1808

Our conference began. We sat six hours a day,

had great harmony, and little or no trouble in stationing the preachers. Preaching every noon to the conference and others. In my sermon on Sabbath day, at the old church, I took some notice of the life and labours of Bennett Kendrick and George Dougharty.fo1 The increase of members in the bounds of this and the Western Conference, for this year, is three thousand seven hundred members; preachers twenty-three.fo2

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We rode back to Rembert Hall. Busy writing letters. In the midst of restless days and nights of pain, my mind enjoys great peace. On Saturday I rode to Camden.

Sabbath, 10. I preached from 1 Corinthians 1:30. I had some openings of mind, but there was little unction in preaching or sacrament. Busy writing letters. On Monday after the rain we went up to John Horton’s, at the Hanging Rock. We reached Pressley’s by chance on Tuesday. NORTH CAROLINA

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We reached Mecklenburg, and stayed with our friend

McKamie Wilson, a Presbyterian minister,fo3 where we were comfortably and kindly accommodated. On Thursday we found the main branch of Rocky River unfordable. We stopped at Squire M’Curdey’s.fo4 Friday brought us through Concord to Savage’s. Yesterday was very damp and cold; to-day there is ice, probably an inch thick. On Saturday we set out over the frozen roads and stopped at the end of ten miles to breakfast with the Rev. John Brown, a Presbyterian minister in Salisbury: thence we came away to John Hitt’s. I have preached to his father and mother, who have now fallen asleep: the grandson, Jacob, son of John, feeleth as if he had a call to preach. In this journey, on the one side I may put down cold, hunger, rain, floods, frost, bad roads, and a lame horse; on the other, prayer, patience, peace, love; the balance is greatly in my favour. Sabbath, 17. At Hitt’s, I gave them a sermon, from Hebrews 4:9. Next day we pushed away, thirty miles, to Charles Clayton’s. My spirit is greatly grieved with the ungodly children of this family, particularly one who has fallen from grace. On Tuesday, I preached at Joshua Clayton’s, on Hebrews 3:7, 8. Joshua Clayton has no children to grieve me. The loving old souls in this house are early Methodists from Maryland. I ordained E. Breyer and Robert Field. We went over to father Doule’s, on Wednesday. My ride over hard roads, on my poor, lame mare, was a trial to me. We crossed the Yadkin, at Clement’s bridge—well-constructed and well-secured. In three hours’ notice at Daub’s we had a large congregation, to whom I spoke a few words on Romans 12:2. We came through Haverstown (having my lame mare shod), to Germantown. Both these villages are small; the first may have thirty families in it, the other about half the number. We lodged at Mr. Ennally’s, where we have a small society; the grandfather left us, but the grandson is a preacher in the Connexion. On Friday we rode through the rain ten miles to breakfast at Brooks’s. Amidst all my little difficulties my soul is very happy in the Lord. The prospects in the highland circuits are very good. On Saturday we were water-bound by the Mayo branches. We called a congregation at night. We set out on Sabbath morning, and had a most severe ride, crossing the first, second, and third branches of the Mayo river.

VIRGINIA

At brother Travis’s, in Henry county, we had a congregation at a short warning. I ordained Thomas Piner a deacon. We crossed Smith’s river on Monday morning, at Reed’s ford, bending our course down upon Snow Creek. We stopped with one Herman Cook, a rich man and a kind man.

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brought us over Pig river, and forward to Anthony’s ford— fearful to the sight. We stopped at Staunton.fo5 I endure considerable pain: my beast starts and stumbles. The perpetual changes of weather, and the company sometimes forced upon one on the road is disagreeable; but it is much worse in the cabins crowded with men, women, and children—no place to retire for reading, writing, or meditation: the woods are too cold for solitude at this season. We are weather-bound; I employ my time in reading, writing, praying, and planning. I ordained two deacons. On Thursday we set out for Murphy’s, on Goose Creek. We visited brothers Leftrich and Wheat, and then made a toilsome march over Little and Big Otter, about thirty miles, to Price’s. We arrived late, and it was cold. On Saturday we reached Lynchburg.

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I preached at Lynchburg to about six hundred hearers. I feel paid for all my toil. On Tuesday our conference opened.fo6 We progressed with great speed, and in good order, preaching each day. I ordained nine elders, nine deacons of the travelling order, and as many local deacons.

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I preached on 2 Corinthians 13:5. I was blessed in my soul. The rainy weather and miry roads kept our congregations small and manageable, except on the Sabbath day. The people of the town honoured us—they were attentive to hear, and were very kind. My company came away on Tuesday, to Colonel Meredith’s, New Glasgow. Wednesday, to Key’s. Thursday, we dined at the widow Key’s; and lodged at B. Gillom’s. I ordained Nathan Anderson a deacon. On Friday we rode twenty-four miles through mire, and a heavy cold rain, crossing the Rapidan, to John Stocksdale’s Our host made us comfortable after our toil. By deep wading and plunging through mud, we reached Lott Fry’s. I ordained him a deacon. It was the day appointed for preaching. I spoke, and had five preachers and two others to hear me. What will become of the children of this household? I cannot predict much good for either their souls or bodies. I could not willingly rest here on the Sabbath, so I came away to John Kobler’s, and arrived just as sermon had ended. I ordained D. M’Masters a deacon. Monday, brought us to Beshaw’s. Next day we got in to father Hitt’s. O, the rocks, rivers, mud, frost, hills, cold, and hunger! Possibly, we have ridden seven hundred miles from Charleston in twenty-two days.

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For some days we have rested under the roof of Herman Hitt: he is now eighty-six. He has lived to see four generations. He is the head of eighteen families. Three of his sons are preachers, Martin, Daniel, and Samuel, and his grandson William also. I am occupied in reading and writing. I preached at the new house in Rectortown: the wind blew, and it was cold; but we had an open season. I preached to-day to a full house at Mount’s. On Wednesday we visited the widow Rozsell, and her afflicted children. I called on brother Donaw—weak, but faithful. There is a blessed work of God in the east end of Loudon county. Wednesday, I preached at Leesburg. On Thursday we came to Doctor Wright’s, and thence went on to William Watters’s. Here I rested, and read and wrote on Friday. We arrived in Alexandria on Saturday.

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I preached on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. It was an open time; I was helped and honoured of God before the people. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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Our conference began.fo7 We laboured diligently, and in great peace. On the Sabbath I preached, and ordained deacons: souls have been converted since we are here.

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Our conference ended; and I came away to Annapolis.

MARYLAND

We came into the city about six in the evening; have travelled all day without fire, food, or water. Since the twentieth of this month (1807) we have travelled five thousand miles according to my computation. I rested on Thursday, and preached: and next day went to Baltimore: it was excessively cold, but we did not stop on the road. At seven o’clock I preached at Old Town. Saturday was a day of rest.

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I preached at Fell’s Point in the forenoon; and at Light Street in the afternoon. I hear, see, and feel many serious things; but I must take care of my own soul: my care is to love, to suffer, and to please God.

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I took a view of our new house;fo8 large, and well

constructed. I preached to the African congregation. On Tuesday we moved off to Bennett’s. Wednesday noon found us at Howell’s. DELAWARE

At night we were in Delaware, at Keagy’s.fo9 O my soul, rest in God! I am sometimes led to think the whole world will rise up against the pretensions of England to the dominion of the seas. Will Bonaparte conquer the world? He may: but will he govern it, and reign universal emperor over sea and land? No, no, no. Here I rest.

PENNSYLVANIA

I preached in passing through Wilmington on Friday, and on Saturday we got into Philadelphia. I preached at St. George’s twice; at the Academy, at Ebenezer, and at Bethel, African. We sat from Sabbath to Sabbath in conference; our business was conducted in great peace, but I did not please everybody by the appointments of the stations.

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We set out for the Jerseys, through which we passed swiftly to New York.

NEW YORK

We arrived on Wednesday, March 30; Jersey and York are blest with revivals of religion.fo10

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Our conference for New York began in Amenia. On

the Sabbath I preached in the town meeting house, and ordained seven elders. It was a time of solemnity, and we had nearly fifteen hundred people to hear. This conference is pleasant to me: I am near my work, I am not disturbed by company, and we make good progress with our business.

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We rose. I stationed eighty-eight preachers.

CONNECTICUT

We came away to Goshen, twenty miles, and lodged with Mr. Munson, a respectable brother. On Thursday we made it thirty-five miles to East Hartford: we lodged with Squire Pitkins. Next day brought us to New London. It was Good Friday, and had been appointed a State fast day: I took only a cup of coffee, and a small bit of bread. At father Lattimore’s we were kindly received, and comfortably fixed. My two last days’ rides were severe; my flesh is not brass, nor my bones iron; but I was in peace and communion with the Father and the Son. On Saturday we had a great storm. Confinement indoors gave me an opportunity of preparing papers for the conference.

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Easter Sunday. I preached in the Baptist meeting house, the Baptists occupied ours; theirs was the larger building, and we had it crowded. Conference sat until Friday; we wrought in haste, in great order, and in peace, through a great deal of business. There were seventeen deacons, travelling and local, ordained; and nine elders ordained in the Congregational church, before fifteen hundred or two thousand witnesses. I know not where large congregations are so orderly as in the eastern States. There was a work of God going on during the sitting of the conference. The General Conference hastened our breaking up, the delegates thereto requesting leave to go. There were deficiencies in money matters, but no complaints.

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We came in haste through Milford, Stratford, Bridgeport, and Fairfield, to Stamford, forty-two miles.

NEW YORK

On Tuesday, a thirty-eight miles’ ride brought us into New York: we had very heavy showers on the way. I feel my shoulders eased a little, now that I have met the seven conferences. I have lived to minute five hundred and fifty-two preachers in this country. The increase this short year is seven thousand five hundred in round numbers.

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I preached at the African church, and ordained D. Coker and W. Miller.

NEW JERSEY

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We set out, and reached a place ten miles beyond

Brunswick, in New Jersey. On Friday we reached Hancock’s. PENNSYLVANIA

Saturday brought us through Burlington to Philadelphia, where we dined, and stopped. At Kensington I preached a Sabbath sermon. At the African Zoar I also preached.

MARYLAND

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We set out and reached Abraham Keagy’s, forty-two

miles. On Tuesday we arrived at Perry Hall: truly we came to the house of mourning; the master is possibly dying. Mr. Harry Dorsey Gough is dead: I saw and touched his dying body. When the corpse was moved to be taken into the country for interment, many of the members of the General Conference walked in procession after it to the end of the town. Harry Dorsey Gough professed more than thirty years ago to be convicted and sanctified: that he did depart from God is well known; but it is equally certain that he was visibly restored: as I was the means of his first turning to God, so was I also of his return and restoration: certain prejudices he had taken up against myself and others, these I removed. In his last hours, which were painfully afflictive, he was much given up to God. Mr. Gough had inherited a large estate from a relation in England, and having the means, he indulged his taste for gardening, and the expensive embellishment of his country seat, Perry Hall, which was always hospitably open to visitors, particularly those who feared God. Although a man of plain understanding, Mr. Gough was a man much respected and beloved: as a husband, a father, and a master, he was well worthy of imitation: his charities were as numerous as proper objects to a Christian were likely to make them; and the souls and bodies of the poor were administered to in the manner of a Christian who remembered the precepts, and followed the example of his Divine Master.

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Our General Conference opened in peace,fo11 On Saturday one hundred and twenty-nine members took their seats. The new church in Eutaw Street was opened on the Sabbath day, and I gave a discourse on the occasion from 2 Corinthians 3:12. On the 26th the conference rose. We have done very little except making the rule for representation hereafter, one member to the General Conference for every five members of the annual conferences; and the electing dear brother William M’Kendree assistant bishop: the burden is now borne by two pairs of shoulders instead of one; the care is cast upon two hearts and heads.

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Heavy rain and awful thunder. On Saturday I visited Samuel Owings of S——.fo12 I baptized George Howard’sfo13 three pretty children. At the request of some preachers in England, and the desire of the General Conference, I sat to Mr. Bruff, who took my likeness in crayons.fo14 Sabbath, 29. I preached at Old Town, and visited the house of mourning. In the afternoon I gave the Africans a talk. I visited a grandson of mother Triplett: her house, in my first and early visits to Baltimore, was my home. The young man’s mother, Mary, married one Killen;fo15 she died in peace and joy, and I hope the young man will be brought home to heaven and to God. On Tuesday I rode up to Daniel Elliott’s and preached: it was an open season. At St. James’s chapel Doctor Alexander Warfield heard me, who had heard me thirty-six years ago. Ah! I should not regret riding many miles to be the means of converting this dear man to God. I returned to Baltimore. On Friday I preached at Gatch’s Chapel.

Sabbath, June 5. Harry Dorsey Gough’s funeral sermon was preached; there might be two thousand people to hear. George Roberts spoke first on “He that hath this hope in him purifieth himself”: my subject was Acts 14:22. I spoke long, and was obliged to speak loud that all might hear; my subject was very much a portraiture of Mr. Gough’s religious experience and character.

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Bless the day! I escape from a month’s location to the pleasant fields. Never were my friends more attentive, kind, and affectionate: but ah! the death of religion; in this I die. I preached at Cole’s meeting house:fo16 feeble as I was, the people waited and heard with patience, and I delivered my own soul. At Reisterstown I gave them a discourse on Romans 12:1, 2; it was a time of freedom. After dining at Christopher Carnan’sfo17 I came away to James M’Cannon’s, Richland. On Wednesday I preached at the stone chapel. I went, next day, to see the wife of William Durbinfo18 in her affliction of body and mind: thirty-six years ago I visited this house: I have seen three generations. We dined with Ann Willis and her aged mother Honour Willis:fo19 I prayed with them, and embraced the six children, and blessed them in the name of the Lord.

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At Alexander Warfield’sfo20 on Sam’s creek. I am wholly for God. Our fields promise abundant crops; our stores and barns will be filled with. the fruits and productions of field and tree while they are starving in Europe. O, sin! O, ingratitude! I spent Saturday with Joshua Jones. Sabbath, 12. At Linganore chapel my subject was Ephesians 5:15, 16. In the afternoon at Liberty new chapelfo21 I gave them a short discourse: I was feeble but fervent. I am kept at work by my friends; but they do what they can, Methodists and others, to pay me in affection, in attentions, in honour; Lord, keep me humble and holy! I went to Stephen Shelmerdine’s on Monday, preached at Frederick on Tuesday, and returned to this afflicted family. On Wednesday, at brother Martin’s, in Frederick, I met with my old acquaintance of York, Pennsylvania, the Rev. Mr. Wagner:fo22 he is now fifty-eight; it is many years since our first interview; and this may be our last.

Our meeting ended in prayer; and when going, I gave him a book of our discipline, and recommended to his attention the Portrait of St. Paul by John Fletcher: O that all ministers would read it, and labour to impress it upon their hearts, and show a likeness in their lives and labours! After the rain we pressed on to Samuel Philips’s. On Thursday my companion, Henry Boehm, went to Middletown: I stayed at home, and read. Friday, rain. I preached on Revelation 3:20: brother Boehm also spoke in German. Saturday we rode to Hagerstown. Our German brethren of Otterbein’s have shouldered us out, but have failed to establish themselves. Sabbath, 19. I preached on Romans 1:16. Henry Boehm spoke in the afternoon and at night. Death without; but there are some lively souls in the society. I feel the effect of riding in the heat; but I have great peace. On Monday I preached at St. Leger Neale’s, and on Tuesday at Prather’s.fo23 The heat and rough roads have brought on a bilious headache. I begin to fail. Wednesday evening brought us to Richard Dowler’s, at the mouth of Licking.fo24 I preached at Hancock on Thursday:—the people were very attentive. Alas! no man careth for these people. We were driven by a storm into Squire Yates’sfo25; I talked, prayed, dined, and left a book:—Lord, give us this family! At Clark’s tavern,fo26 on Friday, where I gave a book, and prayed, I did not know that my host was a Romanist—it was all one to me. We lodged with Lenox Martin.fo27 On Saturday we came to John Jeremiah Jacob’s. Ah! because he saith the old wine is better. King James used to call for his old shoes—they fit me best.

Sabbath, 26. We had about four hundred souls at the chapel in Old Town.fo28 I spoke on Romans 12:1, 2: brother Boehm concluded and met the society—it was an open season: hot as it was, we sang and prayed away the day. On our way to Aquila Brown’s, Evitt’s Creek, on Monday, we were glad now and then, to stop and shelter ourselves under the trees from the extreme heat. I gave advice for the body and soul of the wife of my kind host. At the Lutheran church, Cumberland, on Tuesday, we had a full house; my subject was 2 Peter 3:17, 18. I was very pointed on sinners and backslidden souls. I was expected to dine at only three several houses. Only let me declare myself, and work is soon found for me; a serious adult of forty years, and three children to baptize—one for Bell, one for Aguila Scott, and one for Brown. Brown was a Deist; he is now a brother: many think Bishop Whatcoat’s prayers were heard for him. We have Georgia heat. I preached in the chapel at Cresaptown on Wednesday. We breakfasted at four o’clock on Thursday, that we might climb the Alleghany.

PENNSYLVANIA

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Moved at four o’clock, after breakfasting: at five in the evening we landed at Jacob Murphy’s; our twenty-two hours’ ride has brought us seventy miles. I have suffered much—I am pained and sore, and poor Jane stumbled so often! But my limbs and my soul are safe: Glory! Glory! We rested on Saturday.

Sabbath, 3. I preached at Uniontown, on James 5:19, 20. We started away for the widow Henthorn’s, where we spent a solitary fourth of July in reading, and draughting conference plans as far as Baltimore. My mind is wholly devoted to God. On Tuesday I read Thomas à Kempis, and copied off a list of preachers for the western and southwestern conferences. Brother Boehm preached to the people in English and German: he also preached at Middletown on Thursday: I spoke for about half an hour at the widow Stephens’s on Friday; my subject was 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. On Saturday I read a part of the seventh volume of Wesley’s Sermons. Confinement is excessively irksome, but the rain for four days past is tremendous, and I feel my old rheumatic affections. Edward Drumgoole, from old Virginia, is just on his return from a visit westward: he thinks he has seen an end of all perfection: and he has been preaching at the camp meetings beyond the Ohio: he thinks forty souls were converted. Sabbath, 10. At Connellsville I preached in our new house, sixty by forty feet.fo29 Brother Boehm spoke in German. The inflammation of my throat I laid aside as well as I could, and spoke on. Page, Doughady and Boehm each added a few words; and so we dedicated the walls of the house of God; the roof was not yet on. On Monday I went to Colonel Meason’s, and was kindly received in his splendid, useful, good house. I was constrained to put a blister to my ear. At William Ball’s new house I spoke on Wednesday, to about two hundred people. We were satisfied to stop at the widow Woodfield’s at the crossings of Monongahela. One of my feet was inflamed, my blister was running, and the heat was excessive. Brother Boehm preached. I had a conversation with Asa Shinn, respecting a removal to Baltimore. On Friday I preached at Taylor’s chapel.fo30 I visited Doctor Charles Wheeler—risen from a dangerous fall from his horse, and from apparent death. Rested on Saturday; I am lame, and sensibly feel the great heat.

Sabbath, 17. With the aid of two crutches I hobbled into meeting at Brownsville, and preached on John 3:17.fo31 I am sorely lame. I dined with Mr. Hogg; a kind, polite English family. On Monday I had an awfully severe ride to Chalfant’s,fo32 and then on to John Brightwell’s.fo33 I am fairly arrested in my course; my knees and feet are so disabled that I am lifted to bed. I can neither ride, stand, nor walk.

Sabbath, 24. I feel revived this morning; but O, what an awful night of pain! The people gathered in the house, and I taught them from Acts 26:18. I have a clean house, an excellent nurse as any in the country, and kindly attentive people. How am I honoured! Thornton Flemingfo34 paid me a visit, and with him came Mrs. Hebert, and a daughter of Edward Bailey, of Amherst, Virginia; these dear souls came sixty miles to see me. I suppose I must get a four-wheeled carriage. Wednesday was a serious day, but prepare to move we must—pain and death are nothing when opposed to duty. On Thursday we set off to Washington. We had two hours’ rain, but this was not as bad as pain of body. Mr. McFaddinfo35 was as loving and kind as need be.

WEST VIRGINIA

We found a home at John Beck’s on Friday.fo36 Saturday, rested. Sabbath, 31. At Bethel chapel, Short Creek, I gave them a sermon. I spoke in great weakness.

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I preached in the court house at Wheeling. I have great pain. At Colonel Zane’s, where I lodged, the aged people were kind indeed.

OHIO

At Newellsville I gave them a discourse. We first stopped at Galbert’s on Wednesday, and then went on to Moore’s: we had a great heat, and I was almost overdone. On Thursday we came to Will’s Creek to dine, and then rode on. There is a great want of water. I rested well last night, but my case is pretty serious: I am so disabled, that the riding, and the long hills especially, almost make me cry out.

Sabbath, 7. On Saturday we visited the camp ground, and returned to Daniel Stevens’s. Wyre and Layton, two young preachers, died lately upon their circuits. I preached to-day at Bush Creek, upon 1 Timothy 3:14-

17. I ordained James Watts an elder. It was a solemn time. Some wagoners attempted to sell whisky on the camp ground: we stopped our preaching— the people soon knew how deeply we felt the insult, and they were driven away. Henry Boehm spoke in German. We had about a thousand people to hear. The house where I stayed was much crowded, which ill suited me in my afflicted state. I paid a visit to John Manly, on Monday; stayed there to rest and refit. We moved to the widow Taylor’s on Tuesday; and on Wednesday came into Chillicothe. On Thursday I preached in the chapel; it was quite comfortable to know that people dropped the scythe and laid by the plane to come to the house of God. Chillicothe has been cursed with apostate Methodist preachers: but if I am not deceived, God will yet do great things here. I was invited to pass a night under the hospitable roof of General Thomas Worthington at Mount Prospect Hall. Within sight of this beautiful mansion lies the precious dust of Mary Tiffin;fo37 it was as much as I could do to forbear weeping as I mused over her speaking grave—how mutely eloquent! Ah! the world knows little of my sorrows—little knows how dear to me are my many friends, and how deeply I feel their loss—but they all die in the Lord, and this shall comfort me. I delivered my soul here; may this dear family feel an answer to Mary Tiffin’s prayers! On Friday we went to the camp ground at Deer Creek.fo38 Saturday, rested—damp, rain. The work of God went on night and day, nevertheless. There were twenty-three travelling and local preachers on the ground: perhaps tents and wagons one hundred and twenty-five; and about two thousand people: forty souls professed converting grace. We rested on Monday, and on Tuesday came up Short Creek. We found the family of Mr. Wood, at the New Purchase, as kind as need be. The prairies have once been, I suppose, lakes of water; they furnish grand and beautiful views still. O, the flies, the heat! We dined at brother Cutler’s on Wednesday and came on, through Xenia, to Frederick Bonner’s, Little Miami; thirty-two miles. I have more than once put the wrong foot foremost in my journeys to the west: the spring will not do because of wet, and deep, and dismal roads: the summer’s extreme heat, and the small and the green flies make disagreeable travelling. I make a decree, but not of the Medes and Persians, never, in future, to cross the mountains before the first of September, nor leave Carlisle before the first of October. On Thursday I rested. Friday at John Sale’s. Saturday, rested. Sabbath, 21. At Xenia court house I preached from Colossians 1:28; we had about five hundred souls to hear; it was a searching season. On Tuesday left Peter Pelham’s, and came to Samuel Hitt’s.

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I preached at the widow Smith’s. On Thursday we passed

Lebanon, journeying down the Little Miami, calling at Clark’s to escape the rain. It cleared away, and we came in haste by Walsmith’s mill, to M’Grue’s. Camp meeting commenced at Philip Gatch’s on Friday: here I saw many whom I had not seen for years—how delightful to see our old friends after a separation, and to find them still on the Lord’s side! I spoke twice: then much faithful preaching, and we believe much good done: fifty souls professed converting grace. I talk more than is truly spiritual. I rejoice to think there will be perhaps four or five hundred camp meetings this year; may this year outdo all former years in the conversion of precious souls to God! Work, Lord, for thine own honour and glory!

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I preached at the chapel, Little Miami. We had a

full house at a short notice. I was grieved to see an unfeeling man take away a poor widow’s horse for debt: but brother Gatchell soon relieved me—he paid the debt, and restored the horse to the distressed woman to be hers for life.

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Great work in Spain—the old king resigning to his son, and his son outwitted by Bonaparte. The old king is persuaded by the enemy of both to make Murat, duke of Berg, his viceroy. This, I hear, is the news. Ah! the poor Spaniards will have blood to drink. The first victims will be the priests; and the House of Mercy, the Inquisition, what will become of it? Is Europe prepared for free governments and freedom in religion? Bonaparte will establish himself for one year; and then he goes, goes, goes. We cried to God yesterday for rain; today we have it in abundance. After one o’clock we came away from M’Grue’s to Cincinnati. The waters of the rivers have failed more than I ever knew them before. I read a book to-day, and wrote two letters. I advised the society here to invite the Western yearly conference to hold its session in Cincinnati.

Sabbath, 4. I preached at ten o’clock, in great bodily weakness; the heat was great, and the house was crowded; but I felt sensible of Divine aid. Brother Boehm spoke after me in German. At three o’clock I preached again at brother Lakin’s: brother Boehm also spoke at six o’clock in the evening, in English: thus we improved the day. My temptations are hidden, but great. I have need of great strength, for I am greatly responsible. Lord, help me! On Monday we had plentiful rain. I rested. I advised the brethren to enlarge the house to eighty feet. On Tuesday we took our flight; it was not pleasant travelling. We stopped and dined at Murphy’s, and so avoided the rain. At Judge Simms’s new improvement, we crossed the Great Miami. We saw the paroquet here as upon Santee River.

INDIANA

After crossing White River, we came to Lawrenceburg, the first town in the Indian territory.fo39 In this wild there may be twenty thousand souls already. I feel for them. Elijah Sparksfo40 received us gladly. We dined with J. Wilson, and stopped at Dickinson’s. After beating the shore of the Ohio for two hours, we crossed in a crazy flat, at the mouth of Kentucky river.fo41

KENTUCKY

On Thursday we lodged at the widow Masterson’s.fo42 I sighed over the heaps of dust raised upon the bodies of her husband and children. Nathan Wyre, a promising youth upon trial on the circuit, has been called away; he died with consumption. Ah! what blessed numbers have gone home triumphantly within the last forty years! Surely we may praise the dead, for they died in the Lord. Friday brought us through Williamsport,fo43 Gallatin, Henry, and Shelby. We brought up with my old friend, Billy Adams, grandson of William, son of Simon. We have ridden about one hundred miles in three days. Our fare has been rough, but sister Lakin, and the preachers who accompanied us, bore the fatigues of the ride very well. I feel for the people of this territory; but we must suffer with them, if we expect to feel for them as we ought: and here are the disadvantages of a local episcopacy—that it cannot be interested for its charge as it should be, because it sees not, suffers not with, and therefore feels not for, the people. On Saturday, at Edward Talbot’s.

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At the brick chapel,fo44 I spoke on, 1 Corinthians 15:58; a more attentive congregation I have not seen. But, ah me! to pant for breath, and unable to walk, kneel, or stand up straight to preach, makes public speaking serious work to me. Brothers Lakin and Boehmfo45 spoke after me. We were about four hours in the house. I see, I feel what is wrong in preachers and people, but I cannot make it right. I saw some dear old friends from Virginia and Maryland. We rested on Monday at Edward Talbot’s. On Tuesday we passed Shelby, and came to Philip Taylor’s; the swelling in my feet had returned—I was weary and willing to rest. We called a meeting on Wednesday, and I gave them a sermon from 2 Corinthians 5:2. Gabriel Mayo received, and kindly entertained us after crossing Salt River. On Thursday we hasted away to Joseph Ferguson’s, Nelson county. I met Benedict Swopefo46 by accident. I knew him at first glance; but he would not have recollected me: it was pleasing to meet after so long an absence; but, ah! how time, and toil, and suffering have worn us down!—one of us, at least. I preached at Ferguson’sfo47 on Friday. We had a warm, heavy ride to Colonel Thomas’s, Hardin Creek, Washington county.

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At the new chapel, I spoke, on 1 John 3:1-4; it was a time of seriousness. I could not stand—I sat to preach. My kind brethren, M’Kendree and Thompson, came miles to see me. On Monday I parted from sister Lakin,fo48 wife of Benjamin; so far from being a troublesome companion, she was very useful to me as a nurse and servant for Christ’s sake. We crossed the Rolling Fork of Salt River, passed Merder’s hill, dined at M’Murry’s, and then hasted on to Georgetown, crossed Green River by fording, and stopped at Manoah Lasley’s.fo49 We have made forty miles to-day. My lame feet were in a poultice; it was unusually warm, but I enjoyed great peace in my soul. I preached at Lasley’s. On Tuesday we had a full house at sudden warning. Here I saw William Price and family—great joy, as if we were risen from the dead. I preached at Robert Price’s, Adam’s Creek, upon Coloss. 1:7. David Rice stepped in whilst I was speaking, and when I had closed, withdrew without speaking to me. On Thursday we came to Glasgow, where I visited brother Crusenbury, and Henry and Edward Cowell.

TENNESSEE

Friday evening brought us up at brother Porter’s, from Maryland, now of Warren county. On Saturday we came in upon the camp with Bishop M’Kendree. On Sunday we had preaching as usual, and a gracious rain—in mercy, if not in answer to prayer. We came no farther than Woodard’s, twenty-two miles, on Monday. On Tuesday we passed through Nashville. This town has greatly improved in eight years. There are several valuable houses built, an elegant court house, and a college. We put in at Green Hill’s, Williamson county.fo50 We have important business here to engage our attention; seven districts there are, and a call for eighty preachers.

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I began conference. I preached twice on the Sabbath

day, and again on Tuesday. Our conference was a camp meeting, where the preachers ate and slept in tents. We sat six hours a day, stationed eighty- three preachers, and all was peace. On Friday the sacrament was administered, and we hope there were souls converted, and strengthened, and sanctified. We made a regulation respecting slavery: it was, that no member of society, or preacher, should sell or buy a slave unjustly, inhumanly, or covetously; the case, on complaint, to be examined for a member by the quarterly meeting; and for a preacher an appeal to an annual conference. Where the guilt was proved the offender to be expelled. The families of the Hills, Sewalls, and Cannon, were greatly and affectionately attentive to us.

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We came rapidly to Stones River, and thence to Crane’s.fo51 At the meeting house I preached on the Sabbath day, from 2 Peter 4:17. I called upon Hardy Hunt. We rose at four o’clock on Monday, and started away for Henry Tooley’s.fo52 The heat is great; we may give it five months’ continuance this year. The increase of the Western Conference for the year will be two thousand five hundred. On Tuesday we rested and refitted, preparing ourselves to breast the wilderness. The rain caught us on Wednesday, and fell on us with little intermission, until we got to our home at Shaw’s, in Carthage. On Thursday evening I came in very unwell to Johnson’s. We had not above fifty travellers in company! At Haily’s, next night, we were not so crowded, and did better. There is order observed under this roof. We breakfasted at S.W. Pointfo53 on Saturday, and then hastened on to Winton’s; since we left the conference ground, we have made two hundred miles. My sufferings have been great. I had the piles, and pains of body, and sultry weather, crowded houses and rough roads, and bad men for company; but my mind enjoyed great peace, notwithstanding my starting, stumbling horse, that ever and anon would run away with me. I preached on the Sabbath day at Winton’s chapel, a crowd within and without; the wind prevented our taking the woods. There is a special revival of religion in the society here. After preaching we crossed Holston, and rode ten miles to meet the people at John Saffle’s.fo54 We started in the rain on Monday to Maryville, called upon Mark Moore,fo55 and continued to Esquire Black’s,fo56 and lodged.

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Came to Mitchell Porter’s,fo57 on Pigeon River, Wednesday, rain. Thursday, rain; we crossed the river twice. I preached at the chapel on Matthew 5:8. On Friday, James Riggin came twenty miles, breasting the rains, and plunging through the swollen streams, to see me; he wept over me and bade farewell: but shall we not meet where all tears shall be wiped from all eyes? We started away on Saturday, wade or swim, foul or fair, across the east forks of Little and Great Pigeon: the waters were full enough.

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At O’haver’s a camp meeting had been appointed by the

preachers and people. Bishop M’Kendree and brother Boehm spoke, as well as brother Blackman and myself. Brother Bowman spoke at night, and some souls were affected. On Monday I spoke again; there was a flood of speaking to about three hundred souls, some of whom joined society. It was very cold on the ground. Our party came away to George Wells’s. NORTH CAROLINA

On Tuesday we rode twenty miles to the Warm Springs; and next day reached Buncombe, thirty-two miles.fo58 The right way to improve a short day is to stop only to feed the horses, and let the riders, meanwhile, take a bite of what they may have been provident enough to put into their pockets. It has been serious October to me. I have laboured and suffered; but I have lived near to God.

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We have rested for three days past. We fell in with Jesse Richardson: he could not bear to see the field of Buncombe deserted by militia men, who fire a shot and fly, and wheel and fire, and run again: he is a veteran who has learned to “endure hardness like a good soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ.” On the Sunday I preached in Buncombe court house, upon 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10. I lodged with a chief man, a Mr. Erwin.fo59 Henry Boehm went to Pigeon Creek to preach to the Dutch.fo60 On Monday I went to David Jay’s; I thought I was unknown, but the woman of the house, the mother of seven children, quickly told me I had joined her in matrimony to her present husband. Here we met with Daniel Asbury;fo61 great news from Georgia, South and North Carolina! Thirty, or forty, or fifty souls converted at camp meetings; but in old Virginia the work is still greater, and brother Bruce’s labours have been blessed in an extraordinary manner.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, November 1, 2, 3, I rested, read, and preached but once. On Friday we descended the heights of Cooper’s Gap, to our friend David Dickey’s;fo62 fasting, and the labour of lowering ourselves down from the mountain top, have made us feeble. Bishop M’Kendree preached upon, “Cast not away your confidence.” On the Sabbath brother Boehm spoke in the morning at eight o’clock; I preached from Matthew 17:5; exhortations followed, and brother Boehm ended our Sabbath labours by preaching at night, when there was a considerable move. We came away on Monday by Rutherford court house to G. Moore’s. At Moore’s chapel on Tuesday I preached from Colossians 2:6. Henry Boehm spoke at night: verily we had a shout! Bishop M’Kendree preached at Lucas’s chapel upon Little Broad, and we lodged at Lucas’s. A ride of forty miles brought us next day to William’s, in Lincoln. I preached on Friday. My mind hath great peace, but my body is weak. The prospects are reviving and cheering in the South Carolina Conference, and they will grow better every year. On Saturday I preached. I ordained Samuel Smith and Enoch Spinks. The Sabbath day was windy and cold; I had taken an emetic, and kept the house.

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Rode thirty-three miles, hungry, cold, and sick, to

Harrison’s,fo63 Mecklenburg county.

SOUTH CAROLINA

I came, unwell and taking medicine, to Robert Hancock’s, Waxhaw’s:fo64 I suffer, but it is the will of God. Eighteen hundred miles since leaving Baltimore. I have ordained Robert Hancock a local deacon. We came rapidly to Hanging Rockfo65 on Wednesday, and next day reached Camden, and lodged with Samuel Matthews.fo66

Sabbath, 20. I preached in the tabernacle in Camden in the morning, and brother Boehm in the afternoon, and Bishop M’Kendree at night.fo67 Letters from the presiding elders announce great times in camp meetings.

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This day I renew my covenant with God; to do nothing I

doubt is not lawful, and at all times, and in all places to live as if it were my last hour—may God help me so to do! On Wednesday I went to the encampment, four miles from the city. Bishop M’Kendree preached.fo68 It was very unpleasant weather. I took cold sitting in the stand. Thursday, dwelling under curtains: I took an emetic: wrote two letters to elders Soule and Beale, Province of Maine.fo69 I am still at Rembert Hall.fo70 I visited, and preached upon the camp ground; we had an exceeding strong wind, but the people were very attentive. The superintendency had a hut with a chimney in it: there were forty tents and cabins: Bishop M’Kendree was three days and nights on the ground, and there was a powerful work amongst white saints and sinners, and the poor, oppressed, neglected Africans. Sabbath, 27. At Rembert chapel my subject was Revelation 7:14-17. Brothers Smith and Boehm followed with energetic exhortations. I felt dejected in mind, and my soul was humbled. I suffer much from ill health, too close application to business, and from having preached in the open air. I filled an appointment made for Bishop M’Kendree at Rembert’s. On Monday I rode forty-five miles to Mr. Keel’s;fo71 we crossed Murray’sfo72 next day, and stopped in the evening at the widow Kennedy’s. Wednesday we had a heavy ride, and I felt it from top to bottom. Great news!— Baltimore taken fire—Bohemia has a great work—camp meetings have done this: glory to the great I AM!

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At Cumberland church we had a sacramental day. I

preached at Bethel in the afternoon. We have a great change and a gracious prospect here in Charleston, and in the neighbourhood among both descriptions of people: by our coloured missionaries the Lord is doing wonders among the Africans.

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I am closely employed in reading and writing letters and receiving company: our house is a house of prayer ten or twelve times a day. I read Mr. Wesley’s Journal: Ah! how little it makes me feel!—the faithfulness—the diligence of this great man of God!—I cannot meet the classes like him, but I have a daily throng of white and black who apply for spiritual instruction.

Sabbath, 11. I preached in Cumberland street: it was a serious parting time. At Bethel I also gave them a talk in the afternoon: this was a heavy day—I felt the weight of souls. Some may think it no great matter to build two churches, buy three lots, pay fifteen hundred dollars of bank debt, and raise a growing society: this has been done in this Sodom in less than twenty-four years:—O Lord, take thou the glory! We dined in the woods on Monday, and made it thirty-two miles to Perry’s.fo73 On Tuesday we crossed Edisto, dining at Koger’s,fo74 and came into Benjamin Risher’s. Next day, at the Green Ponds chapel,fo75 Bishop M’Kendree, brother Boehm, and myself, all spoke. We lodged at Lewis’s, niece to one who had first received the Methodist preachers. Next day we called on B. M’Lellan, a preacher, and lodged with Benjamin Tarrantfo76:—O that it was with him as in years past!—once, how holy and innocent! We reached Benjamin Weatherly’sfo77 on Friday evening. Cold, very cold weather. GEORGIA

We came into Augusta on Saturday evening; we dined in the woods. One disorderly man has given great trouble, and awful Osborn Randall has shot a man!

Sabbath, 18. I preached in Augusta chapel. My flesh sinks under labour. We are riding in a poor thirty-dollar chaise, in partnership, two bishops of us, but it must be confessed it tallies well with the weight of our purses: what bishops! well: but we hear great news, and we have great times, and each western, southern, and the Virginia Conference will have one thousand souls truly converted to God; and is not this an equivalent for a light purse? and are we not well paid for starving and toil?—yes; glory be to God! We came away to Wysing’s on Monday, and next day toiled through a very heavy rain to the widow Fountain’s.fo78 We remained Thursday and Friday in Sparta, and went on Saturday to brother Bush’s. Sabbath, 25. Christmas day. I preached on John 3:17. We opened our conference on Monday. We had great labour which we went through in great peace. Between sixty and seventy men were present, all of one spirit. We appointed three missionaries—one for Tombigbee, one to Ashley and Savannah, and the country between, and one to labour between Santee and Cooper Rivers. Increase within the bounds of this conference, three thousand and eighty-eight. Preaching and exhortations, and singing, and prayer—we had all these without intermission on the camp ground, and we have reasons to believe that many souls will be converted. The number of travelling and local preachers present are about three hundred. There are people here with their tents who have come one hundred and fifty miles. The prospects of doing good are glorious. We have already added two new circuits, and gained six preachers. There may have been from two to three thousand persons assembled. I preached once: we had finished our conference concerns the evening before.fo79

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