1789

After waiting about two hours the wind suddenly calmed, and I crossed Rappahannock and came to Cheesecake.fr1

We had a comfortable meeting at Richard (or Robert) Matthews’s,fr2 in Kingston,fr3 thence to Billup’s;fr4 and afterward to Douglas’s,fr5 where, although I had an unfeeling audience, I had satisfaction in my own soul. We came to James City; where God has wrought a glorious work; as also in New Kent county in the same circuit: a number of young people have been made the subjects of this grace.

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I had a most agreeable passage, for the season, across James River. Arrived at Mooring’s about three o’clock, and found a lively people. Christians here appear to stand faithful, but sinners are not brought in.

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Was a good day at Ellis’s: my soul felt peace, and I was happy to find our old friends standing fast.

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We had a happy meeting at Lane’s chapel. I went to the widow Lane’s: I felt uneasy; but I found it needful for me to be there.

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Preached on, “Kiss the Son,” &c., and afterward rode fifteen miles to Moss’s. They are a dear people at Lane’s chapel: slavery is greatly on the decline among them.

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An appointment had been made at Mabry’s chapel, but the sleet and rain hindered the people from attending; so I preached at brother Thweat’sfr6 to about six preachers, and as many members. NORTH CAROLINA

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I had about three hundred hearers at the Low Ground

chapel: our brethren shouted whilst I enlarged on Isaiah 63:1. I have felt very solemn for two or three days past, as though God would speak through me to the souls of the people.

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Rode to Moore’s; had a dead, dull people, except those few who came from a distance. Crossed Roanoak, and arriving at the place of preaching a little after night, I spoke on, “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people,” &c.

Saturday and Sunday, 17, 18. Preached at Whitaker’s chapel,fr7 where we had a profitable time; I found God had been working, and that many souls had been awakened.

We came to J——’s: in this neighbourhood the Christians are singularly devoted, but sinners yet stand it out. The Lord has begun to work on Sandy Creek, in Franklin county, where twenty souls have been lately brought to God. Came to Bemnet Hills, hungry and unwell. My soul enjoys much of God.

We had a shaking time at Hill’s; a sweet love feast and sacrament. Thence I went to Pope’s chapel: I came to G——’s.

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Rode to Kimbrough’s,fr8 twenty miles, where there were

many people, and but little engagedness among them. After attending a few appointments on Tuesday 27, I crossed Haw River, and rode twenty miles to brother Kennon’s, in Chatham county: I had not been in this county for eight years; we had a meeting at night, but I was strangely shut up.

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Rode to W.’s, wet and water-bound: we found the poor Antinomian drunk; however, as the rain was great, we made out to stay.

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Rode through the rain to Bowdon’s. Deep River was very high; and we had an awful time crossing it.

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Came to Fair Creek, which was nearly swimming high. Then to Little River, but we could not cross; we stopped at M’D.’s, and ate our own morsel; afterward we rode down the river, and were thankful to be housed.

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I attended an appointment made for another preacher at Mask’s, where there were a few serious souls.

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I stopped on my way at Dr. King’s,fr9 and took dinner, and had my horse shod. By some means my appointments have not been published. SOUTH CAROLINA

Came to the Green Ponds,fr10 where there was an appointment for me; I felt a little comforted. I have ridden about one hundred and forty miles in the last seven days, through a very disagreeable part of the country to travel when the waters are high: I have had various exercises, and have suffered hunger, fatigue, and fever, and have not had a comfortable bed for a week past.

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I was much moved at the Beauty Spot,fr11 on, “Ye did run well,” &c. I found it had been the case here; but ah! the use of strong liquor.

We rode to Rogers’sfr12 a long stretch across a deep swamp: we came in late, and I preached with little liberty. I lodged at ——, a poor, kind man.

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Notwithstanding the rain, we had many to hear at Flower’s.fr13 It was in due season that I was led out here on Peter’s denial of his Master; for there has been a great falling away, particularly by drunkenness: this was not told me till after preaching.

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Rode to Rewell’s meeting house:fr14 my soul was in peace and uncommonly led out in preaching. Thence to Port’s,fr15 Long Ferry, three miles across Pee Dee: the inundation of the river, occasioned by the rains, has made a mere sea. My mind has been variously tried and strongly exercised by dejection. Lord, give me faith and patience!

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Came, after a ride of forty miles, to Georgetown, and lectured on Isaiah 40:1-9.

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Rode forty-five miles to Wappetawfr16; and next day arrived in Charleston in sweet peace of soul.

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Preached in the morning with some light; in the afternoon on Matthew 11:28-30. I preached again on Tuesday and on Wednesday. My heart was drawn out greatly for these people.

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I spoke very pointedly on Revelation 3:20-22, but the people are of small spiritual understanding. Lord, stir them up! I was closely employed in making my plan, and arranging the papers for conference. I made out a register of all the preachers on the continent who bear the name of Methodists.

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I was very ill with a fever and colic; and it being rainy, I kept within doors.

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Very rainy, but I had about a hundred blacks, and nearly fifty whites to hear me. I preached also in the afternoon, and at night.

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I set out for Edisto circuit, journeying up the south side of Ashley River. Here live the rich and great who have houses in the city and country, and go backward and forward in their splendid chariots;fr17 the land, however, with the exception of the rice fields, is barren, the weather is cold: but my soul has peace—full and flowing peace. After riding thirty- six miles, I was kindly entertained by Mr. Givhan,fr18 but there was still something wanting.

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They were out of bread at P——’s, and we found our own stores of use. We had to send one of our weary horses eight miles to fetch the flour from the mill.

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Rode to Bruten’s, and enjoyed uncommon happiness in God. Some time in the night Dr. Coke came in: he had landed in Charleston about three hours after I left the city: next day he and myself both spoke at Ridgell’s.fr19

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We spent the day at Chester’s:fr20 we had very few hearers, occasioned, in part, by a black man’s preaching not far distant.

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I was violently exercised. The Doctor and myself both

preached at Puckett’s. Thence we set out with a design to reach Treadway’s, but were greatly deceived, and went up the road that leads to Ninety-Six;fr21 at last we thought we had gone far enough, and stopped at a house twenty-one miles from the place whence we started, and still farther from the place we aimed at.

GEORGIA

Came to Doctor Fuller’s,fr22 at Beach Island, and next day arrived in Augusta, Georgia. Riding late two nights past has much disordered me; having taken a cold, attended with a fever and a pain in the head.

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I obtained a little rest at brother Haynes’s.fr23

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Although it rained, We had a few people at Brownsborough. Next day there was some life at Scott’s.fr24 Here they have built us a large chapel.

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Our conference began at Grant’s.fr25 Here we have a house for public worship; and one also at Meriwether’s.fr26 On Thursday we appointed a committee to procure five hundred acres of land for the establishment of a school in the State of Georgia. Conference being ended, we directed our hasty steps back to Charleston, calling at the several places we attended on our journey hither.

SOUTH CAROLINA

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We reached the city, having ridden two hundred miles in about five days and two hours.fr27 Here I received a bitter pillfr28 from one of my greatest friends. Praise the Lord for my trials also—may they all be sanctified!

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 17, 18, 19, were spent in conference; it was a time of peace and love. My mind was much hurried with book, and other temporal concerns. We had an unkind attack published against us relative to our slave rules; it was answered to purpose. I had not much doubt who the author of this unworthy work was.

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was spent in preparing to move on Monday next.

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Doctor Coke preached an ordination sermon in the forenoon; and in the afternoon I felt lively in soul whilst I enlarged on Ezekiel 33:5.

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We left the city, and rode upwards of forty miles.

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Crossed the Santee, and came to brother Bowman’s.fr29

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Preached at Gibson’s; then rode to Ramsay’s, near Statesburg, sixteen miles.fr30

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I was hurried away to preach a funeral sermon. I have ridden about one hundred and fifty miles, and preached three times since I left Charleston, last Monday morning. I am at times tempted to lightness; yet, blessed be God, my soul has sweet communion with him.

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At Bradford’s chapelfr31 I preached on Hebrews 11:16,

17. At Rembert’s, on Isaiah 40:1. My soul was blest among the people.

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I was led out in preaching and prayer; the people were melted; and the work of God progresses. I trust the Lord will get himself great glory here.

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We rode about fifty miles to Colonel Marshall’s.fr32 The weather was very warm, and we were hungry and weary. NORTH CAROLINA

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The people came together at Jackson’sfr33 at twelve

o’clock. I did not reach there until three. I enlarged a little on Zechariah 13:12,fr34 and was somewhat severe. I rode to Savannah Creek, and met with an Antinomian people. Reached Threadgill’s; having been out twelve hours, and ridden nearly forty miles, without food for man or beast.

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Preached by the way, and came to Randall’s,fr35 twenty miles. We have ridden three hundred miles in about nine days, and our horses’ backs are bruised with their loads. I want more faith, patience, and resignation to the will of God in all things. I wish to send an extra preacher to the Waxsaws, to preach to the Catabaw Indians: they have settled amongst the whites on a tract of country twelve miles square.

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We had a move whilst I was speaking on Isaiah 33:14, 15. Some souls were brought to experience peace with God. Here Doctor Coke came up with us. We expect to continue together for some time. We had a long ride to Jones’s. I preached there, and continued on to M’Knight’s, on the Yadkin.

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We opened our conference, and were blessed with peace and union. Our brethren from the westward met us, and we had weighty matters for consideration before us.fr36

We left M’Knight’s, having about two hundred miles to ride in four days. VIRGINIA

We had a tedious ride to Almond’s, and a blessed season of grace. Set out from Almond’s, and reached Good’s.fr37

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We rode thirty-six miles to Petersburg. On Sunday the Doctor preached. I had nothing to say in public. We met the preachers on Saturday and Sunday evenings, and brought our work forward. I had disagreeable feelings while here. There is a spiritual death among the people. I spoke a little on Monday and on Wednesday.

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We came to Manchester. My exertions, want of rest, and distress of mind, brought on a violent headache. Instead of preaching, I found myself under the necessity of going to bed. Doctor Coke had gone over the river to Richmond, and preached there.

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We rode about fifty miles; and next day reached Fredericksburg, but found no door open. We met with one soul in distress.

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Having no appointment to preach, we pushed on and rode forty-five miles, and lodged in Prince William county.

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Arrived at Leesburg, and opened the conference. We found a little rest comfortable to man, and advantageous to beast. MARYLAND

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We crossed Potomac into Maryland. My soul cleaves to God; but I am again afflicted in my head. Reaching brother Nicholson’s, in Montgomery, we were kindly entertained.fr38

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I felt life in speaking.

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We attended quarterly meeting. Not being permitted to use the chapel, we went into a tobacco house. Many attended; and the young converts shouted aloud.

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Was a great day to saints and sinners. God has wrought

wonderfully in brother Pigman’s neighbourhood.fr39 Fifty or sixty souls have been suddenly and powerfully converted to God.

Came to Baltimore, and had very lively meetings. Multitudes came to hear, and great cries were heard among the people, who continued together until three o’clock in the morning. Many souls professed to be convicted, converted, sanctified.

On reaching Cokesbury, we found that here also God was working among the students. One, however, we expelled. We revised our laws, and settled our temporal concerns.

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We were detained at Susquehannah Ferry, so that we were compelled to ride in the night to reach Chestertown. We had a blessed work of God on our way. Loud shouting was heard in almost every meeting. At sacrament especially, the Lord’s power and presence were great indeed. At Duck Creek we had a good season.

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Doctor Coke preached in Wilmington, Delaware. PENNSYLVANIA

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The Doctor preached at Chester; and in Philadelphia in the evening.

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In the evening the Lord’s power came down among the people in the city; and I hope to hear he is doing great things. NEW JERSEY

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Rode to Burlington, in Jersey. In crossing the Delaware we encountered an uncommon storm, but were providentially brought safely over. We were comfortable in our meeting; but we had a painful interview and explanation with L.H.H. O, my soul, keep near to God!

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We rode to Trenton; and on Saturday, 23, opened our conference in great peace. We laboured for a manifestation of the Lord’s power, and it was not altogether in vain.

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We had abundance of preaching.

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We rode through a heavy rain to Elizabethtown, and next day reached New York. I was under great travail of soul for a revival of religion.

NEW YORK

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Our conference began. All things were conducted in peace and order.fr40 Our work opens in New York State.fr41 New England stretcheth out the handfr42 to our ministry, and I trust thousands will shortly feel its influence. My soul shall praise the Lord. In the midst of haste I find peace within.fr43

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We had a gracious season to preachers and people, while I

opened and applied Isaiah 25:6-8: “And in this mountain shall the Lord of Hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things; a feast of wines on the lees; of fat things full of marrow; of wines on the lees well refined.”

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Doctor Coke left us and went on board the Union for

Liverpool. My soul retires into solitude, and to God. This evening I was enabled to speak alarmingly, and felt my heart much engaged for about thirty minutes on Isaiah 29:17-19. The power of God, and a baptizing flame came among the people.

I have lately read Whiston’s Translation of the Apostolical Institutions, (so called). Also Cave’s Lives of the Apostles and Fathers.

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Was a good day. I felt inwardly quickened towards the close of my morning’s discourse, and the people were moved. In the afternoon many were divinely drawn, and my own soul was humbled and filled with the love of God. Several souls have been stirred up this conference. I trust the Lord will claim the people of New York for his own.

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We left the city of New York, and came to Kingsbridge.fr44 After refreshing ourselves and our horses, we pushed on to East Chester. The appointment for us was to have been made at Deveau’s. There came together about two hundred people, among whom there was a considerable move.

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My horse was lamed (by fetters, I suppose) so that I had to walk part of the way to New Rochelle. Proper notice of my coming not having been given, I had but one hundred and fifty hearers. We have a good house here,fr45 a large society; and several of the old members, whom I formed into a society some years past, are still alive to God.

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My horse continues lame;—the journey is long, and the day unfavourable—yet I must go.

I came on to Crom Pond,fr46 and expected to have preached at Oakley’s church;fr47 but my appointment was made at Badeau’s,fr48 where I had but few. Returned to Fowler’s.fr49 We had a comfortable time at Oakley’s church at seven o’clock.

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We rode four miles and stopped at Kirkham’sfr50 for some refreshment, then hasted on to Peekskill Hollow, where I found a poor, simple-hearted people, to whom I enforced, “Repent, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out”; there was a power attended the word.

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We rode about twenty miles to brother Jackson’s,fr51 where brother Cookfr52 lay sick: we had heard that he was dead. I laboured under violent temptation; vast consolation followed. Glory! Glory to God! He bears me up, body and soul. In our way we stepped into a house, exhorted and prayed with the mother and daughter, who appeared thankful for our services.

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Preached at Jackson’s, in Dutchess county, to a considerable number of quiet hearers; I hope not in vain. Brother Cook is low in body; but his soul is solidly happy in God, who will be glorified in his life or death. The people here are a still kind of folks; but God can work in a storm or a calm.

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We rode about twenty miles to Dover:fr53 the settlers in this neighbourhood are mostly Low Dutch. It is a day of small things with us; yet I trust there are a few feeling souls. We had very alarming meetings at noon and at night. Thence to Oblongs,fr54 where I found a dull people: I exerted myself sick as I was; and had I been well, I should have made no little noise. After meeting we rode to ——, where an Antinomian came, drunk as he was, to tell his experience: he gabbled strangely until I stopped his mouth; he then left us. Rode to Livingston’s,fr55 and preached on, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God,” &c.; the people appeared like rocks. O that the hammer and fire of God’s word and love might come down among them!

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I preached in a barn on the North River:fr56 my hearers were chiefly Low Dutch. Our congregations are small; the craft is in danger; we are therefore not to wonder if we meet with opposition. To begin at the right end of the work is to go first to the poor; these will, the rich may possibly, hear the truth: there are among us who have blundered here. I feel as if I wanted to get across the river; I am pressed in spirit, and pity our preachers who labour here;fr57 it seems as if I should die amongst this people with exertions and grief.

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Preached at Latin Townfr58 to a poor, dull people; some,

however, appeared to be moved. At Allison’sfr59 I was more enlarged, and many wept, and felt the word. We have had a trying, warm day to ride in, and preach twice.

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Rain and business prevented most of the people from attending at Newburg, except a few women. I felt moved while I spoke on Isaiah 63. I hope the Lord will water the word sown.

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I was sick. Brother Whatcoat gave them a sermon at Warwick,fr60 on the “wages of sin”; and I gave them a finishing exhortation: I have no desire to see them again until there is some change. NEW JERSEY

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The power of God came down among the people at Benjamin’s,fr61 and there was a great melting. After meeting we rode through the heat fifteen miles to Pepper Cotton.fr62

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Rode to the stone church, and found stony hearts. The

Methodists ought to preach only in their own houses; I have done with the houses of other people: brother Whatcoat bore the cross, and preached for me here. When I see the stupidity of the people, and the contentiousness of their spirit, I pity and grieve over them. I have hard labour in travelling amongst the rocks and hills.

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My body is weak; my spirits are low; and I am burdened under the spiritual death of the people: yet, O my soul, praise the Lord! I spoke a few words with freedom at Sweezey’s,fr63 to insensible people: we then drove through the heat to Axford’s,fr64 where I found life and liberty amongst my hearers.

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We had a heavy ride to Cummins’s,fr65 where brother

Whatcoat preached, while some of the audience slept. Thence we came to M’Cullock’sfr66 I had no small trial with Adam Cloud,fr67 who was once a preacher amongst us and disowned. He had, in some instances, fallen short of his quarterage during his ministry, and now insisted on my paying him his deficiencies: I did not conceive that in justice or conscience this was required of me; nevertheless, to get rid of him, I gave him f14. PENNSYLVANIA

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I had a good time at Newman’s, near Hunt’s ferry.fr68 We crossed the ferry on Thursday, about six o’clock, got some refreshment at Hinkletown,fr69 whence we proceeded to Clymer’s,fr70 where we had a good meeting.

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Came to Philadelphia; here I found enough to do. My soul longs for more religion in this city; I am distressed for these people: twenty years have we been labouring in Pennsylvania, and there are not one thousand in society: how many of these are truly converted God knows.

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We had a dead time. O that the Almighty would bless and stir up this people!

Rode to Radnorfr71 where there were a few feeling souls.

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It being harvest-home, and short notice, we had few hearers. I love God supremely, and feel myself greatly weaned from earth: I have a glorious victory; sweetly resting and suffering in Christ. Yesterday I felt so unwell that I could scarcely sit on my horse. My soul was so filled with God, that it appeared as if all sense of pain was suspended by the power of faith. I was so led out in speaking at the Valley churchfr72 that all my sufferings were forgotten. I spoke very loud a part of the time; we had a gracious season.

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After riding thirty miles, I preached at Rodfong’sfr73 at night, with satisfaction, and souls were brought to God.

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I called on Mr. Hendel,fr74 a Dutch Presbyterian minister; he and his wife were both very kind: I believe they are children of God. I had an interview with Mr. Muhlenberg,fr75 a Lutheran minister, and teacher of languages: he is a childlike, simple-hearted man, and has a considerable knowledge of the arts and sciences. We came to York; but I felt no desire to preach. I proceeded on to Carlisle; in the morning I was permitted to preach in the church; but in the evening, this privilege was denied me: it was said, the reason was, because I did not read prayers, which I had forborne to do because of my eyes; I apprehend the true cause might be found in the pointed manner in which I spoke on “Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me.” I went to the court house and called them to repentance, from, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth”; to the great offence of all who set themselves up for judges, and who declared it was no preaching.

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Came to Juniata River; we were well nigh being lost in the woods, but kind Providence brought us safe in company with brother Whatcoatfr76 to I. C——’s, and we lodged there.

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Came to G——’s, nine miles from Bedford.fr77 and being informed that the people thereabouts were willing to hear, we yielded to the persuasion of some who desired us to stay and preach.

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We rode on to Wells’s, a place visited by our preachers: here we had a good night’s rest.

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We passed Greensburg, stopping at Hanover Davis’s, a man

who has trouble and conviction: his three sons were killed by the Indians, his wife and two children taken prisoners, and detained from him eighteen months.

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Came to Rowlett’s and dined; thence we set out and reached Pittsburg,fr78 twenty-five miles; I preached in the evening to a serious audience. This is a day of very small things: what can we hope? yet, what can we fear? I felt great love to the people; and hope God will arise to help and bless them.

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I preached on Isaiah 55:6, 7; had some zeal, and the people were very attentive; but alas! they are far from God, and too near the savages in situation and manners. We were not agreeably stationed at ——, who was continually drunk, and our only alternative was a tavern.

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I spoke on “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost:” we were crowded, and I felt more courage. The night before, the rude soldiers were talking and dancing about the door; but now they were quiet and mute; this, I judged, might be owing to the interference of the officers, or magistracy.

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We left Pittsburg, and came by the Allegheny River to Wilson’s, who was formerly an elder in the Presbyterian Church. Brothers Green, Willis, and Conawayfr79 were my companions on the road.

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We had a number of poor attentive people at M’G——’s: the weather was excessively warm, and we were in a close log house, without so much as a window to give us air.

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We rode through a heavy rain to Yohogany, to brother

Moore’s quarterly meeting. We had a shout amongst the people, and I felt much liberty of soul in speaking. In the love feast the Lord manifested his power; one woman, in particular, was so wrought upon that she fell to the ground.

We came to Uniontown, where there appeared to be some melting love among the people. Now I believe God is about to work in this place: I expect our circuits are better supplied than formerly; many of the people are alive to God; and there are openings in many places. I wrote a letter to Cornplanter, chief of the Seneca nation of Indians.fr80 I hope God will shortly visit these outcasts of men, and send messengers to publish the glad tidings of salvation amongst them. I have constant consolation, and do not feel like my former self.

MARYLAND

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I crossed the mountain,fr81 and lodged, I trust for the last time, at Simpkin’s. Preached at Barratt’s, to a dry, unfaithful people. The number of candidates for the ministry are many; from which circumstance I am led to think the Lord is about greatly to enlarge the borders of Zion.

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Preached at Cumberland. It is partly fulfilled; none

cared to give us aught to eat. My poor country-woman, who sometimes heard and trembled, was absent this time; in her sickness she cried out, “it is too late,” and rejected prayer. It was a time of refreshing at Oldtown, in Maryland; the Lord is among this people. Brother Henry Willis preached the funeral sermon of Mrs. Sprigg, a blooming, fair woman; at her own desire she was interred in our burying ground. She died greatly lamented by her family, to whom her death is one loud call to turn to God. I trust she died in peace.

WEST VIRGINIA

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Came to Bath. I took lodgings with our Virginia friends, Adams and Summers.

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My soul has communion with God, even here. When I behold

the conduct of the people who attend the Springs, particularly the gentry, I am led to thank God that I was not born to riches; I rather bless God, that I am not in hell, and that I cannot partake of pleasure with sinners. I have read much, and spoken but little since I came here. The water has been powerful in its operation. I have been in great pain, and my studies are interrupted.

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I left Bath; which was much sooner than I expected.

God was powerfully present at Hendrick’s, where there were twelve or fifteen hundred people: many professed to be converted to God—Glory be to his name! My body enjoys better health; and blessed be God! my soul is wholly kept above sin: yet I blame myself for not being more watchful unto prayer; and I sometimes use unnecessary words. We made a tour through Berkley circuit, where I had some freedom, and where we found not a little living affection in the congregations.

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We had alarming words at Winchester,fr82 from Ezekiel 33:11. I feel the worth of souls, and their disobedience gives me sorrow of heart. O Jehovah! work for thine own glory.

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Our quarterly meeting began in the woods near

Shepherdstown: we had about seven hundred people: I felt energy and life in preaching, and power attended the word. Brother Willis spoke, and the Lord wrought powerfully.

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Was a high day—one thousand or fifteen hundred people attended; sinners began to mock, and many cried aloud; and so it went. I was wonderfully led out on <19E508>Psalm 145:8-12; and spoke, first and last, nearly three hours. O, how the wicked contradicted and opposed! MARYLAND

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I came to brother Philips’s,fr83 in Maryland, and

had a quickening time. God has preached to the whole family by the death of his daughter, and the fire spreads throughout the whole neighbourhood. We needs must go through Samaria. I called at Fredericktown, and had a number of wild, unfeeling hearers. Thence to Liberty, where the Almighty is working among the people. I preached in the day, and again at night—I hope not in vain.

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I rode to Seneca. O what hath God wrought for these people! Many precious souls have been brought to the knowledge of salvation.

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Preached at Rowle’s: here fifty or sixty souls profess to have been brought to God in a few weeks. We had a shout, and a soul converted to God. I preached in the evening at Baltimore, on “Lord, increase our faith.”

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Preached in town and at the Point. The last quarterly meeting was a wonder-working time: fifty or sixty souls, then and there, appeared to be brought to God; people were daily praying from house to house; some crying for mercy, others rejoicing in God, and not a few, day after day, joining in society for the benefit of religious fellowship. Praise the Lord, O my soul! I spent some time in visiting from house to house, and begging for the college. The married men and the single men, the married women and the single women, I met apart, and was comforted. Many of the children of the Methodists are the happy subjects of this glorious revival. We have more members in Baltimorefr84 (town and Point) than in any city or town on the continent besides.

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I preached three times; baptized and administered the sacrament twice; and ordained Archibald Foster and William Losee deacons. I trust it was a profitable time to many. I took cold, and was much hurt by labour, so that I could hardly move my body.

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Came to Daniel Evans’s, one of our oldest members, and his house one of our oldest stands; to this day he has continued to be steadfast. The Lord has now made bare his arm, and brought in forty or fifty young people, among whom are some of his own children, for whom so many prayers have been offered up to God: the fire of the Lord spreads from house to house, and from heart to heart.

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I had but few hearers at Hunt’s chapel, but the Lord was

present, and I am persuaded there was not an unfeeling soul in the house. I spent the evening with one of the great: the Lord and his own conscience will witness that I did not flatter him. O that his soul were converted to God!

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At Gough’s we had a solemn time; the power of the Lord has been displayed here to great purpose.

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Was an alarming time at the Forks church—a number of serious people—no trifling here now: how many dead souls restored from a backsliding state! and their children converted too!

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Rode in the evening to Cokesbury. I found I. Steward had gone to his final rest: he was a pious lad who kept too close to his studies. He praised God to the last, even when he was delirious: it made the students very solemn for a season.

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Preached at Gunpowder chapel in the forenoon and at Abingdon at three o’clock.

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After a long absence I preached at Bush Forest chapel: this was one of the first houses that was built for the Methodists in the State of Maryland; and one of the first societies was formed here. They had been dead for many years; of late the Lord has visited this neighbourhood, and I suppose, from report, fifty souls have been converted to God. I preached at Havre de Grace with Divine illumination and authority. Thence I went to ——; I was hardly welcome—perhaps I wrong him; I shall know when I call again. Called at Isaac and Solomon Hersey’s, and found the Lord had not departed from these houses; I hope their children will all come to God.

DELAWARE-PENNSYLVANIA

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At Wilmington I was warm in spirit. Thence I rode to Philadelphia; where I gave a short discourse on another man’s appointment; my subject—Jacob’s wrestling with God. On Friday night I spoke on “Who may abide the day of his coming?”

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We were not without the presence of the Lord at our love feast and sacrament this day. Brother Willisfr85 spoke feelingly in the afternoon.

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We had a meeting of the principal members, in order to consult about the incorporation of our church.

NEW JERSEY

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After twenty years’ preaching, they have built a very beautiful meeting house at Burlington,fr86 but it is low times there in religion. At New Mills,fr87 both preachers and people appeared to feel, and the watch-night was attended with some breathings after God.

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We had a poor, dry meeting, at Mount Holly: some were alarmed with fear, lest we should make a noise as we had done in Philadelphia; some dear country friends felt the Lord powerfully, and carried home the flame.

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I felt inward strength at Bethel, on Isaiah 63:12. The power was present, but there is not as much religion amongst them as formerly.

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My ride to Bethel was thirty miles, and thirty miles more brought me to Deerfield;fr88 I spoke very alarmingly, and to little purpose, at the Methodistico-Presbyterian Church.

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At the Glass-Housefr89 I felt myself, and the Lord made others feel—to purpose, I hope. Thence to Salem, at three o’clock: it was levelling work, storm and thunder, whilst I opened and applied Isaiah 30:20, 21.

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I returned to Philadelphia, where there were five criminals hanged; one of them professed conversion.

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Was the day of election for representatives; preaching in the evening was to little purpose, on, “Arm of the Lord, awake.” “O Lord of life! when shall it be?”

DELAWARE

I preached at Wilmington, on the dedication of our new chapel:fr90 thus far are we come after more than twenty years’ labour in this place.

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I preached at Dickinson’s. Here we have a good house built; and a blessed foundation of living stones fixed on the chief cornerstone. After preaching at Severson’s and Duck Creek Cross Roads,fr91 we came on Saturday to Dover quarterly meeting; here the congregation was large and serious.

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Preached on, “The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple.” Ordained William Jessop and Jacob Brush elders. We have had encouraging intelligence of an opening in New England: we shall send Jacob Brush to assist Jesse Lee, who has been some time visiting those parts.

Reached Judge White’s in the evening, and rested there on Monday.

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Rode to Milford; where we had a great move and noble

shouting. I felt myself very unwell. We had a very comfortable love feast next morning. I was taken with a sore throat, and brother Whatcoat supplied my lack of service. I was laid up four days; a violent headache and fever attended the inflammation in my throat, with little or no perspiration. I made use of flaxseed tea, and a very great expectoration followed.

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I came to Lowry’s,fr92 at the head of Nanticoke. I still feel much pain, with a fever and hoarseness. I must take blame to myself for riding sometimes in the night and cold evenings without an upper coat: I am growing old; and I live much in southern climes. I lodged at brother Hitchen’sfr93 who was ill with a bilious and nervous complaint.

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Came to Wicomico, and was kindly entertained. VIRGINIA

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We rode in the rain—it was almost enough to kill healthy men. After steeping our feet in warm water, we came to brother Downing’s. Next day we rode twenty-eight miles to Colonel Paramore’s. My rest being interrupted, I rose early, and rode through the cold to the love feast,fr94 where we had great shouting.

Although very weak in body, I rode thirty miles; a dish of tea, and a biscuit and a half, was all my food till six o’clock in the evening.fr95

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I rode forty miles to Magotty Bay,fr96 and preached

to a few people. The Antinomians please them and gain them—alas! for us. O, that the Lord would send an earthquake of his power among them!

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We had an open time at brother Johannes Johnson’s.fr97 The school for the charity boysfr98 much occupies my mind. Our annual expenditure will amount to two hundred pounds, and the aid we get is but trifling. The poverty of the people, and the general scarcity of money, is the great source of our difficulties. The support of our preachers, who have families, absorbs our collections, so that neither do our elders nor the charity school get much. We have the poor, but they have no money; and the worldly, wicked rich we do not choose to ask.

I have ridden about one hundred miles from Sunday morning till Tuesday night; at the same time very unwell with a cold and influenza, which spreads in almost every family.

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We had many people at Accomack (Accomac) court house,

and power attended the word whilst brothers Joseph Everett and Richard Whatcoat spoke.

Thursday and Friday, 5, 6. We held quarterly meeting at William Downings. The first day the Lord was powerfully present, and the people were greatly agitated. On the second day at the love feast and sacrament there was a shout, and I believe two hundred souls praised God at one time. My soul was happy among them.

MARYLAND

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At Annamessex quarterly meetingfr99 the Lord was amongst

the people on the first day. On Sunday, at the love feast, the young were greatly filled, and the power of the Most High spread throughout. It appeared as if they would have continued till night if they had not been in some measure forced to stop that we might have public worship. I stood near the window, and spoke on Isaiah 64:1-5. There was a stir, and several sinners went away. There were very uncommon circumstances of a supernatural kind said to be observed at this meeting. The saints of the world are dreadfully displeased at their work; which, after all, is the best evidence that it is of God.

The preachers urged me to preach at Princess Anne. I did so, and many poor, afflicted people came out. I trust some will be able to say of Christ, “He is altogether lovely!”

I felt uncommon power in preaching at Thomas Garrettson’s.fr100 Surely the Lord will work.

At the quarterly meeting I did not speak the first day. The second, I preached on Romans 10:14, 15. There was a little stir; yet this is said to be the dullest, or one of the dullest places in the peninsula.

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was a warm day, and we had a heavy ride to the Line

chapel.fr101 There were but few hearers, owing to the great affliction that prevails. The influenza, and other complaints, carry off many people; and it is an awful time.

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Came to Broad Creek chapel, where some of the wicked had broken the windows. There had been a stir at the quarterly meeting, and a testimony borne against their revellings, and it was judged, that on this account the injury was committed on the house. My throat was sore, and my testimony feeble on 2 Corinthians 6. 1. I rode to the head of Nanticoke, where brother Whatcoat preached a warm sermon.

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Preached at Brown’s chapel: the general affliction hindered many from attending; but we were happy together, and it was a strengthening, confirming time to many tried souls.

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The people were shouting the praise of God when I came. After the noise and fervour had subsided, I preached on the men of Nineveh’s repenting at the preaching of Jonah; and the word sunk into some hearts.

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We had a noble shout, and the people rejoiced in the Lord.fr102

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Being the day of our quarterly meeting fast, we strove to keep it as well as our feeble bodies would admit.

Saturday and Sunday, 21, 22. There was a shaking among the people: some were alarmed; some professed to be justified, and others sanctified; whilst the wicked brought with them much of the power of Satan. I received some relief for my poor orphans. For some days past I have been kept in an humble, living, holy, conquering frame.

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Although the north-west wind blew very strong, we crossed Choptank River, and came to Bolingbroke. Here we had loud shouts and living testimonies from many of our oldest members, whilst some of our gay young Methodists were mute. Being a day of public thanksgiving, I rode to Wye,fr103 where there is a good new chapel. The rain hindered, so that we had but few hearers. Came through the rain to Tuckahoe.

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There was a good move at Choptank Bridge. I ordained five persons to the office of deacons.

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Preached with some freedom at Dover.

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I preached at Duck Creek. Stopped, and gave them a

discourse at Middletown;fr104 and spent the evening with a worthy, kind friend. A number of dear old brethren accompanied me to Cokesbury, where we had an examination of the boys, and stationed eleven on charity. Thence we hastened on to Baltimore.

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Our councilfr105 was seated, consisting of the

following persons, viz.: Richard Ivey, from Georgia; Reuben Ellis, South Carolina; Edward Morris, North Carolina; Philip Bruce, North district of Virginia; James O’Kelly, South district of Virginia; Lemuel Green, Ohio; Nelson Reed, Western Shore of Maryland; Joseph Everett, Eastern Shore; John Dickins, Pennsylvania; James O. Cromwell, New Jersey; and Freeborn Garrettson, New York. All our business was done in love and unanimity. The concerns of the college were well attended to, as also the printing business.fr106 We formed some resolutions relative to economy and union, and others concerning the funds for the relief of our suffering preachers on the frontiers. We rose on the eve of Wednesday following. During our sitting we had preaching every night; some few souls were stirred up, and others converted. The prudence of some had stilled the noisy ardour of our young people; and it was difficult to rekindle the fire. I collected about twenty-eight pounds for the poor suffering preachers in the West. We spent one day in speaking our own experiences, and giving an account of the progress and state of the work of God in our several districts; a spirit of union pervades the whole body, producing blessed effects and fruits.

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This and the two following days were spent in writing, and other necessary business. I also preached at town and Point.

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I delivered some alarming truths at our meeting house with some life. I preached at the German church in the afternoon; and in the evening I spoke on, “The men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment against the men of this generation, and condemn it,” &c.

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To my comfort I found one of Thomas Cromwell’s children under deep distress. When I formerly frequented the house she was a child. Came on to Annapolis, and found the work rather dead.

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I preached with more liberty than the evening before.

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Set out for Herring Bay. It rained, and our ride was heavy. I lodged with William Weems,fr107 once a great zealot for the Old Church.

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We rode to Gabriel Childs’s—it was an awfully stormy, rainy day, and we had no meeting. The Lord has made bare his arm since my last visit here, and souls have been converted and sanctified.

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Rode to Gray’s. Here also the Lord hath wrought powerfully amongst the children.

VIRGINIA

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Rode through Charles county, Maryland, to Hooe’s ferry. Death! death! We had prayer at our lodgings. Mr. Hooe treated us very kindly.

Sabbath morning, 20. I read part of the thirty-third chapter of Ezekiel’s prophecy, and gave an exhortation. We then rode twenty-five miles through the snow to Pope’s, where I spoke with some liberty. We found ourselves not at home, so we went to our friend Richard Sanford’s.fr108 My spirit has been wounded not a little. I know not which to pity most—the slaves or their masters. Thence we went on to the widow Hutt’s. I am ill, and have little to do, which makes me worse.

On Christmas eve I made a visit to counsellor Carter;fr109 a very social gentleman, a Baptist. After preaching we had fifteen miles to ride to sister Woolard’s; and twenty miles the next morning to Lancaster quarterly meeting.fr110

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Feeling myself unwell, brother Whatcoat preached; and our public and society meeting occupied six hours and a half. Notwithstanding the rain, we had many to hear, both white and black. I was very sensible that the work of grace was deepened in the souls of the people: several spoke of the pure love of God.fr111

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I felt much enlarged in spirit. It seemed to me as if the Lord was only beginning to work; but the Antinomians oppose. Nevertheless, I have growing hopes that the glory of Zion will shortly appear.fr112

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After waiting at the ferry about four hours, we made an

attempt to cross in an old boat, with tattered sails, which gave way near the middle of the river: through mercy we got safe over. Thence directing our course to Turks Ferry,fr113 a poor old Negro made out to get us across in a little flat: about eight o’clock we arrived safely at sister Davis’s,fr114 where we found three of the preachers waiting for us, preaching having been appointed for the morrow. We had the presence of God with us in the meeting,fr115 and at the sacrament.

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We had a few attentive people at brother Bellamy’s.fr116 O Gloucester! Gloucester! when will it be famous for religion? Finding my appointments not made, we crossed York River, and came once more to my dear old friend Weldon’s. I was much indisposed.

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