1785

The conference is risen, and I have now a little

time for rest. In the evening I preached on Ephes. 3:8, being the first sermon after my ordination: my mind was unsettled, and I was but low in my own testimony.

VIRGINIA

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I was engaged preparing for my journey southward. Rode fifty miles through frost and snow to Fairfax, Virginia, and got in about seven o’clock.

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We had an exceeding cold ride to Prince William—little less than forty miles, and were nearly two hours after night in getting to brother Hale’s.

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A calm day. I had brother Hickson for my companion. We

passed Fauquier court house; came to the north branch of Rappahannock, which we found about waist high, and frozen from side to side; we pushed the ice out of the track which a wagon, well for us, had made, and got over safe. Pursuing our journey, we came to a little ordinary kept by one Whitehead: here were some wagonners at cards in the front room; this did not prevent our having prayers in the one adjoining: we slept in peace, and had only nine shillings and six-pence to pay in the morning.

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Rode to brother Fry’s to dinner, where I met with brother Willis, who had stopped there on his way to the conference.

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We read prayers, preached, ordained brother Willis deacon, and baptized some children. I feel nothing but love. I am sometimes afraid of being led to think something more of myself in my new station than formerly.

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In the morning I discovered that my horse was very lame; after some time he grew better. The adversary tries to get me into a fretful spirit—our journey was attended with some difficulties; but I do not murmur. I had dreaded the ice in James River, but we crossed with the greatest ease. We directed our course to Staunton River; and here we waited some time at Hunt’s landing. Mr. Hunt was so kind as to insist on our staying with him; and we were tired enough to want rest. I lectured in his family night and morning.

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Preached and administered the sacrament at Royster’s church; then rode to brother Phelps’s, where I was pointed, on Revelation 17:14.

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Although there was only a probability of my coming, a few people met at Doby’s store, where I preached with some life, on John 3:19-21.

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Brother Willis was ordained elder at Carter’s church: the Lord was with us in this, the sacrament, and the love feast; and all was in life.

NORTH CAROLINA

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My horse was lame. I rode with patience to A. Arnet’s,fn1 and was blest: we rejoiced in the Lord together.

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After preaching at Thompson’s,fn2 and baptizing some children, we set out for Short’s.fn3 Travelling onward we came to a creek: it was so dark by this time that we could not find the ford; we rode back a mile, and engaged a young man who undertook to be our guide, but he himself was scarcely able to keep the way. We rode with great pain to Waggoner’s chapel, and after pushing on through deep streams, I had only nine hearers; this was owing to the carelessness of the person who should have published the notice of our coming.

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I had about one hundred hearers; to whom I spoke on

Joshua 24:15. We lodged with F.C., who was very kind, although he could afford but one bed for three. The horses fared well. Next morning we set off, and came to Old Town instead of Salem:fn4 by the evening, we reached brother Hill’s, on the Yadkin circuit. Thus far the Lord has led me on; and I still hope to get along according to appointment.

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My horse being unfit to travel, I borrowed another, and went on seventeen miles to Fisher’s River, where I met with a few poor people. Thence we rode through the barren mountains, and crossed the frequent rivers in our course, and came to W——’s: 29th, next day I preached at Heady’s, and rode on to Herndon’sfn5 in Wilkes county: here we were kindly entertained, although there were few people to preach to. Nothing could have better pleased our old Church folksfn6 than the late step we have taken in administering the ordinances; to the catholic Presbyterians it also gives satisfaction; but the Baptists are discontented.

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Rode twenty miles to Witherspoon’s: here was a

large assemblage of people; some to pay and receive taxes; some to drink; and some to hear me preach: I gave them a rough talk on Revelation 2:5-8. From this place we rode to Allen’s. The people here are famous for talking about religion: and here and there is a horse thief.

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Yesterday some were prevented from offering their children to God in baptism, by a zealous Baptist: to-day brother Willis spoke on the right of infants to baptism; our opposer soon took his leave.

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I preached at Elsberry’s, and rode thirty-one miles to Morgan Bryan’s. The weather has been cold and uncomfortable. I have ridden on the horse I borrowed, nearly three hundred miles in about nine days.

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I observed this as a day of abstinence. I preached and administered the sacrament; held a love feast—our friends were greatly comforted. Here I plunged four adults,fn7 at their own request, they being persuaded that this was the most proper mode of baptizing.

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Rode to Salisbury,fn8 where, as it was court time, I had but few hearers; and some of these made their escape when I began to insist on the necessity of holiness—a subject this which the Antinomians do not like to hear pressed too closely.

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I gave up my horse, and borrowed one of Mr. Randall.fn9 I fear my horse will lose his eyes. I visited B——; one who has departed from God; he appeared to be sensible of, and lamented it; yet, he said, he had not power to pray and seek.

SOUTH CAROLINA

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We set off for Charleston, South Carolina. When at the

Cheraw Hills,fn10 we thought of going to ——’s, but he was not at home. A family which had moved from Virginia sent after me with an invitation to come and dine;fn11 I accepted their kindness, and arriving, found that they had been Methodists: after spending some time in the church in prayer,fn12 we prepared to pursue our journey, but being pressed to stay until the morrow, we remained with them. Came to the Long Bluff court housefn13— found few people: thence journeying on, we arrived at John Kimbro’s,fn14 and were kindly entertained.

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I heard of that impostor, T—y—t,fn15 who was fleecing the people of one hundred guineas per annum: were he a good man, I doubt if they would supply him thus. The greatest consolation I had was whilst alone in the woods. I was comfortable in brother Jesse Lee’s company.

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We crossed Lynch’s Creek, Black Mingo, and Black

River, and arrived at Georgetown,fn16 where we met with a kind reception. I felt my mind solemn, and devoted to God, but was in great doubt of success. If God has not called us by his providence into these parts, I desire and pray that we may have no countenance from the people; although we have ridden four or five hundred miles, and spent our money.

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I preached in Georgetown on 1 Corinthians 2:14, to a serious people. A Mr. William Wayne, a nephew of the celebrated General [Mad Anthony] Wayne, introduced himself to us,fn17 with whom we took breakfast; on parting, he showed us the way to the ferry, and paid our ferriage. I found the Lord had brought him through deep exercises of soul. We travelled on through a barren country, in all respects, towards Charleston.fn18 We came that evening to Scott’s, where the people seemed to be merry; they soon became mute: we talked and prayed with them: in the morning, when we took our leave of them, they would receive nothing. We met brother Willis; he had gone along before us, and had made an acquaintance with Mr. Edgar Wells, a respectable merchant of the city, to whom he had carried letters of introduction, from Mr. Wayne, of Georgetown: I jogged on, dejected in spirit, and came to Mr. Edgar Wells’s. We obtained the use of an old meeting house belonging to the General Baptists,fn19 in which they had ceased to preach: brother Willis preached at noon—brother Jesse Lee morning and evening. I first went to the Episcopal Church,fn20 and then to the Independent meeting-house:fn21 at this last I heard a good discourse.

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The Calvinists, who are the only people in Charleston who appear to have any sense of religion, seem to be alarmed. Yesterday morning [Sunday], and again at noon, the congregations were small; at night we were crowded. There is a great dearth of religion here; some say, never more so than at this time.

The people were a little moved while brother Lee preached to them on Sabbath evening. My first sermon was on Wednesday, the second of March, on 2 Corinthians 5:20. I had but little enlargement. I preached again the next day on Ecclesiastes 11:9; the people were solemn and attentive. I find there are here who oppose us—I leave the Lord to look to his own cause. I told my hearers that I expected to stay in the city but seven days; that I should preach every night, if they would favour me with their company, and that I should speak on subjects of primary importance to their souls, and explain the essential doctrines taught and held by the Methodists.

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I gave them a discourse on the nature of conviction for sin, from John 16:8; many serious people attended, and some appeared to feel.

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I spoke on the nature and necessity of repentance. The —— ministers, who had before this held meeting at the same hour with us, and had represented our principles in an unfavourable light, and striven to prepossess the people’s minds against our doctrines—even these ministers came to hear. This afternoon Mr. Wells began to feel conviction; my soul praised the Lord for this fruit of our labours—this answer to our prayers.

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I had but few hearers this morning; these few appeared to have feeling hearts: in the evening I preached to a large, wild company, on Acts 17:30, 31. My soul is in deep travail for Mr. Wells—I hope God will set him at liberty. The sore throat and scarlet fever prevail in this city, yet are the inhabitants vain and wicked to a proverb. I bless God for health.

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I had a good time on Matthew 7:7. In the evening the clouds about Mr. Wells began to disperse; in the morning he could rejoice in the Lord. How great is the work of God—once a sinner, yesterday a seeker, and now His adopted child! Now we know that God hath brought us here, and have a hope that there will be a glorious work among the people—at least among the Africans.

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This day I delivered my last discourse on 1 Peter 3:15. I loved and pitied the people, and left some under gracious impressions. We took our leave: and had the satisfaction of observing that Mrs. Wells appeared to be very sensibly affected.fn22

We had rough crossing, in going over the Bay to Hadrell’s Point.fn23 I baptized two children at Mr. Scott’s,fn24 for which I was offered a great reward—but it was by persons who did not know that neither my own feelings nor the constitution of our Church permitted me to receive any compensation for such services.

We reached Georgetown time enough to give notice for preaching in the evening.

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The people generally attended and were serious. We found

Mrs. Wayne under deep distress of soul.

From Georgetownfn25 we came by Kingstreefn26 and got to Mr. Durant’s,fn27 who, I had heard, was a Methodist: we found him, in sentiment, one of Mr. Hervey’sfn28 disciples, but not in the enjoyment of religion: I delivered my own soul before I took my leave of him.

NORTH CAROLINA

Hearing of brother Daniel at Town Creek,fn29 I resolved to make a push for his house; it was forty miles distant, and I did not start until nine o’clock. I dined at Lockwood’s Folly,fn30 and got in about seven o’clock. O, how happy was I to be received, and my dear friends to receive me! I have been out for six weeks, and ridden near five hundred miles among strangers to me, to God, and to the power of religion. How could I live in the world if there were no Christians in it!

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After preaching at Town Creek, I rode in the evening to Wilmington;fn31 night came on before we reached there, and from the badness of the causeway, I ran some risk; we went to ——, but he was not prepared to receive us; afterward to ——, where we had merry, singing, drunken raftsmen; to their merriment I soon put a stop. I felt the power of the devil here.

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The bell went round to give notice, and I preached to a large congregation. When I had done, behold, F. Hill came into the room powdered off, with a number of fine ladies and gentlemen. As I could not get my horse and bags, I heard him out: I verily believe his sermon was his own, it was so much like his conversation. I came away well satisfied that I had delivered my own soul.

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On my way I stopped at A——’s and baptized some children: the poor mother held out a piece of gold to me. This is the pay of the priests here for such service: Lord, keep me from the love of honour, money, and ease.

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I had a few hearers at the Lake Waccamaw chapel. There has been much injury done here to the cause of religion by some who promised much in this way, and performed little. I lodged near the Waccamaw Lake, which is seven miles in circumference, fed by several streams running through the adjacent marshes, and surrounded nearly on all sides by a sandy beach: this is a desert country; has few inhabitants, and fewer still who have any deep sense of religion.

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Rode to Elizabethtown, crossing the north-east branch of Cape Fear River. I called at S——’s and offered baptism to his sick wife, which she declined accepting; after I came away she was distressed at her refusal, and sent her son four miles after me; myself and my horse were both weary, but I returned and had a solemn time.

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I preached at Swansborofn32 in sight of the sea. Here are a wicked people indeed; nevertheless, a few have joined society.

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Preached in the court house at Kinston. I was entertained very kindly by Governor Caswell.fn33

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Preached at the Cypress chapel, and had many people to hear. I met Doctor Coke at Green Hill’s that evening: here we held our conference in great peace.fn34

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I rode to Doctor Peets: this man has given up family and private prayer, and yet is in distress about his soul.

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I preached at Bridge Creek chapel.fn35 I was very ill, and was tempted to think the Lord was about to lay me aside, or take me away, and detain Doctor Coke in America.

VIRGINIA

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I am much better in health—my sickness was made a

blessing to me. Rode to W. Mason’s, where we are to meet in conference. I found the minds of the people greatly agitated with our rules against slavery, and a proposed petition to the general assembly for the emancipation of the blacks. Colonel Bedford and Doctor Coke disputed on the subject,fn36 and the Colonel used some threats: next day, brother O’Kelly let fly at them, and they were made angry enough; we, however, came off with whole bones, and our business in conference was finished in peace.

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At Robert Jones’s, I found a blessing in my labours.

Spent the evening with William Graves; I am weak in body, but I have a constant sense of the presence of God. Rode to Lane’s chapel, where I found a serious, loving people.

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Rode to Ellis’s chapel—read prayers and preached. It appears to be low times here. I was happy with brothers Nichols and Spratley in the evening.

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Set off for James City, came to James River, and missing the house where the ferrymen stay, I was detained some time before I found them.

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Had a large congregation at Chickahominy church.fn37 I administered the sacrament to a number of communicants, and we had a very gracious season.

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Rode to Yorktown, lately the seat of war. Here Lord

Cornwallis surrendered to the combined armies of America and France. The inhabitants are dissolute and careless. I preached to a few serious women at one o’clock; and, at the desire of the ladies, again at four o’clock; I came to Mrs. Rowe’s: the son was once on our side;fn38 he has left us, and now we have the mother. I lodged in the poor-house.

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I directed my course for Urbanna. I was apprehensive of a gust, while crossing the Rappahannock; but I reached the other side in safety, lodging with Colonel Gordon and Captain Owings. I waited on Colonel Carter, a Baptist; a man of a most excellent spirit: we had much free conversation on the subjects of religion, Churches, and slavery. MARYLAND

We crossed the Potomac at Hoe’s ferry, and found the people vulgarly wicked, drinking and swearing: we paid a dollar for our ferriage, and left them. Perhaps the providence of God led me this way, that I might see and learn to pity the state of the people in the northern Neck of Virginia; and those also of Charles and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland—I have been sensibly affected with their situation.

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Preached at Gabriel Childs’s, and at David Weems’s; at

which last place they are building a chapel. I hasted on to Annapolis; but through neglect, the people had no notice of my coming. Brother William Gill was here a few weeks past, when one S——, a barber, came to mock; and, it is said, stood up to preach, and said his sins were forgiven: he was soon seized with sickness, and made a sudden exit; here we will leave him.

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Notwithstanding it rained, many attended, of both rich and poor: but in the afternoon, the wind, or the rain, kept the gentry away; many of the common people heard gladly.

VIRGINIA

From Annapolis, we rode to Alexandria, to meet Dr. Coke; he did not come, however, until the next day.

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We waited on GENERAL WASHINGTON, who received us very politely, and gave us his opinion against slavery.fn39 MARYLAND

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We returned to Annapolis. The Doctor preached at six o’clock, to a crowded congregation: thence, passing through Baltimore, we came to Mr. Gough’s.

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We went to Abingdon, to settle our college business;fn40 and took a bond for the conveyance of the ground: we then returned, and fixed our plan for the approaching conference.

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Our conference began.fn41 I was unwell during the

session, a blister running, applied for a pain in my breast. On Thursday the Doctor took his leave of America for this visit. We parted with heavy hearts. On Friday we rested from our labours, and had a love feast.

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I spent three hours profitably, in reading the printed minutes of the conference.

I left Baltimore at three o’clock to take a little breath after such a press of business.

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I rode to Abingdon, to preach the foundation sermon of Cokesbury College: I stood on the ground where the building is to be erected, warm as it was, and spoke from Psalms 78:4Psalm 78:4-8. I had liberty in speaking, and faith to believe the work would go on.

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From Abingdon I returned to Perry Hall, and there continued until Friday.

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Preached in Baltimore, on “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” In the town I spoke three times, and at the Point once.

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Preached at the Garrison church to a dull, backsliding people.

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I crossed the mountains to Sharpsburg, and preached to some honest Germans.

WEST VIRGINIA

Came on to Shepherdstown.

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Rode to the Springs called Bath; now under great

improvement. I preached in the play-house, and lodged under the same roof with the actors. Some folks, who would not hear me in their own neighbourhood, made now a part of my audience, both night and morning. Leaving Bath I came to brother Dew’s (on the South branch of the Potomac) very unwell.

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The day was rainy: nevertheless I preached, administered the sacrament, and baptized some children.

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Rode to Peter Dewit’s,fn42 where I had many to hear, and some to have their children baptized.fn43

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My congregation was large. Hard labour has almost overdone me. I rode to Simpkin’s,fn44 where I found some life among the people. A long, dreary ride, brought us to Morgantown.fn45 I preached and baptized, and was much spent.

PENNSYLVANIA

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I was taken with an inflammation in my throat: I preached at Colossians Charles Martin’s:fn46 afterward I went on, in the night, and very unwell, to Seaton’s.fn47

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I had a high fever; I however bore up to ride eight miles, and preached and baptized.

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Rode to Litten’s,fn48 but could not preach.

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Came to Besontown;fn49 gave an exhortation, and rode on to ——.

WEST VIRGINIA

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Went to Mr. John Jeremiah Jacob’s,fn50 Old Town; he and his wife appear to be much engaged.

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As an appointment was made for me to-day, I read prayers and preached with some pain, and to little purpose. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Very unwell, with a relapse of an inflammatory complaint in the throat; or some time I could get no relief; honey, a remedy so excellent in such cases, was not to be had: meantime I ate with pain, and was called to the exercise of patience.

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Being in a good degree recovered, I felt thankful. My spirit is grieved at so much vanity as is seen here at Bath, by the many poor careless sinners around me. The living is expensive, four dollars per week. Capt. —— is here, raised almost from the grave: I feel tenderly for him; I hope God will convert his soul.

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Mr. Keith gave us a sermon; very legal and to little purpose. In the afternoon I gave them my last discourse on Romans 1:16. MARYLAND

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Rode thirty miles: I was almost spent; I ate a little, and was glad to get to bed.

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I felt better: the weather is very warm.

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I rode fifty miles: I felt weary, but better in health.

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Reached Baltimore. Our friends here have bought a lot, and are building a new chapel thereon, seventy by forty-six feet: it is well fixed for entrances and light.fn51

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From preaching so frequently in the evenings, and consequent exposure to night air, I have suffered a relapse, and the inflammation of my throat has returned: to this was added a bilious lax; so that I was laid up at Mr. Gough’s until Saturday, the 20th inst. During my stay, Mrs. Chamier has departed this life, and is gone, I trust, to Abraham’s bosom. It has been a school of affliction to me; but I am thankful that in my sufferings, I had a skilful physician, and constant attendance from my kind nurses, and I was in a house where prayer was wont to be made. I have been taught the necessity of walking more holily and humbly with God; to pray more fervently, and to preach more faithfully.

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I was just able to perform the funeral rites of Mrs. Chamier. I preached to about one thousand people, and had a very serious time. PENNSYLVANIA

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I set off, very weak, for Philadelphia, and reached there on Thursday the 25th.

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Preached a sacramental sermon on Romans 8:32. Our congregation was large in the evening, to whom I enlarged on Joshua 24:19.

NEW YORK

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Reached New York; and preached the three following days, although weak in body, and languid in spirit.

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Notwithstanding I was very unwell, I preached

thrice, read prayers twice, and held a love feast:fn52 my flesh went heavily along. Our society here has increased in number and grace; our congregations also grow larger. I feel deeper desires to be given up to God. My friends here have been liberal indeed in supplying my temporal needs;fn53 may they be abundantly rewarded in spirituals! NEW JERSEY

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After preaching, this morning, I left the city: overstaying the hour, the stage left us, and we found ourselves under the necessity of walking six miles.fn54

I dined with Mr. Ogden, and preached in Elizabeth,fn55 in the unfinished church belonging to the Presbyterians.fn56

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Heard Mr. Woodhullfn57 preach a funeral discourse on “Lord, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth.” In my judgment he spoke well.

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I had liberty in preaching to the people at Monmouth,fn58 on Joshua 24:17, and felt much for the souls present.

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Quarterly meeting at Morris’s River:fn59 our house was not quite covered, and it was falling weather; the people, nevertheless, stayed to hear me preach; afterward brother Abbott and brother Simon Lucasfn60 spoke to them.

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We had a great time; the people spoke freely of the dealings of God with their souls.

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Rode to brother Fisler’s. I received my wagon for forty- four pounds. Will it not bring me into trouble in travelling, and in getting horses?

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Preached at Salem and at Stow Creek,fn61 with some

consolation: many attended, although it rained, and we had a comfortable time at sacrament. I plunged H.T. and S.M. in Salem Creek: this unusual baptismal ceremony might, perhaps, have made our congregation larger than it would otherwise have been. Lord, help me to keep on, under all my troubles of body and mind! From Salem we proceeded on thirty miles through a great storm; we were glad to stop at Gloucester, where we had a room to ourselves, enjoying our Christian privileges, and were comfortable.

PENNSYLVANIA

Next morning we came on to Cooper’s ferry,fn62 and although the wind blew violently in the morning, when we came to the ferry all was calm. We breakfasted in Philadelphia early enough for church.

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Set out for the south; and arrived at Chester. Next day preached at Matson’s;fn63 arriving at Wilmington, I preached there on James 1:27.

DELAWARE

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At Blackiston’s chapel. I felt the necessity of watching against the spirit of politics, and of being more in the spirit of prayer: the people’s minds are agitated with the approaching election of delegates to the assembly.

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Came to Dover. I had the court house full of people, but I was not in possession of liberty of mind or strength of body to preach. The election is not yet over.

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We had a gracious season at the sacrament at Purdin’s. That evening I rode to brother White’s, and was closely occupied with temporals.

MARYLAND

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We had an open time, and the souls of the people were stirred up at Angiers; the Lord was also with us at Worton chapel in the afternoon.

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I preached at Kent Old Chapel, on, “Ye have said it is vain to serve God:”—in the afternoon and at night in Chestertown. I always have an enlargement in preaching in this very wicked place: the people to-day were very serious and attentive.

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Came to Brown’s Chapel; there was a spirit of life among the people, and my own soul felt comfortably. Some of our principal members here are men who have not been successful; had they prospered in their pursuits, perhaps they never would have sought the Lord: being now in possession of religion, there is the less of danger in prosperity; I therefore counselled them to go to the western country, where the means of rearing a family, and advancing in the world, were more within the reach of the inhabitants.

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Set off from brother White’s, for Dorset circuit. I preached at brother William Frazier’sfn64 in the evening. After visiting the societies in this quarter, I came on Saturday to Caroline quarterly meeting, at the widow Haskins’s; here we had a gracious season.

Rode to Dover quarterly meeting. Our brethren preached and exhorted, and I administered the sacrament.

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I preached on Caleb’s following the Lord fully. I left Dover, and felt some pain in parting with my friends.

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I crossed the Chesapeake, and found some difficulty in getting my wagon over: I missed my appointment at the college, and came late to Mr. Gough’s.

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Came away early, and arriving in Baltimore, preached at noon, on Hebrews 11:2-8; and at night, on Caleb’s fully following the Lord. I found the means of conveyance by my carriage, or Jersey wagon, would not do.

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I preached at Annapolis to a multitude of people, part of whom were serious.

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I was under considerable exercise of mind about my

carriage; I at length resolved to decline travelling in it, and buying a second-hand sulky, left it to be sold. I now travelled light and easy, and came to Childs’s church.fn65

Being disappointed in crossing at Holland’s Point,fn66 I shaped my course for Alexandria. I preached on the Sabbath evening on my way, to an attentive congregation, and reached town on Monday, 14. VIRGINIA

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I dined with Dr. Samuel Smith and Mr. M’Kendree, at

General Roberdeau’s.fn67 Our conversation turned upon slavery; the difficulties attending emancipation, and the resentment some of the members of the Virginia legislature expressed against those who favoured a general abolition. I preached in the court house. I took cold by coming out into the open air whilst in a profuse perspiration; and this I seldom fail to do, if I preach to a large congregation in a close, warm place. In the afternoon I set out, and spent the evening with brother Foster,fn68 at Mr. V——’s: it rained, and the house was like a sieve—they could not even keep the beds from the wet.

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The morning was very damp, and I imprudently set out an hour before day; I thus increased the cold I had caught in Alexandria, and brought on a regular attack of my old complaint—an inflammation in the throat. The day was very cold, and we suffered much: we stopped at a very indifferent house, where there were no beds fit for use, and no candles: we had to wait about two hours for some boiled milk. My fever and inflammation increasing, I rode on thirty-three miles, to Collins’s, in Caroline county, where I became indisposed indeed.

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I could not think it safe to stop here; I went on, passing by Hanover court house, Hanover and Newcastle towns,fn69 anxious to get into a good lodging and amongst kind people. I called at one tolerable house; plain people they were, but ill as I was I could not stay here. Journeying on, I came to a petty ordinary, where the host recommended me to a widow Chamberlayne, who, he thought, would receive me and use me well: it was growing late, and it was cold; and it was still five miles to her house; on, however, I went; the Lord opened the heart of this widow, and she kindly received me under her roof: I found her to be a motherly woman, and to have some skill in my complaint. I was doubtful whether it were best to bleed or blister; my throat inflamed and ulcerated. In this situation I continued with little amendment, until on Wednesday morning the 23d, one ulcer broke; and on Thursday the other. I was now in a fair way for recovery; but having taken cold by frequent bathing my feet, a violent pain and swelling settled in the joint of my great toe, to which I applied a bath and poultice of bitter herbs. My spirits have not failed. I find myself humbled before the Lord; and hope that this affliction will be for his glory and my good.

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This day I rode to James City.

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I went to Chickahominy church, where conditional notice had been given for brother Reed: I preached on Acts 6:31, and spent the evening at Mr. Welden’s. My foot continuing in such a state as to prevent my going to my appointments, I was led to reflect on this dark providence. Unwilling to be idle, I wrote to the preachers to do what they could in collecting money to carry on the building of our college. For some time past, I had not been quite satisfied with the order and arrangement of our form of discipline; and persuaded that it might be improved without difficulty, we accordingly set about it, and during my confinement in James City completed the work, arranging the subject-matter thereof under their proper heads, divisions, and sections.

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5. I felt somewhat better, and had a great desire to go on my way. We set out and came to the James River; after long waiting we got over, but with difficulty—the high wind meeting the tide, made so rough a sea that the water came with great violence into the boat, as we beat out of the creek’s mouth to get into the river: thus exposed, I took cold, which brought on a slight inflammation, and next day increased, and produced a fever.

NORTH CAROLINA

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Having proceeded on, I arrived at brother Reddrick’s, in Gates’s county, North Carolina, where I spoke a little.

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I had more hearers at Wintonfn70 than I expected; they were attentive to what I said on Joshua 24:19.

At Wicocon the glory is departed. A few Baptist women stood at a distance and wept, whilst I administered the sacrament: they dared not come to the table, lest they should be discovered by their own people. On Thursday last we made an attempt to cross the Roanoke at Cashiefn71 but could not get a flat; we then made for Oliver’s ferry, and having no knowledge of the way, I waded through Rock West twice, and wet my books. The river was rising rapidly, and we had still six miles to Long Ferry: I was very unwell, and my spirits greatly sunk. After getting over, our difficulties did not cease; we had to wade several deep and dangerous swamps: we, at length, by kind Providence, were brought safely to brother Currell’s, where we met brother Morris.fn72 The two following days we went on in the same manner, both horses and riders sometimes in danger as they worried through the swampy wilds.

A solitary day this!—plenty of water, if nothing else. We employed a black man to ride our horses, and we took to a canoe; being remounted, and journeying on, we came to a stream that was impassable—we found ourselves under the necessity of going round by Martinsburg, and thus got into the road, and now pushed forward with spirit, until we came to Swift’s Creek;fn73 here the causeway was overflown, and the logs most of them afloat; my horse fell, but I was preserved by his securing a fore-foot hold on the timber after falling: thus we toiled over our swampy routes and crazy bridges, till seven o’clock; and about that time arrived at Neuse Ferry, having ridden about forty tedious miles.

Came to Newbern.fn74 Found brothers Allen and Baldwinfn75 in the church; I preached at three o’clock, on, “The world by wisdom knew not God.” The assembly was in session, and some of the members were friendly.fn76

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Sailed down to Beaufort, and preached in the church:fn77 the people are kind, but have very little religion. On the same evening I pushed down to the Straits,fn78 and the next day preached at the Straits chapel; thence I returned to town, and preached again; after which we sailed back to Colonel Bell’s,fn79 whence we first started. Saturday and Sunday, 24, 25. We held quarterly meeting at Swansboro; many people—little religion.

We came to Ford’s ferry on Drowning creek,fn80 The waters had risen, and extended far outwards from the banks of the stream; here we were brought to a full stop: providentially, we found a man there who was waiting for his brother to fetch him over; the brother came, and we all crossed over together; not, however, without danger—bushes would strike the horses, and their capering about had well-nigh overset the boat.

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