1805

We opened our conference,fl1 I preached upon

Colossians 4:5: “Walk in wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time.” To “walk in wisdom towards them that are without” is to purchase the present and future time, both of which are in our power. The highest “wisdom” of ministers is to propound and set forth faithfully, the end and motive of thus “walking.” Christians “walk in wisdom” when they earnestly seek perfection by the best and only means; and in the highest “wisdom,” when in the possession of all the communicable fulness of perfect love. I preached the ordination sermon of four elders, James Crowder, Henry M. Gaines, James H. Mellard, and Hugh Porter. My body failed a little in these exercises. We had a sacrament, and some singing and tears; but for want of more and closer exhortations, there was nothing special done. The intendant of the city has forbidden our prayer meetings with the blacks before the rising sun; nor must the evening meetings be held later than nine o’clock. The preachers are seriously occupied with the work of the conference; and they are countrymen, and do not speak boldly as they ought to speak; but I believe real good has been, and will be consequent upon the sitting of this conference.

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I attended to the entering of the minutes; wrote letters; packed up our stuff for removing; received visits, and bade farewell.

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We came off early and in haste, but we were soon checked; the causeway was bad, and the flat at the ferry aground: we were three hours getting over. At Andrews’s tavern, we had to beg and pray to be taken in for the night; aye, and pay for it too: our supper and lodging were three dollars. Next day, at a lone and slow ferry we waited some time, and lingered on the road: at seven o’clock we came in to Moses Miller’s, upon Black River. On Thursday we crossed the bridge below Kingstree, and called upon Captain Williams, who took us in, and treated us kindly.

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A cold day. One night at Port’s ferry, and away. We have fallen short in our calculations of reaching Lumberton on the Sabbath day. On Saturday we came up to Robert Dunham’s: here brother Whatcoat thought proper to stay a night. My mind has been in great peace. In a day and a half, with lodging, food, and ferries, three of us have spent nine dollars. I will here observe, that we have admitted upon trial eighteen preachers in the Western, and eleven in the Southern, conference; and added two thousand members within the bounds of each, notwithstanding a great mortality, and the constant removal to new lands.

Sabbath, 13. We rode eleven miles to James Ford’s, a stage-house, and company: we were kindly treated gratis: we gave them our prayers and thanks.

NORTH CAROLINA

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We came to Mr. Lee’s, dined, and came on, lodging at

Lumberton, a town of about twenty families. On Tuesday we had another cold ride to Fayetteville. At the African meeting house, I preached upon Hebrews 10:38, 39: it was a time of feeling; but eleven o’clock was no hour for some folks. I was invited to preach in the State house, but it did not suit my mind at all; the object of our visit was a Methodist congregation and society. Home is home: ours is plain, to be sure; but it is our duty to condescend to men of low estate; and therefore I felt justified in declining the polite invitation of the Rev. Mr. Flinn, to officiate in his meeting house. I must take the road again. O, what sweetness I feel as I steal along through the solitary woods! I am sometimes ready to shout aloud, and make all vocal with the praises of His grace who died, and lives, and intercedes for me. Brother Whatcoat preached at night: I added a few words, a sort of gossiping exhortation.

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We crossed Cape Fear, dined at Simpson’s, and after night stopped at the widow Andres’s,fl2 a stage house. On Friday we had a stormy morning; it paid us off for a time, and then cleared away. We came to Moore’s creek: we were so near swimming, I dipped my heels: we stopped at Parker’s, dined, and continued on to Negro Head: we had swamps and spring-tides; and behold! one of the bridges in Mr. Mellett’s rice field was gone. Well for us, the overseer, one of our sheep, brought a ladder for us to walk upon, and by means of two planks laid together lengthwise, our horses passed over. We asked the housekeeper to let us stay; she consented, little thinking who we were, which, when she discovered, the poor thing was surprised and gladdened: we had a room, and prayed and talked with the blacks, and exhorted them. On Saturday morning we crossed North East before sunrise: we came to our own house to breakfast. Our chapel in Wilmington is elegant; sixty-six by thirty-six feet. Brother Whatcoat preached this morning.

Sabbath, 20. I preached on Titus 11:14.fl3 Brother Whatcoat spoke in the afternoon. Our enlarged house was filled with both colours.

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Many attended our meeting, though the weather was severe.

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we came on to Top Sail. Brother Nixon and family are preserved in the midst of disease and deaths. Dear Mrs. Campbell is gone home.

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We came to Lot Ballard’s, forty-one miles. The weather was very cold in the morning, and there was so much ice in the way we could scarcely get along. Brother Whatcoat was afflicted with dysentery and bloody urine. On Thursday we rode sixteen miles to the widow Argate’s: here is a change; the man is dead: the widow was attentive, and the blacks crowded to prayers.

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We reached Newbern,fl4 twenty-six miles. On Saturday it rained: we have happily escaped it. We have made two thousand nine hundred and eighty miles since General Conference. We lodged at the widow Jones’s; her dear James is gone: he appeared to be as healthy as any man in Newbern: he went off after a few days’ illness, of a pleurisy in the breast. Lord, and am I yet alive!

Sabbath 27, was an awful day of cold rain: few attended the worship of God. In my zeal I preached again at night: I exposed myself, and exerted myself.

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We came away through a cold wind to Neuse Ferry: Swift

Creek swam us: and the waters of the greater stream floated us across in a tottering canoe, the horses alongside swimming: a twenty-eight miles’ ride brought us to the widow Richard’s to lodge. Arrived at Tar River we found it was blowing a storm: I was unwilling to cross. The flat was nearly filled with water shortly after we put off: a boat came out to take us up: brother Whatcoat stood midleg in water; I had gained a plank and kept my feet dry; and it was well, as I had a touch of pleurisy, and had discharged blood yesterday evening; we came safe, and praised that God who in deaths oft had delivered us. Brother Whatcoat preached at Washington in the evening.

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I preached to a congregation of very unfeeling people. The blacks have no gallery. The whites look upon us with contempt. O, Washington! Washington!

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We came to Williamstown. I preached at brother Watts’s house; my subject was Romans 5:1-5. Roanoke was full.

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We rode up to General Williams’s, forty-eight miles from Washington. We must yet go sixty miles out of our way to go by Norfolk; poor men, and weary horses!

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We stemmed the northwest wind, twenty miles, to cross the awful Roanoke. For a mile and a half from the ferry, the fences were swept away; during the freshet, cattle, and hogs, and some slaves, had been carried off: its proud waves were stayed when we arrived. We rode thirty- two miles to Joseph Penner’s, Northampton, without seeing the inside of a house. I was most severely penetrated with cold; and my bowels were disordered. We had snow and cold on the Sabbath day, and we were glad to rest. The people came to meeting, and we delivered our testimony.

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The day was excessively cold: the icy, frozen roads endangered limbs and life itself. We kept on. At Murfreesboro we had a meeting at the house of the widow Merideth; I spoke to them from 1 Corinthians 5:13-17.fl5

VIRGINIA

Next day, at Sommerton, we had a small meeting in Hazlett’s house.

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In Suffolk, at the house of Mr. Yerbury, my subject was Revelation 3:11, 12.

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I was very unwell; but we pushed on, through water, mud,

and mire, to Portsmouth, where we arrived about an hour in the night. At eleven o’clock on Friday, we had a meeting of the official members for business; they unanimously wished to have a stationed preacher: this was a great difficulty last year. Our chapel has been enlarged to sixty feet by thirty; I advised the addition of galleries. As I passed over the bridge to Norfolk, I examined and was pleased with it: it is more upon the Eastern plan of such improvement than any I have seen to the South; it is one thousand one hundred feet long, and thirty wide; the piles coppered to high water mark, to preserve the wood from the worm; and it has a drawbridge; the cost is said to be thirty thousand dollars, and it yields five per cent. to the company. We met the official members of the Norfolk society; here are some difficulties, and more poverty; but the work progresses here as well as at Portsmouth, where the society has grown and prospered under the care of John Potts.fl6

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I preached at Norfolk, upon Romans 13:11-14: “That knowing the time,” &c. Slumbering, sleeping professors are called, by the signs of the time, to “awake—to cast off the works of darkness,” as they would clothes which no longer suited their characters, garments no longer appropriate to their profession, and “to put on the armour of light—the whole armour of God”; to “walk honestly,” that is decently—as it becometh the true, consistent, dignified, Christian character, to avoid the sensualities of the world, and the sins and indulgences of the flesh and spirit; to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” to be dressed, decked, adorned with Jesus Christ, and filled with his Spirit; “to make no provision for the flesh,” with the intent of fulfilling its lusts. At Portsmouth I preached upon Luke 3:6: “All flesh shall see the salvation of God”:— I. The excellencies of this salvation: it is a common salvation, a great salvation, the salvation of God.

II. The nature of this salvation: in its degrees of justification, sanctification, and glorification.

III. The present subjects of salvation—infants and believers. The ample means furnished to all, that they may see this salvation—faithful ministers, faithful, consistent, praying professors, and all the holy ordinances of the Church. I was greatly assisted in speaking. I warmly exhorted our friends in Norfolk to build a tabernacle in some part of the town.

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At Joliff’s chapel I spoke on an appropriate text, from Isaiah 49:20; the house is not half large enough. We dined at brother Denbigh’s, and came on to the widow Reddick’s: she and her sister are both professors.

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At Suffolk, brother Whatcoat preached a very appropriate

sermon. At Murphy’s the work revives; a new house is in preparation: the place is too strait: we must make room for them to dwell. My subject here was 1 Timothy 2:3, 4.

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Brother Whatcoat preached at Joseph Moody’s. God has

wrought powerfully at Blunt’s and Benn’s: they are preparing a large house for worship at the former place. General Wells and family have returned to us: Willis Wells is coming back from following O’Kelly, besides twenty other members who had been drawn away: they profess to have had enough of him. Mr. O’Kelly has come down with great zeal, and preaches three hours at a time upon government, monarchy, and episcopacy; occasionally varying the subject by abuse of the Methodists, calling them aristocrats and Tories; a people who, if they had the power, would force the government at the sword’s point. Poor man! The Methodists have but two of their very numerous society members of Congress; and until these democratic times we never had one. I question if, in all the public legislative bodies in the seventeen United States, there are more than twenty members Methodists. No; our people are a very independent people, who think for themselves; and are as apt to differ in politics (so do the preachers), and divide at the hustings, as those of any other denomination; and surely, they are not seekers of the offices of this world’s profit or honour; if they were, what might they not gain in many parts of the United States? Whilst one rails at us, others, who are always fond of fishing in troubled waters, take those who are already in our net; or, hunting on forbidden ground, pick up our crippled game: see what believers their Church is composed of!

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The rain held us in doubt until eleven o’clock; then we

started, and about two o’clock a dreadful storm of thunder, hail, and wind overtook us, and drove us to a house for shelter; here we remained an hour, and then came on to Captain Birdsong’s: it blew up excessively cold. O death! death! in the neighbourhood of Ellis’s chapel, where we have held conferences too!

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We stopped to feed our horses at a Quaker preacher’s, a friend Nixon: we would not eat ourselves, where it was not agreeable we should pray. We found the wind so cold and cutting as we made towards Petersburg, we could hardly bear up against it.

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Colder still! snow in the North; five and six feet deep in New York. Ice! ice!—awful time!

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Calm and cold. I preached from Revelation 3:3-5; the people came very late, and my mind was fettered. I will here take the liberty of inserting the following account:—

A SKETCH OF THE LABOURS AND TRAVELS

OF IRA ELLIS.

In March, 1781, I left my father’s house in Sussex county, Virginia, and spent some time with Leroy Cole, in Mecklenburg circuit. This spring and part of the summer I spent mostly with the preachers; and occasionally supplied some vacancies in one or two circuits. About November, I attended a quarterly meeting at Rose Creek chapel, Brunswick circuit; and from thence was sent as a travelling preacher into Mecklenburg circuit, being then about twenty years of age. In April, 1782, I attended the conference held at Ellis’s chapel, Sussex circuit. From thence I received an appointment to Pittsylvania circuit, where I continued six months; the six following months I officiated in the Yadkin circuit. In the spring of 1783 the conference was again held at Ellis’s chapel, and I received an appointment to Tar River circuit: after spending two quarters there, I spent the remainder of the year in Roanoke circuit. In the spring of 1784, I was stationed in Bertie circuit: six months I laboured there; one quarter in Camden; and the last quarter—excepting the time spent in attending the General Conference, in Baltimore—in Portsmouth circuit. At the conference held in April, 1785, at William Mason’s, Brunswick county, I was appointed to Philadelphia circuit: here I continued nearly one year, spending one-third of the time in the city. In the spring of 1786, I was stationed in Dover circuit, in the State of Delaware, and remained one year. The next year I laboured in Kent circuit, on the eastern shore of Maryland: whilst here, I received a letter from Bishop Asbury, informing me that I was stationed for the ensuing year in the city of Charleston, South Carolina. I set out in May, and arrived there, and took my station in July, 1788: except one tour of duty, of about three months, through the district and State at large, I continued here until February, 1790. After this period I was stationed in what was called the middle or centre district of Virginia, lying between James and Rappahannock rivers: in this district I remained, and officiated as presiding elder, until the General Conference held in Baltimore, in November, 1792. James O’Kelly having then withdrawn himself from the Methodist Connexion, I was appointed to succeed him in the south district of Virginia, which station I filled until November, 1795. I then changed my state in life, and became located; and so continue to this day.

IRA ELLIS.

Brunswick, Virginia,

Feb. 24, 1805.

The above-named Ira Ellis being about to travel some distance through the United States, on business, Bishop Whatcoat and myself gave him the certificate, of which this is a copy:—

To the Ministers, Members, and Friends of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States.

With our Christian salutations we send greeting. Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied to you, through Jesus our Lord. We have thought it proper to recommend our beloved brother, Ira Ellis, to your pulpits and attentions. One that has travelled fourteen years, extensively, faithfully, and acceptably—nine years he has laboured locally, preserving always a good ministerial and Christian character: he hath filled the various stations among us, having exercised the offices of preacher, deacon, elder, and presiding elder. We give him the recommendation we think his standing and services have merited in our Connexion; he is going upon business of consequence to himself; he may also be as attentive as circumstances will admit to the ministry of the word of God, at all times and places where he can have a congregation. Given under our hands this 22d day of February, 1805.

FRANCIS ASBURY.

RICHARD WHATCOAT.

Brunswick County, Virginia.

I desire to render to all their due. Ira Ellis is a man of quick and solid parts. I have often thought that had fortune given him the same advantages of education, he would have displayed abilities not inferior to a Jefferson or a Madison. But he has, in an eminent degree, something better than learning—he has undissembled sincerity, great modesty, deep fidelity, great ingenuity, and uncommon power of reasoning. His English schooling has been good: he is a good arithmetician, and expeditious and ready with his pen: when asked for an account of his travels, he took his pen immediately, and without a recurrence to books or papers, gave it at once; in the conferences and elsewhere, as my secretary, he has been of signal service to me. He is a good man, of most even temper, whom I never saw angry, but often in heaviness through manifold temptations: he is a good preacher too. O, may he finish his life as he hath continued it—faithful, and acceptable, and successful in the travelling and local line! Ira Ellis is married to an agreeable woman, who has made him the father of three beautiful, serious little children.

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We rode away to the high hills, Nottoway, and stopped with Stith Parham; on Tuesday we came to Robert Jones’s; on Wednesday to Peter Pelham’s; on Thursday to William Ruffin’s; on Friday to Sterling Ruffin’s, where I preached, and then came to Ira Ellis’s. On Saturday brother Whatcoat preached at the Olive Branch Chapel. We visited Matthew Myrick, who was sick.

Sabbath, 24. I had a most serious talk at the Branch chapel on Revelation 2:1-5. We lodged at E. Drumgoole’s.

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We rode to John Seward’s through the rain. William and Sterling are among the rich—so called: they had been deistical in their notions; but they appear to be sincere and zealous now. Bishop Coke had been made a blessing to William and his lady. We have passed through Norfolk, Nansemond, Isle of Wight, Surry, Sussex, Prince George, Brunswick, Greensville and Mecklenburg counties.

NORTH CAROLINA

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We directed our course to Salem, chiefly to see sister Taylor, at Howell Taylor’s:fl7 she is true yoke-fellow to Sally Jones: one is gone to rest, the other, confident in God, is suffering on patiently until she is released from her load of painful affliction. On Wednesday we crossed Taylor’s ferry, and rode twenty miles to Edmund Taylor’s, the seat of the Virginia Conference: we had rain part of the way. We felt a little serious— thinking our elder children and strong sons would leave us by location; and that we should have none but old tottering men, and green, unpractised boys to take care of the plantation: but we have a great husbandman, Jesus, and a good God. On Thursday made preparations for conference.

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We opened our yearly conference for Virginia, at

Edmund Taylor’s,fl8 Granville county, North Carolina. We closed our sitting on Friday evening following. I have so frequently noticed the affairs of conferences, and they are so common, that I will only observe of this, that we added fourteen preachers, and located four; our business we conducted in great peace, and we had preaching as usual. Our increase is one thousand nine hundred members.

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We came to John Owens’s, and spent an agreeable hour. I was pleased to see sister Owens; she is the daughter of my old good friend, Daniel Grant. We took horse again, and hastened on through the warmth to Doctor R.A. Holland’s, making thirty-three miles.

Sabbath, 10. I preached upon Isaiah 40:5. We had many Baptists to hear. It was an open time to me, although I was unwell. Brothers Mead and Bruce exhorted.

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We came away to brother Pate’s; and then on to father Chapell’s. We lodged with Joel Tucker.

VIRGINIA

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We crossed Staunton River at Pannell’s ferry. We called at Mr. Old’s to warm and feed, and came on to lodge at Henry Brown’s, having made thirty miles this day—and very cold it was.

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I rested, read, and wrote, whilst brother Mead copied

letters narrative of the work of God. We have passed, since conference, Granville, Person in Carolina, and Halifax and Campbell counties in Virginia. I find that nothing so interrupts my communion with God as the cold. I cannot keep my mind fixed, when my whole system seems to be penetrated and stiffened with the cold wind. I suppose this will pass for a very long, hard winter; if the spring is backward, the harvest will be late and full. O, may there be a great harvest of souls gathered in to God!

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We must needs ride to New London. I felt the cold; the wind gave me an influenza. We had a meeting in Doctor Jennings’s house. I spoke on Revelation 2:8-10.

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We came to Lynchburg: I did not find my body or mind, or the circumstances of the chapel, or the state of the society as I wished. We did not lose time. Brother Whatcoat spoke at night. On Saturday I preached upon Ephesians 4:2-6. I was very unwell on the Sabbath day. Brother Whatcoat preached, and administered the sacrament. At three o’clock, I was forced to duty by the wishes of the people; I spoke on 1 Corinthians 6:1. We had about one thousand or fifteen hundred people of the town and country: we lodged with Mr. Wyatt. I felt very willing to move along.

On Monday we came to Colonel Meredith’s, New Glasgow: we were entertained with great friendship and Christian politeness. We were accompanied hither by Lewis Dawson, whose kind attentions it is proper I should acknowledge. The people being gathered at a short warning, brother Whatcoat gave them a sermon.

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Brother James Floyd led us along with as much attention as he would have paid to his parents. We crossed Pine Creek and Tye River, passing Amherst court house. After dining with William Breedlove, we mounted and pursued our way across the rocky ford of Rockfish: we stopped at Benjamin Paine’s. God hath wrought amongst the children of these families.

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We came to Tandy Kee’s; here we found more children

coming to Christ. I was pleased and cheered to hear from the local preachers the great things God hath done in this circuit. Brother Mead is coming to preside, and I hope he will have a glorious camp meeting in every circuit in the district. Amherst should, by all means, have another preacher—I hear—I see—I feel. The Baptists are under the whip— straining for victory; Bedford is their stronghold. We shall see. I must be going; although I have a poor, weak, tripping beast; and if she makes a long stumble fifty times a day, I bear it patiently. My mind is in great peace: glory, glory to God!

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We came to Williams’s tavern; dined and passed the elegant seat of Mr. Divers; thence to Ray’s ford upon the north fork of James River, called Fluvanna; thence to the north branch of Swift Run: we lodged at Mr. Fretwell’s—threescore and ten, and not born again! wretched old man! At Stonersville, on Friday, we called on Doctor Douglass, formerly a travelling preacher, halted an hour, and made for the waters of Rapidan— Staunton, middle, and south branches: after scaling an arm of the ridge over to Robinson’s River (flowing in three branches from the ridge), we came in to lodge with Mr. Glower, a Baptist, who was very hospitable to us. On Saturday we reached T. T.’s, upon Hughes’s River; and thence continued on to Woodville; thence to Washington, a small town under the south mountain in the west of Culpepper county. We have made one hundred miles of these roads in three days: poor men! poor horses! We are housed with Elias Clark, Esq., near Chester Gap.

Sabbath, 24. Having taken cold in my head, I was very unwell; I was merely forced to preach at Pennell’s. On Monday we crossed the ridge at Chester Gap, passing the head spring of the north branch of the Rappahannock River. We stopped at Front Royal or Lucetown; I preached at three o’clock; and brother Whatcoat at night. My subject was Romans 12:1, 2: “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” It was observed, that the apostle’s form of address was excellent, and particularly directed to the Christian believers—the subjects of grace. That the people of the “world” who lived in conformity to its manners and maxims, lived in their proper element—”but ye (said our Lord in addressing believers) are not of the world, as I am not of the world, because I have called you out of the world.” The apostle had in view one thing, in two parts, namely: the devotion of the whole man, body and soul, to God; without which the man cannot be a Christian, perfect and entire. “Present your bodies a living sacrifice,”—this can only be done by abstaining from all things sinful in practice. We must not only not live in the use of unlawful things, but we must not indulge in the unlawful use of unlawful things: it is lawful to eat, but not to gluttony; it is lawful to drink, but not to drunkenness; it is lawful to be married, but it is unlawful for either husband or wife to idolize the other. We ought to make the faculties of our bodies subservient to the worship and service of God—our eyes to see for God; our ears to hear; our hands to be liberal; our feet to move for God, so as to do or suffer— this is “reasonable service”; and thus occupied, the “mercies of God” excite us properly, and we are “not conformed to this world.” That we be “renewed in our minds”—that all the powers of the soul be given in love and service to the Lord; in conviction for indwelling sin, the repentance of believers; in sanctification; persevering grace; perfect love; and the fruition—perfect and eternal glory. We “prove the will of God” by this—to be good—to be “acceptable” to our own souls; and to be “perfect” in our Christian perfection, holiness, and happiness eternal.

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We came a rugged path to Elijah Phelps’s once more. On Wednesday I was busy writing and fitting for conference. Front Royal contains about sixty houses, a Methodist chapel, and academy, a mill, and several stores. We lodged at James Moore’s. It was very agreeable to have a home, a room, and everything comfortable for a day or two. Our poor horses needed rest too.

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We came to Winchester. I ordered a room fitted for conference, with one above the other. On the Sabbath day I preached.fl9

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We opened the Baltimore conference,fl10 sitting five days in very great order and peace: on the 5th instant it rose. We had seventy- four preachers present. We had preaching day and night, and some souls were converted to God. On Saturday we came to brother Davenport’s. At Charlestown, West Virginia, my Sabbath day’s subject was 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. We lodged with Mr. Key.

MARYLAND

On Monday we reached Fredericktown; on Tuesday, Joshua Jones’s,fl11 Sam’s Creek; and on Wednesday, 10, came into Baltimore. I have been greatly supported, but afflicted in my breast and heart; it will not last long. I have made, I calculate, three thousand eight hundred and fifty miles from the 1st of June, 1804, to the 10th of April, 1805. Lawrence M’Combsfl12 had refused to take his station; after some alterations were made, he consented to go to Philadelphia. Thursday was occupied in writing letters, &c. On Friday I preached at Oldtown.

Sabbath day, I preached in Light Street: I had a very heavy congregation: I fear the people are preached to death. In the afternoon I visited the Africans: my subject was Ephesians 4:1-6. Lord, look upon our city congregations, for they are a valley of dry bones!

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I preached at Fell’s Point; it was a time to be remembered. I made my escape from Baltimore; low in religion. At Perry Hall I spent a night. The house, spacious and splendid, was newly painted, and the little grandchildrenfl13 were gay and playful; but I and the elders of the house felt that it was evening with us.

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We came to North East, and called a meeting; the notice was short; the men were fishing.

DELAWARE

On Friday we reached Back Creek, Delaware. Very warm and dusty. My mind is in great peace. On Saturday I was at Duck Creek; and on Sunday evening I preached in Dover state house with very little life: in the morning I had an open time on 2 Corinthians 6:16-18.

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I rode to Milford; on Tuesday to Z. Hazzard’s;fl14 rested, and came on to Lewistown, where we called a meeting, and preached upon Romans 13:11-14: I was assisted greatly and the people were engaged. We lodged at Caleb Rodney’s. There may be in Lewistown one hundred and twenty houses, and about eight hundred souls. We came thence to Georgetown, the seat of the courts of justice for Sussex county; containing about forty houses. As the court was in session, we were offered the house, and desired to hold our meeting there: the judges and counsellors attended; and brother Whatcoat spoke, and I followed upon Psalms 41:10Psalm 41:10: we had a moving season.

MARYLAND

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We came on to Caroline; dined at Caleb Jacob’s, and lodged with Thomas Foster. I was gladdened in heart to find that the work of God was progressing in this society.

On Friday we came to brother William Frazier’s. The fierceness of the wind made Choptank impassable: we had to rest awhile; and need I had, being sore with hard service.

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We crossed at Dover Ferry, and came through Gaston to Lebanon, lodging at brother William Brown’s.

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I preached at Lebanon chapel,fl15 the neatest on this shore; my subject, Isaiah 40:19, 20. We hasted on to Easton: brother Whatcoat preached; brother Blake gave us lodging.

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We rode forty-three miles through Centreville to Chestertown,fl16 to meet the Philadelphia Conference.

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We rested and prepared for our work.

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On Wednesday last our conference began:fl17 one day was occupied with the appeal of Caleb Kendall. On the Sabbath I was called to duty; I spoke on Luke 3:4-6: “All flesh shall see the salvation of God.” I. The perception; the sense in which this object is seen. II. By whom? “By all.”

III. The provision made for this, and the cause of its operation. The love of God; the general atonement; the general influences of the Spirit; the number of ministers, and the general commission to “preach the Gospel to every creature”; the number of Christians and praying souls. The hinderances that obstruct the universal and efficacious spread of the Gospel; they were diabolical and human. We ordained elders Henry Boehm, James Aikins, James Polemus, John Wiltbank, Asa Smith, and Benjamin Iliff.

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The conference rose, after seven days’ close labour. We had, as usual, preaching noon and night, and some souls were blessed.

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We came away to Wilmington, Delaware, and lodged at Collector Allan M’Lane’s.

PENNSYLVANIA

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We reached Philadelphia. Eighty miles in two days. Sarah Williams has left £200 to the disposal of Bishop Whatcoat and myself; we ordered its application to the Chartered Fund.fl18 Thank the Lord! I am happy in the midst of the murmurs of many who are disappointed because I do not meet their strange expectations: O! what a wonder if I walk officially straight, when so many would wish me to incline a little to the right or left, as their whims and fancies would lead!

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I prayed, read, wrote, and conversed with friends.

Sabbath day, 12. I preached at St. George’s chapel, and again in the Academy: this was a gloomy day—in weather, in the congregation, and in my mind.

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I preached in the new house at Kensington;fl19 I had light and openings. I was continually in prayer; after breakfast, after dinner, after tea or supper. I visited Doctor Samuel Magaw: his whole system is shattered, but he has intervals of reason; and although he wants the plenitude of witness of justifying and sanctifying grace, he appears to be full of goodness, full of God: I felt that God was eminently with him: I had confidence and power in prayer for him.

NEW JERSEY

We set out for the East on Tuesday morning, and came as far as Trenton; I was unwell with fasting and riding, so brother Whatcoat preached.

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At Kingston, fifteen miles, we fed and started, but a storm drove us into Mr. Henry Gulick’s: we again set out, but I was afraid of riding in the rain, and turned in under the roof of a Cornish man by the name of John Rule.

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The roads heavy and damp. We came on to New Brunswick, dined, and reached Benjamin Drake’s for the night. Next day, we dined with Thomas Morrell at Elizabethtown, and lodged with Mr. Richard Leaycraft at Newark.

NEW YORK

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We were in New York by eight o’clock. I felt a desire to go to the camp meeting at Mosquito Cove,fl20 thirty miles from Brooklyn, on Long Island. Brother Russell took me there. On my journey I felt as if God had been, and would be, and was at camp. We arrived about nine-o’clock. The Saturday’s exercises continued through the night until near the break of day.

Sabbath morning, 19. I preached to a multitude on Acts 2:21; in the afternoon Michael Coatefl21 spoke. The work went on through the whole night. Many precious souls were blessed. On Monday night I preached at Brooklyn. I gave them a sermon in John street church in New York on Tuesday morning.

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We came away to the widow Sherwood’s,fl22 where I

preached: I had a little time to read. In this State the subjects of succession, rebaptizing, are much agitated. I will tell the world what I rest my authority upon. 1. Divine authority. 2. Seniority in America. 3. The election of the General Conference. 4. My ordination by Thomas Coke, William Philip Otterbein, German Presbyterian minister, Richard Whatcoat, and Thomas Vasey. 5. Because the signs of an apostle have been seen in me. On Saturday I lodged with Nicholas Fisher at the Plains. At the White Plains meeting house on the Sabbath day I stood up once more; my subject, 1 Corinthians 15:33, 34. We had some feeling souls to hear; but there is a call for abundantly more. Brother Whatcoat preached at four o’clock. This was a sorrowful day to me; I was in sackcloth.

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I called to see Elder Coleman’s wife,fl23 who was ill—or expected soon to be. I dined with James Hall.fl24 We rejoiced that after sixteen years we were bound heavenward. We crossed Croton to Stephentown, stopping at Thomas Bailey’s.fl25 I preached at five o’clock.

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We made our way across the Peekskill mountains, by Gilead meeting house.fl26 We came by the grand encampment where the God of glory appeared last autumn.fl27 We lodged With Richard Jackson.

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was a day of rest. We called a meeting, and brother Whatcoat preached upon the perfect law of liberty. I exhorted. Next day, through an unusually cold north wind, we made a laborious journey to Rhinebeck. We stayed with our brother Robert Sands.

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I read the latter part of Mr. Wesley’s Journal. How great and unceasing were his labours; how various, comprehensive, and just are his observation on men, women, modes, manners, doctrines, opinions, authors, and things! I have felt myself strongly urged to pray after every meal, where the families are in the habit of prayer; but I believe there are Methodist households that sometimes fall in my way, who never pray in this way: and is this our poor success, after eighteen years of faithful labours? God be gracious to us, and to such families and unfaithful souls!

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Reading closely.

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I spoke at Rhinebeck chapel, on Joel 2:28, 29: “It shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit.” The preacher’s mind was somewhat clouded, or he might have better shown. I. What are the common and extraordinary operations of the Spirit. II. The subjects of this operation—the children of God, and their children; the “servants” of God, and their servants and slaves; the “old men” of the first generation living, down to the third and fourth; “young, men,” gay and forgetful; “young women,” giddy and thoughtless; rich and poor. III. The provision that is made for this—in the love of God, in the death of Christ, in the general grace of God, dispensed by men and means. Brother Whatcoat spoke in the afternoon. It was a heavy day with me; I wearied myself in vain; but my judgment is with my God.

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I rested and read Mr. Wesley’s Journal and the last of his Life.

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We made, through heat and dust, to Gale’s tavern:fl28 a plentiful rain afterward drove us into Mr. Booth’s, at Claverack. On Wednesday we dined at Kinderhook, and lodged with Burtis Goslin, Esq., at Greenbush.fl29

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On our way to Stillwater, we passed Troy, Lansingburgh, and Waterford, crossing the North River upon a grand bridge. We got within a mile of the camp meeting ground. There is no great shade, nor many tents; but we expect preachers from Canada, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.

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We opened our camp meeting exercises in the pine woods at Stillwater. It continued four days and three nights. There were many people, many sermons, many prayers, many sinners, many saints, and little intermission, night or day, of labours and praises. The particulars may be printed.

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We came twenty-five miles to Ashgrove, and next day

opened conference. On Tuesday, the 18th, the conference rose at noon. We had blessed harmony and order; and I never heard less murmuring about the stations, of which there were sixty-two upon the list, and two having no appointments, because of debility. The committee of business, and the committee of addresses, were very attentive to the affairs brought before them, and their labours were highly approved. By allowing the usual provision for the married preachers and their wives (no supplies given for the children), the conference was insolvent seventeen hundred dollars. There were about eight hundred dollars in money, and other things, given to, and given away by, the conference. We had a sacrament and love feast on the Sabbath, and I preached: the duty was performed by others at other times, as usual; but there were no special marks of good done.

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We came to the Falls of Hoosick, and stopped at George Croye’s. Here I preached, 1 Corinthians 2:29-31.fl30 VERMONT

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We came through Pownall, in Vermont, to Williamstown,

the seat of the college—containing two houses, one, probably sixty by forty feet; the other, one hundred by fifty feet, four stories, of brick. We dined at brother Kinney’s, near New Ashford. Thence we came away to Lanesborough, and on to Pittsfield. We have passed through a well- cultivated land of wavy, well-watered surface, roughened with rocks, and broken often enough by hills. We have had two days and nights of heat equal to that of Georgia. Some thunder showers cooled the air, and our ride yesterday was pleasant, though laborious, through Washington, Becket, and Chester, and along upon the headsprings of Agawam River, whose meanders we followed upon a turnpike road, winding amongst the hills of the Green Mountain, equal to any in the West; forty miles brought us to Westfield; and rested at Joel Farnam’s.fl31 Mr. Knappfl32 invited me to preach in the Congregational temple; but I refused, for sundry reasons valid to myself.

MASSACHUSETTS

Sabbath, 23. I attended at a Baptist church. My first subject was Isaiah 55:6, 7. My second Acts 26:18, 19. It was hard labour indeed. I rode home with Nathaniel Phelps, in Tatham.fl33 I asked an aged man at the meeting, how many souls were computed to be in the town. Four thousand, was the reply. Not one-fourth of these were at meeting. Here is room! It is a day of feeble things; and I am afraid that some of our friends, instead of boldly facing them, turn their backs upon their enemies; whilst others join them. Here Ralph Willistonfl34 was well-known—once so full of fire; and what is he now?

CONNECTICUT

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We set out after mid-day—crossed Connecticut at Enfield,

and came on to Ellington, housing with Doctor Steel.fl35 Here the Standing Order have built a grand temple to—fame. It is feared there is not in the congregation one soul alive.

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I preached in the school house to a few men, women, and

children. I went home with Mr. Ostranderfl36 at the Square Ponds.fl37 I believe Methodism is as low here as true religion: yet there is hope that God will visit New England, as well as every part of the continent, before long. At the Square Ponds meeting house I preached upon Romans 8:1,

2. It was an open season—the best time I have had in New England. Several felt. I hope it is a prelude to a revival here. I am resting, writing, and reading our Form of Discipline, and the Jews’ Answer to Voltaire.

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At Tolland quarterly meeting my subject was Jude 1:20,

21. It was a gracious time. On the Sabbath we had love feast and sacrament. I ordained Nathan Fox, John Norris, and James Hyde, deacons. These are some of the first fruits. Tolland revives. We had some living testimonies, and several souls are brought into the Church. At ten o’clock we went into an orchard adjoining the chapel. I spoke on Hebrews 8:10, 11. Brother Ebenezer Washburn’s text was, “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Many exhortations followed, and prayers, with power. There was a great cry, and the meeting held without intermission until night.

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We set out to Willington; went on to Mansfield; thence, after dining with Mr. Cyrus Dow, fifteen miles to Thompson. On Tuesday we passed through Douglass and Mendon and lodged with Mr. Ball, at Milford.

MASSACHUSETTS

Our Wednesday’s ride brought us through Hopkinton,fl38 Framingham, Natick (where we dined with Mr. Jameson), and on to Needham, to lodge. The last two days have brought us through heat (occasionally cooled by shade) and dust, and the kindness of friends, several miles from the camp ground.

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I preached at N.W. Bogle’s meeting house,fl39 on John 8:30, 31. We stopped Friday night at Waltham. On Saturday we reached Boston. O heat and dust! I felt like Jonah without his gourd. Sabbath, 7. I preached in our complete little meeting house, well-filled with hearers, from 1 Corinthians 5:7, 8. It was an open time and gracious season. In the afternoon Joseph Crawford spoke upon 1 Timothy 1:15. The word of the Lord appeared to strike like sharp arrows. I feel as if Epaphras Kibby had been faithful in Boston.

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We took the turnpike for Lynn, passing over a bridge three- quarters of a mile long, said to have cost forty thousand dollars. It is rather a causeway, thrown over a marsh—plenty of flies and mosquitoes. I found Peter Jayne in the new house built for the accommodation of the stationed preacher at Lynn. God is moving amongst the people here; they are prepared for the conference.

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At Marblehead I spoke on Galatians 4:20: “I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.” 1. Evangelical men, or apostolic witnesses, may feel a desire to be present with societies at particular times when it is in their power. They will, where this cannot be done, write. 2. That there may be very alarming and doubtful cases and characters in the congregation and Church; such as open sinners, hypocrites, half-awakened souls, backsliders, slothful believers. 3. Changing the voice—using a different method, as to matter and manner of preaching or writing, pointing at the cases and characters which are doubtful. We had another meeting at five o’clock, and then returned to Lynn. I received a letter from Doctor Coke, announcing to me his marriage;fl40 and advising me, that he did not intend to visit America again as a visitor, but rather as a sojourner (if at all), could work be appointed him to do. Marriage is honourable in all—but to me it is a ceremony awful as death. Well may it be so, when I calculate we have lost the travelling labours of two hundred of the best men in America, or the world, by marriage and consequent location.

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We had a full conference. Preaching at five, at eleven, and at eight o’clock. Sitting of conference from half-past eight o’clock until eleven, in the forenoon; and from two until six o’clock, in the afternoon: we had great order, and harmony, and strict discipline withal. Sixteen deacons and eight elders were ordained.

Sabbath, 14. We held our meeting in a grove belonging to Benjamin Johnson, a beautiful and sequestered spot, though near the meeting house. My subject was 1 Thessalonians 2:6-9. 1. The system of imparting the “Gospel of God”—which is preaching Christ. 2. The doctrines, privileges, precepts, and power of this “Gospel.” 3. Apostolical purity of intention, disinterestedness, tempers, manners, labours, and travels. The affection of soul “imparted”—manifested—in preaching and prayer, and bowels of mercies and sympathies. There were many exhortations and much prayer; many must have felt; some were converted: from this day forth, the work of God will prosper in Lynn and its neighbourhood. On Monday, the labours of conference, and public religious exercises were continued. On Tuesday evening conference rose in great peace. On Wednesday I gave them a sermon, and immediately set out to Waltham, twenty miles: wind, heat, dust!

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We gained Captain Nichols’s,fl41 Shrewsbury. Wilbraham

brought us up on Friday. We rested with Abel Bliss on Saturday. Sabbath, 21. At Wilbraham I spoke on 2 Timothy 4:5-8: “But watch thou in all things,” &c. Introduction—the special relation of a spiritual father and son. The time and circumstances peculiar to Paul and Timothy: “Watch, in all things”: as a Christian; as a Christian minister or bishop; endure afflictions of mind and body, as a Christian and a minister—endure heat, cold, hunger, thirst, labour, persecution, temptations. “Do the work of an evangelist”—spread the Gospel where it is not, support it where it is. Paul knew he was going by martyrdom: he had “fought a good fight of faith”; and by faith he had “kept” justifying “faith,” which some had made shipwreck of: the “crown” of justifying and sanctifying, and practical righteousness, was waiting to encircle his triumphant brows—a “crown” thrice radiant with the three degrees of glory. In conclusion I said many things, and with great plainness, urging the necessity of being civilized, moralized, and spiritualized, by the Gospel in the plenitude of its Divine operation. I ordained Luman Andrus an elder, and Urijah Clough to deacon’s orders. After two hours’ serious labour I retired. CONNECTICUT

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We came in heat to East Hartford, and lodged with Squire

Elisha Pitkins. Tuesday, to New Haven: Wednesday, to Stamford: Friday, to Peter Bonnett’s, New Rochelle.

NEW YORK

We have ridden two hundred and thirty miles in six days—some of them awfully warm. The earlier fruits and productions of the year have been very abundant; but without a rain, the latter fruits and grain must fail. I took a day to refit clothes, and to write letters. At four o’clock I preached at Rochelle meeting house: the subject suited the state of the town: the men were few, the women many. The Lord was present with us. I lodged under the hospitable roof of the widow Sherwood. On my road hither, I thought I saw what would make a good camp ground:fl42 I wrote to the presiding elder,fl43 advising him of this circumstance. I am still bent on great designs for God, for Christ, for souls. Saturday brought us through excessive heat and dust to New York I would say; but we were barred its entrance by proclamation, having passed through New Haven, afflicted with the yellow fever.fl44 I stopped at George Suckley’s.fl45 Being a little unwell, I made the best use of the day I could by writing letters.

NEW JERSEY

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I preached in our very neat chapel at Second River.fl46 We came to Elizabethtown; and on Tuesday to Joseph Hutchinson’s; and Wednesday brought us up at Burlington.

PENNSYLVANIA

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We found ourselves proclaimed at Philadelphia as at

New York. We directed our course to Mr. Henry Manley’s seat, in the neighbourhood of the city. I received several letters, from which I learn that there was great order preserved at Duck Creek camp meeting; and that great good was done—three hundred souls were blessed! On Saturday I wrote letters. I redeem a day by hard riding for this service. I have bought, for one hundred dollars, a neat little Jersey wagon. On the Sabbath day I preached at Germantown, on Isaiah 49, 50:2. I returned to Mr. Manley’s, and preached at five o’clock, at Mr. Manley’s; this day appears to have been poorly spent. I am waiting for the minutes of conference, and my little wagon—then away to the West.

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I visited brothers Cook’sfl47 and Haskins’sfl48 families; and rested on Tuesday.

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We set out and reached Radnor. We stopped to dine with

brother Gyger, and had a serious time at prayer in his new house, which they are about to move into. We lodged with Daniel Meredith, an old disciple, in the Valley. Thursday brought us, through heat and dust, to Soudersburg. Sick on Friday, and took medicine. Saturday, wrote a great deal.

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At the chapel at Soudersburg, I preached upon 2 Thessalonians 1:72

Thessalonians 1:7-10: “And to you who are troubled, rest with us,” &c. 1. The sources of “trouble” to the people of God—temptation, persecution, disorderly walk and backsliding of professors, and the wretched state of sinners. 2. The present and future “rest”—first on earth, and then in glory: the cause—”the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” hath been obeyed by, and hath had its full operation on, “them that believe.” 3. The revelation “of the Lord Jesus Christ”:—the characters of those whom he shall judge, and take vengeance upon—ungodly heathens; disobedient hearers of the Gospel. “Vengeance”—for God; for himself; for his insulted Spirit; for the ministers of Christ, and the people of God. “Punished”—their punishment to be beyond the interference of mercy: to be sufferings of body and soul; and these to be eternal. I was considerably assisted; yet I left the subject in an unfinished state, after speaking a full hour.

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We came off with courage, passing through Lancaster still unpropitious to Methodism: seven miles beyond, father Musselman received us with a smiling countenance, a willing hand, and ready mind. We fed, and talked, and sang, and prayed, and parted in the Lord. We crossed Anderson’s ferry,fl49 the best I know on the river, and came into York. I stopped a day. O! how kind our friends are, at their beautiful retreat: may friend Pentz,fl50 and wife, and mother, be blessed of the Lord!

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We set out for Carlisle, but I changed my mind and my

route to East Berlinfl51: we put up with Isaiah Haars.fl52 Thursday brought us to Shippensburg, thirty miles. On Friday we bent our course towards Pittsburg, over the three mountains,fl53 to John Thompson’s, in Burnt Cabins Valley.fl54 I have moved swiftly, but in my flight have written to five of the preachers. I walked down the mountains, which fatigued me. My soul is at peace; but I have severe trials at times. On Saturday we rested, refitted, read and wrote. Sabbath day, at Fort Littleton chapel, I spoke upon 2 Corinthians 3:12. We had a feeling, melting season. We lodged with father Ramsay—an exceeding kind people.

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We reached Bedford. At night we had fiddle and flute to enliven our prayers, and assist our meditations. I had but little rest. On Tuesday we rode sixteen miles to breakfast. We stopped at Berlin, and I gave them a sermon. Wednesday brought us over awful roads to Connellsville,fl55 forty-two miles. We were nearly wrecked. A very serious drought prevails west and east: O, we are wicked—we are covetous! we abuse the blessings of abundance, and God in justice withholds. I am indebted to a kind Providence for my good little wagon, and my excellent and active driver—and good preacher too. I am resolved to quit this mountainous, rocky, rugged, stumpy route. It was a mercy of God we were not—men, horses, and wagon—broken in pieces; I praise God now, but I hardly had time to pray then.

The camp meeting begins, to-morrow, at Short Creek, near the Great River.fl56 On Friday and Saturday we laboured onward to Short Creek: I foundered my mare; and had many trials.

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I preached at the camp ground: it was a moving time. On Monday I preached again. It was judged there were five thousand souls present to hear; and that one hundred souls were converted to God. I purchased a horse; and bent my course through Wheeling, on the banks of the Ohio: we crossed,fl57 and in the evening came to Morristown. OHIO

Friday brought us to Muskingum; Saturday, we reached John Murphy’s, and on the Sabbath I rested with Edward Teel. Joseph Crawford is sick.fl58 I have had little rest for six nights past. I have ridden, by computation, sixteen hundred and eighty miles since I left Baltimore.

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I preached at Richland chapel, on 1 Peter 5:10: the subject was gracious; and so was the season. I find here the children of Methodists, according to the flesh, known elsewhere, and long ago.fl59 Jonathan Jackson is married: O thou pattern of celibacy, art thou caught! Who can resist? Our married man was forty years of age: he has taken to wife a Mrs. Roberts—a poor pious widow. Joseph Crawford is very ill. I cannot go on. I have sent sixteen miles for a bottle of wine for him. We started away on Tuesday, and came to Judge Vanmeeter’s, at the Muddy Prairie, and dined and prayed: brother Crawford still ill of a flux and fever. We stopped at Crouse’s mill for the evening. Edward Tiffin’s brought us up on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday, brother Crawford could not move on. Doctor Tiffin, the present governor of the State, administered some relief. I was happily employed in reading the Portrait of St. Paul, by the divine Fletcher. I preached at Chillicothe—we have excessive heat. My mind is in great peace.

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We rode to Deer Creek, and dined with Mr. Davis. The evening found us at White Brown’s.

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I preached in the barn,fl60 upon 1 Corinthians 12:8, 9: “My grace is sufficient for thee.” A view was taken of the cases, characters, and stations the people of God might be in, and their several relations to each other, as it respected their duty to God, to the world, to themselves, and to their brethren. It was attempted to be shown, that in all possible situations arising out of the faithful performance of this duty, the grace of God was sufficient for them. The manner in which this grace is to be obtained:—by fervent prayer, three times a day, or oftener; by a diligent use of all the means, and a faithful improvement of the grace given.

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We missed our path, and went out of our way—we intended

for the falls of Paint, and went to Bullskin, twenty miles: we lodged with Michael Hains, who rode with us eleven miles. We passed Franklin, on the way to the town of Newmarket, containing eight cabins. We lodged at Ross’s, and were kindly and freely entertained. The roads were heavy; but the wagon was a covering in the heavy rain. The roads were dreadful to Williamsburg, Claremont county. We had a beach swamp, mud up to the hubs, stumps as high as the wagon body, logs, trees:—after all, we came safe. Wednesday, we lodged with Levi Rogers—once a travelling preacher, now a physician. We were greatly outdone, but we called a meeting at Williamsburg. Brother Whatcoat preached, and I exhorted. I saw several Jersey friends. On Thursday we rode on to Mr. Dimmitt’s, on the route to Little Miami: we have made one hundred miles in four days. I was made glad to hear of the revival of the work of God in the new settlements: the local ministry have shared in this labour with the travelling preachers. On Friday we came down the east branch of the Little Miami, to Judge Gatch’s. On Saturday we rested, and I read and wrote. On the Sabbath day we held a meeting of four hours at Philip Gatch’s:fl61 brother Whatcoat’s subject was, “Repent and be converted”; Joseph Crawford’s, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ”; and Francis Asbury’s, “I have no greater joy than this, that my children walk in the truth.” We felt quickened and comforted in God. Our route on Monday led through Columbia, and the rich lands of the Miami. William Lives sent one to meet and invite us to his house in Cincinnati; I gave them a discourse upon, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found,” &c.

KENTUCKY

Next day I called on Elijah Sparks,fl62 at Newport, and baptized two of his children. We dined with the widow Stephens. I rejoiced to find that a new circuit had been formed, and there were several growing societies—much of this has been effected by the faithful labours of Benjamin Edge.fl63 We passed Grant’s Lick, and lodged very comfortably with William Daniel. On Wednesday we reached Joshua Jones’s; and next day beat along to Isaac Nevey’s—here we were at home. In Kentucky we passed through Campbell, Pendleton, and Harrison counties. Our estimate is one thousand nine hundred and eighty miles from Baltimore to Mount Gerizim.

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We attended at White’s chapel; Bishop Whatcoat and myself preached. We dined at brother White’s and came through Cynthiana, the capital of Harrison county, to Jonathan Jaques’s.

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At Benjamin Coleman’s. On the Sabbath day, brother Joseph Crawford and myself had a warm time of it at Mount Gerizim, where we have already held our conference twice. We both preached; we exerted ourselves greatly, and I hope there was good done. We visited Daniel Grigg. I found several of my old friends at this place—among them Colonel Barratt of Alleghany, and his wife; Mrs. Tittle, and some from Baltimore county, and the State of Delaware—and thus our people are scattered abroad; but, thank the Lord! they are still in the fold, and on their way to glory. My own soul is closer and closer united to God.

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I visited John Vernon, an early member of society, at Lewis Afree’s, near Duck Creek, State of Delaware. I must look up our old sheep and lambs. On Tuesday I went to John Whitaker’s, Bourbon county. Joseph Crawford preached at J. Robinson’s, on Wednesday. I spoke upon 1 Corinthians 4:1-5: “Let a man so account of us as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” “Of Christ”—for us, and Christ in us. That these “mysteries” are not subjects of reason, but revelation and inspiration—that we must believe them upon Divine testimony. The apostle was not conscious of evil, but he was not his own judge. Men are incompetent judges of what belongs to God and his Spirit; it will be found in the judgment day, that pride, covetousness, and backsliding were the probable cause of the union of heresy and schism. A divinity-doubter was present.

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I visited Luke Hanson. Next day it rained, and I rested. On Saturday I stopped at Madox Fisher’s, in Lexington. I was of necessity in our old house on the Sabbath day; we could not preach abroad, the weather was damp. My sermon was the echo of my text: “Cry aloud and spare not.” Joseph Crawford preached twice. On Monday I was unwell, but I rode to Jesse Griffith’s, Scott county. On Tuesday we rested.

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We opened our conference in great peace;fl64 there

were about twenty-five members present: six hours a day were steadily occupied with business. The committees of claims and of addresses did much work, and it was done well. I completed my plan for the coming year, and submitted it to the presiding elders, who suggested but two alterations; may they be for the best! On the Sabbath day I preached to about three thousand souls. On Tuesday, after the rise of conference, I rode to Lexington; and on Wednesday to J.S. Hoard’s, Jessamine county. I was under affliction of body; but perfect love, peace within, and harmony without, healed every malady.

Our friend Job Johnson gave us a lodging on Thursday night; and at Rock Castle chance furnished us with another, such as it was, for Friday night,— but we had peace and prayer.

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We took the path about five o’clock in the morning, and came eighteen miles to dinner at Mr. Freeman’s.fl65 We reached Johnson’s, upon Richland Creek. On the Sabbath day we were under the necessity of moving forward slowly, to Ballinger’s, where we dined. The evening brought us to Dalton’s—crowded with company, but we kept good order.

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Our trouble began. We dined at Davis’s; then came on to

Jesse Dodson’s. Tuesday morning was rainy, and the road was bad before we came to, and after we had crossed Clinch River: it was not better than it had been in its native state. Our carriage had nearly upset. I am decided to take the Cumberland path hereafter—at least, until this made and mended road—the worse, perhaps, for making and mending—is in a better condition; the turnpike takes fifty dollars a day, for having made bad worse.

TENNESSEE

At the Stubblefields we rested a day. We are one hundred and forty miles from Kentucky. Sure I am that nothing short of the welfare of immortal souls, and my sense of duty, could be inducement enough for me to visit the West so often: O, the roads, the hills, the rocks, the rivers, the want of water—even to drink; the time for secret prayer, hardly to be stolen, and the place scarcely to be had! My mind, nevertheless, was kept in peace: I prayed in every house I lodged in, and at almost every place I stopped at. We have heavy rains at present; and another wilderness, bad as this, yet to pass. We meet crowds of people directing their march to the fertile West: their sufferings for the present are great; but they are going to present abundance, and future wealth for their children: in ten years, I think, the new State will be one of the most flourishing in the Union.

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We crossed Main Holston, and came into Tennessee, and

put into Colonel Conaway’s, Little Nolachucky; we rested here on Friday. At Moses Ellis’s, on Saturday, we saw Moses Blackfl66 and his wife—he about forty, and she fifteen: such are the wise contracts Methodist preachers sometimes make.

Sunday, I felt very unwell from cold taken. We passed Quorton’s ferry, upon Great Nolachucky. In crossing the Paint Mountain, on Monday, we rode up, and walked down; and I sprained my ankle.

NORTH CAROLINA

We came into North Carolina,fl67 and lodged with Wm. Neilson at the Hot Springs. Next day we stopped with Wilson, in Buncombe. On Wednesday I breakfasted with Rev. Mr. George Newton, Presbyterian minister, a man after my own mind: we took sweet counsel together. We lodged, this evening, at Mr. William Fletcher’s, Mud Creek. At Colonel Thomas’s, on Thursday, we were kindly received, and comfortably entertained. SOUTH CAROLINA

We came into South Carolinafl68 on Friday, and lodged with Captain Edwards;fl69 and on Saturday, at Staunton’s, Staunton’s ferry, Saluda River, Greensville district, we were at home.

Sabbath, 27. At Salemfl70 I preached upon Hosea 10:12: “Sow to yourselves in righteousness,” &c.

I. The great and glorious end of the coming of the Lord:—”to rain righteousness”—to impart his grace in all its plenitude—to give a right state of heart in justifying, sanctifying, experimental, and practical holiness. “Reap in mercy”: when God gives, do you give—do all the good in your power.

II. The means of obtaining this grace, and the blessings consequent to its reception and improvement. “Break up your fallow ground”—seek deep conviction. “Seek the Lord”—by repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. “Rain righteousness upon you”—by justifying grace; humble, holy obedience. The end, everlasting life.

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We proceeded on our way to Georgia, winding along some crooked paths through Pendleton district to Eliab Moore’s, upon Rocky River:fl71 night came on, and we missed our way into the plantation; I walked up a hill, and called for help, and was relieved. We crossed Rocky River four times on Tuesday, and came to Mr. Dunlap’s.fl72 Wednesday morning we rode twenty miles for our breakfast, at Petersburg. We lodged with John Oliver; Joseph Crawford preached two evenings. GEORGIA

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I preached at eleven o’clock on 1 Corinthians 6:191 Corinthians

6:19, 20. Instead of building a small convenient house, they have bought an old house and fitted up a room for everybody: this did not please me. I have, for the first time, seen Judge Marshall’s Life of Washington;fl73 I have read four hundred pages in it. Critics may, for aught I know, find fault (especially on the other side of the water) with the style and general execution of this work; I like both: the early history of the country very properly precedes, and is connected with the life of the great man who has been so justly styled the father (politically) of his country. There is nothing in the work beneath the man of honour; there are no malevolent sentiments, or bitter expressions, derogatory to the character of a Christian. The author deserves credit for the pains he has taken to furnish authorities and authentic records in the notes to his work. If any author has in America, done better than Marshall, it is Belknap,fl74 perhaps.

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I visited Richard Easter, and Judge Tait. On the Sabbath day I preached at Thompson’s chapel on Ezekiel 33:2; it was an alarming season. Joseph Crawford spoke after me, and we then rode to Mr. Clark’s, fourteen miles, and lodged. At three o’clock on Monday we held meeting at Mr. Mark’s.

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We rode to Mr. Pope’s, Oglethorpe. I preached at the new chapel; Joseph Crawford preached at General Stewart’s.

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I was sick, and went to bed.

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We came to Joshua Moore’s, upon Shoulder Bone: we were benighted in the woods; the flesh fails, but my mind is in peace.

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We reached Sparta. The heat was great. From Kentucky to Sparta, five hundred and sixteen miles.

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I preached: my subject was 1 Peter 4:17. Joseph Crawford gave two sermons.

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We came to Matthew Harris’s: and next day I preached upon 1 Corinthians 11:30, 31. We drove back to Sparta that evening. I have ridden about fifty miles to preach to about twice as many souls. I would have gone down to the state; but appointments had not been made, and brother Crawford grew very unwell, I judged it proper for him to go through a course of physic, and the weather was cold, and I wanted a coat. I only lamented that I could not see my poor black sheep at Buffalo Creek; but was glad to hear that Ethiopia still stretched forth the hand of faith and prayer. I feel very serious about the supplies of preachers for the South Carolina Conference: some are sick, some are settling in life—men of feeble minds. But let the Head of the Church see to his own work—it is not mine. Why should I despond? What was the work thirty-seven years ago, when there were but two local preachers—one in New York, and one in Maryland? Now there are two thousand local, and four hundred travelling preachers.

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We rode to Rehoboth.fl75 Next day Joseph Crawford preached on—”The foundation of God standeth sure.”

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Joseph Crawford held forth, and I followed: my subject was 2 Peter 2:20, 21: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world,” &c.

I. The “pollutions of the world,” the sins of the flesh and spirit, by which people are led captive by the god of this world.

II. The Gospel method of salvation, by Jesus Christ, “the way of righteousness,” justifying, sanctifying, and practical, as set forth in “the holy commandments delivered unto” believers.

III. How persons may be “entangled” and overcome by heresy, schism, and sin.

IV. The last state worse than the first, because they so highly dishonour God, and wound the cause of Christ; and because of the great difficulties attending their recovery; from which causes arise the great danger of eternal perdition.

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At the new chapel at Warrington my subject was Mark 11:17. Joseph Crawford followed upon Mark 10:9. Next day I preached at Cowles’s iron-works.

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We reached Augusta.

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I rested. I preached at Spent Creek on Friday.

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Joseph Crawford took the pulpit. I rode twenty-five miles on Friday, to preach to twenty-five souls; the appointment had not been made for me.

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I preached in Augusta.

SOUTH CAROLINA

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I bore up for South Carolina and came to Barnwell court house: I was kindly entertained by Mr. Powers.

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We reached Jacob Barr’s.fl76

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We reached Mr. Perry’s;fl77 and next day came into

Charleston. From Augusta one hundred and fifty miles—heavy rides, and weary men and horses. I was under some dejection of spirits. I have lately read the Life of David Brainerdfl78—a man of my make, such a constitution, and of great labours; his religion was all gold, the purest gold. My eyes fail; I must keep them for the Bible and the conferences.

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Engaged in closest exercises. I do not find matters as I wish: one preacher has deserted his station; and there are contentions amongst the Africans.

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My soul is deeply oppressed with a heavy sea of troubles.

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“Still heavy in my heart; still sink my spirits down.”

At Cumberland street church I spoke upon Revelation 7:13-17. My two general heads were—

I. The gracious, although afflicted state of God’s people in this world. II. The glorious state of the righteous in heaven.

Our lower floor was nearly filled with communicants, white and black. Do they all indeed “discern the Lord’s body?” It will never do for me to record all I fear, hear, and think. At Bethel church I took for my text Romans 12:9-12. I observed that the text contained evangelical Christian duties, privileges, promises, and marks, by which we might judge of ourselves as Christians. That if these marks, and this experience, were not upon us and in us, we could not be Christians. Within twenty years I have visited this place, going and returning, at least thirty times.

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Since Monday, amongst other occupations, I have been

employed in reading a thousand pages of Mr. Atmore’s Memorial,fl79 and Mr. Wesley’s Journal: these books suit me best—I see there the rise and progress of Methodism.

I met the members of society, white and black, in small companies in our own house. I gave my advice as to temporals. I recommended the painting of the new, and the enlargement of the old church to eighty feet by forty; to enlarge the preacher’s house,fl80 and to buy another burying ground. Besides praying regularly after every meal in our own house, I am obliged to go through this exercise many times, daily, with the poor Negroes. I feel that I want to go hence, but not until my God and Guide gives me liberty. I wait to know his will about going to Georgetown, two hundred and thirty miles, before Camden Conference. I wrote a letter to Mr. Atmore, advising of affairs of society and of my own; and counselled him to pursue the good work he is engaged in, and bend all his strength to the Memorial.

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I was in great heaviness through manifold temptations; yet I preached in Cumberland street in the morning and at Bethel in the afternoon. I was happy, and had great openings. I fear, sometimes, that my commission will wear out amongst one description of people here. Religion of a certain kind must be very valuable, since we spend so much to support it. There must be a prodigious revival in the Independent societyfl81—a building of theirs will cost fifty, or, perhaps, one hundred thousand dollars: there is a holy strife between its members and the Episcopalians, who shall have the highest steeple; but I believe there is no contention about who shall have the most souls converted to God.

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Reading and receiving all visitors who came to our house, with counsel and prayer, from room to room, with white and black.

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We have goodly weather. God, by his Spirit and his

providences, tells us we must set out to-morrow for Georgetown. I doubt if in Charleston we have joined more than one hundred and seventy-eight members of the fair skin in twenty years; and seldom are there more than fifty or sixty annually returned: death, desertion, backsliding: poor fickle souls, unstable as water, light as air, bodies and minds!

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We rode to Monk’s Corner, and lodged at Mr. Hatchett’s.

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We pursued a blind road to the ferry. We came on to

Murray’s,fl82 and continued along to Mr. Coleman’s,fl83 a German. Next day we reached Rembert Hall. We had hot weather—man and beast felt the burden.

Some of my northern letters have come in: they bring good news; camp meetings at Albany, New York; at Lebanon, Vermont; in the New Hampshire districts; all successful. But O, the wonders of Doctor Chandler’s report!fl84 He says his authority bids him say, that at Duck Creek camp meeting five hundred souls; at Accomack camp meeting four hundred; at Annamessex chapel, in the woods, two hundred; at Somerset, Line chapel, one hundred and twenty; at Todd’s chapel, Dorset, two hundred; at Caroline quarterly meeting, seventy-five; all, all these profess to have received converting grace!

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I committed the remains of Abijah Rembertfl85 to the dust. He was sixty-two years of age, the last sixteen years of which he had been a member of society. He was visited by, and greatly blessed under, the word at camp meeting: in his last illness, he was patient, happy, and confident: he died in the Lord. I was unwell on the Sabbath day; but wrote a long letter to Freeborn Garrettson. My soul greatly rejoiceth in the Lord, and exults in the prosperity of Zion. Brother Crawford preached in the morning, and I lectured in the evening in Rembert Hall. On Monday I wrote to elders Brodheadfl86 and Chandler. This week writing letters and reading Haweis’s Church History. By this work I learn it is the author’s opinion, that the evangelists were chief, superintending, episcopal men: aye, so say I; and that they prescribed forms of discipline, and systematized codes of doctrine. After the death of the apostles, it would appear that the elders elected the most excellent men to superintend: this course was doubtless the most expedient and excellent. Every candid inquirer after truth will acknowledge, upon reading Church history, that it was a great and serious evil introduced, when philosophy and human learning were taught as a preparation for a Gospel ministry. “Hitherto,” says our author, in his observations on the close of the second century, “not a man of eminence for science or letters, had appeared in the Church; all of this time, whose works have come down to us, give thereby no evidence of human attainments—they bear the stamp of simplicity.” Yet by these the Gospel had been supported in its purity, spreading it by their labours to the ends of the earth; and these were they who helped to fill the bloody ranks of the noble army of martyrs.

On the Sabbath day I preached a funeral sermon for Abijah Rembert. There is a revival in the society here; so much for camp meetings. I am now in the fortieth year of my labours in the ministry: thirty-four years of this time have been spent in America, counting from October 28, 1771, to

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On the Christmas day I preached at Rembert’s chapel: my subject, 1 Timothy 3:16: “Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness,” &c.

I. I gave a pastoral introduction.

II. A brief explanation of godliness—the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus; confidence in God; love to Him; fear of offending Him. To this were added a few thoughts on the six cases in the text. It was not a pleasant season: Christmas day is the worst in the whole year on which to preach Christ; at least to me.

George Doughertyfl87 informs me that the wife of John Randle, upon Pee Dee (known by the name of dumb John), died in great peace and joy, after a thirty years’ profession of religion amongst the Baptists and Methodists: safe anchorage; clear gains! But I have similar accounts from various parts; my soul triumphs in the triumphant deaths of these saints. Glory be to God!

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I rested and read; and on Friday rode into Camden. I was favoured with a number of letters giving accounts of revivals of religion. Saturday employed my pen. Sabbath day I preached.

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We opened our conference.

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I have, according to my reckoning, travelled five thousand miles: everlasting glory be to my all-sufficient God!

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I dined at Meriden and lodged at Mr. Pitkin’s,fm41 East Hartford.

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I reached Thompson, forty-five miles, faint, yet pursuing. MASSACHUSETTS

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At Milford, the people, young and old, were on the green; the active playing at ball, the aged and others looking on; it was election day.

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we dined at Mr. Bogle’s, Needham,fm42 and rode on to Waltham. A few young people are under the operations of grace here; amongst whom are the two children of George Pickering—my namesake Asbury, aged about ten, and Maria, still younger; and there is a small revival of religion in the district. We rested here on Friday, and I preached at night, on Philippians 1:8-11.

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I preached in Boston: as usual with me in this place, it was an open season; some souls were powerfully moved, myself for one.

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I took a walk to West Boston, to see the new chapel, eighty- four by sixty-four feet. The upper window frames were put in. We came to Lynn at two o’clock. I preached at two o’clock, on Haggai 2:8. After meeting we rode as far as Marblehead: here Joseph Crawford preached. I find that David Batchelor has been useful in this town; a revival has taken place.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

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We came, through dust and heat, to Enoch Sandbourn’s,fm43 East Kingston, forty-five miles.

MAINE

We had a ride of about fifty miles to Old Wells on Wednesday. Eight or ten of these we might have saved, had we known the nearest way from Exeter.

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We came to Portland; Joseph Crawford preached.

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We went towards Buxton, to attend the camp meeting. At two o’clock we came on the ground. There were twenty preachers, travelling and local.

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I preached; and on the Sunday also. Some judged there were about five thousand people on the ground. There were displays of Divine power, and some conversions. Our journey into Maine has been through dust and heat; in toil of body, and in extraordinary temptation of soul; but I felt that our way was of God.

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We journeyed on through Buxton, Limerick, Parsonsfield, Elfingham, into New Hampshire, stopping at Sandwich, to lodge with Mr. William Webster.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

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Through town after town we came to Dorchester, lodging at Deacon Blodgett’s. Canaan brought us up on Wednesday.

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We opened the New England Conference, and went through

our business with haste and peace, sitting seven hours a day.” The New York Conference address respecting the superintendency was concurred in, and the seven elders for this conference elected accordingly. We did not (to my grief) tell our experiences, nor make observations as to what we had known of the work of God; the members were impatient to be gone, particularly the married townsmen.

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I ordained eleven elders in the woods. At three o’clock I preached in the meeting house; it was a season of power.

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I lodged with John Broadhead.

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My labour is great; but I am blessed with a great willingness to duty. We came along through Enfield, Hanover, Lebanon, crossing Connecticut at Lyman’s bridge into Vermont, and kept on by Hartford, Sharon, and Royalton.

VERMONT

We brought up with Samuel Curtis, upon White’s River, for the night. From New Haven to White’s River we have made, by computation, four hundred and sixty miles. I have had sufferings in the flesh, but perfect peace of mind.

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We reached Barnard. I preached at Thomas Freeman’s, on Acts 26:17, 18. Here is a lively, large society. We had a full house at a short warning. Our way on Thursday led through Randolph, Brookfield, Williamstown, Northfield, and Berlin. I preached at Samuel Smith’s.

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We came upon Onion River, at Montpelier, the contemplated seat of government for the State. I think it eminently well selected; for a site of this kind I know nothing in England or America more suitable. At Palmer’s millfm45 I preached, on 1 Corinthians 1:30.

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Brought us over the heights of Onion River to Russell’s

bridge;fm46 thence to Bolton and Williston, dining at brother Bradley’s.fm47 After dinner we rattled along to Burlington, on Lake Champlain. Here I saw a grand college—equal, in exterior, to that of New Haven—a state house, meeting house, and other elegant buildings.fm48 We passed Shelbourne into Charlotte, on the lake, and put up with Mr. Fuller,fm49 We have made forty miles to-day. I am resolved to be in every part of the work, whilst I live to preside. It will be the best plan to bring on the sessions of all the conferences as early as possible, that there may be time given to all the preachers to go to work in the dawn of spring. The New England Conference should meet about the middle of April, and thus be ready for General Conference.

I feel as if I was fully taught the necessity of being made perfect through sufferings and labours. I pass over in silence cases of pain and grief, of body and mind.

From appearances it would seem no great stretch of imagination to suppose there have been many lakes dried up in this country. Onion River Falls, for instance, must at one time have been a boundary; at this narrow pass, as at Harper’s Ferry, on the Potomac, and the French Broad in North Carolina, the weight of waters has broken through the mountain on some day far upward in the history of past ages; they now supply Lake Champlain.

On the Sabbath I preached in an upper room at Fuller’s, to about four hundred people: my subject was Luke 4:18, 19; and God bore witness to his own word. Why did I not visit this country sooner? By moving the conferences to an earlier period in the year, it might have been done, and may yet be done: what appeared to me to be impossible, I see now is very practicable. Ah! what is the toil of beating over rocks, hills, mountains, and deserts, five thousand miles a year Nothing; when we reflect it is done for God, for Christ, for the Holy Spirit, the Church of God, the souls of poor sinners, the preachers of the Gospel in the seven conferences, one hundred and thirty thousand members, and one or two millions, who congregate with us in the solemn worship of God: O, it is nothing!

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At Vergennes court house, I preached upon Mark 1:15. I had to walk up a great hill, a mile, by the falls of Otter. At Bridport, at six o’clock, I spoke upon Titus 2:11, 12.

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Passing through Shoreham, Benson, and other towns, we

came to Hampton churchfm50 at six o’clock; I gave them a sermon upon Hebrews 3:14-16.

NEW YORK

On Wednesday we came along by Granville and Salem, down to Cambridge. At six o’clock, at Ashgrove, I preached upon Jude 17 to the end. I have travelled one hundred and fifty miles through New Hampshire; and two hundred and twenty or more, in Vermont. We have sustained more damage than I can tell, by the absence of the preachers, two or three months, at every conference: this is an evil that must be remedied. O! how I felt for the people! this was worse than my incredible toil: help, Lord, for vain is the help of man! Were it not for the aid we receive from the local and official members, the suspensions of the travelling preachers would ruin us. What is to be done? 1. Meet the conferences early. 2. Engage the official members to more engagedness and labour. 3. Let prayer meetings be more frequent. 4. Let all the probationers stay on the circuits; and let all who are recommended stay on the circuits also, until they can be admitted into the Connexion.

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We came rapidly down the pike road to Pittstown, Housack, Lansingburg, Troy, and Greenbush; on Friday through Scodack and Phillipstown, breakfasting at Mr. Bushe’s well-conducted stage tavern; and then onward through Lebanon and Canaan, in New York State, and Stockbridge, Old Barrington, and Sheffield, in Massachusetts. On Saturday we came into Connecticut, breakfasting at Salisbury: our dinner we took on the Sharon camp ground.fm51

Sabbath, 29. I preached in camp on 2 Corinthians 6:2. On Monday we pursued our route through to Dover, and rested with father Rose awhile; dined, and went on to Salem in New York State, and slept at Franklin, under the hospitable roof of father Howes.

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We came to Jeremiah Miller’s and dined, and reached

Elijah Crawford’s at the Plains. We have travelled about five hundred miles in the State of New York. I may remark here, now that I have time to make the remark, that the Lebanon camp meeting was great as to the numbers which attended, and great in power. We are now, in many congregations and classes, reaping the fruits of the conference camp meetings, all through the circuit of New Rochelle: and the Sharon camp meeting will equal, in effect, those of the conferences. We have a few refreshing rains; the promise of rich crops of wheat; and abundant spiritual harvests. Glory to God!

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We came to New York. I had left my little travelling wagon to be sold at the Plains. On Thursday I came on to son Aaron Hunt’s:fm52 Joseph Crawford came over the ferry with me; when about to part, he turned away his face and wept. Ah! I am not made for such scenes, I felt exquisite pain.

NEW JERSEY

At Newark I lodged with brother Leaycraft: I felt for, prayed with, and spoke to all members of this family.

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Noise, parade, seventeen rounds; and then to breakfast. I stole away quietly from this bustle towards Rockaway.fm53 I stopped at brother Shearman’s,fm54 with brother M’Lenahanfm55 and wife. At Turkeyfm56 chapel I spoke on 1 Corinthians 15:58: it was an open season. When there is a stir amongst the Methodists, other denominations send supplies, if they have not a stationed minister: the process is, to hold a week-day meeting, perform a sacrament or a baptism, to place the new convert within the ark of safety; and all is done. Now we may stand still, or sit still, and see the salvation of God! I rejoiced to hear of the appointment of a camp meeting on Turkey, in August.fm57

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I came to Germantown,fm58 twenty-five miles, through a

pleasant, beautiful, fruitful land of hills and vales. The place chosen for the encampment on Turkey I found a handsome height, elegantly sloping to the north. I trust four hundred souls will be converted: may it give new springs and tone to the work of God in the Jerseys!

Sabbath, 6. At Mindurt Farley’s I preached upon Galatians 6:9; in the afternoon again upon Acts 20:32. I was led out in an uncommon degree. May it be the prelude to better days! My first visit here was during the revolutionary war; now the children of people not then married are born, grown up, and married. After meeting I rode on to Pennington, housing for the night with Jonathan Bunn.

PENNSYLVANIA

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I was on the road at five o’clock. The bridge over the

Delaware is said to have cost three or four hundred thousand dollars. I reached Manley Hall about four o’clock. From New Haven to Philadelphia, I judge I have made one thousand sixty-five miles, going and returning; and about one thousand eight hundred miles, since I left the Philadelphia Conference: much suffering and much toil: not unto me, but unto thy good providence, O my God, be all the glory! After writing some letters, I preached at Kingston at five o’clock, on Acts 20:24. On my return, I found a letter from Doctor Chandler, declaring the death of Bishop Whatcoat, that father in Israel, and my faithful friend for forty years—a man of solid parts; a self-denying man of God; who ever heard him speak an idle word? when was guile found in his mouth? He had been thirty-eight years in the ministry—sixteen years in England, Wales, and Ireland, and twenty-two years in America; twelve years as presiding elder, four of this time he was stationed in the cities, or travelling with me, and six years in the superintendency. A man so uniformly good I have not known in Europe or America. He had long been afflicted with gravel and stone, in which afflictions, nevertheless, he travelled a great deal—three thousand miles the last year: he bore in the last three months excessively painful illness with most exemplary patience. He died in Dover on the 5th of July, and his mortal remains were interred under the altar of the Wesley Dover church: at his taking leave of the South Carolina Conference, I thought his time was short. I changed my route to visit him, but only reached within a hundred and thirty miles; death was too quick for me.

DELAWARE

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I came to Wilmington; and on Saturday to Northeast. MARYLAND

On the Sabbath I preached. Monday brought me to Perry Hall: and on Tuesday I reached Baltimore.

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Busy writing letters to the South, and to England. I enjoy great peace, and am in the spirit of prayer. On Friday I visited three families on Elk Ridge. On Saturday I came to brother Riggs’s;fm59 dined, and went on to Doctor Watters’s.fm60 I preached at Goshen meeting house. We have, it is said, the greatest drought that can be remembered in this country; the springs seem to be failing everywhere. Monday I went to Rachel Hall’s,fm61 dined, and rode on to Samuel Howard’s; here I had a bilious attack, and became quick bed sick.

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We have a most blessed, glorious shower of rain. I received it as an answer to prayer. The oats in the fields are unpromising; but the corn looks green, and the people are diligent in ploughing and dressing: a fine example this to Christians; O, how diligently should we labour! The heat is great.

WEST VIRGINIA

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I called upon Joseph Perkins, the superintendent of the

U.S. armoury. Here is a factory of stores of instruments of death, tastefully arranged in the several apartments: there may they remain forever! But will it be so? Alas! no. I was caught in a rain upon the river, the effects of which I felt next day.

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I am here at John Davenport’s. I have been sick, and laid up since Thursday last. Copious bleeding, emetics, cathartics, and bark have had their turns. The fever, since the day before yesterday, has left me. I have been providentially favoured with a good physician, kind friends, and temperate heat; the Lord hath done this well. I might have been taken amongst strangers, and have had more pain. Rest was wanting; and I may hereafter have better weather for the toilsome journey before me. Happily I laid my hands on Simpson’s Plea for Religion, in which we have a wonderful and interesting account of good and bad men for three centuries. The author has drawn aside the purple curtains of the Church of Rome, and the black robes of the antichristian Church of England, to lay bare the abuses of bad systems, and the vices of mitred heads: he has raised his warning voice against the corruption of manners and morals in all orders, which will, he predicts, without a speedy reformation, cause the downfall of all ecclesiastical establishments; he has magnanimously renounced his living as a minister, which his conscience would permit him no longer to hold: he said he knew not where to go; but the Lord has taken him to the Church of the first-born. O, what a warning is here given to all Churches, to all ministers, to all Christians, and to thee, O my soul! Recollecting I had never preached in the neighbourhood, and feeling a little unwilling to pass another dumb Sabbath, we called a solemn assembly, as much as if we had come to the funeral of one of the family; my subject was 1 Kings 8:35-

39. I was rapid for about an hour: they are faithfully warned; let them look to it.

VIRGINIA

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I came to Winchester. Wrote to Myles and Dougherty. Report says, that a copy of Dr. Coke’s letter was taken by stealth: the British are irritated, and the Americans are not pleased; but they were calm in counsel. I lodged at sister Phelps’s.fm62

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Came to the camp meeting at Crissman’s Springs, now

Stover’s Springs. Necessity compelled them to come here for the sake of the water in this great general drought. I moved on to Stoverstown.

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I breakfasted at Millerstown; rode to Wire’s to dinner; and by driving two hours in the night reached Rocktown, or Rockingham,fm63 and put up with Mr. Williams. I have travelled fifty miles to-day over rough, rocky roads. I rested my feeble body on Saturday.

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Our house here,fm64 forty by forty-five feet, may contain fifteen or eighteen hundred people: now that we have a place of worship of our own, I hope we shall have another revival. I preached the first sermon; my subject, Isaiah 56:8. We had an open time.

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I rested.

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I came away to Staunton: I preached in the court house on Isaiah 55:6, 7.

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brought us to Fairfield: I lodged at Mr. Moore’s tavern. At Lexington I found Mr. Shield, my host, sick: I prayed with them; it was a time of tenderness. I set out, faint indeed, for Mr. M’Conkey’s, a decent house: here I prayed as amongst the Methodists. This excessive delicacy of feeling, which shuts my mouth so often, may appear strange to those who do not know me; there are some houses in which I am not sure that I could speak to my father, were he alive, and I to meet him there—bystanders might have cause to exclaim with wonder, What a son!

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I rode fifteen miles and breakfasted with Mr. Topcotts; eleven miles farther brought me to Mr. Thomas’s, near the camp ground, at a little town called Amsterdam. I have been afflicted; but this may be for good. Had it not been for the top of the sulky, perhaps, sultry as it was, I should have been obliged to stop: faint and feeble, the kindness of good men, and the affectionate attentions of good women supported me: may a gracious God bless those who were thus made blessings to me! In prayer I have had uncommon life and liberty; but I had not strength to talk as much as I wished about God and religion. On Saturday I felt unwell.

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I ventured to the camp. I preached at eleven o’clock to about three thousand souls: I held on, loud and long; it was the Lord, not I. Notwithstanding matters were not as I could wish, I trust much good will be done.

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I rested at Mr. Thomas’s.

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I ventured on the camp ground again, and preached at eight o’clock: I was weak and unwell, but was divinely aided, whilst enlarging on Philippians 1:1; may this weighty subject rest on the minds of the preachers, and on none more than the heart of the speaker! I came away with Samuel Mitchell.fm65 Friendship and good fellowship seem to be done away between the Methodists and Presbyterians; few of the latter will attend our meetings now: well, let them feed their flocks apart; and let not Judah vex Ephraim, or Ephraim, Judah; and may it thus remain, until the two sticks become one in the Lord’s hands.

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Being unwell, I rested.

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We came away through excessive heat to Thomas Barrett’s, at the foot of the Allegheny mountain.

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brought us over the rough, rude mountain: they are making a turnpike here. After breakfasting at brother Haymaker’s, we came on to Pepper’s ferry, sometimes directing our route by chance. Since the twenty- third of May to this day, I believe we have not had a steady rain for six hours together; yet it is a miracle and mercy that the prospects of corn are so good. We rested for the day at Pepper’s; and, need we add, weary, men and horses.

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At Page’s chapelfm66 I spoke on 2 Chronicles 7:13, 14: it was an awful talk, and the people were alarmed. We dined at Edward Mitchell’s, and lodged at Whygler’s, that we might lose no time.

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I was in danger of being cast away on my route to Crocket’s, but was mercifully preserved: I felt exceedingly grateful that not even the skin of either horse or man was broken: I jumped out of the carriage. Ah! I see that old men will fail in great danger.

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We came to Wythe court house, eighteen miles, to breakfast, and reached David Stewart’s to lodge.

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I came to Charles Hardy’s. I have not slept well. I am faint with toil, and excessive heat—like an oven in the afternoon.

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brought us over the dreadful roads to the Salt Works. The great drought has not prevailed so greatly on Holston, of Tennessee.

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I preached at the widow Russell’s; my hostess is as happy and cheerful as ever.

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I preached at the Mahanaim meeting house.fm67 I once thought we should scarcely ever have a tabernacle of our own in these parts; we have now three in a triangle of eight miles’ extent. TENNESSEE

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I was weak, but attended the appointment of the

stationed preacher, A. Houston: my subject was 1 Thessalonians 5:12- 15: strong in spirit, but feeble in body. Next day I rode thirty miles over to Edward Cox’s.fm68

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I preached at Bethel. I was faint; and felt the effects of sickness and the rough roads. I lodged at the widow Lewis’s, on Beaver Creek.

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I felt that I was done, and must lay by awhile.

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I preached at Charles Helton’s, upon Main Holston: weak as I was it was an open time.

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We crossed Holston at the mouth of Watauga: the Sabbath I do not often employ in travelling—sometimes when I fall in with the circuit preachers. I was very close in my discourse at Dingworth’s, on Psalms 51:10Psalm 51:10-13; the people have sat under a Calvinistic ministry. I lodged at William Nelson’s,fm69 an ancient home and stand for Methodists and Methodist preaching. I have gone over rough roads, and a wild country, rocks, ruts, and sidelong difficult ways, sometimes much obscured; it was thus I lost my way, and travelled twenty miles farther than I needed.

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Prepared for conference.

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My bowels for some days past have been much disordered, and I have been otherwise ill; but constant occupation of writing, reading, and praying, has diverted my attention from my sufferings: the medicine taken to-day has done good. I am obliged to avoid the sun as I would a burning fire.

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I preached at the stand in the woods, brother M’Kendree followed: it was a season of feeling.

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the Western Conference commenced its sitting, and ended on Monday.fm70 The Mississippi missionary preachers could not be spared, they thought, from their work, and therefore did not come. We had great peace. There are fourteen hundred added within the bounds of this conference. Of the fifty-five preachers stationed, all were pleased. In unison with the preceding conferences, an answer was given to Dr. Coke’s letter. We had preaching at noon and night, and good was done. The brethren were in want, and could not suit themselves; so I parted with my watch, my coat, and my shirt. By order of the conference, I preached a funeral discourse, on the death of our dear friend Whatcoat,fm71 from John 1:47-50; there were not far from two thousand people present. If good were done, which I trust and hope, it is some compensation for my sufferings—thirteen hundred miles in heat and sickness on the road; and in the house, restless hours, the noise of barking dogs, impatient children, and people trotting about, and opening and shutting doors at all hours.

NORTH CAROLINA

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We came to Buncombe: we were lost within a mile of Killian’s and were happy to get a school house to shelter us for the night: I had no fire, but a bed wherever I could find a bench; my aid, Moses Lawrence, had a bear skin, and a dirt floor to spread it on.

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My affliction returned: considering the food, the labour, the lodging, the hardships I meet with and endure, it is not wonderful. Thanks be to God! we had a generous rain—may it be general through the continent!

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I rode twelve miles to Turkey Creek,fm72 to a kind of camp meeting. On the Sabbath, I preached to about five hundred souls: it was an open season, and a few souls professed converting grace.

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Raining. We had dry weather during the meeting. There were eleven sermons, and many exhortations. At noon it cleared up, and gave us an opportunity of riding home: my mind enjoyed peace, but my body felt the effects of riding. On Tuesday, I went to a school house to preach: I rode through Swannanoa River and Cane, and Hooper’s Creeks.

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I preached at Samuel Edney’s.fm73 Next day we had

to cope with Little and Great Hunger mountain. Now I know what Mills Gap is, between Buncombe and Rutherford: one of the descents is like the roof of a house, for nearly a mile: I rode, I walked, I sweated, I trembled, and my old knees failed: here are gullies, and rocks, and precipices; nevertheless, the way is as good as the path over the Table mountain—bad is the best. We came upon Green River,fm74 crossed, and then hobbled and crippled along to Martin Edward’s, a local preacher: my host had waited two years; I ordained him to deacon’s orders. I feel as if I ought not to preach one sermon without being pointed and very full upon the doctrine of purity.

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Crossed Green and Broad rivers, to attend a meeting in the woods in Rutherford county.fm75 I preached on the Sabbath, on Psalms 51:8Psalm 51:8-11; and on Monday at eight o’clock in the morning, on 1 John 1:6, 7—it was a moving season. I made my lodging with brother Driskells on Sunday night and on Monday at Major George Moore’s, twenty miles from the ground.

SOUTH CAROLINA

On Tuesday, we came rapidly through a part of Lincoln, to South Carolina, about thirty miles, and lodged at Alexander Hill’s; next day stayed with Mr. Fulton.fm76 My mind is in constant peace under great bodily exertions. I preached at my host’s, upon Matthew 24:12, 13.

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At the Waxhaw. We crossed Catawba at M’Lenahan’s ferry, and came to Robert Hancock’s to lodge.fm77 We have had a blessed rain. On Friday we came to the Hanging Rock—death! death! The death of our friend, Daniel Carpenter, makes a great breach: but he has gone safe. Saturday, rain—rest—closely occupied in writing. On the Sabbath I preached at the Hanging Rockfm78—few people; but a good season. On Monday I copied the minutes. I feel full of God: glory to God! On Tuesday I went over to Thompson’s Creek, Anson county, to see George Dougharty; but his friends had conveyed him away on a bed.fm79 I spent Wednesday in reading, meditation, prayer, and Christian converse in Thomas Shaw’s family.

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Rode back to the Hanging Rock: I felt the effects of the

ride, as the exercise was somewhat new. I prayed in two out of three families we visited: it seemed to me as if they were cases of life and death. It is the duty of a general officer to be careful of all his men, especially those composing his staff. A drought is the cause of want and affliction: in such seasons we should use humiliation, fasting, penitence, and prayer.

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Closely occupied in writing.fm80 On Saturday, rode to Camden. I have received a full account from Doctor William P. Chandler,fm81 Delaware district, of the work of God from May third to August twenty- fourth. What hath God wrought!

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I preached upon 1 Corinthians 11:28: “Let a man examine himself.” After making some general observations on the sacrifice of Abel, of Abraham, and the nature of the passover and the Lord’s supper, I enforced the necessity upon sinners, seekers, backsliders, believers, and ministers, to examine themselves. In the afternoon, I heard the Rev. Mr. Flinn, and was pleased with him as a Presbyterian minister. Mr. Smilie, a Presbyterian, preached for us in the tabernacle.

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I rode to Rembert Hall, eleven hundred and twenty miles from Philadelphia—in health, and, I trust, in holiness. Glory to God!

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Reading closely. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and

Saturday, reading the eighth and ninth volumes of Wesley’s Sermons: they wake the powers of my soul. Abstinence and prayer. I feel my mind in great peace, and a stayed trust that the Lord will provide for the South Carolina Conference: let the preachers go, as they have done, to their farms and their merchandize, yet I am greatly confident of the success of the cause of God in these parts.

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At Rembert’s chapel I preached on 1 John 3:1-3. 1. The manner of love—not that of a master, a father, a mother, or a Christian; but love of a peculiar character—the love of God, demonstrated in Christ for our redemption and salvation. 2. A view of the past, present, future, and eternal state of believers—First, The low estate; Secondly, Adoption, and regeneration, and sanctification; Thirdly, Glorification of soul and body. Behold, and wonder whilst ye adore. Lastly: the men of the world know not the Father, how then should they know the children of God the Father?

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I am bound for the city of Charleston. We sought lodging at two houses at Bruton’s Lake: we found it at Mr. Martin’s.fm82 On Tuesday we made twenty-five miles to Murray’s ferry, instead of fifteen: at Long Ferry, to which we were obliged to steer,fm83 we were detained five hours through the swamp; heat, mosquitoes, gallinippers—plenty. We rode twenty miles after sundown to get to Mr. Hatchett’s, at Monk’s Corner; the family being sick, we went to Mr. Jones’s, who kindly entertained us; we made fifty miles to-day, and came to lodgings about ten o’clock at night. On Wednesday, we came through heat and heavy roads to Charleston, where we found all things well, and in good order: Lewis Myers is an economist.fm84

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At Cumberland street church I preached in the morning; and at Bethel in the afternoon.

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Neither unemployed, nor triflingly. If we call for social prayer seven times a day, there are none to complain; the house is our own, and profane people board not with us.fm85 My time is spent in reading, writing, and receiving all who come, whites and Africans: I am sometimes called away in the midst of a letter. God the Lord is here. I am happy that we have finished our new church, and bought an acre of ground; should I live long, I shall see a house in the Northern Liberties of Cooper River.fm86 On Tuesday I wrote a letter to Dr. Coke, giving a general statement of the late work of God upon our continent.

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I preached again in Cumberland church, on 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18. I spoke under serious depression of body and mind: in the afternoon I gave them a discourse at the Bethel church, upon Philippians 1:27-30. I have read many pages of Church History, written twelve long letters, preached four sermons, and received all visitors, and spoken to them on the concerns of their souls.

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It appears that there is a work amongst white and black—

some have found the blessing. I received a letter from Daniel Hitt, giving an account of the Long Calm camp meeting, in Maryland:fm87 it held from the eighth to the fourteenth of October; five hundred and eighty were said to be converted, and one hundred and twenty believers confirmed and sanctified. Lord, let this work be general!

On Tuesday I left my prison, and got as far as Captain Perry’s, thirty miles; and next day, by riding two hours in the night, reached Jacob Barr’s. On Thursday we rode up Edisto to Benjamin Tarrant’s, twenty-two miles: next day we reached Weathersby’s, twenty-five miles.

GEORGIA

Saturday brought us to Augusta: we have made a journey of about six days in five, through deep sands.

Sabbath, 16. The morning was cold, and few hearers; my subject was Romans 13:2. High time indeed. In the afternoon I spoke again on Hebrews 11:25, 26. I wrote to Daniel Hitt on things sacred. I am grieved to have to do with boys. Hugh Porterfm88 had written to this town about a station: and added to the mischief he had formerly done: I shall take care of these youngsters. And behold, here is a bell over the gallery!— and cracked too; may it break! It is the first I ever saw in a house of ours in America; I hope it will be the last.

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Pleasant ride to Sindall’s, sixteen miles. Here, after the second generation is risen up, we have a revival in Columbia county. By being lost, we made a ride of thirty miles to Thomas Haynes’s on Tuesday. A few met for prayer: I spoke to them on 1 Peter 1:3-6. On Wednesday we rested. At Fountain’s, on Thursday, I preached on 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14. On Friday I rested, wrote, and visited.

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Rode to the west end of Wilkes county. At Stevenson

meeting house we held a three-days’ meeting: four travelling, and two local preachers were present. I read the letter from William P. Chandler,fm89 in Delaware, and exhorted a little.

Sabbath, 23. I preached on Luke 4:18: there might be one thousand souls. We hope three were converted, and many quickened—preachers and people. I ordained James Allen a local deacon.

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Rained. I kept close; read, wrote, and prayed. A thought struck me that I would take the names and numbers of our congregations in Georgia; this I effected with the assistance of Josias Randall,fm90 and found them to be one hundred and thirty; which I calculate to consist of one thousand souls each; so that we preach to one hundred and thirty thousand souls in Georgia—to some of these once in a year, others once in a quarter, others in four, some in two, and by the labours of the travelling and local ministry, to some every week. The return of members for this State will be about five thousand for the present year. It is quite probable we congregate two hundred thousand in each State, on an average; and if to these we add those who hear us in the two Canadian Provinces, in the Mississippi and Indiana territories, it will perhaps be found, that we preach to four millions of people. What a charge!

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A clear sky—and a soul unclouded. On Thursday we rode

to Arthur Matthews’s, a healthy, decent, serious family, in Warren county. Friday brought us to William Hardwick’s, Jefferson county. Next day I preached at Bethel chapel, on 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 7. I took lodging at Benjamin Bryan’s.

Sabbath, 30. We had very cold weather after a rain; the house was badly calculated for the change: my subject was 2 Corinthians 4:2. I lodged at Russell Brown’s.

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Came back to Rehoboth. I have ridden eighty-four

miles to attend this meeting at Bethel—to little purpose, I fear, unless for the trial of my own faith and patience: I was greatly chilled in my system. On Tuesday I read and wrote; and rode through a storm two miles to see Billy Stith. Next day we had rain, snow, and excessively cold weather: I preached upon Romans 12:12, 13; there were twelve souls present. On Thursday we had our horses shod. The excessive rains and freshets have done damage: the bridges on Ogeechee are generally carried away; so also upon Little River.

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We passed Williams’s Creek; and afterward Little River, where the bridge once stood: I lodged at Thomas Grant’s, and left a family exhortation.

Saturday brought us along through Washington to Petersburg, thirty-two miles. We fed our horses on the route, though we starved ourselves. I preached at seven o’clock in the evening. Reverend —— Cummins, and Reverend —— Doke, our Presbyterian brethren, were present. Sabbath, 7. At Tait’s meeting house I preached upon Luke 12:40. It was a very cold day; and the house was so open we had little satisfaction. I visited Charles Tait, a judge; I did not present myself in the character of a gentleman, but as a Christian, and a Christian minister: I would visit the President of the United States in no other character; true, I would be innocently polite and respectful—no more. As to the Presbyterian ministers, and all ministers of the Gospel, I will treat them with great respect, but I shall ask no favours of them: to humble ourselves before those who think themselves so much above the Methodist preachers by worldly honours, by learning, and especially by salary, will do them no good.

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We had cause to rejoice at James Allston’s that parents and children love the Lord: the old people have I know for twenty-seven years. I preached here on Monday, on 2 Peter 3:2. On Tuesday I came to Blackwell’s: the widow is my hostess—the former head of the family is gone to rest.

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At Ralph Banks’s.fm91 Where shall we find so healthy and happy a man and wife as we have here? the mother is but thirty-seven, and she has twelve fine children. I was determined to go to the meeting house, excessive as the rain was: we had one woman and thirty men; we rejoiced in God. They have had a camp meeting blessing at Coldwater—the people are lively.

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We rode twenty miles to James Marks’s,fm92 Broad River

quarterly meeting. Another plentiful and powerful rain. On Friday night we held a feeble night meeting. On Saturday, at the meeting house, I spoke on Galatians 6:9; it was penetratingly cold. We held a meeting in James Marks’s dwelling-house at night.

Sabbath, 14. At ten o’clock we had prayer meeting. S. Matthews preached at eleven o’clock; and I held forth at twelve o’clock in the open air: I faced the sun, but my glasses saved my eyes. We felt cold enough.

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Rode to Oglethorpe, and put up with Henry Pope. Our thirty miles’ ride was made without feeding man or beast. Reaching Athens on Tuesday, we had an evening lecture at Hope Hull’s.fm93 I wished to have crossed the river into Jackson county, but the rain came on and we returned to Blanton’s and Pope’s. General Clarke and L. Crawford had been dwelling on Indian lands: they and their company, five in all, lodged at Pope’s with us; in my presence they restrained their wild, fearless, frontier character, and behaved with great decency and politeness.

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Great rain. Reading and writing. On Friday I visited James Freeman. At Blanton’s, on Saturday, I spoke on 1 John 2:15-17. I preached at Pope’s church, on Romans 8:7-9: elders Stith Mead, Hope Hull, and Moses Matthews were present, and bore a part in the public religious exercises. John, a black man, preached in the evening.

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We rode to General Stewart’s. Very warm—like a summer’s day. What amazing changes we have in this country! I gave them a sermon. On Tuesday we had a night meeting at John Crutchfield’s: I spoke on 1 John 2:1-3: we had a gentle gale of grace. On Wednesday we were at liberty. Alas for poor Samuel Mayo, the son of pious John, a local Methodist preacher in England! I have no children to blot my name by drunkenness or murder.

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Our new chapel at Liberty is thirty by fifty feet. I gave them a sermon in it on 1 Peter 4:3-5. Lodged at Joshua Moore’s. On Friday I found Myles Green preaching; I ordained him immediately, and then gave a discourse on Hebrews 12:1, 2. After meeting I came on to Sparta. I received a dozen letters from the north. More good news from Doctor Chandler. The work of God is wonderful in Delaware. But what a rumpus is raised! We are subverters of government—disturbers of society— movers of insurrections. Grand juries in Delaware and Virginia have presented the noisy preachers—lawyers and doctors are in arms—the lives, blood, and livers of the poor Methodists are threatened: poor, crazy sinners! see ye not that the Lord is with us?

Sabbath, 28. Prayer meeting at six o’clock. John M’Veanfm94 preached at eight o’clock. At twelve o’clock I read the letters narrative of the great work, and preached upon Colossians 4:7, 8. Brother Bennet Kendrick occupied the pulpit at three o’clock; and brother Stith Meadfm95 at night.

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We began our conference. The subject of the delegated

Conference was adopted, with only two dissenting voices: these members, however, cheerfully submitted, and one of the dissentients was elected a member. All was peace respecting the stations. We had prayer meeting at six o’clock; at eleven, at three, and at seven o’clock at night we had preaching. I was called upon to deliver a funeral discourse for Bishop Whatcoat. On the Sabbath morning we had a band meeting in the conference, and I preached in the open air at eleven o’clock; my subject, Mark 16:19, 20. From Philadelphia to Augusta I count it one thousand eight hundred and twenty miles, the route we have made. We have fifty travelling preachers in this conference this year, and an increase of one thousand members.

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