Francis Asbury's Journal

1772

173 entries · 1772-01-01 to 1772-12-29

January 1, 1772.

New York

I find that the preachers have their friends in the cities, and care not to leave them. There is a strange party-spirit. For my part I desire to be faithful to God and man. On Thursday evening, I preached my last sermon for a time, on 1 Thessalonians 5:6: “Let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober.”

On Friday, brother Sause and myself set out for West Farms, and I preached in the evening. On the Lord’s day I preached at brother Molloy’s at half-past nine, in Westchester at three,fa41 and at West Farms at six in the evening. A person showed me much kindness at West Farms, favouring me with a man and horse all the time I was there,fa42 acknowledging the word came home to his heart, and that he was wicked. My friend Hunt,fa43 who was a Quaker, said he never was so affected. The next day I went to Westchester, but had only a few to hear me. On Wednesday I preached at Hunt’s, and felt much Divine power in my soul, and an opening among the people. I have found many trials in my own mind, but feel determined to resist. I see traps set for my feet.

Thursday, I preached at Deveau’s, and had an attentive people to hear, and felt myself warm and zealous. On Friday I went to Mamaroneck had a large congregation, and felt the divine presence. Many of the people also felt the power of truth, and sunk under the word—it was laid home to the hearts of the people; but some contradicted and blasphemed. I believe God has a work to do among the people in this place. Lord, keep me faithful, watchful, humble, holy, and diligent to the end. Let me sooner choose to die than sin against thee, in thought, word, or deed.

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Notes on this page (3)

Asbury probably preached at the home of Ebenezer White or in the tavern at Westchester. (See note under December 7, 1771.)
This man was probably Mr. Oakley. (See note under December 7, 1771.)
The Quaker family named Hunt was prominent in the county. A promontory in East River is called Hunt’s Point. (Scharf, op. cit., numerous references.)

Saturday 11,

SaturdayNew York

I preached at one friend Burling’s,fa44 where many attended to the truth, and showed a willingness to hear. On the Lord’s day I preached at Deveau’s at ten in the morning, at three in the afternoon, and at six in the evening. Many attended, but I fear few felt such deep concern as will induce them to leave their sins, and flee from the wrath to come. At brother Hunt’s on Monday evening, the house would not hold the congregation: there I felt liberty and power. I hope God will visit them. I have had many trials from Satan, but hitherto the Lord hath helped me against them all. I stand a miracle of mercy! O that I may always be found faithful in doing his will!

On Tuesday the 14th I went to Rye: but the people here are insensible. They cry, “The Church! the Church!” There are a few Presbyterians; but they have suffered their meeting house to go to ruin,fa45 and have lost the power of religion, if they ever had it. I was not a welcome messenger to this people. On Wednesday the 15th I preached at two in the afternoon at Mamaroneck with some power, and in the evening returned, preached at Rye, to a large company, and felt my Master near.

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Notes on this page (2)

Probably Thomas Burling of New Rochelle, whose house is reported to have been an early Methodist preaching place. (Lednum, op. cit., 77; records of First Methodist Church, New Rochelle.)
The Rye Presbyterian Church had been erected on the north side of the Post Road about 1730 and was served infrequently by the Rev. Ichabod Lewis of White Plains. The building was destroyed by fire during the Revolution.

Thursday 16,

ThursdayNew York

I was taken ill with a cold and chill. The next morning I rode to New City,fa46 but the cold pinched me much. On New City island a congregation was assembled to receive me. I spoke to them with some liberty, and they wished me to come again. A wise old Calvinist said, he might experience all I mentioned, and go to hell. I said, Satan experienced more than I mentioned, and yet is gone to hell. After preaching I rode to Mr. Bartow’s,fa47 though in much pain. When I had preached there I went to bed. During the whole night I was very ill. My friends behaved very kindly, and endeavoured to prevail upon me to stay there till I was restored: but my appointment required me to set off from Eastchester, where I preached, and rode near eight miles in the evening to New Rochelle. On the 19th, the Lord’s day, I preached three times, though very ill.fa48 Many attended, and I could not think of disappointing them. Monday the 20th, I rode to Pelham’s Manor,fa49 and preached there at noon, and at six in the evening at Peter Bonnette’sfa50 in New Rochelle. The next day I rode to Deveau’s, but the day was extremely cold. In the night I had a sore throat, but through the help of God I go on, and cannot think of sparing myself:

“No cross, no suff’ring I decline,

Only let all my heart be thine!”fa51

Tuesday the 21st I preached at my friend Deveau’s for the last time, on “Those things that ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me do.” The people seemed deeply affected under the word. In the morning of the 22d, I set out for the New City, and preached there in much weakness and pain of body, and in the evening went to my friend Pells.fa52 That night I had no rest: and when I arose in the morning, the pain in my throat was worse. On the 23d I came in a covered sleigh to my friend Barrow’s, where I took up my lodging, being unable to go any farther. I then applied to a physician,fa53 who made applications to my ears, throat, and palate, which were all swelled and inflamed exceedingly. For six or seven days I could neither eat nor drink without great pain. The physician feared I should be strangled, before a discharge took place: but my God ordered all things well. I am raised up again; and cannot help remarking the kindness with which my friends treated me, as if I had been their own brother. The parents and children attended me day and night with the greatest attention. Thus, though a stranger in a strange land, God has taken care of me. May the Lord remember them that have remembered me, and grant to this family life forever more!

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Notes on this page (8)

New City was a village on an island of the same name near the east shore of Eastchester Bay. It was connected with the mainland by a wooden toll bridge and was a part of Pelham Manor. It is now a part of the borough of the Bronx and called City Island.
See note under December 10, 1771; Scharf, op. cit.
Asbury was probably at the home of Frederick Deveau.
In the early 1660’s Thomas Pell purchased from the Indians a tract of about ten thousand acres east of the Hutchison River. This was called Pelham, and the Pell holding became a manor in the development of the county. About six thousand acres were conveyed to Huguenot settlers and embraced in New Rochelle. The southern half of the remainder is now in the Bronx and called Pelham Bay Park, and the northern half is in Westchester County between Mount Vernon and New Rochelle and is known as Pelham Manor and North Pelham. Lednum and Tipple, as well as the Journal extract printed in the Arminian Magazine, identified this place as Phillipse Manor, but Phillipse was near the present Yonkers and beyond the territory which Asbury was now cultivating. (Scharf, op. cit., I, 701 ff.)
Peter Bonnette (1736-1823), of Huguenot descent, was a close friend of Frederick Deveau. After the Revolution he became a local preacher in the society at New Rochelle. (Lednum, op. cit., 77, 102-3.)
These are the closing lines of the hymn “Looking unto Jesus” from the Wesleys’ Hymns and Sacred Poems published in 1740. It was probably composed by John Wesley and based on a German original in the Herrnhut collection. (Poetical Works of John and Charles Wesley, I, 222, 223.)
Thomas Pell married Margaret Bartow and lived at the Pell homestead in Pelham. (Scharf, op. cit., I.)
Ebeneezer White of Westchester.

February 5.

New York

Still I feel myself weak. It is near a fortnight since I came to my friend Bartow’s. Dr. White has attended me in all my illness, and did all he could for me gratis. Yesterday was the first day of my going out. I went to Westchester to hear a friend preach. My kind friends Sause and White brought up a sleigh from New York on Monday last, but my friends at this place would not suffer me to go with them. In the course of my recovery, I have read much in my Bible, and Hammond’s Notes on the New Testament.fa54 I have also met with a spirited piece against predestination. I did not expect to find such an advocate for general redemption in America. This day I ventured to preach at Mr. Anthony Bartow’s to his family and a few other people. In the evening returned home, and found Mr. DeLancy,fa55 the former governor’s son, there; who lives in the woods near Salem, and invited me to his house. We spent the evening comfortably together.

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Notes on this page (2)

Henry Hammond (1605-60) was a prolific writer and was known as the “father of English biblical criticism.” His The Paraphrase and Annotations on the New Testament, published in 1653 and frequently republished, was his greatest work. (Dictionary of National Biography.)
Stephen DeLancy (1736?-95), second son of the former Governor James DeLancy, inherited a tract of land in the town of Salem in the northern part of Westchester County, where he developed a community and erected a fine residence. He married Hannah, daughter of the Rev. Joseph Sackett. (Scharf, op. cit., I, 865-66; II, 505.)

On Thursday, February 6,

ThursdayNew York

I preached as I had appointed, the man of the

house being in a consumption. Though I had not many people to hear me, yet I have reason to hope that my sermon did good to the poor invalid. I felt affected for my friends in this place, who had been in some measure moved by the word on my former visits, but are now returned to their old ways and company. I found myself weak and unfit to preach, but believe there were some who felt the word come close to their hearts. May God help them to profit by it! On Friday, the 7th I set out for New York in a sleigh,fa56 and my friends seemed glad to see me. I want to be less concerned about anything except my own work—the salvation of souls. At present I seem determined to consecrate my all to God—body, soul, time, and talents.

On the Lord’s day found myself weak, but brother Pilmoor being ill, I preached in the morning, and found life. Stayed at home on Monday, and read in Mr. Wesley’s Notes on the Old Testament. On Monday, the 10th I went to the jail, and visited a condemned criminal, and preached to himfa57 and others with some tender feelings of mind, on those words, “Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.”

Tuesday, the 11th. This day I have visited many of my friends from house to house, and did not find much evil or much good stirring among them. Now I retire to hold communion with God, and to feel his power. In the evening my strength increased, and I preached with some freedom. On Wednesday I walked out, but caught cold, and returned home chilled and very ill. In the evening when I went into the pulpit, my every limb shook; and afterward went to bed with violent pains in my bones. The sickness continued for three days, and kept me at home for above a week. On Thursday, the 20th, I gave an exhortation in public. STATEN ISLAND

Having a desire to visit my friends on Staten Island, I set off in the afternoon of the 21st, contrary to the persuasion of my friends in New York. Samuel Selbyfa58 who was tender towards me in my illness, and took care of me as if I had been his father, accompanied me. Justice Wrightfa59 received us and entertained us kindly; and though weak and weary, I preached at Peter Van Pelt’sfa60 to a few persons, with much satisfaction. Mr. Disoswayfa61 [a man of fortune] invited me to preach in his house, to which I consented; and Justice Wright sent us there on the Lord’s day, with several of his family. I preached twice at that gentleman’s house to a large company. Some, it appeared, had not heard a sermon for half a year; such a famine there is of the word in these parts, and a still greater one of the pure word. I returned in the evening to Justice Wright’s, and preached to a numerous congregation with comfort. Surely God sent me to these people at the first, and I trust he will continue to bless them, and pour out his Spirit upon them, and receive them at last to himself!

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Notes on this page (6)

Asbury’s route from Bartow’s in Eastchester was through West Farms, across the Bronx River at Williamsbridge to Kingsbridge, and through Manhattan Island to Wesley Chapel on John Street.
Pilmoor had preached to this man ten days previously and on the twenty-first walked with him to the gallows and read the fifty-first psalm. (Atkinson, op. cit., 304-6.)
Samuel Selby was a prominent member and trustee of Wesley Chapel and conducted a saddlery business. He was a Patriot and was forced to leave New York when the city was occupied by British troops during the Revolution. (Seaman, op. cit., 68, 431-32; John Street Church Records, Bk. I; Journal entry for April 23, 1780.)
See note under November 11, 1771.
See note under November 7, 1771.
The prominent Disosway family lived near the present Tottenville, having removed from Brooklyn in 1684. Captain Cornelius Disosway operated Disosway’s Mill on Staten Island opposite Perth Amboy, New Jersey, before the Revolution. His brother, Israel Disosway (1733?- 1815), seems to have heard Asbury preach at Van Pelt’s, and he became the leader of the first Methodist class on the island; the first quarterly meeting was held in his barn, and the first meetinghouse was built of lumber cut from his trees. Woodrow Methodist Church is the descendant of that chapel. He married Ann Doty, or Doughty (1766- 1838); and they later moved to New York to educate their four sons in Columbia College. All were prominent in Wesley Chapel. One of the sons, Gabriel Poillon Disosway, was a manager of the Missionary Society and a founder of Randolph Macon College. He pledged the support of Melville Cox, the first missionary to Liberia in 1833, and was one of the supporters of the Oregon mission to the Indians. (Long and Davis, op. cit., I, 166; Wakeley, op. cit., 554, 555; Lednum, op. cit., 421, 422; Hubbard: History of Methodism on Staten Island, 27- 33; Clute: Annals of Staten Island, 290; Barclay, op. cit., I, 291; North, “Reminiscences,’’ Christian Advocate, March 2, 1933, 204; Hampton, op. cit., 5-7.)

February 24.

Staten Island

I preached again at Justice Wright’s to many people, and the Lord was with me. My labours increase, and my strength is renewed. Though I came here weak, yet after preaching three times I felt myself strong. Thanks be to God, who hath raised me up from so low a state! On the 25th I preached at Abraham Woglom’sfa62 at two in the afternoon, to a large company, and had an invitation to go to the south part of the Island:fa63 in the evening also I preached at the same place. On the 26th, I preached at the ferry,fa64 on my way to New York, to a few people, though some came two miles on foot. After preaching, I visited a young man who seemed to be at the point of death: he was full of unbelief, and I fear it was through his Calvinistic notions.

Thursday, the 27th, we arrived in New York. I found brother Pilmoor had set off for Philadelphia in the morning. In the evening I met the society, and felt myself assisted and enlarged. At night I slept with holy thoughts of God, and awoke with the same: thanks be to God!

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Notes on this page (3)

The house of Abraham Woglom was in the Rossville waterfront area about a mile from the Blazing Star Ferry to Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Several members of the Woglom family aided in establishing the Woodrow Church in 1787. (Lednum, op. cit., 75, 77; Hampton: Historical Address, 150th Anniversary of Asbury Church, Staten Island, 1952; Hubbard, op. cit., ch. 2.)
The invitation probably came from Gilbert Totten, an extensive landowner whose family were active Methodists. Joseph Totten, his brother, became a prominent preacher; and John C. Totten was a printer whose name appeared on numerous early Methodist hymnbooks and tracts. The Tottens were among the founders of the Woodrow Church on Staten Island in 1787; and some of them are buried in its cemetery along with fifteen Methodist preachers, including Henry Boehm, one of Asbury’s traveling companions and executors.
Asbury’s preaching place was in the vicinity of Quarantine Station in the Tompkinsville-Stapleton area, where the Quarantine Station (Kingsley) Church later developed. Near here was the house of Cornelius Vandeventer, whose daughter, Gertrude, married Israel Disosway, Sr.; and here also was the home of Captain Ward, where Asbury also preached. (Morris: Memorial History of Staten Island; Hubbard: History of Methodist Episcopal Churches of Staten Island; Taylor and Skinner: Revolutionary Map of Staten Island, 1781; manuscript records of Vernon B. Hampton, 1928, 1955.)

Tuesday, March 3, 1772.

TuesdayStaten Island

fa65 Tuesday proved to be a day of peace to my

soul; part of which I spent in visiting the people. The next day I was employed in writing to England; and after preaching in the evening with power, I went to rest in sweet peace, and awoke in the morning in the same frame of spirit. May this day be spent to the glory of God! and may my soul yet praise him more and more!

On Wednesday, after spending a part of the day in visiting, I preached in the evening from these words: “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief:” and humbly hope it was not labour in vain, while unbelief, that destructive root of all other sin, was exposed to the people. On Thursday there was an appointment for me to preach at Newtown.fa66 Brother Sause and myself crossed the East River; but it was with difficulty that we obtained horses.fa67 We then attempted to proceed on our way; but it was a severe morning, with much snow and wind. The snow came full in our faces, so that, after riding a few miles, we were lost in the storm, and imperceptibly turned our course back towards New York; which we never discovered till we overtook some people on the road. We then crossed the river back to the city, where I continued till Monday.

NEW YORK

Friday, I preached at New York on these words: “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble;” and felt life and power in dispensing the word. On Saturday I visited the sick, and gave an exhortation to the people.

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Notes on this page (3)

This section of the Journal through Tuesday, March 17, 1772, has been transposed to this position from a point immediately following April 14, 1773. In all previous editions and printings there has been a hiatus of approximately a month, February 27-March 26, 1772, with no statement as to Asbury’s travels or activities during the period. Similarly there has been a brief entry dated at Philadelphia April 14, 1773, which was an interpolation caused by the insertion of a section of the Journal at the wrong point. This was doubtless due to an error on the part of the transcriber or printer, and the confusion has been noted by historians and biographers. Study of this material and cognate documents, especially the manuscript Journal of Joseph Pilmoor and the Records of John Street Church, shows that the interpolation of April 14-15, 1773, is in reality the record of the hiatus period, February 27-March 26, 1772. The section has therefore been placed in proper sequence.
Newtown was located about twelve miles east of colonial Brooklyn. A creek on Long Island opposite the present 23rd Street in New York is still known as Newtown Creek, and the village was two or three miles beyond the head of this stream. Captain Thomas Webb preached the first Methodist sermon there in 1767; and Williams, Pilmoor, and Boardman also preached there. The location is now a section of Queen’s Borough, and the Middle Village Church is the descendant of the Newtown class.
Liveries hesitated to let horses in unfavorable weather. On August 5, 1771, Pilmoor was denied a horse in the heat of midsummer, (Atkinson, op. cit., 274.)

Sunday, March 8.

SundayNew York

After preaching in the morning on Hebrews 12:15, I went in the afternoon to church, and heard Mr. English preach a useful sermon:fa68 in the evening I preached with much freedom on Ecclesiastes 11:9, “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth,” &c. The young people appeared deeply serious. May the blessing of the Lord attend it, and great fruit appear in time to come! The next day I rode to Bloomingdale,fa69 and preached with satisfaction; and then returned home, and found it a blessing to labour in the vineyard of the Lord, both in season and out of season.

On Tuesday morning my mind was clear, my heart was fixed on God, and Christ was precious. Bless the Lord, O my soul! New York is a large city, and well situated for trade; but the streets and buildings are very irregular. The inhabitants are of various denominations, but nevertheless of a courteous and sociable disposition. There are several places of Divine worship: the Episcopalians have three; the High Dutch, one; the Low Dutch, three; the Lutherans, two; the French Protestants, one; the Presbyterians, two; the Seceders, one; the Baptists, one; the Moravians, one; the Methodists, one; and the Jews one.fa70 The city abounds with inhabitants; but the exact number I could not ascertain.

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Notes on this page (3)

The church attended by Asbury was Trinity Church, at present Broadway and Wall Street, or St. Paul’s Chapel, at Broadway and Fulton Street; if the latter, as seems probable, the same building remains to this day. The Rev. Charles Inglis was assistant rector, whose name frequently appears as English. He was among the subscribers to the erection of Wesley Chapel in 1768. He was a Tory and after the Revolution went to Nova Scotia, where he was consecrated bishop in 1787. (Seaman, op. cit., 438; John Street Church Records, Bk. I; Tipple, op. cit., 43, identifies the preacher as “probably the Rev. William Eldred of the Protestant Episcopal Church” but gives no substantiating data; the records of the church show that no person named Eldred or whose name begins with E was ever there.)
Bloomingdale was four miles north of Wesley Chapel.
Asbury’s list of churches is complete. The locations in present-day terms were as follows: Episcopalians (Anglican or Church of England) 1. Trinity—west side of Broadway at Wall Street 2. St. Paul’s—west side of Broadway at Fulton Street 3. St. George’s—Beckman Street, several streets east of Broadway, close to East River Dutch(Reformed and Collegiate) 1. Garden Street—south of Wall Street, east of Broadway 2. Nassau and Cedar Streets 3. Nassau Street, near John Street 4. Fulton and Williams Streets Lutheran (German) 1. Broadway, just south of Wall Street 2. North of Beckman Street, close to Swamp and Tan Yard French Protestant—King Street east of Nassau, a short distance north of Wall Street Presbyterian 1. Wall and New Streets 2. East of the Commons, north of Beekman Street Seceders (Quakers)—east of Nassau Street on a lane just south of Maiden Lane Baptist—Golden Hill (John Street) at Cliff Street, close to Wesley Chapel Moravian—Fulton and Dutch Streets Methodist—Wesley Chapel, John Street between Nassau and William Streets Jews—synagogue on Mill Street east of Broad Street

Wednesday, 11.

WednesdayNew York

My soul enjoyed great peace, and the day was partly spent in religious visits. The next day my mind was in the same comfortable frame; and holy thoughts of God, with strong desires to do all things with a single eye to his glory, as well as to follow his Divine precepts, possessed my peaceful heart.

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Friday, 13.

FridayNew York

This day was, as yesterday, a day of peace; and it was with great satisfaction I preached in the evening, though cold, to a considerable number of people, on the much-neglected duty of self-denial.

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Lord’s day, 15.

SundayNew York

I went through my morning exercises in church as usual,

and in the afternoon heard Mr. C. preach a good sermon; but a more gay and undevout congregation I have seldom seen—they were talking, laughing, bowing, and trifling both with God and their minister, as well as with their own unawakened souls.

NEW JERSEY-PENNSYLVANIA-DELAWARE

On Tuesday I took my leave of New York, after preaching from Philippians 1:9,fa71 with an intention to spent some time on Staten Island, on my way to Philadelphia. During my stay on the island I preached several times, with power and satisfaction; but was sometimes greatly assaulted by Satan. Hitherto the Lord hath helped me. Glory to his name! He preserves and blesses my soul; he supplies me with all things necessary for the preservation and health of my body. May I be ever careful to please him, and devote all the powers of body and soul to his service.

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Notes on this page (1)

Asbury preached his farewell sermon on this visit at 5 A.M., an hour frequently observed on Tuesdays at Wesley Chapel.

March 26.

New Jersey-Pennsylvania-Delaware

After having preached in a large upper room, at Mr. Thompson’s in Amboy,fa72 where many came to hear, and I was much favoured in my soul, an innkeeper invited me to his house,fa73 and kindly desired that I would call on him when I came again.

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Notes on this page (2)

Amboy was the Indian name of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, which was founded about 1680 and incorporated in 1718; the word “Perth” was added in honor of the Earl of Perth. (Columbia Encyclopedia, 1376.) The owner of the upper room where Asbury preached has not been identified.
This innkeeper may have been John Church, who kept “a good house of entertainment” at Amboy. (Watson: Annals of Philadelphia, I, 464.)

Friday, 27.

FridayNew Jersey-Pennsylvania-Delaware

I set off on a rough-gaited horse, for Burlington; and after being much shaken, breakfasted at Spotswood;fa74 fed my horse again at Crosswick’s,fa75 and then thought to push on to Burlington; but the roads being bad, and myself and horse weary, I lodged with a Quaker, on whom I called to inquire the way. He not only invited me to tarry all night, but also treated me with great kindness. The next day I rode to town very weary; and on the Lord’s day (March 29) preached in the court house to many hearers.fa76

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Notes on this page (3)

Spotswood in Middlesex County was on the road to Bordentown and Trenton, about twenty-six miles from the latter place. Asbury had a choice of two routes from Inman’s Ferry, now New Brunswick; and he took the “lower road,” turning about five or six miles from the Raritan River and following a circuitous route toward Burlington. (Woodward and Hageman: History of Burlington County, 54; Gordon: Gazeteer and History of New Jersey, 241.)
Crosswicks in Burlington County was a post town with a large Quaker meeting-house. Methodist services were held in the schoolhouse, and a class was formed which grew into the Methodist church. (Gordon, op. cit., 124, 125; Woodward and Hageman, op. cit., 289.)
Asbury, as well as Captain Webb, Richard Boardman, and John King, preached at the courthouse in Burlington until the county seat was moved to Mount Holly. Thereafter and until a church was built, the Methodists met in the home of George Smith. (Schermerham: History of Burlington, 195; Wakeley, op. cit., 554, 555.)

Monday, 30.

MondayNew Jersey-Pennsylvania-Delaware

After riding to New Mills,fa77 in company with some friends, in a wagon, I preached in a Baptist meeting house and was kindly received.

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Notes on this page (1)

New Mills was the present Pemberton, New Jersey. Captain Webb preached there in 1770. In 1775 the Methodists built a meetinghouse on property deeded to the trustees by William Budd, Jr. (Woodward and Hageman, op. cit., 407.)

Tuesday, 31.

TuesdayNew Jersey-Pennsylvania-Delaware

Finding the people were divided among themselves, I

preached from these words: “This is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another;” and humbly hope my labour was not in vain. The same night we came to Burlington.

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April 2.

New Jersey-Pennsylvania-Delaware

I came to Philadelphia, and finding brother Boardmanfa78 and brother Webb there, was much comforted. Brother Boardman’s planfa79 was: that he should go to Boston; brother Pilmoor to Virginia; brother Wright to New York; and that I should stay three months in Philadelphia. With this I was well pleased; [and earnestly desire that my whole soul could be more devoted to God].

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Notes on this page (2)

Richard Boardman (1738-82), whose unverified birthplace likely was Gillimoor, Ireland, came to America with Joseph Pilmoor in 1769. He acted as “assistant” until October 10, 1772, when Wesley assigned Asbury to the post. Boardman’s ministry was confined mostly to New York and Philadelphia, but in 1772 he entered New England and organized in Boston a class of brief duration. After his return to England in 1774 he was appointed to circuits in Ireland, with the exception of 1780, when he was in London. He died during his pastorate at Cork and was buried in the churchyard attached to the St. Fin Barre Cathedral.
This “plan” was a forerunner of American Methodism’s system of making appointments at annual conferences.

Friday 3.

FridayMaryland

We dined with Mr. Roberdeaufa80 who cannot keep Negroes for conscience’ sake; and this was a topic of our conversation.

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Notes on this page (1)

Asbury’s host was doubtless General Daniel Roberdeau (1727-95), friend of Whitefield and a leader in Philadelphia. When a resident of Alexandria, Virginia, in 1785, he arranged the meeting of Asbury and Coke with General Washington at Mount Vernon to discuss slavery. (Lednum, op. cit., 78; National Cyclopedia of American Biography, II, 18.)

Saturday, 4.

SaturdayMaryland

This morning my mind was composed and serene; [fixed, I humbly hope, on God alone. My desire is, to be more constantly devoted than ever: yea, to walk in holiness before the Lord].

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April 7.

Maryland

In the evening I preached to a very large audience in the church, after preaching in the day to many poor mortals in the Bettering-house.fa81

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Notes on this page (1)

This was the Philadelphia Almshouse and Hospital maintained for the sick, insane, and dependent poor. It was the first nonsectarian hospital in the United States and was established in 1732 in the square now bounded by Third, Fourth, Spruce, and Pine streets. In 1767 the location was moved to Tenth and Spruce streets. Three modern institutions are the outgrowth of the Bettering House: The Philadelphia General Hospital; The Philadelphia State Hospital (Byberry); and Riverview, the home for the aged poor at Holmesburg, Philadelphia. (History of Philadelphia General Hospital.)

April 8.

Maryland

Set out for Bohemiafa82 to find Mr. Wright, (who had been at his own discretion,) that he might wait on Mr. Boardman, in order to go to New York for five months. Stopping at Mrs. Withey’sfa83 in Chester,fa84 to feed myself and my horse, I inquired about preaching in that town, and found this to be the house where Mr. Boardman and Mr. Pilmoor put up; and that the people were pleased with Methodist preaching. After leaving word that I would call to preach there on my return, I set off for Wilmington,fa85 expecting to meet Mr. Wright there; but we accidentally met just as he was turning off to Mr. Tussey’sfa86 for lodging, about four miles from the town. He seemed glad to see me, and willing to be subject to order.

The next morning Mr. Wright went on his way to Philadelphia. Having a desire to go, and see, and hear how things went, I desired him to call and preach at Chester; and I proceeded to the house of Mr. Stedham [in Delaware], a friend of the Methodists; and then rode on to Newcastle, and stopped at the house of brother Furness,fa87 a tavern-keeper, but a good man. Preached there to a few people, but met with opposition, and found the Methodists had done no great good. The court house here is shut against us; but it is open for dances and balls; and brother Furness has lost his company by receiving us. However, we were comforted together. MARYLAND

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The name given in honor of his homeland by Augustine Herman to some five thousand acres in Cecil County, Maryland, on the east side of the Elk River between the Bohemia River and Back Creek. The manorial grant, which was in payment to cartographer Herman by Governor Calvert for “an Exact Mapp of the country,” fell into the hands of the Labadists after the grantee’s death in 1686. This region was the scene of early Methodist activity and is associated with Methodist history through Governor Richard Bassett, who aided and entertained bishops and circuit riders at his estate there. (Wilstach: Tidewater Maryland, 108-10; Mathews: The Maps and Map Makers of Maryland, 368-86.)
Mrs. Mary Withey was the widow of James Withey, an English officer. She kept the Columbia Hotel in Chester, Pennsylvania, called “the best Inn on the continent.” Henry Boehm says that George Washington was often her guest. Asbury preached her funeral on May 5, 1810. (See entry for that date. Also July 16, 1773.)
Chester, oldest town in Pennsylvania, was the Swedish settlement of Upland when William Penn arrived in 1682. Captain Webb is believed to have introduced Methodism there about 1769.
Lednum lists those who preached there after Webb in this order: John King, whom Pilmoor licensed and sent to Delaware in 1770, Robert Williams, Boardman, Pilmoor, Wright, and Asbury. (Op. cit., 58.) On his first visit to Delaware, Captain Webb preached in the home of J. Stedham in Wilmington. (Hallman: The Garden of Methodism, 9, 14.)
This was Isaac Tussey, cousin of J. Stedham. He lived on Shell Pot Hill above Wilmington. (Hallman, op. cit., 122; Scharf: History of Delaware, II, 911.)
At New Castle, in Robert Furness’s tavern, Asbury preached his first sermon in the state of Delaware. (Hallman, op. cit., 117.)

April 10.

Maryland

Set out for Bohemia, where I found that some mischievous opposers had thrown the people into confusion. I have had serious thoughts of going to Baltimore; but the distance, which is ninety miles, seems too much at present.

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April 11.

Maryland

Found an inattention to study, and unsettled frame of mind, much insensibility of soul, and a backwardness to prayer. Lord, help me with an active warmth to move, and with a vigorous soul to rise! Visited an old man who was sick, with whom I had some conversation, though not much; but came away without prayer; and was justly blamed both by my friends and myself. I would have prayed with him; but two men came in, whose countenances I did not like, and therefore neglected my duty through the fear of man. I have nothing to plead to palliate my omission. It is true, that to introduce prayer among prayerless people is not an easy matter; yet this is no excuse for me. Lord, forgive both my secret and open faults; my failings of omission and commission: help me to have respect to all thy commandments; and to be blameless before thee in all things!

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Lord’s day, 12.

SundayPennsylvania

Preached to-day at my friend Hersey’s,fa88 as also the

evening before. The house was filled both before and after dinner. The Lord gave me great liberty and power; and I humbly believe that some trembled under the word; [at least one, who was lord of the manor]. O, that it may not wear off! I preached from these words: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” After describing the wicked, and showing wherein they forget God, I attempted to prove the torments to be real and eternal, from the real joys and duration of heaven.

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Notes on this page (1)

Solomon Hersey lived at the head of Bohemia River. In his house the second society within the present Peninsula Conference was organized. It is perpetuated in Bethesda Chapel at Cayott’s Corner near Chesapeake City, Cecil County, Maryland. (Ibid., 105, 113, 292. For an account of the Hersey families see Marine: Sketch of Rev. John Hersey, 5, 6.)

Monday, 13.

MondayPennsylvania

Visited E. Thompson,fa89 and saw his father, who is a hundred years old, or more. He had lately lost his wife, who was younger than he; and in her he lost his nurse and earthly comfort. [The old man was in great trouble; but had some sense of divine things, and joined me in prayer.]

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Notes on this page (1)

Ephraim Thompson and his brother Robert lived near Pivot Bridge, Cecil County, Maryland. At nearby Thompson’s School House, Richard Wright is believed to have organized the Bethel Society. (See Hallman, op. cit., 121, 290.)

Tuesday, 14.

TuesdayPennsylvania

Was advised and invited to preach at Wilmington (Delaware) which I did, though there were but few to hear. PENNSYLVANIA

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Wednesday, 15.

WednesdayPennsylvania

Rode to Chester, and preached in the court house. The

church minister and many Quakers were present; but the congregation appeared to be the wildest I had seen in America. [I felt much, myself; and believe that many others felt also.] But I humbly hope the labour was not all in vain. In the morning I visited, and spoke with great freedom to four men who were under sentence of death.

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Thursday, 16.

ThursdayPennsylvania

I rode through a heavy rain to Philadelphia, and preached the next morning with some freedom.

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Tuesday, 21.

TuesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

My mind is quiet and serene. I am now free from company, which is very pleasing to me, having found that much company is both disagreeable and dangerous.

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Wednesday, 22.

WednesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Met the society, and found both life and liberty among the people. This night Brother Williamsfa90 came in from Virginia. He gives a flaming account of the work there. Many of the people seem to be ripe for the Gospel, and ready to receive us. I humbly hope, before long, about seven preachers of us will spread seven or eight hundred miles, and preach in as many places as we are able to attend. Lord, make us humble, watchful, and useful to the end of our lives!

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Notes on this page (1)

Robert Williams, who became a member of the Irish Conference in 1766, preceded Boardman and Pilmoor to America in the summer of 1769 with the understanding with Wesley that he was to be subject to the regular preachers. Of his dramatic departure from Ireland see Lee: A Short History of the Methodists, 26 ff. Williams is said to have preached the first Methodist sermon in Virginia at Norfolk in 1769. The cash book of St. George’s Church shows a disbursement on September 2, 1769, to Robert Williams for expenses from Norfolk to Philadelphia. After his marriage in 1774 he located. He died in Virginia on September 26, 1775; and his funeral sermon was preached by Asbury. (See Journal entries for September 26, 27, 1776.)

April 23.

New Jersey—Pennsylvania

Brother Williams set off for New York.

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April 24.

New Jersey—Pennsylvania

I preached at Philadelphia with freedom and power.

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April 25.

New Jersey—Pennsylvania

Preached to the people with some sharpness. In the evening I kept the door, met the society, and read Mr. Wesley’s epistle to them.

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Tuesday, 28.

TuesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

I intended to go out of town; but could not get a horse. So I stayed for Brother Wright, and heard that many were offended at my shutting them out of society meeting, as they had been greatly indulged before. But this does not trouble me. While I stay, the rulesfa91 must be attended to; and I cannot suffer myself to be guided by half-hearted Methodists. An elderly Friend told me very gravely, that “the opinion of the people was much changed, within a few days, about Methodism: and that the Quakers and other dissenters had laxed their discipline; that none but the Roman Catholics kept it up with strictness.” But these things do not move me.

NEW JERSEY—PENNSYLVANIA

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Reference is to the General Rules drawn up in 1739 by John and Charles Wesley for governing the United Societies. Asbury, a strict disciplinarian, expressed constant concern over the laxity with which his colaborers applied these rules. He insisted that class leaders after each class meeting should report to the ministers and stewards on each member’s attendance, conduct, contributions, and observance of the ordinances. Because of a restrictive rule the General Rules have undergone little revision since Asbury’s day. (See Doctrines and Discipline of the Methodist Church.)

Wednesday, 29.

WednesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Set out for Burlington,fa92 where I met with brother Webb and brother John King,fa93 and found the people there very lively. Two persons have obtained justification under brother Webb, and a certain Dr. T——t, a man of dissipation, was touched under brother Boardman’s preaching last night. I admire the kindness of my friends to such a poor worm as I. O my God! remember them! remember me!

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Notes on this page (2)

This journey initiated Asbury’s labors on that part of the Philadelphia Circuit east of the Delaware River which included all of New Jersey. He therefore crossed the state line from time to time. Captain Webb had formed the first class in New Jersey at Burlington on December 14, 1770, and placed Joseph Toy, one of his converts, in charge as leader. (150th Anniversary Program of Broad Street Church, Burlington, 2; Atkinson: Memorials of Methodism in New Jersey, 36.)
John King, M.D. (1746-95), was born in Leicestershire and educated at Oxford and a London medical college. It was to King that Wesley on July 28, 1775, wrote the well-known letter advising him to “scream no more at the peril of your soul.” Disinherited by his father when converted under Wesley, he came to America in 1769 and was authorized by Pilmoor to preach. He began in the Potter’s Field, now Washington Square, in Philadelphia; and in 1770 he preached the first Methodist sermon in Baltimore on a block in the front of a blacksmith’s shop at Front and Center streets. He was present at the first conference in 1773 and assigned to New Jersey. The following year he was appointed to Norfolk, Virginia, and doubtless extended his circuit into North Carolina, to which state he was appointed in 1777. Having married Miss Sallie Seawell of a prominent Brunswick County, Virginia, family, he located in North Carolina and served as a local preacher. He was present at the first conference of the newly formed Methodist Episcopal Church at the home of his neighbor, Green Hill, near Louisburg, North Carolina, in 1785. (Historical Sketches of Franklin County, N.C., 278-83, by Edward Hill Davis, a great-great- grandson of King; Moore: Sketches of the Pioneers of Methodism in North Carolina and Virginia, 51-56; Barclay: History of Methodist Missions, I, 33-34; see note under June 23, 1780.)

Thursday, 30.

ThursdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

I humbly hope the word was blest to a large number of

people who attended while I preached at the court house. Set out for Philadelphia; but about a mile from the city found that the bridge could not be crossed on horseback; so I left my horse and walked to the ferry. Brother Wright took the horse and went to Burlington, on his way to New York. Was desired to attend the execution of the prisoners at Chester, and John King went with me. We found them penitent; and two of the four obtained peace with God, and seemed very thankful. I preached with liberty to a great number of people under the jail wall. The sheriff was friendly and very kind. John King preached at the gallows to a vast multitude; after which I prayed with them. The executioner pretended to tie them all up, but only tied one, and let the rest fall. One of them was a young man about fifteen. We saw them all afterward, and exhorted them to be careful. We returned to Philadelphia the same night, and I gave an exhortation.

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Tuesday, May 5.

TuesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Set out for Burlington again, and preached to a serious people. But how is my soul troubled that I am not more devoted! O my God! my soul groans and longs for this.

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May 6.

New Jersey—Pennsylvania

My heart was much humbled; but the Lord enabled me to preach with power in my soul.

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Thursday, 7.

ThursdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Visited some prisoners; and one of them, who is to be tried for his life, seemed much affected. In the evening I preached, and felt my heart much united to this people. Next morning set off for Philadelphia, and got in time enough for intercession; after which, I visited a sick friend, who rested her soul on God, and then I preached in the evening.

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Sunday, 10.

SundayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Preached in the morning; attended two places of worship in the day; preached again at night; and had a comfortable time in meeting the society.

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Monday, 11.

MondayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Was much stirred up, and found an increase of life in visiting the society; and then preached in the evening.

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Tuesday, 12.

TuesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Set off for the Jerseys.fa94 My mind enjoys sweet peace and the love of God. It is my desire to be entirely devoted to God, who opens the hearts of people to receive me, and my heart to deliver his counsel to them.

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Notes on this page (1)

A name that persisted long after the division into East Jersey and West Jersey in 1676 had terminated when New Jersey became a royal province.

Wednesday, 13.

WednesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Preached at three o’clockfa95 on, “Behold I stand at the door and knock.” O, what a time of satisfaction and power was this to my own soul! Went afterward to Mr. Thomas Taper’s,fa96 and many friends came at eight o’clock, when I was enabled to preach with life.

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Notes on this page (2)

This preaching place was probably within what was to constitute the Greenwich Circuit. (Atkinson, op. cit., 144.)
Lednum, op. cit., 79, 80.

Thursday, 14.

ThursdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Went to the new church.fa97 Surely the power of God is

amongst this people. After preaching with great assistance, I lodged at Isaac Jenkins’s,fa98 and in the morning he conducted me to Gloucester; and thence we went by water to Philadelphia. Here I found a change. Brother Pilmoor was come, and the house was given up; which pleased me well, as it was a burden to the people. Brother Pilmoor went to Mr. Wallace’s,fa99 and I went to Mr. Wilmer’s.fa100 On Friday night I was heavily afflicted; and dear sister Wilmer took great care of me. The next morning, through the mercy of God, I was something better, and preached in the evening.

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Notes on this page (4)

This new church was probably in Greenwich and seems to have been the first Methodist meetinghouse built in New Jersey. (Atkinson, op. cit., 144-45.)
Atkinson, op. cit., 144; Lednum, op. cit., 79.
Probably Burton Wallace, a bricklayer and member of St. George’s Church. (Lednum, op. cit., 80.)
Lambert Wilmer and his wife were among the first fourteen persons to unite with St. George’s Church. Charles M. von Wrangel, provost of Philadelphia Swedish Lutheran churches by appointment of the King of Sweden, visited John Wesley and from England advised Wilmer and his friend, John Hood, two of the provost’s converts, to join the Methodists when they organized. This they did when Pilmoor and Boardman arrived. Wilmer became a class leader, as did his wife, the latter being the second woman to hold that position in Philadelphia. Mrs. Wilmer, born in New Jersey, died in 1796; and her husband, a Marylander, died in 1824 or 1825. (Sweet: Men of Zeal, 86-88; Tees: Ancient Landmark of American Methodism, 26, 27.)

Lord’s day, 17.

SundayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

After preaching in the morning, I went to see George

Hungary,fa101 who was near to eternity. He had peace in his soul. Some slight me in this place on account of my attention to discipline; and some drop off. But my work is to please God.

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Notes on this page (1)

Lednum, op. cit., 80.

Tuesday, 19.

TuesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Went about sixteen miles into the country, and preached at eleven o’clock, with energy of soul.fa102 A Presbyterian minister, who attended my preaching this morning, accompanied me part of the way back. We conversed by the way, on the evidences of religion, the work of God, and sending out preachers. This morning I arose with more spiritual strength, and felt a great desire to do the will of God with all purity of intention, desire, and thought; that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

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This preaching place was probably Supplee’s Chapel, oldest in Pennsylvania except St. George’s. It was a stone chapel, afterward called Bethel, and now known as Bethel Hill. Pilmoor and Webb both preached there. It was named for Abraham Supplee, a local preacher who on several occasions entertained Washington and his officers. It was used as a hospital after the battle of Germantown, and a number of the soldiers were buried there. (Boehm: Reminiscences, Historical and Biographical, 99.)

Wednesday, 20.

WednesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Went to Trenton,fa103 but as the court was sitting, I was obliged to preach in a school house to but few people; and as there were soldiers in the town, I could hardly procure lodging.

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Notes on this page (1)

Whitefield had preached in Trent-Town on November 21, 1739, but did not establish a society. Captain Webb preached there in 1766; and Joseph Toy, who had moved from Burlington, organized a class in 1771. (History of Mercer County, 727; History of First Methodist Church, Trenton, 175th Anniversary, 1947.)

Thursday, 21.

ThursdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Preached on the other side of the river tofa104 a few simple people; and in the evening at Burlington, where the congregation was also small on account of the fair.fa105

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Notes on this page (2)

Asbury’s preaching place “on the other side of the river” was probably the present Morrisville, Pennsylvania. It was a part of the property of Robert Morris and had a small population, but was not so named until after the Revolution. There were three ferries across the Delaware at Trenton. (Bucks County Historical Society Proceedings, III, 237; Watson: Annals of Philadelphia, II, 68.)
Fairs after the English type were held annually by legislative enactment at both Burlington and Greenwich, attracting numerous visitors from Philadelphia and elsewhere. The Greenwich Fair was discontinued in 1765. (Cunningham: “Calvalcade of Counties—Cumberland” in Newark Sunday News, November 9, 1952; Kull: New Jersey—A History, I, 310-11.)

Friday, 22.

FridayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

In the morning I rode home in great pain; but after dinner went ten miles down the river.

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Sunday, 24.

SundayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

We rode down to Greenwich, where I preached at ten o’clock to near three hundred people, collected from different parts; we then rode back to friend Price’sfa106 where we dined; and thence to Gloucester, which made near fifteen miles. I preached there at three o’clock to about two hundred people, and then went up the river in a boat to Philadelphia, where I preached at seven o’clock.

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Notes on this page (1)

Lednum, op. cit., 80.

Monday, 25.

MondayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Was unwell, but went to Burlington, and preached in the evening, though very sick.

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Tuesday, 26.

TuesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Found myself very unwell in the morning; but visited a prisoner under sentence of death, and strove much to fasten conviction on his heart. Through the mercy of God, I hope the poor man was humbled.

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Wednesday, 27.

WednesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Went to New Mills, where I preached at four o’clock; and again at ten o’clock the next morning. [In our lodgings we had much young company who had but little sense of religion. Mrs. Hulings went with me in a chair. I had many people, Baptists and others, though but little comfort in my own soul.]

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Friday, 29.

FridayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

I preached under the jail wall; and for the benefit of the prisoner, attended him to the place of execution.fa107 When he came forth, he roared like a bull in a net. He looked on every side, and shrieked for help; but all in vain. O how awful! Die he must,—I fear, unprepared. I prayed with him, and for him. How difficult it is (if I may use the term) to drench a hardened sinner with religion! I saw him tied up; and then, stepping on a wagon, I spoke a word in season, and warned the people to flee from the wrath to come, and improve the day of their gracious visitation, no more grieving the Spirit of God, lest a day should come in which they may cry, and God may refuse to hear them. We then rode home to Philadelphia, where I exhorted in the evening, and found myself much more drawn out than I expected.

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Notes on this page (1)

Asbury had returned to Burlington for the execution of the prisoner whom he had visited on the previous Tuesday.

Lord’s day, 31.

SundayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Preached morning and evening with some life; but found that offences increased. However, I cannot help it. My way is to go straight forward, and aim at what is right.

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June 1.

New Jersey—Pennsylvania

Preached this morning at five o’clock; and this day I wrote to Mr. Wesley, and experienced a great degree of purity in my soul.

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Tuesday, 2.

TuesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Rose this morning between four and five, and was much quickened in preaching; then went to Haddonfieldfa108 about noon. Satan assaulted me this day, but the Lord helped and delivered me, for his mercy and truth’s sake, and granted me life in my soul.

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Notes on this page (1)

Asbury does not mention preaching at Haddonfield, and church records there do not indicate Methodist beginnings so early. (See note under September 23, 1784.)

Wednesday, 3.

WednesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Preaching at five at Manta (Mantua) creek,fa109 I was

favoured with an opening and great power. After preaching there, about one hundred people went to Mr. Taper’s,fa110 one and a half mile off, and there also I preached with life.

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Notes on this page (2)

Mantua Creek flows through Gloucester County to the Delaware River above Maiden Island. (Gordon: Gazeteer and History of New Jersey, 173, 174; Heston: South Jersey, 397.)
Lednum, op. cit., 79, 80.

Thursday, 4.

ThursdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

At Greenwich I was weak in body, but had some liberty in preaching to about two hundred willing people; but at Gloucester, I preached only to a few dead souls, from this striking passage: “The word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” I must observe, that in this journey I have been kept in peace, and had more freedom, life, and power, than I ever experienced in the city, [or perhaps ever shall].

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Saturday, 6.

SaturdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Sailing four miles up the (Delaware) river, I came to Philadelphia in great comfort.

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Lord’s day, June 7.

SundayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

After preaching in the morning, I was at the table with Mr. Stringer,fa111 and many felt the power of God, though I felt but little myself. We had a love feast to-day, and several could testify that God was with us: some of our Jersey friends spoke of the power of God with freedom.

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Notes on this page (1)

Probably the Rev. Mr. Stringer, rector of St. Paul’s Church, whose unusual sympathy for Methodism has been attributed to a belief that he was formerly a Wesleyan preacher. He came from England on August 20, 1768, with a letter of introduction from Whitefield. He was rector until October, 1777, and returned to England soon thereafter. He died at Barnet on June 12, 1799. (Barratt: Outline of the History of Old St. Paul’s Church. See also Journal entries for December 2, 11, 18, 29, 1774; March 24, 1776. Atkinson: The Wesleyan Movement in America, 146; The Methodist Magazine, London, 1818, 641; Lednum, op. cit., 80. See Journal entry for June 24, 1772.)

Monday, 8.

MondayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

With much disagreeable company I set off for Trenton, where many felt the divine power accompanying the word preached.

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Wednesday, 10.

WednesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

After preaching on the other side of the river,fa112 I returned to Philadelphia, and preached in the evening.

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Notes on this page (1)

Morrisville, Pennsylvania. (See note under May 21, 1772.)

Thursday, 11.

ThursdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Set off in the stage for Bristol, and crossed the water to see a man suspected of murder; but found him very ignorant of things relating to his soul: I then returned to Philadelphia very unwell.

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Friday, 12.

FridayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

I was a little better, and rose to preach at five o’clock. The Lord was with me this day at intercession.

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Saturday, 13.

SaturdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Hitherto the Lord hath helped. Praised be his dear name!

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Lord’s day, June 14.

SundayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

After preaching in the morning with some freedom of

mind, I went to St. Paul’s,fa113 and afterward spent the afternoon in my room; then preached, and met the society in the evening; but felt great dryness, and was grieved to see so much conformity to the world, in the article of dress, among our people.

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Notes on this page (1)

This church was organized in 1760 under the leadership of the Rev. Mr. Clenaghan, and the edifice was erected in 1762.

Tuesday, 16.

TuesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Set off for Burlington;fa114 and though weak and infirm, I preached at night with liberty.

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Notes on this page (1)

There was no church in Burlington, and services were held in the courthouse or homes. In 1788 Ezekiel Cooper refused to use the courthouse and preached in the home of George Smith. Cooper noted that there was a “considerable work” there. (Phoebus: Light on Early Methodism, 83.)

Wednesday, 17.

WednesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

I bent my course for Newmills; but still groan for more life, and want to be more holy.

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Thursday, 18.

ThursdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

After preaching twice at Newmills with great liberty and life, I returned to Burlington; but was very ill that night; and though quite unwell the next morning, yet proceeded on my way to Philadelphia.

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Lord’s day, June 21.

SundayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Finding myself much recovered, I preached with some animation.

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Monday, 22.

MondayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

This day my heart was in deep exercise.

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Tuesday, 23.

TuesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Walked down to Gloucester-point, and then rode to brother Chew’s;fa115 and though very weak, weary, wet, and low, while it rained very hard, I preached with some power to many people from these words: “As the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it.”

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Notes on this page (1)

Jesse Chew. (Lednum, op. cit., 80, 81.)

Wednesday, 24.

WednesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

At Greenwich, I met with Mr. Stringer, who preached and baptized several people that seemed deeply affected. We then rode together, and had some conversation on the insult which Mr. Shirleyfa116 had given Mr. Wesley. As Mr. Stringer knew that Mr. Shirley had preached for Mr. Wesley, and was well acquainted with his doctrine, he was surprised at his conduct. He said Mr. Wesley was undoubtedly a good man, and had been useful to thousands.

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Notes on this page (1)

Lednum, op. cit., 80.

Thursday, 25.

ThursdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Travelling back towards Gloucester, I called at ‘Squire

Price’s;fa117 and presented him with a petition for raising f150 to discharge the debt on our preaching house at Philadelphia. He promised both to give himself, and to propose it to others.

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Notes on this page (1)

Ibid.

Friday, 26.

FridayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Returned to Philadelphia, and preached at eight with some power. [But still I am not entirely holy in thought, word and deed. Will not the Lord get the victory? He surely will, and I shall be holy.] I find that Satan strives to sow discord among us; and this makes me desirous to leave the city.

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Saturday, 27.

SaturdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Felt a great desire to live more to the glory of God; and preached at night with some life. Received a letter from Mr. Pilmoor replete with accounts of his preaching abroad,fa118 in the church, to a large congregation, and the like. My heart is still distressed for want of more religion. I long to be wholly given up, to seek no favour but what cometh from God alone. I want to breathe after the Lord in every breath.

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Notes on this page (1)

Pilmoor left Philadelphia May 27, 1772, and had been preaching in Pennsylvania. (See Pilmoor’s manuscript Journal for this period; also Atkinson, op. cit., 318-20, 325, 339.)

Lord’s day, 28.

SundayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

This was a day of sweet rest to my soul; and the Lord gave me power to speak with some affection.

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Monday, 29.

MondayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Set out for Trenton with some loose and trifling company in the stage. After preaching in the evening with some life and energy, I went the next day to preach in the field, and then returned and preached with freedom to many people in the court house.

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July 1.

New Jersey—Pennsylvania

Went over the ferry and preached to many people; among whom were some fine women,fa119 who behaved with airs of great indifferency. Returning to Trenton, I preached at night, and the next morning at five, after which I set off for Philadelphia with unprofitable company; among whom I sat still as a man dumb, and as one in whose mouth there was no reproof. They appeared so stupidly ignorant, sceptical, deistical, and atheistical, that I thought if there were no other hell, I should strive with all my might to shun that. Came home late and weary; but preached with some comfort. I have lately been blessed with much purity of intention, and fervour of spirit; but greatly thirst after living more in God.

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Notes on this page (1)

This was in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, where Summerset was a fashionable resort. (See note under May 21, 1772.)

Saturday, 4.

SaturdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Went to Burlington, in order to attend the execution of one Smart,fa120 a murderer; and declared to a great number of people under the jail wall, “He healeth the broken in heart.” The poor criminal appeared penitent, behaved with great solidity, and expressed a desire to leave the world.

Then returned to Philadelphia, gave an exhortation that night, and found the Lord’s day a day of sweet peace.

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Notes on this page (1)

Lednum, op. cit., 81.

Monday, 6.

MondayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Set out for Burlington again, and spent three days labouring among them. Many seemed much stirred up to seek the kingdom of God.

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Thursday, 9.

ThursdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Returned, and found some inward liberty in Philadelphia.

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Saturday, 11.

SaturdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Was a day of peace and love to my soul.

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Lord’s day, 12.

SundayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Went through the usual exercises of the day, and enjoyed some peace of mind. Our congregations here are small. They cannot bear the discipline and doctrine; but this does not move me. Monday morning I preached with life, and long to be as an even-rising flame of fire.

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Tuesday, 14.

TuesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Went to the Jerseys and preached at friend Turner’s to near one hundred people, though in the time of harvest; and while preaching from these words, “Ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord,” many felt the power of truth, when the darkness and its properties were explained. After describing true religion to about one hundred souls, at Jessie Chew’s,fa121 I went on Wednesday to Greenwich, and felt much shut up while preaching to about the same number, on, “Fear not, little flock, &c.” I then proceeded to Gloucester, which is one of the dullest places I have seen in this country. The same night went to Haddonfield; and the next day preached at Joseph Thorne’sfa122 to a few attentive hearers, who seemed somewhat affected by the truths of God; especially one S.K., who was greatly concerned on account of his past life, as he had been much devoted to company and liquor. I felt afraid that his concern would not be permanent. However, he accompanied me to the ferry.

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Notes on this page (2)

Asbury was doubtless preaching near Carpenter’s, sometimes called Smith’s Landing, on Mantua Creek. (Lednum, op. cit., 81; Atkinson, op. cit., 44; Gordon: New Jersey Gazeteer, 173, 174.)
Lednum, op. cit., 81.

Friday, 17.

FridayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Returned to Philadelphia time enough for intercession, and found it a good time both then and at the evening preaching.

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Lord’s day, 19.

SundayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

After preaching in the morning, I set off in the afternoon for Trenton, came thither on Monday by noon, and found life in preaching at night.

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Monday, July 20.

MondayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Met with brother Sause from New York, who informed

me that I was to go to New York; which was what I did not expect; but feel myself quite easy, not being fixed in any place.fa123 He gave me an account of Mr. Wright’sfa124 good behaviour; though I fear, after all, he will settle at Bohemia.fa125

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Notes on this page (3)

Richard Boardman, returning from New England (John Street Records, I, May 14, 1772), found that affairs at Wesley Chapel had worsened under Wright’s leadership and determined to transfer Asbury to New York sooner than had been planned. Finding that Richard Sause was going toward Philadelphia, Boardman requested him to explain the situation to Asbury and instruct him to proceed to New York.
Richard Wright had accompanied Asbury to America in 1771, but the two men did not always agree, and Asbury became critical of Wright. (See Journal entries for April 2-4, 1772; and final remark of May 29, 1774.)
In April, Boardman had made appointments for the preachers; and Asbury had carried the information to Wright at Bohemia Manor, instructing him to go to New York. Wright had been “at his own discretion” and apparently pleased with Bohemia Manor. (See Journal entries for April 2, 8, 1772.)

Wednesday, July 22.

WednesdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

In meeting the small society of about nineteen

persons,fa126 I gave them tickets, and found it a comfortable time. They are a serious people; and there is some prospect of much good being done in this place. After preaching on Tuesday morning over the ferry, and in the evening at Trenton, I took leave of them on Wednesday morning, and set off for Philadelphia. Left Philadelphiafa127 on the Lord’s day evening, after preaching on these words, “If I come again, I will not spare;” and on Monday met with brother Boardman. Went thence to New Mills, where I preached on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, and found the people there very affectionate; then returned to Burlington, and found many friends from Philadelphia. We had power among us at night, and the next morning at three I set off for Amboy, and on the way had some conversation with one of Jacob Boehm’sfa128 disciples. We came to the stage-house through much rain and bad roads, about seven o’clock: thence we went to Amboy, and took lodging at a tavern. Have been kept in peace through this journey, felt great courage in the work of God, and go towards York in faith. The congregation at Amboy was small, and they appeared to be such as cared but little for the Gospel; so that my hope of that place is but slender. On Saturday evening, I preached with some power, to a large congregation of rich and poor, from these words, “Even from the days of your fathers, ye have gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them: return unto me, and I will return unto you.” NEW YORK

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Notes on this page (3)

This is the first mention of an organized society in Trenton.
Asbury closed his work of nearly three months on the Philadelphia Circuit according to “Brother Boardman’s plan.” (See Journal entry for April 2, 1772.)
Jacob Boehm was the grandfather of Henry Boehm. He was born in 1693 and came to this country in 1715. He was connected with the Mennonites.

Sunday, August 2, 1772.

SundayNew York

After preaching with great liberty on the Lord’s

day, to many people at Peter Van Pelt’s and justice Wright’s on Staten Island, I set off on Monday in a boat for New York,fa129 and arriving about five o’clock, found Mr. Richard Wright,fa130 who that night had preached his farewell sermon, and told the people that he did not expect to see them any more. I have always dealt honestly with him, but he has been spoiled by gifts,fa131 He has been pretty strict in the society, but ended all with a general love feast; which I think is undoing all he has done.fa132 However, none of these things move me. My mind is calm, and my soul under a comfortable sense of God; and I am determined, by his grace, to keep on in the way of my duty, if it should be my lot to stand alone.

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Notes on this page (4)

Asbury took the sailboat ferry from Stapleton on the northern end of Staten Island to Whitehall on lower Manhattan. (See note under November 12, 1771.)
Wright had been in charge of Wesley Chapel since early in May. (John Street Church Records, I, 17. See Journal entries for April 2, 8, 1772.) Barclay’s identification of “Mr. W.” as Robert Williams is erroneous. (See Barclay: Early American Methodism, I, 30 ff.)
Asbury discouraged the acceptance of personal gifts on the part of preachers and declined to accept them. Note his remark in the entry for August 4.
Asbury was a strict interpreter of Wesley’s rules. He maintained that society meetings and love feasts should be limited to the membership and not opened to the general congregation. (See III in Journal entry for September 5, 1772; also entries for October 3, 10, 1772, indicating Wesley’s approval.)

August 4.

New York

My soul felt life, and power, and renewed courage. Discovering the unfaithfulness of some who first spoil a man, and then condemn him, I intend to keep such at a proper distance. In the love feast this evening, I found that the living could not bear the dead.fa133 Mr. Wright rose up and spake as well as he could, against speaking with severe reflections on his brother. But all this was mere talk. I know the man and his conversation.fa134

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Notes on this page (2)

Asbury evidently means that one party in the society was spiritually “dead” and the other “living.”
Wright left New York immediately, going to Maryland to work with Robert Strawbridge and John King. Pilmoor was in Virginia, and Boardman remained in Philadelphia. (Lednum, op. cit., 81.)

Wednesday, 5.

WednesdayNew York

Felt satisfaction and life in meeting the society last night, and spent this day in retirement.

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Thursday, 6.

ThursdayNew York

Preached in New York, from Philippians 1:24, 25: “To abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all, for your furtherance and joy of faith.” Found liberty in my mind while addressing the people, and am determined, in the strength of the Lord, to aim at promoting his glory, and to seek nothing but him.

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Friday, 7.

FridayNew York

After preaching in the morning, I found the Lord near, and had great peace at intercession.fa135 It pleases me much to see the people diligent in attending the word; and find myself favoured with liberty and the power of God in my labours among them; and humbly hope, that God will make known his power among this people, and drive Satan from them; and that we shall yet see good days in this place.

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Notes on this page (1)

Intercession was a service of prayer and praise widely observed in England. It was usually held on Friday. Pilmoor held the first such service at Philadelphia on November 23, 1771. This service later developed into the prayer meeting.

Saturday, 8.

SaturdayNew York

I found a degree of life in my soul; and on the Lord’s day had power, and light, and life, and love, in speaking on these words: “Ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” The congregations are steady, and we look for the power of God both in our own souls and among the people. O, my God, make bare thine arm! After preaching in the evening of the Lord’s day, with some opening of heart, and to a full house, I met the society; and then set out, on Monday morning, for New Rochelle,fa136 and preached the same night at friend Deveau’s,fa137 about thirty miles from York.

Tuesday-Saturday, August 11-15. My soul does not forget God; but my desire is still towards him, and the remembrance of his name. On Wednesday I found my mind somewhat engaged; but on Thursday had some fears of coming short of eternal life. A cloud rested on my mind, which was occasioned by talking and jesting; I also feel at times tempted to impatience and pride of heart; but the Lord graciously blest me with life and power in preaching at night; and I afterward found my mind fixed on God, and an earnest longing to be always holy in heart and life. After preaching on Friday at New Rochelle,fa138 from these words, “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip,” I set out for New York on a bad horse, and met with indifferent fare, on the road;fa139 but reached New York on Saturday, and there received a letter from my father and friend, Mr. Mather, who informed me of the preachers’ returning to England. Preached also this evening with some satisfaction, but found broken classes, and a disordered society, so that my heart was sunk within me; but it is still my desire to commit myself to God.

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Notes on this page (4)

New Rochelle was the focal-point of the circuit in Westchester County that had been organized in the preceding winter. (See notes, November, 1771, to February, 1772.)
See note under December 10, 1771.
Preaching at New Rochelle was doubtless in the home of Frederick Deveau (see note under December 10, 1771) or Peter Bonnette (see note under January 20, 1772).
Asbury probably spent the night at one of the inns at or near Kingsbridge midway between New Rochelle and New York.

Lord’s day, August 16.

SundayNew York

Preached in the morning, and then went to preach

at Newtown,fa140 about twelve miles distant, in the evening. Friend Sause was in company with me, and we were obliged to lodge at a tavern; but we were more serious than usual, and spent our time in useful conversation. As it rained, we had but few people at preaching in the morning;fa141 we then returned to New York about ten o’clock. In this journey I have found my soul comfortable and alive to God, a sacred nearness to God, and power to withstand temptations; though, in the afternoon of the next day, I had cause to blame myself for trifling conversation at noon.

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Notes on this page (2)

On March 5, accompanied by Richard Sause, Asbury had attempted to go to Newtown on Long Island but was prevented by a heavy snowstorm. (See Journal entry for that date.)
Asbury probably preached in the tavern where they lodged at Newtown.

Monday, August 17.

MondayNew York

This has been a day of distress to my soul. I was

opposed for meeting the society, because one or two classes met at that time; which seemed to me a very weak objection, as those classes might meet at another time.

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August, 21.

New York

Preached this morning with great life in my soul, and felt a strong desire to be devoted to God, and more and more engaged to promote his glory both in heart and life. O that my soul could be more intimately and sweetly united to the Lord! In the evening I preached with power; but have found my soul troubled within me, on account of a party- spirit which seems to prevail too much in this place. But they must answer for their own conduct. My business is, through the grace of God, to go straight forward, acting with honesty, prudence, and caution, and then leave the event to Him.

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Lord’s day, August 23.

SundayNew York

Preached morning and evening, and had peace in my own soul. In the evening I met the society, and read Mr. Wesley’s letter.fa142

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Notes on this page (1)

On October 10, 1772, Asbury wrote that he received a letter from Wesley in which the founder required strict attention to discipline. The letter is otherwise unknown. An entry in John Street Records, I, 17, notes that immediately prior to this date ten shillings had been paid for postage on letters; and the letter that Asbury read may have been included in the packet.

Monday, 24.

MondayNew York

Early in the morning we crossed the North river, in order to go to Staten Island.fa143 Many people attended the word; but I know not what to make of them; for though they seem fond of hearing, yet they do not appear to be much affected. On Tuesday I went to Amboy (New Jersey), and dined with a mixed company of Assemblymen, Churchmen, Quakers, &c.fa144 Many of them came to hear me in sport, but went away very still. On my return I preached at Mr. Ward’s,fa145 to many people; on Thursday returned to New York, and preached in the evening with some life. Friday my soul was kept in peace and love; and while preaching at night, both myself and others felt the power of God in our souls.

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Notes on this page (3)

This was a roundabout way of reaching Staten Island. It involved crossing the North (Hudson) River to Paulus Hook, the present Jersey City, going overland through New Jersey, and crossing to Staten Island by another ferry, perhaps the “Blazing Star,” over the Kills.
Asbury probably preached in the tavern at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where there was a long room for dining and assemblage. The New Jersey Assembly met in the town, which was headquarters of the still existent Corporation of East Jersey Proprieters.
Lednum, op. cit., 76.

Saturday, 29.

SaturdayNew York

I preached with liberty, and can rejoice in God my salvation, finding an increasing desire to live to him alone.

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Lord’s day, 30.

SundayNew York

Found life both morning and evening, and had many people; I also went to church, and heard Dr. Ogilviefa146 preach on the divinity of Christ.

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Notes on this page (1)

Asbury preached at 5 A.M. in Wesley Chapel and then went to Trinity Church at Broadway and Wall streets or St. Paul’s Chapel at Broadway and Fulton streets, both of which were nearby. The Rev. John Ogilvie, D.D. (1723-74), was first assistant to Dr. Samuel Auchmuty, rector of Trinity. Ogilvie’s sister-in-law was the wife of William Lupton, original trustee and first treasurer of Wesley Chapel; and he had given f1 12s. 6d. to the building fund of the chapel. He died after a stroke of apoplexy in the pulpit, and Asbury noted that fact in his Journal entry on November 24, 1774. (Seaman, op. cit. 428: John Street Records. I.)

Tuesday, September 1, 1772.

TuesdayNew York

My heart was fixed to seek the Lord; and

found some nearness to him, and life in my soul: I preached also in the evening with some comfort.

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Wednesday, 2.

WednesdayNew York

Preached at five, and found my soul this day fixed to do the will of God.

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Thursday, 3.

ThursdayNew York

Preached in the morning, and found this a blessed day. My soul was lively, and my heart was filled with holy thoughts of God, and felt a strong and pure desire to pray, and mourn, and long for God. In the evening I preached from these words: “Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess before my Father who is in heaven.”

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Friday, 4.

FridayNew York

Found my soul grieved at the discovery of such parties among the people. Who can find a faithful man?

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Saturday, 5.

SaturdayNew York

Found peace in my soul, and held a meeting for the better ordering of the spiritual and temporal affairs of the society. In this meeting I propounded the following queries:

I. How often shall there be public preaching? Agreed, that it should be on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights, besides the Lord’s day; and exhortation on Saturday night.

II. Shall we have morning preaching? This was agreed to. III. Shall we have the Society meetings private? This was doubted by some; but I insisted on it, from our rules and Mr. Wesley’s last letter. IV. Shall we make a weekly and quarterly collection? Agreed.fa147 V. Can any other means be devised to lessen the debt? The debt was £1,100; but no other means could be found to relieve it.fa148 VI. Ought we not to be more strict with disorderly persons? Very little was said in answer to this.fa149

VII. Shall we have three stewards, for the satisfaction of the society? The majority voted against it.fa150

VIII. Are we as frugal as we can be? It was thought we were. IX. Will the stewards meet me once a week? Agreed.

X. Do we endeavour to avoid all partiality in the things of God? XI. Can we come at the balance of our accounts now or soon? It was thought we could.

XII. Who will stand at the door? Not determined.fa151 XIII. Shall we meet the society on Sunday nights? This was opposed by some. But I insisted upon its being the best time; and at last it was agreed to for a season.

XIV. Who shall be the collectors? This was not determined, though debated.fa152

XV. Can the preacher meet the children? Agreed.fa153 XVI. Can we spread the books? There was but little said on this head, and it was left undetermined.fa154

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Notes on this page (8)

As a result of this action and Asbury’s later appointment of a collector (see Journal entry for September 11, 1772), the financial situation in the society greatly improved. From April 1 to August 31 the income had been 73 pounds; between September 1 and January 31 it was 87 pounds; in the next five months it Was 116 pounds. (John Street Records, I.)
The society owed two hundred pounds to Captain Thomas Webb; three hundred pounds to William Lupton, trustee and steward; and six hundred pounds to Leonard Lispenard, a merchant and non-member who owned adjacent property and whose wife had contributed to the building fund. The Webb and Lupton items were for the purchase of the John Street lots in 1768, and the money had been borrowed from Lispenard for furnishings. These notes were reduced by a hundred pounds each on August 12, 1773; but otherwise the principal was not reduced though interest was paid. (John Street Records, I.)
See Journal entry for October 6, 1772, for reference to one of the stewards whose conduct was not exemplary.
The stewards were William Lupton and Henry Newton, and the treasurer was James Jarvis.
The function of the guard was to enforce the rule barring unqualified persons from the society meeting.
A week later Asbury on his own initiative appointed John Chave as collector. (See Journal entry for September 11, 1772.)
This is the first reference to the religious instruction of children in American Methodism. (See Journal entries for October 15, 18, 1772.)
Several entries in the John Street Records record cash received from the sale of books.

Monday, September 7.

MondayNew York

Richard Sause, Charles White and myself set off for New Rochelle. At night I felt myself unwell, and my mind under a cloud, but gave an exhortation at Mr. Deveau’s in the evening.

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Tuesday, 8.

TuesdayNew York

This was a day of heaviness, much trouble, sore temptation, and sorrow of heart; but in the evening I was happy in God, and spoke with power and feeling. On Wednesday my mind was warmly engaged, and I preached to many people, both at three o’clock and seven.

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Thursday, 10.

ThursdayNew York

Mr. Deveau accompanied me as far as Kingsbridge,fa155 on my way to New York, where Samuel Selbyfa156 met me, and rode with me the rest of the way.

I preached in the evening, and rose to preach next morning at five. It appears to me that trouble is at hand; but I fear nothing, being conscious of having acted uprightly before them all, and having no by-ends in view. Whoever has, must answer for it. Whatever comes, I am determined, while here, by the grace of God, to proceed according to the Methodist doctrine and discipline.

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Notes on this page (2)

Kingsbridge was the community at the bridge connecting the northern tip of Manhattan Island with the mainland.
See note under February 21, 1772.

Friday, 11.

FridayNew York

I met the people in the morning to discourse with them about their temporal matters, and appointed Mr. Chavefa157 to take an account of the weekly and quarterly collections. But the other two stewardsfa158 refused an exact entry of the money that is not settled. However, the people must have the same satisfaction concerning the other collections. Saturday morning I felt a strong desire to live to God, and act with a single eye to his glory in all that I do. On Saturday evening we had a comfortable meeting. After preaching to many people on the Lord’s day at seven, I prepared to approach the table,fa159 There was a great drawing among the people while these words were enforced: “This do in remembrance of me.” Lord, prepare my heart. My bleeding Lord! let my soul feel thy melting love. Lord, make all thy people glad together in thee, that thou mayest be glorified in and by us both now and ever. At the table I was greatly affected with the sight of the poor Negroes, seeing their sable faces at the table of the Lord. In the evening I had a full house and much Divine assistance.

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Notes on this page (3)

John Chave (1730?-1816) had come to America as an officer in the French and Indian War. He was associated with Captain Webb and William Lupton and had been a member of the group that met in the Rigging Loft. After the Revolution he lived in Greenwich Village, then a suburb of New York, and later moved to Walton, Delaware County, New York, where descendants of Lupton lived. He served as collector for over two years. (John Street Records, I; Wakeley, op. cit., 509; Seaman, op. cit., 444, 445.)
The “other two stewards” were William Lupton and Henry Newton. (See note under October 9, 1772.)
The preachers and people of Wesley Chapel received the Sacrament at St. Paul’s Chapel, Fulton Street and Broadway. (See Journal entry for June 13, 1773, when Asbury, Rankin, Wright, and Captain Webb received the Sacrament together there.)

Monday, 14.

MondayNew York

I had liberty and love in preaching at five, and this day felt power to live to God.

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Tuesday, 15.

TuesdayNew York

I spent great part of my time in company, and preached with some life to a small company at Bloomingdale.fa160 Preaching at five the next morning, I had many people, and a comfortable sense of God; [and possess a humble hope that I shall live this day to God].

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Notes on this page (1)

Asbury had preached at Bloomingdale on March 9, 1772. It was a community near the Post road about four miles north of Wesley Chapel.

Wednesday, 16.

WednesdayNew York

I set off for Newtown, and found nearness to God, and more constancy of mind. Our journey was wet and troublesome;fa161 however, there was a small company of people, and I preached with courage, disregarding my fatigue,fa162 if any good can be done. We returned to New York in the night, which was very dark: but He to whom the darkness is known, conducted us in safety. Friday morning I found great peace; [but Satan was hard at my heels]. Lord, help me to be always guarded, and fly the very appearance of evil; so that in thy strength I may every moment conquer.

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Notes on this page (2)

Practically every attempt to visit Newtown, as reported by both Pilmoor and Asbury, held some travel difficulties—heat, blizzard, obscure roads, rain, unwillingness of liveries to provide horses to the preachers.
No one in Newtown is indicated as opening his house for the preaching in these early visits. Probably the tavern keeper offered his facilities. (See Journal entry for August 16, 1772.)

Saturday, 19.

SaturdayNew York

I felt comfortable in preaching this morning at five o’clock. O, my God! help me this day to eye thy glory! We had a melting power this evening also in public exhortation.

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Lord’s day, 20.

SundayNew York

In the morning we had a good time while I spoke from the

latter part of the eighty-first psalm; and in the evening we had a very full house, and the Lord favoured me with warmth and power while I addressed the people from Romans 6:17, 18. After preaching on Monday morning, I went to Staten Island.fa163 Justice Wright met me and informed me that the people were very busy at that time in court;fa164 so I went and preached to many attentive people at Bird’s ferry. Hitherto the Lord hath helped me. I will endeavour to praise him with my whole heart, and glorify him more and more. Tuesday I crossed the bay, and preached in the evening at New York.

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Notes on this page (2)

Asbury went by the ferry from Whitehall, in New York, down the bay to Stapleton on Staten Island.
Justice Hezekiah Wright, close friend and frequent host to Asbury. Evidently Asbury was not aware of the court schedule, else he would have chosen a different time for the visit.

Wednesday, 23.

WednesdayNew York

In the morning I preached, and felt a measure of peace, and stronger confidence in my soul towards God.

I am now twenty-seven years of age, and have had a religious concern on my heart about fourteen years; though I felt something of God as early as the age of seven.

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Thursday, 24.

ThursdayNew York

I preached in the morning from Psalms 86:17Psalm 86:17; and found myself enlarged in the evening on the subject of the good Samaritan. This day my soul has felt much love towards God, and my mind has been bent on doing his will.

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Friday, 25.

FridayNew York

Attending the lecture to-day, I heard the doctorfa165 with much satisfaction, and in the evening preaching I laid open the plague of the human heart as I had felt it. It was a solemn time. This day we received tidings from Philadelphia of their doing well both in spiritual and temporal matters.fa166 Some have been much dissatisfied with private society meetings, and collections in the classes. But, in the midst of every trial, the Lord keeps me in peace. On Saturday morning, though it was cold, we had many people, and a moving time at five o’clock; and a comfortable season in the evening exhortation.

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Notes on this page (2)

The “doctor” was the Rev. Samuel Auchmuty, D.D., rector of Trinity Church, or his first assistant, the Rev. John Ogilvie, D.D. Both had contributed to the Wesley Chapel building fund and were friendly. (John Street Records, I.)
Boardman was in Philadelphia, and the communication was doubtless from him.

Lord’s day, 27.

SundayNew York

Preaching this morning on “building the tower,” I had some assistance; but experienced some heavy exercises of mind this day. In the evening I was enabled to preach with power, on the awful subject of the judgment: attempting

I. To prove that the judgment will be universal. II. To describe the person of the Judge.

III. To describe the awful events preceding and attending that period.

IV. To point out the business of the day.

V. To show the decision and consequences.

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Monday, 28.

MondayNew York

Many people attended the preaching at five o’clock, and

brother Sause and myself set off in the forenoon for New Rochelle. As we came unexpectedly on the people, I improved the occasion by preaching on these words: “In such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.”

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Tuesday, 29.

TuesdayNew York

At friend Deveau’s I preached with fervency from Ezekiel 33:4. I have been much assaulted this day with temptations, but have been kept by the power of God. I find a degree of effeminancy cleaving to me, but abhor it from my very heart. The reading of Mr. Wesley’s journal has been made a blessing to me, [and I hope for victory over all my foes].

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Wednesday, 30.

WednesdayNew York

I was led to speak very closely at Peter Bonnette’s, to a congregation in which were many old people; and then returned to Mr. Deveau’s, where I preached again, and enforced the duty of meeting together among themselves.

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October 1.

New York

I set off for New York; and preached to a small company at Kingsbridgefa167 on my way. This day I received a letter from my mother, informing me she was weak in body, and had an earnest desire to see me once more before she dies.

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Notes on this page (1)

Asbury reversed his usual route. Kingsbridge was on the mainland opposite the northern tip of Manhattan Island near the famous bridge. Though Asbury had passed the community on each previous trip to and from Westchester, this is the first mention of preaching there.

October 3.

New York

Though I preached with liberty last night, yet my mind was troubled to-day: but I earnestly desire to renew my covenant with God. Mr. Wright received a letter from Mr. Wesley, enforcing our rules and discipline. My desire is to sit loose to every created object, [and through grace to be holy as my Lord is holy].

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Lord’s day, 4.

SundayNew York

I felt divine assistance in preaching both morning and evening; but was grieved at society meeting, to see the steward desirous to let strangers in.fa168

On Monday, I wrote to Mr. Wesley,fa169 and communicated the true sentiments of my mind.

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Notes on this page (2)

The steward who permitted the non-members to enter the society meeting was Henry Newton. (See note under October 9, 1772.)
This letter to Wesley informing him of Asbury’s sentiments regarding affairs in the New York society was written just before Asbury received Wesley’s letter naming him as assistant in succession to Boardman and “requiring strict attention to discipline.” (See Journal entry for October 10, 1772.)

Tuesday, 6.

TuesdayNew York

This was a day of peace and rest to my soul. After preaching at night with some power, I spoke to our steward,fa170 whose conduct did not altogether please me—frequently avoiding to speak to me—absenting himself from the meeting of the leaders—the appearance of dissimulation— opposing our rules—and consulting persons who were not members of our society. He appeared to be somewhat affected by the conversation.

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Notes on this page (1)

This steward was Henry Newton.

Thursday, 8.

ThursdayNew York

In preaching both morning and evening, I had an opening of soul towards the people, [and found my mind in peace. My greatest concern is to be altogether holy in heart]. I met the society this evening, and told them plainly my mind relative to their state as a collective body.

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Friday, 9.

FridayNew York

I met the leaders, and there were some sharp debates. After much had been said, I was charged with using Mr. Newtonfa171 ill, in saying he opposed my meeting the society. Mr. Luptonfa172 told me I had already preached the people away;fa173 and intimated that the whole work would be destroyed by me. Perhaps this was because I spoke so freely to Mr. Newton, and desired him to take care what company he kept.

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Henry Newton, a merchant, was an original trustee of the John Street property and one of the largest contributors to the building fund. He was steward, cotreasurer, and treasurer for many years. He later moved to the Second Mile Stone vicinity and was a prime mover in building the Methodist church on Forsyth Street, ordered by the conference in 1789. (See Journal entries for June of that year.) He was treasurer of the corporation that controlled both properties and one of New York’s leading laymen well into the 1790’s. He was buried at the Forsyth Street Church. His early difficulties with Asbury disappeared, and the two became warm friends. (John Street Church Records, I, numerous entries; Wakeley, op. cit., 80-83; Seaman, op. cit., 61, 429-30.) Forsyth Street Church on Forsyth (Second) Street near Division Street was dedicated November 8, 1789. Asbury frequently referred to it as the Bowery Church.
William Lupton (1728-96), a merchant, came from England in 1753 as quartermaster in Thomas Webb’s regiment and served with Webb in the French and Indian War. He joined the New York society under Webb in the Rigging Loft in 1767, and with Webb advanced funds for the John Street property in March, 1768. He later advanced other funds and was one of the original trustees and donor to the building fund and the first treasurer. He died on April 3, 1796, and was buried in his vault under Wesley Chapel. He and Asbury later became reconciled and were good friends. (Journal entries for July 10, 1774, and August 24, 1784; John Street Church Records (which Lupton started) I, numerous references; Wakeley, op. cit., 75-79, 329-33, 533-38; Seaman, op. cit., 61, 64, 69, 422-24.)
Asbury’s Journal references and the John Street Church Records for the period show that the congregations did not decrease and the society flourished.

Saturday, 10.

SaturdayNew York

I received a letter from Mr. Wesley, in which he required a strict attention to discipline; and appointed me to act as assistant.fa174 He also enjoined that Mr. Williams might not print any more books without his consent.fa175 I likewise received a letter from Mr. Williams,fa176 informing me of the state of matters in Maryland; and that it was appointed for me to winter there.fa177 For this I intend to prepare.

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Notes on this page (4)

Asbury thus succeeded Boardman in authority and continued in the post until the arrival of Rankin on June 3, 1773. This letter greatly strengthened Asbury in his controversy with Newton, Lupton, Chave, and others in the New York society.
Robert Williams had printed and sold Wesley’s books until forbidden to do so by the conference in July, 1773. It does not appear that he was actuated by motives of personal gain, however. (See Journal entries for March 23 and July 14, 1773; Minutes of conference, 1773.)
This was probably Robert Williams writing on behalf of Boardman with whom he had been in close contact.
Asbury’s appointment to Maryland had of course been made by Boardman before Asbury’s appointment as assistant was received.

Lord’s day, 11.

SundayNew York

Preached with power in the morning, and spoke freely to a large congregation in the evening. My soul is blest with peace and love to God.

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Monday, 12.

MondayNew York

Read one of Mr. Wesley’s sermons to the people, and believe some felt it reproving them for evil speaking. My mind is serene and comfortable. Part of Monday was spent in meeting classes; and on Tuesday morning, at five, I had many people. My intention is to deal faithfully with all; and it is my real opinion, that I am not so sensible of faults in any other person as in myself. Lord, help me to be faithful, and in all I do to glorify thee more than ever! Felt assistance this evening in preaching. Wednesday, I went to Newtown, but was not expected. However, we collected many people to hear the word. I then returned to York, and, after preaching in the morning, was engaged in settling the classes, making up some bands, and meeting the children. I have reason to be thankful; though my trials have been great from many quarters, they have not moved me.

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Friday, 16.

FridayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Preached in the morning, and felt resigned to anything, having no choice; but am willing to go to the end of the world, if I can be holy and useful.

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Lord’s day, 18.

SundayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Preached in the morning with some sensibility, and then

went to hear Mr. Inglis,fa178 who delivered a profitable discourse on the education of children. He proved the necessity, antiquity, and human authority of catechising; and made it evident, that, in the primitive Church, the best and ablest men were appointed for this work. He gave some account of the school in Alexandria; and told the audience, that in this duty there should be both precept and example, and sometimes severity. In the evening I was enabled to speak plainly to a large congregation, on Deuteronomy 30:19: “I call heaven and earth to record against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” This day we had a love feast. Many people spoke freely, but not long. This I have observed more here than in England, that the people speak short, and yet very full.

NEW JERSEY—PENNSYLVANIA

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Notes on this page (1)

The Rev. Charles Inglis, or English, was assistant to Dr. Samuel Auchmuty, rector of Trinity Church.

Monday, 19.

MondayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

Set off in the stage for Philadelphia.fa179 The company was all pretty quiet, except one young man, who frequently profaned the name of the Lord. It was my intention to reprove him; but waiting for a proper time, I found an opportunity when there was only one person with him, and then told him how he had grieved me. He received the admonition very well; and excused himself by saying, he did not think of what he was doing. Afterward he seemed more careful. After dining at New Brunswick,fa180 we came to Princeton, a place I had long wished to see for the sake of the pious Mr. Davies,fa181 late president of the college there. Here I met Mr. Boardman, and we both agreed in judgment about the affairs of the society; and were comforted together. The next day I came to Trenton:fa182 but a drunken sailor had locked up the court house, so I was obliged to preach in a school house, where we had a comfortable meeting; and also at five the next morning.

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Asbury ferried to Perth Amboy below the southern tip of Staten Island and proceeded by way of Brunswick and Princeton to Philadelphia.
New Brunswick was on “the most ancient highway in New Jersey,” an Indian trail centuries old leading from the site of the present Elizabeth. (Mellick: Lesser Crossroads, 76.)
Samuel Davies had been president of the Log College, later Princeton University. He went to Hanover County, Virginia, in 1747, on a preaching tour and moved there in 1748, remaining ten years. He was a friend and correspondent of John Wesley, and in 1754 he and Gilbert Tennent visited England and raised funds for the Log College. (Kull: New Jersey—A History, I, 348, 387; Sweet: Virginia Methodism, 21- 25, 27-29, 31-36.)
There was no meetinghouse in Trenton at this time.

Thursday, October 22.

ThursdayNew Jersey—Pennsylvania

In the morning I preached over the river,fa183 and in the evening at Trenton, with some assistance. And many young people attended.

[Friday, 23. In the morning at five, preached over the ferry, and in the evening at Trenton. Glory to God! I have found peace, and power, and love.]

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Notes on this page (1)

“Over the river” was evidently Morrisville, Pennsylvania.

Saturday, 24.

SaturdayMaryland

Leaving my horse at Bristol (Pennsylvania), I went to

Burlington; and on the Lord’s day my spirit was much dejected, though in preaching I felt greatly assisted, and Divine truth reached the hearts of the people.

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Monday, 26.

MondayMaryland

After preaching at five, I left them, and preached in the evening at Philadelphia. All things considered, the people here seemed to be quiet and in good order.

On Tuesday, preached both morning and evening. Richard Sause and myself set out on Wednesday for Bohemia Manor, and on our way we found a few friends at Newcastle (Delaware) that had not deserted the cause. In this journey I called at Chester jail, and saw the prisoners, who all seemed hardened to a man, and among them were the wretched three that I saw escape the gallows before;fa184 two of these had behaved so badly they were now in chains. Lord, what is man! And what am I without thy grace! Keep me, keep me, holy Lord, and never let me go! Let me die rather than live to sin against thee! I spoke freely to one of them, who was a murderer. MARYLAND

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See Journal entry for May 30, 1772.

Thursday, 29.

ThursdayMaryland

We reached Bohemia Manor where we found Solomon

Hersey, a man hearty in the cause, and of a good understanding; but his spirit is too warm and easily moved.

On Friday, I visited Ephraim and Robert Thompson and saw their father in his hundredth year, eating, drinking, smoking, and talking. He appeared as forgetful of eternity as if he had been at the most secure distance from its brink. [It is well if his long life do not prove a curse in the end.] I think he told me that his father lived to be a hundred and nine, and never used spectacles.

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Saturday, 31.

SaturdayMaryland

Rose early this morning, and purpose, through grace, to devote this day to God. I have traveled, since Monday week, one hundred and fifty miles;fa185 [and it has cost me about three pounds, which must come out of my salary of twenty-four pounds per annum, as there is no allowance for my expenses either by the society of Philadelphia or New York].

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The 150 miles were over the main stage line from New York City to Philadelphia. Leaving the latter place, Asbury and Sause probably crossed the Schuylkill River on a raftlike ferry, at Gray’s Ferry, the site of the present Gray’s Ferry bridge, and proceeded through Darby, revisiting the points of his first trip to Bohemia Manor begun the previous April.

Lord’s day, November 1.

SundayMaryland

After preaching at Hersey’s in the morning, I

intended to preach in the school house in the afternoon; but it would not contain half the people; so I stood at the door, and the people without. Went to bed very unwell this evening; but rose at five, and feeling better, set off for Susquehanna.fa186 The next morning my soul longed for God. I felt a comfortable sense of his love in my heart, and can rejoice in him as my all-sufficient portion. In the afternoon we rode in company to the bay side.fa187 A few people, who came straggling after the time at friend Nathaniel Giles’s, felt themselves affected by the power of God. [Richard Webster made one of the company; a man, who, I found by conversation, was a mystic, and very fond of Mr. Law’s works; but he spoke well of the person of Christ.] At friend Giles’s the family was called together in the evening, and Richard Webster gave a moving exhortation. One person seemed affected. The next morning I rose at five, my usual time, and spent one hour in solemn, secret prayer. Friend Giles treated me with great kindness, and pressed me to call again. I then went to Rocky Run,fa188 and preached with freedom to a number of people, among whom were many Friends. For some days past my mind has been blest with much peace; so that I experience a present salvation, and hope to experience that which is eternal. Thanks be to God for what I feel! Glory, glory be given to my dear and gracious Saviour!

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Asbury’s course from Bohemia Manor was up the Elk River to Elkton (Head of Elk), where at Hollingsworth’s Tavern he took the main Western Shore Road which led through Principio Furnace and Lower Susquehanna Ferry, the present Havre de Grace.
Crossing the Susquehanna River, Asbury entered into three centers of Methodist influence created largely through the evangelistic labors of Robert Strawbridge. Richard Webster, whom Asbury heard at the home of Nathaniel Giles, was among the earliest Methodist local preachers of Harford County. After serving several circuits beginning with 1774, he settled near Abingdon, Maryland, where for fifty years he was unsparing in his service to Methodism. Among the monuments to his devotion is the Calvary Chapel, erected in 1821.
Rock, or Rocky, Run was named for George Rock, who built a mill on this tributary of Deer Creek. Here previous to 1760 Nathaniel Giles, whose home was Asbury’s first Maryland preaching place, built a gristmill. Giles, who died in 1775, owned the entire Susquehanna River water front between Heming Run and the mouth of Deer Creek. (Mason: Historical Sketches of Harford County, Md., 21, 22, 57.)

Wednesday, 4.

WednesdayMaryland

This evening I had a very solemn family meeting; and spoke separately and pointedly to every one, both black and white. On Thursday morning, rising at my usual time, I had a comfortable sense of God upon my heart. Glory be to thee, O Lord! After breakfast, Mrs. Giles, her brother, and myself set out for Deer Creek.fa189 We called at a Friends’ meeting, and heard two men and a woman speak. They all spoke to purpose. We then proceeded to Mr. Morgan’s, and unexpectedly found the people, at two o’clock, waiting to hear the word. I preached with liberty, and the power of God was felt in the hearts of many, though some of them were principal men. The man of the house looked very earnestly at me while I was preaching. I then published preaching at Samuel Litten’s where we had also a comfortable time. Samuel Litten himself was deeply affected. He had been a ranting Quaker, and a rebellious man; but God hath touched his heart, and wrought a good work on him and several others here. The next day we proceeded to Henry Watters’,fa190 whose brother is an exhorter, and now gone with Mr. Williams to Virginia. The Lord hath done great things for these people, notwithstanding the weakness of the instruments, and some little irregularities. Men who neither feared God, nor regarded man,—swearers, liars, cock-fighters, card-players, horse-racers, drunkards, &c., are now so changed as to become new men; and they are filled with the praises of God. This is the Lord’s work, and it is marvellous in our eyes. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us; but unto thy name be all the glory!

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Deer Creek, which empties into the Susquehanna River in northwest Harford County, was also a name which Asbury used for that community in which the families of Samuel Litten, Henry Watters, and other Methodists resided.
One of the notable families in this region was that of Henry Watters, and Asbury seems to have made the Watters’ home his headquarters in this community. At the time of Asbury’s visit William Watters (1751- 1827) was traveling through Virginia with Robert Williams on a preaching mission. Nicholas Watters (1739-1804), elder brother of William Watters, entered the traveling connection in 1776. William Watters was the first native American who became a regular itinerant Methodist preacher. He served in the itinerancy until 1783, when he purchased a farm near McLean, Virginia, and located. He again entered the active ranks in 1786, but became ill and was forced to discontinue traveling before the end of the year. His health improved, and he became active again in 1801. He finally located in 1805 and died in 1827. The graves of William Watters and his wife, Sarah Adams Watters, are in a neglected cemetery on El Nido Road, which leads off Old Dominion Drive about one mile east of McLean, Fairfax County, Virginia. In 1889 the Virginia Conference placed a monument and an iron enclosure on the spot. (Sweet: Men of Zeal, 133, 22 n.; Watters: First American Itinerant of Methodism and The Watters Family.)

Saturday, 7.

SaturdayMaryland

We had a powerful meeting at Henry Watters’; several from Mr. Morgan’s followed me, and seemed to give good attention to the things of God. Here I met with Nicholas Watters, an exhorter, who appears to be a serious and sensible man. After appointing to meet the exhorters at my return, I went to Samuel Forwood’s and preached to many people; then preached at a place about three miles on my way back, and came to Henry Watters’ again, where we had a very comfortable time.

ROBERT STRAWBRIDGE

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Lord’s day, 8.

SundayMaryland

We had a very melting time indeed, while I preached to

about two hundred souls, from Romans 6:17, 18. We had also many people at Richard Webster’s while I preached, with liberty in my soul, from 1 Corinthians 4:20: “The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” This day I have been free from evil, happy, and joyful in my God. At the widow Bonds’fa191 there were many people, both black and white, rich and poor, who were all exhorted to seek the Lord while he may be found. Some of the young women of this family are serious and thoughtful.

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The Widow Bond was a member of a prominent Methodist family who lived one mile from Fallston, Maryland. Thomas Emerson Bond, a distinguished physician and local preacher (1782-1856), was long editor of The Christian Advocate (New York); and another son, John Wesley Bond (1784-1819), was present at the death of Asbury while serving as his last traveling companion.

Tuesday, 10.

TuesdayMaryland

I enjoy peace and life in my soul; and am determined, through grace, to love and seek nothing but God. Preached to many people, both at Charles Baker’s in the morning, and at James Moore’s in the evening; and was favoured with much freedom.

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Wednesday, 11.

WednesdayMaryland

Many people attended preaching at Mr. Sinclair’s, among

whom were some Baptists, who went away displeased. The congregation was also large at friend Staniford’s.fa192 I have read Dr. Stonehouse on the non-eternity of hell torments.fa193 But by his arguments, we may as well prove the non-eternity of heavenly joys; for he calls it an aiwnion, aionion, life. Now if the aiwnion, aionion, life of saints arises from a principle of spiritual life derived from Christ, then the iawnion, iaonion, death of the wicked arises from a principle of spiritual death in them; and the one will come to an end as soon as the other.

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Asbury preached and was entertained in the home of Aquila Staniford. Henry Smith states in his Recollections and Reflections of an Old Itinerant that he found Staniford engaged as a local preacher in Kentucky (p. 57).
The reference is probably to Sir James Stonehouse (1716-95), physician and divine, who in early life published a pamphlet against Christianity which had passed through two editions. A friendship with Philip Doddridge and James Hervey led to his conversion, and he took orders in 1749. At that time he burned the third edition of his pamphlet and later published numerous religious tracts. (Dictionary of National Biography, XVIII, 1304-5.)

Thursday, 12.

ThursdayMaryland

Preached at friend Galloway’s. There are some Baptists in this neighbourhood, who oppose the work under us, and perplex and trouble our young beginners, though they let me alone. Then returning to friend Chamberlain’s, the word flowed freely, while I preached to many people, at six o’clock, from 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you, in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” Spoke on God’s being reconciled to sinners, and showed on what terms they might be reconciled to God, and that none but Christ could bring about the reconciliation. My mind was greatly enlarged while describing the character of Gospel ministers. Friday morning my soul was happy in God. I rode about eight miles to meet John King. Many people attended the word at Mr. Gatch’s; and after preaching John King came. We went together to townfa194 and stayed all night. The next morning I returned to John Colgate’s, where the congregation was large at twelve o’clock. This man’s friends have rejected him on account of his religion. The family seem very serious; and I hope there will be a great and good work here. Then rode to Richard Owings’,fa195 where some people came to see me, with whom we sung and prayed.

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This was Asbury’s first visit to Baltimore, where in 1770 his traveling companion John King had preached the first sermon. Among the members of the society organized in the home of Daniel Evans there were in addition to Philip Gatch, Sater Stephenson and Isaac Rollin.
Richard Owings was one of the band of local preachers licensed under the ministry of Robert Strawbridge. Some claim that he was the first native American local preacher. His name appears on the first class book of the society in the home of Daniel Evans. He preached the funeral service of Strawbridge in 1781 and was admitted into the conference two years before his death in Leesburg, Virginia, in 1786. (Minutes. See Watters: A Short Account of the Christian Experiences and Ministerial Labors of William Watters.)

Tuesday, 17.

TuesdayMaryland

This morning I found some peace and life in my soul; but want more retirement. My desire is, to be ever before the Lord. Many people attended the preaching, both in the forenoon and in the evening, when the congregation was much affected. The next morning I went to friend Strawbridge’s,fa196 and found his family well. Here we had Dr. Warfield and several polite people to dine with us. I spoke to the ladies about head-dresses; but the Doctor vindicated them, observing that religion did not consist in dress. I quoted the words of St. Peter; I stayed about an hour, and then departed. We then rode to Friend Durbin’s,fa197 and spent some time with his family.

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Robert Strawbridge, a native of Ireland, formed a class in his home on Sam’s Creek. The claim that this was the first society in American Methodism remains unconfirmed despite rather convincing evidence. He insisted on administering the sacraments. (See Journal entries for August 2, 1773; August 27, 1775.) Alexander Warfield and Mrs. Warfield, at whose home Asbury later dined, were members of the society formed in the Strawbridge house.
William Durbin, also an original member of Strawbridge’s class, was the father of John Durbin (1778-1805), who was received on trial in the Baltimore Conference in 1803. (Bibbins: How Methodism Came, 36.)

Thursday, 19.

ThursdayMaryland

Friend Durbin and I set off for Frederick.fa198 We came to George Saxton’s, where I expected to have preached, but there was a disappointment; so we pursued our way, though my little horse was unwell and very weary. A poor, unhappy man abused me much on the road: he cursed, swore, and threw stones at me. But I found it my duty to talk to him, and show him his danger. Frederick is a neat, little town, having one main street and three cross streets. It contains about a thousand houses, and the inhabitants are chiefly Germans. There are two German churches, one Calvinist, and one Lutheran. There is also one English church, and one Roman chapel. [About five and twenty Baptists are the greatest enemies the Methodists have in this place.] Many people came to hear me in this town.

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Asbury, accompanied by William Durbin, proceeded to Frederick, Maryland, the county seat of the present Frederick County, where John King had preached the first Methodist sermon in 1770. The residents of this community were mostly members of the Dutch Reformed Church, a sect that shared the religious fervor of the Methodists.

Friday, 20.

FridayMaryland

Found some peace of mind in the morning; but was sorely buffetted by Satan in the course of the day; I had but few people in the evening, and but little power.

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Saturday, 21.

SaturdayMaryland

My mind was greatly depressed. Not on account of any

outward, known sin; but partly from the state of my body, and partly from a deep sense of the very great work in which I am employed. I do not know when I sunk into deeper distress: though, thank God, there was no condemnation.

Lord’s day. After preaching in the morning, brother John Hagertyfa199 [his brother Paul,] friend Bonhamfa200 and myself set off to a place where I had to preach at two o’clock. Friend Bonham was awakened by the instrumentality of friend Strawbridge, and he told me that he had been much opposed [by the Baptists. He said they had used him very ill; but he was determined to have no more connexion with them. He appears to be a solid, sensible man]. I heard him give an exhortation greatly to the purpose; and gave him a note of recommendation, to do all the good he could. Happened in company with an old, stupid Quaker woman, who supposed me to be a half Quaker, and thought the Friends were the only people in the world, and that they were not fallen from their former lively and spiritual state. A man came twenty miles for me, to go and preach a funeral sermon. I accordingly complied, and had many people to hear me. Then went about two miles, to preach at Mr. Durbin’s; and met with a German minister, Mr. Benedict Swope,fa201 who heard me preach at both places. We had some conversation about the ordinances administered by Mr. Strawbridge. He advanced some reasons to urge the necessity of them, and said Mr. Wesley did not do well to hinder us from the administration of them. I told him they did not appear to me as essential to salvation; [and that it did not appear to be my duty to administer the ordinances at that time].

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John Hagerty (1747-1818), a native of Prince George’s County and a member of the society on Sam’s Creek at the time of Asbury’s visit in 1772, preached at Rodda’s assignment at Linganore in the present Frederick County. In 1779 he entered the traveling connection and continued to preach until 1792, when because of illness of his wife he located. (Methodist Magazine, VII (1824), 209 ff.)
Hezekiah Bonham, an early convert to Methodism on Sam’s Creek, accompanied Asbury on his first journey to the Red Stone country in western Pennsylvania in 1784. A son, Robert, entered the traveling ministry in 1794 and died in 1800.
Benedict Swope, or Schwope, was an elder in the Reformed congregation at Pipe Creek, Maryland, as early as 1754. Coming under the influence of Robert Strawbridge and William Otterbein, he became a leader in the Evangelical movement and stood high in the esteem of Bishop Asbury. Asbury records Swope’s death in Kentucky at the age of eighty. (See Drury: The Life of Rev. Philip William Otterbein, 157, 191; Methodist Review, VI (1823), 249-54; Bibbins, op. cit., 36.) Bishop John Christian Keener was a great-grandson of Benedict Swope. (Hough: Christian Newcomer, His Life, Journal and Achievements, 5 n.)

Tuesday, 24.

TuesdayMaryland

Preached at Winchester,fa202 in an unfinished house; and while the rain beat in upon me, many people looked and wondered at the stranger. However, I delivered my message with some energy, and then road three miles to Richard Owing’s, where the Lord enabled me to preach with much feeling to a great number of people.

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The present seat of Carroll County, Maryland, was laid out by William Winchester (1710-64) in 1764, and bore the name of the founder until changed to Westminster by act of the General Assembly. The log meetinghouse stood on Marston Road, a mile south of New Windsor, Maryland. Those who give priority to this site as that on which the first Methodist preaching house in America stood have erected this marker: “On this spot stood the log meeting house erected about 1764, the first Methodist meeting house in America.” Its successor is Bethel Chapel located about a mile to the southwest of the original site and standing near the Alexander Warfield house. (Bibbins, op. cit., 42-44; Roberts: Centenary Pictorial Album, 30, 32, 33, 34; Scharf: History of Western Maryland, II, 927.)

Wednesday, 25.

WednesdayMaryland

We rode about twenty miles to my old friend Joshua

Owing’s,fa203 the forest home for the Methodists at that time, and found a very agreeable house and family. The old man is “an Israelite indeed.” He was once a serious Churchman, who sought for the truth; and now God has revealed it to him. The Lord has also begun to bless his family. He has one son a preacher, and the rest of his children are very thoughtful. Though it was a rainy day, there were many people, and my heart was greatly enlarged towards them in preaching.

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Asbury now travels towards Baltimore. Joshua Owings was the father of Richard Owings of Sam’s Creek. (For an account of the affiliation of the Owings family with the Garrison Church see Allen: The Garrison Church, Sketches of the History of St. Thomas’ Parish, Baltimore County, Maryland, 1742-1852, 30, 175.)

Thursday, 26.

ThursdayMaryland

The congregation was also large at Mr. Samuel

Merryman’s,fa204 and the Lord was with me. But on Friday, at Mr. Evans’fa205 the congregation was small, and I was much straitened. The same evening I rode to Baltimore.

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Notes on this page (2)

Samuel Merryman lived on the Hookstown Road about four miles from Baltimore. His devotion to Methodism dated from his early membership in the society on Sam’s Creek. (Smith: Recollections of an Old Itinerant, 204, 205; Bibbins, op. cit., 45, 46, Maryland Historical Magazine, X (1915), 176, 286; Lednum, op. cit., 19.)
In the home of Daniel Evans, in what is now Roland Park, Baltimore, the first society in the present Baltimore County was organized. (McLean: Sketch of Rev. Philip Gatch, 24; Stevens: History of the Methodist Episcopal Church, I, 74.)

Saturday, 28.

SaturdayMaryland

Preached at the Pointfa206 the first time.

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Notes on this page (1)

In 1772 an Irishman, Captain George Patton, or Paten, opened his house for preaching at Fell’s Point. “The first meeting-house that was built by the Methodists in Baltimore was that at Fell’s Point.” (Lee: A Short History of the Methodists, 49; William Hamilton in the Methodist Quarterly Review, July, 1856. For a partial list of early members see Lednum, op. cit., 89.)

Lord’s day, 29.

SundayMaryland

It was a rainy day, but I rode to the Point, and after preaching to a large congregation, returned to town and dined at William Moore’s:fa207 I preached in town both at three, and at six o’clock.

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William Moore resided at the southeast corner of Water and South streets, Baltimore. (Lednum, op. cit., 88.)

Monday, November 30.

MondayMaryland

Rode in company with Mrs. Rachel Hulings, Mrs.

Rogers, and the widow White,fa208 to Nathaniel Perigau’s,fa209 and preached to a large number of people. Then I rode to William Lynch’s, to whom I was introduced by Mrs. Hulings, and had many to hear the word of truth. [Tuesday, December 1. Lodged tonight in a damp bed, and though I expected some bad consequence, yet through mercy I received no injury.] The next day, at Joppa,fa210 there were many people from the country, and some from the town.

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Among Asbury’s pioneer women helpers were Mrs. Rachel Hulings, who later engaged in evangelistic work with him, and Mrs. Rogers, mother of Philip Rogers, a Baltimore layman, long useful. (Lednum, op. cit., 88, 89.)
Nathan Perigau, or Perrigo, spiritual father of Philip Gatch, resided about six miles northeast of the Baltimore of that day. About 1772 Perigau and Gatch organized a circuit in Pennsylvania along the Maryland border. (Gatch, op. cit., 9-11, 22.) William Lynch, whose home was on Patapsco Neck, was a local preacher. He is believed to have attended the Christmas Conference. He died in 1806.
The ancient town of Joppa when visited by Asbury was situated twenty miles northeast of Baltimore. It not only was at the head of navigation on Gunpowder River, but was at the crossroads of what was known as the Joppa Road running west to Towson and the main thoroughfare south from Lower Susquehanna. This once-historic place is now a cluster of houses on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and Highway 7. (Wilstach: Tidewater Maryland, 199, 205; Journal entry for Tuesday, January 19, 1773.)

Thursday, December 3.

ThursdayMaryland

Preached at Joseph Presbury’s, to many people

who could feel the word, and with much power in my own soul. Then rode three miles into the Gunpowder Neck, and had a solemn, heart-affecting time, while preaching from Revelation 2:11; a passage which, it seems, just suited their case: afterward returned to Joseph Presbury’s.

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Friday, 4.

FridayMaryland

After preaching, Josias Dallam conducted me to his house, and treated me with great kindness. Preached at his house at three o’clock; and on Saturday, at Moses Brown’s, about three miles off.

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Lord’s day, 6.

SundayMaryland

Went about five miles to preach in our first preaching

house.fa211 The house had no windows or doors; the weather was very cold: so that my heart pitied the people when I saw them so exposed. Putting a handkerchief over my head, I preached, and after an hour’s intermission (the people waiting all the time in the cold) I preached again.

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The first Bush Forest Chapel, six miles from Aberdeen, Maryland, was erected in 1769 by the society formed by Robert Strawbridge. Asbury described it as “the second house built for the Methodists in the State.” (See Journal entry for Thursday, November 16, 1791.) On December 20, 1773, an acre of land was given by Benjamin Herbert to the society. The “Conveyance-Agreement” contains the names of such prominent Methodist families as Watters, Preston, Bull, Howard, Presbury, Armstrong, Baker, and Dallam. A photostat of the deed and text appeared in Bishop Charles W. Flint’s Report to the Jurisdictional Conference, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, June 11, 1952.

Monday, 7.

MondayMaryland

John King and I went about five miles to lodge; and the next morning set off for Bohemia Manor. We passed through Charlestown,fa212 and dined at the head of the Elk.fa213 We lodged at Robert Thompson’s, where I spoke closely to the poor Negroes, who took some notice of what was said. Since I went from here last, my travels have been, perhaps, as much as three hundred miles in about six weeks. And, glory to God! I have been favoured with the presence of the Lord; and with zeal and power in my public exercises. Rode to Bird’s tavernfa214 for my trunk and box of books; and received a letter from Mr. Pilmoor which surpassed everything I ever had met with from a Methodist preacher. The Lord judge between him and me!fa215 Then I went to Solomon Hersey’s, and after preaching to a few people, I spoke to them, one by one, concerning the state of their souls.

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Charlestown, Cecil County, Maryland, founded 1742, was halfway up the Northeast River, forty miles northeast of Baltimore. When Asbury visited it, and until 1784 when the county seat was moved to Elkton, it was a village that promised to rival Baltimore.
This was the present Elkton.
This may have been either Bird or Buck tavern. Each was a well- known hostelry in colonial times.
This refers to Asbury’s conflict with Pilmoor over the frequent change of the preachers. (See note under November 22, 1771.)

Tuesday, 8.

TuesdayMaryland

I intended to have preached at Georgetown;fa216 but in my way found a large house belonging to a certain Mr. Bayard,fa217 in which Mr. Whitefield had preached some years ago, to some Hollanders, who were eminent for religion: but the old people are now dead. Then I proceeded on my way to Georgetown, and lodged at the house of a Quaker. He treated me with great kindness; and appeared to be an understanding man. His wife was somewhat tender in religious conversation. In the evening the Negroes were collected, and I spoke to them in exhortation. In the morning three or four white people also attended at prayer, to whom I spoke about their souls. The Friend went with me in the morning; and when I asked him what satisfaction he required, he told me, no more than what he had received.

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Georgetown, now Galena, Kent County, was on the south bank of the Sassafras River, which divides Cecil and Kent counties, Maryland.
Probably a descendant of Petrus Bayard, nephew of Peter Stuyvesant, who landed in New York City, 1647, and joined the Labidists at Bohemia Manor. In the Bayard mansion George Whitefield preached. James Asheton Bayard (1767-1815), American statesman, married a daughter of Governor Richard Bassett. The joint funeral services of Bayard and Bassett, who also died in 1815, were conducted by Ezekiel Cooper. (Mallery: Ancient Families of Bohemia Manor, Their Homes and Their Graves, 46 f.)

Wednesday, 9.

WednesdayMaryland

Preached to many people, rich and poor, at John Randall’s,fa218 and at another place in the evening.

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In John Randall’s house, near Worton, Kent County, Robert Strawbridge preached the first Methodist sermon on the eastern shore of Maryland. About 1780 the society erected a chapel. (Hallam, op. cit., 119, 318; Jesse Lee, op. cit., 39.)

Friday, 11.

FridayMaryland

Went twelve miles into Kent county,fa219 and had many great people to hear me. But before preaching, one Mr. Read, a church minister, came to me and desired to know who I was, and whether I was licensed. I told him who I was. He spoke great, swelling words, and told me he had authority over the people, and was charged with the care of their souls. He also told me that I could not, and should not preach; and if I did, he would proceed against me according to law. I let him know that I came to preach, and preach I would; and further asked him if he had authority to bind the consciences of the people, or if he was a justice of the peace; and told him I thought he had nothing to do with me. He charged me with making a schism. I told him that I did not draw the people from the Church; and asked him if his church was then open? He told me that I hindered people from their work; but I asked him if fairs and horse races did not hinder them? and, further, told him that I came to help him. He said, he had not hired me for an assistant, and did not want my help. I told him, if there were no swearers or other sinners, he was sufficient. But, said he, what did you come for? I replied, to turn sinners to God. He said, cannot I do that as well as you? I told him that I had authority from God. He then laughed at me, and said, You are a fine fellow, indeed! I told him I did not do this to invalidate his authority; and also gave him to understand that I did not wish to dispute with him: but he said he had business with me, and came into the house in a great rage. I began to preach, and urged the people to repent, and turn from all their transgressions, so iniquity should not prove their ruin. After preaching, the parson went out, and told the people they did wrong in coming to hear me; and said I spoke against learning. Whereas, I only spoke to this purpose—when a man turned from all sin, he would adorn every character in life, both in Church and state. I left him, and preached at John Randall’s at seven o’clock.

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Asbury was probably in the neighbourhood in which the Old Kent Meeting House, the first Methodist place of worship on the Peninsula, was later erected. In the churchyard of the long-abandoned site between Chestertown and Rock Hall, William Gill and James Smith, two widely known itinerants, are buried. (Garrettson: The Experiences and Travels of Mr. Freeborn Garrettson, 76; Lee, op. cit., 50; Wakeley: Heroes of Methodism, 199, 200.)

Lord’s day, 13.

SundayMaryland

Preached twice with very little intermission, to many

people collected at a school house near Robert Thompson’s; and then rode to Solomon Hersey’s, and found it a comfortable time while preaching at six o’clock.

DELAWARE

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Monday, December 14, 1772.

MondayMaryland

I rode to New Castle, and preached to a

large company. My soul has lately been much bowed down.

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Tuesday, 15.

TuesdayMaryland

There were but few people attended preaching at Mr.

Stedham’s; and as the next day was wet, I stayed and had a family meeting. On Thursday I went to Mr. Tussey’s.fa220 My mind has been much affected lately. May the Lord support and teach me! After preaching at Mr. Tussey’s, I went to hear a New Light minister, and found but little satisfaction.

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Asbury revisited the home of Isaac Tussey, a Methodist preaching place since Captain Thomas Webb held services there in 1769. The house built in 1765 still stands five miles below the Pennsylvania state line. (Delaware, a Guide to the First State, 325.)

Lord’s day, 20.

SundayMaryland

Though it rained much, yet many people attended

preaching at Isaac Hersey’s. Then I preached at a place about five miles off; and rode thence to Newcastle, where many people attended at night. The Lord favoured me. My mind is now full of Divine peace. MARYLAND

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Monday, 21.

MondayMaryland

I set out for Bohemia Manor; and though my body was much fatigued with my ride, and my head ached violently, yet in the evening I enforced these words: “Be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless;” and endeavoured to show them, that in justification we have peace, in sanctification we are without spot, and in perfect love we are blameless; and then proceeded to show them wherein we must be diligent.

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Tuesday, 22.

TuesdayMaryland

On my way to Susquehanna, a person came for me to visit Mrs. Thomas in a dropsy. I then proceeded to Josias Dallam’s; and the next day set off for Joseph Presbury’s, to attend our quarterly meeting.fa221 Many people attended, and several friends came many miles. I preached from Acts 20:28: “Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves,” &c. After showing to whom the charge was given, I proceeded to enforce the subject thus:—

I. Take heed to your spirits.

II. Take heed to your practice.

III. Take heed to your doctrine.

IV. Take heed to the flock.

1. Those that are under deep conviction.

2. Those that are true believers.

3. Those that are sorely tempted.

4. Those that are groaning for full redemption.

5. Those that have backslidden.

I then urged the motives to this duty. We afterwards proceeded to our temporal business, and considered the following propositions:—

1. What are our collections? We found them sufficient to defray our expenses.

2. How are the preachers stationed? Brother Strawbridge and brother Owings in Frederick county. Brother King, brother Webster, and Isaac Rollins,fa222 on the other side of the bay; and myself in Baltimore.

3. Shall we be strict in our society meetings, and not admit strangers? Agreed.

4. Shall we drop preaching in the day-time through the week? Not agreed to.

5. Will the people be contented without our administering the sacrament? John King was neuter; brother Strawbridge pleaded much for the ordinances; and so did the people, who appeared to be much biased by him. I told them I would not agree to it at that time, and insisted on our abiding by our rules. But Mr. Boardman had given them their way at the quarterly meeting held here before, and I was obliged to connive at some things for the sake of peace.

6. Shall we make collections weekly, to pay the preachers’ board and expenses? This was not agreed to. We then inquired into the moral characters of the preachers and exhorters. Only one exhorter was found any way doubtful, and we have great hopes of him. Brother Strawbridge received £8 quarterage; brother King and myself £6 each. Great love subsisted among us in this meeting, and we parted in peace. I then went to Josias Dallam’s; and on Christmas day attended the Church,fa223 and heard parson West preach a plain, useful sermon, which contained much truth; and afterward received the sacrament. Then rode five miles to Bush Chapel; but as Mr. Strawbridge did not give public notice, few people attended, and the preaching was late. [Perhaps Mr. Strawbridge omitted to give public notice, that it might prevent my going to church.] The next day I rode to Barnard Preston’s,fa224 where we had a large congregation, and a very comfortable meeting. On the same day, at the house of Henry Watters, Nicholas Wattersfa225 spoke with great care, but with little depth. He may improve, and make a useful preacher in time.

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Asbury now returned to the western shore to begin his second round of appointments in that part of Maryland. Josias Dallam lived near Aberdeen, Maryland, on the site of the present Aberdeen Proving Ground. Joseph Presbury conducted the meeting at which William Watters was spiritually awakened. Presbury served simultaneously as trustee of three Methodist chapels—Bush Forest Chapel built in 1768, and in 1773 those erected on Gunpowder Neck and at the mouth of Middle River. The quarterly conference held in his home is the first of which the minutes have been preserved. They indicate a growing cleavage between Asbury and Strawbridge over the administration of the sacraments by Mr. Wesley’s unordained helpers. (Lee, op. cit., 41; Stevens, op. cit., I, 133, 134; The Methodist Review, N.Y., May, 1928.)
Isaac Rollins (spelled “Rollings” by Lee), a member of Daniel Evans’ class near Baltimore, was the third native American to become a traveling preacher. Of his unfortunate ministerial career and tragic death Asbury has left an extended account. (See Journal entry for Tuesday, August 5, 1783; also Lednum, op. cit,, 389, 390.)
This was the historic Garrison Church of which from its erection in 1743 the Owings, Bond, Murray, Doughaday, Dallam, and several other later Methodist families had been members and vestrymen. Josias Dallam, on whose land at Abingdon, Cokesbury College later was erected, accompanied Asbury to hear “parson West.” The Rev. William West (1734-91) and two others on December 31, 1784, invited Coke and Asbury to tea in Baltimore to discuss the prospect of a union of the Protestant Episcopal and the Methodist Episcopal Churches, only recently released from British ecclesiastical control. Thomas Worthington informed Asbury that the vestry of this church had decided to invite him to become its rector. (See Journal entry for Tuesday, August 26, 1777; also Allen: The Garrison Church, Sketches of the History of St. Thomas Parish, Garrison Forest, Baltimore County, Md., 39, 46.)
This was probably Barnard Preston, who among other Harford County Methodists signed the deed for the site of the Bush Forest Chapel, December 20, 1773. Or it may refer to Barnett Preston, who was a member of the first grand jury for Harford County, which met at “Harford Town” (Bel Air), August 23, 1774. (Preston, op. cit., 65.)
Nicholas Watters (1739-1804) was one of the seven sons of Henry Watters of Deer Creek, Maryland, and brother of William Watters, the first native American itinerant. Nicholas was received on trial at the conference in Baltimore with Freeborn Garrettson in 1776. He died of smallpox while stationed at Charleston, South Carolina. (Minutes, 1776; Hedges, op. cit., 33-35; Betts: History of South Carolina Methodism, 33.)

Lord’s day, 27.

SundayMaryland

Rode to the widow Bond’s, and preached twice, with very little intermission, to a great number of people. Appointing a meeting in the evening, I had an opportunity of hearing Isaac Rollins exhort. His exhortation was coarse and loud enough, though with some depth. I gave him a little advice, which he seemed willing to take.

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Monday, 28.

MondayMaryland

Many people of various kinds attended at Aquilla Staniford’s. Preached afterward at J. Moore’s in the evening, and went thence to James Baker’s, and met the class.

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Tuesday, 29.

TuesdayMaryland

At Mr. Sinclair’s I found great peace of mind, and, thanks be to God, had power in preaching, though the people were dead and stupid. The next day at Mr. Chamberlain’s I had many people, and preached with freedom; then went to Galloway’s, where we had great consolation.

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