wednesday 20. When I came near the Wliite- Piains, my horse started, and threw me into a mill-race knee deep^ in water, my hands and side in the dirt ; my shoulder was hurt by the fall. I stopped at a house, shifted my clothes, and prayef with the people. If any of these people are awakened by my stopping there, all will be well. This day I made out to ride thirty-three miles. Thursday 21. Came to New- York. The weather is extremety warm. Great a£Blictions prevail here— fluxes, fevers, influenzas. It is very sickly also in Philadelphia. I have found by secret search, that I have not preached sanctiflcation as 1 should have done : if I am restored, this shall be my theme more pointedly than ever, God being my helper. I hare been sick upwards df four months ; during which time I have attended to my business* and rode, I suppose, not less than three thousand miles. I kept close house in New- York until Sunday 24. ; then I atteinpted to preach on Romans xiii. 10 — 12. The weather being warm an4 dry, I caught an influenza which held me four days — and this in addition to my fevers, and lameness. The efiects of this Weather were sensibly felt by every member of conference, some of whom were so indisposed that^hey could not attend. We made a collec* tton of £40 for the relief of the preachers on the frontiers of New- York and Connecticut. We have awfbl accounts from Philadelphia ; which made me feel too much like a man, and too little like a Christian* New- Jersey. •^Monday, September 1. I rested. Tuesday ^ dined at Elizabethtown on my way to Philadelphia. Wednesiky ^^ I reached Trenton, and received a letter from brother M — ^k*— y, re- questing me to come to Burlington, and that it was doubtful Digitized by Google II^ML] ll£V. FAAKcis ASBVAY^S JomNj^. K6 whether it were pradent tago into PfaiMelphia od account of the contagion that then prevailed in that citj : I did not reach Burling* too BO 8000 as was expected, arid the preachers went on to Phila* delpbia. I preached in Burlington, and the people were vexy solemn.' Pennsylvania^ — ^Friday 6. We rode to the city. Ah ! how the ways mourn : how low spirited are the people whilst making their escape ! I found it awful indeed. I judge the people die from fifty to one hundred in a day : some of our friends are dying, others flying. Sanday 8. I preached on Isai. Iviii. 1. ^' Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy Yoice like a trumpet, and show my people their trans* gressions, and the house of Jacob their sins." The people of this city are alarmed ; and well the ymay be. I went down to Ebenezer, (a church in the lower part of the city) but my strength was gone : however, I endeavoured to open and apply Micab vi. 9. The streets are now depopulated, and the city wears a gloomy as- pect. All night long my ears and heart were wounded with the ery of fire ! Ob ! how awful ! And what made it still more serious^ two yooDg men were killed by the fall of a wall : one of them was a valuable member of our society. Poor Philadelphia ! the lofty city. He layeth it low ! I am very unwell ; my system b quite weak ; I feel the want of pure air. We appointed Tuesday 9th to Beobserved as a day of humiliation: I preached on 1 Kings viii. 37--'<40« ; and had a large and very serious, weeping congregation. The preachers left the city on Monday ; I continued in order to have the minutes of conference printed. . Wednesday 10. We left the city — solemn as death ! The people of Derby and Chester are sickly : and they ^are greatly alarme4 iA Wilmingtoot I found a quiet retreat at friend Bond's, near New*Castle. MARTLAND.-^Came to the quarterly meeting at the Cross«Roads : iffaere there were . crowds of people : I gave them a sermon on *' Yea, in the way of thy judgments have we waited for thee." I shewed, 1. That God sent pestilence, famine, locusts, blasting, milldew, and caterpillars, and that only the church and people of Crod know, and believe his judgments. 2. That God's people wait- ed for him in the way of his judgments ; and 3. That they improved' said profited by them. About one o'clock we set out and rode thirty4wo miles to Thomas White's ; and spent one day at my former home. Digitized by Google U6 ILBV* F&ANCIS ASIURV'S JQIfRHAt. [l2dS« Sunday H* We rode twenty miles te MtUford, and had n com^ fbrtable loTe*feast; I preached to many on 2 Cbron. rii. 13—15. I preached a laboured sermon at Qjuantees quarterly meeting : the tecond day brother 6. preached on ** There rematneth 4bere- fore a rest to the people of God.'' My finishing stroke' wm9\a show them the way to ruin — so we parted. Thursday t8. We rode to Accomack ; and had a comfortable quarterly meeting at Downiog's. I met the located official meqa« berSy and we had sweet fellowship together. Sunday 21. After a gracious love-feast and preaching on Jer. xvii. 9» 10. I returned, weak in body^ and under dejection of mind, ^0 C^— ^'s chapel, a ride of twenty miles : this is one of the moat awful places 1 ever visits, according to my feelings: I had only courage to exhort for a few minutes. Brother S — — -, one of our elder», gave it as his opinion that two hundred people had died in the bounds of Somerset circuit the l^st summer. I searched the continent for the Travels of Sio and True Godlir ness ; now, they are printed. and bound together, and sell well; our Americans are not fools : no books sell like those on. plain, practical subjects; as the Saints* Rest, Baxter's Gall, AUeine'a Alarm, and Thomas a Kempis. ■ 1 came to B. E-^ — 's to quarterly meeting : we bad a sol^qwi time, though our congregation was small. . Friday 26. We came to Easton, twenty- five miles ; here the peo« pie pretaMled to be afraid of my communicating the infection of the yellow fever, although 1 bad been, out of Philadelphia from the 9th to the 26th Instant. I gave them a long discourse, and then rode to Hillsborough ; and thence to Judge White's. Sickness prevails in every bouse ; but there are not so many deaths as might be expected from general afflictions. Monday 29. I preached at quarterly meeting on ** Theliord is good ; a strong bold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them that trust in him." 1 . Originally, independently, communicathrely good. 2. He koowetb, loveth, approvetb, and deliveretk those that put their trust in him. Tuesday 30. I came early to Churchhill ; and felt myself solemn- ly engaged with God. In the evening 1 was enabled to give a close, alarming exhortation on the present alarming and awful times. October, Wednesday 1. I endeaveiired to enforce, at Wortea's, '^ Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lotd.^^ The wind being contrary, we rode twenty miles to brother B-^-s. Digitized by Google 1993.1 RBir« W9kimm AtftvitY't JovitKAt. 177 thit>agh dQSl mid drmght. Bf otber B«-— con?eyed me to Nortb- East on Thursday ; and Friday 3, after dispuf iog the passage at Ibe ferry with Mr. R— — , I rode to Cokesbiiry. I bad left Phi- lade^hia, and knew not that a pass was necessary until I came to the ferry. Mr. Barney, who was a bealth-officer, behared like a gentleman, ' and gave me a true and bonour^le certifieate. I ibuad matters in a poor state at colle;ge^£600 in debt, and our employers nearly £700 in arrears. Thursday 8. Came to Baltimore ; passed the guard against the. * plague in Philadelphia, set for prudence, one hundred SMles off. Oh I the plague of sin ! Would to God we were more guarded against its baleful influence ! i was side, weary, and feeble ; yet, preaching being appoikrted for me in town, 1 sounded the alarm oik Jer. xiii. 16. *' Give glory to God befture he cause darkness," ke. Friday H). I hasted to Annapolis. Saturday 11. Attended a quarterly meeting at BignaPs, in a large tobacco-house, where I enlarged on tbe weighty words of our Lord ^^ Because iniquity shall abound, tbe love of many shall wax cold." Monday 13.. I opened and applied the charge given by David to Solomon, atrget the things that are behind, and to rf ach towardb the things that are before" — ^i. e. Establishment in grace ; walking with God ; resignation to his wiy ; meekness, iramiltty, perfect love, a glorious resurrection, and eternal glory — «< Leave the things tlhat are 'bet^ind"— see Hebr. vi. 1. and v. 12. ** Leav« these ;" eo aa not to rest in conviction, repentance, fiMth, ^usfifica^on, nor in Church <)Tdinnnces, as- being the whole of Td%ion, or any part thereof, any ferther than as they lead us to Christ. We had some life in the love*feest, and in public service ; Vol. H. 23 Digitized by Google 178 RKv. Fa4irci8 ajibvry's jouairii:.., (1793*. l»it there 18 a dearth here. The circuit has suffered for .want of a preacher. Sabbath 19. I came to Baltimore, and preached on Amos iii. 6, 7, 8. Monday 20. Oar conference began. I was well pleased with the stations, and the; faithful talk most of the brethren gave Us of their experience and exercises, i preached a charity sero^on on ** Hath God cast away his people." We collected £27, which was augmented to £43, and applied it to the supplying the wants of the distressed preachers. Sunday 26. I preached, and ordained elders and deacons, at the Point, and at night in town spoke on Jeremiah ix. 12 — 14. Monday 27. I left Baltimore in a cool, stormy day. We dined with Capt. White, on the north branch of thi^ Patuxent, and had only time tp warm, eat; drink, and pray. We hasted on to S. Turner's. We stopped on the way at the house of some old^ forgotten English people : I talked plainly to the poor old woman^ and commended the family to Qod in prayer. I rode to my old friend A 's, and spent the evening in Christian conrersation^ writing, and prayer. Virginia.— Tuesday 28. FiFe of us came to Stafford court- house. The next day we dined and prayed at F— *8, and in the evening reached Cotlins's, ap old stand in Caroline county* November, Friday 1. We breakfasted at EUlis's tavern, and next day rode to Richmond and Manchester, and came to B— 's» and preached to a congregation mostly women. Thence we pro** ceeded to J. A 's. 1 was so hoarse it was with difficulty I spoke to the people. In six days ^we have rode two hundred and twenty miles. Sunday 3. We had to ride ten miles to quarterly meeting at T-- — 's chapel. I did not expect to be heard ; but, to my great surprise, 1 had not spoken long before, my voice was clear. , We had a melting time under brother John Easter— was much blessed with the local brethren. Brothers W-— and A— -^ were recom- mended to the office of deacons, and ordained. Brother W— ; — with two others, are appointed to wait on ine at the ensuing con- ference—what for will then be better known. Tuesday 5. I rode to brother B.'s, and the next day preached at Charity Chapel. It was a day appointed by the bishop and committee of the Episcopal church to be observed as a day of fast* ing. I feel my mind greatly eased relative to those who have Digitized by Google 1793.] Bsy. FRANCIS asburt's journal. 179 htely separated from us and set oat as reformers. Let the Lord look to his own church. Tharsdaj 7. We had a serious congregation at Combetland quarterly meeting : some appeared to be much engaged. My Sabbath day's journey was from sister L— — 's to a new •hapel in Frbce Edwistrd, twenty miles, where, after preaching on Matt. xxir. 12 — 14. 1 was led to say a few things for myself— as to my coming to and staying in America : of the exercise of that power which was given by the first and confirmed by the last ge- neral eonferedce. Many of the people thought me not that mon- ster I had been represented. 1 thought this the more necessary here, as great pains had been taken to misrepresent and injure me in this congregation and neighbourhood. So it is ; when I am ab- sent some will say what they please of me. After sacrament we came, weary and hungry, to brother ft 's, by whom we were kindly entertained. My soul is staid on the Lord, although Satan wHl push at me by means of the world, the flesh, and false brethren. Tuesday 12. I preached at brother T-^— 's, on Nottaway-Rif- rer. The people here have been unsettled by the divisions which a few persons have endeavoured to make in our societies. Thursday 14. iRode from brother N-— — 's to Salem, and, after preaching, to brother M ^'s, in Brunswick, making it about thirty miles, without eating or drinking. Friday 15. I had a few serious soub at Roses^Creek. Here I received the happy tidings from John Dickins, that he, with his family, have been preserved during the late contagion in the city of Philadelphia. Sunday 17. At Meritt's chapel ; the weath Friday 18. Rode nineteen miles to Needham : if possible the heat and dust were greater than before, so that by the time we reached the appointment, we were nearly spent ; here we met with brother T , and was grieved at the account of the impro- per conduct of , which causes noise, smoke, and fire enough. Saturday 19. Came to Waltham to a quarterly meeting : at three o'clock I gave them a discourse on the little flocks to comfort the affrighted sheep. Sabbath day, we had love-feast 9t eight o'clocjk, sermon at half past ten o'clock, and again in the afternoon : there was some life in the love-feast, and sacrament also. MASSACBusETTS.-^Monday 21.1 came to Boston unwell in body, and with a heavy heart. I passed the road and bridge from the University to Boston. A noble road and grand bridge. We have very agreeable lodging in this town : but have to preach, as did our Lord, in an upper room. We had a prayer meeting, and the Lord was present to bless us. Labour, and afi9iction of body and mind, make my poor heart sad, and spirits sink : why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me ? hope thou in God : thou shalt yet praise him ! \ Digitized byCjOOQlC 198 iit:v. FRANCIS asbuat's journal. [1784. Tuesday 22. I took up my croM ^ud preached in a laife room, which was full enough, and warm enough ; 1 stood over theatreet.; the hojs and Jack-tars made a noise, but mine was loudest ; there was fire in the smoke, some, I think, felt the word, and we shall yet have a work in Boston : my talk was strange and true to some. Wednesday 23. I now ga hence to Lynn ; once the joy» now the grief of our hearts : but we must go through all for Christ and souls. Sunday 27. I gave them a sermon in the forenoon, and another in the afternoon. I could but rejoice in the prospect of leaving Lynn on Monday morning. The society here began in union. U is now incorporated in order to prevent the Methodists from beii% obliged, by law, to pay congregational tax. I left Boston, and passed Roxbury, Dorchester, BSiiton, Stough- ton, and Easton ; making it upwards of forty miles. Tuesday 29. Rode through Attlebury to Providence — I Jiad no freedom to eat bread, or drink water in that place. I found a calm retreat at Gen. Lippelt's, where we can rest ourselves ; the Lord is in this family ; I am content to stay a day, and give them a sermon. RHOPE^IsLAND^Thursday, August 1. I left Gen. Lippelt's a^d set out for New-London. Connecticut. — Friday 2. Brother R. preached in the eveniag in New-London. Saturday 3. I made my appearance in the court-house» and preached to about seven hundred people with considerable freedom. Sunday 4. We had love-feast in the upper room of the court- house ; where some spoke feelingly : our sermon and sacrament took up three hours. God is certainly among these people. We have set- on foot a sobacription to build a house of worsbtp, and have appointed seven trustees. Monday 5. Was one of the warmest days we have known. We left New-London and came through Norwich, twelve miles : this is a well improved country ; producing fine clover, oats, and flaxw We passed Windham, and Mansfield. We were met by a power- ful thunder gust ; but stepping into a house, escaped its effects : this is one advantage which we have in travelling in the eastern, rather than the western country ; in the latter, oftentimes there is not a house for miles 3 in the former there are houses always in 1 Digitized by Google r 1794.] nev. francis asbury's journal. 199 sight. We passed fine streams and excellent meadows ; but the heat was excessive, and we had no shade except now and then a spreading tree: our horses were' as though they had been rode through a brook of water. We purchased our dinner on the way^ and it was sweet : we laboured hard till eigHt o'clock, and came sick and weary to father P 's, not less, in my judgment, than forty miles. Thursday 7. A day of rest and aAiction of body : came to Tolland very unwelL i find my soul stayed upon God in perfect love, and wait his holy will in all things. Saturday 9. I preached in a school-house at the north end of Tolland, and had the house filled. Sunday 10. Brother R— -*^, though sick, went to Coventry, and I was left alone at Tolland ; where I preached in the forenoon on Acts iL 37, 38. with some freedom ; and in the afternoon on Colos. ii. 6. and found it heavy work. After meeting I was taken with a dysentery, (attended with great sinking of bodily powers) which held me most of the night. Monday I was t>etter, and preached in a school-house at Clhngton. I felt great dejection of spirit, but no guilt or condemnation. Ah I here are the iron walls of prejudice ; but God can break them down. Out of fifteen United States, thirteen are free ; but two are fettered with eccle- siastical chains — taxed to support ministers, who are chosen by a small committee and settled for life. My simple prophecy is, that this^nXust come to an end with the present century. The Rhode- Islanders began in time, and are free : — hail sons of liberty ! Who first began the war ? Was it not Connecticut and Massachusetts ? and priests are now saddled upon them. O what a happy people would these be if they were not thus priest-ridden ! It is well for me that I am not stretching along, while my body is so weak and the heat so intense ; brother Roberts is with me, and we both only do the work of one man in public. I heard read a roost severe letter from a citizen of Termont, to the clergy and Chris- tians of Connecticut, striking at the foundation and principle of the hierarchy, and the policy of Yale-College, and the Independent order. It wa^ expressive of the determination of the Vermonters to continue free from ecclesiastical fetters : to follow the Bible, and give liberty, equal liberty, to all denominations of professing Christians. If so, why may not the Methodists (who have been repeatedly solicited) visit these people also. Tuesday 12. I rode over the rocks to the Square Ponds, and found our meeting-house as I left it two^ years ago, open and un- Digitized by Google 1 200 REV. FRANCIS ASBUIlY^S JOURNAL. [lT94i finished. We have here a few gracious souls : I preached on Luke xiii. 24. and lodged with brother G , who was exceed- ingly kind to man and horse. Wednesday 13. Came to brother M 's, on a branch of the Alemantick. Our friends and the people in North^Stafford had appointed for me to preach in Mr. 's meeting-house : to tbts I submitted, but it was not my choice : I was loud, pimn, and pointed, on Rom. viii. 6, 7. Mr. — was present, and after meeting kindly invited me to his house. The soil of this country ' is naturally poor, but made rich by cultivation : it is blest with good stone to build chimneys, and to make walls or fences, that may boast of strength and duration to the end of time. 1 went beyond my strength at brother M-^ — ^*8 ; we had a crowd of hearers, and some melting among the people. I felt myself so moved that I could not be calm. 1 gave them a sermon in West- Stafford, on Hebr. iii. 12, 13, 14. I am awfully afraid many io these parts have departed from the love, favour, and fear of CM. I was led to treat particularly on unbelief, as the soul-defttroying* sin : it keepeth men from turning to God ; and it is by this sin tliilt the heart first departs from God; to prevent which. Christians ought to exhort one another daily, lest they be hardened tbrough the deceitfulness thereof, and so become cast-aways; Cameta Esq. S 's : In the evening, I felt much hurt by thie exertions I had made for precious souls. Saturday 16. I rode up the hills, where we had some close talk ; I observed there was good attention, and some melting in the congregation. I came to L. S.'s ; here some of the young people are with us, and the old people prefer hearing the Methodists preach to the hearing of sermons read. Sunday 17. I came to the new chapel in Wilbraham, forty by thirty-four feet ; neatly designed on the Episcopal plan. I was, un- well and under heaviness of mind. I preached to about four iMin- dred people, who were very attentive, but appeared to be very little moved. The standing order have moved their hou^e into the street, not far from ours ; and they think, and say, they can make the Methodist people pay them : but I presume in this they are mistaken. Monday 18. Came to S. B.'s — ^and was at home, feeling com« fortable in body and mind. Tuesday 19. i preached at Mr. R.'s ; and was led on a sudden to open and apply Phil. ii. 12, 13. ; 1. Who are addressed ? Chris- tian believers ; 2. The leading subject — ^future and eternal salva- Digitized by Google 1794.] REV. FRAKjCia ASBVRY's JOmEtlTAL. SOI tioD ; to avoid legality, AntiDomianism, and lukewarmneas ; 3. That he hath, aod doth work in them to will and to do ; to resist tempta- tion ; to be sanctified ; and to be finally saved ; 4. They should work oat their own salvation, by being fi>und in every means of grace ; attending to mercy, justice, truth, and love ; 5. With fear, where many have failed ; with trembling, where many have fallen. Some were not well pleased at this Anti-Calvinistic doctrine ; but I cannot help that. I have been mnch tried, and much blessed ; weak in body, but, I trust, happy in Christ — in the precious love of Jesus. Wednesday 20. I bad a quiet retreat at brother W.'s. My mind enjoys peace ; and my soul shall breathe after the salvation of dearly bought souls. Mr. S. a minister of the standing order, held a meeting near us at the same time : whether this were in opposition or not, he knowetb. I preached on '* Seek the Lord, and ye shall live." — 1. The death to which those are exposed who have not found the Lord ; 2. The life those do and shall enjoy who have found, and do live to the Lord — a life of faith, love, and holi- ness here, and glory hereafter ; 3. We must seek him in all the oseans of grace. Rode in i\ke evening to father A.'s, in Spring- field ; a kind family. Here I gave them a short sermon on Acts ii. 22.; I showed 1. What we must be saved from ; 2. That we cannot save ourselves ; 3. On whom we must call for salvation ; 4. That whosoever thus calls on the name of the Lord, without distinction of age, nation, or character, shall be saved. Friday 22. We came to mother K.'s, in Enfield, a capital town in Massachusetts. The inhabitants one hundred and fifty miles up the river, send down the white pine logs by means of the freshets at the breaking up of the winter and frost : the people up the stream mark them ; and the people here take them up, and are paid for it, or purchase the logs. It is said, that if the proprietor is paid for two-thirds of those he puts into the river, he is content, and well rewarded for his labour. Sunday 24. I was well attended at the Separate meeting-house, where I applied Acts v. 29—33. We had a solemn sacrament ; but O ! my soul is distressed at the formality of these people. Bro- ther Roberts preached in the afternoon to a crowded bouse, and at five o'clock I had to preach to a few sermon-stupified hearers of different denominations. Oh my Lord ! when wilt thou agaio visit the people of this place. I have read Lowman on the Jewish Government : strange that it should be so much like the British Vol. IL 26 Digitized by Google 202 RET. FRA8CIS ASBORT's JCHnUTAl. [1794. go?€rmiieiit, aod ancient New-England : bot the Wonder ceaM* when we know the writer was an En^islunan. Now I soppose I haTe foond oat how the Boetenians were OMTed to call die General Astembly a court, and their memberB deputies — tbej ibUowed Lowman. Taesday 26. I rode twel? e miles to Wapping. I was happj to hare an opportanity of retreating a little into mach lored solitude at Capt. S % a man of good sense and great kindness. I had some enlargement on Isai. Ir. 6 — 9. and was enabled to speak with power and demonstration. I preached at T. S ^s bam : mj spirits were sank at the wickedness of the people of this place. My subject was Isai. liir. 1 — 7. O what mountains are in the way I Idolatry, superstition, prejudice of education, infideli^, riches, honours, and the pleasures of the world. Ver. 7. *' None calleth." Prayer of every kind is almost wholly neglected. " That stirreth up himself." Oh ! how might men address their own souls : as, O ! my soul, hast thou had conviction, penitence, faith, regeneration ? Art thou ready to enter the unseen, unknotvn state of happiness, and stand before God ? or wilt thou be content to make thy bed in belt ? I lodged at the oldest house in Windsor, with another brother S ■ , not unlike the captain. Notwithstanding his certificate from the Methodists be has been taxed to pay a ministry he heareth not. O liberty ! O priestcraft ! So all that withdraw must pay the ministry. I can scarcely find a breath of living, holy, spiritual religion here, except amongst a few women in East-Hartford. If there should continue to be peace in America, yet I am afraid that God will punish the people himself for their wickedness — ^it may be by pestilence, or civil discord, or internal plague. Saturday 30. We were called upon to baptise a child, which JUr, — ,.-. refused to do, because the parents owned the covenanl and have now broken it. This is the way to bind people to the good old church. Sunday 3!. My aiBiction of body and mind was great at Spencer- town, yet I had a solemn time in preaching in the new tabernacle to about ^our hundred people on Luke xxiv. 45 — 46. After an hour's recess we came together again, and some were offended, and others convicted, while I enlarged on *< The promise is to you and your children." I was in public exercise about five hours, including sacrament, and was so outdone with heat, labour, and sickness, that I could take but little rest that night. Digitized by Google 1794,] RXV. FRANCIS ASBVRT^S JOURNAL. 20$ Monday, September 1. I rode to the plaioi of Ellington, and Beit day to Wilbrabam, and was kindly treated by S« S-— . I preached at the next house, and we had a dreadful talk to a mise- rable, faithless people. We rode two miles in the heat, and 1 was near fainting, and felt almost like Jonah. Thorsdajf 4. We opened our conference with what preachers were present. I was still weak in body. I lodged with Abel Bliss, whose son was educated, and not spoiled^ at Cokesbury. Friday 5. We had a full house, and hasted through much business. Saturday 6. Brother L. R— and myself preached. My sub- ject was Mai. iii. 1 — 4. I treated on the coining and work of John the Baptist ; the coming, work, and doctrine of Christ, and bis changing the ordinances and priesthood, with the ministry and discipline of the church.. Sunday 7. We spent from eight to nine o'clock in prayer : a ser- mon, three exhortations, and the sacrament followed. We parted at three o'clock, and I came to Enfield, and got my dinner at seven o'clock in the evening. Monday 8. We spent this day on the road ; passing Windsor and East-Hartford, and came to the city. The next day we reached Middletown, where I was taken ill. We have a call for preachers to go to New-Hampshire and to the Province of Maine. Wednesday 10. We rose at three, and set out at five o'clock, and breakfasted at North-Haven. We came in the evening to Strat- ford, and had a little meeting, . although I was heavy, sick, and sleepy. Thursday 11. We rode to General W.'s. Here I learn they guard Kingsbridge, and will not suffer any one to pass from New- Haven. It is also said, the pestilential fever prevails in the city of New-York, paving been brought there by a brig from the Islands. I thought it best to stop, and consult the preachers in (he Albany district, before t go into the city. As the yeilow fever is so prevalent in the West Indies and our vessels continually trading there, the United States will partake, I fear, of their plagues ; and so the Lord will punish us for our sins and prodigality. I only wish to be holy ; and then, let come whatever the Lord pleases. I came through Poquonnock, FairBeld, and Norwalk ; but there is no room for the Methodists in those places. We had a pleasant ride, within sight of Long Island, on the salt- water creeks, where there are tide mills which work very swiAly Digitized by Google 204 REV. FRANCIS AS&URT^S JOVKttAJL. [17d4. and powerfully. Brothers R. and P. left me to att^d the quar- terly meeting at Dan-Town, and I spent my time in retirement. Friday 12. 1 filled my minute-book, and read freely in the Bible ; this book is so much hated by Qome ; as for me 1 will love and read it more than ever. Saturday 13. Very warm and I was very feint. I preached in a new open house, and had a sweet comforting time on Luke xit. 31, 32. Here I met brother Dunham from Upper Canada, who wants more preachers in that province. Sunday 14. Although very unwell, I crept out to administer the sacrament, and preached a little on Rom. xiii. 11. I must needs go through Bedford. O ! how should I learn, whatever 1 think, to say but little ; it was the sin of meek Moses, when pressed hard, to speak unadvisedly with his lips. This country is so rough and ridgy that we cannot get forwards except it be along the road to the landing, or to some capital place. New-York. — My horse having wandered and left me, I borrow- ed a horse, and on Monday rode to lawyer H.'s ; and the next day came in a carriage to New-Rochelle : after preaching on Hebr. iii. 12. I lodged near the place I preached at twenty *three years ago. Wednesday 17. I came near Kingsbridge, and found thai it was not as had been reported concerning the malignant fever in New- York; perhaps a dozen might have taken the infection from a vessel; but it hath not spread, and the weather became profM- tious by rain and pure winds. On Thursday the 18th I came into the city. Sunday 21. I preached in the old house on Psalm cxxxii. : at the new church in the afternoon on Psalm i. : and at Brooklyn in the evening. Here our brethren have built a very good house. The labours of the day, pain of body, and my concern for the peace of the. church, tended to keep me from proper rest, and caused an awful night. ^ Monday 22. We opened conference, and sat closely *to our busi- ness. Several of our preachers want to know what they shall do when they grow old — I might also ask, what shall I do ? Perhaps many of them will not live to grow old. Tuesday 23. I preached with liberty ; but on Thursday night I ; had a powerful temptation before I went into the church, which sat so heavily on me that I could not preach ; yet I trust I was kept from sin. My sleep is so little, that my head becomes dizzy, and Digitized by Google 1704.] EftT. FRANCIS ASBVRt'S JOIIUNAL. 205 distresses me much : four hours' sleep io the night is as much as I eao obtain. We concluded our work ; and observed Friday as a day of abstinence and prayer, and had a good time at our loye-feast* . Sunday 28, Preached at ten o'clock at Brooklyn. In the afler- Doon at the new church on ** Wo to them that are at ease in Zion i" I ordained seven deacons and five elders ; and in the eve- ning, at the old church, I preached again : we had the best time at the last, at least it was so to me. All day I was straitened in my throat, and in my heart. We collected two hundred and fifty dol- lars for the relief of the preachers in distress. . This has been a serious week to me : money could not purchase the labour and exercise I have gone through. At this conference it was resolved that nothing but an English free day-school should l>e kept at Cokesbury. Monday 29. I did not. sleep after three o'clock in the morning. Came to the boat at seven o'clock, but could not get across till one ^o'clock ; which, to my no small grief, prevented my attending my appointment on Staten-Island. ' ^ew-Jbrset. — Tuesday 30. Rose at three o'clock. Set out at five o'^clock, and rode forty-two miles to Milford, and preached ; but I found this heavy work. Wednesday, October 1. I had some life in preaching at Cros- week's meeting-house. I then came to brother Hancock's, and took sweet counsel with my old friend, whose wife I received as a member of society twenty-two years ago. I was in suspense abopt going through Philadelphia, lest I should not reach Baltimore in . due time. Now report saith that they have stopped the Baltimore stage on account of the malignant fever, which rages powerfully at the Point. There is a great stir among the people concerning the western insurrection ; the people have risen up against govern- ment on account of the excise law relative to the distillation of spirits. A number of the militia are called out : thus trouble comes on in church and state. O, my Lord, give us help ; for vain is the help of man ! Thursday 2. f came to Burlington ; and as I had not had a day to myself for some time, 1 took one now, to read, write, and fill up my journal, &c. I feel for the church, and continent: but the Lord sitteth above the water-floods, and remaineth a King for ever. I preached at Burlington, and the people were serious. PENNSYLVANiA.-«-Saturday, October 4. Brother M. and myself eame to Philadelphia ; and on Digitized by Google — 206 REr. jriUNcis ASBviiy's jovrnal. [i7d.4* Sanday 5. I preached three times ; and was not a little fatigued with this daj's labour : I felt assisted^and had 84)me Qpeoiogs in preaching. Monday 6. Oar conference began, and our matters were talked over freely. 6ar session continued until Friday, by which time I felt tired of the city, and had a desire to be on horseback. I ha?e felt liberty in preaching to the citizens, and indulge some hope of a revival of religion among them. Saturday 11. Rode thirty-five miles to sister Grace's, at Co- yentry, who, with her daughter and granddaughter, are, I trust, happy in God. I visited this house twenty years ago. Sister Grace, when in a dilirium, was singing and talking about God. I spent a solitary Sabbath at her bouse, and was happy in speaking at her door, (she being sick.) Monday 13. Brother Cook and myself had a heavy ride of nearly fifty miles to J. H— — 's, which we accomplished by travel- ling a little in the night. Tuesday 14. I preached at Bethel, on Back-Creek ; and on Wednesday 15 crossed Elk-River, and came to quarterly meeting at Hart's meeting-house. I spent the evening with my dear son in Jesus, D. S : t cannot give him up. MARYiiAND.*— -Thursday 16. Crossed Susquehannah, and came to Cokesbury college. 1 found it £1200 in debt, and that there were between 5 and £600 due us, £300 of what we owe ought now to be paid. Saturday 18. We came to Perry Hall. The preachers were afraid to go into Baltimore, but the brethren from there came out to calm their fears and invited them in. I have been hurried, and have not as much time for retirement as my soul panteth for— yet I desire nothing but Christ. Monday 20. We rode to Baltimore ; and in the afternoon opened our conference : we had about fifty preachers, including proba- tioners : our business was conducted in peace, and love. Myself and others being unwell, we sat only six hours in the day. Tuesday 21. . I gave them a sermon on Exodus xxxii, 26. We had a list of names from Fairfax ; who required an explanation of a minute in our form of discipline, relative to the trial of members : inquiring whether the '* select members were as witiiessess, or judges, and had power to vote members in or out of society." (Sec. 8. p. 56.) We answered them. Our collegiate matters now came to a crisis. We now make a Digitized by Google 17d4.J Rsr. vKAndts asbvry's joUvlval. S07 stiddeir and dead pause ;**-we mean to incorporate, and breathe, and take some better plan. If we cannot have a Christian 6cb1, (i. e. a school andeir Chirstian discipline and pious teachers) we will have none. I had peace of mind, but not much rest. Sunday S6. We had a comfortable love-feast, l^ut were prevented from attending our other meetings by the excessive rains. The next day 1 came to Elk-Ridge ; where I saw, after twenty-two years' labour, a well designed frame of a new house for public wor* ship ; a few good women are trustees* The storm prevented me from having a congregation here also. Came to J. Holland's, where I had a few hearers, and bad a comfortable time ; it was like paradise regained among the old Methodists. Virginia. — Thursday 30. Crossed the Patomac, at the mouth of Goose-Creek ; and came, unexpected by the brethren, to Lees- burg. Thence we journeyed on through Prince William andFau- quier counties. We passed Germantown, and came along Rogues* Road, to Norman's ferry, on Rappahannock. After a disagreeable journey, and being exposed to uncomfortable weather, on Tues- day, the 4th of November, we came safe to father Kaubler's, in Culpepper county. Thank the Lord, there is here and there a house for God. At father K.'s I had many women and but few men to hear* Some of the men are gone to war, some to their > spOrts, and some have no desire to hear. We rode ten miles to brother Frye's : after a long absence often years 1 am here again. My mind is in great peace, and the preach- ers and people appear pleased to see me. I learn that about the month of Jane last died the great politician Richard Henrjr Lee, of Westmoreland county ; one who took an active part in {Pro- moting the independence of the United States of America. O, when will liberty be extended to the sable sons of Africa ! We trust the happy period wilL come, when universal light shall shine through all the earth, and Jesus shall reign -** Where-e'er the sun, Does his successive journeys ran ; His kingdom spread from shore to shore, Till SOD shall rise and set no more." - Thursday 6. 1 had some life, and there was a small stir on the minds of some at Frye's, where we had a crowd of preachers and people. Friday 7. Crossed one of the south branches of Rappahannock, called the Rapid-Ann, and came thirty miles to J. L — — 's in Lou^ ifla county. Digitized by Google 90$ 9JEf. rAAVCis AsnjKT*s JoinuiAL. [n94» Saturday 8, and Sondaj 9. Attended die qnarteilj aw Lel in fc at Latdey'a meeting-boaie ; we had a lai^ge c on gtcgati on, a ^ni^en- lAg facrameot, and life in the loTe^feaat I feel it neceamy to re* tire and bumble mjielf before the Lord : I have been crowded with company, an4 have had much talk, and I find a aolitary walk ▼ery a^preeable. I attended a few appointments b Hanover, and Groochland coon- ties ; and on Saturday 15 came to the dty of Richmond, abont fire o^cIock, and preached to a few pe<^Ie in Mr. Parrot's store- house. Sunday 16. We came to a church near brother B ^'s, where were gathered many people, among whom were some sons of din- sion. Here were many pale faces, and (as I was told afterward) some who had been making solemn promises in their a£9iction, wondered how 1 should know, and speak so pertiaently on that subject. Thence we came to brother 1. M.'s, in Chesterfield; and the next day crossed Appomattox and Nottaway riTers, and reached to B. Jones in Brunswick county, on our way to Bruns- wick quarterly meeting at Meritt's chapel. It was rather a doll time, although I had some freedom in speaking, and we had a good love-feast. Saturday 22, and Sunday 23. Attended a quarterly meeting at Jones's chapel in Sussex county, where we had many people : I preached on Deut. ix. 12. — ^too applicable to many of these soob. The rumour of the small-pox being at Petersburg, and only ten or twelve, out of seventy or eighty of the preachers, having had it, it caused us to think of holding our conference at sister Mabry's in Greenville county, where there are fifteen or sixteen houses that will receive and entertain the preachers. After sending brother Hutt to Petersburg, it was, by a mojority of the preachers present, judged most prudent to hold the conference at the place just men- tioned. 9 Monday 24. About thirty preachers were collected tbgether. I am crowded too much for my head and heart : when I sit and hear people talk on unprofitable subjects, it clouds my head and grieves my spirit, even if 1 say nothing. ^ Tuesday 25. We opened our conference, and had great sift- ings and searchings, especially on the subject of slavery. The preachers almost unanimously entered into an agreement and reso- lution not to hold slaves in any state where the law will allow them to manumit them, on pain of forfeiture of their honour and their place in the itinerant connexion ; -and in any state where the Digitized by Google 17^4.] R£V. FRANCIS ASBITAY^S JOUANAL. 209 law will not admit of mamimission they agreed to pay them the worth of their labour^ and when they die to leave them to some person or persons, or the society, in trust, to bring about their liberty. After raising and applying what money we could (which liiaa about £60) we calculated that one fourth of the preachers at this conference had received for their salary the past year about £10 ; one half from about 12 to £15, and one fourth their full quarterage (sixty-four dollars). We had great peace, and not one preacher objected to bis station. We sent an apology to our brethren in Petersburg for not having held conference there, according to appoifitment, for reasons already assigned. We were greatly obliged to our friends in Greenville for accommo- dating the conference. Men and horses were well entertained— all for love. Monday, December 1. I rode twenty-seven miles, and on Tues- day 2, I preached at F. B- 's, twelve /niles from Petersburg. Wednesday 3. Came to J. Smith's, and had a comfortable sea- son. Brother S has been on the verge of eternity, and was Uest with delightful prospects of glory, but the Lord has raised him up ag^n. Thursday 4. Came to Grave- s chapel, very unwell ; here lived brother Lewis Lloyd, who leil this worid this year. He was an old preacher, and professed perfect love fifteen years before his death, and finally departed in the triumphs of faith. Friday 5. I preached at Rivers's chapel, and made it twenty miles by the time I reached brother Petham's in Greenville. I was heavy in body and spirit. I am not conscious of having sin- ned, yet I suffer on account of the people. I delighted myself in reading some of Doddridge's Sermons to Young People. To the young persons present I preached at brother P 's on Satur- day ; and on Sunday 7, rode twenty-eight or thirty miles to brother Paup's, on Roses-Creek, where I enlarged on Peter^s fall. Our burdensome stone^ Ebenezer, now gives us some trouble and care. If we 4:an employ good men, keep up discipline, and maintain credit, it may come to something. Monday 8. I performed the funeral rites of sister W — — , on Waquae-Creek, Brunswick county. We had a full house of un- feeling people, and the word of the Lord was a burden. I opened the Bible on Jer. xiv. 10. Let any one read it as an awful por- tion — it may be it is as true to these people as it was to Israel. I bad a meeting with the trustees of Ebenezer school. Matters Vol. II. 27 Digitized by Google 210 REV. FRANCIS ASBURY's JOURNAL. [1794, are very discouraging ; people in general care too little for the education of their children. Tuesday 9. Preached at Williams's meeting-house. These are a poor people, not impoverished with slaves ; but they have a good meeting-house, with a glass window behind the pulpit, so that we can see to read without raising a shutter and receiving all the wind that comes, though this is in Lunenburg county, near Mother Ogburn's, where we used to have our melting seasons twenty years ago. We dined with the gracious aged people, and in the evening crossed Meherrin, and came to S. Holmes's, an ancient stand in Mecklenburg. Next day I preached at Salem, where there is the best house we have in the country part of Virginia* In^ this neighbourhood there has been a society standing for twen- ty-one years. Rode in the evening to brother Spedd's — rich and full, and a friend to freedom. Thursday 11. Preached and administered the sacrament at Youngs's chapel ; and came in the evening to T. Jones's. £)ear sis- ter Jones is gone to rest, after two years of deep affliction. She hits had a painful journey through life ; but her persecutions ap4 troubles are now at an end ; and heaven will compensate for all« She made choice of Job iii. 1% for her funeral text ; and with gi^eat deliberation disposed of her property, i preached her funeral pn Friday 12th, and found it a serious day to me. I never saw her more than twice or thrice, and we have interchanged a few letters. She was doubtless a woman of sense, vivacity, and grace. She wrote to admiration — all in raptures. She would pray in any place, and before any people ; she reproved with pointed severity, and^sung with great sweetness. North Carolina. — Saturday 13. . We crossed Roanoak, and came to Mr. Smith's, in Granville county. On Sunday 16thxross- ed Mountain and Grassy Creeks, and came to brother Owens's, whose wife is a true daughter of D. Grant, my dear old friend in Georgia. He was among the last fruits of that great man Mr. Davies, when he laboured in Hanover in Virginia, forty years ago. Monday 15. Crossed the head streams of Tar-River, which are only small branches, and rode on to R 's (where I had, an ap- pointment ;) and found I had another twenty-five miles forward at L 's : so I left brother C to fill up my place, and went forward to the latter; where I preached to about two hundred people. I feel weak in body and mind, yet find my soul stayed upop God. «VStill onwards I go," fainting yet fighting. Digitized by Google 1^94.] • REV. FRANtJIS A8BURX'S JOURNAL. 211 * Thursday 18. I have a long journey to Charleston, (S. C.) and but fifteen days to perform it ; having appointed to be there the 1st of January. Friday 19. We rode twenty-five miles through a powerful fall of rain ; but we wrought our way through the swamps, fioating^ and sinking as we went. ' Saturday 20. It snowed as powerfully as it rained yesterday ; however, we set out for Salem about nine o'clock, and forded two creeks; but the third we swam. Brother Ward went in, and aifter a pause I followed ; but being cloaked up, my horse nearly flipped from under me : one foot was properly soaked. I walked about one mile and rode another, and reached the town about twelve o'clock, just as' they were ringing the bell. Feeling the want of a fire, I weat to the tavern ; but I found but one fire-place there ; I sat down with the company, and dried my feet a little, until my companions came along. I have need of power, (and I am accused of having too much) to stand such days as this : my soul is kept in peace and communion with God ; and, through grace, I vyiTl not murmur at my sufierings whilst the salvation of souls is my end and aim. We found a home at father Hill's, from Maryland, about three o'clock, having rode nineteen miles to-day, and thirty yesterday. I was thankful for a house and friends, and an oppor- tunity of putting into port. It is a comfort to remember there re- maineth a rest for the people of God. Sunday 21. I came to Cokesbury school; and after preaching on 1 Cor. XV. 58.' I rode down to brother Charles Caton's., Here a few souls have been brought to God since I was in these *parts in JMay last. ' Monday 22. We were detained some time at Long's ferry by a wagon, and a number of horses. Mrs. entertained us very kindly, and her husband gave us a hearty welcome when lie came home, and found out _who we were. It was expected by some that I should preach at Salisbury, but I did not ; so we rode on and reached the widow B.'s about eight o'clock at night, having rode thirty miles. ' Tuesday 23. We set out at sunrise : the morhing was cold and frosty. W^e rode ten miles and fed at A.'s; thence we hasted twenty-five miles to J. R.'s, took a late dinner, and rode to W. R.'s, making upwards of forty miles. Next day we had to swim Rocky-River ; we then passed Newtown, and made it thirty miles to Jackson's. i I Digitized by Google 212 REV* FEANCIS ASBtAY's JOURNAL. [1705. Tharsday 2d. Christmas day. We changed oar couree^ and took the grand Camden road to great Lynch's . Creek, thirty mile9^ When I came to Mr. Evans's and told my name, I was inyited to stay ; and it was well for us that we did^ Friday 26. I came off about sunrise ; apd made forty miles ta Puhlius James Rembert's : I was hungry, sore, and very low spiril* ed ; here we found a warm house, comfortable table, (which was Tery acceptable) good bed and fire, with very kind friends. Lord, dispose us to humility before Thee, and bless our benefactors I James Rogers and Samuel Cowls were my faithful attendants. I bear my friend John Hughes, of Charleston, is dead. From what 1 learn of him in his last illness, I. trust the dear old man is gone safe. William Adams and Captain Darrell of the same place, ha?e been cast away and drowned ; strange changes take place m a very short time. O my God ! help me to be each moment on my guard, ready for death . and jpdgmeot The land we caine through yesterday is poor, and but thinly settled — a plantation once, in three or four miles. The long-leared lofty pines have a grand appearance. Sunday evening 28. Rode after preaching to brother Bradford's^. Monday 29th to Bowman's. Tuesday ^Oth we had to wrestle with Santee Swamp for three hours, having to> wade the fiat ground then under water ; but through mercy we got safe over at last. We hasted on, and came in the evening to the house of a very kind Frenchman, who entertained us gratis. Wednesday 31. Myself with the main body of the preachers came into the city of Charleston. I felt faint and unwell after the fatigues I had passed through on my journey. Thursday, January 1, 1795. Being New- Year's day, I was called upon to preach, unwell as I was, which I did on Psalm xc. 12.: We entered on the business of our conference, and continued ontit Wednesday 7th. We had preaching every night during the sitting of conference. It was the request of the conference th^t I should preach them a sermon on Tuesday night ; wiUi which I complied, and made choice of Jer. xxiii. 29 — 32, In times past 1 have enr deavoured to keep on travelling all the year, but I now judge it meet to stay in Charleston a little longer and then take the field :. yet it is with fear and trembling. Sunday 11. Brothers I. C. and G. being about to leave the city, I gave place to them to perform the services of the Sabbath. I heard part of a discourse by Mr. Forman on partial and total back*; / Digitized by Google 1795,] RET. FRANCIS ASBURY'S JOURNAL 213 idi^ng ': I thotigfat he spoke well, and that it was an excellebt ser- mon. I doubt if he had more than seventy white hearers. A vast number in the city do not attend to the worship of God any where. Monday 12. The remaining members of the conference left the dty. Brother Brace and myself must now lay our shoulders to the work. I have my feelings and fears about staying in Charles- ton ; but grace is sufficient : I wish to give my all to God ; and whether I read, write, preach, or visit, to do it all to his glory ; and to employ nay precious time profitably. And am I yet alive, with death so near ? How mahy of my inends in this city, and in other places, are gone into eternity ! I h^ar very little from the preachers in the north. Tuesday 13. I had a comfortable season in the church, on the words of St. Paul to the Galatians, << Am I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth." In this discourse I observed, how great was the affection between the Christian societies in ancient Galafia, and St. Paul, until the Judaizing teachers came in among them. The province df Galatia was in Lesser Asia ; and when the ancient Gauls, or Galats, wanted to extend their pro* vince, they penetrated through Italy and Greece; and went into Asia, and pillaged the country as far south as Babylon : but one hundred and twenty thousand being defeated by a handful of Jews ; and Attaltts, king of Pergamus, having forced them from his terri- tory, they settled here. Among these the Gospel was planted by St. Paul, Acts xvi. 6. ; who had but just left the country when the schism began by means of the teachers of the ceremonial law> In this church there have been a great number of bisfaops, and some councils, and Synods ; but for near eight hundred years the tyranny of the Mahometans, Saracens, and Ttirks» hath almost exterminated the very name of Christianity. I observed, f. That there is a proper portion of truth which is applicable to every one's case ; 2. That it is a bad sign when a man is esteemed an enemy for telling the truth, as if falsehood alone were pleasing. Wednesday 14. I preached at brother Wells^s on "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes :" this cannot be the language of any but gracious souls. Sinners think all these things are against them, and wonder what they have done more than others, that they are thus afflicted. 1 treated of afflictions of body and mind ; personal and family ; in the church and in the state. Ah ! my Lord, by whom shall Jacob arise ? for he is very small. Digitized by Google Si4 REV. FjLurcis jisbuay's jovrval. [1795. Sooday IB. I preached io the morning on Exod. xx.'tiie first and second commandment In the afternoon, on the affliction and eonvertion or Manasseh, 2 Chron. zxxiiL 12, 13. One yonng man behaved amiis« for which I reproved him : perhaps he might be among those io the evening who made a riot, broke the windows, and beat open the doors. Tuesday 20. I read Mr. Flavel on keeping the heart ; where I foond some weighty sayings. I preached in the evening, and brother Bruce exhorted. Mr. came home with me, pleading and crying to God, and acknowledging his sin : who knoweth but be will turn, repent, and find mercy ! The desperate wickedness of this people grieves and distresses my soul, so that I am almost in continual heaviness ; yet, through grace, 1 trust 1 am kept from sin. 1 spent part of this week in writing and reviewing some ex- planatory notes on our form of discipline. • Sunday 25. I preached morning and afternoon. My soul, at sea- sons, wadeth through deep waters for this city and society ; it cannot, in my opinion, continue long in its present situation — per- haps a dispensation of mercy or judgment is near. Wednesday 28. 1 finished reading the history of the Frenctr Revolution, containing about eight hundred pages, and a surprising history it is. They have had heavy struggles with monarcTiy, aristocracy, and democracy -, and have had martyrs of each and every form. Thursday 29. I am sensible of not being enough in prayer ; this gives me pain. There came on a violent, awful storm of rain, and what should I do upon the road in such weather ? Charleston is, to me, one of the most serious places 1 ever was in. Saturday 31. I was in a most distressed, gloomy state of body and mind. I employed myself in reading, writing, and prayei*— but very uncomfortably. ' Sunday, February 1. " Still heavy 13 my heart, Still ivak my spirits down.** 1 went to the church, and lectured on the second table of the law ; attending particularly to our Lord's comment on each precept. In the afternoon I enlarged on Jer. xxxi. 33. ; and I do hope there was some stir in the hearts of the people ; I had an afflictive night, by the labours of the day. I began reading ** Berridge's Christian World Unmasked." How like the man and his conversation, which I have heard by the hour thirty years ago ! I think there is some Digitized by Google r 1795.] REV. FRANCIS ASBURy's JOURNAL. 213 tartness ra his Christian remarks on the Checks, and dear Mr. Fletcher, of whom I have heard Mr. Berridge speak in terms of very great respect. I was insulted on the pavement with some as horrible sayings as coald come out of a creature^s mouth on this side of hell— When I pray in my room with a few poor old women, those who walk the streets will shout at me. The unparalleled wickedness of the people of this place, and the spirit of contention among the profbssors of religion, most severely agitate my mind. I now spend my time in running hastily through the first volume of the Hebrew Bible. Thursday 5. I was deeply dejected. I have been lately more subject to melancholy than for many years past, and how can I help it : the white and worldly people are intolerably ignorant of God; playing, dancing, swearing, racing; these are their com- mon practices and pursuits. Our few male members do not attiend preaching ; and I fear there is hardly one who walks with God : the women and Africans attend our meetings, and some few stran- gers also. Perhaps it may be necessary for me to know how wicked the world is, in order that I may do more as a president minister. There is some similarity between my stay here, and at Bath in Virginia. O how I should prize a quiet retreat into the woods ! In reading Mr. Wesley's Journal, Vol. I. page 164. he observes, <' I set myself carefully to read N. MachiavePs celebrated Book. I began," says Mr. W , " with a prejudice in his favour, having been often informed he had been misunderstood and greatly mis- represented ; I weighed the sentiments it contained ; compared one passage with another, and endeavoured to form a cool, impartial judgment ; and my most deliberate judgment is, that if all the other doctrines of devils which have been committed to writing since letters were in the world were collected together in one volume^ it would fall short of this ; and should a prince form himself by this book, so openly recommending hypocrisy, treachery, lyi&g, robbery, oppression, adultery, and murder of ail kinds, Domitian or Nero would be angels of light compared to that man." No wonder that Doctor should say that the Methodist preachers were men of true Machiavilean principles : judge, reader : this is the justice, this is the mercy we are to expect from some priests : and why ? because we spoil their reading trade. Sunday 8. I preached on Psalms viii. 4. Brother Bruce enter- tained us on *' That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." I met the society, read the Rules Digitized by Google 216 REV. FRANCIS AUBUAy's JOimNAL. [17dS« of Difciplioe, and gar^ a close talk aboat cooformity to the woridl. I hate DoW fioished the first volame of Mr. Wesley's Jouraal. i- admire his candoar and the soundness of his sentiments ; but I need say bat little, as it will be shortly published and speieik for itself* Monday 9. The people have high work below stairs laid off for each day this week. The western regiment parades to^-day, the eastern jto- morrow ; Wednesday is the President's birth-day ; Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, come on the races. I intemi to keep close to my room, except when attending meetings in 4he evenings. I am in the furnace ; may I come T)ut purified like gold ! It is a dark Providence holds me here. Mr. Phillips is here, and in want of money. Our friends opened their hearts and gave ' him twenty or thirty dollars. He is not clear on Original Sin ; so that we cannot, nor dare not employ him; yet, notwithstanding hfs sentiments, I hope he is a good man ; but good or bad, he oi^t not to starve. Monday 16. I rode out to take the air ; and saw the wanderiag air-bsdloon. I am persuaded there are gracious souls among ifow Hammett's people ; some of whom have lefl him, and will, ]^dp» haps, return. I was employed in reading Mi*. Wesley's Journalrf and I am now convinced of the great ^fficoHy of journalisingi Mr. Wesley was, doubtless, a man of very' general knowledge) learning, and reading', to which we may add, a lively wit and hu* mour ; yet» I think I see too much credulity, long flat narrations, and coarse letters taken from others in his Journal : bat when f come to his own thoughts, they are lively, sentimental, interest!^, and instructing; The Journal of a minister of the Gospel shookl be theological : only it will be well to wink at many things we see and hear, since men's feelings grow more and more refined. ' Sunday 22. I had no small inflammation in my ear ; yet after I got to preaching, I was long and loud ; warm, and very pointed : etnr congregations are uncommonly lai^e. I was recollecting, by this help of Mr. Wesley's Journal, how long it had been since I became acquainted with the Methodists. I was awakened, (as I think,) when about thirteen years six months old ; at the age of sixteen 1 began to read and pray in the public congregation ; one year six months after this, publicly to exhort and expound God's holy word j at twenty-one I travelled much ; and in the b^inning of my' twenty second year, I travelled altogether. I was nine tnonths in Staffordlhire, and other adjoining shires ; two years in Bedford* shire circuit, and two in Salisbury circuit Digitized by Google i7d5«] ti^v. FAiiNCis asbory's jooiuiai.* SI7 ||r^'W«iIdj, fQ bis Jouraal, seems to tbsDk tbat the eaoae of the binderance of the work of God is wholly and entirely in tnafi. BM may we not ask, with reTerence^ hath not God sometiines* for bis own i^rposes, withheld his power, that no flesh might glory ia his eight, bat feel that He is all in all ? Wednesday 25. We had a love-feast for the Africans ; and many gave- in their experiences with life. In the e?ening we had a love-feast for the whites. I hare had a long stay here, and now rejoice in the hope of going again into the field t|> work. Nothing would hare kept me here hat the hope of preserving my health the other ten months of the year ; which wUI enable me to run through North and South Carolina, the New Territory, Vii^nia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania^ Jersey, New-York« Connecticut, Rhode-Island, Massachusetts, Pfovjoce ef Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and sometimes Ken- tucky. Friday S7, we observed as a general fast I was weak in body and afflicted with the headach ; yet I met the people in the church, and xead Joel ii, 12 — 18. I prayed, I wept before (be Lord: I fasted from two o'clock on Thursdir|r until half past five on Fri- dqr* 1 vvish we could have solemn monthly fasts, and love-feasts before sacrament 1 hope the Lord will look upttt, aad we shoiild not have strength to jride over the b^rcc^B saoda. We accordingly set out, and rode twentj-two niile9 to G.'s ; tried it since I have been here: my parting, sabject vvas I Cor. xvi. ^, ^4-. the congregation was very large : and if the people are pradent, and the preachers foithfol, we shall have a work ia this plac^. The, poor Africans brought their blessiop, and wishes, and prayers : dear souls ! may the Lord provide them pastors after his own heart I Thursday 5. I left this seat of wickedness, not without bptb grief and joy. I never saw so great a prospect here, and doubt if there hath been such an one since the place was first settled. We crossed Ashly-River about ten miles from town ; here was a bridge of value, which was so damaged by the worms and barnacles, that it stood only two years. Sister G. her family, and a wagon weire on it when it gave way ; it sunk with them into the water, but they received no injury. We rqde thirty-five miles, eating some biscuit with a little wine and water, and came to Mr. Eccles's, ^eacb- Hill, near Edisto-River^ I was somewhat wearied, but happy in my solitary retreat. I think ) have not spent my time in vap.i^ Charleston : first, I have had near as. many beai^eiis as I could have found in the country : secondly, there hat|i been real frpit among the white and coloured people,; and such as may, withcarei be preserved. I gave theip a sermon at Squire Eccles's near ,two hours long. My soul has peace. ; and by the help of God I must hasten eastward and beavej^ward. Saturday 7. We came to Lindsey's ; and after preaching to about sixty people, had to.ride twelve miles to Cattle-Creek after four o'clock : nor was that the worst ; a storm of thunder and rain came on, and had we not stopped,, we should have been steeped fropi' head to foot. Sunday 8. We had about four hundred people at the cburcb,. among whom were a few that loved jand feared God ; and map^ that are stupid, and have become hardened under the preaching of the Gospel. ' I spent Monday 9 at brother M.'s, and felt the society in the city near my heart. Wednesday 11. We rode to S.'s, where I gave, them a long talk on *' The grace of God that briogeth salvation," kc. I thought the weather was too fine to continue so long ; so we made a push and rode eighteen milesto P.'s at the Ponds ; where we supped and. breakfasted at our own expense ; and bought provision for our horses. About midnight the rain began to patter on the long shingles"— what could we do ? if we stayed, our provision would be Digitized by Google 17^5.] ntv. FRAircrs asbury's JOURNAL, 519 tvhfire we stopped to eat, and feed ; and tben rode eigliteeii miles more to tbe widow Pope's, on Little Seleuda. Saturday 14. I came to A.'s chapel ; but the weather was so exceedingly cold, and the house so open, that we went to the dwelling house, where i preached and prayed, and (the people said) stormed and scolded. Wlien meeting was orer, I saw the new stlll'house, which, as George Fox said, *' Struck^ at my life ;'' and we found it necessary to deal plainly with brother about hid distillery, and to tell him what we apprehended would be the con- sequence if persisted in — Its natural tendency would be to corrupt his family, and the neighbourhood ; and to d^stro;^ the society. Oj that the snare of Satan may be for ever broken ! We came to G.'a meetiug-house, where we had as wild and disorderly a congrega- tion as could well be without words and blows. I preached a little, and stormed a great deal, but all would not do. It was" an awful day to me ; but I hope my labour was not wholly in vain* I lodged at D. Earpes's, who came from Berkley to Seleuda, and has been a preacher twenty years ; I ordained him deacon, and joined his daughter to a husband. Thence I came to J.'s, where there was another wedding : I had work enou^— the bishop — the wedding — I could hardly keep them serious. I preached on Isai. xsxv. 3 — 7. and had an open time. Wednesday 18. I rode to R-— — 's and preached. Thursday 17, and the two following days, we had work enough to write «ubscription papers to be seot abroad for the purpose of collecting £100 to finish Bethel school, and secure the land : but my expectations are small ; the people have so little sense of God and religion* Saturday, I opened the new house on 1 These, y. 14. ; and on Sunday we had a sermon and love-feast. Tuesday 24. Crossed Enoree at Anderson's ford, in a canoe ; and Tyger at Crenshaw's ford, and came to brother G-^-^'s, near the Fish-Dam ford^ on Broad River. What a confluence of waters flow into the Santee in about two hundred miles, on a straight line, frem the mouth ; and in its meanders, three hundred or more ! Wednesday 25. I preached and administered the sacrament at a store near the Fish-Dam ford : this part of the country hath been settled about forty years. Thursday 26. I found seme assistance on Jer. xxxi. 34, 35. at Gregory's ineeting-house, in the woods ; and I hope it was not alto- gether in vain. Last night I spent an hour with the blacks in their quarters, and it was well received by them : it will never do to Digitized by Google 220 nBVs F&AKCI9 AfiBU&T'a JOVtLMAU [I795« Bieet diem with the whites ; hy this means our preachers lose aB their froit ; many reasons might be assigned for this. O, mj atral, rest in the Lord from moment to moment ! AH the places I ha;ve visited this week are new, and I hope the Lord will work at some, or all of them. 1 exhorted oar peo|de to learn their slaves to read ; (this is greatly wanting) they would then understand preaching moch hotter. We crossed Pacolet, and came to P ^'s. ; my nvnd was ander deep exercises on account of the state of religion in this neighbonrhood. Sunday 29. Was an awful day^-perhaps the most awfiil I shall ever spend in this place. My comfort was in the woods with the Lord. Monday 30. I rode forty miles to M ^'s : my body is weak, and so is my faith for this part of the vineyard. God is my por^ tion, saith my soul. This country improves in cultivatioA, wicked- ness, mills, and stilk ; a prophet, of itrong drink would be accep* table to many of these people. 1 believe that the Methodist preach- ers keep clear, both by precept and example ; would \o God^he members did so too ! Lord have pity on weeping, bleeding 2pob! Wednesday, April 1. We rode thirty miles through a barren country, and came, weak and hungry, to brother B->- — 's clean, comfortable house ; and had all things agreeable. I find it hard to ride eight or nine hours without any other nourishment but a little bread and tea. Friday 3. Was a rainy day. I had some talk with a few blacks, and was comfortable and happy ; we lose much by not mee&ig these people alone. I find, generally, that those who are held by professors of religion are hard to move. North Carolina. — Saturday 4, and Sunday 5. Quarterly meet- ing at Daniel Asbury's meeting-bouse. 1 notice many attend preaching at such times as these, who appear wild, and do not know how to behave themselves. In the afternoon I met th^ poor blacks by themselves, and was greatly blessed. Monday 6. We crossed Catabaw, rode thirty-five miles, and came to brother Fitzhugh's, where we met with kind treatment to sweeten the iMtter cup of a bard and hungry day's ride. Thursday 9. Crossed Hunting-Creek, and came to A—- *<^'s meeting house in Sorry county -: here I bad near three hundred bearers, to whom I preached on Hebr. t. 12 — 14. and had more enlarged views of this subject than I ever had before. We have had a good work here ; fifty souk are lately brought in ; appear^ Digitized by Google 1795.] REV. WfiMltClB AS»9KT'< l^fJUlfAt. Sgl ances are greatly changed fbr the better sibce I was here eleren Baonthsago. Friday 10. We came to 6 % in Wilkes coQQty. I feel dwfal ^^I fear lest darkness should be felt here. Ah, Lord, help me to go through good and evil report; jprosperity and adversity; stortns and calms ; kindness and ankindness ; friends and ene* inies ; life and^eatb, in, the spirit and practice of the Gospel of Jesus Christ ! Sunday 12. I preached the funeral of grandmother G " ■ ■, aged eighty-seven or eighty -eight years. * Monday 13. We took our acceptable departure — I cannot Kve where God is not acknowledged. I passed through the heart of Wilkes county. Here is a poor prospect of religion among ail sects. We came in the evening to the house of 9 poor, honest )&an. Bless God ! we can embrace the poor cabins, and find shelter. The people are kind and free with what they hare. Wednesday 15. 1 preached on Hebr. iv. 1. to many people, tollected from various parts, at brother White's, on John's River, *"mi was greatly assisted. • Thursday Id. We had preaching, and were engaged in writing letters and copying the minutes. My soul enjoys sweet peace ; but I see an awful danger of losing that simple Walking and living in the enjoyment of God. Friday 17, I observed as k day of rigid fasting-^this I cannot do more than once a month. I am frequently obliged to go on three tups of tea, with a little bread, for eight or nine hours, and to ride many miles, and preach, and perform my other ministerial labours. Sunday 19. We had a crowded congregation, and a moving sea« ton at the sacrament. Monday and Tuesday we directed our course up John's River. Wednesday 22. Crossed the Ridge, and kept on to the west- ward. We went Major J. Whitens path, and found it abundantly better than the old one. We reached the top of the Ridge in about six miles ; here we found ourselves among fruitful hills ; then we had a good path for six miles more, except where there were some laurel branches and roots. We stopped at S 's, and tt was well we did, or we should have been well nigh starved, both man and horse. I went on to D-— 's, and thence to Nelson's, where I met with brothers B ^ A , and W— , ancient men among us. I stood the fatigue, and sleeping three in a bed, better tfa|an I expected. From White's to Nelson's is eighty miles. We crossed the Wattawba about twenty times. At supper we ate of \ * _ Digitized by CjOOQIC ( 222 REr. FRAircis asbuky's journai.. [1795^ the perch that are taken in great plenty from Smith's fish spring. I judge there must be a subterraneous communication from that to the rivef. I felt uncomfortable in my mind, as I feared the Lord had left this place. I was led to speak ivith life and power on <* Will ye also go away ?'* I spent a night with brother Whitaker ; I wish his wife may not love him to death. Tennessee.-— Monday 27. We hasted to F. Earnest's, on Nola- chucky-River ; where we hold our western conference. Here six brethren from Kentucky met us, and we opened our conference with twenty-three preachers, fifteen of whom were members. We received every man's account of himself and his late labours ; and inquired of each man's character among his brethren. Our business was conducted with great love and harmony. Our bre« thren have built a meeting-house, and I must needs preach the first sermon ; which I did on Exod. xx. 24. Notwithstanding it was a time of great scarcity, we were well and most kindly entertained. Friday, May 1. We rode thirty miles to Holstein, without food for man or horse : but when we came to brother Baker's we had food and friendship. My feelings were disagreeable. In addi- tion to the heat of the weather and the fatigue I have gone through, 1 have not slept five hours a night, one night with ano* ther, for five nights past. Saturday 2. On our way wie called to see father A. where we fed and prayed ; and in the evening reached Abingdon ; being the time and place of the sitting of the district court. ViRGiiriA. — Sunday 3. I gave them a sermon, and although it was so public a time, we had great decency in the congregation. Rode thirteen miles in the evening. Monday 4. We rode thirty-five miles to the bead branches of the main Holstein, and the next day reached Alfred's, on New- River. Wednesday 6. We rode to Pepere's ferry, and made it thirty- five miles to M' Daniel's. Thursday, we rode to brother W.'s, near Fincastle, thirty-eight miles : the toils of this journey have been great, the weather sultry, the rides long, and roads rough. We suffered from irregularity in food and lodging ; al- though the people are very kind, and give us the best they have, and that without fee or reward ; so that I have only spent about two shillings in riding about two hundred miles. I hope postetuty will be bettered by my feeble efforts. I have rode two hundrel and twenty mil«s in seven days and a half, and am so exceeding outdone and oppressed with pain, weariness, and want of slee\ Digitized byr )Googl 17d5.] tiEV. FAANCflS 4SlBt7RY'S JOUAN^I.. ^ 22$ tbat I have hardly codrage to do any thiog. — ^Hai), happy day of reat! It draws pigh, and this labour and toil will soon be at aa end I . - Saturday 9. I conferred with the travelling and local preachers at E« Mitchell's. Sunday 10, the preachers and people weris solemn whilst I enforced *' Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God." Monday 11. I rode forty miles to Mr* Blaker's at the Calf^Pas- ture, and the next day thirty-five to Moore's. Wednesday 13, tode twenty-four miles to Rock-Town, and preached at three o'clock ; and again the next day. Here I met the trustees of our school, to whom I read my Thoughts on Education. In the eve- , ning I left the town, and on Friday 15, rod^ forty miles. Saturday 16. I had a hard push to Newtown quarterly meeting, where, after delivering a short discourse, I held a conference with the local preachers and leaders. I enjoyed myself among these people ; they are not quite as lively as heretofore, but God is still with them. .Sabbath day, after sacrament, love-feast, and .ordination, I preached with some freedom on 2 Pe}er iii. 17, IS. Upon the whole my soul is refreshed ; although I have been on the run, and have wrote none in my Journal for more than a week. Monday 18. We rode to Charlestown, Jefferson county, and lodged with a pious physician. Next morning breakfasted with J. H , and then came to Harper's ferry, where the impending rocks impress the mind of the traveller with terror ; and should they fall, would crush hxfjQ to pieces : this sCene is truly awful and romantic. We came to S. Phillip's^ but were not expected until next week : so I directed my course to Baltimore. Marylawd.— Wednesday 20. 1 passed Fredericktown ; thence to Liberty Town, where I stopped, conversed, and prayed, and then ca^ie on to brother Warfield's, thirty utiles. Thursday 21. We set out for Baltimore ; the rain came on very heavily ; I have not felt, nor seen such, since the sixth of March, since which time I have rode about one thousand two hundred miles. This day I heard of the death of one, among my best friends in America—Judge White^ of Kent county, in the state of Delaware. This new» was attended with an awful shock to me« I have met with nothing like it in the death of any friend on the continent. Lord help us all to live out our short day to thy glory ! I have lived days, weeks, and months in his house. O that his re- moval may be sanctified to my good and the good of the family I He was about sixty-five years of age. He was a friend to the> poor and oppressed ; he had been a professed churchman, and was Digitized by Google 224 EEV, r&Aircis 48BU&y's. joiTEiUL. [I79d% QDited to the Methodist connexion about seventeeB or eighteen jean. His bouse and heart were alwajs open ; and he was a faithful friend to liberty in spirit. and practice ; he was a moat in- dulgeot husband, a tender father, and an affectionate friend. He professed perfect love, and great peace, living and dying, Sunday 24. I preached twice in town, and was delivered from my gloomy state of mind. I spent part of the week in visiting from house to house. I feel happy in speaking to all I find, whether parents, children, or servants ; I see no other way ; the coofmion means will not do ; faster, Wesley, and our Form of Discipline, say, *^ Go into every bouse :" I would go farther, and say, go into every kitchen and 9hop — address all, aged and young, on the sal- vation of their souls. Wednesday 27. 1 read << The Dawn of Universal Peace ;^' and the second and third volume of Walker's, Sermons. Thursday, my mind was under deep exercises, unknown to all but God alone. Saturday 31. I met the Africans, to consult about building s|. house, and forming ailistinct African, yet Methodist church. Friday, June 5. I came in peace to Cokesbury. Stayed on Satu^r djsiy ; and gave them a sermon on the ihorinesi of time ; — thence can^e through dust and, heat to North-East. Sunday, I preached within the frame of a house that is begun, to a number of sinners. Monday 8. I preached twice ; and came in the evening to Mr* Bassett's, on the Manor. 1 have great inward distress in my soul. I felt, when in prayer, as if the Lord would restore, sister Moore to health ; time will determine whether the impression is of the Lord. Tuesday 9. We hasted on to Geol^etown:^ Sou^ are of opinioD tliat will receive j^SOO per annum or more, Glebe subscrip- tions, kc. this is more than 64 dollars ; and even that be seldom received among us. He was always very generous, and did not serve us for money. He did certainly run well. I was low in body and nuud ; and very flat in preaching. Dear brother B ■■ ■ > who attended me with his carriage to Nprth-East the last time I was here, is now gone to rest. Oh ! how short is the life of man ! we must needs come on to Chester-Town. Still languid in body, and my spirits under an awtul fit of ^dejection at reviewing the state of persons and things. 1 was quite unwell, and crowded with company : my subject in town was Psalm li. 9 — 13. We then rode fifteen miles home with brother C ; my body and spirit still very low. ! my Lord, help me through all my afflictions.- Ah ! what a comibrtable thing it is to be among the ancient Metho- dists t But tl^s is not always my place ; indeed, it cannot be. Digitized by Google 179d'.j|^ RBTV. FRAircis asbvUy's journal. i26 Taeaday 1 1: Still under awful depression. I dm not conscioiit of any sin, even in thought ; hut the imprudence and unfaithful- ness of others hear heavily on my heart ; I feel a degree of wil- lingness to decline, die, and enter into rest. For the first time, I visited Centreville, and preached in the new house : some of the people. felt awful. I saw Doctor Hall, who is greatly changed since 1792.» and under deep exercise about preaching ; so that he cannot attend to his practice, and appears to be lost in thought. I wrote to him to try Baltimore : it is a pity such a man of sentiment, learniog, and fine feeling, should be lost. I rode home with R. W. he is rich in the world, but wants more of the life of religion : he appears still to love the preachers, and the cause of God. I received .information that Doctor M 's wife, before she died, manumitted h^r favourite servant-maid ; not long after the Doctor himself was called away ; hut before his removal he manumitted all his slaves. This man claimed no high Gospel light, and pro- fessed no more religion than the generality of the world among us do. I have a hope that God is preparing me for greater useful- ness rn my latter days. Oh how happy should I be, if after labour- ing thirty years, as I sometimes fear, to very little profit, if it should hereafter appear that hundreds have been converted by my ministry ! Of late I have bad but little to do, but pray, preach, ride, converse, and take my necessary refreshment. Saturday 13. We crossed Choptank-River at Ennall's ferry ; we had nine men, three horses, and a carriage on board, and a very indi£ferent boat, but through a kind Providence we got safe over. When I first landed I fell a damp on my spirits, which I feared was ominous of persons and things. Our friends were loving at the Dorset quarterly meeting, but not very lively ; how- ever there was some stir in the love-feast. At eleven o'clock we .had nearly a thousand people collected, but they are awfully hardened. We had a heavy time: I felt much like what 1 sup- pose Jonah felt. We were furnished richly with the comforts of life. . I came to the dwelling-house of my dear friend Judge White (whose death I have already mentioned) — it was like his funeral to me. I learned since I came here, and 1 think it worthy of ob- servation, that just before he died, unknown to his wife, he had showed Samuel, his son, his books, and given directions concerning his house, &c. He then came to his wife, and said, '**! feel as I never felt before," and gave certain directions concerning his burial. Delaware. — Wednesday 17. I had a solemn season at Dover. I spent the evening with Doctor A. Ridgeley, in the late dwelling- VoL. II. . 29 Digitized by* Google — 226 BET. F&IVCIS ASBmT'f JOmMML. [1T9S, house of bis hiher. In some hooses we serre Ae fiAers, not the children ; in sonTe the children, not the fathers ; and in soine we senre both parents and children. Thursday 18. I preached at Dock-Creek Cross-Roads, where there has been a great rerivtt of religion. Friday 19. I set ont for Philadelpbia, and came to Whiteday and Redclay Creeks, f saw my old friend S. H once more. 1 most needs preach, althoogh I had rode thirty-five or forty miles. Next day I called at Chester, and found my dear sister Withy unwell and in trouble. O may I meet her in heaven at last! Pekitsyltania. — Sunday 21. I preached in the city of Philadel- phia three times, not with the success 1 would wish. 1 was ex- ceedingly assisted in meeting the classes, in which I spent three days, and am now of opinion that there is more religion among the society than I expected. — 1 tnist both they and myself wiH re- member this visit for days to come. I was also much quickened in meeting the local preachers and leaders, who spoke feelingly of the state of their souls and the work of God. I now go hence to meet new troubles, and to labour while feeble life shall last. Thursday 25. 1 rode to Cross-weeks. Friday 26. Although very poorly I reached brother B— *s. I was happy in this family, and addressed most of them concemmg their souls. New-Jeasey. — Saturday 27. I came to Elizabethtown, and found brother Morrell (who had been bled add physiced almost to death,) en the recovery^ My troubles are greater than eter : my body is weak, and my spirits very low. At the request of my friends, I stayed in town until Sunday, and was assisted in a manner I least expected, in preaching to about eighty people from 1 Cor. ' XV. 58. : after sermon I called the society together, anil had a melt- ing time in speaking personally to each. I attended the Bowery church in the afternoon ; and the minister spoke largely on " That your faith might not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God'." New- York. — Monday 29. I came to New- York the new way by Newark bridges, which are well established over Second and Pas- saick rivers : it is the nearest way to New-lTork, and preserves the traveller from heat in the summer, and cold in the winter : from moschetos, and delays by winds, and other incidents. I began meeting the women's classes, and felt happy, and found the Lord WW amongst the sisters. Digitized by Google i%'BfiJl mv. v:bjlscib asbujeiy's jr9U&V4t. 227 , Saturday Jqly 4. B^ing the aDniFersary of liulepeDdeDcey the : bells ringing,, drama beatiog, gaps firing; and orations on liberty^ and eqaality too, are not forgotten. I see the need of being more watchful among the best of men : a spirit of love exists among the preachers ; bat we jare far from being as spiritual ^ we ooght to, be. The Rev. Mr. Ogden was kind enough to pre- sent, me with his first volume On Revealed Religion ; it contains a soil, yet general answer to the deisticaL atheistical oracle of the 48y, Thomas Paine : it is almost excellent compilation, taken from a great pambur of ancient and modern writers on the side of truth ; and will be new to commop readers. So far as I have read, I can recommend it to those who wish for full information on^the subject. I met the official members of the society ; and had some close talk on the doc^ine and disciplipe of the church : I asked if they wished to be Methodists ? But how could I suppose any thing else, when they had bee;i a society of nearly thirty years standing ? Sunday 5. I preached in Brooklyn in Uie morning, and returned to assist in the sacramept in the afternoon at the new church ; I jtben met the black classes ; and preached at half past six ; I closed my day's work by meeting two men's classes. Mopday 6. 1 met nine classes ; so that 1 have now spoken to most ot the members here, one by one. I left the city in peace, .and. received of their bounty towards bearing my expenses. We came to Stamford ; where I preached in a private house. CoNN£CTicuT.— R^e thirty-three miles to Stratford ; the pros- pects here are great as to the fruits of the earth. My body was weak and my faith still more so ; however, I gave them a sermon on John iii. 19 — 21.; and the house was crowded inside and oat. Friday 10. We had a very warm ride, fourteen mile^, to New- Haven. I think it is as sultry here as it was the tenth of June in Pelaware. Nothing would do but I must preach in Doctor Ed- ward's meeting-house ; which I did, on these words, ** Yea, doubt- less, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the know- ledge of Jesus Christ my Lord." Saturday 11. I came to Middletown : we had a prayer-meeting, and I spent some time in visiting from house to house. Sunday 12. Brother Roberts being indisposed, I had to give them two sermons at the. farms, and one at the court-house. Monday 13. We had some life at Middle-Haddam. Tuesday 14, preached at New-London about six o'clock, where I found most of the preachers present. Wednesday 15, we opened our confer Digitized by Google 228 EBir. F&Aircis asbhrt^s JOtrRiTAL. . [1^95. reoce, which consisted of about twenty members, and sat until noon on Saturday. We had great peace in our conference ; but some eiercises relative to externals, arose from the ancient contest about baptism, these people being originally connected with tiiofie that are of that line. O ! what wisdom, meekness, patience, and prudence, are necessar'y ! Our brethren were exceeding kind ; and I hope this conference will be for the good of the people in this place, and thousands besides. Monday 20. We took our leave of town, and set off for our' re- spective appointments. Two of our British brethren from tbe West Indies, Harper and Kingston, who had fled here to save their lives, (i. e. if possible to recover their health,) were with us : I was pleased to see our preachers ready to give their strange bre* thren a little of the little they had. I came to Norwich, fiflelen miles, and preached at eight o'clock A. H. in the academy, (formerly the Separate meeting-house.) It was a most awful time of heat. Rhodb*Island.— Ti^esday 21. We rode twelve miles to Plain- field ; and after resting and feeding, we came to Coventry, in Pro- vidence. My fatigue anfd indisposition made me glad to gel to bed. The people here have made some attempts to improve the state of the roads ; and really they need it, for they are properly made up of rocks and stones. Wednesday 22. At brother L 's I ordained D. M'C from Passamaquoddy ; who is as one born out of due time. He has been labouring between the British and American boundaries. I consider it fifty hard miles from New-London to General Lip- pelt's : we have been the best of three days riding it, through the intense heat ; and last year I rode it in one day. I feel a moving towards these people, as though the Lord would get himself a name, and have a people to praise him in this place. I feel myself greatly humbled before the Lord, for the peace and union in our late conference ; and the satisfaction expressed by the preachers on receiving their stations. Thursday 23. We came in the evening to Providence : when we entered the town, some fdrunken fellows raised a cry and shout, and made a sacrifice of the Methodists to hfJL Mr. --— ^ is now pastor of, and the Tenoant-house is shut against I us. I wished to ride on, and not to stop in town ; but Mr. Robertson, an ancient Englishman, constrained us to turn in with him. wA dined at Milton ; and made it thirty miles to Boston, where I preWhed twice on the Sabbath, (though very unwell) in a room thaO will hold about two hundred and fifty people. It seemed as i f we Digitized by* 1795<] tiXV. FAAffCfS ASBVRY'S /OVRRAL. 829 iiardly had either coTsing or Uesang amoog the people here. I have no doubt but that if we bad a house, we should command a lai^e congregation ; but we labour under great inconveniences where we preach at present. 1 feel myself feeble in body and faint in spirit ; yet Christ is mine, and I hope to be his in time and forever: Amen. Massaghxtsetts.— Monday 27. I rode through some rain to Lynn. I was much shut up and distressed in my public exercises : my con- gregations were large and lifeless. Since I have been in Lynn, I have visited Woodsend and Gravesend, met five classes, visited about one dozen families, and talked to them personally about their souls, and prayed with them. I have filled up intervals in reading my Bible, and the second volume of Mr. Wesley's Sermons. Oh, how I wish our preachers and people to read his Journals, Sermons, and Notes ! My body is afflicted, but my soul is serene. Thursday 30. 1 preached on Isaiah Iv. 10, 11. Friday was an excessively rainy day. My spirits were sunk into dejection. I feel no passion, but grieve and sorrow : to move, move, seems to be my life. I now lament that I did not set off with the young men to the Province of Maine. Theire are some tender, gracious souls in this town ; e«fpecially among the members of society. Sunday, August 2. Was a very warm, sultry day. I rose in the morning very feeble in spirit, and attended prayer-meeting at six o^clock. I preached thre^ times ; administered the sacrament, and met two classes, and was not so fatigued as I expected I should have been. I h^ve had 9ome refreshing seasons ; and now I bid farewell to Lynn for two years. I rode a solitary fi^ay through Maiden, Mistick, and North-Cambridge ; and preached at Walt- ham, at five o'clock, to a few people : the great rain prevented many from attending. Brother Roberts took an intermittent fever when we were at New-Haven, and hath laboured and suffered, sick or well, until he is almost dead. I received from the quarterly meeting held in Fairfield circuit, what I should be glad to receive once a year from every circuit in the Union. It was as follows : — <* The preachers of the Methodist Episcopal order who have tra^ veiled on this circuit since the last conference, have so conducted themselves that their characters are unimpeachable.*' Signed by the local preachers, exhorters, stewards, and leaders. Tuesday 4. Brother L and my^lf came ten miles to Fram- ingham, where i preached to a simple-hearted people ; and although weak in body, I felt enlargement of hear^; here the so- Digitized by Google '3t30 . AST* w%mcm 4aBiakv'& jAimiy». %VI9i^ cie%r appeared to be all tenderaess, aweetness, and love. After riding thirty miles to Milford, (being an excesiliire daj of heat .and hanger,) I preached on Isaiah xxzv. 3 — 6. To my great surfH'iae, whilst I was preaching, brother Roberts, whom I bad lell aick at Waltham, eame in ; 1 was amaz^ed that he should ride thirty niilea through sQcb heat without eating or drinking ; it was enough to make a well man sick. Thursday 6. We set out for Thompson in Conuecticot, wbeoGft we came to dear brother Nichols's : if I had not eaten, I could not have stood the labour of thirty miles, and preaching. 1 found there was religion among this society ; the ancient people are stirred up by the Baptists, and the young ones by the Methodists, Saturday 8. We rode twenty-six miles to Wilbraham ; I w^a well Bigh spent, and brother Roberts was ready to drop on the road side. I spoke late ; tbe weather was warm ; I took but little rest • for my body, and my mind was powerfully tried various vrays. Sunday morning 9. My first subject was the parable of the sower, afterward the sacrameut was administered: I thought it .a dull time ; but others did. not think so. I gave them another discourse in the afternoon on ** The promise is to you and to your childreo.'' It was a running exhortation, chiefly application. In tbe even- ing brother Roberts, though weak in body, gave them a sermon oa ** My little children for whom I travail in birth again till Christ be formed in you.'' I see but little prospect of good being done here whilst tbe people are so divided. Monday 10. 1 stopped and gave an exhortation at Springfield; After a thunder-gust, we came on to Agawomin. If 1 accomplish the tour I have in contemplation, it will make about six or seven hundred miles to the city of New- York. I was stopped by tbe rain : but when I cannot do one thing imotber offers ; — I could read, write, pray, and plan. 1 laid out a plan for my travels in 17^7 ; through Connecticut, Rhode-Island, Massachusetts, Province of Maine, New-Hampshire, Vermont, and New- York: making a dis- tance of twelve or fifteen hundred miles. I set out for .Williams- town on the banks of Hoosack, on the west borders' of Massachu- setts ; I lodged at sister H.'s ; I was well steeped in water, although my cloak saved me in a good degree as is frequently tbe case. My rest was interrupted. To labour hard all tbe day, and have no sleep at night, ill suit tbe flesh. Well might St. Paul say, *^ If in this hfe only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." To labour and to suffer by night and by day, meet Digitized by Google I7f5l] REV. FRANCIS A8!BXftLV^9 JOVRHAL. 231 reproach,, give up father and mother, mfe, children, coimtry, liberty, ease, health, v^ealtfav and finally, sometimes life itself in martyrdom :— uli this may be required. Verbiont. — Friifoy 21. We rode io the afternoon into the i^ods •of Bennington, and preached at brother D.'s, and had a melting, eomfortable season with about fifty soals. There are sinners. Deists, Unirersalists, &c. and they dl have something to say aboot religion. I have felt awfelfor this place and people ; but God is able of these stones to raise np children unto Abraham. I feel my soul stayed upon God, althoagh 1 am in heaviness through mani- fold temptations. ^ Saturday 22. Brother Roberts and myself parted : he went to Pownell, and myself to Ashgrove, where we have ^ society of about sixty members : they orl^nated with P. Embury, wbo left the eity of -New^York when the British preachers came there. He tontinued to pursue his purpose of forming societies in the country ; but dying in a few years, the society was left, and were without preaching by the Methodists for fifteen years : we have now a neat little chapel here. Sunday 23. I had a free, open time, with a few feeling souls on JLtike xi. 1. In the afternoon, I visited a neglected people among the hills, and had an attentive congregation. This day I enjoyed peace of soul, and was happy in Christ. — After riding fifty miles, I found myself at home at this place, (Ashgrove.) CoNifECTic0T. — My soul has been much quickened tUs Sabbath, and I find a difference between being amongst saints and sinners. We came through Cambridge county, now Washington ; and passed Argyletown, named after Argyle, in Scotland. We came to brother M ^^s'; we and our horses were quite weary ; bat it is enough, the Lord is with us ; let this suffice at all times, and iti every place. We camer'through a mere wilderness of swamp : the roots of the white pine, beech, and hemlodL were a good deal in our way. We reached Westfield, where is a considerable settlement, and a promising society. New-York. — We passed Skeynesborough, and turned our course eastward through some rough ground, and came to Hamp- ton township, where we held a quarterly meeting at brother M-r-'s, in a pleasant vale. We rode through considerable heat, nearly twenty miles, without obtaining any refreshment ! I have reason to praise God that I have been able to travel fron> Lynn to this place ; the distance, the way 1 have come^ 1 compute to be four hundred Digitized by Google — 25S RET. VRAirCM ASBVKT^S JOtRWAl. [179&. miles ; I am now within a mile of the line of Vermoiit. Thete 18 only one county, in the state of Nevr-Tork, between this and Lower Canada. There is a place called Plattsbnig, where they have often solicited ns to send preachers. I find some similarity between the northern and western frontiers. Sunday 30, was a high day : we had sacrament and love-feast, and many opened their mouths boldly to testify of the goodness and love of the Lord Jesus : the porch, entry, kitchen, and the lodg- ing rooms were filled : one soul professed conversion. I find diat two hours' close meeting flags the minds of God's children : many of the people of the world are filled with prejudice because they are shut out. Sister S ■ , an ancient woman, and a professor among the Bap- tists, was sent for by her father to turn the head and heart of her son from the Methodists : but she had grace and sense to know that God had been at work upon his soul ; and with tears and prayers wished him God speed. Mr. G , who had heard great- and bad things of the Methodists, was surprised to hear that a son ' of his died a Methodist, in New-York ; and still more so, when he was visited by another son, who had joined society in Waltham. When this son camie home, the father and family were alarmed, finding that he had met with something that had greatly changed him : after this, the prejudices of the dear old man were dissipa-' ted, and he came five miles to our quarterly meeting. 1 rode forty miles : I conclude that for thirty-^five miles of this road there are ten or twelve houses for every mile, including those which extend to the mountains on either side of the road. Notwithstanding the roads are somewhat hilly, they are good for travellers. I labour under great exercise of mind from various quarters ; and my own infirmities of foody and mind are neither few nor small. Wednesday, September 2. We had a solemn meeting ^t Bethle- hem, in Asbgrove. Thursday 3, we had a warm-hearted people at R 's, and a better time than weakness of body or. mind could promise. On Friday, we came to Lansingburgh, and thence to Troy ; at last we got to Coeyman's Patent, weary, sick and faint, after riding thirty-six miles. Saturday 6. We were crowded with people : I suppose we had, perhaps, a thousand at the stone church, at Coeyman's Patent ; and I felt some life and warmth amongst them. Sunday 6. In the morning we had baptism, ordination, sacra- menty and love-feast ; some spoke with life of the goodness of God. Digitized by Google 17S£.] lU&y, F&A5CI8 ASBURY'a JOVKRAh. 233 I gave them a diflcourse at eleven o'clock^ and then went to bed with a high fever. Brother Roberts pleased, and, I trust, profited the people with a discourse, after I had done. Monday 7. 1 rose very unwell, and had to ride thirty-five or Ibrty miles through the rain : I came in much wearied, and found a comfortable lodging at Mr. I— — 's. Tuesday 8. I am somewhat better in body, but clou^ and dark- ness still rest upon my mind. Thursday 10. We rode twenty miles to Marble-Town (properly so called at present) I preached on Hebr. zii. 28, 29. I felt awful ; there appeared to be very little devotion among the people. Our southern friends are battered on the subject of slaves, and these are in peace ; it will not do ; we must be Methodists in one place as well as another. Saturday 12. We reached brother Garrettson's ; and Sunday 13, 1 preached at R 's chapel. Then returned to Rhinebeck chapel, and preached on Hebr. xiii. 5. Qod once put into brother Garrettson's hands great riches of a spiritual nature, and he labour- ed much ; if he now does equal good according to his temporal aibility, he will be blessed by the Lord, and by men. Tuesday 15. We made it twenty miles to the wreck of an old Presbyterian meeting-house, at Wapping-Creek, called the hollow ; where I gave them a discourse on ** Judgment beginning first at the house of God" — and there was some little motion, but the Methodists were not on their own ground. Wednesday 16. Brother R gave us a close, good sermon on ** My people have committed two evils," &c. I then enlarged on " My grace is sufficient for thee ;" our meeting continued till three o'clock ; we got no dinner, and had to ride twelve miles to get to our supper and lodgings. We stopped at Governor Van Court- landt's, who reminds me of General Russell — we had all we needed, and abundantly more than we desired. Rest, rest, how sweet ! yet how often in labour I rest, and in rest, labour. Sunday 20. I had a comfortable time at Crpton chapel, on Rom. i. 16. I returned to General Van Courtlandt's, and dined with my dear aged friends. Shall we ever meet again ? We came to Fisher's, near the White Plains chapel, to hold conference. My souLis kept solemn ; and I feel as if earth were nothing to me ; i am.happy in God, and not perplexed with the things of this world. Tuesday 22. A few of us met in conference ; the main body of the preachers not coming in uptil about twelve o'clock. We went Vol. II. 30 Digitized by Google 954 ii«T. pjuNcn asbort'js JOuawAi*. |19M* through tbe buainess of tlie conference in tbree - ject I made choice of was Psalm czlvii. 20. ** He ^hath not dealt so with any nation." This I applied spiritnally— I. To ourselves as individuals. II. As it applies to our families. III. To the society and ministry. IV. As it applies to the continent. In the afternoon 1 preached at the Point on << In every thing give thapks." Saturday 31. I left town and came to EikRidget where I fowd a little time for reflection and prayer. Sunday, Nov. 1. I preached and administered the sacrament tm the Ridge. After twenty-three years preaching here, we have a small society. I dined at the widow Howard's, and had an inter- view with sister Pue, who appeared to be deeply oppressed with the loss of her valuable husband. It is now more than twenty years since the doctor attended my ministry ; and I have to hope was deeply awakened. In the latter part of his life he was much afflicted ; he called upon God, and I trust died in peace* I doubt if there hath been a man of his profession of equal skill, continua- tion, and attention, in the state of Maryland. Mr. Fletcher, when near his end cried out, *' My poor, what will become of my poor ?" So the Doctor, when on his death-bed, " What will become of my patients ?" Monday 2* After riding forty miles, 1 came late in the evening to Georgetown, and found a congregation waiting at the new chapel. Although wearied and unwell, I felt some liberty in speaking ; and I am persuaded that good might have been done here if professors had not traded away their characters. It is strange, that people pro- fessing no religion, look for justice and perfection in all Christians, and forget themselves. Virginia. — Thursday 5. I reached Faulks. Friday 6, ipreached at the widow Bumbury's, to about sixty-six hearers, after riding about sixty-six miles from Alexandria. Saturday 7. I rode about forty-two miles, and found a quiet re- treat at brother E---^— 's. Next day I had about four hundred hearers. Digitized by Google il6BJ] Acv* FRAHCfS asbvry's jovrnal. 237 Wednesday 11. I had about three hundred bearers at Lancaster meeting-house. Caoie in the evening to the widow Diggs's. Fri- day 13, after preaching to a few people at the widow Woodland's, VfB set out at one o'clock for Bowles's ferry, and crossed in forty minutes, although it was three miles 'over: we landed in Essex county, and rode eight miles to brother Mann's, where' 1 preached fifteen years ago. Saturday 14. I Tisited brother L. R. Cole, and spent tlie day with him and bis agreeable wife. Brother Reuben Ellis is certainly married, for the first time ; may it be for the glory of God, and the good of his church, and comfort of the dear man and his wife ! Sunday 15. I preached to sotne souls within and round the house, with a mixture of rich and poor, tame and wild people, at mother Cowles's !— rl am amazed at the dear aged woman — the addi- tional labour to which she submits, although now between seventy and eighty years of age, and possessing such strong mental pow- ers ! — it is surprising. Monday 16. After a rainy morniog I rode to Paup's chapel, and had nearly a hundred people. I spent the evening with Mrs. J. Ellis, brother Paup, and brother Perry : — 1 was not so spiritual as I mi^t have been. ' Tuesday 17. Crossed Mattaponi at Frazie's ferry, and Pomonkey at Putney, and came to Colonel Cleaton's : the weather Was cold, and the wind and hunger were both pinching. We were kindly entertained at P. Daties's : Stephen, his brother, is dead, and hath left the chief of what he had to the church. He hath appoioted me his trustee to dispose of it, and J. Ellis his executor. I feel the burden of the connexion ; my only hope is, that the Lord of the harvest will send labourers into his vineyard, not mine. Thursday 19. i preached at Richmond ; and the next day came, oold and hungry, to my affectionate, kiod, adopted son, J. Harding's, In Petersburg. Here several of the preachers met me, to accom- pany me to the quarterly meeting in Brunswick. I received an original letter from Mr. L , not like what I wrote ; so 1 bid him farewell : 1 will not give him another opportunity to abuse me ; neither shall 1 lay to heart what he saith to afflict me. 1 at- tended the quarterly meeting at Meritt's chapel, and there was some move among the people. I rode to J. Paup's, and had some consultation about Ebenezer school. Monday 23. 1 preached at W ^s chapel, and in the evening, came, cold and hungry, to L. Holmes's, in Mecklenburg, Digitized by Google ^ tS9 BET. rRAVOIS ASBimr^B TCVKKUi. [179& Taesday 24. Oar emifereBce began at SaYem chapel; there were present about fifty members, and sixteen probationers—^ we bad close work ; and great harmony in sentiment. Saturday 28. Brothers A and C-— — preached ; and we had a warm, ]i?ing season. Sunday 29, was a great day. I preached on 1 Tim. iii. 15, 16. ; and there were ten elders and nine deacons ordained. This part of the connexion has regained its proper tone, after being kept ont of tone for fi?e years by an unhappy division. We were kindly en- tertained by our friends and brethren ; preachers and people were blest ; and we parted in peace. Monday 30. 1 had a few people, and several preachers at bro- ther Seward^s. The next ^y at Wolsey's barn, (now Drnmgold's chapel) I had a few people, they having had bat short notice : here religion appears to be in a low state : I spent the evening with brother E. D — >- ; hb house is not with the Lord, as he prayeth and longeth ; yet I trast God hath made an everlasting covenant with the father, well ordered and sare. Wednesday, December 2. I preached at my old friend W, Owen's, whom I first knew at Portsmooth ; we had a small honsei and a good meeting. In the evening I came to my aged friend Bf . M-— — 's; whom I have known these twenty years, although never at his boose before. North Carolina.— ^Monday 7. I preached at brother Clayton's, near Halifax ; and then hasted to brother Bradford's, where we had a small congregation the next day. Yesterday evening Wil- liam Glendenning stayed here : he talked very boldly to R. W-^— - ; alleging that he was free, &c. I expect he will go on without fear or wisdom, until many of the Methodnts will not receive him into their houses and hear the abuse of their ministers, people, and discipline. We crossed Tar-River and Town*Creek, and came to T. Shep- pard^s, where we had all things richly to enjoy. I had my trials, and my spirit was greatly afflicted and humbled : 1 was glad to get alone to pour out my soul unto God. Saturday 12. This bath been to me a day of trial and consola- tion. It is wonderful to see how the peopk in this country are hid by swamps and creeks. Sabbath day 13. We set out in the midst of the rain to Span's meeting-house ; I had ten hearers, to whom I preached on Luke xii. 32. We came to brother Span's, who has sold off his pro* Digitized by Google 17M.] ii£v. vjuvcia ASBvav's joornal. petty, and is aboot to moTe to the high lands of South CaroUiia : the reason he assigns is laudable ; and I think God will be with him. It raioed*powerfally in the night, which brought me under great exercise about getting along, having been so often stofiped bj, and dipped in the rivers and swamps. Monday 14. We crossed Nense-River at Whitefield's ferry, the river rising very &6t. We passed North-East and Goshen bridges, and Bear-Swamp ; all of which we crossed in safety, though not without fear : ray feet were wet, my body cold, and my stomach empty, having had no dinner. I (ouod a good fire, a warn bed, and a little medicine, each necessary in its place. No people mdEe you more welcon»e to their houses than these ; but is Christ welcome to their hearts 2 I am sensible of the want of more re- ligion among them. Friday 18. After ridiog about twenty miles, I preached at Fa* ther V— ^'s ; I felt strangely set at liberty, and was ttncommooLy happy. Here we left Goshen circuit, and Samson county. Saturday 19. We crossed the south branch of Black-River, and came to Elizabethtown, about fifty miles above Wilmington : we had a very cold day, and nothing to eat for thirty miles. Brothec H^Rea met us tiear the town and took us to his house ; and it was well he did, or we« might have been lest in the woodiu But the kindness of the peo[de in supplying our wants made up for our toil — ^Lord, comfort them who comfort us ! Here we had a quiet retreat, and spent the Sabbath in pablic and. private exercises. Monday 2h We set out by sunrise, and had to W(urk our way through the swamps, where I feared being plunged in headfore- most. I have lately been much tried several ways ; and mucl^ comforted. We came down Brunswick county. North Carolina, twenty miles to Norman's, within the line of South Carolina.. Cross where you will between the states, and it is a miserable pass for one hundred miles west. I was much led out on Rev. xxi. 6 — 8. This country abounds with bays, swamps, and drains ; if there were here no sinners, I would not go along these roads. I am in want of rest, and should be glad of better fare. O, for pa- tience, faith, courage, and every grace I Sometimes I feel a^ though I could rejoice to die and go home : but at other times the work of God is in my way, and sometimes my own unworthiness. _ SovTB Carolina. — ^Thursday 24* We came to Kingston, where I preached in an old Presbyterian meeting-house, now repaired for the use of the Methodists. I spent the evening with W. Rogers, formerly of Bristol, where our wants were richly supplied t thus, Digitized by Google S40 RSy. riliNCIS A9BURr's JOV&NAJU [^T96« sometimes we abound aod at other times suffer want ; and we fos^ balance the one with the other. Christmas-day 26. We set out at six o'clock for Georgetown, aQd came to Urania Ferry, which we crossed and came to Waca-; maw-River : we were detained at the two ferries about three hpurs« and rested one, and came to Georgetown about four o'clock in the, evening ; having rode thirty-seven miles without eating or drink* ing, except a low land hard apple, which I found in my pocket. The vanity of dancing in this place is in a good degree dope away, and they have no play-house, and the people are very attentive i I trust diat time and patience will bring all things about; that we shall not ride so many hundred miles in vain, and that so many prayers offered up, and tears shed for their welfare, will not be lost. After ten years' labour we have done but httle, but if we could station a preacher here, we might yet hope for success, t found brother Cannon had not laboured in vain ; he hath established class meetings among white and black; and the good would have been still greater had prayer meetings been properly kept up. We try to do good, but who among us try to do all the good they ca^ ? for myself, I leave no company without fears of not having dis;. charged my duty. Were it not for Jesus, who would be saved! When I have preached, I feel as tbongh I had need to do it over again; and it is the same with all my performances. Brother Blanton, my faithful friend,, wbo freely offered himself to .go to Sooth' Carolina, now my companion in travel, had not preached foz a month, so 1 thought it time for him to begin again, which hc^ did in the evening. I preached on Psalm xii. 1. and on4he Sabbath I preached on Dent. v. 12—14, In the afternoon the people were attentive and somewhat moved. I find the scene is chaii^d ia Georgetown ; we have a number of very modest, attentive hear^ ers, and a good work among the blacks. The Methodists b^giii to stand on even ground with their antagonists. . Monday 28. We directed ^ur course towards Charleston, and crossed Santee at Lanues's ferry, which fs the best I know on the river. In the evening we reached Mr. C 's : I felt for the man of the house, and was pleased in having the privilege of praying with them, and enjoyed great sweetness therein. Tuesday 29. We came to our dear brother Jackson's on Cain Hoy River : here we had the pleasure of hearing of some revival of religion among the children and domestics of the Methodists. . Wednesday 30. We reached Charleston, having made it fsibout seventy-four miles from Georgetown, along an excellent road. Digitized by Google 1796.] REV. FRANCIS ASBVRY '8 JOURKAl^ Ut Here sdre the rich, (he rice, and the slaves ; t^ last is awfal to me. Wealthy people settled oq the rice lands of Cooper-River liold fironft fifty to two hundred slavcis on a plantation in chains of bondage : yet God is able of these stones, yea, of these slave-hold- ers, to raise ap children unto Abraham. My son! felt joyfdl and solenui at the thoughts of a revival of religion in Charleston* I &id several young persons are brought into the fold of Christ* Thttrsday 31. Several of the preachers came into the city to conference. We had a meltiog time at the love^feast at tarotliet Wells's. Friday, Janaary 1, 1796. I gave them a sermon suited to the beginning of the year, and the sacred fire was felt. Saturday ?, we began our conference. Lord's day 3, was a day of extraordi- nary divine power, particularly at the sacramtent } white and black cried out and shouted the praises of God^ — yea, *• , ** Clap your hands, y-e people all,1 Praiae tfi« God on imhaai ye call.** Monday 4« We again entered on the business of confereBce ; prec^ent, about twenty members and seven graduates. Tuesday 5^ continued our business ; we have great peace and love — see eye t6 eye, and heart to heart. We have now a second and confirmed actiount that Cokesbury college is consumed to ashes, a sacrifice of £10,000 in about tea years! The foundation was laid in 1785, snd it was burnt December 7, 1795. Its enemies may rejoice, mi its firtends need not mourn. Would any maa give me £10,000 per year to do and suffer agaiA what 1 have done for that house, I would not do it. The Lojrd called not Mr. Wbitefield nor the Methodists to build colleges. I wished only for schools — Doctor Coke wanted a college. I feel distressed at the loss of the libr|ry. Thursday 7, we observed as a day of fitsting and httmiliation* to seek the blessiog of God on the conference. We began, continued, and parted in the greatest peace and union. We concluded tb send J, J and J. R — ^ — , alternately, as missioaaries to Savannaii and the ancient parts of Georgia. Friday 8, most of oor brethren took their leave of the city, and I had time for recollection. We have in some cases had to station one preacher where formerly there were two : i tru^t the cause to God, and he will support it for his own glory ; I must h>ok more to him and less to men, who- ther aged, middle-aged, youmg, married, or single, of great or small abilities. My mind is variously exercised about staying here : . Vox, 11. 31 Digitized by Google 2^ : REV. FRANCIS ASBURV'S JOVfOHtL. [I79§. I lament the partiality of the people for and against partkiiTait preachers. Sunday 10. I gave them a discourse on Hab. ii. 1, 2. " I wilt etandupon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he wrll say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables ^hat he may run that read^th it?' At noon bro^ ther Hill made an attempt to preach i& the street opposite St; Michael's church, but was prevented by the guard ; however, it* wrought right, for many were led to attend the church in the after- noon and evening meetings : there appears to be great moving one way or another. Monday 11. My soul is stayed upOD God, momently looking unto him. Ii^ reading Mr. Winterbotham, I compared the grekt talk about President Washington formerly, with what some say and write of him now : according to some he then did nothing wrong ; it is now said that he was always partial to aristocrats^ and eottfi^ nental officers : as to the latter, I ask. Who bought the liberty of the states T the continentaf officers : — and surely they should issap a little of the sweets of rest and peace : these were not chimney*^ corner whigs. But favours to many of the officers now would come too late — a great number of them are gone to eternity, their con- stitutions being broken with hard fkre and labour during the war. As to myself, the longer I live, and the more I investigate, the more I applaud the uniform conduct of President Washington in dl the important stations which he has filled. Sunday 17. My spirit felt awfal through the morning : I preach** ed to a fifU congregation, and had a solemn season; and- in the afternoon I preached on Luke viii. 10. Monday 18. I am sttH employed iir reading : I admire the sterling truth containedin Mr; Wesley's writings on divinity. Thursday 21. -Precious time — how it 'flies f I was greatly en* tertained and comforted in spirit in receiving from brother Sou- therland an account of the great, confirming blessing, he hath exp^^ rienced to his soul. Oh ! that we could receive such accounts frofft every ikmily ! I have written to several of my ancient friends in Philadelphia. I may say of letters as it was said of silver in the days of Solomon, *' I make no account of that :'^ 1 suppose I must write nearly a thousand in a year. Sunday morning 24. I was so poorly as to be hardly able to rise from my bed ; however, I made out to deliver two discourses m Digitized by CjOOQIC J i nd6b] ItEir. FRANCIS ASBUKY^S JOUBJIAL. 243 public to laif e congregations. Monday, I wrote, Tisited, and rode ; I read bat little. Oh ! time, precious time, how swiftly doth it fly! Wednesday 27. I have great reason to praise God that I am in » bouse* and not exposed to the dreadful rains and freshets that ^▼e taken place^ We learn by late accounts that corn, rice, cattle, bridges, and we know not what, are swept away and de* stroyed by the late uncommon rains. I feel myself humbled before God, under a sense of my not having been as faithful to him as I might have beet). 1 am rather too much delighted with reading en paper, what I have read with my eyes in my travels through the continent. Sunday SI. Was much taken up with the work of the Lord : I preached in the morning and afternoon. Monday, February 1. I have wrote in the most pointed manner to my dear brethren at Baltimore, to establish prayer meetings ia every part of the town* My mind is unhappy ; I wish to be jgone into the country to be about my Master's work. , We had a prayer meeting, but the spirit of prayer and suppli« cation did not appear to be among the people. I have peace with God ; but my soul is in continual heaviness for Zion. Wednesday 3. I had* near two hundred and fifty of the African society at the love-feast held for them in the evening. Oh, my God ! display Uiy power. 1 received good news from Jesse Lee concerning the prospect of religion in Boston, Providence, and the District of Maine — that the preachers, societies, and quarterly neetings are lively. My soul at times is in heaviness through manifold temptations. I felt an impression on my mind when at prayer that I felt too much, and might fret myself because of evil doers ; I resolve, through grace, to be inore resigned to the Lord, and less distressed, least I should lightly sin against God or myself in unnecessarily injuring my health. Friday 6, I spent in reading and writing, and observed it as a day of fasting and prayer. I felt myself under dejection of spirit Ah I what a dreary world is this — my mind is under solemn im- pressions — the result of my reflections on God and souls. I will endeavour not to distress myself above measure. If sinners are lost, 1 cannot save them, neither shall I be damned for them. . I was happy last evening with the poor slaves in brother Wells's kitchen, whilst our white brother held a sacramental love-feast in the Ifront parlour up stairs. I must be poor : this is the will of Goal concerning me. \ Digitized by Google ^" \ S4i JbaiTp F£i^;ci9 a8Buily'*8 jovBnJLt. {17dCL Tht AJteihodists haye dow about ninety thousand memben of society in Europe, about serenty thousand in America and thft Islands, and about four hundred in Africa. Sunday 7. We had an awful, sekmn season, while I diseoaneii on the two thie?es that su&red with our Lord, and still more so in the afternoon on our Lord^s comment on the ^ith command* ment : it was dreadfully loud and alarming. I believe thi^ believers, seekers, and sinners felt the word, and I was pleased to hear that some were stricken with the power of God. I feel very weak in body, and find that i^e makes an alteratiAn* But my soul is truly happy in the Lord, and his work i» reviving amongst us. . Sunday 14. I began the solemnity of the jdaj by opening and applying our Lord's comment on the seventh commandment, whieb is designed to condeom the adultery of the. heart. It appears to have been the will of our Lord not to give liberty for a second marnage while a fofiner husband or wife' is living. St. Paul nv- doubtedly understood it so, even when heathen husbands left their wives, or wives left their husbands* . >< Wednesday 19. The city now appears to be running mad Ibr races, plays, and balls, i am afraid of being out of my duty in staying here too long : my soul is among the lions ; yet Christ is mine, and I trust my supreme deftire is, ^* Holiness to the Lord**' My soul longeth to be gone like a bird fr JOYlllNAtf |179Sf Lot in Sodom. It is all right that I shoQl4 come to^see tbeee Kged people, and preach to the youog ones. I am weary, biit I wUl to* ▼el on : I only want more of the spirit of faith amd prayer. I fisel very sensibly for my dear Charleston people ; I doubt no^ Iwt tbey think of and pity me» My feet have been wet every dayri for four days successively ; but the kindness o£ the people help-- eth me ^atly over these troubles. Wednesday 9. Rode twenty-five miles to Chester's. Here! learned Edisto was impassable. If we had not hasted along as we did, we should not have passed it in proper time, and I should have been prevented from visiting Georgia this year also. There are so many water courses, and so few ferry's, that going through tbifl country in any certain time is like a lottery. Thursday 10. We sent notice through the neighbourhood, ta collect a congregation ; so I had the privilege of preaching to^ a people I had not addressed for six years. Oh ! my soul, how dost thou travadl for souls night and day 1 GfiORGU. — I crossed W 's ferry ; the point on the south Side is washed like a beach, and the house swept away by the ktai freshets; I saw how the flood bad ploughed up the street of Augusta : I walked over, the ruins for nearly two miles, viewing the deep gulfs in the main street. 1 suppose they would cruciQr me if 1 were to tell tbem it is the African flood ;^ but if they could hear me think, they would discover this to be my sentiment. I was honoured with the church to preach in ; where I had about four hundred respectable hearers. I have delivered my owe soul— 'it may be once for all. I have rode about one hundred and liinety miles from Charleston into Geoigia ; I have attended foust meetings ; and have not had, in all, above six hundred hearers.. Wednesday 16. I rode fifteen miles to Whiteoak; J was sick; the house was very open, and the wind blew powerfully. Dying!^ — dead !— unpleasing appearances ! We swam our horses adross; Little-River, and had to ride fifteen miles after preaching to get our dinners. Friday 18. I was very much outdone before I reached Comb'f meeting-house, which was very open. I was very warm in preach*, ing. 1 rode to G 's in the evening, making it nearly twenty miles : when I came there I was so indisposed, that I was glad tfjt go to bed. Next morning I felt better, and rode to the school afc Coke's chapel ; where, after preaching,^! partially examined tfae ^cbolars^ Digitized by Google 3'1^.} RBV, raANCIS ASBtJliT's JOfTRHAi. £47 Thursday S4. I bad a few wealthy, aod, I fear, wicked people ^ af Fope'd chapel ; I preached on our Lord's weeping over Jerusa- lem. We had deep wading across Long-Creek, add made it nearly twenty miles to — , very kind« but no religion here. Since I have been in Georgia, I have had H blessed time of consolation in my own soul. I must needs go through Petersbui^. I had to ride to CurUail-River, and thence to the head of Reedy-Rtver^ twentyeight or thirty miles. We got no food for man nor horse until we came to D 's; I preached to his father twenty-two years ago. SotTTH Carolina. — Tuesday 29. I held forth about an hour and ai half on Acts iii. 26. We set x>ut again about two o'clock j and had to ride, for our dinner oidi^ tweniy miles. We crossed Muddy, and Lick Creeks, Little and Great Bush^-River. These afford bodies of excellent land. Wednesday 30. We had a meeting of the trustees of Bethel school, and it was agreed it should be a free school; and th^ only the Ei^lish tongue and the sciences shoald be taught. I drew up iartiddress on behalf of the school in order to raise three hundred dollars per annum, to support a president teacher. I idined.with UQr unshaken friend, W^ P. an Israelite indeed. He hath all things richly to enjoy, and a good conscience also. He was formerly a travelling preacher amongst us, and laboured for and with us nearly as long as he was able. The weather is as warm here as in th6 month of June to the north. I was so weary with riding that i could not sleep. Sunday, April 3. A multitude of sinners came together at W.' S ^'s. I feel myself still faint and feebte, and would not live always. Monday 4. I crossed Fair-Forest, and came to J*. G.'s, where I had to stop and rest. Since I came into South Carolina, I have rode throngh Newbury, Spartansburgh, Union, and Lawrence coun- ties. There is a general complaint of the want of com in these parts ; and no wonder, when we consider the great storm which they have had, and th^ number of stills in the country : the people here drink their bread as well as eat it I am so very poorly in body that close study injures me. I crossed Lawson-Fork at the high shoals, a little below the Beauty-Spot. I could not but admire the curiosity of the people-^my wig was as great a subject of spe- culation as some wonderful animal from Africa or India would have been, i had about one hundred people at the meeting-house, some came to look at, and others to hear me. We must needs go Digitized by Google off wUbpai any ^ner* intending t0 tide nearly forty aiiteir 16 filter jtfpore's, in Rutherfor^l couaty, (N« C.) . Ail^r brother S^ and myaelf bad preached, we passed the Cow-Peat, where Moqeaa andTarltOD had their fray. We made it B«avly tweaty^five ooiles to Ihe Upper Mand ford, on the motn Brdad^Rirer; and alM tcaf^lling until seren o'clock at nigbt were glad to stop at brotfaef S ■ *8, ten miles short of the place we intended to teacb when we set out. ^■ NouH CAnouvJL-*^Wednesdi^ 6. •. We eame to Moore's t- 1 tras at a loss how to address myself to these people— it may be for Aei last time ; it was laid on my heart td speak from trar Lord^ lamien* tation over Jemsalem* I felt awful among them. Saturday. 9. We .came to CaQe*Creek, in ' Burke cooBtf. We dined on some peach-pte in the. woods. In the afternoon theri arose a most dreadfol storm of rain, with thundetr and lightning i it was very awful ; -we cHed to God for m^tt and beast, and were preserved. We came in about seten o^ctbck> and weris^ receired by T^ B. Iritb gceat UndnesA. Monday U. We crossed Lovekdy's ferry and came to Cat* nelFs^ where I met with several preachers* After preaching, I Wt^ fotag to administer the sacrament, and diseovered that what they bad provided for wibe was in reality brtody ; so 1 desikled. I|ere Lmet Doctor B-r, — ^11, who is still praying and waiting for' the consolation of Israel. I rode a mouhtainous path six miles tiir fttbet W*— **-'d, where, we dined. Ah ! what a rouud of continual running is my life. Of late, feeble as I am, I cannot help thinking of Gumberiandi^ in Tennessee ; and trying to go^ there : if I must go torKeatueky, I think it is time to go to Cumberland also. Thursday 14. We took our departure from Johns-River^ itjy thf .'branches of Catabaw r on our way we diet with a half ^iotid liviog crealnres, like men and women, who seemed quite pleased with their mountain wedding ; they were under the whip, iridiag two.and two as if they would break their necks ; one had'a white cl^ like a flag, and the other a silk handkerchief; when they had spent their fire, they called at a still- bouse to prime again* I ascended about one rintle up a mountain, and came to M. Da^ veopori'a : here 1 felt deep dejection of mind as well as gi%al wesAaiesa rof body, and as tf I could lie down and die ; bwing, hi some measdres^ 1 presume, to the great fatigue 1 onderwent itt ascending the mountain, which was very steep. Salorday 16.* We set off at six o'clock, and directed oUr coarse up ToW'River ;. thence up the Rocky-Creek through the g^ of Digitized by Google r 119^} REV. 9tMiCiS ASVPHy'S JOVMlAt. 249 4i« YdQow.Moalitaiii) to the hbad waters of Toe-River ; we had t^ ride (Hi eigiit o'clock at night. My mind is still under deep depvcoiioB. TiurvKss8E>->^iiiida7 17. I preftched at Dawe's to ahoot two iHlodped (leOpie ; and then ioct the society, and had a melting sea^ #on. The milk aiid water of thts country are both as physic to me-^ I am afraid that sueh shocks as tli^sO) will, some time oi irtber, overset me. Monday 16. I rested at B-— ^'s; my body'' very feeble, and mind under etceeding d<^ecttoa, with imaginary and real evils. Tuesday evening, the preachers came in from Keatncky and Camberland. > Wednesday 20. Car conference began in great peace, and thus it ended. We had only one preacher for each circuit in Kentncky ; and one for Green drcuii in Tennessee. Myself being weak, and my horse still weaker, 1 jndged it impracticable to attempt going tbrodgh the wilderness to Kentucky ; and have concleded to visit Nolachncky. I wrote an apology te the brethren in Kentucky fofi my not eoming, and informed them of the cause. Monday 25. On the banks of Nolachucky I parted with our dear sulfering brethren, going through the howling wilderness. I feel happy in God* Sinners appear to be hardened, and professor cold ; the preachers, although young men, appear to be solemn and devoted to God, and doubtless are men who may be depended upoti. ■ North Carolina. — I cMne to C--^ — '«, where I saw a Baptist minister, who had moved from Georgia to Kentucky ; he appeared desirous of returning again. I was told he expressed his fears, that the i^inisters in Kentucky wiU be a cone to each other, and the people too : good religion and such good land, are not so easily matched together. We came to D-*— 's, and had a full meeting. Brother Hill and his aids had a great time on the Sabbath ; and 1 trust the time to &vour this people is come. Sunday, May 1. We came to AcuflTs chapel. I found the family sorrowful and weeping on account of the death of Francis AcuflT, who from a fiddler became a Christian ; from a Christian, a preacher; and from a preacher, I trust, a glorified saint t he died in the work of the Lord in Kentucky. I found myself assisted in preaching on Ephes. ii. 1 , 2. The bouse was crowded, and I trust they did not come together in vain. I was somewhat alarmed at the sudden death of Reuben Ellis, who bath been in the ministry upwards of twenty years j a faithful man of God, of slow, but very solid parts ; Vpi. IT. 32 Digitized by Google 2f60 Riir. FRANCIS asbvry's journal. [t7&0v be was an excellent counsellor, and steady yoke-i^Iow in Jesmi. My mind is variously exercised as to future events-^wbelber it » my doty to continue to bear the burden I now bear, or whether i bad not better retire to some other land. I am not without feaniy that a door will be opened to honour, ease, or interest ; and then ferewell to religion in the American Methodist connexion ; but death may soon end all these thoughts, and quiet all these fears. Virginia. — Thursday 6. I came to 's ; thence to the on* meaning meeting-house, and found a wild, wicked people, to whom I preached on Gen. xix. 18. An appointment had been made for me to preach in Abingdon. As 1 expected there would be no op- portunity, Bii the court was then sitting,* 1 concluded to go off to Clinch, but was informed there would be (by the will of the judges) an adjournment of the court for my preaching : I there^ fore went and preached at three o'clock, and had the judges, some of the lawyers, and very few of the citizens to hear me. As sen-* tence was passed on a poor criminal this day, and two more were burnt in the hand, 1 judged I ought to meet the solemnities of the day, and spoke on <* Knowing therefore the terrors of the Lord; me persuade men ;" but was shut up in my own mind. Saturday 7. 1 escaped from Abingdon as out of a prison, and rodto to Clinch. 1 passed by Mr Cummings^s — he hath not laboured^ for nought ; few men have a better house or plantation : but hii plea is, ** He put his life in his hand :" and so have I, every time I have crossed the wilderness and mountains. I expect a crown for my .^rvices : were I to charge the people on the western wa* ters for my services, I should take their roads, rocks and moun- tains into the account, and rate my labours at a very high price. We crossed North-Holstein, and came to D 's, sixteen miles } where we had a congregation of about two hundred people. Tennessee. — Saturday 14. We passed Russell court-house, ami intended to go to B 's, but were met by a most violent storm of rain, thunder, and lightning. We had a most dreadful crack ; the Gre nnd scent were like the discharge of a great gun ; I was much alarmed for nearly a mile with expectation or fear of what would overtake us. We found shelter from part of the storm in a poor cabin, where some people had stopped on their way to Cumberland. Cold, la* boor, and being in the rain, causes me to feel very unwell. Sunday 8. In the morning I awoke very unwell ; I took a few drops of camphorated spirits, Bateman's Drops, and paregoric, and found some ease,.although my headach and fever still coQtino^d. I made out to preach to about two hundred people. Digitized by Google .^_ 1 I^IM.] AEV. FRANCIS ASBURT^ JOURNAL. 251 Mooday 9. I hobbled over the ridge, through the capital part of Russell coantj» sixteeo miles to 6 's : these people have lived in peace ever since the death of Beo, the half-blooded Indian war- rior, who was shot through the head while carrying off two women. He was a dreadful wicked wretch, who by report may have been the agent of death to nearly one hnndred people in the wilderness, and on Russell. Here I preached to a few insensible people ; and had time to read^ >vrite, and sleep in quiet. Yesterday our pray- ers were requested on behalf of F. D . This day in the eve- sing brother K was called upon to perform her funeral so- lemnities. Perhaps she has been as great % female sufferer as I have heard qL. The followii^ account, in substance, was taken from her own mouth, some time ago, by J. Kobler, who performed faer funeral rites, H^ maiden name was Dickenson. She was married to a Mr Scott, and lived in Powell's Vallej : at which time the Indians were very troublesome, often killing and plundering the inhabitants. On a certain evening, her husband and children being in bed, eight or aiae Indians rushed into the house ; her husband being alarmed, started up, when all that had guns, fired at him. Although he was badly wounded, he broke through them all, and got out of the house : several of them closely pursued him, and put an end to bis life : (bey then murdered and scalped all her children before her eyes, plundered her house, and took her prisoner. The remainder of the night they spent around a fire in the woods, drinking, shouting, and dancing. The next day they divided the plunder, with great equality ; amongst the rest of the goods was one of Mr. Wesley's hymn-books ; she asked them for it, and they gave it to her, but when they saw her often reading therein, they were displeased, called her a conjurer, and took it from her. After this they tra- lelled several day's journey towards the Indian towns ; but, said the, my grief was so great I could hardly believe my situation was a reality, but thought I dreamed. To aggravate my grief, one of the Indians hung my husband's and my children's scalps to his back, and would walk the next before me. In walking up and down the hills and mountains, I was worn out with fatigqe and sorrow, they would often laugh when they saw me almost spent, and mimic my panting for breath. There was one Indian who was more humane than the rest ; lie would get me water, and make the others stop when I wanted to rest : thus they carried me on eleven days' jaurney, until they were all greatly distressed with hunger: they Digitized by Google 3BS KXT« FfiARClS asb^ry's a^VEVAfU [ITUL' tkea oamiiiitt«d me lo the care of an old indiaii at the.oaup^ wUe . they went off a hviBtiiig. Wbilst the old man was busil}' employed in dnaungade^^ilBBi- I walked backward and forward throi^ the woods* until I •lr«' served be took no notice of me 4 I tben slipped el^ and nan' a cett»- siderable distance and came to a cane-brake* where I. bid ayaelf ▼ery: securely. Tbrou^ most of the night I heard tbe^ indioMr searching for me, and answering each other with a voice Mkej thai of an owl. Thus was I left alone in the savage w3denus% hm from any inhabitants, without a morsel of food, er any fnead .tm help, but the common Saviour and friend of all : to Him I fonmA out my cemplaiDt in fervent prayer that he would not fovsake me in this distressiDg circumstance. 1 then set out the course the^ir thought Kentucky lay, though with very little exp^otatien of see»# ing a human face agam, except that of the savages ;. whom I leeked upon as so many fiends firdm the bottomless pit ; and my greateat dread was that of meeting some «f them wfaiM wandering. in. tiaa Wilderness. One day as I was travelliag, I heard a loud human voice, Bwkm prodigious- noise, like horses runnii^; I raft into a 4afe phuaa' shII hid myself ; and saw a company of Indians pass by, furiously ddi(» ving a gac^ of horses which they had stolen from the white ptf»^ pie. I had nothing to subsist upon but roots, young grape-viaesv' and sweet*cane, and such like produce of the woods. . I aceiden^ tally came where a beer was eating a deer, and drew near in.hope» ei getting some, but he grdwled and looked angry ; so I left hioi^ and quickly passed on. At night when I lay down to rest^ I never slept, but I dreamed of eating. In my lonesome travels, I came to a very large shelving roc^, under wiMch was a fine bed of leaves ; i erept in among them, and determined there to end my days of *8or<^ TOW. 1 lay there several hours until my bones ached in so dis* tressiog a manner that I was obl^d to stir out again. I then thought of^ an4 wished hr home ; and travelled on several days^ till I came where Cumberland-River breaks through the mountain. I went down the cliffs^ a coosiderable distance, until I was af- frighted, and made an attempt to go back, but found the ^place down which 1 had gone was so steep ths^ I could not return. I then saw but one way that I could go, which was a consideraUe perpendicular distance down to the bank of the River. I took bold of the top of a little bash, and for half an hour prayed fervently to God tor assistance ; 1 then let myself down by the little bash Digitized by Google 1 ftt.] JUBTa VftAjrciS A9R1IST'b JOUBRASi^ ^&9 VBtil li hcofce» aad I went itith great violence down to the botteoi* Tbtf was early in tbe morning, and I laj there a considerable time WiHi a deteriMna^n to go no further. Aboot ten o^cloick I grew •a tUrify, thai i eondaded to crawl to the >water and drink, after wMeh I found L conid walk. The plaet I came tkr^ivghy a$ I hmm h^m^ siac^ in/Qrmed, h onfy two miUs^ and I vasfomr daigt in getting tkt(H^ ii. I travelled on until t cme to a httle path, one end oC wrUeb led to the inhabitants, and the other to the witdemefU ; I knew not which end e# tbe path to take-^aAer standing and prayye seventy years of age, who have lived together fok-ty-eight yesrs* : Tuesday 19. We rode forty miles to Lewistown ; we stopped to dine near H-:-*— 's grand mill seat. My spirits of late keep up greatly, not being subject to depression as heretofore. It cleared away about noon,, and gave tis the opportunity of riding two mile^s . «lit.of Lewistown, after preaching to the brethren and the Afri- cans. I dined with Mr. Shanklin, whose house was the first that was opened to me in this place. Wd then urged our way up the cofurty, and. escaped the rain until we came within two miles of Mifferd ; it then poured down very heavily, and we came in drip- piag aibout eight o'clock. -I Friday S2. We had a living love-feast: many opened their mouths, but spoke too much of what ivas past. We had an ex- cseding gi^eat company, to whom I preached on^ Isai. Ixii. 12. The two fiillowiog daysj Saturday add Sunday, I attended Dover quar- terly meeting ; where l suppose we had nearly two thousand peo- |de. It was a living, open season : there was great sweetness and love among the brethren. Monday 25. About thirty- five minutes before I began meeting, I received the last loving request of our dear bi^other William ^sop, which was to preach his funeral sermon : I had my difficul- ties in speaking, and the people in hearing of a man so well known Snd so much beloved : he was always solemn ; and few such holy, steady men have been found amongst us. I stopped at Middletowu, Wilmington, and Chester, in my way to Philadelphia. ^ Penk8yj:.va!»ia.— Thursday 28. I preached on Psalml xxiii. 24. I have thought that we should preach as if we expected no help from the people ; yea, as if we believed that enemies of God and us were in the congregation, i began meetmg classes in the city. 1 had some pleasure in receiving news of a revival of religion in the south ; likewise from the eastern states. But there are great failures among the preachers on account of health, &c. preventing their travelling and standing to the work. Brother Blanton has . Vol. H. 33 Digitized by Google iSB KRr. FRAircis asbuet^s jovIutil. [i79CL gi?en me ao account of the late fire in CharteatoB, and aajv fhat about fire handred houses are destroyed. Saturday 30. I began reading Mr. Fletcher's Portrait of St Paid : (he notes are significant, and show what a minister of the Gospel ought to be, and what he may be through grace. Sunday 31. I had some life and more Hberty at Ebeneser in the morning at fire o'clock : I must needs attend the second Afncaa church ; and at half past seven o'clock, in the great unwieldy hoii8« and congregation in Fourth-street, I preached on John i. 17. Monday, August 1. I drew the outlines of a subscription, thaA may form part of a constitution of a general fund, for the sole pur- pose of supporting the travelling ministry ; to have respect. First, To the single men that suffer and are in want. Secondly, To the married travelling preachers. Thirdly, To the worn-out preachers. ^ Fourthly, The widows and orphans of those who have lived and died in the work. — And Fifthly, To enable the yearly conference to employ more mar- ried men ; and finally, to supply the wants of all the travettiiis preachers, under certain regulations, and restrictions, as the state of the fund will admit. Thursday 4. I was called upon by the African society in CmaHf pington to open their new house, which I did on R!- tion, I hasted with it from house to house. After dinner we came to Germantown, where 1 preached in the academy at six o'clock to a large congregation of women. I lodged once more at thte house of mother Steele and her daughter Lusby ; having had an ac* quaintanee of twenty-two years. New-Jersey. — Sunday 7. It being rainy in the n^orning, my con- gregation was not very large at Trenton. I preached on Isaiah hii. 10. 1. The charge to the ministry to go through the gates as ministers and Christians. 2. Prepare the way—removing all the difficulties. 3. Cast op the highway — repentance, regeneration, and sanctification. 4. Gather out the stones — wicked ministers and people. 5. Set up the standard — i. e. form the Christian church ; give the standard of Christian doctrine and experience. In the afternoon I preached on Hebr. x. 38. It is a dry time, and we cannot get along : I was sorry I did not preach in the street. Digitized by Google 27DII&] iiEy. :f»4Kcis asbvrt's journal. Si»9 ^ Moodaj d« We directed ^Hir course through the Jerseys towards N«w-Yo]4( ; passing through Penay-Town, aud along an agreeable^ iveU-imprered part of the country. Tuesday 9. We made our way tifrenty-five miles to brother M^Collough's, near Schooley's Mountain — properly a remnant of tbe Blue Ridge. After a good meeting at brother M^C.'s» we went to lay the foundation of a new meeting-house : we sung part of Dr. Watts^s hymn on the corner-stone^ and prayed : I then bad |o lend a hand to lay the mighty corner-stone of the house : we then Aung and prayed, and retired to brother Budd's, an Israelite indeed ; my never-failing friend in time, and I hope, will be to all eternity. Wednesday 10. I thought it good not to be idle^ so I went to Hackets-Town, and prea^h^d oa ** The promise is to you, and to your children," &c. we had few people, but a feeling, serious time. Thence we rode to Dover, where we had many people at a short warning: I admired the solemnity of the women; the men ap- peared to be outdone with the heat and labours of the day. Friday 12. We rode twenty miles to brother Dickinson's : he is MJT an official character among us, and can remember, when he WHS a chUd, how godly men came to the house of his father, preaching, praying, and talking about religion, as was the case at Biy Other's house when I was a child. Saturday 13. I rode to £lizabethtown, where I preached : the Aext day! met the elasses. Having heard many things of Mn. Austin, many of which were very wild, I went ai|d beard for my- self: he explained the 22d chapter of the Revelatidn of Jesus Christ to St John, and applied it to the Millennium and reign of Christ upon earth : his foretelling tbe time and place of the coming and kingdom of Christ; General Washington being Zerubba- bel, and himself Joshua the high priest, and the ploughing up ef a certain field — all this appeared to me like wildness of the brain. Monday 15. We rode to New- York : whilst crossing the ferry eome foolish, wicked people uttered so many damns that I was a little afraid the Lord would sink the boat : I asked a man if he bad any chalk to lend me that I might mark down the curses tbe company gave us on our passagi^ of thirty or forty minutes. I was taken up in meeting classes and visiting from house to house a good deal of my time in the day, and 1 frequently preached at xiight. I read Watson's Apology for the Bible. Sunday SI. I went over to Brooklyn, where we have a small society : I had very few hearers^ except those who came from the Digitized by Google £60 b:EV« FaANClS ASBtRV^S JOimiU£. [17^ city. I admioistered the sacrament, and we bad some life. We then returaed to the city, where I preached in the afteniooir to abont one thousand six-hnndred people, some of whom wene wicked and wild enough. The preachers had pity upon me, and desired n>e to preach only twice this Sabbath. In my own sotil.I feel happy, but on account of the church of God, and poorsion^nC awful. It appears as necessary to preach conviction and converr sioo among our own, as among other congr^;ations. Oh ! when will the Lord appear as in ancient times ! ' ^ Monday 2S. I met three living classes ; several among whom professed perfect love. The weather is excessively warm and dry : people are sickly, and dying, especially children ; 1 find soy body very weak : preaching at night, a4ded to the moschetoea, causes me to sleep very little. Wednesday 24. We have still very great heat : it appears to^ne to be unkealihy, judgment weather : I feel almost spent. I genend^ walk three or four miles a day, pray ten or twelve times, in the congregation, families, and classes ; my sleep is-interrupted with pain and heat. Thursday 25. I was iboch fatigued in meeting classes aad visits iog from house to house ; but the Lord waspresent to bless, which gave me consolation. In the evening we had a fall house ; I. was uncommonly assisted in preaching; and there was much weep^ ing in the congregation. It is impossible to pTeach to these peo* pie till you are well acquainted with them ; but here I havenocon« tinoiog city : next week I go hence. Sunday 28. I preached in the morning at the old church ; in thife afternoon at the new church, on Hebr. ii. 3. and in the evening at the old church again on Rev. iii. 2, 3^ besides meeting six classes in the course of the day ; in general I have had no extraordinary assistance in preaching of late. Brother L preached twicein the north end of Broadway ; the congregation appeared serious and attentive. Notwithstanding the labours of the day were con* siderable, I was not much wearied. In meeting the society, I ob« served to them, that they knew but little of my life and labours, unless in the pulpit, family, or class meetings, that they were tmao- quainted with my labours even in that city, much less caaM they tell where I had been, and what 1 had been doing for one year* Tuesday 30. I delivered my concluding discourse on IsaUhlvii. 18.; 1. The penitent backslider; 2. The Lord hath seen his ways; 3. Healing him ; 4. Leading him ; 5. Restoring comforts to htm : we had some serious, feeling souls at our meeting. Digitized by Google J79B.] HEY. rBAKas asbvry's jovrkal. S6i Wednesday SI. I had a meetisg with the leadetft in close confe- 'rence, and found it necessary to explain some parts of our discipline to ihem, particnlarly that of the right of preachers expelling raetn* bers, when tried before the society or a *^ select number," and found gnihy of a breach of the law of God, and our rales ; and Ibat if an appeal were made, it should be brought before the quar- terly meeting conference, composed of travelling and local preach* ers, leaders, and stewards, and finally be determined by a majority of votes. I found it also needfbl to observe there was such a thing as heresy in the church ; and I know not what it is if it be not to deny the Lord that bought them ; and the eternity of the punish* ment of the the foundatibn of the college ; we were crowded, and I was elabo* rate on Romans i. 16 — 18. Friday 9.^ We rode solitarily on the sand to Middletown. We dined with Captain Hall, who received us kindly, and entertained us comfortably. Saturday 10, and Sunday 11. We had many brethren and sisters from distant towns, at the quarterly meeting : here I preached on 1 Peter iv. 12 — 15. and on Isaiah Ixii. 12. ; and was much at liberty, and a little comforted at the love-feast and sacrament Walking backward and forward tended to fatigue my body as weV as speaking. As I thought, so it is, the preachers have been very acceptable to the people this year. Monday 12. I came to Old-Haddam. Here they have built a new meeting*house^ and there are some gtacious souls here. I sen- Digitized by Google ITMl] K&v^. rftANCis asbcry's jouakal* 2G3 •ibij felt the effects of heat and the labours of the day« We made it fifteen miles to fath^ Wilcox's. I conclude, that since I have left New- York I have: rode about one hundred and fortjr milefl* and a great part of the way is rough and rocky ; my body is full of infirmities, and my soul of the love of God. I think that God B returning to this place ; and that great days will yet come on in New-England. Wednesday 14. Was an eieeedingly warm day. The Episcopal house here is grand indeed. We passed Hadlime, thence to Mill* ingtr the cause of Christ, happy are ye, for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you ; on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." The persons under sufferings — those who were the friends to, and followers of Jesus — partakers of the spirit of God, as a spirit of glory teaching them t6 believe, to love,- and suffer, and give glory to God and Christ. Sunday 18. We held our feast of charity at eight o'clock : it was a sweet, refreshing season ; several talked veiy feelingly^ among whom were some aged people ; many praised God for the instrumentality of the Methodists in their salvation. My spirit felt awful this morning ; and my body unwell ; however, at the time appointed I began preaching on Romans viit. 6 — 8. A Uni- vessadist had his book and pen, or pencil, I suppose, ready to take down my discourse ; I said *' Stop, let that gentleman write ;" but it appeared as though his fingers or heart failed him : brother P g had preached a sermon in that house, which bad been printed and traduced. Serious impressions appeared to be made on the minds of some of the eudience. After spending about four Digitized by Google 264 aEV«' FlUMCIS ASttUHY 'S JOVRUAL* [ 1 796i boars in the eoDgregation, (inclodiog sacrameDt and loye*fe«8t) I passed the afleraoon id retirement at my lodgings, being tinwelK Xiiis day I was led out greatly fqr New-England ; I believe God will work among tbis people ; perhaps they have not had sueh a time here for many years : the power of God was present ; some, felt as at heaven's gate-<-two or three aged women spoke as on the borders of eternity, and within sight of glory. Cold as the eve-: ning was, I was under the disagreeable necessity of riding ten "Sjiiles ; I crossed the Illymantink at Loyid's bridge, and came in late to^ brother Faller's. I was pleased to hear an aged mother^ (formerly a Separatist) tell thie dealings of God with her before her daughter (now brother Fuller's wife) was born. Monday 19. We rode through Windham, Scotland, and Abingdon^ After dining td Captain P 's, we rode on to Thompson ; a few of the preachers were present, and we were able to form a confe* rence. We talked together, and rejoiced in the Lord. That evening and the; neit morning, Tuesday 20 and Wednesday. 21, wC were closely employed ; we had about thirty preachers, some of whom were from the Province of Maioe, three hundred miles ^dsur tant, who gave us a pleasing relation of the work of God in those parts. I delivered a discourse on Acts xxvi. 18, 19. and we or- dained seven deacons and five elders. About four o'clock I took my leave of town, and stopped at Eastford, and saw father , a solemn saint — lamenting the decline of religion among the Baptists. Thursday 22. We rode thirty-five miles to East- Hartford, where I gave a discourse to a few on Zeph. iii. 12, 13. Fridaj 23, we rode to Waterbury, where I preached in the Separate meeting'.house at four o'clock. Had we not have fallen in with Mr. B. we might have missed our way and not have reached the place till sunset. - Saturday 24. We passed along an exceedingly uneven and rocky road through Salem and Oxford ; the appointment was not made in the latter place, so we dined on what came to hand. Came on to New-Stratford, and thence to the widow B 's in North Strat- ford. 1 have been under great heaviness, and was unwell in body. We have rode upwards of one hundred miles in the last three days ; but still I must go on ; there is no rest. I attended at Chesnut-Hill, and preached on 1 Thess. i. 5. : a flatness among these people was very visible. This was the first house that was built for the Methodists in Connecticut, and it is not finished yet. Monday 26. We rode along to Fairfield, Norwalk, and arrived at Stamford, about twenty-eight or thirty miles. On our way we Digitized by Google ItiSU*.] fteV, FltAIIiird JLtBtAY's J^WRHAt. ^5 dtopp^il fb feed our hotisea, asd fofiind a vry the late storm. 1 pushed along, weary and unwell, to brother Hutchinson's ; and next day, faint, though cheerful, we reached Burlington. Thursday 6. We reacjied Philadelphia about noon ;. my mind is io peace, but my body and spirits fail. Here 1 ndet my old friend Andrews, from Hartford, in England, after twenty-six years!. absence. Friday I rested a little, and arranged the minutes fop the present year. PfiNif SYLTAVIA.^-Saturday 8. Was spent in preparing for t^iei ensuing conference. Sunday 9. At Zoar chapel, the church of the second Africaa society, in Camping-Town, 1 enlarged on '* Ye wese as sheep goii^ astray, but are now returned to the shepherd and bishop of yoac souls." In the afternoon, at Ebenezer, my subject was Psalm Ixzxi. 11 — 16. In the evening in Saint George's my discoune was like ^ storm from Mark xvi. 19, 20. 1 observed that Jesus sent out his disciples ; when he went to rest* they went to labour. The signs of their mission were miracles, and the signs that followed their ministry, convictions and conversions ;•— the hinderanqes they bad to expect, and the qualifications granted them every where ; and his not leaving them without %vitnesses. Monday 10. We opened a conference of between, forty and fifty preachers ; we had great love and great riches also : never before have w^ been able to pay the preachers their salaries ; at this con* ference we have done it, and had two hundred dollars left for debts and difficulties the preachers had been involved in. I was pleased to hear such wholesome talk by our plain countrymen. I sat with great pleasure and heard 6, R-— ^- on *^ We beseech you that ye receive not the grace of God in vain;" as abo I. W oa '< Feeding the flock of God ;" and J. P on ^< The fountaioi opened for sin and for uncleanness." Digitized by Google 1796.] liBX. FRAIfCIS A$StrlLY'S JOtmiTAt. S@7 Friday 14, we set apart as' a day of fasting and hamiliatioiD, and fer ordination. I was pleased to dismiss the conference from their confinement in business, and gave a discourse on ^< Humble your- selves under the mighty hand of God.*' I now felt willing to rest both mind and body. We heard by the newspapers of the arrival ef Doctor Coke in the United States. Saturday 15. We dined at Chester with my dear old friend M. Withy, and came in the evening to Wilmington. Delaware. — Sabbath day 16. The mohiing was rainy, but we had a lew serious people to whom I preached on Rev. ii. 1 — 7. My soul enjoys sweet peace. Being in haste to get to Baltimore, we rode on the Sabbath afternoon to my old friend S. Heansey's ; of this I am not fond, and where necessity does not compel me, rarely do it. 1 turned out of the way on Monday to preach at Bethel, in the place of Doctor Coke ; my subject was, '* Let us labour to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same ez> ample of unbelief." It was a happy season. In the course of the ^ay I rode thirty-five miles and lodged at North-East. Tuesday 18. We rode to Perry-Hall, and were entertained with the greatest Ictndntss. MARTLANi>.*-Wedne8day 19. We came to Baltimore, where about a hundred preachers were met for general conference. They agreed to a committee, and then complained ; upon which vre dissolved ourselves. I preached on ** The men of Issacfaar that knew what Israel ought to do ;'^ and again, on *' Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to ^e flock :" there were souls awakened and converted. No angry passion^ were felt amongst the preachers ; we had a great deal of good and judicious talk. The conference rose on Thursday, the Sd of No- vember : what we have done is printed. Bishop Coke was cor- dially received, as my friend and colleague, to be wholly for Ame- rica ; unless a way should be opened to France. At this conference there was a stroke aimed at the president eldership. I am thankful that our session is over. My soul and body have health, and have hard labour. Brother Whatcoat is going to the south of Virginia, brother M'Claskey is going to New- Jersey, brother Ware to Penn** sylvania, and brother Hutchinson to New- York and Connecticut : "very great and good changes have taken place. Friday, November 4. We reached the widow Dorsey's by riding an hour in the night. I took a cold ; and a boil on ny face mrices me uncomfortable. Digitized by Google 26^ BEV. JTiBLAXCIS A^BjiKY'S ^OVJINAL. [ITd6» ViRGiNU.— Saturday 5. We rode twenty miles ; and on $id^b«th moroiog we came directly to Alexandria. Doctor Coke preadied on *' The wise mea that came to Jesaa :" broths Wbatcoat and myself exhorted. JMonday 7. We came to Cajitaio Ward's : be is gone to sea^ but his wife made us welcome. Tuesday 8» we rode.throi^ awful Fredericksburg to Todd's taverb : i^en and horses being weak and weary we conteotedly stopped. Wednesday 9. We came about thirty miles to EUis's tavem» and there, as well as at T-^ — ;**s, we were kindly and ;genteiel7 entertained at a reasonal^e expense. The nexl day we stretched on to Richmpod : — and who couM be kinder and more pleased ta see us, and make poor sickly travellers welcome, than Mr. Parrot nod wife ? Here I persuaded Dr. Coke to rest a day. Saturday 12. Brother Whetcpat and myself came to brother Waltham's, near Chesterfield court-house. We preached to a fewr people, refitted a little better, and i^A oext day came tabro^hn Featherston's, where I gave (hem a short discourse. We>£ned aod came on to Petersburg, and spent the evening at J« Hardieg's. Jt was much pained with the boil on my face, and another on my eye. Here I heard Dr. C* preach, and I gave an exbortatios.! Monday 14. I must needs call and see my old friends, Woodt Tuck- er aiid wife, and talked a little, prayed, and parted* We then weift forward, calling on Richard Graves, an old disciple. Thenee iQ mother Maybury's, in Greeesvilie, where 1 hwfe often had a com* fortable night's lodging. Thursday 15. Our conference began at brother Bait's, a mps| convenient house, and very kipd people. We sat in great peaee, and good order. A few preachers declined travelling. We fleet* ed and ordained six elders and nine deaqoni^. The deficienoies of the preachers amounted to upwar4s of. £194 Virginie edsreiiey* Sabbath day 20. Dr. Coke gave a comment on the SOth chapter of the Revelation of Jesus Christ by St. John, and then a secmoa on Luke xiv. 26. ^* He that loveth father and mother more than me" 4c. I then gave a short ei^hortatipn, ai^d eoded the ^rvice of that pleasant day. Monday 21. I visited, perhaps for the last time« mother May- bury, who is aged and swiftly declilSiing. 1 sdso visited brothers B. and D. and then rode once more to Robert Jones's, in Sussex county. — Here I had a few moment's leisure to write and recollect inyself, after being so closely employed in conferences and company ^ Digitized by Google r 1796;] KEV, FftAKCrS ASBVRir*^ jOUftKAL^ 2d^ T^BBimy 22* • I preached at Jaj's cbapel to aboijt one bandrei ' peoplaTb'», about twenty-seven miles. On n^ way i visited brother Grains and mother. Bro- thers Pennington, Briggs, and Evans, are gone to rest My soul eigeys much peace, and b big with hope that we shall have a greater work in this district than we have ever yet had : I feel happy among the few ancient disciples who are left. I preached OB^ more at Labels chapel, and the Lord was with us : my snb- Ject was Jer. xxitii. 3S, 39. We have lost about twenty members of this society by O^Kelly ; we have about forty left. Friday 25, was a cold day, but we rode twenty-five miles to brother Joseph Wood's, in Isle of Wight county : some of our brethren riding on before, called a n%ht meeting, and we were comforted together. My mind of late hath been in great peace. I am glad I have 0Ot conieitded with those violent men who were once with us. We ought to mind our work, and try to get souls to Christ ; and the Lord can give us children <^ That we shall have after we have lost our former," that shall say in our hearing, <^ Give place that there may be room for us to dwell." We had a very winterly morning, but we rode to brother Blunt's, where I preached to many pec^le on Zeph. iii. 12, 13. Notwithstanding my name has been so cast out as evil, and my character traduced, 1 ordained brother B— -^ and another brother, after taking from the former a written declaration of his opposition to slavery. My dear aged friends told me their troubles and sorrow, which the divisions in the societies had caused. Sabbath day. 28. Through hard necessity I rode sixteen miles to brother Cowlitz's ia Isle of Wight county, and had three rooms in jthe house filled, and there were some of the coloured people out Digitized by Google 270 IIBV. WUNCI9 ASBURir'S JrOORKAt. 1[I79B. of doors, notwithstandiDg the coldness of the weather. My^uhiecf was Hebr. x. 37 — 39. I spoke with great rapidity fbr nearly twb floors, administered the sacrament, and ordained brother Powell to the office of a deacon. It was time for me to visit this quarter again, lest some shonld think I was afraid to come. Bat who bath been at the planting of the Gospel in the sixteen United States! fiad 1 none bat Virginia to visit I could show myself oftener. Monday 28. We crossed a small ferry, and came throngh Snf-^ folk to brother JoUiff's, twenty-two miles. I had solemn thoughts while I passed the house where Robert Williams lived and died, whose funeral rites I performed. The weather is remarkably cold for the season, the ice being more than an inch thick on the streams. 1 was amazed to hear that my dear, aged friend; Benja< xnin £vans (now gone to glory) was converted to the new side by being told by J. O^Kelly that 1 had offended Mr. Wesley, and that he being about calling me to account, I cast him off altogether. But, quere^ did not J. O'K. set aside the appointment of Richard Whatcoat? and did not the conference in Baltimore strike that minute out of our discipline which was called a reeding of Mr. Wesley ? and now does J. O'K. lay all the blame on me ? It is true, I never approved of that binding minute. I did not think it practical expediency to obey Mr. Wesley, at three thousand miles distance, in all matters relative to church government; neither did brother Whatcoat, nor several others. At the first general conference I was mute and modest when it passed, and I was mute when it was expunged. For this Mr. Wesley blamed me, and was displeased that I did not rather reject the whole con- nexion, or leave them» tf they did not comply. But I could not give up the connexion so easily, after labouring and seffering so many years with and for them. After preaching at Jolliff's we rode to Portsmouth, and preached in the evening, where we bad many people at a short warning My subjects this day were 1 John i. 3, 4. and Isai. i. 9. We visited Norfolk, and preached at noon, Wednesday 30, on 1 Peter it. 11, 12. — at night on 1 Cor. xv. 58. Thursday, December 1. I returned to Portsmouth, and preached on 1 Pet. v. 10. Thence, through damp weather, we rode bad: to JoUiff's, where we had preaching, exhortation, and sacrament, and the Lord was with ns. North Carolina. — Friday 2. We had a long, cold, hungry ride to Gates county, in North Carolina. Saturday 3. We had a blessed season in Colonel Baker's new house on 1 John iii. 1 , 2, 3. I have felt unwell by these changes : Digitized by Google lTd6r] BKV. VEAVCIS i3BUltv'S JdORKMi* 2tl sometiiDeg preaching makes me siek, apd at other times makes Die well. Yesterday we rode nearly forty miles ; to-day we laboured,, and onr horses rested. 1 feel solemnly gi?en up to God , in toil and suffering. Sabbath day 4. We rode fourteen miles to Winton, where I preached to an attentive congregation, from town and country,, on^ St. John's Gospel i. 4. I rememberetl my old friend Boon.; I was invited to and most kindly entertained at the bouse of one of his daughters. So it is, when the dear, aged parents go off^, they leave me their children. Thence to Northampton county, tirenty-eight or thirty miles, and came ia about six o'clock. We had to- day, as on Friday last, to breakfast about six or seven in the morning, and to dine about the same hour in the evening. My soul hath been ia great peace. I rode to see Richard Whitaker and his wife» after several years' absence : 1 felt truly solemn when 1 found myself at the old house where the father and mother died. I remember well what passed when I was here last — the distress of the doctor and his kindness to me ia the year 1785. Tuesday 6. We had a rainy morning. Crossed Roanoke at Edwards's ferry, and came to Champion's : I resolved to preach, although only a part of two families were present. We dined, and hasted to mother Whitaker's, about twenty four or twenty-five miles. Wednesday 7. We had a very sharp morning. I preached at brother Bradford's on 1 John iv. 16—18. Yesterday on '< The promise is to you and to your children," &c. I parted with my dear brother Whatcoat, after travelling together about seven hun- dred miles. It was painful to part, yet 1 was well pleased he had not to drive the rough way, and that through the rain. In this I loved my brother better than myself. We had a comfortable season at sermon and sacrament this day. I ielt myself at home k brother Bradford's femily. Thursday 8. 1 came again to the widow Philips's, on Swift-Creek; the house was filled — my subject was awful, Amos viii.. 11. *^ Be* bold, the days come, saith the Lerd God, that I will send a famine in the land ; not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of bearing the words of the Lord." I observed — I. The great and interesting things contained in the word of the Lord. II. The benefits and blessings commnnicated by the faithful preaching and hearing, believing and obeying the word of the Lord« Digitized by Google 'Tii Rsv. vEAfTciis assurt's journal. £1*^96. III. The causes and efieets of this fenune ; deaths, reflionie^ hackslidiiigs of nunisters and people, and bad reference to flieieiit Hoies^— 'Dreadful effects — the vTant of means to civilize, mondiBe, and spiritoalize mankind. I felt diftrently to-day from what I did yesterday ; it was Hte beating opon a rock ; bat tfie Lord can gire a blessing. We tfe greatly blessed with healthy weather. Friday 9. We came to Tarfoorougb. They had made a 6tB in th6 small apartment of the coart-honse, and I thought it waa Ite* preaching, hot it was for dancing, and the Tiolin lay on the taU(?. Mr. Clement was kind enoagh to stop the scene, and we had a serioQS congregation to hear, to whom I preached on Hebt. viit; d — 11. There were two or three houses open to me in town, hid I lodged three miles out at brother Toole's. We rode on Saturday lOth twenty-eight miles, without food or rest for man or horse, ii&- til we came to brother Forbes's, Pitt cocroty, where 1 spent the Sab- bath, and preached on Rom. ix. 27. I had many hearers, hot it was cold times, both literally and spiritually ; my Soul was solelnnr' —my body unwell. **** Monday 12. 1 rode to father Barrows's : I was lAoch led out oil Hebr. iii. 12—14. lu those words, 1. Christians are cautioned against a most dreadful end. 2. The means to prevent it ; and, S, The example of backsliders. The end interesting and great— Id hold fast the beginning of their confidence. The means-— by ex- horting 6ne another daily. We fode twenty miles to father Or- monds ; the people came before the rain, but had to retuite honid through it ; my subject was, <* The little flock ^" and I had eon-' siderable opening. I feel nothing painful, but the want of a revival of religion ; my soul feels as if the Lord will yet do wonders among this people. Wednesday 14. We rose early, and rode in hdste to Cox*s ferry, on Neuse-River : the weather was damp and chilly. We had very few to hear at the meeting-house : it was a day of great trial, and I was beset on every side. Thursday 16. We made a foraed march df twenty-five miles to Ifewbern ; we had no refreshment for man nor horse. Having an inflammation in one of my ears, and having fasted so long, I war very unwell ; but a sermon was expected, and delivered on these words, " Becadse thou knewest not the day of thy visitation ;'* my hearers were numerous and serious. I had never viewed the sittia- tion of this town before : it is the image of Charleston (S. C.) N^tise and Trent have a likeness to Cooper and Ashley rivers. This is » Digitized by Google 1T9&4 REIT. PRANCtfl ASBimT's JOURNAL. ^S ^wiDg place. Our aoci^tj here, of white and coloured ineinlien» consists of one handred. I every day see and feel 4lie emptioess of all created good) and am taking my leave of all : whatns worth Hviog for bot the work of God ? I wrote to our brethren in the eity stations, not to neglect the sick an hoar, nor an absentee from class one week ; indeed we odgbt to be always abonnci^ing in the work of the Lord ; to attend to old and new snbjects, to oar work, and to every means, like men labouring to find out new means for new difficulties. Should piety, health, and trade attend this New- been, it will be a very capital place in half a century from this. Friday 1^. 1 had great openings on Rom. i. 15 — 17. I know not wihen 1 have visited a place with such pleasing hopes and feel- ings : I trust there hath been something more than man in this. Oh ! how greatly was my heart knit to these people ! Saturday 17. I preached at ten o'clock the second part of the same theme, Phil. i. 27. I was exceedingly close on the duties^ spirit, and practice of the Gospel. We had to ride fifteen miles to Lee's, upon Trent. I felt solemn and sorrowful at leaving my dear people at Newborn ; they wished to give me money, but love is better than gold. • Sunday 18. We had much rain : but few came to meeting. Find* log we had twenty miles to Bryans's, we wished to move to Le<* muel Hatches's, who was very kind. Monday 19. We had to ride early: my horse trots stiff; and no wonder, when I have rode him, upon an average, five thousand miles a year for five years successively. I preached on Hebr. tii. 7, 8. I felt as if the Lord and his messengers had lefl this ptace. My spirit was grieved at the conduct of some Methodists, that hire out slaves at public places to the highest bidder, to cut, skin, and starve them ; I think such members ought to be dealt with : on the side of oppressors there is law and power, but where is jus- tice and mercy to the poor slaves ? what eye will pity, what band will help, or ear listen to their distresses ? I will try if words can be lik««drawn swords, to pierce the hearts of the owners. I have heard by a person from Baltimore, that by means of the weekly society meeting, our people are all on fiame : thank God that it came into my heart to recommend it to them ! this also shall com- fort OS in our toil. I have rode upwards of thirty miles this day. Tuesday 20. At the rich lands, but amongst spiritually poor people. I had about thirty hearers, and here are a few precious souls. Father Ballard and family still stand by us. 1 had some freedom on Hebr. iii. 14. 1. Wherein believers are partakers of Vol. II. 35 Digitized by Google — t?4 BET. F&mcn asbobt's jonuiMf. .[^''9^* Christy past, present^ aod to come— in wisdoiii, n^Vtmitn^faAi lanctificatioD, and redemptidb. 2. The heginniog of their coofir dence sledfiist to the end ; without which, thej cannot he aaved, or aafe« I described the nature, effects, and fruits of this confid^ice in God, in Christ, in the Holy Spirit ; in thf^ Scriptnie promises, precepts, threatening^, in, and of hearen, earth, and hell. Wednesday 21. We had a cold ride of about twenty miles ts Stone's Bay ; where there are a few people, (who ha^e^ been forsaken by the preachers) to whom I preached on Hebr. x. 38, 39. Thursday 22. I came to Nixons's, on the road to Wilmington ; bere I found a kind people, but the preachers had left them he- cause they did not immediately join, in fellowship. Perhaps 1 was called this way to feel for souls in and round about Wilmington : if we had men and money, it would be well to station a preacher in such places as Wilmington. Friday 23. We bad an excessively oM ride tbroogb heavy sands to Wilmington ; when we came to the town wharf there was nei- ther flat nor ferry ; the causeway was under improvement ;:23. I do not yet feel myself in the Spirit of the work. Monday 9. Oar conference rose. We have been blessed with some young men for the minis- try. By letter fron^ James M^Cannon, in Baltimore, I learn that our people have had the offer of the Episcopal church, and the Digitized by Google - — 276 REV. FRAirCIS ASBURY's JOVRHAIi. ^ [i^« EtiSlish and GermaD Presbyterian charches, notil we can lebajld. I began reading the Bible and Winterbotham's ViQ.w of tbe United States. We hare sent out subscriptions for the Methodist Magn- sine. The like severity of weather hath not been ko^WQ^ hero for fourteen or fifteen years ; the gardens and oranges appear to be destroyed ; the want of moisture may have increased tl^e effects of the frost. I have felt my soul filled with lo?e, for the general union in the roinistryy and for the church : my mind is stayed upon the Lord alone. Tuesday 9. Our dear brethren aet out for their circuits. Wednesday 10. In the evening we net the society in the manner I had recommended to the brethren in New- York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. We were much blessed ; it was a gracious season. Brother Wells appears to be dying swiftlj* I purpose to go out only every other nighty as I am called to duty every morning with fifty or a hundred Africans, I lament the wickedness of this city, and their great hatred againsi us. I spent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, in reading, writing, and. VisitUig the sick. Sunday 15. Notwithstanding I bad taken medicine on SatBrdey^ and was unwell, I preached on John vi. 66 — 69. We jvere mash crowded, and more so, when Dr. Coke preached in the evenieg. Monday 16. The remnant of the preachers left the city. I rode up the path, and attended the Doctor to Clement's ferry. At night 1 met the seeking Africans in brother Wells's kitchen. This evening I prayed with brother Wells for the last time ; he ex- pressed his confidence in God, and freedom from guilty dread and horror. Tuesday 17. I was called to the house of brother Wells, just departed this life. His widow I found in prayers and tears, as also the dear children and servants. We appointed his funeral to be at four o'clock to-morrow. The sc^ne was serious. I learned, he wished to see me once more : I visited him every day that I could ^ with propriety. It is twelve long years next March since he first received Henry Willis, Jesse Lee, and my«elf, into his house. In a few days he was brought under heart distress for sin, and soon after professed faith in Christ ; since that he hath been a diligent member in society. About fourteen months ago, when there was a revival of religion in the society, and in his own family, it came home to his own soul ; he was quickened, and remarkably blest, and continued so to be until his death. His affliction .was long and very severe. The last words he was heard to say that could Ife understood were that '< be knew where he was, that his wife, w^ Digitized by Google ' ]7S^,] REV. nMJXCUB ABBHRT^S JOVRVAX* t71 iriih lihi^ 9Bi tbat God was with hn.'' He hath hem a loan of iQrrowSy aod bath eoffiercd the loss of twt) respectahte wivea aqd a faf^urit^ «oa ; stistaioed beayy loss bjr fire» and waa subjeot to a I great varteiy of diffiealtieain trade aod merchandise. He waa ooe mach fer the ieeKng part of religioo ; a gentleiAi of spirit, and sentiment, and fine feelings, a faithful friend to the poor, and warm* ly attached to the ministers of the Gospel. This was a aolitary day^ and I laboured under uncommon dejection. I preached in the evenings and waa in great heaviness. Wednesday 18. We eommitted the dost of our dear brother . Weils to the old church burying-ground, in Cumberland-street. PoctiNr Coke performed the funeral ri^es, and delivered an oration ; I also gave a short one. My serious gloom continued. Thursday 19. We were doaeiy attentive to the notes on. the Discipline. Friday 20. Visited Mt. Grants declining swiftly in a consumption. He appeared to be somewhat awakened to a sense of the state of his soul and body. ' ^Saturday 21. Till noon ray heart sinketh, and I am ready to con- clude we are not sent to the whites of this plac^ except a very few ; but to the poor Africans. I find this a suffering, holy time* Sunday 22. I preached Mr. Wells's funeral sermon on Rev. ii. to. I observed, I. Who it is that speaketh. 2. To whom he was speiUng. 3. What might be supposed and granted concerning the angel of the church-~that he had professed the convicting and con- verting grace c€ God ; that he had suffered poverty, temptation, and persecution. 4. What it is to be faithful to God — to fear him, as also to trust in his providence and grace ; faithful to Christ and to the Spirit, to the church of God, to his family and citizens ; faith* ful unto death, even martyrdom. I gave a brief account of Mr. Wells's life and death. 1 was exceedingly weak in body and mind before 1 began preaching, but was considerably liberated. I had a solemn, attentive congregation, and was glad to come home and spend the evening in solitary reading and prayer. I have to meet the African people every morning [^between &ye and six o'clock, at B^y lodging, with singing, reading, exhortation, and prayer. 'Monday 23. We were at work upon our notes on the Discipline. Tuesday 24, 1 was very unwell, yet I must needs preach a little on 2 Cor. vi. 2. My body is weak, and my soul is distressed on ac- count of sinners. I have made out to read the third volume of Winterbotham's General View of our continent ; this I do, because 1 have-some hope of visiting' British America before I die. Digitized by Google 278 RBv. FRANCIS asbvrt's joVrnal/ [lt97» Wednesday 25. My mind oppressed and my body afficted, 1 was dose at work, heart, head, and eyes. No justice for Camberland- street Methodists — a yoang Scot shouted in the chnrch, and after be was taken out of the house struck three or four men, no biB was found again#hini ; and we are insulted every night hy candle- light. Thursday 26. Still unwell. The three foflowing days I was con- fined to the house with a foyer. I wrought at our woric : O, that it may be for the glory of God and the good of his church ! I have numbered the chapters, and versed Scriptures in it I am resolved to visit more, if spared to get through this weighty business. Mr. Grant, after three years warning with a consumption, is gone ; I trust God had mercy on his soul. Doctor Coke preached in the morning, brother Hill in the afternoon. Sunday 29, and Monday 30. I consulted a physician, who judged my disease to be an intermittent fever, and such it proved itself: on Tuesday 31,. I was taken about two o'clock with a powerful ague, which held me till nearly nine o'clock. I presume it has been working for two weeks ; I probably took it by going out at t&fe death of brother Wells. Wednesday, February 1. I took the pow- ders of Colnmbo after the bilious pills. Thursday 2, my fever did not return. Friday 3. Growing better, 1 had serious thoughts about going-home to God. Of late I have been kept uncommonly happy. My depression of spirits at times is awful, especially when afflicted ; that which is deeply constitutional will never die but with my body. I am solemnly given up to God, and have been for many months wilUng to Uve or die in, for, and with Jesus. Wednesday 8. I was better, and was enabled to read, write, ride, and visit. Thursday 9. To-morrow my dear Coke sails for Europe. My mind i? in peace, but I am not pleased with such confinement. I now take a decoction ot the bark. I am under great obligations to Doctor Joseph Ramsay for his peculiar attention to me in my affliction, without fee or reward for his services. By letter firom John Dickins, I learn the work of God greatly revives in Newr York among the aged people and little children. I have lafdy read the second volume dPMr. Wesley's Sermons. Friday 10. This day Doctor Coke is waiting to sail for ire- land. Strangers to the delicacies of Christian friendship know little or nothing of the pain of parting. Glad fidings of great joy irom New-York.-^A second glorious work is begun there, tw^ty Digitized by Google 179T«] EST. FRANciJS asbvry's jovrkax. i^79 souk converted, a great love-feasty and Sablmth evening meeting held until one o'clock in the morning. This news hath given a spring to us in this city. Saturday 11. I visited a little. ^ Sunday 12. I attended my station, and stood upon my watch- tower. My subject was Eccles. v. 1. *' Keep thy foot when thou goest into the house of God." , I. The house of God — ^the temples, first and second, and syna- gogues, were called houses of God. A place built for the worship and service of the Lord ; the congregation and church. II. The exercises and ordinances of the house of God ; reading and preaching the word of God ; prayer and praises,; baptism and the Lord's supper. In his temple every one shall speak of his glory. Ilk. The manifestations God is pleased to make of himself in kis own house to the souls of his people. IV. How people should prepare for and behave in the house of God. To keep their eyes and ears^fix their attention on the Jl^ord and Master of the house. V. The wicked called fools, and the sacrifice they make, ig- norant of themselves, of God, of Christ, and true religion, and the worship pf the Lord, and do not consider it is God, Christ, and eacred things they make light of. We were full, and I put my strength to the test In the after- noon from Ezekiel xxxvi. 25—- 27. I showed the evils God threatened, and prophesied the removal of, by his servant to his nominal professional people, Israel. I. Their stony heart ; their idols and fiUhiness. II. The blessings promis^ and prophesied-r-a new heart, a new spirit, the in-dwelling and sanctifying influence of the Spirit. III. The blessed consequential effects-^' < I will cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments to do them.'' The law, the judgments of God, because, of the penalty annexed-^thus saith the Lord to the renewed soul, <* Thou shalt have none other gods but me.'' ^^ Lord," saith the Christian, '' I want none other but thee." Sajth Jehovah, <<.Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image." The pious soul saith, ^^ I will not ; the work of my hands cannot save my soul : I will not take thy name in vain. I love thy day — thy love hath written thy law upon my heart, and love tp my neighbour engages me to fulfil my duty to him also«" *' The meek shall inherit the earth," as a sacred chi^er from the Lord— this is their claim, security, and defence^ Digitized by Google 1S80 RET. FRAircis ASBimT^tf jQtniiru.. {I79T. I was wearied with tiie duties of the day, and had only retired to rest when the alarm oi fire was cried— ^it prored only to be a kitchen, and by the activity of the people it was soon extingmshed. Monday 13. I have peace, and am as well in health as I conld expect. Bless the Lord,^ my «ool ! I was taken op with hand- ing about a subscription for the new bouse. Our people appear mocii afraid to move in this work. Tuesday 14. I met the stewards on the subject of the oevr house. We have adjourned on the question. If materids ^Q in their price, and if we can secure £400, shall we begin ? Okk we of little faith ! It is a doubt if we had fifty in society, and £100 on hand, when we laid the foundation stone of Comberlaud-street house, which cost us (including the lot) £1300. The society has been rent in twain, and yet we have wrought out of debt, and paid £10*0 for two new lots, and we can spare £100 from the stock, make a subscription of £150, and the Africans will collect £iOO. Wednesday 15. 1 felt much beftter, and rejoice in hope of going hence. Thursday 16. Was a solitary day ; my soul was in heaviitess^ and my body weak. I was employed in writing letters, and read- ing the Bible with critical attention. Friday 17. I thought I would fast, refraining from food till six o'clock ; I felt very weak, had a fever and headacb, and was glad to go to bed at seven o'clock. I feel pain to be gone, and. do not expect much peace of mind, or health of body, until I go to my old solitary country life. I judge that discipline, and the doing away of certain things, have contributed somewhat to the late revival of religion in New-York. Sunday 19. I entered on my duty. I had not an opening to preach, so I made an explanatory discourse on Isaiah Iv. 1 — 7. ; and it appeared to be of use. My leading heads were, I. The spiritual Uessings held forl^ in the temporal good things, waters, wine, milk — Water to quench thirst, cleanse, and heal, as to drinking, bathing, &c. all expressive of the grace of God to our souls ; comforting, cleansing, healing. Wine for the sickly, tempted, dispirited ones ; milk for babes. II. The grand qualifications — thirst and no money ; and tocome^ 00 merit, no righteousness. III. The reasoning—" Wherefore do you spend your money,'* &c. i. e. make great sacrifices for pleasure^ and yet are disap- pointed ; such is the ease of those who seek after ceremonial righteousness. Digitized by Google 1797.] REV. FRANCIS ASBTTRY's JOUKNAt. 281 iV. His offering Christ. ' V. The promise of the increase of the kingdom of Jesus Christ among distant and unknown nations. " VI. fVhen they are to come to seek the Lord» viz. ^< while he •may be found." It was a melting season. In the afternoon I preached on Rom. ▼iii. 31. << What shall we then say to these things ; if Ood be for XXB, who can be against us ?" I. I viewed the whole chapter. The chsoracter and distinguish- ing roai4cs of the people of God. II. How he will order himself on the side of his people, in his justice, mercy, truth, power, and love : *« tf God be for us ?" — ibis is a modest supposition. I observed, he will not aid our per- secutors— ^their help is departed from them ; that he sanctified per- setiifion ; and sometimes would cut off the enemies of his church and people ; that some were enemies from policy, others from heretical principles, some from enmity of heart ; others would think their fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, &c. were misguided 9M deluded. I stood on my feet about three hours this day^ was much wearied and slept but little. Monday 20. I was weak — the weather uncommonly warm. I rejoice in hope of leaving the city next Monday, if the Lord spareth me. Tuesday 21. My mind has been greatly afiSicted, so that my sleep has been much interrupted, yet there was a balm for this ; a poor black, sixty years of age, who supports herself by picking oakum, aAd the charity of her friends, brought me a French crown, and said she had been distressed on my account, and I must have her money. But no i although I have not three dollars to trarel two thousand miles, I will not take money from the poor. I am very unwell, my soul and body is distressed : ah ! that ^uch trifles should affect me. I have read four books of Moses critically. Wednesda}' 22. Was a sorrowful day to me : I am thinking God is teaching me I ought not to stay in this place after this manner ; perhaps I shall never stay here again for so long a time. I am kept from sinning, yet not from deep and sore temptation. Thursday 23. Brother James King came to town to take the charge in this city as assistant preacher to Benjamin Blanton. Friday 24. I began to prepare for my departure hence. Saturday 25. My iqind is happy in the expectation of leaving this^city on JHonday. Vol. II, 36 Digitized by Google iZi ft£r. FBAiicfS ASBVitr'fi lovavAL* [IWr. Sanday 26. I judged it best to be plaio and ex|d«iatory vpoe ibe Lord's sopper, 1 Cor. ▼. 7, 8. Oar coogr^^oa was large, and the sacrameDtad occasion very s<^eaaD. My farewell ^iscoarse w«i 4111 1 Sana. xii. S3, t4. I observed on the daty of those who have 4he charge of sools ; I. To pray for Iheoi* n. To teach them the good aad the ligjit way ; which is ia fear the Lord^ and serire him in trath, aincenty, and purity of iotentioo. III. The motives to iodace theai-*the consideration of the great ibingB God bath done for them. What good have I attempted to do here t I assisted the l>QCfcot in the notes on the Discipline. I have preached every Sabbat /except two ; formed a plan to erect a hoase in the west end «f the city suborbs, to be equal to that in Cumberland-street; I have made peace between a dying man and his brother-in-law» in which two families were concerned, and 1 cured a po^nr Africaft's sore leg by applying a poultice of bread and milk. Monday 21. i felt a fever, yet rejoiced to leave Charlestn. Many came to see me. I have persuaded one person to give tip the use of what I feared would be ber ruin ; she promised she would ; if so, all will be well. On my way I felt as if 1 was let out of prison. Hail ! ye solitary pines f the jessamine, the red- bud, and dog-wood 1 how charming in full bloom ! the former a most fragrant smell. We reached Monks-Comer, and were moat agreeably entertained at Mr. Jones's. We came on the next daj and had but hard fare till we reached Neldon^s ferry : it being a rainy day, the gentlemen were regaling themselves with cards; blunt Fnmk Asbury asked for dinner, but toid them he could not i dine upon cards ; the cards were very politely put away, and every necessary mark Of attention paid t Mr. Gurdine, who commands several ferries on this river, is a complete gentleman. We casae off in the rain, and it fell very freely. Through the swamp we had deep wading, and steeped our feet ; we wrought along as oi§^ came on ; and after riding four miles in the dark, dirt, and rain, w^ came to the widow Bowman's : here 1 found shelter and was kindly entertained. Her husband was a godly, gracious man, and died in the Lord some years ago. Wednesday, March 1. We rested and refitted. Thursday 2. We had a cold day at Gibson's ; my subject was 1 John v. 13-^16. I fftras rery unwell, under infirmities of body and mind. Thenar w« Digitized by Google 3f^J IIEV. FRA]*CfS ASBtAY^S 90VKUAL. 28S rode ^w ffiiks to Mark Moore's, where I preached on 2 Peter iii. 1%. aod had a comfortable time. Friday B. We had a dry, cold» hungry, long ride of thirty miletf to Bradford's, where I dined, and preached at three o'elock, and felt resolred to gire them ooe plain talk on Hebr. ifi. Y, 8. 1. The Toice of God, is the Gospel of Jesas Christ as preaehed by him* self. 2. What is comprehended in hearing his voice— attending, believing, obeying. 3. How men harden their hearts-^by delays, and by tnwaid and ontward sin ;— -the Hdy Ghost saitby To-day ^ m %s word, in the ministry, in the hearts of men. Saturday 4. At Rembert's new chapel I preached on Matt, xi^ '.^6-^90. where I had'some living sweetnessv Sunday 5. After love-feast and sacrament, f pr((^ached on 2 Cofy vi« 6«-^l(X but had not mnch satisfiiction. Religion is revivix^ b&te among the Africans ; several are joined in society i these are Che fM>or ; these are the people we are move immediately called to' preach to* Monday &. I preacheid in the coarf-honse at Camden,^ set apart Jbfi^ meetiAg^honse : my snl^ecit was, *' Knowing therefore the ter-^ ror of the Lord, we persuade men/' 1. 1 treated on the divine cba*' racter of Christ, asyadge-— his perfections, and relation to the per*- aoDS who are to be tried. 2. The characters to be judged*— infi- dels, flinoers, Pharisees, hypocrites, backslidefs, believers ; true* mid frise ministers ^ these are to be tried, found guihy, or ac-^ quitted ; sentenced and punished ; or applauded and rewarded. I j^ecevved a second letter from New- York, informing me of the revival of religion there among the aged and young people. I rode fourteen miles tn G - * 8 quarter, a small house among the * ennd hills ; thence eight miles to brother Horton's, whose brother, % Baptist, bad lately departed this life ; he was blest m his end. Wednesday 8. We rode thirty-two miles to the Waxsaws, hun- gry and faint: at WrenV 1 was led out on '* Let us not sleep as^do" others." Tihe next d^y, at quarterly meeting, I preached ott fsa.- i. 9. : there was a noise and shaldog. This evening a little' eireomstance gave me great pain ; I broke my skin^n two places; We rode on Friday and Saturday seventy miles. We' passed through a krge settlement of Presbyterians ; Mr. M*Crea, their minister, gave us a kind invitation to lodge at his jhouse ; but we wished to cross the river at Martin's Ferry, and stay at the widow Peatherston's. No&TH Carolina. — Sunday 1 f^. We were at Daniel Asbury's^^r Hy leg wa» inflamed by riding, and I found it necessary to poulticr Digitized by Google 284 REV. FftANCIS A$VOm^» JOVAHAIi* [IT^V it. I »at down and taught the i^ople on ^' He that oometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diltr gently seek him." We had a living meeting in the evening ; some souls were greatly blest. Monday 12. We i^ode into IpedBH. county, thirty-three miles. We were caught in the rain, which threw me into a chill, followed by a fever ; in this situation 1 canie to, .and preached at brother Fitz- gerald's. Between four and five o'clock, bvothers. Dean and Dy^ son, (Methodists) Hall and Bowman, (Presbyterians) had filled mji: appointment in the preceding part of the day. Tuesday 13. I, preached at the church in the fbriss of the Yadkin on Isaiah xxxv, 1 — 4. I had to ride ei^t miles in the rain to Templetoa-s. Wednesday 14. I rode five miles to Mr. Hoy's, and treated otk the reit thai remaineth to the people of God. In the afternoon I rode twelve miles to father Bruqe's^ where I found myself at home.. Thursday 15. We had to ride fifteen miles Jthrough the rain toi^ Oj(ford'8. After preaching on . Hebrews ii. 1 , we rode eight miles to Paynes's. The weather was very. damp. : I felt the chill throc^ghi^ me. The next morning I was seized with a fever which held me more or less until Sabbath morning, when I preached at Perkins's^ and Connelly's meeting- houses; at the former on Hebr. ii..3. and at the latter On 2 Cor. latter part of the vith chapter. Here as- many as eight preachers came to meet me i some of them one hundred miles. I feel myself very unwell, and am q^fraid that, almost every rain will bring on a relapse of the fever. My mind of late is much resigned to the will of God ; 1 feel 1 have nothing, here but the church of God ; 1 would not throw my life away nor hold it back, if the Lord called for it in labouring, travelling, and.. • Bufifering. I conclude I have rode one hundised. oules this week».. and the weather has been very uncomfortable, the roads bad, and our lodging in some very open houses ; to which I may. add my preaching b new and unfinished meeting-houses in March j which, is a searching, changeable month,, especially near the mountains. Sabbath day 19. At. Connelly ^s new church I preached on 2 Cor. vii. 1. I only intended to give a short discourse. Monday ^Q. 1 had but twenty miles to ride to Esquire White's^, at the Mulberry Grove. Heire I left Doctor S* B— r-— 1 ; but death, hath now removed him. I still continued, to feel feverish and* jfeeble, and thought it needful to take mountain bark. Tuesday 21. I preached once more at Johns-River ; my snbject was 1 Cor. i. 24, 25. As I thooghjL it would be my last,. I exerted: . Digitized by Google 179?.} REV. fHiKCiS ASBintT'S JOMNXC. 188^ myself uaiil my cbiU and fever retarned : I also 'administered the aaerameDt and baptised children. Wednesday^. I set ont on my joamey for the west ; and it had a serious influence on my mind to leave brother Hill behind, who I fear hath a confirmed consumption, and I too so unwell. It liegan to rain violently before we came to Henley's : I took shelter in a house from the rain, and talked and prayed with a poor woman. We dined, at Mr. Henley's, calling at Wakefield only it talk and pray» — I cannot well pass by my friends without calling. We hastened across Lynville 'Mountain, which is awfully barren, and came on to Young's Cove ; the storm followed us, with thun- der, lightning, and rain. We arrived after some of the people were gone ; but some returned, and I gave them but a small talk, being very weary in walking down> the mountains> and over the rocks. Thursday 23, I came to Davenport^s : my subject was *« GodlU ness is profitable," &c. — ^Qrace in the heart, in all its operations : bodily exercise for a little time is useful for health — for the pre* sent world — ^for the means of grace. — Godliness promiseth every thing we can wish for in the present and future life ; answering all the purposes of ciril, domestic, and Christian life : — justice^ mercy, and truth ; — every duty and relation ; all the joys and sdl the suffering of life ; aM the lawfiil use of kwful things ;— *and prepares for the enjoyment of Gk>d, Christ, the Jkernal Spirit^ angels, and glory. Friday 24. I wa» unwell : the clouds were lowering. We had rode but a mile when the rain began : brother Jones's house was at hand ; here we stopped two hours, until some of the rain fell to the earth : there was a short cessation, and about half past twelve o'clock we set out again, rode six miles, and were driven into Mr* Cook's^ by thunder, hail, and r»n ; here we stopped to talk with God and man. Hard necessity made us move forward ; the west- ern branch of Toe- River, that comes down from the Yellow Moun- tain, was rapidly filling ; and was rocky^ rolling, and roaring like the sea, and we were compelled to cross it several times. When we came to ascend the mountain, we had a skirmish of rain, thun- der^ and lightning — it was distant— 4t was mercy. I found hard woA to ride where Thomas White had driven his wagon, for which he deserves a place in my journal and a premium from the state. When we had ascended the summit of the moun- tain, we found it so rich and mirey, that it was with great difficulty we could ride along ; but 1 was wrapped up in heavy, wet gas- Digitized by Google SB6 ftEV. FBA9CI5 AflBVET^S 9tVMMJki^ {1Y97. BMtnts, anil aoable to walk throiigb weakness of bod j ; so we bad it, pitch, slide, and drive to the bottom. We theo came upon the drams stDd branches/of Great Toe-Rtrer. From Fisher's we bad to ride through what i called the skadet tf tkoik, four imteB to Af tiler's; here we had to cope with Toe^River, aod' oear the lioose came mto deep water ; my horse drove to the opposile bmek aboTe the landing, and locked one of his feet in a root or aaa^thii^ Kke it, but freed himself: at hist we made the house, the peo|ile received as kindly, and gave us such things as they had. We could only partially dry our garments. We heard heavy tiding of a deep rocky ford yet to he passed in our way across Toe>River. Tehitessce.— Saturday £5. We were escorted by three brave- young Dutchmen. After riding three miles we began to scale the rocks, hills, and mountains, worming through pathless woods» to shun a deep ford. 1 thought, ride 1 must, but no — ^the com« pany concluded to walk : I gave my horse the direction of bim- eelf, under Providence. I bad to step from rock to rook, hands ttsd feet busy, but my breath was soon gone, and I gave vp the cause and took horse again, and resolved that I would ride down the bill^ ekhougb I had not rode op them : at last (hit or niiss^ Provideoee is all) into the path we came, and theoee kept down the river and ever to Little Toe, bearing down the strewn ; when^ we had passed the Gap, we wished to feed ; hot the man had no com to sell : we tried, mao and horse, to reach Nathan Davies's ^^ where weP iv* rived and were mad^ comfortable. I was much Spent with the labours' of this day. Hearing of the quarterly meeting at Dun*^ worth's, 1 rode on Sunday 26Ch twelve miles, and arrived time* enough for me to give them a feeble, yet faithRil taic o» Isa. t. 9. I am of opinion it is as hard< or harder, for the people- of the Weaf to gain rehgioo as any other. Wheo I consider whei% they came from, where they are, and how they are, and hew they are ealled to go further, their t>eing untietlfted, with so many ebjieets to take their attention, with the health and good air they enjoy, and when' I reflect that not one m a hundred came here to get rebgioo ; but rather to get plenty of good land, I thiislc it wil^be well' tf &ome or many do not eventually lose their souls'. I was met' by our bre* thren JKohler, Burke, and Page;^ I restied on Monday and 'Peesday to take breath and medicine. I find myself so hardly put to it at times that I can only journalize a little. We concliided as thlsre are not proper stations <>n the Comberfartd path, it'will not do for me to lodge on the ground : the general opinion is against il. We- are to try to go to Kentucky next week> Digitized by Google i7OT.J SBEur^ nuifcsi assvrt's jwnurji2.« 287 Wedaetaty £9. I rode to William Ndsons, and after dinner to NathaD Davies's. Tharsday raorning 1 wm very weak, and have elow« but almost cootiooid fevers* I preached with great difficolty ia the aftemeon, and retoroed to William Nelson's. This night I iek a total change of mind. The weakness of my body, and the jcold and nhsettled state of the weather, made me, with the general ^^drice «f the preachers present, give ap the canse ; they also ad* ^ised me ito make the be»t of my way to Balttmore^ mid not to ride in the rata. It may be, the Liord intends to lead me in a way I Jbav^ not yet. known ^ it is perhaps best that 1 shoald go with all expedient haste, from conference to conference, only stopping al Ae iewns and ^hief places on Sabbath days.. Live or die^ I mast ride. Aftor all the disappointments, perhaps every purpose is an- swered but one. I have sent brother Cobler to take charge of Kentncky and Cumberland, by visiting the whole every quarter : lirother Bird 1 h«ive^tationed in the Hol9t<»in district. I haveivrit- tea a circumstantial letter to brother Poythress and the Kentucky conference. I have made a plan for the stationing of the preachere, aMeast those of any standing : and now I will make the best of my way to Bidtimore ; perhaps there imay be some special call for me there : I roast, as the burden of meeting the conferences, ordain* ing, and stationing the preachers reetetfa on me, save myself. 1 am ]>ecaliarly concerned for. the ctties : the prosperity of the work of -Clod depeOds OHich on having proper men for any and every part of 4be work. Friday 31. It being rainy I rested. Saturday, April 1. The wea* ^her was clear and cold : we set off for brother Baker's. My iiorse hath the honour of swimming Holstetn River every time I wit this country. • Suttdi^ t, I felt better than I had done since I crossed the moun- 4ains. 1 preached on Acts iii. 26. and was for pushing on again about fifteen miles farther, to Edward Coxe's : we got lost, and jwere an hour in the night. Monday 3. We made a stretching ride of about forty miles, and met% another hour in the night, and came to Half- Acres, i was properly outdone, and my fever returned and held me thirty houn. Tuesday 4. 1 reached the widow RusselFs ; I am scarce able to read, write, sing, or pray ; nevertheless, after I had rested, I preeched in the evening. Vmomi A.— Thursday 6. We took our way up Walker's Valley ; after riding about eight miles my weakness came on, and I was ^adAressed by name and earnestly requested to stop and take re- Digitized by Google ^^ ^8 ««rv. rnairws abbury's jqvKNxZi. [1797* fredfameDt and rest at Mr. M'Carty's ; here we w€re richly [Hronded ibr : the mother and daaghter are most agreeable and kind. After commending ourselves and this afifectionate faaiilj to God, we came to Benoni Banning^s ; as I was told, so I found tins family — most attentively kind : we stopped here Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. My fever never left me, as 1 thought, from Monday until Friday Bight. 1 am kept cheerful, but very weak. My diet is chiefly tea, potatoes, Indian-meal gruel, and chicken broth. My reading is only the Bible : 1 cannot think much, and only write a few letters. I think of my charge, of the conferences, and the church, and of my dear parents, who will probably eutHve me — 1 must be made per* feet through sufierings, I rest in rainy weather, and have to ride from eighty to one hundred and twenty miles in a week. The . way we now go we have sometimes to ride thirty miles to get to a bouse. From the 9th of April to the 27th of May 1 have kept no journal. The notes of our travels and troubles taken by Jonathan Bird and Joshua Wells, will tell a small part of my sorrows and soflierings. I have travelled . about six hundred miles with an ia- flammatory fever» and fiied pain in my breast. I cannot help e%» pressing the distinguishing kindness of some families where 1 have been forced by weakness to stop-^Captain Shannon, on Walker's creek — ^my friend Scarborough, on the sinks of Green Briar — Colonel Mofiatt and brother Young in Augusta : neither can 1 for- get Mr. Lee and Moore — the Harmons, at Rocktown, and brother and sister M'Williams^-Sisters Phelps and Reed, in Winchester, and my dear, kind friend^^octor Tiffin. By a strange providence I was cast upon Ely Dorsey, on Liiaganore, who nursed me as if I bad been his own father. Maryland. — From the 27th of May until June 10, no joumaL We rode nearly forty miles from Linganqre to Baltimore. I lodged at brother Hawkins's retreat, about one mile from the city. I lounged away a week in visiting a little. Sunday, June 18. I was only able to speak about 6fteen minutes. I recover but clowiy. Th^ constant resort of the wealthy and poor visiting me, made me^ much ashamed that they should look after such a worthless lump of misery and sin. June 25. I met the male members of the society Sabbath morning, as I had met the sisters and the official members in the preceding week. 1 obtained the liberty of the managers of the African academy to congregate the fathers as well as to teach the children. We had nearly five hundred coloured people. Brother Willis preached on Acts vii. 7. and I added a few words. In the Digitized by Google 17^7.] Mr, FRAKcia asbvrt's jovkna^ W9 afternoon T gave a short exhortation at Mr./ Otterbine's chnrch, on Howard's Hill. I am noiv waiting for the making of a snlky. Thomas Barber^ from Birmingham , (England) took a second like* ness of me, at the desire of my mother, to send to England. I am trying to organize the African church. I made interest for the u»e of Mr. Otterbine's choreh for Sabbatb in the morning and evening fot the white people. I have atteqipted to promote society meetings at Old-Town and the west end of the city, either at the Dunker'a meeting-house or Mr. Otterbine's charch. My feelings, or my fears premonish me this will be a sickly summer* I visit, dine, and ride out every day;— but it is very hard work for me to eat, drink, talk, and do nothing. As I am not a man of the world the most of the conversation about it is irksome to me. I ann taken from house to house, and the brethren wish the pleasure of seeing me, and those who are acquainted with tb^ir families will come to see me also. July 3. 1 attempted to preach in Doctor Allison's, church, and felt more assisted than I expected. v Tuesday 4. 1 was taken in a chariot to Perry-Hall in company with sister Fonerdon. I felt the effects of my exertions ^n the Sabbatb, the want of rest, rising early, and riding to Mr. Googh's. In my mind I felt almost as in old times. Ood hath not left this house. 1 felt great lore j to the family in praying for them in the family and in the closet. 1 had an open and free conversation with Mr. Gough about his souk I conversed with the servants also, and had freedom in prayer, although I felt weakness of body. I wrote a few letters and read a little in the Bible. Th/e weather is excessively wa;rm. Saturday 8. 1 cannot now as heretofore spend ten hours out of sixteen io reading the Bible in English or Hebrew, or other books, or write letters from morning until night. My bow is weak, if not broken ; but I have more time to speak to God and souls. Sabbath day I performed at Mi*. Gough's alone. Wednesday 1^. I borrowed a s^rvapt at Mr. QougVs, and cam^ on to Mr. Sb^ridap's bouse. North- East Cecil county ; here; 1 bor- rowed another servant, and on Friday 1 rode to WilmiDgton, and stepped at AUeq M'Lane's, now living there. PejinsylvaHu. — Saturday 15. Warm acr it was, I reached Phila- delphia : and Sabtiath evening 16, I felt free to labour a little, feeble as I was^ and enlarged on JqIiq xiv. 1. I have great reason to be thankful for my sulky ; I ahoqld poon be silent vyritbout it. I rode to Germaatowa to see ag^ mother Steel, and sister Vol. II. 37 Digitized by Google t9B RSV. FRAKCIS ASBVllY'tf JOVKftAt. [1797^ Lasby, and foand freedom, although I coald hardly walk or tdk ; yet must needs speak to the women of the house about their souls. Dined at brother Baker's retreat, and came back to the city Tery sick, and went tp bed. New- Jersey. — Tuesday 18. I came off to 'Burlingtoa ; and waa much grieved to hear my appointments had been made, and not attended in consequence of my illness. Wednesday 19. Dined at Crossweek's, at brother Abbott's, once a travelling preacher, now a merchant We came on to father Hutchinson's ; here I was almost outdone with excessive heat. I •topped four days, but found it hard work to sit still. Monday 24. We came to Brunswick ; dined, prayed, and re- joiced to hear that God had kindled a living fire here, through the instrumentality of a brother fromElizabethtown. We came on to Elizabethtown, forty miles ; it was ample labour for man and horse : here I was sick again. Tuesday 25. I rode to Newark, and dined \with Mr. Ogden, a steady friend. After the rain, I came to New- York ; here I spent a few painful days, being unable to visit or be visited. New-York. — ^On Monday I came to Shotweli's, very unwell f and the next day to Kingsbridge : here I was compelled by afflic- tion to spend two weeks. I then rode to New-Rochelle, and lodged at. Mr. Sberwood'^i Finding myself swelling in the face, (bowels, and feet, I applied leaves of burdock, and then a plaister of mustard, which drew a desperate blister. I had such ^wful acre feet, I knew not but that they would mortify ; and only after two weeks was I able to set them to the ground. I, took cream of tartar, and nitre daily to cool, and keep open the body ; I also made use of the bark. Sunday, September 12. I began to walk once or J^ice across the room. Monday 13. We began our route to Wilberham ; we had not rode far over the rocks before I was taken very unwellr We stopped at Byram, at father Banks's : I was soon pot to bed with a very high fever that held me through the night. I now began to conclode'it was not the will of God I should proceed, and the brethren would not persuade me to go on ; brother Totten re^ turned with me to mother Sherwood's. I have had sKght fevers, but expect to rest until about the first of October, which I hope, with riding a little every clear day, will restore me to health. Thursday 16. I visited Nicholas Underbill's wife, who is near her trying hour ; I hope it was good for me, for lier, and the fiih Digitized by Google 1797.] REV. FAANCl^ A«BURY^S JOURNAL. 291 mily. I take a small potion of bark each day, and one third of a cbmmoD dose of cream of tartar and nitre, and hope I shall yet be raised up. My mind i|i stayed upon God : and I hope to be more holy ; bat I fear I shall never be able to ride and preach as I have done in former days, so as to be more useful. I have now much time to think of, and review my whole life. The kindness of this Sherwood family is great ; my dear mamma, and Betsy Sherwood, and Jonathan and Bishop also : if I had not been at hom^ here, what additional distress of mind would have attended me i my friends also were welcome to come and see me. Sabbath-day, at the widow Sherwood% I had the pleasure of hear- ing our brother Matthias make a pointed, profitable, and powerful discourse. It is now eight weeks since I have preached — awfully dumb Sabbaths ! I •have been most severely tried from various quarters ; n^ fevers, my feet, and Satan, would set in with my gloomy and nervous affections. Sometimes subject to the greatest effeminacy ; to distress at the thought of a useless, idle life : but what brought the heavy pang into my heart, and the big tear to roll, that never rises without a cause, was, the thought of leaving the connexion without some proper men of their own election, to go in and out before them in my place, and to keep that order which I have been seeking these many years to establish. My aged parents were dear to me in their advanced age and dependant »tiEite : like myself, they have spent what they had to spare for many years, nearly forty, in keeping open doors for the Gospel and people of God > this burden hath been laid: upon them. I am happy that I can now ride a little every clear day for my better iteidth, and can eat and sleep better. I am left too much alone : I cannot sit in my room, all day making gloomy reflections on the past, present, and fature life. Lord, help me ! for I am poor and needy ; the hand of God hath touched me, and I think Satan fortt himself in my melancholy, unemployed, unsocial, and inactive hours. Sunday 18. I was strongly impressed in my mind months ago that this summer and fall would be marked with heavy a£9ic- tions. Oh Philadelphia ! I have had very little f^ith for that city ; I have often remarked the general contempt of the Sabbath ; the constant noise of carriages; there is.a perpetual disturbance of worshipping assemblies. It is true, one event cometh on the righteous and the wicked ; but God will stand to his word — -he hath punished, he will punish those that rob him. If report be true^ the distress of the Philadelphians is great ; three-fourths of the citizens are fled. Digitized byCjOOQlC 99ft BET. FRAJICI8 AMVRT's JOVElTlft. [1797. Monday 19. I felt strenglh of faith and body, as if I should be raised ap again. I rode for recreation nine miles* The clonds are dispelled from my mind — O that my future life may be h<4incM to the Lord— pmdent Spd exemplary to ndany ! 1 wished to speak to a poor African whom 1 saw in tbe field as 1 went ont, and as I came along on my retarn, he Was at a stone wall within eight or nine feet of me : poor creature ! be seemed struck at tey counsel, and gave me thanks. O, it was going down into the Egypt of SoMh Carolina after those poor souls of Africans f have lost my keaidi, if not my life in the eod-«-the will of the Lord he done ! Wednesday 90. I rode about fourteen miles. 1 met a messte*- ger who came to desire my presence to-morrow at the fnoeral of our brother Vanostnind \ 1 hare known him about fifteen years, and had great confidence in the man. He hath laboured as a local preacher, and three years as a traTelliog ^ne ; he had hisaeA« and I know one. Some will complain of his negligence . in Elisa^ both circuit; but what could the man do? He gave bis life, and perhaps caught the cause of his death by bad lodgiag, and riding in cold weather. He told a fHend he had settled bis temporal and spiritual business ; he then slept in peace. Brother Yawoatrafid was a native of Long-Island. He fdlowed the fortune of king George in the revolutionary war, but sood after peace he joined himself under king Jesus, and fought till he died in a good cause, as a Christian and a minister. I had some unpleasing symptoms, and am ready to conclude 1 shall linger into death, or at least never be restored to perfect health : my soul continually cries oat, Thy wiH be done, O Lord ! Thursday 21. I attended the funeral, and gaVe an exhortation* I have rode twenty miles this day, with little rest and no food. Friday 22. I rode eight or ten miles, I was touchtsd with the fever. Saturday 23. I slept well last night, but waked with a slight fever. I received a letter from Dr. Coke ; as I thought, so it is — he is gone from Ireland to England, and will have work enough when he Cometh there. The three grand divisions bf that connexion ak-e alarming. It is a doubt if the Doctor cometh to America until spring, ff at all until the general conference. 1 am more than ever convinced of the propriety of the attempts 1 have made to bring forward Episcopal men : First, from the uncertain state of my health ; Secondly, from a regard to the union and good order of the American body, and the stiaite of the European connexion. I am sensibly assured the Americans ought to act as if they expected Digitized by Google 2797.] RET. FIULNCI6 AiBVRT's JOITRNAL* SdS to lo«e me ever; day, und had do dependance upon Doctor Coke ; tliking prudent Care not to place tbemselres at all under the con- troling inflaence of Britiiti Methodists* I visited three families^ talked, and prayed in each, but was rather outdone. Sunday 24* At Sherwood's VaUey : I bad. greatly desired to speak to these people, and was much assisted so to do ; my subject was 2 Cor. ri. 3. I considered, by way of introduction, What cha- racter of )>eople they were< who are to be the subjects of salva- tion—the loift, the enslaved, and those that cannot save them- selves. First, Christ the author of ibis salvation ; the meritori- ous, efficient, and moving cause. Secotadly, The nature of this salva- tion — to rfeach all the misery and guilt of sinners ; to save, redeem, and liberate* Thirdly, What bespenks an accepted time and a day of salvation ; to have God, Christ, the Spirit, ministers, means, and people that have religion, Say, behold— now is the day of salva^ tion ! I was able to speak fervently and regularly for an hour with great affection. I rejoiced to find that God had raised me up to call poor mourning souls to Christ, and to warn careless sinners. After twenty-six years tlie Gospel is established in this neighbourhood, at a small distance from this boose. I preached at Peter Bennett's before the war ; and after peace was restored, the blessing re- turned to hUi widow's house ; two of his daughters are ici fellow- ship with us. The widow Sherwood's was the substitute honsOf after the widow Bennett went to live at New- York : now they are about building a church for the word and worship of God. I am happy to hear, by letters, of a revival of the work in several places in Virginia, as also in North and South Carolina. Monday 25. The day was clear, and very warm. 1 rode up to the Plains, and stopped at Elijah Crawford's. God hath honoured this house. Two young men are gone into the ministry out of it. I have rode nearly twenty miles, and had it not been for tjie heat, I should have done well. Tuesday 26. I wrote a letter to , he was under grief and trouble. This day Joshua Wells returned from Wiibrabam confe- rence. Matters were conducted well. Wednesday 27. The preachers came up ; and Thursday iS, we ' had a sermon, and ordination of deacons. I was employed about three hours, and faint indeed. I rode* four miles, and lodged at Morgan's, East Chester : this was an excessively warm day. Saturday 30. We rode to N«w-York ; a very warm day. I found myself much injured, but was well nursed at the north side of the city. They have a tonch of the fever here in George-street. Digitized by by Google 994 nsv. FEAireis ^nvmr's jovksal. [1797. Sabbatii; October 1. We had mach rain. Lire or die, I preached aft the old and new church on Isai. xzxiii. 20. and Dent. xxTiu. 9. I had tome diss^greeable things, and was hot ill fitted in body to bear them. Mondaj 2. We rode about twenty-seven miles to Hammond^s. My ferer rises every night. New-Jerset.— -Toesday 3. We rode thirty miles to Joseph Hntchinson's. 1 lament most of all that I have not lived in a ccm- •tant state of prayer. 1 have had most deep and sore temptations of many kinds, such as I coold have hardly thought of in health. I ■last be tried so as by fire. By reason of the fever in Philadelphia oor conference is moved to Duck-Creek, in the state of Delaware. Wednesday 4. After the storm was over we moved on as far as Crossweeks, and lodged at father Lovell's. I was weak in body hot comfortable in mind. I visited three families ; called at Han- cock's, and saw my old friend of twenty-six years n^embership. i came on to Burlington. Serious times still in Philadelphia. I was very unwell ; I had an awful night. . Friday 6. We crossed Dunkes's ferry, and came a rough, crooked way to Germantown. We had a meeting at Dr. Lusby's. Saturday 7. We rode over the rocks, after crossing Schuylkill at a ferry, to Chester, and thence to Aaron Mattson's. There i« a new house and mill built since I was here ; but there is room enough for Christ yet. We rode to Wilmington, where I preached on Psalms xlvi. 1 — 5. Deuiwarje«— "Monday 9. We came thirty-eight, miles to Duck- Creek. Tuesday 10. We began conference. I appointed /the president elders to take my seat, and I sat alone, because the hand of the Lord was upon me. I was resolved to put out my strength to the last in preaching. My first subject was Isaiah i. 26 — 28, ; my second was on Luke xvii. 12. ; my third 2 Cor. xiii. 11. Great times : preaching almost night and day ; some souls converted, ^ and Christians were like a flame of fire. Eleven persons were set apart for elders' and three for deacons' orders. Friday 13. We rose. 1 was much outdone, yet happy. We appointed a standing committee to iospect and direct the press. We read some passages of the notejs on the Discipline, and left the ren»ant to this committee. Maryland. — Monday 16. We rode to Bohemia-Ferry, twenty miles. Dr. Ridgely has sent "me a plenty of Colutnbo magnesia* aolubie tartar, and bark. I am much grieved that I do not coa* Digitized by Google 17d7.] JOSV. FRANCIS ASBVRY^S JOURNAL* " tM rene more abaodantly with God in my own heart and soul. We had great peace. Iliaie not of late, if at any time in these parts, heard such an awful account of ferer as we now hear rages in Baltimore city and Point. At is i>eported that onr conference was first moved to Evans's meeting-honse. I spent the evening at Mr. Basseft's, and lectured upon a chapter. Tuesday 17, was a very warm day. We rode from Duck- Creek to North-East. They had managed the matter so as to appoint for me and brother Lee io preach. I gave them a short sermon on Gal. v. 7. ** Ye dhl run well ; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth ?" I lodged at Mr. Sheridine's. Wednesday 18. We OMne to Josiah Dallam's. Thursday 19. Reached Mr. Gough's. I was comforted in seeing a few of my age who were my spiritual children. Friclay 20. After all the alarm we came to Baltimore } a blessed rain settled the amazing dust and purified (he air. ^Saturday 21. I opened conference, and gave up the presidehcy to the presiding elders. Returned unwell. Very uncomfortable easterly winds and rainy weather. I mentioned in my speech to the conference the weakness of the^ episcopacy. The conference rose on Friday 26. There was great peace, and^all the preachers, but myself, satisfied with their stations. Sabbath day 22. I preached at Dr. Allan's church the funeral sermon of Martha F. Allison, a Miethodist for about twenty-seven years-^a class leader — a woman of, sense and piety : the subject was John xi. 24 — 27. We had a crowded house. Sunday 29. I opened the new church in Light-street with read* ing2 Chron. vii.J2. Fsalm cxxxii. Haggai xi. Markxi. The elders read and prayed. My subject was £ph. ii. 19, 20, 22. ; and at Old Town I preached on 2 Samuel xvi. 17. I had to preach the fu- neral sermon of father Gatch on 1 Thess. iv. 13, 14. I observed the pleasing, cheering, and charming manner in which the apostle described the death of the righteous. Sleep — sleep in Jesus — a rest from labour, sorrow, a£9iction, and pain ; happy opening vi- rions of God ! Secondly — the hope the pious who are alive have for their pious dead who have had experience, and long continuance in religion, and a comfortable dying in the (iOrd. Those who have no hope for' themselves nor their dead, how awful their sor- row \ I feel myself very weak. I dined at Mr. Rogers's. Tuesday 31.1 went to see the poor orphans — to weep with sis- ter Fonerdon's children, and dear Nelly Owens, her daugh- ter also. They had a Nelly Owens baptised for the dead brother Digitized by Google n$ mmrsWMAaenjdfmaLii^B'M^muuMm [1791 aodmler Reed, Uf deeriiQniiigfrieiidb: me tbeir beneficence and tears. Wednefdaj, November 1. We c«Be eff and preacbed at^ Ae widow Dorsey's on ** If in tbb life only we hare hope in Ghtul, we are of all UMn mot t miaerable." We had a fioieoin aatenMyi I made a few obterrations on the hope ChriatiaiM have of Chrisl only in this life { if in this life, only Christians ceoldhave hope in Christy they weald be most miserable. They are denied the ma^ M pleasures, profits, and honours of the world ; snbject to gresl afllictioos and persecntions ; often deprived of life in ages past : no mercy, no jostice, no troth, no love ; lastly, that they eoold neve^ be borne up under such principles and persecutions if it were not fi>r the hope of future rewards : they which have no hope in this or the future world in Christ, are of all men the most wretched and miserable. My horse is a little ungovernable, the weaihet warm, and myself unwell. Thursday 2. I did not preach, but exhorted at Shadrach Tor** ner's: here are five children and a motiier for Christ, and for usefulness. '{y» Friday 3. We came to Georgetown. ' I felt very feeble in body, almost ready to faint before we reached Col. Bell's : 1 was glad through my weakness to be excused from preachiug : brother liee supplied the place. I visited John Long's family ; 1 saw mother Moore efter more than tWenty years-r^he is going on to glory. 'A son of brother Long's was sick, and distressed about his ioul, and resolved to seek redeeming grace. We must needs go and view the famous bridge— it is amazing to see the river so eootraoted that a stone could be pitched ov-er where the bridge stands : jthi¥ is three miles above Geoigetown : from the bridge upwards, there is a good road cut out of the rocks. The rain came on,' and we were glad we could find Saitauel Adams's, three miles from the bridge. : here we were happily sheltered from the weather, i^d comfortably accommodated. I sent for brother Waters and his wife, and we improved the evening in the way Christians should; in prayer, siogiog, reading the word, and exhortations. ViRoiNiA. — Sunday 5. We rode ten miles to Alexandria, and had only time to reach town when the rain came on powerfnily. I made a feeble discourse on Isaiah xxxiii. 20. I ordahied Thomas Lyell deacon Monday 6. Came out of town late, and ju^ed it best to call at Willram Bushley's. We had a storm of snow. My mind is dall and my body languid ; my only hope is Christ and grace. , Digitized by Google 1797.] REV. FRANCIS ASBURV's JOURNAL* 297 Taesdaj 7. We thought it good, as the weather was fine, to stand our eourse southward : we fed at Colchester, at the new bridge t we were told it cost eighty thousand dollars. This is a great relief to hasty travellers. We dined on the road, in the woods, on what we brought with us. We got to Dumfries, where court was then , sitting r we met several drunken men in the way. I have not seen such sights for many days. We slept at Captain Ward's : they ex- pected us the evening before. I ordained brother Hopkinson deacon. Wednesday 8. We came away at eight o'clock, making twelve miles to Stafford court-house, breakfasted and fed, and then drove twenty-five miles to the widow Bombry's^ where we arrived about SIX o'clock. The hills were very bad to climb, being much wash* ed and broken : I was ready to be cast away, or overset. My body is still weakrand my mind greatly affected'. Thursday 9. I had gloomy feelings last night. Riding in the night w^s very injurious, i feel no evil, unless something like murmuring. When I am so unable to travel and yet go on, pro- tebly I do more than God or man requires of me ; but the will of the Lord be done ! If I suffer or sin in this, he will pardon my weakness. Friday 10. We rested at the widow Bombry^s : this mother in Israel treated us with every necessary mark of attention. I had an interview with sister Forks and her daughter. I found them still walking in the narrow way. Saturday 1 1 . We rode ten miles to Port Royal, and then came on nearly twenty miles to the widow Rouse's, in Essex, where we were kindly and comfortably entertained. We then hastened on to LerAy Cole's ; he and his wife were gone to quarterly meeting eight miles down the river ; but a pious young sister and house- keeper made us comfortable. We had a storm of wind and rain : when it had blown over, we hasted to the meeting-house. I gave a short sermon on ^' No man speaking by the Spirit of God calletb Jesus accursed ;" and that '* No man can say Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Ghost." What is to be qnderstood by calling Jesus accursed ? — To put him wholly out of the question ; to expel him from being any thing in our salvation ; and to say all the un- kind things that the Jews said of him. We had to ride five miles to the widow Humby's ; here all was kindness and love. We re- joiced to see our nrach esteemed brethren, Cde, M'Kendree, and Mead, and to hear of a great and gracious work of God. Vol. II. 38 Digitized by Google ^9S REV. FRANCIS ASBURT's aOVRffAL. |17^« Monday 13. We rode to Pace's chapel, where I preecbed on John ziv. 6. after which we had several exhortations, and the «• crament We lodged at widow CampheU's : we have been fed by the widows more than Elijah. Tuesday 14. We rode to Shackleford's chapel, and held meet* tog three hours: we had a lai|;e and solemn congregatioa. I preached, although very unwell, on 1 Cor. ii, 12. In the OMiittiof July last, the Lord visited this place in mercy, and it is judged tbir^ souls not only professed to be, but were really converted to God. in speaking to-day, I showed«-»Of whom, and of what the apostles wrote : the things freely given them to know as apostles and Chris- tians — redemption, salvation in all its degrees — conviction of sin, repentance for sin, faith, justification, regeneration^ saoctification, the resurrection, and glorification — that these things are not com- municated by the spirit of the world, bat by the Spirit of God. We had a very warm day ; we fasted eight hours, and held meet* ing three, and then rode nearly twenty-four miles, and lodf^d at . Wednesday 15, was a snowy day, and very cold : f rode miles, cased and curtained up in the carriage. I kept house at bro- ther Bellamy's : it is seven years since I was here. My mind enjoys peace, but my body is languid. I had a severe fever, end . found it time to rest. A society of nearly forty here is now- in- creased to one hundred, and it is hoped that nearly five hundred have joined this year in Gloucester circuit I preached at Bel- lamy's chapel on Hebr. iii. 12, 13. it was an exceedingly cold day, but clear. We rode ten miles to John Ellis's, where we were comforted with kindness, and blessed for one short nights We rose early to go on our way, iind, behold, who should meet us but Bishop Coke, with a borrowed horse, and a large white boy ridiag behind him on the same horse. We halted, and then agreed.Jke should have brother M'Kendree's horse ; but up came John Ellis, and took the Doctor home» and brought him in a carriage to quar- terly meeting. We stood on our course, and by the time we- came :to Gloucester ferry, it blew a eterm of wind and rain : I had only to torn the chair back to the wind and sit wrapped up. After two hours we crossed the river and rode in haste to John Ellis's, seven miles. We drank, ate, prayed, and came on our way .* the day, to one in my state, was very uncomfortable. We rode thirty-two miles this day, and stopped at our dear brother Taylor's, in James- City. There are two very good meeting-houses built here since Digitized by Google - 1797.] REr. FRAKCI& ASBURT'S'JOVRWAL. 209 I visited Hbese parts ; one in James-City, and the other in New- 'Kent coQiity. ' Saturday (8. 1 delivered a feehle discourse OD 1 Peter ii. 1 , 2. I observed on the tnaliee, for some real or supposed iDJury done ; ' guile to hide malice until an opportunity for revenge offers. Hypo- crittB — gding beyond our attainments, professing what we do not practise, or not practising what we profess : envtoio at the ex- telleQces or happiness of others ; evil'Sjieaking^^M^ these arising tcwBCk the bad state of the heart : chiefly pride and self-love. Babes; not giving them strong food or medicines ; bah$i; stran- gers to malice by want of understanding— and not having a capacity for guile; strangers to hypocrisy ; no ideas of envy, not having speech to speak evil. Dr. Coke preached on Luke zii. 14. ^* For where your treasure is, there your heart is also.'' We spent a Bight at the widow Cowlej's. Monday 90. We rode thirty-one miles to brother Mooring's ; I had a thought never more to cross at old James-Towv. But we had a remarkable time after we had embarked : myself and Dr. '^Mke crtesing in a skiff, the horses atid carriage came in a large boat ; my bible, which was clothed and bound up in a handker- chief, was accidentally thrown into the river, but the bkck man shalched it up undamaged. The weather being damp, we rested. ' Tuesday 21. i wrote a small epistle to the oflScial memberai of Baltimore, and] another to Philadelphia, as also a short pathetic letter to my parents. We have rode little less &an four hundred ■' miles in twenty days, and rested one. We had very damp wester. Wednesday 22, at brother Bellamy's. Thursday 23. I rode about thirty miles to Mr. Briggtf^, to see how the preachers would be accommodated, and where the confe* rence would be held : Mr. Briggs was willing to take eight op ten of the preachers, and gave the conference the offer of his hall to sit in. Friday 24. 1 visited my old friends, and wrote to Alexander Ma- ther. My route, which I only guessed at, is now fixed by Nor* folk, Portsmouth, Newbern, Kingston, Georgetown, and Charles* ton. Between five and six hundred miles in little more than a month ; sick or well, living or dead, my appointments go on. ' Saturday 25. The conference began their sitting at Lane's ehapel. Aboiit sixty preachers were present : nine or ten had located ; and four or five Were ^added. Sabbath day two hours were spent in speaking of the circuits, and for souls. Digitized by Google 300 HET. Fjuncis ASBimr^s jovrital. [17991 Wednesday 29. At noon the conference rofe ; the hwiiieBs was conducted with despatch, and in mnch peace. I desired tlte divioe < of ^e conference concerning mj heahh : the answer was, that I should rest until the session of the conference to he held in Aprils in Virginia. . - Thursday SO. 1 travelled under much weakness of hody to Stith Parham's, at the High*hiU store. Friday, Decemher 1. I collected the small remains of streagtb I had, to read, and hear read my manuscript journal. It was wvit« ten in such haste that it was very incorrect. I visited Robert Jones's family, and on Sunday 3, we had a fiimily meeting : brother M'Kendree preached on feitb, hope, and charity : on faith to me, as I felt the need of its. exercise. Monday 4. We stopped one night at Matthew Davis's ; and the next at Ira Ellis's. Our time was taken up in journalizing ^ I came off twenty-five miles to Edward Dnimgold's : once or twice- I felt on my way thither as if the blood would lise into my mooth. I resolved to give up travelling this winter. Dr. Sims bled me ; and*'' there appeared an inflammatory buff on the top. OhV to rest-^tO * be idle and dependant — is painful : but if this is to make me per- fect, the will of the Lord be done ! I sent my papers to brother > Lee, who proceeds to Charleston ; also my plan and directions how to station the preachers, to brother Jackson. I believed that my going to Charleston this season, would end my life ; yet, ■ could I be persuaded it was the will of the Lord, I would go and preach^ I cannot bear the fatigue of riding thirty mites in a day.* lam much pressed to make my will, lest! should be surprised by deaths' my mind is greatly calmed and centred in God. i have weH con** sidered all the solemnities of death. ... Saturday 9, and Sunday 10. We sat melancholy in the.bouse-^ dumb Sabbaths ! Dr. Sims read me Mr. Wesley's sermoit upon the depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God. Monday 11. I was led to meditate on the same subject : ''By whom shall Jacob rise?" 1. Jacob, the church. 2. Rise to spiri* tual glory. 3. By whom- Jacob bath risen. 4. By whom the Church shall rise — it is a prophetic character of the Church. Jn^ cob^--see that man loved by his mother, hated by his brethren after the ileshi guarded against unlawful marriages, yet had two wives, rqpres^enting the Jewish and Gentile state of the Cborch. See hi^ afflictions and persecutions ; the danger of being extinct in bis fimn^ ly ; yet preserved, his children, his piety, his prayers. A type of Digitized by Google 17^] RCr. FRANCE ASBUKy's JOURVAL. 301 Cbri8t» and bis Church. Jacob rise ! rise, increase ior children', m faith, ia love, Id mercy, in justice, in truth, in zeal, in ministerid gifts, in faithful watchmen. By whom bath the church risen ? By Abel, by/ Enoch, by Noah, by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, by Moses and Aaron, Joshua, and the elders that out lived Joshua, by Joel, by Ruib, by Obadiab, servant of Abab, by Micab, by Joash, by Jothan, Hezekiah, and his grandson Josiah ; and all the prophets ; by the great wrestling Jacob ; by Jesus and his apostles ; by faothful ministers in all ages, nations, and societies. We want knowledge to know, and time to mention their names. By whom shall Jacob rise ? God will pour out his Spirit in the last days on ministers and people, old men and maidens, young men and children ; minis- ters and members of his Church, magistrates and masters, parents and guardians. He is small : see all the liUle flock, the holy seed. All the weaknesses, all -the ' apostates and backsliders, all the want of justice, mercy, troth, and true religion ; these shall be replaced with opposite characters and grac«6 -^-M the vacancle? of mimsters and virtues shall be filled up, and more abundantly supplied ia sptKtual and heavenly glory. When all shall know the Lord, and be taught of the Lord, and all be righteous, and the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth, as the water doth all the deep places pf the earth and seas. But by whom shall Jacob rise ? I answer, by the wisdom, power, mercy, truth, love, and holiness of God) displayed in a glorious Gospel, i am sure Jacob shall rise by the merit, righteousness, and intercession of Jesus Christ. I answer again, by the operations of the eternal Spirit of God, in its coavincing, converting, and sanctifying influences, manifested by the calling and qualifying ministers for the work ; that thousands of ministers may go forth; and millions of souls may be brought- home by their instrumentality. Tuesday 12. Whilst taking a sober, contemplative ride for three hours, I conversed sweetly with God ; my mind and body were refreshed with a clear and cold day. I read a few chapters in the book of God. In the evening Mr. James Green Martin came to receive deacon's orders ;' he brought letters of consolation from Hicbard Whatcoat and Jesse Lee. ' Also the wishes of my dear brethren and sisters that watted to see me. ' Wednesday 13. 1 felt a little better; I rode out, but it was not as comfortable a day as yesterday. The smallest exercise or ap* plication to study is too great for n>e. The doctor prononnoes my complaint to be debility. I have taken cider ivith ttaih put into it^ and fever powders, and must take more of the barks^ Digitized by Google 302 RBTw rRAxlc]rs asbvry's jovrnal. [1707. Thunday 14. My mind is grieTefl with the old sore m ¥»rgttiia ; bat 1 must bear it |>atieotlj. One of our sisters asked' me if We would not rebaptise persons that desired it. This put me to tMnk- iog and revoking the subject in my mind. I considered that thiire was neither precept nor ezariaple in holy writ to justify onr re- baptisiog one who had been baptised in the name and form wbich Christ commanded in Matt. zRviii. 19. Friday 15. Was my well day ; I took some of the powders, had good nursing, and got rest. I only read the Bible and (be Form of Discipline. I write, ride, and talk a little with the wo- men, children, and Africans. My thoughts were led to meditate upon Timothy iv. 16. '< Take heed unto thyself, and unto thy doc- trine ; continue in them, for in doing this thou shalt both save thy- self and them that hear thee." I. ** Take heed to thyself," — in religion, as in nature, self-pre- servation is one of the first laws. Take heed that thy experience in religioti aud'doctritie be sound; that thou hast a good heart, and si good head, and a good life, and a good conversation, ministerial diligence and fidelity, in every part of Christiaa UMi pastoral duty. Saved already by grace, thou shalt be presenred from ail the snares set for th^ feet, and not backslide as a Christian minister, but feel persevering, sanctifying, glorifying, and crown- ing grace. II. Thou shalt '* save them that hear thee," from lukewarm- ness and backsliding ; legality on the one hand, and making void the law through faith on the other ; that they profess and possess, live and walk as it becometh the Gospel of Christ. III. *< Continue in them ;" in all the doctrines, ordinances, and duties of the Gospel ; the same Gospel, the same ordinances, the same duties which are designed to complete the work in the souls of ministers as Christians, are as needful to continue the work 'of grace as to begin it ; and not only continue, but to finish and bring bn the headstone with shouting. Saturday 16. I employed myself as much as my health would admit, in reading the Bible and writing such observations thereon as were suggested to my mind. Sunday 17. I had to keep house ; O dumb day ! I am better, yet it is not safe for me to go out such very cold weather. I read the Word of God (for my comfort) and preached. Monday 18. Very little done ; I wrote to Dr. Coke, advising against the British brethren going to law with the contentious party about their houses. y Google Digitized by* 1797;] RSV. F&AHGX&ASBUfty*&JOUENAlM 303 . Tuesday 19. I am in a more comfortable state of body and mind/ for which I feel thankful : I am taking the bark. . Wednesday 20. I felt mnch amended by the bark and rest It appears to have been the mount Moriah where Abraham essayed to offer up his Isaac, on which the temple of God was built up- wards of eight hundred years thereafter, and before the offering of Christ, nearly or upon the same spot, eight hundred and seventy- two : the types and prophecies are not small arguments for the truth of the Scriptures ; for fore-knowledge doth not belong to man ; he cannot tell, only by probable conjectures, any thing that will hefall himself, unless revealed by the spirit of prophecy. The prophecy made by the man of God, 1 Kings xiii. ; fulfilled by Josiah, 2 Kings xxiii. : between the prophecy and fulfilment a pro- bable space of time of about three hundred and fiAy years, com- pletely accomplished in every punctilio, and the prophet's tomb and sleeping ashes taken notice of, the prophet's memory kept, svho died a witness to what he said, to seal the truth, and his sleep- ing bones lying there on the spot : what man, untaught by God, iriio knoweth all things, could come and foretell such events which should so surely cqme to pass, without. being taught and sent of God? . . Thursday 21^ Perhaps we may call this one of the coldest days of this winter ; I slept under two double-milled blankets, beside coverlids and sheets, but could not keep warm. This is the fifth season of cold weather we have had in Virginia since the first of November : we have had snow, but this is gone in a day ; this excepted, it is cold enough for the north. Strange life for me— to sit and burn myself by the fire, and to be nursed. I feel a small return of health. I hare been reading David's Psalms in Hebrew, and the book of Genesis in the English Bible. I could not but admire the provision made for the heathen nations, civil and bar- barous, by Abraham's second marriage, and by Ishmael and Esau's posterity : this attended to according to their names, as traced in the Universal History, we should not wondering ask, Where did this or that nation of people come from ? either Indians or Afri- cans. I cannot preach now, only to the family, and when a stran- ger cometh in. Friday 22* I rose in the morning in some fear lest I had or should say too much on slavery. I made choice of a verse, 1 Kings xxii. 16. ** And the king said unto him. How many times shall I adjure thee thai thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord" or Jehovah. I have found relief by taking barks, in Digitized by Google — 304 Her. feakcis ASBuaT^s ^duftVAL. {tTdS. strength, in feeling, in breath, and in my breast, and have a hope of being raised np once more. Saturday 23. Extremely cold. 1 am closely confined in Wtf room, bot could neither read nor write. -^ Sunday 24. It is exceedingly cold still. The pain in my brearil is returned ; I fear it is immoveably fixed more or less until dea&k Lord, thy will be done ! Wearisome days are appointed for me* Brother Drumgold came in the evening of Christmas day : I -am cheered with company and with Christ also. I feel as if the coming year would be marked with displays of divine power upon the souls of men to whoever may live to see it. Tuesday 26. We had open weather and rain. I am so much better in health that confinement is as trying to me as hard labour. I hope, if it pleaseth my God, I shall have health to be of some service to mankind yet. Ah ! what is life, and all this doll round, but for God and souls ! ' Wednesday 27. A falling of snow-^very cold. 1 have taken the bark ; this is the ninth day, and I am strengthened ; but the wine in the smallest portions makes me feverish, and it is astringcMb I feel need of great patience, prayer, and fai^. Thursday 28. We had hard frost and snow. I am thankful it is rest time with the poor blacks, or many might be frozen to death. Ungrateful man that I am, how am I favoured above millions! Fnday 29. Extremely cold. Mrs. Selby desired to see me, bad riding as it was through the snow and ice. I am mending. I prayed for health, and had faith to believe I should recover. I thought if God would spare me I was willing to labour and sufier out my days ; but the thoughts of being useless is most distresriog to an active, benevolent mind. Saturday 29. I felt weakness of body and dejection of mind, anS sometimes I am brought to think of requesting, as Elijah and Jonah did, that I may die. I cannot pray in the family without injury, wherefore should I request to live ? Oh ! my God, thy will be done in all things — mine in nothing, but as it pleaseth thee ! Sunday 30. We had a meeting at my lodging. Monday, January 1, 1798. Several local brethren were present — Drumgold, Lane, Moore, Smith, and Phillips. The brethren were lively in religion. I am now taking an extraordinary diet — drink made of one quart of hard cider, one hundred nails, a hand- ful of black snakeroot, one handful of fennel seed, and one handful of wormwood, boiled from a quart to a pint, taking one wine glass Digitized by Google 0A ew^Tf m^nniiS^ niseor tea ^njj^y- using no biiKejr, or milk, or meat ; it will make the stomach very sick, and ia a few da^FS j^orge the ^pfitieiit well. 1 was better ia ray fe^ngs than I have been since I hare been taken ill ; but I must flee conversation, gi^ief, fUMliCare, with deep and close thinking and composition^ 1 made a tiaall meditation on being free from the ceremonial law* Polyga* pty^ slavery, and such like, were never commanded under this dispensation, but .only tolerated ; and accompanied by strict ii^onc^ tions to prevent men from running to greater lengths in these prac- tices, as may be seen in JEIxodus xxL Leviticus xxv. Deuterono- my xxiv. Polygamy was allowed to prevent genersd whoredom* Servitude was regulated to prevent slavery and oppression, death, and loss of limbs. If aoy had asked the Lord on the subject ojT «lavery» as oo polygamy, he must have said, Moses, as a man, sufr fered this, a less evil, to prevent a greater ; but it was not so from the begiBning of the creatih, and not Judah, should be the ruler, and from him should come the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel, the promised Messiah : see this 1 Chron. v. Sabbath 7. My mind is serene and happy. I was comforted in seeing one of the travelling preachers. The physic I have been taking operatelh well. O that I may not iatter or elate myself! I can only promise to be more faithful if I have more grace. Monday 8. I wrote a long letter to John Dickens upon the man« ner of expediting his books to the distant parts, viz. the Journak, Sermons, Saints' Rests, Patterns, Hymn-Books ; and that the Mi^- zine should be our grand circulating medium ; only let us haive more American Lives and Letters. Tuesday 9. The weather is temperate: my mind is much pained. Oh! to be dependant on slave-holders is in part to be a slave, and I was free born. I am brought to conclude that slavery Digitized by Google ITdS.] RBr« FRANCIS AIQVAX'jS J0VRN.4L. 307 irtii etistia Vkgifita jmrhai^ for ages ; there is not .a suffident 4|0D8e of reli|;iim nor of liberty to d^troj it ;^ Methodi8t8» Baptists* Fresb^teriaosv in the highest fliglits of rapturous pietjS' still main- tain and defend it. I jndge in after ages it will be so that poor mem and free men will not live among slare^holder^, but will go to tiew lands : they only who are coQcemed in, and di^pendant. on tkem will stay in old Vij^nia. Wednesday 10. I have some peace and some pain of heart. Thursday 1 1 . My mind is exceedingly agitated on my peculiar situation : I feel each day, like a day or. year to me, as it is well or ill employed. Ebenezar academy is under poor regulations ; and what is more than all, some gentlemen of Brunswick couo^ had the confidence and want of propriety to wish to wrest it wholly out of our hands, after we had collected so much money to build it. , Friday 12. My mind still in pain. I read a chapter each day, and take down those verses that appear to me the most select, and which I have never used before in preaching ; they may be of use .if.ev^ I should serve the sanctuary ag^n^ I have read Kempis and Ybiikogi Saturday 13. I finished three feeble letters,' to Nelson Reed, Hepry Willis, and John Harper. I cannot read or write long together. I windbroaches ofcotton for diversion, and recreation ^ I will not be idle. The class met at my lod^ng ; and I ventured to give a smaH eihortation and a prayer. Sunday 14. I am still confined ; I must try emetic, tartar^ kill or cure. There is preaching at the chapel, a mile and a half distant, but the weather is- such that I casinot go with safety. The invete- racy of my fever was such, that on Mpnday 15 1 was fully rer solved to take three grains of tartar emetic^ which operated pow- erfoUy and brought off a proper portion of bile : in this, I hope for a cure. I must commend the old practice after all ; no anti* billipus pill will answer as well in my case and many others. Tuesday 16. I read a letter and wrote a letter. Wednesday 17. I am weak in body, but some better $ I read, wrotOt and wrought in windii^ cotton^ as I could jnot be idle and wholly inactive. Thursday 18. I went from the place where I had stayed six weeks, and had received every mark of affection, to brother Drumgoold's, ten miles. Ifelt at home hete also. Friday 19. My fever was light last night ; but this day I am un- cOQ^ortable. Digitized by Google 308 REV* FAANCIJt ASBC&t'S, JdURNAt.. IlfSS. SatardaySO. Very tmweU. lamstraiigely broogbtdaifa; Lord^. let me suffer with patience ; |hy will be done ! I could not do any thiog at my books ; bat that I might aot be wholly idle, I woaad cotton broaches among the children. Sunday 21. 1 sat at home reading a little. Mondays I am better ; my fever is greatly broken. 1 can only write, and meditate about an hour in a day. I must have some exercise, if it is only wo*- men's work. Tuesday 22* We had news from the assembly, that the Ame- rican ambassadors were r^ected at Paris. A report preTails that the French were about to invade England with one hundred and fifty thousand men. The British can raise two hundred thousand mihtia, and two hundred thousand regulars ; there ma^ yet be most desperate times--wocse than in Julius Cesar's day. -My mind is in peace. We have wirUerly weather ; m^iKre snow after much rain this day : fhaok God I have where to lay my head, a little reading and winding of cotton that I may not be quite idle. We'dnesday 23. Nothing of moment except a few thoughts fyf Eb^nezer school. . Thursday. 24. 1 employed myself in winding cotton; I cannot think, long, read, or write. . Rebecca Drumgoold reads for me out of Watts, Alleine, and Baxter's Works. 1 am much tried : the weather is so cold that I must keep in the bouse. Friday 25. Was a gloomy moroiiitg to me : nothing hvA the thoughts of death agitated my mind. It oppresses my heart to. think that I live upon others and am useless, and that I mi^ die by inches. Sunday 27. A solitary day to me^ neither preaching, reading^, writing, nor conversing. , Monday 28. 1 was employed in revising my journal. I am like Mr. Wbitefield, who being presented with one of his extempore sermons taken in sbor^ hand^ could not bear to 6ee his own fiice. I doubt whether my journals yet remaining will appear until aftertny death ; I could send. them to England and get a price for them ; but money is not my object. Tuesday 29. I was employjed in explaining my manuscript ; but am afraid of intense application. Wednesday 30. Still engaged in revising my journal. Thursday 31. 1 rode to Owen's, seven miles, and heard brother Wbatcoat on the *^ end of the commandment." I had been kept back so long that 1 was constrained to spend about forty minutes in glossing on the epistle to the angel of the church of Ephesus ; Digitized by Google 179^.] R&v. FRiircis iLSBuAY^s- jotmNAL. 309 I ihen commeiited od what law Paul mcMt have alluded to to 1 Tim. i. 9. . Menday 4. I took four grains of tartar emetic, and had a large, • bitter return. , Tuesday 6. My fever was very light last night, i received a most loving letter from the Cbarieslon conference ; there is great peace and good prospects there I hope to be able to move nei^t week. I have well considered my journal — it is inelegant ; yet it conveys much information of the state of religion and country. It is well suited to common readers ; the wise need it not. 1 have a desire that my journals should be published, at least after my death, if not before. 1 make no doubt but others have Moured: but in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and those kingdoms which have been civilized and improved one thousand years, and which are under such improvements, no ministers could have s^ered in those days, and in tiiose countries, as in America, the most ancient parts of which have not been settled two hundred years. Some parts not forty, others not thirty, twenty, nor ten, and some not five years. I have frequently skimmed along the frontiers, for four and five hundred miles, from Kentucky to Green Brier, on the very edge of the wilderness ; and thence along Tigers Valley, to Clarksburgb on the Ohio. These places, if not the haunts of savage men, yet abound with wild beasts. I am only known by • name to many of our people, and some of our local preachers ; and unless the people were all together, they could not tell what I have had to cope with* I make no doubt the Methodists are, and will be, a numerous, and wealthy people, and their preachers who follow us will not know OUT/ struggles but by comparing the present improved state of the country with what it was in our days, as exhibited in my journal and other records of that day. Wednesday 6. Rain and snow ; I am n poor prisoner.* Thurs* day 7. We made a visit to Matthew Myreck's, and returned. Friday 8.^ It is very cold weather: I was glad to keep close occupied in reviewbg my journal, and writing a few letters. This is a sickly time. Sabbath 10. I. did not preach — I cannot attend these .meeting- houses, they are only calculated for summer, or good health. 1 have hopes of being useful once more. My mind at times is under strong temptations : I cannot bear confinement. Mrs. --— ^ hath told some persons that she is convinced, by my means, that slavery is sinful. I would say, if so, move heaven with your prayers, and Digitized by Google 310 ABir. FEAVCIS ASSVET's JOVRlTiJ.. [1798. eartii irith yovr cmmmA and solkitatiMt ; and iieTer rest 191 abb- rerj is expelled from die plantation. Bfondajr 11. I bad appointed to meet tiie tmtteea of Ebeneier academy, at brother H<^'8, on the north side of the Mehernn. iiter some conrenation they willin^y agreed to address the con- ference in behalf of Ebenezer academy fiw an annaai sabocr^OB^ to make provision for a man at aboot one hundred ponnds a yeart who shall keep an English school nnderoor rules, with the warship and the word of God. Toesday 12. I rode to brother Pelham's ; here I was al home. I spent my time with the women and children, in winding cottmii and hearing them read. My sool was moch blessed. Tbnnday 14. The weather is cool and changeable. By lelten from the north I find that the book-interest is upon a good fiM>ti^g| the fand-interest well secsred* and great peace reigns amongst tbs preachers. Friday 16. There fell a heavy snow from six to mne and Iwelre iaebes deep. I had to keep honse. I had bat little to say bat what would call for weeping, lamentations, and wo. I was a little reatt? ated by hearing Betsy and Nancy Pelham read Doddri4ge's Sermons to Young People. Saturday 16, and Sabbath 17. Clear, but cold, and much snow* When I get sick and dispirited, I think, was 1 not a bishop, and required by duty, and necessity, and conscience, to do the best I can, I would rather go into some line of business to get n^y own liriiig, and not lounge about. 1 feel for those who bare had to groan out a wretched life dependant on others — as Peddicord, Gill, Tunnell, and others whose names I do not new recollect ; but their names are written in the book of life, and their souls are in the glory of God. I reflected with pain, that we had never reprinted, m Ame" rica, the life, labours, travels, and sufferings of that great man of God, David Brainard, of gracious menK>ry ; it would be a book well fitted for our poor, painftil, and faithful missiofiaries — none but God and themselves know what they suffer ; the minutes «f which for one week might fill a volume written by an ingenioai pen, and feeliug heart The last week I spent in some pain of mind, patience and prayer. It being meeting day at my lodgiogs^ 1 gave an exhortation to the congregation, having three subjects io view ; First, The excellency of the religion of Jesus : Secondly* The way to come at the knowledge of the hearts of men and women —namely^ by their actions : Thirdly, To put no confidence in frames Digitized by Google 2998:] n%f. 9%Aficis ASBimr^s jonui ai; 3 ft a^d feelingSy whilst p^ple are li?iiig io wiHbl •», of the neglect of plain, known daty. Sabbath day 24. It is saeh cloudy weather F cannot go out : I wind cotton, hear the children read, and teach them a Ktde gram- mar. I have, by the help of a tcrihe, marked the states I haTO tFttrelled throngh forthese twenty years ; but the morements are 80 qoiek (travelling night and day) it seems that the notes npon two or three hundred miles are only-like a parish and a day*«oii paper. The understanding reader that could ju^ the distanoe, would see that I purpose to have the names of the people at whose houses I have preached, or the journal will appear Utopian; March 3. I can only make a few weak observations. What' fittle pen-work I dare do has been in writing a letter to York. I shall only journalize a Kttle, and never enter deeply into ray other iubjects. I scorn to be idle.; the past week hath been spent in the cotton work with my fingers, and in hearing the children read, and Instructing them in the English grammar. I have thought, if we do wrong we rank among the vilest of the vile, as having been nere favoured than any others. Many other churches go upon the paths already trodden two or three hundred years. We formed our own church, and claim the power of a reform every four ye^rs. We can make more extensive observations, because our preachers in six or seven years can go through the whole continent, and see the state of other churches in all parts of mis new world. We, of the travelling nunisterg, who have nothing to mind but the Gospel and the church of God, may and ought to be very useful. ♦ • Monday 4, I class among my weeping da3's. I' have rested at the comfortable house of my dear friend j Peter Pelham, from February 9 tHl March 9, on which 'day we rode Oirough the heat to Hobland Saunders's, and on Saturday 10, to £benezer meeting-house, formerly Merritt's chapel. I met a few local brethren ; the house was open, and the day warm. I was soon outdone, and sunk into dejection ; the pain returned in my breast, and a discharge of blood took place. ' Sunday 11. I sat alone at brother Merritt's house, it was ex- pected } should preach — but Ah, wo is me, to be cut off from the happy service of the sanctuary through weakness of body ! O Lord, show me wherefore thou contendest with me! I was concerned to bring in hetter order among the local line of the ministry, by classing them together, and then, being thus classed, by making them take regular stations on Sabbath days. I also Digitized by Google 312 A£nr. FRAircfS ASBtnaY'^ iovRirA£. [1798. appoifited them a leader, to meet OBce in three or six moittfaBy to discourse about their sotils and families, and the congreg^tioa and society they attend. I am now alone with God the Lord, my only hope ! In conse* quence of riding twenty-fire miles, a bad road, and sitting abont three hours in conference with thfe locs^ brethren, in an open hoQse, I am qnite overcome. It shows that the main spring in my System is broken or much weakened, so that every feeble attempt I make to do any small sjarvice to the church is very bordensome- to myself, and will always give grief and disappointment Xo my friends,^ to my dearest and best brethren. Sunday 18. I have visited foor families in Brunswick, and three in Dinwiddle counties. On Saturday I had a close cofiversation with some of our local ministry : we had great union. I was. led to inquire of them the state of their own souls, and the standing of the societies and congregations they attended, and .advised them to meet in a conference class once in three months, and deal iftuth- fully with each other, and^ plan their work. We were happy, to find seven out of ten jvere not in the spirit or practice of slavety* I have made out since Friday week to ride about sixiy-five miles, and to meet as many of the local brethren as 1 could call together from Brunswick and Amelia counties. I have in general eii|oyed peace of mind, and better health of body, than heretofore. I re^. ce^ed a letter from the- African preacher and society in Philadel- phia, giving me an account of the revival of th^ work of God in the congregation of the Methodists in the city, amongst both white and black. - Sunday 25. Since the last sacred day, I have visited seven fa- milies. A friend of mine was inquisitive of my trade and appren- ttceship-^as Mr. ^lendenning had reported ; as he asked me so plainly, I told him that 1' counted it no reproach to have be^ taught to get my own living. My health is somewhat better. I am yet unable to read or write largely ; 1 can pray and praise the Lord a little. I assisted Pbilip Sands to draw up an agreelnentfoe our officiary to sign against slavery : thus we may know the real sentiments of our local preachers. It appears to me, that we can never fully reform the people, until we reforro'tbe preachers ; and that hitherto, except purging the travelling cont^exion^ we have- been working at the wrong end. But if it be lawful fi^r local preachers to hold slaves, th^ it is lawful for travelling preachers ahio ; and they may keep plantations and dveraeers upon their quarters : but this reproach of inconsistency must be irollediiwaj. Digi-tized by Google 1798.] rev; FEisrms AravRT's JouRVAi. 3 IS Sonue of our locid preachers complain that they have not a seat in the general annual conference. We answer, if tbey will do the doty of a member of the yearly conference, they may have the seat and prif ilege of the travelling line. The travelling ministry may complain, We orast go at a mioQte's'waming to our circuits, far and near ; and attend with the greatest strictness to our appoint- ments and societies. The local preachers go where and when they please ; can preach any where and no where ; they can keep plan- tations and slaves, and have them bought or given by their parents. The local preachers can receive fifty or a hundred dollars per year, for marriages ; and we travellers, if we receive a few dol- lars for marriages, we must return 'them at the conference, or be ^led refractory or^ disobedient. Let us not have the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect of persons in ministers, any more than in members — in local preachers, any more than travelling ones. I have 4oBe great things this week — I have rod« nearly sixty miles. I heard brother Ira 'Ellis, on the second epistle of John, verse S. *' Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things ye have wrought ; but that ye receive a full reward." Great need there is, in this degenerate day and place, for ministers and people to look to themselves. ^ Monday, April 2. I visited a local preacher, and gave him a plain and patient talk upon slavery Tuesday 3. i attended a sermon and sacrament at brother Pelham's. Wednesday 4. Rode Bfteen miles to brother Saunders's. Thursday 5. Attended a sermon and sacrament, and gavea«hort exhortation on the purity of tbe communion. We rode fifteen miies after meeting to brother Drumgoold's ; rested Friday. Sa» tarday we rode eight miles to brother Owens's : brother Whatcoat gave us an excellent discourse on *' He shall feed his fltfck like a shepherd :" we had two exhortations ; mine was feeble. We had a meeting with the local preachers. I returned to brother Drum- goeld's the same day. I feel that a little application to thought and bodily exercise is too mucl{ for me. Saturday 7. i was once more privileged to sit in a serious as- sembly, at Edward Drumgoold's chapel : I also ascended the sa* cred stand after brother Whatcoat had given us a very plain, valo* able, and useful sermon, properly heard, upon Acts xiv. 58 — 41. I ventured to give a gloss upon Acts ii. 40. ^Sabbath 8. The last week was memorable for a prodigious fall- ing of rain from Monday to Saturday. 1 rode, with great weaknoM* Vol. IL 40 Digitized by Google 314 mi v. FRANCIS ASBVKY'S JOVRNAIrfk [17M* to my dear brother Seward's, seirenteea miles^ and od Saiitrday to Salem, for conference. Sabbath we had an open time. Mondaj 9. We began conference, and ended on Wednesday eFcniog : we had three public days. The peace and union of the conference was apparently great : I was assisted to attend. Thursday 13. Rode twenty-fife miles ; the roads.very deep and much broken ; we stopped at brother Paop's. I am bnt feeble stilly and cannot stand labour as in past days. I have travelled since 1 left brother Drumgoold's sixty-five miles. Friday 14. We came the road to Harper's bridge, over Notta- way-River, fifteen miles, to brother Robinson's, in Dinwiddie county: this being a by-way the path was smooth. 1 have en- tered upon a tour of two thousand miles before I may probably see this part of the land again. Oh ! can I perform such a toil ? Weakness of body maketh me feel great iieaviness of mind. I most think, speak, writte, and preach a little ; or I may as well gtve op my station. Saturday 15. We rode to Henry Reese's ; we have proper March weather in April. . ^» ,. Sabbath 16. I attempted a feeble discourse on 2 Peter iii. li. " Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.'^ We had a large congregation : our brethren, Dyer, White, and Ro* per, were ordained deacons. I appointed my dear aged, and faith- ful brother Whatcoat to visit the four districts belonging to the Vir- ginia conference, and wrote my apology as not being able to ride on horseback as heretofore. Notwithstanding my bowels were afflicted and much affected we left l^rother Henty Reese's, smd rode through dust and deep cot roads thirty miles to Petersburg. I en* deavoqred to commune with God, but i had great sinkings of heart. Monday 17. 1 preached at Petersburg very feebly on 2 Peter iii. 17, 18. Tuesday 18. There was a severe frost. We then rode to Rich- mond : I was very unwetl. I went to the court-house and made my apology for inability. Wednesday 19. Being so unwell and crowded with company, I found it best once more to try for Baltimore :' we came only forty miles to Lyon's, in Caroliae county. Thursday 20. We had a gentle ride to Todd's tavern. Friday 21. We crossed the new bridge at Falmooth, and came to Stafford court-house to dine, and thence to Ward's at night-*thir- ty-five miles. Digitized by Google 1708.] lu^. pnAVcis asbvry's jovrval. 315 Saturday ftft. We <;a«ie to' Colcbester to dine, and to Willi«9a AdamB's at niflit» thirty miles. The roads were nearly as bad as ID winter, and amazmgly piouglied up with frost and using. The prospects for small grain are bad. We met with a powerful storm, bat my carriage kept me dry, and my cloak defended brother George from damage. This has been a changeable day ; heat, wind, rain, and the yast fatigue of bad roads, deep gullies, heavy mire, roots, and hills, bore hard upon me. I heard of brofbar Watters's preaching at the Fall church, a faithful funeral sermon. Martlamo. — Monday 24. We reached Turner's, and made a rapid ride to the city of Baltimore. I visited until the Sabbati|. April 29, they would publish for me at Old-Town meeting-house. I made an attempt on Psalm cxKxii. 9* '* Let thy priests be clothed with righteousDlf^s, and let thy saints shout for joy*" I went to the Point and heard a sermon on ^* Speak evil of no man." I g^ve a short exhortation, and came home much more comfortable than i expected. Our beautiful house is not ready yet : I fear, I trenftbte in imagination, lest it should have more temporal than spi- rit«al glory. Wednesday, May 2, Oar conference began : it was half-yearly^ to bring on an equality by the change from fall to spring. We had to correct the many ofiences given at many conferences to one particular man i I pleased myself with the idea that 1 was out of the quarrel : but no ! I was deeper in than ever, and never was wounded in so deep a manner ; it was as much as I could bear : I cannot stand such strokes. Sabbath 9. We opened the new house : brothers Lee, Bruce, and Forest preached. Monday and Tuesday 1 visited brother Willis. Wednesday 12. I attended the public fast : my sul^ect was ** So the Lord was entreated for the land." I observed — 1. That there were special times and seasons in which it becomes our duty, in a most special manner, to entreat the Lord for the church and t^e land. 2. Who they are who ought to be assembled — every order, the elders and people at large ; sanctified — that is, set apart from labour and common service*— the bride and bridegroom, the chil* dren, the infant offspring. 3. Who shall intercede-— the priests, the ministers of the Lord : again, if my people which are called by my name shall bumble themselves. 4. The special seasons- calamities threatened by God or man, feared or felt, such as sword, famine, or pestilence. 5. How we should entreat the Lord-«^ . with ^sting, prayer, reading, and preaching the word of God; Digitized by Google — 316 AEr. FRANCIS asbixry's jovrvml, [17981 eoniBSBing our sins and sorrows, and ackfiowledging his metckes^ The cifiamities of the church : idolatry, division, superstition, and backsliding. 6. The happy consequences of God being entreated — he heareth and answeretb, in temporal, and spiritual, and in eter- nal blessings. Sunday 16. I had to go upon my watch-tower. My subject in our temple was 1 Kings ix. 6-*-9. It was observed on the first htwA of the discourse, What the pious Israelites bad professed, experienced, and practis and visit daily: life appears to be but poorly spent with me. 1 met the married women in the new church. Sunday, July 1. At the old church I preached from Phil. iii. 18, 19, 20. At the north church,, in the afternoon, on 1 Cor. is. 2. : 1 was much heated and rather hurried in preaching. The weather is excessively warm — the children ar throp and Redfield, which are as bad as the Alleghany moantain, and the shades of death. We have now laid by our carnage and saddle, to wait until Wednesday next for conference : the firat of the kind ever held in these parts, and it will probaUy draw the people from far and near. Wednesday 29. Ten of us sat in conference ; great was our onion and freedom of speech with each other. Thursday 30. was our great day : it was computed that from one thousand to eighteen hundred souls attended public preaching and ordination. The unfinished temporary stete of the gallery was such, that the plank and other parts would crack and break : we had one alarm while ordaining, owing to the people's wish to gratify their curiosity ; but no person was killed or wounded. My sub- ject was 2 Cor. iv. 1,2. it was observed, " this ministry ^^"^ by way of eminence distinguished from the law-^the ministry of the Spirit and power, and the word and letter of the Gospel : Secondly, The apostolical manner of using the ministry — renouncing the hidden thinp of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor haodh'ng the word of God deceitfully : not seeking either worldly honour, ease, or profit ; but by manifestation of the truth con^meoding ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God — to sinners of all characters ; to seekers, believers, men of tender s^nd scrupulous consciences. Thirdly, The temptations, labours, and sufferings the faithful ministers have to meet with in the discharge of their duties : Fourthly, The support they shall have by the mercy and power of God, and fruit.of their labours ; Fifthly ; We faint not — a person that fainteth loseth all action ; is pale and dispirited : it is a near resemblance of death, and sometimes terminates in death. Un* happy the man who is dead and useless in the ministry \ Weary of being shift up in one house for some days, I came in the afternoon through the dreadful swamp to Squire Frescott's, at Winthrop : I found a Congregational priest there. Early in the morning I came to Monmouth to breakfast ; dined at Lewistown, and lodged at the widow Roe's : the next day (Saturday) I came to Grey to dinner ; thence to Falmouth, and lodged at Major Illsley's. I came chiefly alone ; I experienced much bodily weakness : my trials are great ; the roads are bad, and I fear the families are lit- tle bettered by any thing I. could say or do for them. Synday, September 1. 1 am surprisingly supported, and am gain- ing strength, notwithstanding the heat of the sun and most despe- rate roads and rocks ; we have come nearly sixty miles in two Digitized by Google t79f3.j ftEV, FfUNCIS A5»URY's JOilRX^At. 32.7 daysi I had it coDfirmed that the ox was killed by lightning, which was found dead within one hundred yards of onr horses. I went to Portland, unexpectedly, upon the Sabbath-day : 1 preached in the widow Bynton's back room tp about twenty-five persons, chiefly women, my subject was 2 Peter ii. 9. In the aflernoon I preached to about double the number on Phil. iii. 8. I returned Sabbath evening, to^ my very kind friend's house, Major Illsley's. Monday 2. We oam6 off in haste, and rode thirty-five miles to, Wells. We lodged with Deacon Clark ; a most complete house of entertainment. ' Tuesday. We rode forty-seven miles to Sialisbury, near New- buryport. Nbw-Hampshire. — I passed Hampton and Hampton-Falls ; at the latter Mr. Whitefield preached his last sermon, and probably caught the cause of his death. I came over Piscataqua bridge, a most admirable piece of architecture ; it is double, and the toU- gate and Tavern stand upon the Island : we dined at Greenland, and had great attention paid us. The fever is breaking out again in Portsmouth, and it is awful in Philadelphia ; it seenieth as if the Lord would humble or destroy that city, by stroke after stroke, until they acknowledge God. Very serious appearances of this fever are now in New- York. Thursday 4. Came from Captain Patake's to Lynn \ where I preached on Friday from Galatians v. 6 — 8. Massachusetts. --^Saturday. We came off with a design to call at Boston : the heat was excessive, and the sun met me in the face, so that I was almost ready to fa|nt in the carriage : I changed my mind, and concluded to come on to Waltham, and spend another Sabbath. I missed my way a little, but came in about seven o'clock, riding since two o'clock twenty miles. Sunday 9. I attended the chapel in the morning ; my subject was 1 Peter ii. 9, 10. ; and in the aflernoon, at five o'clock, from the 11th and 12th verses of the same chapter ; many attended. Monday and Tuesday. We continued at Waltham. Wednesday 12. We cane on to Weston, where I preached in the new house, a well designed building, on 1 Cor. xv. 58. Thursday 13. We rode twenty miles, the way stony and dusty, to Mr. NicoU's, at Westborough : here five preachers came to- gether. With hard sighs I attempted to preach, and was most remarkably assisted upon Titus ii. 11, 12. Friday 14. We rode forty-one miles over very uneven r6ads ; my horse ran away with me^ but did me no hurt. We lodged at Digitized by Google $t^ BCV* SIUIICI9 ABBV&y's J0|^]U{t4JC». Ih7^^ )tlr. Ij[iibfaird'fl» at BrooofieM : I vn^s 8Brp4^i9«d to see the meetias uni direlliBg hoases they liave boiit in this.plaoe, and the reforiii9 ibey have made ia the rpadt, since I came op through thin ^s^t of the state seyeo yean ago* Saturday IB, We came once more to Silas Blisses, at WUbc»« ham. We have rode ninety miles in two days, and I wonld nitfaeir have rode tf^o hendred in the low level lands of the south of this continent. Sabbath day* I attended at Wilbraham ;. my subject was 1 Peter ii. t— ^. . Monday 17. We came to Springfield to dine, and then roda on through excessive heat and bad roads, sixteen miles to-day. Tuesday 18. We came up to Granville, sixteen mileS : it was well that I had help over the rocks and mountains, Wednesday, Thursday! and Friday. We sat in confereiice ; about fifiiy preachers of different descriptions present : ten were admitted on probation^ We had opisiny weighty and deliberate conversations on interesting subject?, in much plainness and mode- ration. Six of us lodged amongst deacon Loyd^s kind Coagregti- tional people. CoHWECTicuT. — Saturday 22. We began our flight to the White Plains, across the hiUs and along most dreadful roads for a earri- age I we came to Canaan, about thirty-six miles, and lodgjsd by the fails of Housatonick river. Its source is in some ppnds and springs N. and S. W. of Pittsfield, Massachusett9, and running through the heart of Connecticut, empties into Long- island Sound at Stratford : it is the second in magnitude to that which gives a name to the state. , N£w*YoEK. — ^^Sabbatb day 23. We came on, twelve in company* to Dover, in the state of New* York. I should have stopped at Sharon meeting-house had we not expected a meeting at four D^clock in Dover. W^ made this Sabbath day> journey twenty- five miles ; the weather was very wa^n, and we had nothing to eat from seven o'clock in the morning until four o'clock in the afternoon. My subject was^Hebr. xii. 12^ 13. 14. Monday 24. We came through Dutchess county, near the line of the.two states^ and down the waters of Croton-River* We lodged at Webb'sy near New*Salem. We reached the Plains in about thirty-six miles, and came in about sundown* Most awful times in Philadelphia and New- York*- citizens flying before the fever as if it were the sword I I now wait the providjence of God to Inow which way to go. Digitized by Google JTSa.J REV. FRANCIfi*ASBt!lV*S JOURNAL. 329 Wednesday 26; Came to my former lodging, where 1 lay sick last year: it is still like a home. Tharsday 27. We attempted to cross North-River at Woolsey's ferry, but the wind blew too strong. We visited a kind family, and retamed to the widow Sherwood's. We have spent a day, and rode sixteen miles, and are now where we began. Friday we rode twenty miles and crossed at Bulls-Ferry, six miles above Kew-Tork: we were about two hours and a half in getting over ; after which we rode eighteen miles to Elizabethtown. New- Jbrsbt .--^Saturday 29. We rode on to Brunswick, twenty milesy dined, and then hasted to Milford, twenty-two miles : here we spent the Sabbath day. I preached in the Hutchinsonian cha^ pel, my text was Matt. v. 8. Now we meet the tidings of doleful distress from poor Philadelphia— ninety dying in a day— surely 4Grod will plead with us 1 Monday I rested. Tuesday, October 2. 1 stopped and dined, talked, and prayed with die Lovell family, at Crosswick's, and came that night to Hiilet Hancock's, who is a kind and gracious man. Wednesday 3. Called upon James Sterling. Thii^ morning the certainty df th^ death of John Dickens was made known to me c he was in person and affection another Thomas White to me for years past : I feared death would divide us soon : I cannot write bis biography here. We came to Germantown : and Thursday^ twenty-five miles to , Daniel Meridith's ; where we tarried for a night. Next day we reached Thomson's mill, upon Great Elk: ^vitUn a mile of this place, while going over a desperate piece of road, my carriage turned bottom upwards; I was under, and thrown down a descent of fiv« or six feet : I thought at first I was anhurt, but upon examination I found my ancle was skinned and a lib bone braised. Oh, the heat, the fall, the toil, the hunger of 4hedayl Martland.-^Ou Saturday we rode six miles to North-East : my braised side pained me much, my spirits were sad — dark clouds impend oter Methodism here. Sabbath day 7. I preached in the North-East church on Hebr. sii. 15, 16, 17. The substance of my sermon was — 1. A caution against failing to obtain the repenting, converting, persevering, sanctifying grace of God. 2. How some bad principles, persons, and practices were like wormwood, gall, and poison to society, 3. How small the gain, and how great the loss of peace. 4. That eome might apostatize beyond the possibility of being restored, Vot. IK 42 Digitized by Google 3^ AKV. FAAtfClfi ASOVAY'S JTOVEVAL. {lV9f, tmi weep hopeless and onavailiBg teart : 1 enforced th« cMtkm-*— looking diligMtly to avoid the greatest evil and de^ger od the one hand, and to secure the greatest good, graee, aad glory on the odier. Mooday we rode to the Back, and dioed with a daiiglU^ of Sarah Dallam's. We thea caoHS eo to Perry^Hall : id cooseqeeofie of the drought this i^ace does not ap|MUir m imuwrseZ green^ m formerly. Tuesday 9. We cbom te Baltimore ; here tbey have litHe to boast of bat health and trade : the outward boiiding of a aeciety^ hoose is going oa^ 1 had John Dickens's son with me : we sketch- ed out a few ttfaits of bar father's life. For piety, pvotiit twelve o'clock. In consequence of my affitctiofi of body and mind i was but poorly prepared to preach ; however, I attempted a gloas on 1 Peter ii. 1, 2, 3. Here I saw and conversed with my old friend William Waiters. Monday 15. We came to Alezandria-^I preached in the eveaiog on Col. ill. 16. Tuesday 16. Brothep Lee and John Harper stccompanied me ; we ca^e through eixessive heat and dust, tli^rty miles, to Ward'o^ Wednesday 17. I came to the widow Conner's, who keeps a de* cent boarding-house : we rode this day about forty miles, havMig nothiog to eat but a little broad and cheese. On Thursday, twalve miles to the widow Collin's, where we breakfiisted bf tween elerea and twelve o'clock, and in our usual manner prayed, andaddreseed the family about their souls ; and then rode on, ten miles, to iNrother Lyon's. Whilst others leave us, and say much evil i>f us, these people in Caroline county keep closely to us. I ielt very u&weli^ occasioned, I suppose, by riding so late and early through the ezces* sive heat, dust, and dews. Friday 19. We came through the dust, thirty-five miles, to Rtcb- mond : here I heard of the death of John Norman Jones, who de- parted in joy and peac$ in Charleston ; this is the second preacher Digitized byCjOOQlC ^ 1 70t«jl SBVv FEAKCIS JMmr'^ J0VR9AI.. 331 we ktFe loil ia dbdul one yMr in that dtjr. LUiawise of Hiek90Q aod Brasb, io New- York ; M'Gee and Dickens, in Philadelphia ; and Fmncii Spry id Baltimore. S^^Oee, WilUam Dougharty, J. Bi^ash, Stephen Dum, John Re|«i, James King, and John Dickens, died »f the malignaiU fever. Saturday SO. I rested in Richmond : I here masi record, mj thanks Io my ancient end firm friend, Philip Rogers, for the loan of n bdrse, when mine ivas fully «trorn down» and unable to staiid my long end rapid rides« Sabbath 21 « I preached in the court-house, at the east end of the city, on 1 John i. 6, 7. ; and in the afternoon on Rom. k. 13, 14, 15, 16. On Monday 22, I preached at Manchester, on Hebr. viiK I0| 11. and on Tuesday rode to Petersberg by three o'clock, and preached on Hebr. iii. 16. I spent the erening with, abd slept at Joseph Harding's ; it was a renewal of our former friendship. I epeni Wednesday at Wood Tucker's, in aa sweet affection as in an- cient times. I exhorted his children to come to Christ. Thursday 85. In company with my never^failing friend (as far ashman can be so) Richard Whatcoat, I came to Roper's. My horse «pes taken sick, which detained, me a night. On Friday, at Henry Reese's, my subject was Matt! vi. 16. I had. the pleasure of see- log seren preachers present* On Saturday 27, we had what was iBUcb vnmted^rain. / Sunday ^. I rode sixteen miles and preached at Mayes's cha« pel, lodging at Peter Robinson's : here I left my carriage and sick horse with brother Mansfield. Monday, at Trotter's. Tuesday I m0t the local bi^thren ; in speaking of our own souls,. and the wmrk of God dpon others^ we were quickened. W^aesday 31. At Paup's chapel I preached on Epfa. v. 26-^37. Brothers Lee and Harper exhorted : the meeting continued Imtil three o'clock, it was a cold day, but a warm meeting ; i9fo or three souls professed to find the Lord in his pardoning, ^ace. Thursday, Nofrember 1 . It rained. On Friday we rode to Ben- jamin Johnson's : here we talked over ancient and present times, and of our feelings : the work refiyeth in this society, and it is as we wish it to be, and should be : the young people are coming to <]!hrist, and will 611 up the places of their parents, who must shortly ^ to glory. In the evening we came to brother Meridith's : God bath blessed his little son ; but we folfnd the father sick. Saturdays. Rode to brother Soward's, near Roanoak^River ; where we designed to keep the Sabbath. I felt the want of a cloak or the carriage. • Digitized by Google 332 REV. J^RAHCTJK A.<;Eimv'S J«{I&l>Jtt. Ii796* , SuA^y 4. I have peace in toy soul, but feel uDcomforteMe tn my body. i Monday 6. This was a great day : many preachers, travelHiig and local, were present; my subject was £ph. iv. 11, 12.; we bad a melting time : brother Dromgoold and myself wept ; his wife aftd others praised the Lord. North Carolina. — Tuesday 6. We crossed the Roanoak at Moseley's ferry, and stopped at M^Lane's; here God is working amongst the people. We came on Wednesday, by riding tvo hours in the night through the woods, to Harris's, where I preach- ed on Thursday 8th from 2 Peter i. 4. On Friday w^ rode t» Colonel Edmund Taylor's. Sabbath day, at Bank's church,- 1 preached on Hebr. vi. 11, 12. and administered the supper of the Lord, and ordained John Whitefield deacon ; the church was sa very open that we conld not be. outwardly comfortable ; we tried to remedy it in some measure by closing up some of the windows with blankets, t lodged at Nathan Norris's, one of mf sons in Christ, now a father of children, and a very usefti preacher. *J» Monday 13. We rode twenty miles to Charles Cannon's; and on Tuesday, twenty-five miles to Snipe's. Wednesday we forded How-River, and came through a curious path, for a carriage, to Ibe new meeting-house on Hickory Mountain ; we dined with Mr. Reeves, an ancient friend of mine^ and thence proceeded on to brother M'Master's, a local preacher : we have rode this day thiitjr miles. Thursday 16. We rode from the upper bi'anches of Rocky^- River, twenty miles, to Pleasant Garden : when I came to the meeting- bouse, 1 had little strength of mind or body ; we lodged at Daniel Sherwood's ; my aged brethren and sisters from Mary- land and Deleware, rejoiced to see ,me, a poor, feeble man^ m>l was ; they had seen me in better times. Friday 17. We rode to Mr. Bell's, on Deep- River; thence thirty miles to Woods's, upon ^— ^ piver ; this day was very warm, and we had exceedingly uncomfortable roads. Going at this rate is very trying ; but it will make death welcome, and eternal rest desirable. Saturday and Sunday, at quarterly meeting, my 8ub« ject was Acts iii. 26. We rode down twelve miles to D. ^est's^ and were benighted, which ill suited me. As we had to travel an unknown road to Henry Ledbetter's, I wished to continue on our journey, and not stop at Hancock ; but the people thought and said otherwise, so I stof j^ed, and brother Lee preached ; after which Digitized by Google IfdS.]^ rev: FRAKCIS AS0URy's JOUKNALi 333 I gave a discourse on Acts ii. 3d. and came off in haste. D. West «8GX>rted me down to the ferry, where we called in vain for the flat : D. West went over, and it was with difficalty that he per- suaded the ferryman to come with the hoat and take me : it being dark, and the wind blowing very strong and cold, we had hard work in crossing : I told the coptipany sot in the morning, but stay I must and preach, or be accounted proud. At Henry Ledbetter'fl I preached on Hebr. x. 23, 24. and at John Randell's, 2 Cor, vi. 1. ' Brother Jackson had secured for me riding and preaching enou^ as ^f as Camden* Thurs'day 24. We recrossed the Pee Dee River at C.'s ferry,, and made it about eighteen miles to Mask^s, where I preached on H«br. iv. 1. On Frida^r, at Bethel on 2 Cor. vi. 11. Saturday ^d Sunday, at quarterly meeting, at Jesse's (a coloured man) meeting- house, near Webb's ferry. My subject on Saturday was Acts ii. 17, 18. and on Sabbath day 2 Tim. iv. 1, 2. We theu rode seven miles to Isaac Jackson's. Monday rode. * Tuesday 29. Preached, and rode twenty-two 'miles to Mr* Blakeney's, on Thomson's Creek. Wednesday rode to Horton'e^ and preached on Gen. xxiii. 1 9. At CruPs meeting-house, on Thursday, on " ■ ■ '■ , and at Granney's Quarter on 2 Cor. xii. 9. and on Friday we came into Camden. Brother Lee had gone along on brother Blanton's districts South Carolina.— We have rode since brother Jackson hath, had the command of us nearly one hundred and fifty miles, from Montgomery, in North Carolina, to Camden, in South Carolina. If I attempt my appointments that brother Lee has gone upon» I must ride one hundred and fifty miles next week to Washington^ in Georgia. I have made little or no observation on the way, I have been so unwell. The people are remarkably kind in this teountry. 1 preached in Camden on 1 Kings viii. 35, 36. Here we have a beautiful meeting-house. It' was a time of very severe drought, but I hope this place will yet be visited in mercy. Monday we rode to brother James Rembart's, and on Tuesday I preached there on Hebr. vi. 18. Here we seated ourselves for writing until Saturday 10. On Sabbath day my subject was Acts iv. 20. Monday, we rode to brother Bradford's, and on Tuesday to Jack'Creek. The changes of weather aqd lodging affect me much. I called and preached at Robert Bowman's. On Friday we ctme to Monk's corner, and on Saturday to Charleston. Fast- ing, and tiding through the heavy sands, cause me to feel unwell. I received a cooling breeze in a letter from the north. For the firat Digitized by Google 334 JUBT* nuvcis Asmtr^s jeoobvac. (1799. tame I apeocd aij AMthspoB Fntai Ixri. 13, 14. Wehare peace and fKKl fmMpeeti is dnriettoe, wtrj kfge cmyeftJiie ii* irttead the mioistratioB of the word. Brother Harper op«ied hk bus- iioD upon ** Thy word bate I hid in nj heart that I wi^ not am i^oat thee." la the eTeoiog I spoke upon our Lord's laaMota- tioB orer Jerosakm. Op Christoue day I preached from Si Luke ti. 14. aod at the new church on Haggfti ii. 7. January 1, 1799. Oar yeariy coaftrenee assembled at Charles- too. We kept oor seats for foor days ; thirty preachers present. We had great harmony and good hamoar. I gate a shmrt dis- course, addressed to the conference, from Hebr. xiii. 17. I. Your f tftiet«-*-coosequeotly governors. These how needM in the night, if there be ignorance in the trateller, and danger in the way, deep pits, wild beasts, or bad men. If it be in the mamt- ing, or noon day, how natural it is to follow agoide ; how necessity «nd fear, npoo the part of the traveller, will make him •obedient. II. Peofde are to be led into essential troth, duty, and expe* rience. III. Ministers are to watch for their seals as they that mmi give an accouiit-— the general and special accoantability to God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, to the ministry, and to the chnreh, and to all men ; they mast give an accoant for the loss of the Christian traveller, if that loss be a conseqnence of neglect' in the guide. The joy faithful ministers have in the prosperity, spi- rituality, and happiness of the cbarch; t^tr grief er grdauing^ when so far from gaining other souls, they lose some already par- tially gained ; how much the interest of souls is concerned in the prosperity of the ministry. Pray for us : the great duty of the flook. The argument. — ^We have a good conscience: that this being the case, their prayers itoight be answered. Live honestly, do our duty faithfully, and take what is allowed us as wages-^ paying our just debts to souls. I ordained three elders and seven deacons. The generosity of the people in Charleston was great. Afler keeping our ministry and their horses they gave us nearly one hundred dollars for the benefit of those preachers who are in want. Sabbath day 6. Very cold, sleet in the streets, and dangeroos walking. We had a solemn sacramental season ; and a goodly number of " Ethiopians stretched out their hands to the Lord.'' ^ Saturday 12. My time has been chiefly taken up in composing and selecting from Cave*s Lives of the Fathers, showing the pri- mitive episcopacy. We are laid up for winter, when it is like Digitized by Google 17^.] iigy. VEANGis asbuay's jqvslkal* 3^5 sammer. I hiope to Is^Mmr upon thd Lord's^d^ ii> the ckorebe?, MO caUtd. Sabbath daj 20. I preached at Bethel : my snbfect was Mark xi. 17.$ *^ And he tauglk, sajiog unto them. Is it not written. My boQse«haUfae odledof all oations the boine of prayetf btft j^ baire made it a den of thieves/' At tlie old cburch my subject wat £ Peter i. 16. A groap of sinoera gathered aroond the door, and when I took the pulpit they went off V9hh d shoot : I felt what was coming. In the oTening there was a proper uproair, like old timea^ I employed the last week in heading, writing, Tistting, and attending feasts of charity ; one with the white society, and the ^er with the Africans. Sabbath day S7« I preached in the morning at Bethel, from Hebr. xiii. 20, 21. I. It was a pragrer : as he, Paul, had asked their prayers, he gave them bis. II. **^Tbe God of peace :" the gracious relation of the Hebrews as reconciled to God. ,^. UL ^* Brought again from the dead ;" whenrit might be thought, all was lost when Jesus was dead ; again he had brought the He* brews from a state of death in trespasses and sins. IV. This was more than bringing the apostle to them, although hB might be given to them of God to their prayers. V. *' Great Shepherd of the $heep"-T-all the sheep, Jews and Gentiles. Tke Shepherd of ^e Bhepheris ; doing really , what they, stndei' shepherds^ do instrumentally : he seeketh, ke^peth, feedeth, ;|nd watcheth his ordained flock against those who would steal or kill them, and aiienfate them from Jesus, or the true fold, and faith« ful pastors. VI. /* Through the blood of the everlasting covenant :" see Exodus xziv. 3. Moses said, Behold the blood of th6 covenant, when be sprinkled the people; it is this that meriteth, sea^th, and sanctifieth. VII. <* Make you perfect in every good work" — as to the quantity and quality of good works : and. Lastly, " Pleasing to God" — ^in gracious affections, purity of in- tention, and uniformity of conduct ; and all by the merit and inter- cession of Jesus Christ. In the afternoon I preached in Cum- berland'Street meeting-bouse on Deut. iv. 9. Wednesday 30. Once more, through divine assistance, we lefl Charleston, and came twelve miles to brother Jackson's ; where we rested one day. • Digitized by Google _^ KET. FRA1CI» ASBORT's JOOMMAL. [t 799, Soodaj, Febraary 3. By riding notil teo o*clock in the nig^t, we tame, fifty miles, to Mr. Bood's. On Saturday I rode alone to Geoi^etowo : we have made it nearly eighty miles from Charles- ton to this place. 1 preached on Galatians v. 24^-26. : First, They that are Christ's in a special spiritaal sense ; — his sheep, redeemed, sought, and sayed ; his children, bearing his image. Secondly^ How they are to be distinguished : — they crucify the flesh with the passions and desires thereof ;-^the sinful love of the world, with the sinful fear and joy also. Thirdly, Let us walk in the spirit, as an evidence that we live in the spirit. Fourthly, Let us not be *' desirous of vain glory ;" in forms, ordinances, or any outward appearances of men and thinp. Fifthly, Let us not by such mean measures ^' provoke one another," or envy one another. In the afternoon, I preached on Isaiah Ixvi. 5. Monday 4. Was an uncomfortable day ; so we did not ride. Tuesday 5. We crossed Black- River, at Gadsby's ferry.: the bridge over one of the natural canals was broken ;. we had pre- sence of mind to loose the long reins of the bridle : brother Lee pufe the horse, through the ford, and 1. met him on the other side, and guided him out safe. This day we made it nearly forty miles ta Rogers's, near Kingston. Wednesday 8. We rode in a cold day, thirty miles, to dear bro- ther Hawkins's, upon Little River, crossing Wacawman at Star* Bluff. North-Carolina. — Thursday 9. I preached at the meeting- house, from Luke iv. 18, 19. ; and came the same evening to fa* ther William Cause's ; where I preached, on Friday 10, upon Rom* V. 1 — 5. we had a living season here. I paid a visit to the sea, and saw the breakers; — awfully tremendous sight and sound! — but how curious to see the seagull take the clams out of the sand and be^ them up into the air, and drop them down to break them, and thea eat the flesh ! This 1 saw demonstrated ; and if they fail once in breaking the shell, they will take it up again, and bear it higher* and cast it down upon a hard spot of ground, until they effect their purpose ^ We are now in Bladen circuit, Brunswick county. North Caro- lina. I have travelled nearly four hundred mile» in the southern states, and spent three months therein. We rested on Saturday 9, and on . Sunday 10. We attended at Shallot church ; my subject was . Acts liv. 22. I showed, First, That the souls of the disciples must Digitized by Google ]?99.] itsv. vRAircis asbvay's iovrral. 337 be confirm^ io doctrioe^ experience, practice, and dkicipltne of the Gospel of Christ in the church of God. It was obserred, hoir plainlj these were taoght in the oracles of God. I offered some argameDts in favonr of revelation, to induce a continuance in the substance and exercne of faith through life : through much tribula- tion entering the eternal kingdom of glory : an object so great is not to be gained without great trials from every enetnyt in doing and suffisriog the whole will of God. The day was so excessively cold) and the house so open, that I was chilled through my whol6 system. After meeting we rode on to Lockwood's Folly : here are several young converts. Monday 11. We came by Tdwn-Creek, where I stopt fourteen jears ago ; but Mthni a change since then ! Stephen Daniel and his ^ wife are no more ; but their dear (Children are coming to Christ, to fill up their parent's places. Sister Daniel was an excellent woman. It seems as though old Brunswick in North Carolina, would be a Methodist county, and that most of the rulers would believe in Christ Tuesday 18. I preached at Sullivan's, on Town-Creek, from GaL ▼i. 9. the house was crowded with people ; there were many chiX* dren tb baptise ; but my spirits were sunk, and I had no heart to speak. Wednesday 13. We came on to Wilmington ; here 1 was in low spirits still. This town has suffered by two dreadful fires ; but the people are rebuilding swiftly. I was so afflicted in body, that brother Lee had to preach two sermons in the church : the people were very attentive. ^ Thursday 14. We rode tiTenty miles to Nixon's ; where I (freach- ed a little to a little flock, as there was only a half-day's notice. Through this day I have been amazingly dejected, although I am abundantly more happy in constitution and feeling than formerly. Friday 16. At Stone Bay : no preaching by the Methodists at this place. We lodged at friend Johnson's : on my last visit I preached here. We made it twenty-seven miles. Saturday 16. We rode eighteen miles to Lot Ballard's : here we were at home. It was an excessively cold day ; at noob it chan* ged to hail, and terminated in rain. I housed myself: and brother Lee went to the New-River chapel to preach to the people. Sunday 17. Cold as the day was, and unwell as I felt myself, 1 «euld not be absent from the house of God : aiy subjecl Was Acts ill. 19. The slaves were not permitted to come ifitO the house. Vol. 11. 43 Digitized by Google 338 REV. FRANCIS AABVKt'9 JOVRlfAL. {l7d9« We rode to William Bryan's, at Bryan Town, upon Cedar-Cteek r and on Monday we held a meeting at Colonel Biyan's, the father of William. Taesday 19. We were at Trenton coart-boase ; and on Wednes- day at Lee's chapel : my subject here was Micah vi, &, 7, 8. I endearoored to show, First, That it is still the Toice of many, '< Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, to enjoy his favonr, and presence, and bow myself before the high God ?" that is, wor- ship him acceptably, as tbongh they would gtre ail they have in the world, no sacrifice should be too great ; but men are often great in promise, but defective in performance ; they promise much and do little. He hath showed thee, O man ! what is good — that is, true re- ligion ; the blessed effects and fruits of it ; do justly and walk hum- bly with thy God ; see Deut. x. 12. Hosea xii. 6. First, Do justly ac- cording to human laws, and the claims and rights of men with men, as it respects continents, kingdoms, or families. Second, Do jus- tice as it concerns the laws of God — as the second table is a claim of justice to obey parents, and not to take mens' lives nor their wives — to bear a true witness. Third, Do justly, according toUM commandment of Christ, Matt. viL 12. <* Love mercy," as it ex- tends to the souls and bodies of men ; this requires more than to do justly to them : << walk humbly with thy God"— feel thy total poverty and universal dependance upon God for all things, spiritual and tem- poral. We lodged at Mrs. Knight's, the mother of our dear deceased brother Ahairs, once a travelling preacher amongst us. Thursday 21. We came to Newbern, originally settled by Ger- mans, and called after old Beme^ in Switzerland. For sixteen miles of this road we had heavy rain ; but I was well cased up, notwith- standing which I took cold. We have travelled from Charleston threehundred and thirty miles in this our retrograde journey, which j we have made longer by frequently turning out of our way. Saturday 23. My subjects at Newbern were 1 Peter ii. 11, 12* Hebr. vii. 25. 1 Tim. iv. 8. We had very uncomfortable weather. We made some spiritual and temporal regulations, in hopes that matters would work much better in future. Monday 25* It was cold to purpose, and we had twenty-four miles to ride to William Cox's, on Neuse, near the mouth of Con- tentny: here my text was 1 John iv. 16, 17. We hence in a manner fled through the counties of Craven, Lenoir, Glasgow, and Edgecombe. Digitized by Google 1799^,] JlEr. FKAIfCI? ASBVRY^S JOURNAL. 33d Ttte«rdaj 26. I did not attend at the Rainbow meeting-hoiiBe in oonsequence of my illness, the effect of my riding in the cold the day before. Wednesday 27. I was comforted in administering the sacrament ; aAer which> as the -day was damp, I left brother Lee to finish, and rode along sixteen miles to SethSpaight's ; a deeply distressed man for the loss ef fats dear wife, who lately departed this life. Thursday 28. We rode thirty-foar miles to brother Toole^s ; the rain poured down upon us on our way, and we had to feed under a pine-tree. Friday, March 1. We made out to ride ten nules^ to Mr. Hod- ges, near Sosson's bridge, upon Fishing^Creek ; where we were kindly and comfortably entertained. Saturday 2. We came to brother Bradford's quarterly meeting : I was glad, after riding sixteen miles through the damp and severe cold, to sit by the fire. Sabbath-day 3. I preached a little on 2 Cor. iv. 16—18. Monday 4. The generally excessive rains having made the Ro- aiM)ke impassable at the nearest ferry, we had to ride a circuitous rout through Halifax, which made it about thirty miles to Richard Whittaker's in Northampton. We had a bad swamp to cross, but, I kept out of the wi^er. It was well for me my carriage did not upset in the water, which it was very near doing. To travel thirty miles in such a cold day without fire, and no food, except a bit of biscuit, is serious. We were received gladly by our waiting brethren, Wbatooat, Wanner, aad Lambeth. I am of opinion that we have left five hundred miles on the other side of the Roanoke, in all the ground we have rode over from Charleston, in South, to Halifax, in North Carolina. I went to Rehoboth (a new meeting* house) and preached on 2 Cor. ii. 14. Wednesday 6. The cold and frost was very severe, and it was \Vith great difficulty we made our way through the swamp firom Richard Wbittaker's. We rode to St. John's chapel, where bro- ther Lee preached upon Rom. v. 5. The bouse being open, I was most severely chilled, and unfit for any public service. We lodged at Williford Horton's. Thursday 7. We rode to Winton court-house; where I preached on Hebr. iii. 7. Two- thirds of my congregation were women ; perhaps there will be more men when I go there again. Friday 8. We rode to KnoUy-Pine. Saturday 9. I preached at Knotty-Pine chapel on Gen. xxiv. 17 — 19. : I was elaborate upon personal ^nd family piety. Here Digitized by Google — 340 KET. FBAKCIS AMVRY'S 90VMAL. £1799* Itav*swter Baker; the ttandeth fiitl id the libertjr wb«rewith Chrbt hath made her free, end I hope and belier^. God will wwe her childrea : our soak were matadly blessed. Sahhath day la At Gates conrt^hoQse maoy sertous people attended: mj sut^ect was Hehr. viu 26. I adouDUtered the sacraasent ; and had a solemD, feehng season. Monday 11. We rode to Constants chapel, on one of the bcaii- ches of Bennett's creek. The main creek affords a landuig at Chites coort^hoose, and communicates, after a few miles, with Chowao-RiTer. I was made very comfortable in aoul and body at Isaac Hunter's ; and had a happy oseeting with the poor Africans at night. Tuesday 12. The coolness of the weather increases. We rode thirty Bftiles to George Sutton's, in Perquimoos county. Wednesday 13. It both snowed and rained. We had a meeting at a house near Maggshead chapel ; where I preached a short ser^ mon from 1 Peter iv. 18. We lodged at J. W— — ^*s, a comfort- able house, after a very uncomfortable snowy day. Thursday 14. At Nisonton I declined preaching and made^aa exhortation, after brother Lee had given them a long sermon. It is probably eight years since I came through this oircuit, which oausod the people to exert themselves in comiog out, so that ne had a very large congregation. We have rode, since we came across Roanoak, one hundred a»d ibrty-three miles to John Russell's. We have moved rapklly through Gates, Cbowan, Perquimons, and Pasquotank counties : as we pass we have lovely leveb, fine white ced^ on the rivers, creeks, and swamps, for between six or seven hundred miles : fi^m the low lands in Georgia, to Black-water in Virginia ; it is fioe lumber land, but unhealthy in some places. Friday 15. It began to rain heavily, but c^ised about twelve o'clock ; we then rode to a school-house, where many attended : my subject was 1 Peter v. 10. 1 had the company of several preachers. I then rode on eight miles to brother ProbrylB; it was good for me to be there. Saturday 16. I felt greatly depreaa* ed in spirit, owing, no doubt, in some measure, to the changeable state of the weather. We crossed the Pasquotank at Sawyer's ^erry ; here we were told that we had but Seven miles to ride ; but we wandered until we made it twelve. We learned that one of the widow Sawyer's daughters was lately committed to the dust; at the gate of the yard we found the mother in tears. As I was not able in body or mind to preach, 1 gave an exhortation ; and after wre Digitized by Google 1799.3 nEY, FRAWgi^ A9MVJiX'S JOVBNAt. $41 h4d diofidy we rode teo miles to Samael Simmoos's, across the Nortb-River awampi, which affords as low and as good laod as aoy part of the beech lands of Cumberland or KeatQcky. We swiftly passed through Camden and Currituck counties. Sunday 17. I made a feeble effort to preach at Williams's cha- pel on James i. 24, %b. our. congregation was large. 1 returned and left brother Lee to finish. We lodged at brother Brunnell's. On Monday we had a violent storm of wind and snow, which laat- ed until ten o'clock, and we bad a bitter ride of nineteen or twenty miles to James Wilson's, at Hickory-Qround, in Virginia. I was exceedingly chilled on the way, the snow being from six to sevea inches deep, and it blew a heavy cold wind. VxRoivu. — Tuesday 19. I preached at brother Wilson's, from 1 Cor. XV. dB. I sent my carriage for James Morris^ (formerly with us) afterward an Episcopal minister, and now' near death : he expressed great consolation in God, and love to me. He hath a pious wife» who is the mother of nine children. We lodged with John Hodge, who joined the Methodists in early life. I was pleas- ed to find that the eklerly Methodists had put their children to trades, to learn to work for themselves. 1 am in hopes the parents will not leave them their slaves, but manumit them^fay tsUI at least Wednesday 20. At Cotherairs, near the great bridge, and near Manning's, where we preached before the revolutionary war. On Thursday we rode through the rain to Norfolk, where I preached on Friday from Gal. ii. 20. *M am crucified with Christ "-Christ cracified : and Paul crucified after the likeness of Christ, and fiir Jem»-^cjiicified to the world in afflictions, hopes, and desires ; / live-^l have had a spiritual birth, and live a spiritual life of faith, love, and holiness; yet not I, as the author of my own birth or life : <' Christ liveth ia me,"— by his Spirit ; '< and the life I now live is by faith of the Son of God ;'* — faith of, and faith in Christ «^*' wbo bath loved me, and given himself for me" — that is, I know and feel my personal and real interest in, and umon with. HioA* We had a comfortable sacramental season in Norfolk on Easter- day ; and at Portsmouth, I spoke on James v. 20. Brother Lee preached on Romans ii. 14. 1 Car. ix. 19 — ^22. 1 Tim. iv. IQ. Monday 25. We rode eighteen miles to George Walker's, in Princess Ann county, where I. with great labour, preached on Luke xxiv. 46, 47, 48. We calculate that we have rode eight hundred and eighteen miles since we left Charleston. ' Digitized by Google Mi jREV-. TKAVCIS ASBURY^fl JOURNAL. [1709, Taesday 26. We came to quarterly meeting at Dawley's meet-^ iog-house ; the day was cloady, and myself also : as there were four preachers to attend, I staid at home. On Wednesday there was a most awfal storm of rain and wind, which catised us to keep within doors. Thursday 28. I rode seven miles to Nimoar^s meeting-house, where I preached on Hebr. ii. 1. The day was excessiyely cold and the house too. After preaching I rode nineteen miles, having no refreshment for man or horse until we came to James Dawley's, within two miles of Norfolk, about seven o'clock at night. On Friday we came into town, and attended quarterly meeting on Sa- turday and Sunday. My subject on Saturday was Psalm cxxvii. 1. and on Sabbath day James i. 24, 25. I had a painful night afler preaching on Saturday, having a small ulcer formed in my breast. At Suffolk I was addressed by two grand daughters of my dear, aged friend, Benjamin Welden, of James-City. I dined with' Mr. Whitlock, and after the rain was over rode to William Powell's, forty miles from Portsmouth. Thursday, April 4. I must needs preach at Wells's, the sckiswh house ; the great were there ; my subject was 2 Tim. ii. 19. We then rode to William Blunt's. On Friday we were at Moody's, and on Saturday we came to the house of the widow of Henry Davies. On Sunday I preached at Lane's chapel from 2 Tim. ii. 15. but it was the dividing of blood from my lungs. On the way I ordained two local deacons. Monday 8. We rode thirty miles to Jones's chapel. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, conference sat in great peace and love. As the house was cold^ and I was very unwell, I could not attend ; I had about two pounds of blood drawn from me. Friday 12. We rode to father Nathaniel Lee's, and on Saturday 13, to Frederick Bonner's, where I rested — a solemn Sabbath. Monday 15. By ten o'clock we came to Petersburg; and then rode on and crossed James River, at Woodson's ferry. We lodged at Keezee's, having rode thirty-two miles. . Tuesday 16. We came to Philip Davis's, twenty miles, near Putney, New^Kent. I feel low in body, but serene in soul. The brethren in Virginia, in conference, gave it me in charge not to preach until the Baltimore conference : I was willing to obey, feel« iog myself utterly unable. The houses that we preach and lodge in, in this severe weather, are very open. My breast is inflamed, and I have a discharge of blood. Wednesday 17. I rested at brother Davis's ; and on Digitized by Google 1799.] llEr. FEANCIS ASBURrS JOUIINAL.. 343 Thursday 18. Rode ip Benjamin Pace*9, in King^s and Qtuen^s county : these are gracions and kind seals — God is still working in this place ; they haye one hundred members in society. Friday 19. We rode twenty miles to our dear brother Cole's, in Essex coanty. We rested on Saturday. Sunday 21. Attended a meeting at Shephard^s ; and then rode to the widow Cox*8. Monday 22. We crossed the Rappahannock, at Layton's ferry, and came to the widow Bombry's, in King George county. We haye rode upwards of sixty miles in two days, through excessively cold weather for the season. Tuesday 23. We rode thirty-five miles to Ward's, neat Dum- fries. Wednesday 24. This is the great day of election ; and there is no small stir in Virginia, about federal and anti-federal men. We rode thirty miles to William Adams's ; I was much chilled, and very weary. Thursday 25. The general fast day — I attended at Fairfax ohapel ; Philip Bruce gave a discourse upon those words of our Lord, <* And then shall they fast in those days." As I was unable to preach, I gave an exhortation from the subject. I find that very small rest, when joined with comfortable accommodation, gives me great strength of body : by this means I might be re- stored ; but 1 must keep moving. I was caught in a heavy thun- der storm, from which I took cold, and had a high fever and head- ach ; I rested on Friday at William Watters's. Saturday, rode to Alexandria. — Monday and Tuesday, rode to Baltimore. Maryland. — Wednesday, May 1. We opened our conference, which sat four days. We had preaching morning and evening. I gave a short exhortation before the sacrament. Monday 6. We rode out to Greenwood, Mr. Rogers's country seat, who told me that when I was past labour, there was his house as my own. We asked for new wine ; but find the old is better : the fermentation is done. Tuesday 7. We rode to Gunpowder-Neck ; I only exhorted a little, then went on to the bay side. Wednesday 8. The wind was high ; I declined, but brother Lee waited, and crossed in an hour. Lrode round, and lodged at Josiah Dallam's : but dear Sally, his wife, is gone ! I walked to her grave. Thursday 9. I had a disagreeable passage across the Susque- hannah. At this ferry, recently, three poor blacks have been drowned. I cannot omit relating a circumstance which took place Digitized by Google S44 REV. FRANCIS asbuky's jovhhax.. [17&9. ivhen I was here last A very large negro ttan, aD old ferrymaD, to whom I talked very faithfolly, wa» drowned. I remember to liave told him that if he did not take heed and repent, he might be drowned and damned ! the former is certain ; the latter is to be . feared, as it is reported the negroes were intoxicated. Doctor William Dallam escaped ; and what is remarkable, the boat that saved his life, was made of wood taken from his father's plantation* Thursday evening I came to Back-Creek well wearied. Friday 10. We rode to ChesteroTown — went to meeting; and I exhorted a little. Saturday 11. At Churchill church brothei^ Lee preached, and ! exhorted. We dined at Mr. Cossey's, and rode in the evening to l^rother Chair's. Whitsunday 12. At Centreville, after brother Lee had preached, I feebly exhorted upon ** Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God." We administered the supper of the Lord : I was weary at the end. I lodged at Thomas Wright's. Monday 13. At Tuckahoe a moltitude attended ; my services were very small. Tuesday 14. AtEaston, a crowd of people attended; here I could say but very little. We crossed Dover-Ferry, and rode to William Frazer's, in Caroline county; and on Wednesday 15, held meeting in his dwelling house. Thursday 16. At Henry Ennell's I could only gloss upon those gracious words, ^* Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you." Friday 17. 1 attended Cambridge quarterly meeting ; which was held in a barn : I commented a little upon, *' We have not fol- lowed cunningly, devised fables." Having had but little rest for two or three nights past, I retired with Bartholomew Eoneirs, an^ went on the way to Vienna, to visit Somerset. I rejoiced that Doctor Edward White was standing firm in the grace of God ; and that the Lord had blessed the souls of his children. Saturday 19. It rained plentifully until ten o'clock. We crossed at Vienna : it was very bad ferrying ; the wind being against the tide, it raised high swells in the river. I came that evening to Thomas Garrettson's ; we had a v0ry serious congregation at Quan- tico chapel ; I had taken cold and was very unfit to speak at all. We came to Salisbury, where we rested on Monday. Brother Lee preached three times. Here I got bled. Tuesday 21. We came to Annamessex. My horse began to sweat, &well, and tremble — and died upon the road. Brother Digitized by Google l?9d<] RBV. F11AV€I« ABMUftV'i JdDANAL. S45 Leran Moore was vAih me : we put his horse in the sulky, and both o£ us rode to Samoel Smith's. Wednesday 22. I borrowed a horse of Satnuel Smith, ttid cross- ed Potomoke, and rode lo Littleton Long's, where 1 gave an ex- iiortatioil to a few people. It was a very extraorclinary kgacy of a iiviog friend that put forty-five doFlars into my hands ; had I not bought a coat I might have had fifty dollars in my^pocket ; it would have been a wonder for me to have as much money by me ; but One hondred or more might be needful to purchase another horde. Thursday 23. We rode to Downing's, where ! gave a short exhor- tation, and on Friday 24, we came to John PurnaH's ; he is gone to bis long home* Here I gaveup niy borrowed horse, and the only alternative was to put brother Hardesty's horse in the sulky, and wedge ourselves with all our baggage together. We rode by Frederick Conner's, and made it nearly thirty miles, throagh ex* cessive heat, to the widow 6o wen's. Delawahi!:. — Sabbath 26. I preached at the chapel, and rode IkOme with brother Leistet, living in the north end of Worcester bounty. Tbid day we enter the state of Deleware. 1 have had great dejection of mind, and awful calculations of what may be and what may never be. I have now groaned along three hundred milea firom Baltimore. Monday 27. After preaching at Johnson's we rode to the Sound, and lodged at Arthur Williams's, an aged Methodist preacher. 1 passed the night in great affliction. Tuesday 28. We came on to Dagsborough just as the^ stage was ahout to s^et off for Milford. I paid the fare, and sent brother Hardesty along. I called upon William Johnston, a gracious sooL We then came into Milford about eight o'clock, after tiding forty -^ three miles. Here I rested a day. Tbursday 30. I must needs ride twenty miles back to Lewis, principally to see the people. Friday 31* Returned back to Milford. I had taken cold. I or- dadned three deacons and exhorted a little. Saturday, June 1 , was a very cold day ; we rode to t>over ; the crowds of people were painful to me ; I ordained two deacons ; was confined in meeting four hours, and attempted to preach, but coiiltl not. Sabbath day 2. After meeting, I rode to Dock-Creek CroiGts- Ko«d^9 find called at Doctor Cook's to see Thomas Whitens chil- dreA^ Doctor Anderson, Doctor Ridgely, and Doctor Neadham Vol. II. 44 Digitized by Google 348 RET. FRAKCIS ASBURY^S JOURNAL. {179#*' considered my case ; thej ndyised a total saspensioo from preach- ing, fearing a consamption or a dropsy in the breast. Monday 3. I ordained one person at the Cross- Roads* and ano- ther at Dickinson's meeting-hoase. I dined with Mr. Moore netf the Appoqoimamink bridge, and then rode on to Wilmington ; we have made forty miles this day. What with labour and fevenr 017 rest is greatly interrupted. Pennsylvania. — Thiirnday 6. We held our conference in PhikK delphia. 1 retired each night to ike Eagleworks^ upon S^uylkill^ a^ Henry Foxairs solitary, social retreat. The conference was large» and the business very important. Ezeki^l Cooper was confirmed in his appointment by me ^ our agent in the book concern. New- Jersey. — Wednesday 12. After the rising of the confe^ rence I rode to Burlington ; and on Thursday 13, to Milford : on Friday to Mr. Drake's, near Amboy ; and on Saturday to New* York* New- York. — Sabbath-day \6, I gave a short exhortation in the John-street church ; likewise in the North-River honae. It is an unseasonable day for religion ; it is tifn« the conference ahoold tome ; may Almighty God bless and own their labours to the people t Wednesday 19* We opened our conference for New- York, and all the New-England states. The conference was crowded with work ; consequently I bad but little rest, and what added to my pain, . was brother Bosiick's laying sick in the next room — beat and haste ! Sunday 23. We had a charitable day at all the booses, and col* lected nearly three hundred dollars : but the defictencfes of the preachers were almost one thousand dollars. I attempted to preach, a little on F^hil. iv. 19. ; and gave an exhortation at the Bowery church. I met the society at the old church at night. The exces- sive heat made us wish, and haste to leave town. ■■/ Monday 24. Was exceedingly warm ; we rode to Sherwood's ; but did not get there in time to meet our appointment. Tuesday 25. We came to the Plains. Wednesday 26. We rode about thirty miles ; and came in about ten o'clock at night to governor Van Courtlandt's, whose wife is a Shunamite indeed. Thursday 27. We toiled through the rain ovet Peekskill moun- tains to Richard Jackson's, where we lodged, about eight miles from Poughkeepsie. In the night I was taken with a violent pain in niy knee. We have travelled over rough roads, and through great heat, since we left New- York, about one faundred miles. Digitized by Google 1199.] BEV. F>RAMCI^ A&BURY^6 JOURKAL. 347 Feferisb and foil of paiQ as I was, I attended meeting and gaye an exhortation. Saturday 29. I rode through heat, tvrenty-five miles, to Rhine- tieek ; the pain, in my knee subsided. On Sabbath-day I preached at the school charch upon ''Grace be with all them that love oof Lord Jesus Christ. ' Brother Lee gare a sermon on the fruits of the Spirit. Monday, July I. I rested. My health is somewhat better. I must confers ! never felt so great a resolution to resign the general superintendancy as 1 do now ; .and if matters do not work more to toy mind, it is highly probable I shall : my prayers and council will be turned this way until next general conference. Tuesday 2. I. visited i)|r. Sand's family ; and on Wednesday breakfasted with Mrs. Montgomc;ry at her beautiful retreat. Dined at Mrs. Livingston's, on the manor ; an aged, respectable mother of many children. The house, the garden, the river view — all aight afford much painting for the pen of a Hervy. Brother Garrettson and his agreeable wife attended us. "^^^^hursday 4. We rode twenty miles to what is called Hudson- Cfty ; a mere blank. Friday 5. Excessively warm : we stopped at Kinderhook, and at Miller's, time enough to bide from a heavy gust ; we then came oti to Albany : we have rode tbirty^five miles this day. I received a healing letter from T. M. ; but batters will not easily be done away with me ; if it were one or two only that were concerned, it vould be but little ; but it is hundreds, yea, thousands of traveling and local preachers and official men ; and thousands of people also. Saturday 6. 1 was awaked at twelve o'clock exceedingly sick, iaod totally disabled fpr public service ; I was not able to sit up ODttl six o'clock in the evening. I rode two miles out of the city, t6 Mr. Marks's. Monday 8. Rode to Coeyman's landing ; and then to the stone chapel ; here we have the good news of souls converted at prayer meeting. Rode in the rain and damp six miles to brother Blod* gett's, upon Hocketuck, in Albany county and circuit ; here also I found the labours of Anning Owens had been blest in the awaken- ing of some young women. Our congregation was large : 1 gave an exhortation and a prayer in much weakness of body. We rode back the same evening a few miles to father Waldron's. Wednesday 10. 1 rose at five o'clock, very unwell ; but must tieeds ride in the heat and dust, over hills and rocks, thirty-five miles, and came to Crawford's and Dillon's about four o'clock ; Digitized by Google 34& RET, FRANCIS ASBtftV'g JOVAKAL. [17§^« weary as I was, I could not feel saUsied wilboQt prayer aad «x« bortatioD. We haye rode in three days, upwards of sixty lules^ and held a oaeetiDg each day. Thursday 11. We rode nine miles to CockbaroV, in Ulster county : here 1 gave a small exhortation to a small congregation ; it was a day of small things ^ but it may not be so always. Friday 12. I rode fifteen miles to Hurley, and stopped at Cixt^ neliua Cole's ; no appointments had been made ; but we called aymeeting in the erening. I rested on Saturday 13 at' Marble-* town. Sabbath day 14. I was very unwell, and the day was ?ery warm; I made an attempt to preach or Matt. xxv. 34 — 46. ; a marble- hearted 4:oDgregation as well as Marbl^-town ; and probably will remain so whilst the love of the world predominates c family prayer, class meetings, and prayer meetings, are neglected. Bra^ ther Lee preached at Hurley in the evening, and I gave a dosing exhortation. Monday 15." We rode through dost and heat, witbout refresh* ment, twenty-five miles to Degoes ; here the people of the house seemed all soul ; we could not leave the place until we had callld a meeting. Tuesday 16. We rode fifteen miles to Samuel Fowler's, and dined :* we then rode on to meet my appointment at Mr. £llison's. Wednesday 17. Jesse Lee gave an awakening discourse from iCor. XV. 68. . • Thursday 18. We rode over hills and rocks, through heat, and with hungef*, twenty weight miles, without stopping until we came tot Leizier's, near the Jersey line, Orange county. We have travelled and toiled nearly four hundred miles through this state : w^ary ai I was, I must needs ride ^ve miles farther to Nicholas SimoasoR's> where I was comfortably entertained. Ne w- JERSBY.-p-Friday 1 9. We came on to Sussex court-bouse ; dined, and pushed on to father freeman's — no appointments. At night I was taken with great distress in my bo web, which held me two nights and a day. Saturday 20. 1 rode in great pain and heat, hungry and sick, twenty-five miles to Mr. M^Collock's : how wekome a good house, kind friends, and a cold day ! What is the cause of my affliction? Is it the water, or the weather, or my bilious habit? I am at a loss to know. Sabbath day 21. At Colonel M'CoUock's. Having been so un^ well for some days past,, it was enough for me to exhort a little Digitized by Google ItM.] • 1WEV. FKANCIS ^SBimir'S JOURNAL. ^4^ aft«r Jeflst te^ had given them two sermons. J was visited in the eTe&iog by John Hannah, an aged, social Presbyterian minister. Monday 22. I rose to ride to James Bryan's, Bucks county, Laycock township^. Pennsylvania. We followed Miskineeco Creek to the mouth ; we had traced the head branches of it al- ready ; it is a most beaotifol, useful stream, running through a rich vale into Delaware River, at Hunt's ferry. The weather is warm, and the roads uneven ; we had a journey of about thirty miles. We have travelled about sixty-five miles through Jersey, and about five hundred in a month. Pennsylvania. — Wednesday 24. We rose at^hree o'clock in the morning, and began our journey at five, over ridges and rpcks, twenty-eight miles to Pottsgrove. We did not eat until we came to Coventry. — Thirty-six miles is the amount of this day's journey. Q heat, drought, and dust I Thursday 25. We had a most dreadful time over the mountains to the forest chapel ; here we found the people much engaged in religion ; this was a balm for every sore. - We dined at Kerbury's jnd lodged at Abraham Lewis's. Friday 26. We rode twenty miles to New-Holland, and had a sample of bad roads for a sulky. Here some souls have been brought to Christ. I was exceedingly spent for want of sleep and rest. After five o'clock we rode with elder Ware towards Stras- hurg ; night came on and lefit me two miles from the place in the woods — in darkling shades, a new cut road, and stumpy path. We came in about nine o^clock, having rode twelve miles. Thank the Lord for whole bones ! Sabbath day 28. There was preaching in Thomas Ware's or- chard, in Strasburg ; we had the respectables of the town, and a large assembly. This place contains, I judge, between s'My and seventy dwelling bouses. Monday 29. I visited Jacob Boehm's ; God hath begun to bless the children of this family; The parents have followed us nearly the space of twenty years. Tuesday 30. We had a serious earthquake at five o'clock ; the earth is growing old; it groans and trembles; which is the neces- sary consequence of "palsied eld." I visited John Miller's; thence we rode six miles to Martin Boehm's. . Wednesday 31 . We had a comfortable meeting at Boehm's church. Here Keth the dust of WUIiam Jessop and .Michael R. Wilson. .1 feebly attempted a discourse upon Hebr. vi. 12. In the evening we rode to Abraham Cagy's, near the mouth of Pagan Creek. Digitized by Google ;i50 REV. FRANCIS ASBURY's JOVfUffAl. £l799^ Tharsday, August 1. After a suspensioD of rain in some parted for two, four, six, and eight weeks, we had a gracious, moderate rain : on Friday the rain continued quickening, and thus saving the latter fraits of the earth. I rode to Mrs. Elizabeth Wrighf s. W# crossed Canastoga at the mouth of Little Canastoga ; we had sL very uneven path. Mrs. Wright's family are blessed — all tbecbil« dren profess religion — a father and daughter have died in the Lord. Our friends ^lowied us from Paqua. Martin Boehm is all upon wings and springs since the Lord hath blessed bis grandchildren ; bis son Henry is greatly led out in pnblic eiercises. . Saturday 3. We rode to Columbia, formerly called Wright Ferry. The excessive warmth of the sun in crossing the water made me sick. We stopped at Drinnon's ; here we met Seely Bunn ; he bad very late notice of our coming on Sabbath day. Seely Bunn preached in Little York, and Jesse Lee in the evening. I gave a short exhor^^on. Twenty miles made our Saturday's ride. Monday 5. We set off for Maryland : I rode thirteen miles, and had my horse fed and shod. We continued on and dined at Littlea- town, twenty-five miles, well spent with heat, hunger, and thirst. We then rode, on ted miles to Tauny-Town : the inhabitants here, and hereabouts, are chiefly Germans and Romans. We crossed the Maryland lice, and lodged at Bentley's. Next morning we rode on to Jeremiah Browning's, seventeen miles, before we break* fasted. Maryland. — It may suffice to say my mind hath been kept in great peace ; but 1 have been greatly afflicted and dejected with pain aod labour. We have visited six districts since the sitting of the Baltimore conference ; and in four out of six there is a happy revival of religion ; on the eastern shore-rin Jersey — Albany — and Pennsylvania : and we hear a rumour of a revival in the ndrtli- em district of Virginia. We attempted a meeting at Lewis Brenining's, at his mill near Woodsbury. In the evening we rode to Liberty, and lodged at Daniel Dorsey's. Ob, heat ! heat ! We have rode twelve miles this day. Thursday 8. We held a meeting in the woods near Liberty ; the houses were not large enough for our congregation. I visited £li Dorsey, and saw the children of my dear nurse, Sarah Dors'ej, and the place where her dust is deposited until the resurrection ; Oh, once lovely features of body and mind ! but above all her tri. umphant death ! Digitized by Google 1^99.] lUEV. FRANCIS ASBimT'S JOURNAL ► 351 Friday 9. I eame eight miles to £dward OwiDgs's^ where I re and then rode on to Pinnell's. Oh, the rocks, ridges, and gutters we had to cross at Chestefs-Gap ! I would prefer riding two hundred miles upon the lowlands than seventy to Henry Fryers, kn Madison. Digitized by Google 352 R&V. VAANOI9 ASBCllY'S JO^MAl.. £1799. Friday S3. We rode twenty miles and dined. We pasaed Cul- pepper court-house, and came within fonr miles of Henry • Frye's^ and stopped at a tavern, after riding in great heat and haste. I was sick : from bard labour, want of rest, abd want of cofiee, my sto« mach and bowels were greatly agitated : 1 need much faith and good water. Saturday 24. We landed at the mansion, upon the banks of Bobertson. Henry Frye may console himself with, the last words of David, 2 Sam. zxiii. 1 — 7. I obtained an extract from Whitby on the Episcopacy of the Early Ages of the Christian Church. Sunday 25. We preached at the Springs to about one hundred attentive people. I took a bad coldt and was very unweli» Monday 26. We rode between thirty and fbr^ miles to John Lasley's. Tuesday 27. We had a crowded audience at the chapel : like- wise at M'Gee's on Wednesday ; on wiitch day I rode twenty miles, and lodged at Richard FergnsonVk Thursday, at « new house in the woods, I preached on Psalms Ixxxiv. d. : and oa Friday 30 i rode eighteen miles to Hezekiah Arnold's. ^ Saturday 31, and Sunday, September 1. I attended quarterly meeting at Devenport's meeting-house ; and we had large con^e- gations each day ; — there was a shouting among the people. I attempted to preach upon Hosea xiv. 4. Afler meetings i was in- vited to spend a night at Colonel Fountain's. Monday £. At Beaver Creek' meeting-house we had a lively time. I have travelled, since I came into Virginia, through Loo- den, Berkley, Frederick, Shanandoah, Culpepper, Ma&oUy Orange, Louisa, and Hanover counties. Wednesday 4. We came to Richmond ; since Friday week we bare travelled two hundred miles ; to which we may add the labour . ofonr meetings ; in common three hours long, and sometimes longer. James O^Kelly hath sent out another pamphlet, and propounded terms of union himself; for the Fresbytertans, Baptists, and Me* thodists. The Presbyterians must give up their confimssion of faith. The Baptists, if they open a more charitable door, adult dipping. The Methodists must give up the episcopacy, and form of disci- pline»; renounce the articles of their religion, and the doctrine of the Trinity. 1 ask in turn, what will James give up f His Unitariaa errors ? Did he think the Protestant Episcopalians beneath kia no- tice ? I am now more fully satisfied than over that his book is not worthy of an answer. Digitized by Google 1799.] Rev. 9&Afrcis asbvrt's jouftNAt* 363 ^pday 8. I left coy retreat at John Ellis's ; — a most s^reeable, social, solitary situation, within two miles of Richmond. I would have preached within the walls of our new house at Richmond, hu^ the eicessire rain we have had of late prevented ; I was closed op in an upper room. My subject at Manchester, was 2 Tim» ii. Id. Monday 9. We rode twelve miles to Falling-Creek church, where I spoke from Rom. v. 12. There is some small stir aboi^^ religion here. Tuesday 10. We rode twdre miles to Godfrey's, an aged maqi that stood alone when Mr. O' Kelly made a rent in the society, Ood hath blessed our labours here ; several souls, with his own children, are now brought to God. My subject here was 1 John i. 6, 7. Wednesday 11. At Mavey's, my foundation was Matt» vi. 6. I observed. First, What things we are directed to pray for: Secondly, The rules to be attended to in prayer — the precept and example of Christ and the saints : Thirdly, The promise ; '* Your Father that seetb in secret, shall reward you openly." I put a blister upon my breast. Brother Whatcoat preached at Charity chapel ; where we administered the sacrament. We went home with John Hobson, and were treated with every mark of kindness we could desire. On Friday I preached at Smith's -church ; dined at Robert Smithes, and then rode on in a very warm ^and dry day, twenty-six miles, to Daniel Guerrant's, and came in a little after eight o'clock in the evening. I have stretched along through Chesterfield, Powhatan, Cumberland, Buckingham, into Prince Edward county ; and this wbiist enduring a raw and rua- •oiing blister upon my breast, excessive beat, and with very litjtle rest by night or by day : 1 would not live always : weary world ! when will it end ? Saturday 14. At Lackland's meeting-house I preaobed on 2 Peter ii. 17, 18. And on Sabbath-day on Psalm cii. 11 — 14. I felt some special assistance. I lodged at mother Lackland's. — The weather was very close and warm. On Monday we had a curious «de about the hills of Appomatox river, to Robert Martin's, eight miles. Tuesday 17. We rode twenty miles to Mount Pleasant. ! put a blister in the morning to my breast ;— -but I must go to meeting and preach. Why ? because the Presbyterian minister and some lOf his flock came, to hear me : my subject was Zech. xii. 10. Vol. If. 46 Digitized by Google 354 REV. FRANCIS ASBURT'S JOURNAL. [iVm Thanday 19. We roJe twelve milet to WlUiani Speneer'g ; iitd had a comfortable meefing io his ichooMioiue ; he keeps a Chrie* tian school. Friday 20, We came fifteen miles to John Spencer's, near €liar<- lotte court- bouse. We have felt great spiritual affection an^ fel* lovrship in our meetings this week. Richard Whatcoat attended m through the district, with a very sore teg ; and myself had a sore breast inside and out. Saturday 21. I rested at my hospitable home, that hath been so these twenty years, in Colonel Bedford's day, and now in John Spencer's ; these people have not turned me out of doors, by sepe- riation, defamation, or reproach ; they have made no such return for my love and labours, although some have done it. I could not be quite idle : 1 read over one number of my journal, and wrote a few letters. Sabbath day 92. f had thoughts of staying at home^ ae ttiere were no lefts than eight preachers at the quarterly meeting et Taply's ; however I concluded to go. I gave an eihortation, and returned the same evening : our meeting was held in a dead pkM^ yet we had a lively time. Monday 23. I crossed Stanton River, and rode into Halt&K county ; we made it thirty miles to Hawkins LandraiMi^s. Tuesday we had a large congre&;ation and an affecting time upon the hanks of Banister River: here I saw only two persons that!, was ac- quainted with twenty years ago— they were brother Baker and his wife. I lodged at Robert Chapel's. Wednesday 25* We rode to Armistead Shelton's, in Pittsylvania, twenfy miles : we stopped to dine, pray, and feed our horses, at Clement M'Daniel's ; the roads were much broken in some plac^, and it was as much as we could perform to reach Shehon's by son* set. My mind is calm — my body in better health. Thursday 26. A congregation of from three to five hundred at- tended Divine worship : religion decHnes in this society ; W0 ad- vised close class-meetings, weekday prayer meetings, with fasting or abstinence. On Friday we rode twelve miles to Carter's, where a large company attended; my subject was, ** What shaO the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God? '^ Saturday 28. We had to travel a most uneven path up Sandy- River to George Adam's, twenty miles. Sunday 29. I attended at Watson's meeting-house, and preached from Zephaniah iii. 12, 13. I was much assisted, and much wearied by the time I had baptieied Digitized by Google 1799.] iiEV. FiUNCis abbvuy's jovknal. 35d several childreo. I visited our brethren, Trahao and Cbarch, from Marylaod, who have heeo Methodists for twenty-five years, and atill not weary in well-doing. . NoRta CAROiifNA. — We crossed Dan-River at Perkin*s ferry, entering North Carolina, and came to John Harris's in Rocking- bflfm county ^-^fiious souls from Dorset in Maryland. By resting at times in this solitary, country life, I have my health better; whilst 1 am, in some degree, free from the knowledge and care of the church at large. On Tuesday, at Smith's meeting- boHse* I gave a short discourse on Hebr. iii. 12, 13. We dined aC Martin's, and then came on to father Low's : we have rode but eight miles this day. At JjOw's meeting-house a large congregation attended ; I spoke upon Isai. il. 1. The heat was very painful. I suppose we con- gregate from three to six thousand souls weekly ; thus, if no more, I can say that my travelling hath brought thousands to hear the Oospel, who, probably, would not otherwise have heard it. Thursday, October 3. We rode twelve miles to Covey's in Guil- Sfurd cennty ; I thought it best to decline preaching for a few days. . Friday 4. We rode twelve miles to Mrs. Campbell's, upon the eouth fork of Haw River. We had to work our way through the woods. Saturday and Sunday, I attended quarterly meeting at Bethel, upon Belew'fi Creek, where I ordained five deacons, and preached from 1 Tim. vi. 11, 12. : we had a gracious time. We have rode only twenty miles in two days. 1 lodged at M'Daniel'e. Monday 7. We rode through Stokes county, and attended meet- ing at Love's church, which has glass windows, and a yard fenced in. After Jesse Lee, I added a few words on Hebr. ii. 1. We tfien came up to William Jean's, near the Moravian Old-town* We have rode nearly twenty miles this day. Sitting in meeting so many hours among such a multitude of people, and frequently with a blister on my breast, with the difficulties of driving along broken paths, cause me to be variously tried and comforted. . Tuesday 8* We held meeting and had a multitude of Germans present. I improved a httle upon 2 Cor. v. 13, 14. Wednesday 9. We rode through Salem ; here they have lately built a very grand church. The day was cloudy ; the rain began to fall opoo us about a mile from Captain Markland's, on Muddy Creeks where we came after riding seventeen miles. Thursday 10. Close housed ; about twelve souls attended, not* wsthstandiag it rained powerfully, to whom I lectured on Hebr. xii. 1— *4. I had di interview .with Samuel Kenmish, the Moravian Digitized by Google _ 5b6 KtV. FllAVCIB ASBVRY's JOVftNAL. ^itS^/ mioiflter, and visited him. Friday 11. At M'KDigbi's ; — a y^qr wx* comfortable day : tbeoce we rode on to Hardy Jones's, fifteen iiulea«r Saturday 12. I said but little at the Academiqal school-faooa^^ •now a bouse for God. 1 went to see Charles Clayton and wtfiB, who were sick. Sabbath day 13. Rode thirteen miles to Whilaker's cluircliy where 1 g;a?e a short sermon on '* Casting all your care apoa Him, for he careth for you." I was both sick and tired. Monday 14^ We came to Sbadracb DiaFs, from Delaware, near Choptank, who in his younger days attended my ministry to advim-^ Cage. I feel^ in generali great weakness of body, but great confi- dence in God, and constant and near access by prajper. We are now upon Cedar and Dutchman's Creeks, id Rowan county. Tuesday 15. It rained and we rested. On Wednesday we came^ twelve miles, to BeaPs chapel, where, aAer Jesse Lee had discoar* sed upon the word of the Lord as a fitt and a hammtr^ I added a few words on ** Take heed how ye hear," who ye hear« what doctrine ye hear— hear in fdith, with prayer, with application* ' upon all the truths of God. We dined, and then hasted on ei|^ miles to Prather's, in Iredell county. Directly after crossing Hunting Creek, a little circumstance took place, which, if it haA happened id the creek, might have been attended with some disa- greeable consequences ; it was caused by one of the hooks of the swingle tree giving way. At Basil Prather's chapel, I gave my thoughts upon '* Ever learo* ing, and never able to come to the knowledge oi the truth :" 1 fear this will be the case with many souls. Thursday 17. We came up the ridges, between Rocky and Hunting Creeks, eight miles, to John Templeton's ; over a path iio sulky ever went before; my testimony was founded upoa James iv. 2,3. Friday 18. We had a very uneasy ride of fifteen miles, on the borders of Surry county, over to Doctor Brown's, in Wilkes County. I feel my mind in great peace and resignation, both as it respects the church of God, and my own soul. The Presbyterians here are much more friendly with the Methodists now than for- merly : 1 dare not say it is policy ; it may be piety. Saturday 19. We rode through a damp, and in the end, a rain)^ day, twenty miles to George Gordon's, near Wilkes court- boaae: we crossed and r^crossed tbe Yadkin River. Sunday 20. This is my American birtb-day ; I have now passed twenty-eight years upon this continent. Do I wish to live them Digitized by Google 11^89.} KfcV. FBANCXS ASBVEY's JOIJBNAt. 337 over again ? by no means ; I donbt if T conid mend it in my weak-^ nisr and old age ; I could not come up to what f have done: I ahonld be dispirited at what would be presented before me. Monday 21. We came eight miles to William Trible's ; we had an open time at a barren place* and 1 felt di?ine aid in a short im- provement on Gal. ii. 19, 20» Tuesday 22. We had asettous, laborious ride of thirty miles, to William White's, Esqnire, upon Johns River, Barke county. In this route we had to cross the Yadkin ten times ; Elk and Buffalo, each twice : twenty miles of the path were good ; ten miles tin* eren, with short hills, stumps, sideling banks, and deep ruts : I bave renewed my acquaintance with these rivers ; they afford valuable levels, with rising hills and high mountains on each side r the prospect is elegantly variegated; here are grand heights ; and there Indian corn adorns the vales : the water flows admirably clear, murmuring through the rocks, and in the rich lands, gently gliding deep alnd silent between its verdant banks : — and to atl this may be added pure air. «^*Wednesday 23, and Thursday 24. Our quarterly meeting was held at William White's, Esquire, and grand patriarch of this settle- ment, whose family of children, grandchildren, &c. are numerous and extensively established here. Jesse Lee sermonized each day. My discourse the first day was 1 Tim. iv. 12 — 16. Let no tnan despise thy youth. I. That Timothy should be exemplary to believers, in his words, which formed his conversation ; — at all times, and upon all subjects : — he that offendeth not with his tongue, is a perfect man ; — in charity y love, and beneficence: in Tspirity the spirit of bis mind and temper ; purity of heart and intention : in faith ; justifying, persevering faith ; confidence in the sure promises and prophecies of God's word : attendance to read-- ir^; the word of God in the church, in families, in the closet : exhortation; as a gifl of God, in which some excel : doctrine; the grand doctrines of the Gospel — man's original rectitude — his fall-— > the atonement — repentance — justification—sanctification — the re- surrection—the last judgment, and final rewards and punishments. The gift that is in thee by prophecy ; it is probable, some person see- ing the piety and simplicity of Timothy, had been moved by the Holy Ghost to prophesy that he would be a faithful minister of Christ ; — the laying on of the hands of the presbytery The elder- &hip->-here the apostle mentioneth the eldership ; and in the first chapter of the second epistle, sixth verse, the laying on or putting on of his own hands upon Timothy. That Timothy and Titus were Digitized by Google 358 K£V. FAANCIS ASHURV'S J4>lfA9At. (1799^ apostles, and exeroiied episiiopal |K»«rer8, is fHw : they wete io'^ stnicted coQcer&ing bishops, elders, aod deacons, what charaotera- they should be. Titus was left io Crete, aod directed to ordaipi elders in every city. Meditate upon these iMngs : DiiDisteTS shoiild be men of much meditatioti and prayer ; men of cofitemplativ«l minds, and ready to give np their mental and bodily powers whollj to the work of the Lord : Thai % pricing may etppear to aU men; io all things belonging to thy ministerial and Christian calling* The second day of the quarterly meeting 1 exhorted. Friday 25. We had to cross and recross the Johns River, and man it over the hills. I came to Connelly's, twenty-five miles, and dined about five o'clock. I saw a natural curiosity in the monn* tains ; — an old trunk of a poplar had fallen, and four limbs of it had taken root at proper distances from each other, and had grown to be large trees — from fifty to sixty feet high, and eighteen inches in diameter. Saturday 26. I stayed at the bouse, to read, write, and plan a little. I tremble and faint under my burden ; — having to ride about six thousand miles annually ; to preach from three to five hundred, sermons a year ; to write and read so many letters, and read many more :>— all this and more, besides the stationing of three hundred preachers; reading many hundred pages; and spending many hours in conversation by day and by night, with preachers and people of various characters, among whom are many distressing cases. Sunday 27. The morning was damp and cloudy, yet i must needs go to the quarterly meeting, which was held in a very open house : my improvement was the first epistle of John iii. 18 — ^22. The meeting lasted five hours. Monday 28. We rode about forty miles, and fed upon the path. We came to Daniel Asbury's, in Lincoln county. 1 crossed oaoe more at the Horae Fordy where 1 was formerly in danger of being drowned : at that time the river was high, myself weak, the horse I rode, low, aod young ; and we went io at an improper place upon the rocks, and amongst the falls of |tbe river. Daniel Asbury, an experienced guide, conducted me across this time ; but not without some difficulty : his horse stumbled and wet his feet ; and my bead began to swim before we got through ; and my carriage to pitch over the large stones, and small rocks :— I think I bid a final adieu to this ford : if I must try this route again, I am inclined to go by Morgan-Town, the capital of Burke county* The winter approacheth — we must hasten south. Digitized by Google I9'99lJ b&v. FftAKCisr asbviit's joviisrix. 339 Tntfdayfiid. In the fDorDiDg I resM : in the eveniiig I walked mit and preached, that the people might both see and hear me ; mj enhjeot was 1 Thess. ii. 11, IS. Wedoesday 30. We rode to Williaoa's chapel ; where Jesse E^e preached. I added a few words. We then hasted to the widow Featherston'Sy on Dtttchman's Creek. We have rode thirty miles this day over very nneven roads. We soon called a meeting after our arrivsd. Thotsday 3J. We crossed the south branch of Catahaw, and soon after passed the line between North and South Carolioas^ into York county. In consequence of our wandering out of our w^y ia the Hickory barrens, we made it thirty i&iles to Alexander HiU's; where we held.amecfting. God hath blessed the son and daughter of our host, which is better to him than thousasds of gold. . South Carolina.— Friday, November 1. We had a strange route of twenty miles to Josiah Smith's, on Broad-River^ Union county. Here we held a meeting. > - Saturday 2. We tvme to Woads*Ferry upon Brood, at the mouth of Pacolet River, near a small town caUed Pinkneyville : thenc^ to Spray's, over Tyger and Hendricks bridge, on the Enoree : we were benighted among the woods. The wsuioos and waters had made such deep ruts and guUies, that I almost despaired of getting onward, until 1 thought of the expedient of leaving the carriage, and mounting the horse's back, by which means I was better able to guide him : we came into Colonel Benjamin Herndoo's, about seven o'clock, where we met brothers Blantoo, Black, Norman, and Smith. On Sabbath day I edmmented upon Romans ii. 16. Aceordiog to my enumeration I have travelled one hundred and sixty ^iles in four days. Monday 4. I rested. Tuesday 5. I rode eight miles to Odell's chapel, Laurens county : it was a damp day, and we had an open house. I lodged at Henry Davies's, a native of Annarundell county, Maryland. Wednesday 6. We came to Zoar chapel ; a new, unfinished build- ing ; the morning was rainy, yet two or three dozen .people attend* ed : we lodged at William Holland's. Thursday 7. We rode sixteen miles in haste to attend the funeral of Nehemiah Franks, an aged man, who, we hope, died in the Lord ; Jesse Lee preached the funeral sermon ; after which I made an improvement upon Joseph's prophecy Gen. xl. 24. " And Joseph Digitized by Google 3d0 fizv. pfuHcis AfiBtdiT's JomuruJ fl7d9t iaid onto bu brethren, I die ; and God will Aorelj Tiait yea." 1 made fome obfterFations on his typical and graciom character ; hie early piety, his persecution from his brethren, his scenes of nd« ▼ersity, imprisonment, exposure to death, and slavery ; bis piety in prosperity and worldly honour ; an example for us ; bow God visited the Israelites, and how he hath visited the pe<^e of America. Satorday and Sunday. Qaarterly meeting at 6raoriet% ; I made a discourse upon Titus ii. 3. ; we had a good seasop. 1 onfy gave an exhortation on the Sabbath. We are now at the widow Bram« blet's, ten miles from the widow Frank's. Benjamin Blanton came up with us sick ; his famous hone died of the staggers ; he reported two hfindred and sixty dollars ; and be had received from the connexion in four years two hundred and fifty dollars* If we do not beneBt the people we bate but little of their money : such is the ecclesiastical revenue of all our order. Monday 11. We rode sick, weary, and hungry, tbfongb a most barren country. Jesse Lee stopped to preach at Colonel Wolfe-s ( 1 rode OB to the Tumbling Shoals Ford, upon Reedy-River; thence on to William PoweU's, upon the banks of Fair Seleoda ; 1 came in as usual, sick indeed, after riding thirty miles ; jol^ng over the roots, stumps, holes, and gullies. Tuesday 12. Rode five miles to King's chapel ; there were six travelling preachers present : the house was very open, and the two sermons and love-feast held three hours ; i was chilled ex* ceedingly ; my subject was E^hesians v. 1 — ^3. Wednesday 13. We rode westward sixteen miles, to Warwick Bristoe's, where we held meeting, and then rode to Berry's ford; thence to Thomas Terry's, a Yorkshire Methodist, whom 1 married seven yearsvago to Ann W. Dowell, his present good wife, from a Methodist stock on the mother's side in Ireland. Thursday 14. We rode ten miles to the Golden Grove, i^ Cox's meeting house ; my subject was 1 John ii. SO. It is agreed that this is the best society we have in South Carolina: the land here is rich. We lodged at deacon Tarrant's. On Friday we crossed Seleuda at Wilson's ferry, and rode fifteen miles to Thomas Wil- lingham's, upon the Indian lands Saturday 15. We rode ten miles to Nash's meetinf^bouse, in Pendleton county ; where I glossed upon Colossians i; 27, 28. I was much afiected with the faces and manners of this people. Mr. James Nash is not, nor any of his family, in fellowship with us, but are our most kind friends : we were used in the very best Digitized by Google ltd?.] MIV. FRAKCIi ASBORt's JOimVAL. 361 amnoer, and this was more abandaiitly acceptable : frimdi in neii are friends indeed. We had to preach in an open boose ; it was a summer's daj ; we had a love feast and sacrament : my subject was 2 Pet^r ii.' 9. — the congregation was yery large. Gkoroia. — Monday 17. We rode twenty-six miles into the stats of Georgia, crossed Rocky-River, properly so called, lil^ewise the Savannah at the Cherokee-Ford : it was wide, deep, and there were large rocks in it, and I had no guide ; however, we came safe to William Tait's in Elbert county. Little did 1 think I should ever visit Georgia again, much less the frontiers of it. It was a rainy d^y ; but I was kept dry in the felicity j not so with brothers Lee and Blanton. Tuesday 18. We attended at Tait's chapel, in the Forks : it was a cold day. I gave a short exhortation on Rev. xxi. 7. I passed a night with Charles Tait, formerly of Cokeshury, and was made exceedingly welcome aind comfortable. Wednesday 19. Rode twenty miles to Coldwater, in a cold day, and held meeting in a cold meeting-house, but we bad a warm- hearted people. 1 gave a brief sermon upon Ephes. v. 8. '' Walk as children of light." We lodged at, and were comfortably enter* tainedby Ralph Banks. Thursday 20. We rode sixteen miles, sometimes through the naked woods, to Redwine's ; where we bad an unexpected congre- gation in the solitary woods. I held forth on '' TJhe Son of Mao is come to seek and to save that which was lost." The house was open, but the people were simple-hearted, and very kind. Friday 21. We came, sixteen miles, to Carrol's meeting-house ; a new log cabin in the woods. Some of the -people of the congre- gation are from the east and west parts of Maryland; I felt that the Lord was with them. We have the kitchen, house, and chaoH ber all in one, and no closet but 4he woods. Saturday 22. At Park's new cabin chapel, after riding eighteen miles, 1 exhorted. We lodged at Stephen West Brook's. Sabbath day. Still at Park's chapel : I preached upon 2 Cor. vi. 1. I doubi if there were ever twice as many crowded in so small a house — some stood upon the benches, and others upon the floor : public and private meeting held five boors. We afterward had to ride ten or twelve piles to lodge at George Christian's. We travelled through Elbert, but mostly in Franklin county We have crossed about thirteen branches of Broad River. Three of them which riae near the head branches of Ocpnee^ are large. Vol. IL 46 Digitized by Google 9^ Etv* FfiAiieifl letORV's JOtmiiAt^. [1709L The hikl is notary fertile, except what lieth upon the irater* ciMinei. Tttonday 24. We were detained hy rain in the mormng, but eel off at nine o'clock, and cam^ in half past one, after riding twetart j niles to Charles Wakefield's, in O^etborpe county: so called after the first goremor of the state or profince. Beojamio Blan*- ton coith) go no fkrtber, bat went to bed with a hi(|^ fe?er. I de- tired Jesse Lee to attend the appointments over the Oconee. We bad the appearance of the beginning of winter, and were in a cold cabin, but with kind people. Tuesday 25* We came six miles to Cornelias M^Carty's. Here we had to drop anchor again : brother Blanton coald go no farther this day ; and as there were three of us in company, and one who was well able to do the woric, I felt it my doty to do as I would be done by, and have been done by, i. e. to itay and take tare of the sick man, Wednesday 26. After brother Blanton had> been Tory ill, and in bed nuNit of his time, I housed him in my carriage, and we proceeded down the Oconee, twelve miles, to Borrel Pope's, afteft> a heayy siege through the woods, from one plantation to another, on brother Blanton's stiff-jointed horse, that I would only ride to save souls, or the health of a brother. Our accommodations com- pensated for all. I admire the soft soil of Geoi^a, and it is ple»« aant to see the people ploughing on the last of November, as if it were the month of April. The weather was very cold on Thurs* day and Friday. Saturday I rode seven miles up to Hadson'e ford, at the mouth of TraiUCreek, to have a sight of Oconee- River. Jesse Lee visited the forks of the river, and ibrmed a circuit for one preacher. The land upon the river is good. I returned to Henry Pope's. Sabbath day 30. The weather still continues cold. At the ■ew meeting-house my Object was Hebr. Hi. 12,* IS, 14. There appears to be more wealth than religion here. Monday, December 1. We rode twelve miles, in a very damp day, to the widow Steward's : we had a large congregation for the day and place. The widow's house stands upon a line b^ween Green and Oglethorpe counties. Tuesday 2. At Greenesborough', in gi large meeting-house buik 1»y and for the Presbyterians, we held meeting. We lodged at William Ufton's. We have travelled in two days abdut thirty^ two miles. The badness of the weather^ and my censtant uneasi* Digitized by Google 9M»ba¥9 iftjared lae much : I have spoken^ ?ery little io pttblio : — I drag aloog esceedioglj heavy. It is serious work to be.driying diroagb the back flettlements, and ha?iog open neetiog and dwell- ing housea, in the winter season. Wednesday 3. At Burke's meeting-boqse Jesse Lee preached, and I exhorted upon the importance of the ministry, and ordained brother Watts a local deacon. We lodged at John Crotchfield's ; where we bad a gracious family meeting. Thursday 4. We moved along in 9 cloudy, damp, cold day, four- teen miles, to Little Britain, a log peo» open at the top, bottom, and aides : a few people attended ; my subject was Matt. vit. 8. Friday 5. We rode, fifteen miles, through a heavy rain to HilFs meeting-house, upon Loog*Creek, where six or seven preachers, with a few, people attended : my subject was Hebr. x. 32. Hope Hull, Josias Randall, S. Cowles, and William Partridge came a long way to see me ; we had a family meeting at .mother Hill's* It is about twenty years since I first visited this house. Saturday 6, and Sabbath day 7. We held our quarterly meeting ait Jdark's meeting-house : I bad dreaded this appointment. I had some pain and some pleasure. The state of religion is low here. Hope Hull preached on Saturday upon Jer. x. 8. we had some signs to show that life had not entirely departed, in the love-feast and sacrament. Benjamin Blanton preached Sabbath day, from Isai. xxviii. 8. and I gave a gloss upon Joshua xiv. 8. *' Neverthe- less, my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the peo- ple melt ; but 1 wholly followed the Lord iny God." In the 'intro- duction peculiar attention was paid to the dealings of God with Israel from the beginning to the end ; the influence pions charac- ters had in the case before us — two prevailing against ten ; that the well-being of future generations required that a decided tone to the morals, manners, and religious opinions, should be given by the first settlers of the country. The weight of the discourse was opened in two divisions; First, What God had done for many Christians ; Secondly, Their unfaithfulness and complaints, (like the Israelites) and their bad infiuence upon the camp of Israel, as at the present day, Monday 8. We rode twenty miles to Hope Hull's, near Washing* ton, in Wilkes county. Tuesday 9, we rested ; and on Wednesday 10. 1 gave a discourse at Coke's chapel, upon Gal. vl. 9. The rain began as we closed the meeting. I dined at D.Merri weather's, and rode home with Digitized by Google 364 REV. FRANCIS ASBVRT'S ^OITRNACi. [1799* Thomas Grant that evetiiag, and was detained on Thursday and Fridaj in consequence of a rain. We have bad an exceedingly heavy rain : the Little River was impaflsable ; but I was kindly and comfortably provided for. I la- ment the state of religion in these new settlements. New lands, new officers, and new objects, occupy the minds of the people* I invented a continental general plan of movement through. the eastern and western states, not much short of seven tbom^and miles. Saturday 13. f made an attempt to reach Philips's bridge : but was soon stopped by a creek. Thence we went to a mtlldam, full of holes and rolling stones. 1 did not choose to risk the over- turning of the carriage into the millpoBd or the creek ; so 1 return- ed to D. Merriweathef's, and appointed a meeting at Coke's chapel, and upon the Sabbath day gave them a long, weighty talk upon 1 Cor. vii. 29. Monday 15. We had to take the rain and mud upon the Augusta road; the wagons had been detained by ^ high water ; men and wagons were very heavily loaded with rum. We rode twen^ four miles, and were kindly entertained at William Shield's. Tuesday 16. Rode ten miles to James Allen's, and behold, nei- ther the man nor his wife were at home ; the day was fair spent, and it was raining, so we stopped. Wednesday 17. Before we could get ready to move, itb^;an to rain powerfully. We came down the Augiista road, gouged up by wagons in a most dreadful manner, in consequence of whieh, we were five hours in going twelve miles to Thomas Haine's, upon Uchee. I had great intestine war, having eat but little ; but here we have all things comfortable. 1 doubt whether we shall be able to cross Savannah" River in five days from this time ; the former freshet being increased by latter rains. Thursday and Friday We rested. Saturday 19. We rode to M^Gee's to attend an appointment ; but the rain prevented the peo- ple from coming. Sabbath day 20. We came into Augusta town. I went in the morning to hear a sermon, and in the afternoon I gave one upon Hebr. ii. 1. We have preached several years in this town, but with little success : we want a house of our own here. On Mon- day 21 the waters were much assuaged. Augusta town is greatly improved in houses since I was here last. The boat trade from Savannah is very considerable. After waiting an hour on the banks Digitized by Google ^ • \ i€00.] HEV. »ilAWCr''^*^T*8 JOITIlllAt. 366 •f the rirer. we crcHised, and came id about sanset, after riding twenty-two miles to Cooper's in the iC"^^. South Carolina. — Tuesday 22. We ca^ >tweiity-tbree miles to Chester's, the best entertainment we coald find : it was bat for « night. Christmas day 25. We rode twenty* three miles to a po/e meeting- house, near Trotty's ; thence ten miles to Jacob Barr's : here I was •Dce more at home. Thursday 26. We rode down Edifito- River, which was much swelled by the late rains ; I dined at Murray's ; we then proceed- ed up the stream to Mr. Hall's: we haVe rode twenty -five' miles this day. Friday 27. We crossed at Fourhold's brids;e, which was scarcely passable, the water being deep, and spread out upon the low land, nearly three quarters of a mile. I came accidentally to my appointment at the Cypress chapel. My text was 1 Tim. ii. 5. ** For there is one God, and one Media- tor between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." I. The great im>portion there is between a holy God and fallen mankind. II. The absolute, indispensable necessity of a mediator in nature and office. Saturday 28. I never knew worse roads. I needed one to hold on one side of my carriage to prevent my being overset in the mud. Sabbath day I preached in the old church upon Psalm cxtiii. 24, 26. On Monday and Tuesday we had a little rest. Wednesday, January 1, 1800. We began our conference in Charleston, twenty three members present. I had select meetings with the preachers each evening, who gave an account of the deal- ings of God with their own souls, and of the circuits they supplied the past year. Saturday 4. After determining by a large majority that our next meeting together (by divine permission) should be in Camden ; the conference rose. Slow moved the northern post on the eve of new year's day, and brought the heart-distressing information of the death of Washing- ton, who departed this life December 14, 1797. Washington, the calm, intrepid chief, the disinterested friend, first father, and temporal saviour of his country under divine pro*- tection and direction. A universal cloud sat upon the faces of the citizens of Charleston ; the pulpits cloatbed in black— the bells muffled — the paraded soldiery-^a public oration decreed to be delivered on Friday 14tb of this month — a marble statue to be placed in some proper sitiatioR. These were the expressions of sorrow. Digitized byCjOOQlC 3t$ iBir. nuvcu asmtet'j jovbvm.. (IMa and tb€fe the marks of raspectfiaid by his fiMliQgli^ow*eitiieiiB l# the memory of this great man. I am disposed to loose sight of aH hot Washiogton : matchless mao ! At all times he acknowledged the proYideoce of God, and noTer was he ashamed of his Redeem* er : we beliere he died, not fearing death. In his will he ordered the manamission of his slates — ^a true son of liberty in aM poiata. Snnday 6. After the harden of care was thrown off, I agaia i^ snmed the palpit ; and in order the better to suit my salject to meet the conference, the new year, ordination of elders and dea- cons, and the General's death, 1 made choice of Isai. lii. 2. ^' To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord ; and the day of ven^ geanceof our God to, comfort all that moom." — I. The acceptable year of the Lord. II. The day of vengeance of oar God. III. To comfort all that moorn. The congregation was laige, decent, and solemn ; the ordination was attended with unction from above, and the sacrament with ten- derness of heart. At the new church, before the ordination of deacons, Jesse Lee discoursed upon *' The harvest truly is greaW'^ &c. After encountering many difficulties, I was able to settle the plan of stations and to take in two new circuits. Monday 6. The main body of the preachers left the city, i desired Jesse Lee, as my assistant, to take my horse and his own and visit between this and the 7th of February, Croosawhatohie, Savannah, and Saint Mary's, (a ride of about four hundred miles) and to take John Garven to his station : thje time hath been when this journey would have been my delight ; but now I must lounge in Charleston. Sunday 12. We have bad a week of snow, which made the ways extremely mirey. I attended the church ip Cumberland-street ; my subject was 1 Peter i. 17 — 19. I did not enter, ^ I wished, into the marrow of the subject. Monday 13. Benjamin Blanton left me to attend his charge of preachers, circuits, and to promote the sale of our books, within the limits of the Charleston conference. 1 have kept no journal firom Sabbath. to Sabbath. • I have been employed in reading and aniwering letters to different and distant parts of the continent. Sunday 19. My subject was 1 Peter L 6, .7. I have been very unwell since Friday, but as I only attempt to labour upon Sabbath days, I could not stand back from duty ; I was greatly assisted in the morning, but much outdone in the afternoon id body and roiod. At intervals Nicholas SnetheA read to me those excellent ser- Digitized by Google 18004 ^^^' PftAKCIft ASliVRT -S jeVKNAL. d$7 nous of Mr. Jamet SanriDy. a French Protettant minister at the Hague ^ they are long, elaborate, learned, doctripal, praeUcal, historical, and explanatory. No joamal until Friday S4. I hare been yery nnweH in my bowels ; CPatton'sent me a decoction of bark, rhubarb, and nut^ tneg, which helps me much. This week I employed in answering my correspondents in the District of Maine, Massachusetts, stat^ of New- York, Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Viiiginia. On Thursday nfght departed this life Edward Rutledge, governor of South Caro- lina; he was one of the tried patriots of 1775 and 1776. The Africans give him a good character for his humanity t on Saturday 25, his dost is to be committed to dust. " I have said ye are gods ; but ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes." Sunday 26. I was under some weakness of body and mind. I attended at the old church, and preached on Romans xii. 9 — Ih Januaiy 30th we had another snow. February 3d, I have kept no journal for some days. Sabbath was a cloudy day with rain ; my sacramental subject was Rev. i. 5, 6. 1 have had a distressing celd in my head ; notwithstanding which I have read much in books, letters, and lives. Wednesday 5. I began to relax my mind from writing long let-* ters. I dined with Jesse Vliughan, and afterward visited Mr. War- nack's. family, at the orphan house ; there is no institution in Ame^ rica equal to this ; two or three hundred orphans are taught, fed, and clothed, and then put apprentices to good trades. Friday 7. Jesse Lee and George Dougharty came to town : the former hath been a rpute of about mx hundred miles ; and my poor gray hath suffered for it. Sunday 9. I gave my last charge at Cumberland-street church from Rom. xii. 14 — 18. Monday 10. 1 left the city of Charleston ; the day was cold and the roads bad : we came through Broughton swamp ^ in the eve- ning my carriage got set fast ; the second draught, the hook upon the swinge tree gave way, and 1 had to take to the mud to fix the traces ; at half past eight o'clock we came tc^onk*s Corner. Tuesday 11. It sn<^wed ; 1 was distressed lor a wagoner whose horses ran away at the sight of my carriage, and whirled the wagon among the stumps and trees, happily no considerable injury was suffered. We lodged at the widow Turk's, near Nelson's Ferry — an extremely cold night. Wednesday 12. We wrought odr passage over and through the river and swamps and as long as we kept the pubMe road it was all Digitized by Google QGi REV. FRA9CIS ANBURY S JO^RHAL. [1800. •wamp : we. at length came to Gibaop's chapel ; where I preached upon James i. 25. We dined at Bowman's, and in the e?ening held meeting at Mr. Galea's. Thuradaj 13, was a very cold day : it terminated in rain : no meeting at Bradford's. Friday 14. We came to R^mbert's, where, at three o'clock I •poke upon Hebr. iii. 3. to a few people ; brother Snethen also gave them a discourse. Saturday 16. We came to Camden: the weather is still cold; we stopped to feed at Navy's. We have rode, since Monday last, one hundred and thirty miles, and my horse would not have been so outdone in two hundred, if three hundred miles, upon good roads. My soul hath been kept in patience, and much prayer ; my body is in great . weakness, undergoing disagreeable changes with the. weather, ^nd my constitutional maladies. Sunday 16. At Camden 1 preached upon 1 Cor. vi. 19, 20. We administered the Lord's supper ; the day wa& cold for this cli- mate ; and but few people attended. Monday 17. We rode twenty miles to Horton'a ; and on Tvk&^ day 18, held meeting there. Wednesday 19. We rode forty miles through the sands, and roads made bad by snow and frost ; we were travelling as late as e^ht o'clock in the evening, groping in the dark until a boy guided us along by the blaze of pine wood to brother Shaw's peaceable dwelling : he was gone to his circuit, but his gracious wife and children were at home. Thursday 20. At Jackson's meeting-house, we had some gracious feelings. AAer an absence of ten years, I called once more at friend Pace's. Friday 21. We attended a meeting at Anson court-house. We had no small congregation at Mr. Cashe's new house : 1 was kindly entertained at his father's when in Virginia and Tennessee, and DOW by him : they offered us money, food, lodging, or whatever we wanted. * At Threadgill's meeting-house, N. Snethen preached ; we then hasted to M^Atkin's : we were compelled to wade Rocky- River — the water came into my carriage box. Sunday 23. At Randell's church, in Montgomery county, (N. C.) I gave a discourse after brother Snethen, upon 1 Sam. xifi. 23. Monday 24. We came to Ledbetter's. NoR,TH Carolina. — Tuesday 25. Crossed .Pee Dee at Tindelsville, and. landed at Andersonsboroogh without any difficulties ; but when we came to WiUiams-Ford, across the River, it waa impassable^ Digitized by Google J800.] KEV. FRAWCIS ASlBVnv'S JOHRNArJ. - 369 we then changed our course, and took the ridge road, which was open to the Montgomery line, thence we had to guess oar way, until we came to Edward Harris's, where we fed, dined, and prayed with the woman and children, and then came on we knew not where. As the sun began to decline, we thought it time to look out ; to our surprise we saw a Friends' meeting-house, as we judged by its form ; I then concluded we could not reach Deep- River, and we stopped at John Henley's— we had all we wanted but prayer. Wednesday 26. I had to pass over heavy hills, rocks, and small iruns, and through thick clay : we were concluding when in Charles- ton, and after we set out, by the encessive cold, that there was snow not far distant : when we came into North Carolina, we found that upon Pee Dee, and Yadkin, and Deep rivers, the snow liad Mien fifteen and eighteen inches deep, and continued nearly a month upon the ground, and had swelled the rivers; and spoiled the public roads. We lodged at Mr. Bell's ; having rode only fifty miles in two days. We left two appointments on the west side of Uwany : ao much lor that siege : my horse had hard work ; my car- Tm^ was very loose in the joints by constant and long play ; and myself much tired ; but I revived when I saw the lawyers going to the western courts: I thought, if they toiled and suffered for justice and silver, how ought I to labour for truth, and gold that perisheth not, and thousands of people, and hundreds of preachers. Thursday 27. I gained a day by the overflowing of Uwany, and came to Daniel Sherewood's, in Guilford county, within twenty miles of the track 1 went down last fall. Friday 28. It rained and snowed. I gave an exhortation, and ordained two deacons. We got our horses shod, and then rode to aged William Field's. Sunday, March 2. We set out early and hasted through deep roads to the Hickory- Mountain chapel ; not less then twenty -eight or thirty miles ; N. Snethen went along, and preached to the peo- ple, and brought a few to meet me at friend Reeve's, where we dined about six o'clock. Monday 3. We had no small race through Chatham county to Snipe's ; we were lost three times before we came to Clarke's ferry, on Haw-River, and had to send a boy a mile for the ferry- man, and wait nearly an half hour. Tuesday 4. A clear, but very cold day. We were treated with creat respect at the University, by the president, Calwell, and the students, citizens, and many of the country people : bro- Vot. n. 47 Digitized by Google 370 ' iL£v. rftAsrcfs asb^kv^s judbmal. [IMD« tlier SnellieD preaehed oo << God forbid liiit I tbovM gloty, n^e in the crofe of oar Lord Jesas Christ." Wheo the Univenity it finuhed, 1 shall take notice of it ; 1 stopped to baptise some chO* dren, aod then rode on to Massey*s. Wednesday 5. We rode to Sihoo Smith's ; aod I gare 8 ieetnre in the evening. Thursday 6. We came to Raleigh, the seat of goteromeiit ; I preached in the state house : notwithstaodiog this day was very cold and snowy, we had many people to hear ; I baptised a chSd, and came that evening to Thomas Proctor's. Friday t. We came to the Union chorch ; many attended^ but the excessive cold penetrated my whole system : we lodged at John Whitefield's. Saturday 8. I rode twelve miles through the snow to Edttand Taylor's, senr. This week, from Monday to Satarday at noon, I have rode one hnndred and ten miles : my mind is kept in great serenity. 1 have spoken every day bat this. Sanday 9. We have a great sleet : the healthy and the yoong went to Bank's chnrch. At four o'clock we had a sermon at latffer Taylor's on Eph. iv. 3. " Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace." — I. The end ; the unity of the Spirit. II. The means ; there might be a union in Interest, in opposi** tion, in sentiment, in ordinances, but not in the Spirit ;• that this union is a onion in experiences by the Spirit ; and in the spirits or minds of Christians. The means are set forth in the first and second verses of the same chapter ; to walk worthy of their Chris- tian character and calling— disorderly walking breaketh onion. ** With all lowliness," or every mark of humility : pride is sore to break union : it hath done it in heaven and Paradise. ** Meekness ;" unlawful passion will break union. " Long suffering ;" if men #ill not suffer long from saints and sinners, they will break union with the Church of God. Monday 10. I rubbed along, some how, to Smith's church ; tiie distress I suffered in my bowels was great ; and had been so for three days ; my misery was so exceedingly great that 1 set off to leave the place ; but my way from the dwelling- house lay by the churchy the people were collected, I felt better, stept in, and gave an ex* hortation. I took StoughUm-s bitters^ and got relief; and then rode on to friend Harris's. Tuesday 1 ] . I preached a short discourtfe on Joshua's resolu* tisoi and rode twelve miles to S. Taylor's, junior : I felt onwell. Digitized by Google IMO.] R)BVi. Fj&ANCIS asbury's sovkixal 371 Wednesday H. I atteqded the funeral of sister Broadie ; she pro- filed relifioo three years, lived happy, and died in the Lord. N. Snethen preached the funeral sermon from ** A good name is better than precious ointment ; ii^nd the day of death better than the day of ones birth." I gave some seotiintnts on <' God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jeaug Christ." Thursday 13. We crossed Roanoke at Taylor's iJ^rry : the river was very fall. Hail, ancient Virginia, once more! In Kttle more thuD four weeks we have rode nearly two hundred miles in South, and three hundred in North Carolioa. We came to Howell Tay- ior^s. N. Snethen preached father Yooog^s funeral, on Isai. Ivii. 1. I conld only exhort. We rode home withS. Holmes, fiAeen miles, and it was well we did. Virginia. — Saturday 15, Was a stormy day. One of my friends ivanted to borrow or beg £50 of me : he might as well have asked me for Pern, I showed him all the money I had in the world-.* about twelve dollars, and gave him five : strange, that neither my friends nor my enemies will believe that 1 neither have, nor seek r-lNigs of money : well, they shall believe by demonstration, what I liave ever been striving to prove — that I will live and diie a poor man. At Salem we had a good Sabbath ; my subject was Rom^ zii. 19 — 21. Our meeting held nearly three hours. Tuesday 18. I preached at William Owens'son Psal. xxxvii. 39» 40. we bad an open, living time. Wednesday 19, at My rick chapel. Thursday 20, at Drom* goold's chapd : Jesse Lee and N. Snethen did the preaching, and I rode home with Peter Pelham : this day's work was riding twenty- &Te miles. We crossed a bridge like a castle at the Westward-Fonl^ Friday 21. We escaped another dreadful rainy day : a prodi^. gious quantity of water fell: we were housed ; not a single per- son came to meeting ; but we had a sermon at noon, and one in the family at night* Saturday 22. We set out for Sussex, but missed our way ; we aoon came to an impassable stream ; I asked a poor, unintelligible negro, Who lived near? he said, Lewis Gtg, I recollected Griggs and we went straight to his house and dined. We then pushed «n, and finding the Three-Run-Creek too deep to cross, took up our lodging at J. Fisher's. Sonday 23. We rode fifteen miles to Jones's chapel : I was very unwell, but gave a sermon on Hebr. xii. 28, 29* we had three sermons, N. Snethen, and Jesse Lee having fojr lowed me. Digitized by Google 37S$ REV. FRANCIS ASBUHV'S JOVtLKAL. [fBOO^ Monday 24, at PenDiogton's I spoke on Hdbr. xiii. 20, 21. Aff we had reason to believe the river Notawaj was impassable zt Allen's bridge, we rode back seven miles to Smith's. Toesday morning we had to ride nearly oik? mile through the water, which was sometimes knee deep, ^md sometimes ap to our horses sides ; after riding sevente<^ft miles, we came t» Mr. Briggs's about twelve o'clock i the day was extremely cold, and indicative of snow : ire gave two sermons ; my subject was 1 Cor. vii. 20, 30. Wednesday 26. We gave an exhortation at Lane's chapel ; lodged at Philip Davies's ; aqd on Thursday 27, we rode to J. Moody's, twenty-four miles : we crossed Black-water at 6 road- water-bridge — it was very deep wading. Brother Snethen preached in the evening. Friday 28. At Blunt's chapel : here I was unable to add many words. The probjibility is we shall hold conference in this neigh- bourhood, as the smalKpox prevails in Norfolk and Portsmouth, and the people in this settlement have made most generoQt offers to the preachers, provided they choose to sit in conference here. - Saturday 29, was a day of settled rain, and we were kept to the house, myself being very unwell. Sunday 30. We rode sixteen miles through damp, cold, and cloudy weather, to a meeting-house near Everitt's bridge, not fit /or a horse to stay in : 1 could not refrain from speaking on Psalm xiiT 1. '' Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the children of men." See Isaiah Ivii. 1« Micah vii. 2. It was observed, First, What the remaining remnant liad to do when the truly pious were taken from the earth :— 4e be godly ; truly gracious souls ; faithful — faithfulness the test, and continued proof of such souls : the loss the world and the church fiQStained : moral men were valuable ; temperate men a loss^ friends to liberty and religion a loss ;— much more men of sterliog piety. Monday, April 1. We passed through Suffolk, and called upon Mr. Cowlings, whose pious father is gone to rest since I was here last. AAer twenty years, I called at Mr. Yerbery's, and then came on to Isaac Lunsford's. 1 was very unwell : for some days 1 have had chills, headach, and bilious symptoms ; to this sac* * ceeded violent vomiting, and a desperate pight. Tuesday 2. We came to William Wright's, on Pig-Point» where I preached a little on Hebr. ^x. 29. Wednesday 3. At Crany-Island chapel : here dreadful havoe katfa been made by James O'Kelly ; a peaceable society of nearly Digitized by Google 1800.] rev:. FRAKCI8 ASWRy'S JOtlRV AL. 373 fifiy soais are divided, and I fear in the end, some may be de- stroyed : bow be hath done this work we may know by reading, bis ^Apology. N. Snetben gave a great discourse on 2 Cor. xUi. 5, 6, 7. It is astonishing to hear the falsehoods published against me. I lodged at James Carney's. Thursday 4. At JoTliff 's 1 read a most gracious account of the work of God on the eastern shore^n Cecil county, Duck^Creek^ and Dover, in the state of Deleware. 1 published it in the congre- gation, reading the letter : my subjects on which I preached, were Hebr. zii. 15. and Luke xvii. 5. Friday 6. We rode to James Taylor's : I was deeply afflicted*, probably occasioned by my eating of fish : I exhorted a little, ad- ^ ministered the Lord's supper, and then rode twenty miles to Ports- mouth, and gave a brief exhortation in the neat, new house. Sa- turday I visited the brethren in Norfolk : they presented me with a plan of a new house, fifty by seventy ; and, wonder of wonders ! it is to be built on the lot adjoining that on which the old Episcopal church stands ! ^Sunday 7. My subject was 1 Cor. xi. 1 — 5. We administered the sacrament. In the aflernoon I exhorted in Portsmouth, but it was an offence to some that ( did not preach, weak as I was ; — and we had to administer the sacrament here also. Monday 8. We rode forty miles to William Powell's, in Isle of Wight county : it caused tears and some disappointment, because I did not stop at Suffolk. Tuesday 9. We went on to William Blunt's. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, we passed in close, comfortable conference. We had great accounts of the work of God in the state of Dela« ware> and also Franklin circuit, in Vii^inia. We had grace, but no gold, and we wanted one hundred and forty-three dollars of silver to. pay the just demands of the preachers to their sixty-four dollars per year. Friday afternoon we rode fifteen miles to Mooring's. Saturday 12. We rode twelve miles to old James-Town ferry : we crossed, and had a very good passage, notwithstanding it was a ▼ery stormy day at times, with heavy showers: we then rode twdve miles to James-City, and lodged at Edmund Taylor's : my company felt the effects/ of being exposed to the rain : I was safe under a cover, but had as much as I could well bear. Sabbath 13. I preached at James-City chapel, on Col. iii. 1, 2. we concluded our meeting at two o'clock, dined, and rode sixteen miles to the widow Kerby's. A great hail storm came on a few minutes after we got in. Digitized by Google 374 BMr. FftAVcn iimT's jovuia&. [IMa Uaodaj 1^ After the nia wm •rer« ws •lood ow came to HavpCoa : we cane ib about two o'dock. Brother M^Kcairee preached die Ameral fermon of a fettle chUd at three o'clock, «y- idf fpofce at fire, brother Soethen at aeveo o'clock. My solject was Phil. iiL 8, 9, 10. Toemhij 14. We rode back to York. I saw the srave where was boried the effigy of General Waahngloo, at the probable place where Lord Comwallis deltrered op his sword to bin. We lodged at brother John Stobb's, io Gloucester. Wednesday 16. At Mooot-Zion, Jesse Lee came in before us, and had begpn to preach : I had a headacb and lerer, so said hot little ; I had the pleasure of beholding with my eyes the excelloit plantation of Mr. Tabb, and of receiving every faroor the heart of love, and the hand of liberality could bestow. — I am a jlnuiger thea tarried* Tharsday 16. At Cheese-Cake I said a little npon James ii, 5. here is a new house and society. Since I wai here ten years ago, my old friend Douglas is gone to his long home. Friday 17. We came io haste to Urbanna, fifteen miles. There had been some notice given that there would be preaching here : the court-house doors were opened, but not one soul ap- peared ; we paraded upon the green awhile, and then went to the ferry ; — wind and tide both ahead — a leaky boat, weak hands and ' oars, heavily loaded in the bow with four horses, and ooe of them ready to leap out : they cried out to me to put back ; after some hesitation, 1 thought we must go back or to the bottom: after cruising two miles, brother M*Kendree and brother, Soethen waited ; brother Andrews and myself covered our retreat by ri- ding twenty miles into Essex, and about sunset stopped at the widow Hundley's. Saturday 19. We rode fourteen miles to S. Coles's. I judge I have travelled little^ short of five hundred miles this route, over Virginia ; having been in nineteen counties. Monday 21. We rode twenty-five miles through a storm of rain to the widow Bauzee^s. Tuesday 22. We crossed at Port-Royal, and came to the widow Bombry's: here we joined brothers M'Kendree and Soethen. Wednesday 23, we rode forty miles to Ward's, near Domfiries, and Thursday 24, to Alexandria, and gave a short discourse on James i. 12. I knew not which was best — to attend the quarterly meet- ing in Fairfax, or to go to Baltimore ; I at length concluded upon the latter. We came through the federal city, and were afterward Digitized by Google 1800.] REW. FRANCIS ASBURV's JOVRHAl. 375 lt>«t an hour ia the woods, and were benighted. We called at the widow of senior John Worthiogton, and saw the old mansion ; we were kindly entertained, and had a comfortable nighf s rest Martland.*— Saturday 27 We cane to the city of Baltimore, where 1 found cause of joy and sorrow. Sabbath day 98. I attempted a discourse on James ▼• 8, 9« Bishop Coke is on his way to this city. Monday 29. 1 visited, and prepared for the arrangement of the preachers at the annual conference for another year. The great accounts of the work of God in various parts, are as cordials to my sool. I am persuaded that upon an exact measurement, I hBwe travelled eleven hundred miles from the 10th of February, to the 27th of April : my horse is poor, and my carriage ia greatly racked. Thursday, May 1. We opened our conference, and in three days we concluded our work in peace. Monday 6. We came to Baltimore, and Tuesday 6, we opened our general conference, which held until Tuesday 20. We had much talk, but little work : two days were epent in considering about Doctor Coke's return to Europe, part of two days on Richard Whatcoat for a bishop, and one day in raising the salary of the itinerant preachers from sixty-four to eighty dollars per year. We had one hundred and sixteen members present. It was still de* sired that 1 should continue in my station. On the 18th of May, 1800, elder Whatcoat was ordained to the office of a bishop, after being elected by a majority of four votes more than Jesse Lee. The unction that attended the word was great ; more than one hundred souls, at different times and places, professed con- version during the sitting of conference. I was weary, but sat very close in conference. My health is better than when we began. Tuesday 20. I came to Greenwood, fPhilip Rogers's,) and Wednesday 21, I preached at Patapsco-Neck chapel, on Psalm Ixxx. 17, 18, 19. We called at Tobias Stausbury's, and dined, talked, and prayed with his afflicted wife, who felt her confidence in God. We then came on to Perry-Hall, and were received with great openness of heart. Mrs. Gough is, I hope, dying to the world, and living to Jesus. Mr. Gough is most affectionately kind. Thursday 22. We came to Gunpowder-Neck : bishop What- coat preached and 1 exhorted : I trust the Lord will return to Digitized by Google — 316 R£7. FRAlrci9 ASS^At's J6tJR9A&. [IMd for fifteen years. Saturday 31. I preached at the forest chapel, on Habakkuk iii. 2. and rode to Dover that evening. Sunday, June 1. This was a day to be remembered: we b^gan our love- feast at half past eight ; meeting was continued (except one hour's intermission) until four o'clock, and some peo- ple never lefl the house until nearly midnight : many souls professed to find the Lord. In the evening I rode up to Duck-Creek, to meet the conference. Monday 2. We had sixty-six preachers, all connected with the business of conference : we sat closely six hours each ^ay, until Friday 6, when about nine o'clock the conference rose. One hour was spent in public each day ; but the people would not leave the house, day nor night : in short, such a time hath been seldom known : the probability is, that above one hundred souls were con- Verted to God. The stationing of the preachers was a subject that took my attention ; it was with the greatest difficulty 1 could un- bend my mind from this one hour, yea, < many minutes, by day or night, until I read the plan. I felt myself bound in spirit, and per- haps conscience also, to push on to hold the next Sabbath in Phi- ladelphia. Bishop Whatcoat .and myself hasted to Wilmington on Friday ; and on Saturday we dined with Mary Withy, now raised above her doubts, and rejoicing in God ; through her instrumen- tality, a small society is raised in Chester ; and she hath fed the Lord's prophets twenty-eight or twenty- nine years. We came on to Schuylkill ; and thence to Philadelphia. Pbnnsylvania. — Sunday 8. 1 preached morning and evening, at Fourth-street ;' now making what it ought to be, and seated pro- perly. I preached at the African church, on 2 Peter iii. 17, 18. and at St. George's, on 1 Peter, i. 5 — 7. I spoke only once at the conference ; my subject was Psalm xxix. 9. *' And in bis temple doth ^very one speak of his glory ;" — truly fulfilled at that time and place ; surely we may say, our Pentecost is fully come this ye^r. When we recollect what God hath wrought ii^ £disto in South, and Guilford in North Carolinas ; in Franklin, Amelia, and Gloucester, in Virginia ; in Baltimore, and Cecil, in Maryland ; in Dover, Duck- Creek, and Milford, in Delaware! My health is restored, to the Vol. ir. 48 Digitized by Google 376 HEY. FAANcis A&av|vy?» ^ovmiAi*. [t89Q« astonUhineDt of myself and friends. Mondi^ and T^^esdaj |n Flii- ladelphia. New-J£R8by. — We rode to Burlington* through enem^B heat and du8t» in company with Richard, Whatcoat and Jesse Lee : tbm latter wished to preach in the evening, and go on in the DiTuesday 17. We were at Staten-lsland ; where there is a neat meeting-house, and as genteel, well-dressed a peo- ple as in New- York. My subject was Hah. iii. 2. Appearances were rather unfavourable : I was very unwell, and came back to Mr. Drake's the same evening. Wednesday 18. We rode in haste to New- York ; and on Thurs- day 19. we opened our conference ; about forty preachers present* We had some knotty subjects to talk over, which we did in great peace, plainness, and love. Friday and Saturday, we were closely confined to business. Sabbath. My subject at the old chui^ch was Romans zii. 19,20, 21. In my introduction I observed that the text was quoted from Lev. zix. 18. and Proverbs zxv. 21, 22. that, it migh>: discover to us what veneration the New Testament wri- Digitized by Google 1800.] KBV. FRAifcra asbvkt's jrdVRirAL. 379 ten Had for the old ; aod wkat was required in a belieyer, under that dispenaatioD. Veogeance it not io oar protince ; we cannot, 10 civil, mach leas in sacred causes, be oar Own judges or jurors : if wo must feed an eooBiy, and not only forgive him an injury, but do hhtt a lavour ; surely then we ought to love a friend, a Christian, and more abundantly a minister of Christ. This day we made a general collection for the support of the travelling ministry. Monday 23. Our conference concluded its sitting. The defi- ciences amount to six hundred and ninety dollars : the monies col- lected, and the draft on the ehartered fund amounted to four hun- dred and five dollars. A motion was made to move the next yearly conference more into the centre of the work, but it was lost. Tuesday 24. 1 have now a little rest. We have had a mighty atir in the Bowery church, for two nights past, until after midnight ; perhaps twenty souls have found the Lord. Bishop Whatcoat preached the ordination sermon in the afternoon at the Bowery church. I have now a little time to unbend my mind from the sta* lions ; but Still my work is- not done. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thurs- ^ny and Friday, I employed myself in reading, writing, and visiting. Saturday 28. We left the city ; and rode twenty-six miles through heat, and plagued by the flies, to my old home at the widow Sher- wood's : but my dear Betsy SherWood, my nurse, is gone, I trust, to glory. Sabbath day 29. We had a remarkably cool day, afteit* a great storm of rain and bail. 1 attempted to preach at Sherwood chapel on 1 Cor. xV. 34. " Awake to righteousness and sin not ; for some have not the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame." I observed that the apostle in Rom. xiii. 11. EpbeR. v. 14. 1 Thess. v. 6. and in the text, had indicated a sleep which professional and real Christians might fall into ; an awful insensibility and inactivity to spiritual things, so as to bring an amazing stupor on all the pow- ers of the soul ; so that it would be insensible to righteousness, which is religion; the justifying, and sanctifying, and practical righteousness of a gracious, wakeful soul : *' some have not the knowledge of God ;" living in sin, neglecting duty, and without the knowledgO of God ; ignorant of the fear, favoar, nature, and love 0f God. Brother Whatcoat and John Wilson both spoke ; souls were quickened. In the afternoon, at New-Rochelle, brother Whatcoat preached, and 1 gave an exhortation; many attended. I feel as if there would be a revival of religion in this circuit this year. Digitized by Google ^8^ KEV. FBAXCIS ASBDRT'8 JOWARAL. [ISOO^ CoNNECTiCLT. — ^Mooday 30. We came to Byram-Bridge, and at Baoks's we had a croirded house, and a feeling time f the aged people were very atteoti? e. Tuesday » July 1. In consequence of our circumlocutory motion we have rode about fifty-five miles since we left the city of Ne«r« York. We came to Stamford, where brother Whatcoat gave « sermon on *' The faith and choice of Jlloses." I had only time to speak a few words on Luke »x. 44. Wednesday 2. We rode on to Norwalk ; stopped an hour a^ brother Day*s, and thence rode on to Fairfield. It was a cool day« We had an elegant view : the fields in full dress, laden with plenty ; a distant view of Long-Island and the Sound ; the spires of steeples seen from distant bills — this country is one contiiroity of landscape. My mind is comforted and drawn out in prayer*. We had not time to feed nor rest. It was with some exertions we came in time to Joseph Hall's, at Poquonak. After we got a little refreshment and rest I gave them a short discourse on Luke X. 2. Strength and time failed me, and I could not finish and apply as I wished. Thursday 3. We came to Stratford, and stopped at brother Wheeler's. Friday 4. The weather is damp and very warm. We came on to New-Haven, where they were celebrating the Fourth of ^\j^ I fear some of them have broken good order, and became inde- pendent of strict sobriety. Bishop Whatcoat preached in the San- diminian meetiog-house purchased by the Methodists. Saturday 5. We rode through excessive heat, over rock^ and hills, to North Bristol, twenty miles. I discoursed with some liberty on Acts xxvi. 18. Sabbath day 6. We rode six miles to Punsit's new meeting- house. A revival of religion has begun here ; a dozen souls have-, professed to find the Lord, and several young people are under gracious visitations, and the aged are exceedingly cheered at the prospect. Bishop Whatcoat preached in the morning, and in the evening I made some improvement from 1 Peter ii. 11, 12. ; after wbich we administered the sacrament. We were engaged five hours in public exercises : the day was very warm. We have travelled since last Saturday week one hundred and forty miles. Monday 7. We rode sixteen miles to Hadley. The day was awfully warm until one o'clock, when a gust came up of wind and rain ; we ran from house to house, and escaped being muck we$ ; Digitized by Google \ 1?B00.] UBV. fRAl^ClS ASBVHV'8 JOVRKAt. 381 we stopped at Mr. Woods's. Tuesday we rode oa to New-Lon- don ; twenty miles of the way the roads were exceeding rockyw My soal was kept in peace, but under great temptations of various kinds. We crossed Connecticut-River at Chapman's ferry, near Old Haddam. Where the roads here are improved they are made for ages, and are much superior to those in the south or West. Tuesday 6. Bishop Whatcoat held forth in the new house in New-London ; his subject was *' With him is plenteous redem|>'^ tion." I gave a. discourse upon '* Christ, tihe author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him." ^ Thursday 10. We came on to Norwich Landing. I preached in the neat, elegant Episcopal church on Acts iii. 26. I felt un* commonly set at liberty : we had a very decent, attentive, well- behaved congregation. From here we hasted on to Norwich- town. Bishop Whatcoat preached. We had a most agreeable- Tide on the turnpike road, upon ^ach side beautifully smiling with variety and plenty ; the stage passed us like a whirlwind. . Friday 1 1. We came to Preston, and were kindly entertained at Isaac Herrick's. It was the very height of rye harvest, yet many came together. I was ^eatly led out on the great salvation, I was refreshed in soul and body, and rode on in the evening to Na- than Herrick's. The simplicity and frugality of New-England is de- sirable-— you see the woman a mother, mistress, maid, and wife, and in all these characters a conversable woman ; she seeth to her own house, parlour, kitchen, and dairy ; here are no noisy negroes running and lounging. If you wish breakfast at six or seven o'clock there is no setting the table an hour before the provision can be produced. Saturday 12. We took our departure for Rhode-Island through FJainfield. The weather is still excessively warm ; the roads sandy, stony, and rocky, notwithstanding the turnpike. We passed Sterling, the last town in Connecticut. We wandered a mile or two out of our way, and had to pay for it, by going a cross path : w« made it twenty-six miles to General Lippelt's. The general hath built a neat chapel for the use of the Methodist Episcopal church near his hduse. I was taken with one of my bilious eruptions through the night. R^ODE- Island. — Sunday 13. Richard Whatcoat preached in the momipg. In the afternoon my subject was Exod. xx. 24. ** In all places where I record my name 1 will come unto thee, and I will bless thee." It was a feeling time, although 1 was very unwell all the day, but I could not stand back from duty. Digitized by Google / dftS Mir. 9EAirci9 abmrt's MOBiriL* (1860. linidi^ 14. We came on oar way to Boston, through ProTi- dcaoo ; heto we dU DOt stop ; the tune is not yet come. We slopped to feed at a house that was not very agreeahle to me, and I was glad to come off without dining. We came to Deacon Stan- ley'Sy at Attleboroegh, where we took some refreshment, and reached Mr. Gmld's, and took lodging. Massachvsetts. — ^Tuesday 15. We came through Wrenduon, Walpole, Dedhan, and Roxboroogh to Boston : it was a damp day, with an easterly wind, unfriendly to my breast. As they were about finishing our church we could not preach in it The new 8tate«faoose here is, perhaps, one of the most simply el^ant in the United States. We made our home at Edward Haynes^s, kte from England, where we had most agreeable accommodations after our toil. Thursday 17. We hare dry weather. We came through mudi dust to Lynn. Friday 18. We sat in conference ; there were twenty ^onemem' ben present : we had great peace and union. Saturday 19. The conference rose after voting the session of the next yearly conference to be held at Lynn. And now the toll of six conferences in seven months, and the riding of thirteen hundred miles, is over. I ibund some diflBcolCy in stationing the married preachers. Sabbath day 20. We had an elaborate ordination sermon irom Matt. ix. 36 — 38. <* But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd," &c. There had been a long droogbt here, and nature seemed as if she were about to droop and die. We addressed the Throne of Grace most fer* veotly and solemnly, and had showers of blessings. Whilst I was preaching the wind came up and appeared to whirl roand to every point, and most gracious rain came on : this I considered as a most signal instance of Divine goodness. Monday 21. We came to Boston, and preached in the taberna- cle, now nearly finished, on Hebr. iii. 12-- 14. We were gene- rously entertained at Edward Haynes's. Tuesday 22. Bishop Whatcoat preached in Boston from Psalm cxvi. 7. Wednesday we came thirteen miles to Waltham, where we had a meeting ; the subject was Rev. xxi. 6, 7. Friday 25. We rode through Weston, where is a. grand steeple, porches, and even stalls for the horses ; and it is well if they do not make the Methodists pay to support their pomp. Qb ! Digitized by Google V reunion ia ^«w-Eiighnd i We canm thr^ni^ Neettttn^ Sher- baroe, and Holliston, and made it thirty miles over Cfook's Hills^ tt^ousb excessive heat We had oot time to stop to feed^ as we ; bad appointed meeting at Milferd, where we arrived a little after one o'clock. I was obliged to let brother Wkatcoat ride io the carriage, or I fear he would have fainted; this made me lofV spirited, and unfit to answer questions. Saturday 26. We had to ride through excessive warmth thirty mile» to Thompson's, but we took the day for it : we got to Capt. NichoUs's about six o'clock, where we have a bouse built, and some ground to set our feet upon. 1 have been of late powerfuUy tempted, and distressed in mind and body. We had a finely dressed congregation — a good name is a great matter with these . people. O Baxter ! are these thy apostate children ? Will Me- thodism ever live in such whited walls and painted sepulchres as these people, who delight to dwell insensible to the life of reli- gion, and closed up io their own formality and imaginary security ? We have now returned to the first town in Connecticut. Connecticut. — Saturday 27. I preached at the new house in Thompson : my subject was Mark viii. 34. I. I observed the harmony of the evangelists, Matthew and Luke with Mark. II. That our Lord had given the clusters of the grapes of the Promised Land in blessings and promises. III. He had given such demonstrations of his power upon the bodies of men ; the dead were raised, the hungry fed, the lepers cleansed, the lame and the blind were restored, the wind and the sea were at his command. IV. He opened the distinguishing conditions of disciplesbip ; the denial of self in every temper and afiection that is evil. They that seek to save their lives by denying Christ, shall loose soul and body ; if it is through pride and shame, Christ will not dishonour himself by owning such in the day of judgment. Bishop Whatcoat preached in the afternoon on ^* Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace," &e. Monday 28. We rode sixteen miles to the north end of East* ford. We have travelled nearly One hundred miles since our de« parture from Lynn. My subject at Joseph Work's was Matt. v. 2. ** Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil of you falsely for my sake." We lodged at Nathan Palmer's. I stopped a few minutes at Mr. Wood- ard's, ip Ashford. We came on to Coventry, twenty miles. We Digitized by Google 384 REV. FRAXcis asburt's jomuiAL. [1809* stoppecfjat John Searles^i, and were exceedin^jwenacGonimodated, both man and hone. Wedneidaj30. We rode to Mr. Spencer's in Hartford. My mind is in peace ; bat I have uncomfortable feelings in mj bodj. Here I met brothers Bostwick and Borroog^. We ha? e a hoase built in Spencertown for the Lord, and now they are building one for the Lord's serrants— for the married preachers to Uto in who are sent to the circuit. Thursday 31. Was ezces8i?ely warm; we made it little less than thirty miles to Bristol ; we stopped to feed our horses, bat neglected ourselves. When we came to Samuel Smith's we were nearly outdone by excessive beat and hunger. This day we cross- ed Connecticut River, and passed the cities of Hartford and Far- mington. Friday, August 1. Freeborn Garrettson came up with us : he at- tended the funeral of the venerable mother Livingston ; who was suddenly, and safely called home, aged seventy -eight, removed by a paralytic, and probably it was apoplectick also : perhaps it was about thirty-four years ago that this godly woman was awakened under the first sermon the Rev. Dr. Sadly preached in the Reformed Low Dutch church in New- York, as she told me ; nor she alone, but six or eight other respectable women. Madam Livingston was one that gave invitation to the Methodist preachers to come to Rhine- beck, and received them into her house ; and would have given them more countenance had she been under no other influence than that of the Spirit of God and her own feelings. I visited her one year before her death, and spent a night at her mansion ; she was sensible, conversable, and hospitable. Saturday 2. We attended the quarterly meeting for Litchfield circuit: my subject was 2 Pet. iii. 17, 18. I had liberty ia preaching, and some felt tenderness of heart, and evinced it with weeping eyes. Sunday 3. We had a living love-feast ; some from Waterbory were fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. We had a crowded con- gregation, a close day, and the house was. shut up. In consequence of my breast being weak, 1 declined speaking in public. Bishop Whatcoat preached, and F. Garrettson exhorted. Our meeting^ began at eight o'clock in the morning, and continued, with a few ' minutes intermission, until two in the afternoon ; after which we came off, over dreadful roads, twelve miles to Torringford. f was pleased to see a house bought and fixed for brothers Joclin and Batchelor, the stationed preachers of the circuit, and their wives. Digitized by Google idQO.] IIBV. Cfi^ANCIS ASBUItY'S JOUKNAL. 38a These brethren we left behiDd to improTe in the after part of the Sabbath, and quarterly-meetiDg. New-Yore, Monday 4, — We came on and stopped at Goshen, at Captain Wright's : the people flocked together at a short warn- ing, and I gave a discourse on Isai. xxxv. 3-- 6. aAer which we dinedy and came on across the hills and over dreadfal rocky roads to Cornwall ; where brother Whatcoat preached in the meeting- hoQse on '* We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness." Tuesday 5. We had another tolerable siege over the Housaton* Tkick River and hills to Sharon ; here brother Whatcoat preached on." The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust to the day of judgment to be punished." I gave an exhortation, and then we came rapidly, fifteen miles, to C. Levie's, in the Nine Partners. Wednesday 6. We came to Row's : bishop Whatcoat preached on 1 John iv. 17. I gave an exhortation : we then came on to Robert Sands's, and lodged all night. We came on to Freeborn Garrettson's new design, upon the Rhinebeck flats ; he hath a beautiful land and water prospect, and a good, simply elegant, useful house for God, bis people, and the family. We have rode between eighty and ninety miles since last Sabbath ; not less than five hundred and fifty since we departed from New- York ; and one third of the roads were rocky and very uneven. I read a book of about fiye hundred pages, the author of which is a curious writer. Friday 8 and Saturday 9. We regaled ourselves and horses upon the pleasant banks of Hudson ; where the passing and repassing of boats and small craft, perhaps fifiy in a day, is a pleasant sight. Sunday 10. We had a sermon, and administered the sacrament at brother Garrettson's ; and notwithstanding public ivorship was held at the Dutch church at the same hour, we had a large con- gregation : bishop Whatcoat and myself filled up the service of the day. Monday 11. I rested and visited Dr. Tillotson's, at his very ele- gant country seat, beautifully situated : the house is finely set round with trees ; and there is a charming view of the North-River. I was unwell internally. I must always take great heed to what I eat. Tuesday 12. We came through Poughkeepsie — no place for Methodism. We stopped at Elijah Morgan's ; brother Thacber was preaching when we came in. We have rode twenty-five miles this day, and dined in the road upon a water-melon that Mrs. Vot. II. '49 Digitized by Google 386 REV. FftAKCIS ASBVRY's JOVRNAlt. [}S06. TillotsoD wat kiod enough to give us as we came by her house. I was so UDwell that I had but little appetite for any thing else. Wednesday 13. We came on twenty-five miles to Conrtlandt- town, where we saw the aged, venerable pair, the Lieutenant Go» vernor and his lady : he is in his eightieth, and she In her seventy* eighth year. I had a very rocky ride over the mountains of Peekskill. I have great and sore temptations at times, but God is with me : I trust through grace to overcome them all. We stop- ped at Warren's; fed, talked, prayed, and refreshed ourselves a little. Thursday 14. This day is very warm. I preached at Peeks- kill-town, upon the great salvation. Brother Whatcoat preached at Croton. We lodged at General Van Courtlandt's. Friday 15. At the Plains, tlichard Whatcoat preached : I gave an exhortation. We then rode on in haste to the widow Sher- wood's. Saturday 16. We pushed on with great courage, towards New« York, but when within six miles of the city, my horse blundered twice, and then came down with great force and broke the shaft : ' I got out, and my horse recovered from his fall ; a smith's shop being at hand, the shaft was mended in an hour ; and we came into New-York and found our service was wanting in the city, there being here only two preachers, and one of them disabled. Sunday 17. We had much rain ; the streets flowing with water like streams. I gave them a sermon at the Bowery church, on <' Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all ini'- quity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works :" and at the old church, John- street, 1 spoke on " But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." It appeared most advisable to stay awhile on Monday to have a new shaft put to the carriage. We landed at Powles-Hook about half past five o'clock, and pushed on to Newark. New- Jersey. — Tuesday 19. We came off at five o'clock, and reached Brunswick by twelve o'clock, where we dined and rested, and then continued .on to Joseph Hutchinson's, at Milford, forty-six miles ; we had a pleasant and cool ride for the season. Wednesday 20, we came on to Hulet Hancock's ; and on Thurs- day 21, reached Philadelphia. I preached at St. George's ; and Bishop Whatcoat at the African church. Pennstlvakia. — Friday 22. We rode to the Valley ; it was warm enough. Bishop Whatcoat preached at Daniel Meridith's. Digitized by Google 1600.] IIEV. FRANCIS ASBURy's JOURNAL. 387 Satarday 23. We had a proper siege ap to Sawders-town, and got ia by four o'clock. I gave a discourse on Hebr. x. 38^, 39. Sabbath-day. Bishop Whatcoat preached at Martin Boehm's charch on Psalm Ixxii. 16—20. We have now rode, from Monday, one hundred and seventy miles. We lodged at Abraham Keaggay's. Our Dutch Methodists are as kind, and more lively than many of the Auierican ones. Monday 25. We crossed Susquehannah at M'CalPs ferry ; it is narrow, but very deep and rocky. Afler feeding man and horse, we came on to Sittler's mill, on Muddy-Creek ; as we were ten miles from the place we intended to reach, well wearied, and hav- ing bad roads before us, we brought to an anchor here for a night. What time I have had to read, write, or journalize, those who know the distance and difficulties that must have attended me through the last week, may judge ; it would be impossible for me to relate all the workings of my heart ; but I trust my soul has been kept in patience and devotion. Maryland. — Tuesday 27. We came into Maryland : sometimes we had no roads, and at other times old ones that the wagons had left : thus we bolted and blundered along the rocky rivulets until we came within sight of James Fisher's. The meeting had been appointed at the widow Jolly's : the house was large, and we had no small congregation : they came, some to see and some to hear. I had walked where 1 feared to ride, and it was exceedingly warm ; but I took courage when I saw the people : the portion which I gave them was 1 John ii. 24, 25.' We had hardly time to eat and breathe, before we had to beat a mafch over the rocks, eight miles to Henry Watters's, upon Deer-Creek. Brother Whatcoat went ahead and preached, and I came on time enough to exhort a little. Wednesday 28. I preached at the Forks meeting-house (fifteen miles on a carriage road) warm as it was. Brother Whatcoat gave us a good sermon upon *' Return unto thy rest, O my soul '." and so on ; I exhorted very little. The heat continued. That evening we came with equal difficulties to Perry-Hall; but the greatest trouble of all was, that the elders of the house were not at home : the walls, the rooms no longer vocal, all to me appeared hung in sackcloth : I see not the pleasant countenances, nor hear the cheerful voices of Mr. and Mrs. Gough \ She is in ill health, and writes, ** I hare left home, perhaps, never to return :'' this intelJi- gence made me melancholy ; Mrs. Gough hath been my faithful daughter ; she never offended me at any time. Digitized by Google 368 HEV. FRANCIS ASBURy's JOURNAL. [1800. Thursday 29. At Perry-Hall. I preached on Matt. xi. 28--30. I was visited by elders Brace and Snethen. I heard the reply to Mr. O'Kelly's Apology ; soft and defensive, and as little offensiTe as the nature of the case would admit. I was invited to town, with the assurance that there was no danger of the fever : but it was very bad at the Point. Friday evening 29. I held forth in Light-street on Psalm cxv. 1. '* Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy and for thy truth's sake !" My improvement was the application to Christians ; First, To contemplate mercy and truth in the dealings of God to them in the Gospel : Secondly, That they should disclaim all glory to themselves : Thirdly, How the Jehovah God giveth glory to himself; and how we should glorify him. Brother Roberts wrote that they were a thousand strong in Baltimore. That there hath been a work in Annapolis, is certain : indeed it begins to be more and more general in the towns, and in the country. Saturday 30. We had a most severe ride, nearly twenty miles, to Daniel Elliott's. At St. James's chapel God hath begun to pour out his Spirit ; and almost generally through Montgomery, and Frederick circuits. Wilson Lee is all upon the wing in the work : glory ! glory I glory ! I will not speak of numbers or particular cases, without more accurate information, which in my haste I cannot now ob- tain ; but without doubt, some hundreds in three months, have been under awakenings and conversions, upon the western shore, District of Maryland. Sunday 31. At St. James's Chapel I preached on Psalm zxxvii. 39, 40. we had an attentive, solemn sitting ; and powerful' prayer closed the whole. We dined, and rode on five miles to Henry Hobbes's. The people heard of us, and ran together in the even- ing. Brother Whatcoat gave a lively discourse upon these words, ** Thy children shall be all taught of God :" we had a very quick- ening season.. Perhaps six hundred souls, in this district and in Baltimore, have been converted since the general conference. Hartford, Baltimore, Calvert, Federal, Montgomery, and Frederick, feel the flame. Monday we hobbled along to Clarkesburg, on the way dined at Joshua Pigman's : here I once more saw his brother Ignatius : art thou he ? Ah ! But Oh ! how fiillen ! how changed from what I knew thee once ! — Lord, what is man, if leA to him- self! Brother Whatcoat attended the meeting, and the people con- tinued in meeting at Clarkesburg until the morning. Digitized by Google liOO.] &£V. FRAtfCIS ASBUKY^S JOUftKAL. ^ ^ S89 Tueftday, September 2. At the Sagar-Loaf, my subject was ^^^^ z. 2» 3, 4. compared with Ihattbew xiii. 16, 17. and 1 Peter i. 10» 12. we were crowded : in the exhortations, prayers, and singing, the power came down, and the work went on until e?ening. I then rode to Mr. Morton's. ( \ Virginia. — Wednesday 3. We came to Leesburgh i x^me said, go this, and another that way : we made it nearly twenty miles, and were riding six hours, and crossed the Potomac at Conrad's ferry. Brother George was preaching : bishop Whatcoat spoke upon " He that believeth shall not make baste ;" but we had to make haste, after I had ordained S. Welsh, and Eskridge Hall, to the deacon's office. After we had dined, we rode twelve, if QOt fifteen miles, to the widow RozzelPs : we came in about seven o'clock ; and 1 gave a discourse on 1 Tim. iv. 16. We have tra- Telled about one hundred and fifty miles through Maryland ; and we hare had bad roads, but have met with good people. My soul hath been agonizing for a revival upon the western shore of Mary* land for many years : and now the Lord hath sent it. Thursday 4. We came to Rector-Town : most distressing roads for eighteen iliiles. The gentry had made a dinner at a small dis- tance from the town : a kind of green corn feast, with a roasted animal, cooked and eaten out of doors, under a booth. I was greatly wearied with the ride ; but was animated while explaining 2 Cor. vi. 1. I then came to Benjamin Hitt's. We have pene- trated through Loudon and Fauquier counties in two days. Friday 5. We stopped at the court-house, and were richly en- tertained with a breakfast, at Mr. Johnson's : then we rode on to Norman's bridge, and passed another old fitld-fecaiy with a race tacked to it. We came to Roger Abbott's, upon Mountain Creek, in the forks of the Rappahannock river ; and on Saturday 5. To Kobler's ; where many attended from different and distant parts : my text was 2 Tim. ii. 15. We pursued our way six miles to the river, and lodged at a widow's house, whose husband died in the Lord a hvf years ago. We had an awful Sab- bath day's journey, through part of Culpepper and Louisa ; we came to Ferguson's about half after one o'clock : the people were waiting in the warm sun : the house could not hold them : after a little rest, I cried NowU the day of salvatiin her pleasing and an- pleasing prospects. Thursday 9. We rode to New-Glasgow, thirty miles ; and were entertained most hospitably at Colonel Merideth's. Friday 10. We rode to Lynchburg, twenty miles. Samuel Mitchell had dinner provided in town, at Mr. Miller's, for the preachers. I preached in the Mason^s Hall — a warm day and , place, on Titus ii. 12. We then beat along to Samuel MitchelPs, three miles of rude roads. Saturday 11. We rode to the New*London Academy, sixteen miles, now under the direction of Samuel K. Jennings, a local preacher of ours : the institution belongeth to the Presbyterians and Episcopalians. R. Whatcoat preached : I was deprived of my rest the last evening, and very unwell ; yet 1 gave a short dis- course in exhortatioD. We have been going at such an unreason- able rate, that 1 have not had time to put pen to paper, for a week together. Good news from the South District of Virginia : bro- ther Jackson writes, " two hundred souls have been converted this last quarter ; there is a revival in all the circuits but two ; and great union among the preachers and people." I am kept in pa- tience, faith and love. Sunday 12. We rode sixteen miles to Liberty, and preached ia Bedford court-house : I was sick in earnest. When I came up Digitized by Google 1800.] nfiV. FftAKClS ASSVRY's JOVftHAL. S9i into the evowd, the people gathered aroaiid my carriage, as if I had had a cake and cider cart ; this sight occasioned a kbd of shock, that made tne forget roj sickness. After alighting, I went imme- diately to the throng in the coart-honse ; and founded a discoarae opon Matthevr xxii. 5. What great things the Gospel re?ealeth to mankind ; First, The love of God. Secondly, The au&rings, and death, and merits of Christ. Thirdly, The gifts, extraordinary and ordinary, of the Holy Ghost : men mtk^ light of all the Mass* iogs of God, and of all the miseries and conseqnenees of sin : they not only think lightly of, but are opposed exceedingly to them ; '* for the carnal mind is enmity against God ;" and the things of God. I admired the attention and solemnity of the peeple ; many of the men standing in and out of the bouse the whole time. We rode two miles to brother Patterson's, and dined ; and then came on (o Blackwell's to lodge. Monday 13. We had a heavy march to Fincastle: I rode nine miles to Mr. Ripley's ; and then gave up the carriage to William M'Kendree, and took his horse, and came in about ten o'clock.. My subject here wtis Isaiah lii. 7. First, The Gospel $«<«-good tidings of God, of Christ, of the Spirit of grace, of glory :--^y comparing temporal with spiritual things, to restore the dead, the blind, the lame, the dumb, tbe sick, the poor ; publishetb peace with God ; with conscience ; with all men : good tidings of good ; the spreading of tbe work of God : salvation ; — ^from all our sin, misery, and death. Zion thy God reigneth ;— -the glory of Christ^s kingdom. The feet of the messengers, 6eau^t/ti/ .-—because of their message. 2. Their holy walk : their treading the mountains, enduring hardship ; their innocence. We made it forty miles from Liberty to Edward Mitchell^s; where we lodged on Monday. Tuesday 14. We began our route for Holston, by English's ferry, through Montgomery county. The first day we came to Mrs. Dialley's, upon Roanoake, twenty-eight or thirty miles : tha river ridges were very rough : Mrs. Dialley received us with great maternal attention and affection : here I was told of my appoint* ment at Raboue's, ten miles west, over the mountains. It gave me some grief, but it was too late. 1 was advised not to go Pepper's ferry road. Wednesday 16. We passed Montgomery-town and court-house among the mountain barrens ; we pushed on to Christian's— they are British people ; we had an acceptable rest for a very warm Digitized by Google ^92 REV. FRANCIS ASBVRY^S'XOVANAL. [IdOO. day. We came to the ferry, and lodged at Draper's (a very quiet house) that night Thursday 16. We came to Wythe court-house, a pleasant town of ahout twenty houses, some neat, and most of them new and painted. We had good accommodations at . Mr. Johnson's — both man and horse needed it. Friday 17. We began at 6 o'clock to bend for Holston : it was computed to be forty miles distant. We came in about the going down of the sun at father Carlock's, a German. For two days past we found we could not stop to dine ; we rested only to feed our horses. After we cleared the mountains we came upon the perpetual hills. I judge we may charge for one hundred and thirty miles from Edward Mitchell's, in Bottetourt, to Russel's old place upon Holston. Wo took Saturday to refit and write ; bro- ther Whatcoat attended the meeting. My mind hath been kept in peace ; I had enough to do to drive ; I could think but little — only now and then sending up a message to heaven. Sabbath day 19. We attended at Carlock's; a very sultry day, and many people were present. My subject was 2 Tim. vi. 2 — 12. It was judged best we should ride ten miles to Scott's, in order to make Edward Cox's the next day, to attend at Acuff's. Tuesday 21. As we came off it began to rain, and that rapidly^ with little intermission for two hours ; the horsemen were dripping ; the roads were so bad that it was with some exertion that I could so shelter myself as not to get wet to the skin in the drowning rain. Monday, we passed Abingdon, which is greatly improved. Break- fasted at Craig's, and then had a pleasant ride to Cox's, but it is excessively warm for the country and season. At Acuff's I talked a little upon coming to the Throne of Grace. We hasted home with Charles Baker upon Holston. If we have a dry moon and month we may get through the wilderness. Wednesday 22. We rested — man and beast. We have rode sixty miles since Sabbath evening. I am not as patient, depen- dent, and prayerful as 1 wish to be. Blontsville looks very re- spectable, and they have built a needful and good bridge at the end of the town. We crossed at Charles Baker's by putting the chaise to two canoes and swimming the horses over Main Holston. The stubble fields were upon the north side, so that we were com- pelled to work through the woods into the road to Snipe's ferry. We came along eight or ten miles where they bad made new cut- tings ; at last we struck into a new road and strayed three miles Digitized by Google J 1800.] nev. FRAI7CIS asbv&y's journal. 393 out of oar way, we then returned ^ck two. Now it was that I felt properly content to leave my felicity^ &o called, before it came to tfae wilderness. We made it nearly thirty miles to Ball's mill ; we had no time from, six in the morning till seven at night to feed man or beast. Friday 24. We rode twenty-one miles to Benjamin Van Pelt's, upon Licking-Creeb ; we fed onr horses twice, the riders not iDnee ! - Here I left the horse and carriage, and borrowed a horse to ride to Kentucky. Saturday, rode twenty miles across to Hol- stoii quarterly meeting at the Stubble Fields. I now rode tipoa horseback, and the rain came on powerfully until we were drip- ping'. I had no cloak but the carriage covering, the rain took shoulders, elbows, and feet — for eight miles it was violent ; I had 2iot been so steeped for four years, i washed the wet parts with whiskey, and did not take tbe damage I feared. Oh thou of little faith, wherefore didst th«»u doubt? Bishop Whatcoat preached. Onr local brethren were loving and lively — brothers Van Pelt, Wells, and Winton. Sabbath day 26. We had a good sacramental and speaking time. I preached on Titus ii. 14. and brother M'Kendree from Psalm xi. S — 6. I was led to recollect the loss of time and difficulty met with from Borttetourt to Holston, one hundred miles-^few friends, rough roads — one week lost in riding. Monday 27. We began our grand route to Kentucky at eight o'clock. We bad to climb the steeps of Clinch about the heat of the day ; walk up I could not : I rode, and rested my horse by dismounting at times. We came to Hunt's for the first night. Such roads and entertainment I did not ever again expect to see — at least in so short a time. Kentucky.^— Tuesday 28. We came to Davis's to breakfast, and at night we slept at Ballinger's, upon Cumberland- River. Wednesday 29. We came to Logan's and fed : this low and new land is scented ; I was almost sickened with the smell. We came to the elder of the Panies's and lodged. Thursday, October 1. We came rapidly to Job Johnson's, and reached it by riding in the night : now I began to fail. Friday 2. We came on to our brother Howard's. We crossed Kentucky-River at the mouth of Hickman ; it was so low that we forded it with ease. We have travelled in five days one hundred and forty-five miles. 1 have slept uncomfortably this week. Saturday 3. I came to Bethel. Bishop Whatcoat and William M'Kendree preached : I was so dejected I could say little — ^but Vol. II. 50 Digitized by Google 394 REV. FHANCIS ASBURy's JOURNAL. [1806. weep. Sabbath day it rained, and I kept at home. Here is Be- thel — Cokesbary in miniatare, eighty by thirty feet, three stones, with a high roof, and finished below. Now we want a fond and an income of 300 per year to carry it on — without which it will be useless. But it is too distant from public places, its being sur- rounded by the river Kentucky in part, we now find to be no bene- fit: thus all our excellencies are turned into defects. Perhaps brother Poythress and myself were as much overseen ffrith this place as Dr. Coke was with the seat of Cokesbury. But alt is right that works right, and all is wrong that works wrong, and we must be blamed by men of slender sense for consequences impossible to foresee — for other people's misconduct. Sabbath day, Monday and Tuesday, we were shut up in Bethel with the travelling and local ministry and the trustees that could be called together. We ordained fourteen or fifteen local and travelling deacons. It was thought expedient to carry the first design of education into exe- cution, and that we should employ a man of sterling qualifications, to be chosen by and under the direction of a select number of trustees, and others who should obligate themselves to see him paid, and take the profits, if any, arising from the establishment. Dr. Jennings was thought of, talked of, and written to. I visited John Lewis, who lately had his leg broken ; I left him with good resolutions to take care of his soul. Wednesday 8. We rode fifteen miles to Shawnee- Run» and crossed Kentucky -River at Curd's ferry ; the river was as low as a stream, and the streams are nearly dried up. Thursday 9. I preached on Hebr. iii. IS — 14. at the new house at Shawnee-Run. We had rich entertainment for man and beast at Robert Johnson's. Friday 10. We rode to Pleasant-Run to John Springer's : it was a very warm day for the season. I had a running blister at my side, yet I rode and walked thirty- two miles. We refreshed ourselves at Crawford's tavern upon the way. We have visited Knox, Madison, Mercer, and Washington counties in this state. It was strongly insisted upon by preachers and people that I should say something before I left Bethels-able or unable, willing or an- willing ; accordingly, on Tuesday, in the academical hall, I gave a long, temperate talk upon Hebr. x. 38, 39. Sabbath day 12. It rained excessively; we were shut up; William M'Kendree met the people. We have had but two Sabbaths to spend in Kentucky, and in both I was prevented by rain. Digitized by Google i8od!5 REV. PRAKCIS ASBTOy's JOURNAL. 395 Monday 13. We leflt John Springer's, and came to Lewis Tho- mas's, fiAeen miles ; a deep, damp, narrow path ; the underwood ▼cry wet. Crossed Cartwright and Hardin's Creeks. I gave a short sermon on Rom. viii. 9. '' If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his." — I. How we are to know when we have the Spirit of Christ — by the operations, gifts, consolations, and fruits of the Spirit. II. We are none of his if we are not interested in the offices, if not partakers of the redemption and privileges of Christ. HI. That none can be interested in Christ, who are not par- takers of the Spirit of Jesus. My system is greatly affected with the weather ; but my soul bath abundant consolation in God. It is plain there are not many mighty among the Methodists in Kentucky. In travelling between two and three hundred miles, I have visited six dwellings besides the academy. At Pleasant Run, October 12, we ordained Joseph Ferguson, and Moses Crame, to the office of deacons. Tuesday 14. We began our march for Cumberland. We were told by two persons, that we could not cross the Rolling Fork of Salt^River ;* I judged we could, and as 1 thought, so it was: we forded it with ease. We came up a solitary path east of the level woods, and struck into the road to Lee's ferry. For ten miles of the latter part of this day's journey, we rode through barrens of hickory, shrub oak, and hazelnut ; thirty miles, if not thirty-five, is the amount of this day's work ; in the morning there was a very great damp, and in the afternoon it was, 1 thought, as warm as the west of Georgia. Wednesday 15. We crossed Green River, the main branch of which riseth near the Crabb Orchard. We crossed at the mouth . of Little Barren River. We then made a bold push for the great Barren's ; dining at Mr. Morrison's ; I could not eat wallet-provi- sion, but happily for me I was provided with a little fresh mutton at the house, made warm in a small space. Now we had unfavour- able appearances of rain ; we had bleak, barren hills to ride ; which, although beautiful to sight, were painful to «ense. The rain came in large and rapid drops, for fourteen miles ; we were well soaked on all sides. A little aAer dark we came to Mr. Ha- gin's, upon Big Barren River ; a good house, an excellent fire to dry our clothing, good meat and milk ' for supper, and the cleanest beds, all this we had. I have paid for this route. Tennessee. — Thursday 16. We came on to Lucas's : this poor woman was excessively displeased because I asked her if she Digitized by Google f 396 KEY. FRANCIS ASBURy'S JOURNAL. [idOO. prayed with her children. Next day we made tbirty*fi?e tniles to Sharpens, old place, where we had good entertaiDOient ; they charged twenty shiltings for ikiea and horses. We thence basted to Mr4 Dickinson '«, on White's creek. I waked at four o'clock ; ate but little breakfast, and rode twenty-eight miles — the poor men and horses were tired down ; we fed the horses upon the path, but had no food for ourselves until we came in. I have thought, as I rode along, that in travelling nearly six hundred measured milea, we have had only six appointments ; and at these but small congre- gations : have we wearied ourselves in vain I Our judgment is with the Lord ; I can only say for myself, I have had the Lord'd presence, and great support in soul and body. Saturday 18. At Parker's my subject was Col. ii. 6. Brothers M'Gee, Lugg, Jones, and Spier, local preachers, came to meet me : we had a small shout in the camp of Israel. Sunday 19. I rode to Nashville, long heard of, but never seen by me until now ; some thought the congregation ' would be small, but I believed it would be large ; not less than one thousand peo- ple were in and out of the stone church ; which, if floored, ceiled, and glazed, would be a grand bouse. We had three hours public exercises. Mr. M'Kendree upon '* the wages of sin is death.'' My- self on Rom. X. 14, 15. Brother Whatcoat on *< When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." We returned the same evening, after dining with Mr, M^Kain. I had a feeling sight of my dear old friend Greenhill and his wife : who would have thought we should ever meet. in this distant land ? i had not time as formerly, to go to their house to eat and sleep. We had a night meeting at Mr. Dickinson's. Monday SO. We came by Manslick to Drake's creek meeting- house, at the close of a sacramental solemnity, that had been held four days by Craghead, Hodge, Rankin« M'Gee, and Mr. Adair, Presbyterian officiating ministers ; we came in, and brother M'Ken- dree preached upon Jer. iv. 14. after him brother Whatcoat upon ** We know that we are of God :" I also spoke ; my subject was the work of God, Last Sabbath was my birth-day* This will knake the thirtieth year of my labours in America. It is supposed there are one thousand souls present, and double that number heard the word of life on Sunday. Tuesday fl. Yesterday, and especially during the night, were witnessed scenes of deep interest. In the intervals between preaching, the people refreshed themselves and horses, and re- turned upon the ground. The stand was in the open air> em- Digitized by Google j[800«] REV. FRANCIS ASBURy'S JOURNAL. 397 bosomed in a wood of lofty beech trees. The miDisters of God, Methodists and Presbyterians, united their labours, and mingled with the childlike simplicity of prtmitife times. Fires blazing here and there dispelled the darkness, and the shouts of the rep deemed captives, and the cries of precions soals struggling into life, broke the silence of midnight. The weather was delightful ; as if heaven smiled, whilst mercy flowed in abundant streams of salvation to perishing sinners. We suppose there were at least thirty souls converted at this meeting. I rejoice that God is visiting the sons of the Puritans, who are candid enough to acknowledge their obligations to the Methodists. We have passed only two counties in the District of Mero : ^et Cumberland keeps ** the noiseless tenor of his way'' through the midst of the settlement ; Nashfille crowns its lofty bank. Wednesday 22. We had a meeting at Richard Strother's, upon a branch of Station Creek, and there were.gteat emotions of tender- ness among the people. Thursday 23. We came to Edward's. Brother Whatcoat began — I continued upon Matt. xi. 28 — 30. William M'Gee concluded. We lodged with James Douglass. Friday 24. We came to Thomas Blackmore's. Brother What- coat, and brother M'Kendree sermonized ; the people were not greatly moved ; I concluded with prayer. Saturday 25. We crossed Cumberland River at Bishop's ferry. What a long, solitary river is this ! It is probably seven hundred miles upon a line; and near one thousand in its meanderings, be- fore it empties its waters into the Ohio, twelve miles above the mouth of the Tennessee. We began our quarterly meeting at Elmour Douglas^. Bro- ther Whatcoat preached : brothers M*Kendree and M'Gee ex- horted. At the evening meeting there were more shouters than converts ; nevertheless the Lord was in the midst. We have rode but about sixty-six or seventy miles this week. The country is greatly in want of rain : the large streams are much absorbed ; and the people grind their grain with horse-mills. I could not be content to leave the settlement without a circum- stantial account of the work of God ; and I therefore desired John M^Gee to give it me ; and 1 purpose to select such accounts annu- ally, and to read them in the large congregations, and then to have them published. Sunday 26. I attempted but little this day in public, except a gloss on a portion of the word from 2 Peter i. 16. We forded Digitized by Google 398 REV. FRANCIS ASBURY'fl 3QVKSAU [1800. Camberlaod River, and came to John M'Gee's. We now began to think seriously upoD our march through, ^he wilderness, and pro- Tiding food and provisions for man and horse — we took our de* parture. Monday 27. We travelled through rich forests of beech, with rank undergrowth of cane or reed, and arrived at Fort Blount : thence pursuing our way up Lynn-Creek, we took the ridge and reached Mrs. Blackburn*s, where we lodged, and were well ac* Gommodated. This day we have rode thirty -five miles. We urged on our way, expecting rain, which overtook us about two o'clock at Flat- Rock. We pressed on over Drowning-Creek^ and the sleepy, discoloured waters of Obeys-River. About twilight in the barrens we met the Presbyterian ministers^ Hall, Mont- gomery, and Bowman, with whom we rejoiced at the work of God in Cumberland, and then parted. We came on to a place where we found the woods were burning, and. finding we had made about forty-five miles we encamped whilst the rain was falling upon us. Wednesday 29. We came to the new station at the Crab- Orchard, where, although the station was not yet put in order, Mr. Sidnor received us politely, and treated as to tea. ^ Here we found a cabin under the direction of the Cherokee nation, on land they claimed as theirs. We journeyed on to Spencer's Hill, so called because here a man of that name was killed by Indians. Thence we travelled forward to Prospect Hill and the descent to Cumberland Mountain. On our route we experienced a heavy rain. Through damps and mud we pushed forward to Clarke's ferry, upon Clinch, in sight of the fort at South- West Point, at the junction of Tennesse and Clinch rivers, one hundred miles b#ow the mouth of Powels- River. We have travelled nearly seventy miles upon land belonging to the Cherokee nation : the soil is generally barren and broken, except where we enter on Cumberland Mountain and the neighbourhood of the new station. This Indian land cuts the state of Tennessee into two parts„ passing nearly through the middle, making an indent upon the state of Kentucky on Yellow-Creek. We arrived at Mr. Clark's, where ive received great entertainment : there was a good fire in the hall, and y/e were provided with a good dinner, and treated to tea : a fire was also kindled up stairs, at which we dried our clothes, to which may be added excellent lodging in two inner rooms : thus were we within, whilst our horses were feeding to fulness in. a grassy valley without. Our kind host rents the land from the Indians at 600 per annum ; himself making the improvements. Digitized by Google 1800.] REV. FRANCIS asbury's jokri^al. 399 # Thursday 30. We rode slowly on to Starr's; twenty-two miles, and had a heavy shower of rain on oar way. From Monday morning to Thursday ailternoon we have made one hundred and thirty miles ; we have experienced no stoppage by water-courses, and have found the roads $f the wilderness, their unevenness ex« cepted, pretty good. And here let me record the gracidus dealings of God ^o my soul in this journey : I have had uncommon peace of mind, and spiritual consolations every day ; notwithstanding the long rides 1 have endured, and the frequent privations of good water and proper food to which I have been subjected ; to me the wilderness and the solitary places were made as the garden of God, and as the presence-chambers of the King of kings and Lord of lords. * . Friday 31. I gave a long discourse upon the epistle in the office of ordination for deacons, and ordained John Wtnton in the congregation. _^.- _. __. . Saturday, November 1. Came twenty miles to KnexviUe, of which I iiad oflen heard, and which mine eyes now saw« We visited my old friend Greer. Sabbath-day 2. I preached in the staterhouse on Isai. Iv. 6, 7. I was very unwell, but was enabled to bear the heavy cross of public speaking : we had about seven hundred people in and about the house. We came off in haste, intending to make twenty miles that evening ; but Francis Alexander Ramsay pursued us to the ferry, franked us over, and took us to his excellent mansion^'a stone house : it may not be amiss to mention, that our host has built his bouse, and takes in his harvest without the aid of whis- key. We were kindly and comfortably entertained. Monday 3. We rode up to M'Cleary's, fourteen miles, where we dined, and pursued our journey to William Blackburn's. Tuesday 4. Rode twenty miles up Nolacbucky to Benjamin Van • Pelt's, where I had left my horse and chaise. In this neighbour- hood the land, except a few spots, is little better than barren; nevertheless, good cultivation will make it productive. From the twenty-seventh of last month, the day on which we lefl the plea^^ sant mansion of our friend Van Pelt, to the day of our return, we rode, I presume, quite six hundred and sixty if not seven hun- dred miles. Hitherto the Lord hath helped us. We have had twelve proper appointments ; two of which (Sabbath days) were near failing because of rain. Wednesday 6. At Van-Town I preached in the new chapel on Luke iv. 18. Digitized by Google 400 REV. JtKANois asbury's jouhnal. [l^OO. Thursday 6. Crossed Nolachucky at Q/nertoa's ferry and came to Mflgor Cragg^s, eighteen miles. I next day pursued tliy journey and arrived at the Warm Springs, not however without ao ugly accident. After we had crossed the Small and Greet Paiot moisii* taio, and had passed about thirty yards ^yond the Paint Rock, my roaa hone, led by Mr. O'Haven, reeled and fell over, taking the chaise with him ; I was called back, when I beheld the pQor beast and the carriage, bottom up^ lodged and wedged against a sapling, which alone prevented them both being precipitated into the river. After a pretty heavy lift all was righted again, and we were pleased to find there was little damage done. Our feelinp were excited more for others than ourselves. Not far off we saiv clothing spread out, part of the loading of household farniture of a wagon which kad overset and was thrown into the stream, and bedeloaths, bedding, &c. ivere so wet that the po»r people found it necessary to dry them on the spot. We passed the side fords of Freoch»Br#«il, tind came to Mr. Nelson's ; our mountain march of twelve miles calmed us down for this day. My company was not agreeable here — there were two many snbjectd of the two great potentates of this western world — whiskey — brandy. My mind was greatly distressed. E.^D OF VOL. /J. ^^■^ Digitized by VjOOQIC Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Mmm Digitized by Google Digitized by Google I