1786

I rode my sore-backed horse about thirty miles to

Dunham’s, in Britton’s Neck.fo1 Dunham is in despair: this, perhaps, is constitutional—or it may be owing to his circumstances; the awakening of God’s Spirit, or the combination of all these may have produced this effect. I borrowed brother A——’s horse, and we went on. We crossed Great Pedee, and Lynch’s creek, and wet my books: coming to Black Mingo, we lodged at a tavern, and were well used.fo2 Sleeping upstairs, I was afraid the shingles, if not the roof of the house, would be taken away with the wind.

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I preached at Georgetown twice to about eighty people each time; this is a poor place for religion. Here I was met by brother Henry Willis.fo3

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Rode to Wappetaw. It was no small comfort to me to see a very good frame prepared for the erection of a meeting house for us, on that very roadfo4 along which, last year, we had gone pensive and distressed, without a friend to entertain us.

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Preached at Sinclair Capers’sfo5—we had a good time, and

many hearers, considering that neither place or weather was favourable: my soul enjoyed great peace, and I was much engaged with God that my labours might not be in vain. From Capers’s I came to Cain Hoy by water. I was grieved at Beverly Allen’sfo6 conduct; hurt to the cause of God may follow.

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I came to Charleston: being unwell, brother Willis supplied my place.

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We had a solemn time in the day, and a full house and good time in the evening. My heart was much taken up with God. Our congregations are large, and our people are encouraged to undertake the building of a meeting house this year. Charleston has suffered much—a fire about 1700—again in November, 1740—and lastly, the damage sustained by the late war: the city is now in a flourishing condition.

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I left the city, and found the road so bad that I was thankful I had left my carriage, and had a saddle and a good pair of boots.fo7 We were water bound at Wassamaw, where I found a few who had been awakened by the instrumentality of our preachers. I was comforted in reading Mr. Zublee’s account of the death of some pious Germans; and also Mrs. Fletcher’sfo8 account of her husband’s death.

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The Wassamaw being still impassable, we directed our course up the low lands through the wild woods,fo9 until we came to Mr. Winter’s, an able planter, who would have us to dine with him and stay the night. His wife’s mother being ill and desiring the sacrament, we went to her apartment, and there had a melting, solemn time: in this worthy family we had prayer night and morning.

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We made an early start. We stopped at a tavern for breakfast; the landlord had seen and heard me preach three years before in Virginia, and would receive no pay. That evening we came to Mrs. B.’s. We rode fifty miles to the Congaree: we lodged where there were a set of gamblers: I neither ate bread nor drank water with them. We left these blacklegs early next morning, and after riding nine miles, came to a fire, where, stopping and broiling our bacon, we had a high breakfast. At Weaver’s ferry we crossed the Saluda.fo10 Here once lived that strange, deranged mortal, who proclaimed himself to be God: report says, that he killed three men for refusing their assent to his godship: he gave out his wife to be the Virgin Mary, and his son Jesus Christ; and when hanged at Charleston, promised to rise the third day.

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I had near four hundred hearers at Parrott’s log church, near Broad River.fo11 We have ridden about two hundred miles in the last eight days.

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Having, by appointment, to preach on Sandy River, we set off in the rain which had been falling all the night before: the first little stream we attempted to cross had well-nigh swept brother M’Daniel away. We rode on to Little Sandy, but found it too much swollen for us to ford; going up the stream, we crossed over on a log, our horses swimming over; having gained the opposite bank, we continued on about twenty miles, and had a trying time: I was happy, although brother Willis was afraid we should be obliged to sleep in the woods.

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We rode to friend Terry’s;fo12 but here we met with our old difficulties, and were compelled to go up higher. Coming to Great Sandy, we crossed the river at Walker’s mill; and here we were in danger of losing both our horses; the water came with such rapidity from the dam that it swept them down the stream under a log: we at length came to father Seally’s:fo13 here we stayed to refit, and had everything comfortable. I preached on Wednesday, after which I had one hundred and fifty miles to ride to White’s, Mulberry Fields, near the mouth of John’s River. NORTH CAROLINA

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fo14 We made a push for the Highlands, and got as far

as brother Smith’s. On Friday we aimed to get to the Horse Ford; but missing our way, we made but twenty-five miles, reaching Herman’s, who treated us kindly, and would receive nothing—this was well for us, for we had but little to give.

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Was a very rainy day; however, we pushed on, and rode this day about fifty miles. We crossed the north branch of the Catawba River, and arriving late at the south branch, we providentially met with a man who was acquainted with the ford and piloted us safe over; it was dark, and the river mild: through a heavy day’s journey we came, wet and weary, to Mr. Moore’s.

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I preached at brother Connelly’s, where there is a large society, and a revival of religion.

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We rode to W. White’s, and appointed preaching for the next day; here I had about one hundred hearers.

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We rode forty computed, and, perhaps, in truth, fifty miles, to quarterly meeting at Gordon’s, at the Mulberry Fields, on the Yadkin River: here we met with brothers Ivey, Bingham, and Williamson.fo15 Thursday, the sacrament was a time of refreshing.

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I rode through rain and hail to B——’s, and preached to a few serious people on Psalm 128, and we were blessed together. O, what happiness do they lose who never visit the poor in their cottages!

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At Joseph Herndon’sfo16 it was a chilly day, but there was some life among the people.

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There were many to hear at K——’s.

My rides are little short of twenty miles a day in this mountainous country, besides my public labours: my soul has peace, but this body is heavy and afflicted with pain.

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We rode through the snow to Heady’s, where, to my

surprise, I found that the poor people had built a good house of logs; and not satisfied with this, they must needs collect a little money for me, if I would receive it.

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Preached at Morgan Bryan’s. Next day I set off in the rain, and travelled with it: we swam Grant’s creek, and reached Salisbury in the evening, wet and weary. I thought we should scarcely have preachers at the time appointed, but the bad weather did not stop their coming. We spent three days in conference, and went through our business with satisfaction.fo17 Having sent our horses into the country, we could not get them when they were wanted; I therefore borrowed brother Tunnell’sfo18 horse, and went on to my appointments.

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I found many waiting at Newman’s church,

Rockingham county, to whom I enlarged on, “Christ our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.” Provisions here are scarce: some of our friends from the Delaware are suffering. I arrived in the night at A. Arnett’s: my being in a poor cottage did not prevent my being happy, for God was with me.

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I preached on, “This do in remembrance of me;” and it was a solemn, good time.

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At the widow Dick’s the preachers fell in with each other: there were Foster, Ellis, L., and Hull;fo19 the latter is a smooth-tongued pretty speaker, a youth that promises fair for future usefulness.

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At Stanfield’s I had many hearers, and more liberty in speaking than I have had for some time past. It is hard to get and preserve the spirit of preaching: it seems as if God, at times and places, withholds his Spirit from his servants; or else the power of Satan is so strong as to depress the life and liberty of the speaker.

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I rode once more to Hillsboro, where I met with a cool

reception: I am now satisfied never to visit that place again until they have a society formed, constant preaching, and a desire to see me. O, what a county this is! We can but just get food for our horses. I am grieved, indeed, for the sufferings, the sins, and the follies of the people.

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Came to Whitaker’s chapel, near Fishing Creek,fo20 where I spoke, with but little consolation to myself, to about seventy souls. I feel my body unwell; but my soul is stayed in cheerful dependence upon God.

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Rode to D.’s chapel, where I was met by about fifty hearers: spirituous liquors have greatly injured the people here.

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At Conniconnara chapel. I had nearly gone through my subject, when a man began to talk; his brother carried him away, after fruitless endeavours to silence him. Brother Dickins spoke, and I came away in great pain to brother Clayton’s.

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I took some Hiera Picra,fo21 and felt better. Read our Form of Discipline, in manuscript, which brother Dickins has been preparing for the press.fo22

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We had a large congregation, and a solemn time at brother Clayton’s. After meeting returned to brother Dickins’s. He and his wife cleave to God; but there is a great declension elsewhere.

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I called on sister Bruce, at whose house I preached when she lived near Portsmouth, Virginia. I found her at the point of death, her soul filled with the peace and love of God.

VIRGINIA

I came on to Roanoak chapel, where I was led to be sharp while treated on the form of godliness without the power.

I found the Lord was working among the people at Young’s, in Mecklenburg, and felt myself to be in a warmer clime. We had a gracious time at quarterly meeting, especially at the sacrament: the words of our excellent sister Jones, both in speaking and in prayer, were sweetly and powerfully felt. The second day was great, both in preaching and love feast: my soul was melted; I have not witnessed such a meeting in the South.

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Rode through the rain twenty-four miles to the widow

Bedford’s, where but a few, besides the society, came. I met the married men and women apart, and there were tenderness and tears, greatly felt, and copiously shed, among them.

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I preached at Merritt’s chapel, with but little life. I rode down to Mason’s that night, much weakened through abstinence. A deep dejection seized my spirits, so that I could hardly bear up. On the Sabbath day I preached at Moss’s, to a large congregation. We went forwards towards Lane’s church: here our conference was held—some spirits were tried before it ended. Here ten young men offered themselves on probation.

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Rode through the rain to N. Lee’s.

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Arrived in Petersburg, and had but a dull time.

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Being Easter-day, I preached at the Manakintown on Colossians 3:1-4, with some freedom.

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I directed my course northward, and on Thursday the twentieth reached Alexandria.

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Hail, glorious Lord! After deep exercises of body and mind, I feel a solemn sense of God on my heart. I preached by day in the court house, on 1 Peter 3:10; and in the evening at the Presbyterian church, on Luke 19:41, 42. Alexandria must grow: and if religion prospers among them, it will be blessed. I drew a plan, and set on foot a subscription for a meeting house.

MARYLAND

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Arrived in Baltimore, and was occupied until the following Saturday in collecting money for the books, and inspecting the accounts of the Book Concern.fo23

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I preached three times, and made a collection to defray the expenses of sending missionaries to the western settlements;fo24 I spoke twice on the same subject through the course of the week.

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Our conference began at Abingdon,fo25 where love, candour, and precision, marked our deliberations.

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We find that the college is now only fit for covering, and we are already in debt nearly £900, and money is scarce. Came to Baltimore to spend another tedious week.

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My soul is stayed upon the Lord; and all within me longs for God—even the living God.

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I preached in the new meeting house in Light street, on “I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of the Lord, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” And in the evening I spoke on 1 Kings 9:6-9; it was a very solemn time, a warning to our young people.

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We had a watch night, brother Whatcoat preached; it was a moving season.

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Came to Antietam settlement,fo26 and spoke in a Dutch church: a travelling ministry would be more productive of good among these people; their preachers and people are too fond of settling, and having things established on the regular plan.

WEST VIRGINIA

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I reached Shepherdstown with difficulty, and in pain. I

was blest, and delivered my own soul. The people here are displeased with me because I do not send them brother Thomas Vasey.fo27 Riding through so much wet and damp weather has caused the inflammation of my foot, and I am afraid of being stopped: this is a great trial to me; Lord, give me a perfect resignation! We have had rain for eighteen days successively, and I have ridden about two hundred miles in eight or nine days; a most trying time indeed.

VIRGINIA

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We rode twenty-eight miles along very bad roads to Milburn’s.fo28 Brother Watters preached.

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The Lutheran minister began a few minutes before I got into Winchester. I rode leisurely through the town, and preached under some spreading trees on a hill,fo29 on Joshua 24:19, to many white and black people. It was a solemn, weighty time; all was seriousness and attention. I then went once more to Newtown;fo30 here I preached on 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. I had but little freedom in speaking. I called on Mr. Otterbein: we had some free conversation on the necessity of forming a church among the Dutch, holding conferences, the order of its government, &c. WEST VIRGINIA

——fo31 Rode to Colossians Seymour’s,fo32 as welcome as snow in harvest. My soul is kept in peace; but my poor body is much fatigued, and I am lame withal. I came over a rough road to Johnson’s,fo33 and preached to a most insensible people.

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Rode thirty-one miles; spoke at Dewitt’s to about fifty people; rather hard this, after riding so far: I shall go elsewhere, and do more good, I hope.

MARYLAND

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I had an open time at Colossians Barratt’s. My lameness discourages me. Praise the Lord! there is a little religion on the Maryland side of the Potomac, and this is some comfort, without which this Alleghany would make me gloomy indeed. Sick or lame, I must try for Redstone to-morrow. My mind has been deeply impressed with the necessity of getting our people to set apart the five o’clock hour wholly for prayer; to establish prayer meetings, and to speak evil of no man.

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We rode about twenty-two miles, and were kindly entertained for five shillings and sixpence.fo34 WEST VIRGINIA

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We had a heavy ride to Morgantown. I was to have been there at four o’clock, but missing my way, I made it six.

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We had a great day. When I had done preaching brother

Enoch Matsonfo35 exhorted with life and power, and the power of God was felt among the people. I suppose there were nearly six hundred hearers present.

PENNSYLVANIA

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Being court time at Beesontownfo36 our congregation was large; perhaps not less than six hundred people. My foot continues swelled and uneasy; but I desire to praise the Lord under every affliction.

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Crossed the Monongahela at Redstone at Old Fort,fo37 where they are building a town. I am now among some of my old friends that moved from Maryland to this country.

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I was much blessed, and had many to hear at S. Litton’s. We are now going to the frontiers, and may take a peep into the Indian land.fo38 This is a fruitful district, and I hope it will prosper in religion. I have lately been sorely assaulted by Satan, and much blessed of the Lord.

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The people were very still, and very lifeless at Lackey’s.fo39 I felt the power of death, and my spirits were low. This is death—when religion and every comfortable accommodation are wanting. Lord, sanctify all these for my humiliation!

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We had a wild company at Dennis’s, to whom I was led to be pointed, on Isaiah 55:6, 7. After preaching we ate a little bread and butter, and rode fifteen miles to Doddridge’s Fort.fo40 We arrived just at sunset, and I was comforted in the company of brother Smith,fo41 and others of my old friends from Maryland.

WEST VIRGINIA

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Preached in Coxe’s Fortfo42 on the Ohio river,fo43 on “Trust in the Lord, and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land.” Psalms 37:2Psalm 37:2, 3. We found it necessary to return, they said twelve, but I thought fifteen miles. We were lost in the woods, and it rained all the way. We, however, came in about eight o’clock, and about ten laid ourselves down to rest in peace.

PENNSYLVANIA

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I had a large congregation, and Divine aid. We hasted away to a little town called Washington—wicked enough at all times, but especially now at court time. We had uncomfortable lodgings. Riding hard all day, and loss of sleep at night, never fail laying me under affliction.

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I had enlargement in speaking to three or four hundred people, at Roberts’s chapel,fo44 on Luke 4:18.

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Occasion was given to-day for expressions of wonder by a clerical character, that any one should be able to preach who had not acquired learning. What Jesuitical stupidity was here manifested! We came to the widow Murphy’s.fo45 The family are kind, and the mother professes religion.

July 1 and 2. I spoke in the new church at Beesontown.fo46 We had a feeling, gracious season. The sacrament was, I trust, attended with a blessing.

MARYLAND

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We came in haste to Simpkins and thence to Barratt’s.fo47 We rode through gloomy mountains, and over rough roads for two hours in the dark, where both man and horse were in danger; but the Lord was our preserver, and no accident happened to us.

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I came to Barratt’s, where God spoke to the hearts of a few souls, who were not a little moved. Here I was almost ready to drop for want of sleep.

I found an appointment had been made for me at Friend’s Cove.fo48 I hesitated to go, but being unwilling to disappoint the people, I set out, and must needs stray two miles out of my way to see a curious spring, which ebbs and flows, but not regularly. What with rocks and logs in our route, the way was so rough, it was a mercy that ourselves and our horses escaped unhurt. I came to the Cove, and preached on Luke 11:13. I have been greatly tempted to impatience and discontent. The roads are bad; my horse’s hind feet without shoes; and but little to eat. To this I may add, that the lodgings are unclean and uncomfortable. I rode across the mountain to Spurgin’s,fo49 where I met with a number of serious souls. I do not repent coming fifteen miles. I preached on, “That we may have boldness in the day of judgment.”

I rode twenty-two miles to Foster’s,fo50 along a blind path, and came in about nine o’clock, and was thankful. I have, in six days, ridden about one hundred and fifty miles, on as bad roads as any I have seen on the continent.

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I rested from riding. Preached on, “Who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” I had sweet communion with God in the woods. My soul hath rest in the Lord.

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Came to Old Town, and preached on 1 Timothy 1:15; and administered the sacrament.

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I rested to look over some papers and prepare some

parchments. Spent nearly a third of the day in prayer, that the Lord would go with me to the Springs. O what hath God wrought for brother John Jeremiah Jacob and his wife since I lodged with them four years ago! I believe from that day the Lord heard our prayers for them. There has been a remarkable storm of hail at and about the warm springs, by which great damage has been sustained. Some of the hail, it was said, measured seven inches in circumference.

WEST VIRGINIA

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I came to Bath; the water made me sick. I took some pills, and drank chicken-broth, and mended. I am ill in body, and dispirited. I am subject to a headache, which prevents my reading or writing much, and have no friends here; but I desire to trust the Lord with all my concerns. Having no appointments for three weeks to come, I have concluded to stay here awhile; and I am the more inclined so to do, as I am apprehensive my stomach wants all the healing efficacy of the waters to restore it to its proper tone.

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I had some Divine assistance in speaking to the people under the trees, on “Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.” In the afternoon I enlarged on, “Having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Quite weak, and considerably affected by the water.

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I am better. Employed in reading Mr. Harvey, and Brooks’s Practice of Physic. More than ordinary in prayer, and spoke in public every other night.

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I spoke plainly and closely in the playhouse, on “O! wicked man, thou shalt surely die.” The people were serious. I cannot get the people to attend preaching except on the Sabbath. This evil is to be remedied only, I presume, by our getting a preaching house, and preaching therein by candle-light.

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I began to pack up, in hopes of moving on Monday.

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I had a serious, little congregation in the country.fo51 Returned to town, and preached at four o’clock.

A pleasing thought passed through my mind: it was this, that I was saved from the remains of sin. As yet, I have felt no returns thereof. I was solemnly impressed with the account of the death of poor Styor,fo52 a German, who dropped down suddenly, and died. He was a man of piety, and had a gift to preach; had a noble spirit, and sound judgment. I have spent twenty-three days at this place of wickedness (Bath). We are trying what can be done towards building a house for worship:fo53 we collected something on the Sabbath for that purpose, and it appears the business is entered upon with spirit. My horse was running in the pasture last week, and hurt himself, so that I find him utterly incapable of travelling, and that I am compelled to linger here another week. This, as it is, I am willing to do, for the sake of the people, the cause of God, and my health; and I am disposed to consider it a providential call, although I should not remain, were my horse able to carry me away. I sent brother Caleb Boyerfo54 to my appointments, and directed him when and where to appoint for me. My hopes revive here, and I trust my labour is not all in vain.

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I preached for the last time during this visit, but the people showed but little affection for the word.

Capon River being full, I crossed in a canoe, and found my horse better. The cut was a deep one, but we applied a piece of bacon to the wound, bound some leather round it, and on Thursday I took my departure from this unhappy place.

Came to my old friend, Benjamin Boydstone’s. I had the happiness of seeing that tender woman, his wife, who careth for the preachers as for her own soul; full oft hath she refreshed my spirit: her words, looks, and gestures, appear to be heavenly. Here I could make no stay, lest I should miss my appointments in Philadelphia; and if so, be too late for those made in the Jerseys and New York.

MARYLAND—NEW JERSEY

Sunday morning. Rode twenty miles to Pipe Creek chapel,fo55 and preached to a large congregation.

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Reached Mr. Gough’s, where I spent two days. The weather was very warm; but for one hundred miles and upwards I have had it sufficiently agreeable.

Came to Abingdon. Our college is still without a cover, and our managers, as I expected, almost out of breath. I made but little stay, but hasted on to Philadelphia, and arrived there on the twenty-sixth, Saturday.

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I came to Trenton; and thence proceeded on to Brunswick. I was accidentally, or rather providentially, favoured with a ride in a carriage; else I know not how I should have proceeded on my journey. NEW YORK

I reached New York on the thirty-first of August, having travelled three hundred and fifty miles since I left Bath, in Virginia. I was taken ill, and was confined about eight days, during which time I was variously tried and exercised in mind. I spent some time in looking over my journals, which I have kept for fifteen years back.fo56 Some things I corrected, and some I expunged. Perhaps, if they are not published before, they will be after my death, to let my friends and the world see how I have employed my time in America. I feel the worth of souls, and the weight of the pastoral charge, and that the conscientious discharge of its important duties requires something more than human learning, unwieldy salaries, or clerical titles of D.D., or even bishop. The eyes of all—both preachers and people, will be opened in time.

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It was a very solemn season at the ordination of

brother Dickins to the eldership.fo57 I gave the charge from 1 Timothy 3:10, 14. In the afternoon I preached to the people from these words, “Pray for us;” and in the evening from “The world by wisdom knew not God: it pleased God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe.” I met the society, and opened my mind to them on various subjects.

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I rose with a sense of God upon my soul.

I have been a little grieved with letters from ——:fo58 but it is in vain to look for more than man in the best of men. My witness is on high; and I shall have respect to my Great Shepherd in all things. After preaching on “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,” &c., and settling some temporal matters relative to the support of the stationed preachers,fo59 I left the city and came to Elizabethtown. At seven o’clock I preached, and had much liberty.

NEW JERSEY

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We dined at Amboy, and reached Monmouth at night.

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I preached with life and love at Leonard’s.fo60 The people here appear very lifeless. I have lately been much tried and much blessed.

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I had many to hear at Potter’s church,fo61 but the people were insensible and unfeeling.

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I met with brothers Phoebus [?] and Budd.fo62 We sailed over the bay to the sea, for the benefit of the air.

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Since this day week we have ridden about one hundred and fifty miles over dead sands, and among a dead people, and a long space between meals.fo63

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I preached in a close, hot place, and administered the

sacrament. I was almost ready to faint. I feel fatigued and much dispirited. We lodged at Freedom Lucas’s, near Batstow, an honest-hearted man.fo64 We shall see whether he will continue to be the same simple-hearted Christian he now is, when he gets possession of the estate which, it is said, has fallen to him in England.

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We had a very large congregation; to whom I

enforced, “Look unto me, all ye ends of the earth, and be saved.” Cape-May.—We stopped at the Cape.fo65 I find there is a great dearth of religion in these parts; and my spirit is clothed in sackcloth before the Lord.

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At Peter Cressy’sfo66 we had a few cold hearers—the glory is strangely departed.

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There are a few pious souls at Gough’s;fo67 but here also there is an evident declension. My soul is under deep exercise on account of the deadness of the people, and my own want of fervour and holiness of heart.

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At Morris River church,fo68 I was warm and close on, “Lord, are there few that be saved?” The people were attentive to the word.

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At New England Town we had a small house and large

congregation. I had liberty in preaching on, “By grace are ye saved through faith.” Thence I proceeded to M——’s, where I had poor times. Next day I felt quite unwell for want of rest, so annoyed were we the night before.

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I was shut up in speaking on 1 Corinthians 1:30. At Murphy’sfo69 we had many dull, prayerless people. We came to the widow Ayres’s;fo70 the mother and daughters are serious, and the son thoughtful. The weather is oppressively warm, and I feel weary and faint. I was much shut up at Bethel,fo71 on 1 Peter 3:18. Three times have I been here, and always straitened in spirit.

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Came to Sandstown:fo72 the weather very warm, and the people dull: I administered the sacrament, and rode away to Cooper’s ferry,fo73 where we left our horses and crossed to the city, (Philadelphia:) here I found brother Whatcoat, with whom I took sweet counsel. PENNSYLVANIA

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I had some energy in speaking, and at sacrament. In the afternoon it was a feeling time, on “The Lord will give grace and glory.” NEW JERSEY

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Rode to Mount Holly, where I preached on “Come, ye blessed of my Father,” &c.; and then at New Mills, on “Suffering affliction with the people of God.”

At Burlington I enlarged on, “Neither is there salvation in any other,” &c.: these are not a zealous people for religion.

PENNSYLVANIA

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We returned to the city of Philadelphia. Next day I preached, and was close and pointed.

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I was led to treat on the sufferings of God’s people; as entirely distinct from those they endure in common with other men, and certainly unavoidable by all who are really alive to God. I found it necessary to change some official men; and to take proper steps in preparing to defray our church debt, which is now £500. I gave them a sermon on “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another.”

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In the afternoon I left the city, and preached in the evening at Chester.

DELAWARE

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I rode forty-five miles to Dickerson’s,fo74 in the Delaware State. Preached at Little Creek,fo75 and then rode five miles to Dover, and preached in the court house. I bless God for peace of mind, and communion with him.

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I had many to hear at Dover, and had power and liberty in speaking on Galatians 1:5: we also had a good sacramental time. In the afternoon I spoke on the latter part of my text—how and what it is to suffer according to the will of God. Thence to Thomas White’s, where I was closely employed.

MARYLAND

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I preached at Cambridge, on “We preach Christ

crucified,” &c.; little light, and less heat. I was blessed in my own soul, and had liberty in preaching at M’Keel’sfo76 in the afternoon, where there is some revival among the people.

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I rode to Mr. Bartholomew Ennals’s;fo77 the notice was short, and the congregation small; the word, nevertheless, reached some hearts. I crossed at Vienna, a dead and dark place for religion.

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We had more than I expected of hearers at Quantico chapel. Thence I went to Wicomico River, and lodged at Captain Conaway’s,fo78 where we met with a kind reception. I feel the need of being more than ever given up to God. I preached in Curtis’s chapel:fo79 our love feast was lively: several holy women spoke of the perfect love of God.

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According to the custom of the place, I preached to accommodate them; my subject was Joshua 14:8.

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I had about fifty hearers at Miles’s chapel,fo80 where I preached a funeral sermon on Ezekiel 36:25.

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I crossed Pocomoke River, and had some enlargement in preaching at Melvin’s chapel.

VIRGINIA

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Rode to Paramore’s. The winter comes on apace. I am at times beset with temptation; but sin is as hateful to me as ever.

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The weather was cold and rainy, so that there were but few people at the widow Burton’s; among these there were some who enjoyed, and others panting after, the perfect love of God.

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I rode about twenty miles through the rain to Garrettson chapel, where about fifty whites, and as many blacks met me, to whom I preached with liberty.

MARYLAND

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I rode about forty-five miles; and on Tuesday preached at Snow Hillfo81 to about one hundred people. Here I visited some prisoners under sentence of death; they were sunk down with fear and horror. DELAWARE

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My soul has peace under sore temptation. I want to live from moment to moment under a sense of God.

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We had a cold, long ride to the sound.fo82 On Sunday we had an open house, and the weather was very cold; but my preaching was not all in vain: I spoke from these words, “I will give them a heart of flesh.”

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I rode thirty miles to Lewes very unwell. I preached at Shankland’s,fo83 and the people were serious, but I was compelled to cease from speaking by a violent pain in my head, accompanied by a fever.

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I preached in the court house at Lewes and I trust the word went with some weight; the congregation was large.

MARYLAND

I attended a quarterly meeting at William Frazier’s, where I rested from travelling two days: the first day I spoke on “Fight the good fight of faith;” and on the second, “Look unto me, all ye ends of the earth, and be saved.” My soul was blessed, although our meeting was cold; and our dwelling- house crowded with a dozen preachers, besides others.

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Preached at Tuckahoe chapel,fo84 on “These shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.” I spoke again at widow Lyder’sfo85 at four o’clock.

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I rode to the bay-side through snow and hail, and met about one hundred people:fo86 this we owe to the revival of religion among them. Our return thence was through heavy roads. I stopped in my way at Henry Banning’s,fo87 whose wife felt conviction under my preaching three years ago.

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I had a few people at Bolinbroke,fo88 and spent the evening with Colonel Burkhead, who wants to know the Lord; he opened his mind to me with great freedom and tenderness. Brother James Whitefo89 says that five hundred souls have joined society in this circuit (Talbot) this year; that half that number profess to have found the Lord; and more than one hundred to have obtained sanctification: good news this, if true. DELAWARE

At Barratt’s chapel there was some move during the course of the quarterly meeting, especially at the love feast. I rode in the evening to Dover, and preached on “So is every one that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God.”

MARYLAND

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We had a heavy ride to Queen Anne’s chapel. I did not arrive there until near two o’clock. My soul melted for backsliders. I was much led out on Hosea 14:14; and hope it will never be forgotten. We dined, and then rode to Newtown by sunset.

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A day of rest to my soul. I preached and administered the sacrament in Newtown.fo90 They have a comfortable house for worship here, especially in the winter. Came to Worton chapel,fo91 and had some life in speaking to a few people.

We waited at the widow Frisby’sfo92 for a boat to cross the Chesapeake bay; but none was to be had. We rode round the head of Elk River, and crossed the Susquehanna: we came in, after riding that evening in the rain and snow, with the wind in our faces, about twenty miles.

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Reached the college; and on Friday went to Baltimore, where I was in great haste to settle the business of the Book Concern,fo93 and of the college.

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We called a meeting of the trustees, formed our constitution, and elected new members. I preached twice on the Sabbath, and ordained Woolman Hicksonfo94 and Joseph Cromwell to the eldership. I met the trustees and adjusted the accounts. We find we have expended upwards of £2,000; we agreed to finish two rooms, and to send for Mr. Heath for our president.fo95 On Tuesday I left town, and came to Annapolis about seven o’clock. Finding my appointments were not made, I determined to direct my course towards Alexandria. The Lord has been powerfully at work at Annapolis since I was here last autumn; twenty or thirty whites and some blacks have been added to the society.

VIRGINIA

I reached Alexandria, and on Saturday preached in the court house, on, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.”

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