1809

1809. We came away on Monday morning in haste. We

stopped to dine with our friend Doughty in Powelton;fp1 this is a stronghold of the Baptists; nevertheless, we have a house to preach in, and a society. We went as far as W. Bonner’s to lodge. On Tuesday we dined at pleasant Tindall’s, and reached Augusta about six o’clock.

SOUTH CAROLINA

A cold rain, and freezing ride brought us on Wednesday to Speir’s: next day, Arthur’s, near Granby:fp2 there was an appointment here for a local preacher, and I filled it for him. I ought to record that the good old folks where I lodged gave up their rooms to me. A hard ride on Friday, between the hours of eight and five, brought us into Camden. I scarcely have time to make these few brief journalizing remarks.

Sabbath, 8. I preached in our enlarged meeting house in Camden: it was a feeling season—in anticipation of great things here. We came away on Monday morning through clouds and a cold rain, twenty-six miles, to brother Woodham’s, on Lynch’s Creek.fp3 I ordained Stephen Thompson a deacon. In crossing Cashua ferryfp4 on Tuesday, it was a mercy we were not thrown into the water, like poor Hilliard Judge. We were kindly and comfortably lodged by Esquire Neville;fp5 my mind most deeply felt for the salvation of this amiable family.

NORTH CAROLINA

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was cloudy and very cold; but we took horse and made it thirty-three miles to Lumberton, and stopped at the widow Thompson’s: I am most at home when I am housed with the widow and the orphan. We reached Fayetteville on Thursday.fp6 My limbs, my patience, and my faith, have been put to severe trial.

I preached in the morning on the Sabbath, and Bishop M’Kendree and brother Boehm after. Since Friday morning I have been occupied in writing, forming plans, and occasionally reading. I baptized a daughter for Mr. Newby. Eli Perry came fifty-six miles for deacon’s orders: I advised him to tell his father, a backslidden Baptist preacher, that he (Eli) would set apart once a month a day of fasting and prayer for his father’s restoration. We set out on Monday the solitary path on the north side of Cape Fear, to the widow Andrew’s, forty-five miles: we were in the night, and I was very much disordered. Tuesday brought us to Wilmington, forty-five miles; again in the night, and by pain extreme. I was compelled to preach on Wednesday at eleven o’clock. I gave them a sermon also on Thursday. My body is in better health, and my mind enjoys great sweetness and peace. We had morning preaching on Friday at five o’clock, to about two hundred souls. We came away afterward, and a ride of twenty miles brought us to the widow Nixon’s: the dear old man, her husband, died in Georgia—died in prayer. I gave those present an exhortation and my evening prayers. Saturday brought us to New River; and next day, the Sabbath, I preached in our enlarged chapel, on 1 Timothy 2:3, 4. It was unusually warm, and so great a wind at night that it frequently waked me. We were most kindly and comfortably entertained at Gaius Rowe’s: God is worshipped in this house: O! what a change is here!—the poor Africans, once oppressed, have now great privileges allowed them. We came to Adonijah Perry’sfp7 on Monday: may he follow his father, who followed Christ! Newbern brought us up on Tuesday. I preached on Wednesday, and it was an open season: God will visit Newbern again. A cold ride brought us to Washington—a disagreeable place to me; but there are souls here, and God can convert and save them. We have a neatly finished house, in which I preached on Friday in great heaviness of body—it is a day of abstinence. I spent my Saturday at Williams’s—a secluded house, and social family.

Sabbath, 29. I preached at Williams’s chapel on Habakkuk 3:2. I felt myself in the spirit of the work. In the evening we had snow and hail. We set out on Monday and had a very disagreeable ride through deep swamps and snow. At Williamston I preached to a few people. A ride of thirty-two miles brought us to Tarboro on Tuesday.

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Opened the Virginia Conference.fp8 We had

eighty-four preachers present, sixty of them the most pleasing, promising young men; seventeen preachers were admitted; in all the conference there are but three married men. The high taste of these southern folks will not permit their families to be degraded by an alliance with a Methodist travelling preacher; and thus, involuntary celibacy is imposed upon us: all the better; anxiety about worldly possessions does not stop our course, and we are saved from pollution of Negro slavery and oppression. Bishop M’Kendree preached an ordination sermon on Friday. On the Sabbath I gave them a discourse on humiliation before God. Bishop M’Kendree ordained eight elders, and I thirteen deacons. I suppose we have two thousand souls to hear us in the two churches, and our friends are very attentive to entertain us in their houses, abundantly better than we deserve. Our increase in members, unless we allow for a great waste by death, and loss by removals, is not very encouraging; the west and south have given more than three thousand each, whereas here it is not three hundred. We are defrauded of great numbers by the pains that are taken to keep the blacks from us; their masters are afraid of the influence of our principles. Would not an amelioration in the condition and treatment of slaves have produced more practical good to the poor Africans, than any attempt at their emancipation? The state of society, unhappily, does not admit of this: besides, the blacks are deprived of the means of instruction; who will take the pains to lead them into the way of salvation, and watch over them that they may not stray, but the Methodists? Well; now their masters will not let them come to hear us. What is the personal liberty of the African which he may abuse, to the salvation of his soul; how may it be compared?

We adjourned on Wednesday, to hold our next session in Petersburg, in Virginia. A general contentment appeared in the preachers with regard to stations. I came away instantly, and had a rapid ride of twenty-eight miles to Mr. Lisiomes, near Edward’s ferry, upon Roanoke.

VIRGINIA

We next day crossed the river, and breakfasted at Pinner’s. We lodged with Jesse Battle; forty-three miles to-day. Friday brought us to Isaac Lunsford’s.fp9 We reached Norfolk on Saturday, by ten o’clock. Sabbath, 12. I preached on Psalms 37:3Psalm 37:3, 4, and felt liberty and life. Met the society; and preached at Portsmouth. Preached on Monday, at the Western Branch; and at night again at Suffolk. I found Richard Yerbury greatly afflicted with the gout; his hands and feet had burst; but he was resigned and patient. On Tuesday we came away to General Wells’s: his brother Willis Wells, an early Methodist and local preacher, died last year; he died in great peace. He had been led away by the misrepresentations of O’Kelly, but he came back into our bosom. I expected to have found religion more lively in this district; but we are on our lees. I grieved to find that some of the preachers went about visiting instead of being at their work; the spirit of the world, and still worse, politics; O, death, death! O Lord God, keep thy ministers faithful! I preached at William Blunt’s to a few people who had come through a dark night at a short warning. We had, after meeting, hail and rain. I rode next day, very cold, to Birdsong’s, in Sussex, thirty miles in six hours: I have need of patience and courage for the roads and weather. It was exceedingly cold on Thursday; nevertheless we reached Petersburg, about forty miles. We lodged at Edward Lee’sfp10; Joseph Harding is no more. He joined us in Norfolk in 1772: he was a man of labour and sorrow; meek and benevolent. I had hoped to find religion more prosperous, but I find, except a few places in the district, there is great languor and indifference observable: we hope for better times. We have added fifty probationers in the three conferences—western, southern, and that of Virginia; and have located twenty. Many of these are the most elegant young men I have seen, in features, body, and mind; they are manly yet meek. I preached in Petersburg on Friday. After meeting I rode home with John Ryall Bradley, now warm in his first love: he was strangely brought to God. He was alone on a Sabbath day and was reading, what he indeed seldom read, his prayer book; suddenly he was powerfully struck with keen conviction; he began to pray without book, and with all his might: what followed came of course. At his conversion he had a stud of race horses to part with. We reached Richmond on Saturday, and I preached next day in the city; and at Manchesterfp11 in the afternoon: there is a change here for the better.

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We rode twenty-four miles to brother Cross’s; twenty-four miles of heavy roads. I preached at night to a respectable congregation on 1 Thessalonians 5:14. The young men prayed, and there was life and feeling. C. Hines is likely to be an instrument of great good in Hanover circuit. On Tuesday we had an uncommonly large congregation for a two hours’ notice: bishop M’Kendree preached to them. A forty-five miles’ ride, without food for man or beast, brought us in, after being twice lost in the woods, to brother M’Gruder’s. We reached Frederick Gilliam’s, beyond the Green Mountain, on Thursday. We seldom lodge at a house without the company of preachers: we are pleased to see them; but would be better pleased to know they were on their circuits, faithfully at work. On Friday we passed Charlottesville within sight of fair Monticello, the seat of Thomas Jefferson. We rested at Daniel Maupin’s: his father and mother are gone to rest. We crossed the ridge at Brown’s Gap, and came to Port Republic.

Sabbath, 26. I preached upon Acts 2:21. We found it dangerous riding through snow to Harrisonburg on Monday.fp12

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Our conference opened.fp13 Friday, fast day, we

wrought with order and industry, and did much in a little time. There were travelling and local deacons ordained, and we had preaching three times a day.fp14

Sabbath, 5. In the morning we had a general band meeting. I preached; we had German preaching also; and a sermon at night. On Wednesday we closed our labours in great peace. We came away on Thursday morning, and had a heavy, cold ride of thirty-six miles to Woodstock. We took a by- road on Friday to Stephensburg.fp15 We called a congregation, who came through frost and snow and mud; and I gave them a talk from 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 17. There were some unhappy contentions in the society here, but I did not know it, although from my preaching, some of the congregation might well suppose I did; God maketh the mind and the mouth of man. We reached Winchester on Saturday, and on the Sabbath I gave them a discourse on Habakkuk 3:2: it was a season of freedom. WEST VIRGINIA

An awful storm of snow overtook us on our way to Thomas Key’s, where we were made comfortable for the night.

MARYLAND

We crossed Harper’s Ferry on Tuesday, and came to Joseph Perkins’s; my friend and neighbour has gone to rest. Next day we had deep roads to Fredericktown. I had scarcely sat down when I heard the bells ring; it was an invitation to the people to come and hear me preach; well, go I must. About three hundred people had collected in the German Presbyterian church; they were devoutly attentive. Next day we reached Mr. Helms’s, near Patapsco bridge;fp16 a number of workmen were deeply attentive whilst I officiated in the family evening devotions. We reached Baltimore on Thursday. Friday and Saturday received letters and visitors. My soul is greatly humbled in this city; I tremble for the ark, and fear my own soul will suffer loss.

Sabbath, 19. At Light Street my subject was 2 Chronicles 15:2. In the evening I preached again upon Hosea 6:1. On Monday we went to the camp meeting near Perry Hall; and I preached in the chapelfp17 upon <503512> Philippians 2:12-15. As I rode by the graves of the elders of the Gough family, the image of my dear departed Harry Gough was very present to me. We stopped in our way at B. Bennett’sfp18; his prodigal son has enlisted, and gone as a sergeant to New Orleans: the mention of this place kindled strong desires in my mind to send another missionary to that quarter; I wrote to John McClure,fp19 presiding elder of the Mississippi district, on the subject. Tuesday was cold. We crossed the wide Susquehanna with a gentle breeze. There was no appointment for us, and it was as well thus. On Wednesday I preached at John Canaan’s, Back Creek; my subject was 1 John 3:1, 2.

DELAWARE

I preached at Smyrna on Thursday.

We went through the State of Delaware on Friday, but there had been no notice given: we, however, gathered a few, to whom we gave a word of exhortation, and went on to Choptank. I preached on Saturday from Luke 12:40. It is still excessively cold, and we suffer much. After sermon we rode twenty-six miles to Milford.

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At Milford, my subject was Ezekiel 9:4; very open and alarming time to saints and sinners. On Monday, at Barratt’s chapel, I preached and baptized some children. I had powerful feelings of sympathy for the children and grandchildren of that holy man in life and death, Philip Barratt. We felt the wind, on our way to Dover, like the piercing of a sword. My dear friends, Governor Bassett and his lady, came nearly forty miles to meet me. I preached in Dover, and baptized James Molison,fp20 advanced in life. I have suffered incredibly by the cold in the last hundred and thirty miles: souls and their Saviour can reward me, and nothing else! Lord, remember Francis Asbury in all his labours and afflictions! Friday I preached at Keagy’s.fp21 Brother M’Kendree and father Martin Boehm met me once more, and we greatly rejoiced in God together. In Wilmington I preached on Thursday. On Friday I spoke at the Bethel chapel,fp22 a beautiful new house, about seven miles from Wilmington; brother M’Kendree in the evening.

PENNSYLVANIA

I preached at Matson’s chapel; this is a house of much the same kind as the former. I sat down to teach the people, and we had an open season.

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I forestalled a meeting at Darby; but few attended. I

dropped them a few hints on the shortness of time. I suffer by the unusual heat, and by soreness from riding. We came safe into the city of Philadelphia. I found letters from Savannah, Tombigbee, Mississippi, Ohio, and also from the eastward.

Sabbath, 2. At St. George’s, my subject was Haggai 1:7. I was fervent. We had a sacrament, and the Lord was present of a truth. On Monday we opened our conference in great peace and good order. I preached on Wednesday, and it was recollected that I had preached on the same subject, in the same place, in 1771. Friday we observed as a day of fasting and prayer. Both elders and deacons were ordained. There was some little difficulty with respect to our money concerns; and some of the members had been rather warm partizans as politicians. This is always wrong for them, let them take which side they please. There was general satisfaction given as to the stations—about eighty-four in the whole. The Philadelphia Conference has subjected itself to a demand for twelve preachers who have no stations; six are married, and there is a widows’ maintenance to be added, an expense of two thousand dollars.

Sabbath, 9. I preached at Kensington chapel, on Habakkuk 3:2. Here I ordained Jacob Tapsco, and James Championfp23—both Africans. I gave the congregation at the Academy church an exhortation in the evening. With difficulty we got out of the city of Philadelphia, and ran some risk in crossing the river into Jersey.

NEW JERSEY

I preached at two o’clock at Carpenter’s bridge. We lodged with father John Early, twenty-four miles from the city. Here I take a little rest. I am not conscious of indulging or feeling wrong tempers in the mighty work at which I daily labour; but I never wish to meet the conference in the city of Philadelphia again. But possibly my time is short!

On Wednesday I preached at Union chapel; it is a neat building, two stories high, forty by thirty-six feet, built on the plan I furnished them. I spent a night with John Abbott,fp24 a local preacher. Snow on Thursday; I preached at Pittsgrove. Lodged under the roof of Joseph Newkirk. Here I found the children and grandchildren of Susanna Ayars, who first received the Lord’s prophets in this town. There was no proper notice of our appointment at Broadneck chapelfp25 on Friday, so that we had but few people. I lodged at Haywood’s.fp26 I rode to Cohanseyfp27 on Saturday.

Sabbath, 16. At the chapel, I spoke on Philippians 3:8: “Yea, doubtless, and I count all things loss,” &c. 1. The object of the apostle’s knowledge, Christ Jesus my Lord. 2. The nature and degrees of this knowledge in the apostle’s own experience. 3. The excellency of this knowledge—a saving knowledge; a life-giving and sanctifying knowledge; it is the spiritual and experimental knowledge of repentance, faith, regeneration, and sanctification, producing a holy life, a triumphant death, a joyful resurrection, and a crown of eternal glory. I had certainly part of a gay congregation. How good is not for me to say; they were serious and attentive. I met the society. Brother Boehm preached in the afternoon. I must needs hold forth again in the evening. I preached, as it was desired, and we had an open season. A heavy ride brought us on Monday to Port Elizabeth.fp28 I preached on 2 Corinthians 13:5; it was a searching season. This is a new town, and we have a large house built here: the Baptists are building a grand house. We lodged at Benjamin Fisler’s.fp29 At Tuckahoe chapelfp30 my subject on Tuesday was Ephesians 3:8: I sat down and taught with pleasure. I dined with Nathan Swain: Richard has gone to his rest and reward. The people told me that my time of absence on this path was twenty-five years. I feel the heat and labour, and painful weary nights appointed to me; but God, even my God is with me! I hear of several spots where the work of the Lord is reviving powerfully. At May’s Landing, Great Egg Harbour,fp31 there was power in the word, whilst I lectured on Hebrews 12:25. We hasted away to Blackman’s,fp32 to be there at three o’clock, but we lost our way in the woods,fp33 and after riding fifteen miles instead of eight, we arrived at five o’clock. Tuesday evening closed rather uncomfortably upon us at a tavern.fp34 My spirits were low and my body very feeble. The work of God revives in the society here. Learner Blackman has been raised up from small appearances—possibly, to very considerable consequences. At Absecon,fp35 on Thursday, I gave them a discourse. We dined in haste at brother Peacock’s,fp36 and came on to George Peterson’s, Pleasant Mills.fp37 At the Forks,fp38 on Friday, I preached in our elegant chapel, on John 12:38, it was an open time. Whom should I see but dear aged Jesse Chew and wife!fp39 I went home with friendly William Richards:fp40 dear Sarah, his former wife, so often my kind and attentive hostess—I only saw the marble that covered her dust! Some demur was sent by a certain preacher about his station;fp41 these things give me more pain than all the labour of the conferences. On Saturday I called to see Rebekah Seviorfp42 on a sick bed, praising God; she is a true daughter of Sarah Richard. I rode on to Tuckertonfp43—very damp and cold.

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At Tuckerton my subject was 2 Corinthians 4:2. In the afternoon I preached again. On Monday I preached at Waretown.fp44 I stayed awhile with Samuel Brown, and then came to Thomas

Chamberlain’s:fp45 I was compelled by uncomfortable feelings to go to rest at six o’clock. At David Woodmansee’s,fp46 on Tuesday, I preached on 2 Timothy 2:15. On Wednesday, after a rain, I set out for Polhemus chapel,fp47 where I preached. My friends were exceedingly kind, and I was very sick. I rose unwell on Thursday, and took medicine, and set out for Squan River.fp48 My host here, Derrick Longstreet,fp49 has been married twenty-four years: his wife once had twins, and she has made him the father of sixteen children, all of whom are alive and well. I had a noble congregation here of women and children; the men were generally gone from the neighbourhood, either to the waters or to work. I was seriously unwell. On Friday, at Newman’s, on Shark River,fp50 I had women not a few: I suited my subject to my hearers, and preached from Luke 10:41,

42. Ah! how many Marthas are there, and how few Marys! In the afternoon I spoke again at Peter White’s.fp51 We have meeting twice a day, and sometimes at night; and the prospects are pleasing. The weather is severely cold. I have read Simpson lately—his Plea for Religion, how strong! If Simpson is right, the old Church of England has the mark of the Beast in her hands at least. Great news! The British Orders in Council are withdrawn, and the American embargo and non-intercourse are forthwith to cease. I fear much that these expected good times will injure us:—the prosperity of fools will destroy; therefore affliction may be best, and God may send it, for this is a favoured land: Lord save us from ruin as a people! I rested on Saturday.

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At Long Branchfp52 my subject was Acts 3:26; it was given me to speak strong words—words of God, and from God. At three o’clock I preached in the Episcopal Church at Shrewsbury.fp53 I came home with John Throckmorton.fp54

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No appointment at Mount Pleasant:fp55 we came to James

Throckmorton’s;fp56 and thence through New Brunswick to Staten Island.fp57

NEW YORK

We dined at Benjamin Drake’s; and supped at Elder Joseph Totten’s.fp58 I have had great peace of mind; and have been greatly in the spirit of preaching, of faith, and of prayer. God has visited, and will yet powerfully visit Jersey; probably in the last five years, five hundred souls have been converted: Glory to the great I AM! He will bare the arm of his power, and save millions in the world.

I preached on Wednesday at the tabernaclefp59 on Staten Island: my subject was 1 Peter 3:15, 16: it was a feeling season: my mind was greatly enlarged. Lodged at Gilbert Totten’s.fp60 Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists—all upon the stretch to be greatest upon the Island. The Methodists have a stationed preacher; and they have a camp meeting in contemplation.fp61 On Thursday I preached at the old meeting house: there was some tenderness manifested. On Friday I preached in our meeting house at North End.fp62 I found brother Nicholas Crocheron in a languid state: I sought to administer consolation to his mind and body. Behold, the Low Dutch have built a church,fp63 and the Episcopalians one at the North End near themfp64: there are three local preachers of our order, and a presiding elder; if good be not done, the people must be hardened. I found my old friend Thomas Morrell solitary—his wife is called home. My attention was strongly excited by the steamboat: this is a great invention.fp65 Brother M’Kendree preached at Elizabethtown, New Jersey; and I after him at six o’clock in the evening. We have a beautiful house here,fp66 two stories high, elegantly finished, forty-five by forty feet, and well filled. On Monday, I came to New York, where I found letters bringing good news from the south and the west.

On the tenth our conference began, and continued until the fifteenth; about one hundred and twenty preachers present: we had great peace, and good order. We had an ordination of elders at John Street Church on the Sabbath day. We had a great deal of faithful preaching. As I wish not to relate the trials met with, I will let everything but what is printed rest in shades: there were some critical cases, but nothing appeared against any member to justify expulsion. There were one hundred and fifteen preachers stationed; and there were few complaints. If I have slumbered five hours per night, it is as much as I have done in the matter of sleep. On Saturday I rode, through excessively warm weather, twenty miles, to Jonathan Sherwood’s.fp67 I retire to sacred solitude, and great and delightful communion with God; but want of sleep comes upon me like an armed man. Hail, holy day! On the Sabbath I preached at Sherwood’s chapel;fp68 afterward at New Rochelle chapel: we had an open season in both congregations. The Quakers are offended because their errors in sentiment and practice are spoken against. But they have a higher dispensation. And will this authorize the violation of a positive law of the land, which forbids unnecessary labour on the Sabbath day? Will it justify the putting asunder what God has so solemnly joined together, to wit, the ordinances of God and the influences of his Holy Spirit? So thought not the eunuch, when Philip, sent by the Holy Ghost, preached unto him Jesus. The celebration of the Lord’s supper is idolatry, say the Quakers: so thought not Paul, when exhorting the Church of Corinth to the worthy commemoration of our Lord’s death and passion, he says, “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you.” A higher dispensation! And had not God already revealed his will before the appearance of George Fox? But hush! the respectable society of people called Quakers; respectable! Ah! there is death in that word; “Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you.” I fear what is properly the reproach of Christ has long been wiped away from this respectable people: O Lord, save thy now despised Methodist children from the praises of the people of the world! On Monday I dined with B. Banks at Byram Bridge, and then moved on, through heavy thunder showers, to Norwalk.

CONNECTICUT

I had wished them to build a house here, but Mr. G——n had told the Methodists they were poor (poor may they ever be!), and it would ruin them. I gave the good folks a discourse on Romans 16:24. On Tuesday I came to Peck’s,fp69 Stratford, a faithful friend, and thence on to father Jocelin’s,fp70 New Haven, weary, and sleepy, and glad to rest. I dined with W. Griffin in Guildford: here is a lot to build a house of worship on, and God will work here. In the afternoon I preached at Jeremiah Miner’s, in Killingworth, thence crossing the Connecticut River, came into New London. I have had great temptations, and great consolations. The weather has been extremely warm, and my clothes are too heavy. My horse twice attempted to run away with my chair, so I was obliged to quit it. I must needs preach in New London; I gave them a discourse on 1 John 2:6. The house was soon filled, and many went away who could not get in: surely the society, and preachers too, have been blind to their own interests, or they would have occupied every foot of ground; but we have never taken advantage of circumstances as they offered in this place, and have lost by our negligence.

RHODE ISLAND

We crossed Narraganset Bay on Friday, and came into Newport. Grand house; steeple, pews; by lottery:fp71 the end is to sanctify the means; Ah! what pliability to evil!

Sabbath, 28. I preached twice; in the forenoon on Colossians 2:1, 2; 1 John 3:3-5, in the afternoon: I spoke with difficulty and with little order in my discourses. From New York thus far we have had dust and rough roads, and I have been much tried and greatly blessed. We have ridden two hundred miles in six days.

Last night we had a tremendous storm of thunder, lightning, and rain. This morning (Monday) I visited Captain Beale at Fort Wolcott.fp72 I preached to the soldiers on Isaiah 57:6, 7; baptized some children; visited the school; prayed with the sick in the hospital; exhorted the poor sinners to turn to God; but I might have said and done more. I saw discipline, order, correctness; it was grand and pleasing.

What changes I pass through! How hardly shall they who travel much keep a constant eye on duty, the cross, holiness, and God!

On Tuesday we came to the pleasant town of Bristol. The Methodists here have a house with pews, and a preacher who has not half enough to do: poor work! I gave them a discourse on 1 Corinthians 15:58. I have as much as I can bear in body and mind. I see what has been doing for nine years past to make Presbyterian Methodists. At Warren I lodged with Samuel Childs; his wife is a Shunamite. We had freedom in our meeting here: I preached on Hebrews 2:3.

MASSACHUSETTS

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I had a feeling season at Somerset chapel whilst

speaking from 1 Peter 4:2. Brother Brayton’sfp73 was my home. Levi Walker has not laboured in vain; but it seemed as if there had been three preachers to do one man’s work. There are here two hundred and ninety- one members. We reached Easton, and I was indeed tired; the carriage horse was too wild for me to drive, and the saddle horse started and jolted very much.

We reached Boston on Saturday: our route hither from New York has cost us eight dollars for turnpike gates, ferries, bridges, &c.;fp74 we called at but one tavern. The family who opened the door for us here is gone; but the house is in the possession of the stationed preachers and their wives. I preached at the old chapel on Sabbath morning the 4th, and administered the sacrament. In the afternoon I gave them a discourse in the new chapel; it was an open time of much feeling, and deep attention was paid to the speaker. Had I not spoken sitting, pain and weariness would have prevented my finishing. May the Lord water his own word! I hear of a considerable revival in several places, and that the Lord is bringing out some children to do the work of men; “out of the mouths of babes”—so let it be!

On Monday we had a great show; the governor came to town. I reached wretched Waltham dripping wet. I found the four generations in health, and I got (O, how sweet!) a comfortable night’s sleep, the first I have had for many nights. How good is rest to soul and body, after hard labour for the good of the souls and bodies of our fellow-men!

Awaking on Tuesday morning, I recollected that in the solemn hour of midnight it was strongly impressed upon my mind that I must go by Lynn: this was from God. I preached to a family congregation. On Wednesday I passed through Menotony,fp75 Medford, and Malden to Lynn. In the evening I preached. There have been awful times here for two years past; the preachers are a burden—they do not preach evangelically, do not visit families, neglect the classes. I have my load; but leaning to one side: one story is good until another is heard. Our hard going horses brought us through the dust to Marblehead on Thursday. I held forth on John 8:31, 32. Poor David Batchelor is in ill health, and shortly to be bound to a wife: so we go. We rode onwards through a goodly prospect of fine buildings and fine meeting houses. At Beverly my host did not quite understand praying in the daytime.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

At Joseph Weak’s in the evening at Greenland. From this unpromising place, and other surrounding towns, God has raised up a society. On Saturday I found a happy, simple-hearted society at brother Gardener’s.fp76 The labours of George Pickeringfp77 and brother Stevens have raised up, under God, a promising society here.

Sabbath, 11. Henry Boehmfp78 spoke at six o’clock, myself at ten o’clock, H. Boehm again at two o’clock, when the holy sacrament was administered. I gave another discourse in the evening. We had crowded audiences. We returned for the night to Gardener’s.

MAINE

We passed through Berwick on Monday morning, and continuing on, stopped and supped with one Wells. We were here two years ago; we then prayed earnestly for, and with this kind family. It was not a forlorn hope it seems: the young woman who waited on us was brought out last August. We rode on through Kennebunk to Saco. Lodging in a tavern, we were opposed, but persisted in having prayer night and morning. Asa Heath gave us our breakfast and we pushed on to New Gloucester, making about eighty-four miles in the last two days. On Thursday we opened our conference,fp79 and sat closely at work.

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I preached to about three thousand deeply attentive people, from Isaiah 44:23; it was an open season. We have eighty-two men to do the work, forty of whom compose the conference. I have to lament my want of information respecting both the preachers and the circuits. We have ordained twenty-one deacons and seven elders. We have located eleven elders, readmitted one, and added seventeen preachers upon trial. There is a small increase here, and fair prospects for the future. I am kept in peace.

On Tuesday we came away through New Gloucester to Bradbury’s. We rested a few minutes at Dennett’s, Standish Corner, and rode onwards to Samuel Bachelor’s upon Saco; making forty miles for our day’s journey. The rain overtook us at Brownfield on Thursday, but we continued on, and were most kindly entertained at Samuel Foss’s, in Conway. NEW HAMPSHIRE

On Friday I forded Saco: the rest of the company were in a boat. We came through Bartlett to Judge Hall’s, and were kindly received. We hasted on to Rosebrook’s, supped and went other six miles. O! the rocks, roots, pole-bridges and mosquitoes. We fell asleep about ten o’clock, and sprung up at four o’clock, and were away, without breakfast, towards Bethel;fp80 we stopped here awhile. Winding down along a river bank, we came to the bridge and crossed the Connecticut into Vermont, stopping at the widow Sias’s, in Johnsbury.fp81

VERMONT

On Saturday morning we came away over awful roads, and made about forty weary miles to Danville.

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In the court house I preached from John 7:17. I could only speak sitting. From New York to Danville, we compute our ride to have been seven hundred miles: we passed many a fertile hill, and saw many fruitful vales, through which flowed noble rivers. We refit, expecting to fill an appointment for Tuesday. At Danville meeting house on Tuesday, I attended with two of our preachers: I took a pew near the pulpit, and taught from thence, from Hebrews 3:12-14. The court was in session— the congregations were large nevertheless. I received a polite invitation to preach to the court, but I had no strength and no time for this. We took a bite at the Widow Sias’s, and came on to Cabot. Near Joe’s Pond,fp82 a heavy storm of rain and thunder overtook us and drove us into shelter. I lodged with Mr. Dana. On Wednesday our route brought us through Marshfield, Plainfield (exploring to the head of Onion River as we went) to David Parsons, near Montpelier. I preached in the evening. In passing through Montpelier on Thursday, we remarked their fine State house worthy of the seat of government of Vermont; to this, the hotel is an appropriate appendage. Our way lay through Middlesex, Waterbury, Richmond, on to Williston, where, about mid-day, a storm overtook us. On Friday I preached at Fuller’s, on Lake Champlain, from Titus 3:7, 8. Here I ordained Joseph Sampson, a native of Canada, and sent him a missionary to his countrymen. The day of small things will be great; but the day is not yet come; rather, it is still afar off: patience, my soul! Do I not feel for the lost sheep? Yea, verily.

NEW YORK

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We had this day a crowded audience at Bridport, Vermont.

I sleep this night under the roof of Luther Chamberlain, near Ticonderoga Fort.fp83 On Monday I spoke in Hampton church,fp84 on Galatians 6:7-9. On Tuesday we kept along down Burgoyne’s road to Fort Edward.fp85 At four o’clock I preached in Doctor Lawrence’s store, to about five hundred attentive hearers. It has been serious times for some days past; I feel the effect of riding thirty or forty miles a day, fasting long, and expected to preach every evening. I spoke on Romans 8:1, at M’Cready’s barn.fp86 It was an open season, but the flesh suffered. Thursday brought us to father Hart’s, on Saratoga Lake,fp87 to dinner. After refreshing, we went out under a plentiful rain, and mounting our beasts, directed our course away to General Clark’s. Here I preached in the bar room, and had life and liberty. We have made nine hundred miles since we left New York, as we compute. There will be an increase of eleven thousand this year. On Friday I rest and fast. On Saturday I visited Ballston Springs buildingsfp88— approximating in elegance to those of Bath in England. The water has a taste of beer, of lemon juice, and of salt of tartar. A ride of about forty miles brought us to Kingsbury in the evening.

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We took the wood for the shade, and I spoke to about a

thousand people, from Matthew 17:5: all were attention, and some felt the word. Brother Boehm closed a meeting of three hours’ continuance. There were twelve travelling and local preachers present. There is a contention between soul and body. I wish to fast as when young, and when fast day comes, the body has a journey of forty miles to make, perhaps, and do its part of preaching: but Christ is strength in my weakness. At the end of a thirty-miles’ ride on Monday, I preached in Favill’s barn.The young man here is pious, but without great gifts. Great men had passed them in the way to Canada. They were disappointed who hoped to have a meeting house, and congregations, and eminent teachers. Complaints are no new things to us, and I told them we expected such treatment. We tarried a minute at Morale’s,fp89 Fallstown, and pushed up the turnpike to Caleb Willis’s, Deerfield, where I preached. It was an open time. We We passed Utica at the head of the Mohawk. This is a flourishing place, and we shall soon have a meeting house here. Our route brought us through Hartford to Westmoreland, where, at four o’clock, I held forth from John 6:66, 67. We had a number of travelling and local preachers present. My body is afflicted, and sore with heat, long rides, and labour. I preached in Silas Bliss’s barn, in Zanovia, on Thursday; we had a profitable meeting. My bed was on the floor at night—it was cooler thus, and I accommodated my friend. Next day I again held forth in a barn in the village of Pompey. Here brother M’Kendree left me to serve alone. The evening brought us up at Paddock’s, in Manlius. I lay along the floor, in my clothes. There was a lady in the corner, and brother Boehm in bed, like a gentleman. The female could not possibly occasion reproach, and so I was persuaded; but I wished I was somewhere else: my fear was not commendable. I rode to Doctor Holland’s, Onondaga, on Saturday, and preached in the court house.

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Spoke in the court house at eleven o’clock: we had a full house. Contrary to my usual practice I directed my course away, and brought up at friend Young’s, at Auburn. No food or rest to-day. The rain and Monday morning finds us at our friend Young’s. The New York and New England Presbyterians are labouring to monopolize this country by building meeting houses and other establishments. They will flourish awhile, but a despised and dispersed people will possess the land. O, the terrors of a camp meeting to those men of pay and show! In the evening we mounted our beasts in the rain, and came six miles, dripping wet, to Asa Cumming’s cabin, twelve feet square.fp90 On Tuesday morning we were well soaked before we reached David Eddy’s. We dried, dined, prayed, and again got in motion and reached Milton, making thirty miles for the day’s journey. Lodged at Baker’s. We learn there is a revival in this place. We called upon James Egbert on Wednesday: he is a child of faith and prayer; I had used his father’s house. We had an awful time on Thursday in the woods, amongst rocks and trees, living and dead, and prostrate, and barring our way. When we thought the bitterness of death was past, behold the back-water had covered the causeway. A kind soul, one Hathaway, directed us over the point of a hill, and so we got safe along and came to Ludowick Light’s.

PENNSYLVANIA

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We were comfortable while resting at Doctor Hopkins’s.fp91 Arrived at the ferry bank,fp92 no boat appeared, so I came back and called a meeting. Since we left Baltimore in April, we have made, we compute, two thousand miles. Such roads, such rains, and such lodgings! Why should I wish to stay in this land? I have no possessions or babes to bind me to the soil; what are called the comforts of life I rarely enjoy; the wish to live an hour such a life as this would be strange to so suffering, so toilworn a wretch. But God is with me, and souls are my reward: I may yet rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. I might fill pages with this last week’s wonders. We are eighty miles behind our Sabbath appointment.fp93 I called at a certain housefp94—it would not do—I was compelled to turn out again to the pelting of the wind and rain. Though old, I have eyes. The hand of God will come upon them: as for the young lady, shame and contempt will fall on her; mark the event. I preached on Friday at Tioga Point. We were at Judge Obadiah Gore’s by eight o’clock on Saturday morning. We took thence through the Narrows,fp95 and a late and rough ride brought us to a tavern lodging.fp96

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We must needs ride to-day. Our route lay through Walnut Bottom,fp97 but we missed our way and the preaching of George Lane.fp98 A twenty-four miles’ ride brought us to breakfast at Otis’s. Brother Boehm upset the sulky and broke the shaft. Night closed upon us at Osterout’s tavern. Passing along on Monday, we stopped to dine with Squire James Sutton. We lodged under the roof of the widow Dennison.fp99 On Tuesday morning we found the ferry at Wilkes Barre only just passable. Merwin gave us shelter for the night. We have ridden thirty-eight miles to-day, and sore trials have we passed through. On Wednesday we rode through the beautiful villages of Nazareth and Bethlehem, and put up for the night at Allentown. Here are gambling sinners. We made a rapid ride of forty-two miles on Thursday. On Friday a thirty miles’ ride brought us to Martin Boehm’s.fp100 Delightful rest! but it may not be. Saturday morning put us into motion for Lancaster, where we tarried a few minutes, as also at Columbia, and continued on to York, where I preached at six o’clock in the evening.

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I spoke on “Let your light so shine.” I have at least twenty letters to answer, and but one day. Monday, company and business enough; and little time to refit. On Tuesday at eight o’clock at night I preached in Carlisle. Twice on the road hither we alighted, stopped, talked, ate, and prayed.

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At Shippensburg. I have been simple enough to put

plasters too powerful to my knees—they are in blisters; so here is a bishop who can neither stand to preach nor kneel to pray. My body is very feeble, but my soul enjoys perfect love and perfect peace. Thursday brought me and my sufferings safe over three mountains to friend John Thompson’s. I preached at Fort Littleton, on Hebrews 4:12; we had few hearers, but it was a liberal season. Lodged at the old place, Ramsay’s; it is James Hunter’s house and home. We must attend to camp meetings, they make our harvest times; the prospects just now are discouraging. On Saturday we rode rapidly to Bedford.fp101 The hand of God was manifested to-day in saving man and horse from wreck; the danger appeared exceeding great. I had Henry Boehm and James Hunter for my escort. Lodged at Stephenson’s. I calculate the distance we have travelled since January 9 to this day, from Georgia to Bedford, Pennsylvania, at three thousand miles. We are generally amongst the poor; too frequently it is a tavern or starvation; many a time and oft the preachers crowd us; and sometimes we are wedged among the people so that we can neither write nor think.

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I spoke to a very decent congregation on Acts 4:12. 1. By original and actual transgression, sinners altogether born in sin; lost, as to strength, and wisdom, and righteousness. 2. The character of Christ, the only Saviour; in Deity, in his humanity, suffering, resurrection, ascension, and meditation. 3. The Gospel method of salvation. 4. The work of the ministry. I spoke in the court house by necessity, not choice. There was but one indecorous thing observed; a presiding elder put his feet upon the banister of my pulpit whilst I was preaching; it was like thorns in my flesh until they were taken down. Our host is a kind Yorkshire man. On Monday we took the path to Berlin, and had a cool ride. Notice had been given of our coming, and the German Presbyterian priesthood caused the bell to be rung. Brother Boehm preached to them in high Dutch. My rude, rough ride made me more fit for bed than meeting. We encountered a mountain rain on Tuesday, which held us thirty miles, and sent us dripping for shelter to a German friend’s house. We called a meeting, and our exercises were in German. We gave away religious tracts, German and English.fp102 We have disposed of many thousands of these: it is our duty to do good in every possible way.

I preached in Anthony Banning’s house on Wednesday. I bore a faithful testimony to the truth whilst speaking at Murphy’s on Romans 12:12. I was unwell and chilly, having received damage by the rain. We learn that a camp meeting will be held at Dr. Wheeler’s in expectation of the two superintendents. Friday, a day of abstinence: we are halting and refitting at Mrs. Stephens’s. On Saturday we rode to the old fort. We dined with a Mr. Hogg, a family lately from England, and as kind as the Methodists. Rode to camp, twenty miles:fp103 we had eight local preachers, seventy- three tents, perhaps three thousand people. The religious exercises great and constant.

Sabbath, 13. I held forth on 2 Corinthians 6:20.fp104 I spoke but once; Bishop M’Kendree four times. I took occasion to be very plain, giving my hearers to understand that frames and feelings would not supply the neglect of family and closet worship, and the duties we owe to each other in society. We began our sacramental feast, but the people broke out into prayer and singing. We came away shortly after. The profligates would not come within our holy limits, but they drank plentifully of strong drink without. It appears that the bishops will hold a camp meeting in every district; we are encouraged so to do: great power was manifested here, and much good was done. I will not say how I felt, nor how near heaven. 2 Samuel 11:11. This passage came strongly to my mind; I must take the field.

We came away to Brightwell’s on Wednesday, and I gave them a talk, on Hebrews 4. 2. Mary Brightwell, my beloved nurse last year, required my attentions in turn: her sufferings from a bilious colic caused us to rise at midnight; she grew better after solemn prayer on her behalf. My subject at Fell’s meeting house, on Thursday, at eleven o’clock, was Titus 2:12, and at Philip Smith’s, in the evening, Hebrews 2:7. Want of rest last night, and hard labour to-day, has tried flesh and spirit. I would not dine when invited, fearful of disappointing the congregation at four o’clock; and it was well I did not, for the cross-bar of the sulky broke, and the mending and the rest of the journey just left me time enough and none to spare: the Lord will always direct those who look up with humble dependence. We reached John Wrenshall’s, in Pittsburg, on Friday evening. The Rev. Mr. Steel offered, unsolicited, in the name of the Presbyterian eldership, their large, elegant house, for my Sunday’s exercises. I preached at Thomas Cooper’sfp105 on Saturday.

Sabbath, 20. I accepted the offer made, and preached at three o’clock: it was an open time. Could we unite nations and languages, as well as spirits and tempers, we might do great things here. Will the Allegheny and Monongahela ever rise so high as to inundate the point of land on which the town stands—is such a thing impossible?fp106 A Baptist family by the name of Plummer received us on Tuesday. Young Plummer is sick, a child is sick, and the whole family feel awful. Who will pray with young Plummer when we are gone? the young man is certainly under convictions. Twelve miles brought us to Fawcett’s on Tuesday morning; I gave them a sermon on Ephesians 8:9.fp107 The weather on Wednesday was exceeding warm; nevertheless we started for Washington. I spoke in our own house to a goodly congregation as to numbers. The Rev. Mr. Browne was present, and some seceders,fp108 as I was told; surely the millennium is approaching! I dined at Mr. M’Fadon’s, and came on to Middletown. WEST VIRGINIA

We crossed into Virginia, and preached at Brook county court house on the evening of Thursday. Our lodging was the stationed preacher’s, William Lambdin. My brethren were kind enough to make appointments for me, at least to publish in the public prints more than I had designed. I might murmur at this, and perhaps I do. Well, elders must be better and do more than other men; granted. I can truly say my life is like a daily death. God is my refuge and my reward. I preached on Saturday at Beck’s. Sabbath, 27. At Short Creek chapel my subject was 1 Thessalonians 4:3. I contemplate two chapels;fp109 one of forty feet square, and the other of fifty feet; the first in Charleston, Alexander Wells to give the lot; and the other in Wheeling, the ground to be bestowed for its erection by Colonel Zane. Our appointment for Monday was in Wheeling court house; I spoke with light, and life, and power.

OHIO

The following day (Tuesday) brother Boehm spoke at St. Clairsville.

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We found the roads disagreeable in the Wills Creek

bottoms. While tugging forward, crack went the breastband, and crack went the shaft; we were two hours in the night, and at last reached Spears’s tavern. Next day (Thursday) we made eighteen miles to Springfield, where I preached by appointment; we had about four hundred people: I wanted my breakfast, I wanted strength, and I wanted sleep. Brother Boehm preached at Zanesville,fp110 named after Colonel Zane, who so kindly entertained us at Wheeling: he is an extraordinary man, and the history of his life strange. The first of the month I rode thirty-five miles to Edward Teel’s. Brother Boehm preached Saturday.

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I preached at Teel’s. On Monday I spoke in the

elegant court house in New Lancaster. We dined with Mr. Tougue, and went forward, sixteen miles, to Laking’s: I was weak and weary with riding on horseback, but I had great consolations in God, and a witness of holiness in my soul. We have our difficulties with the married preachers, their wives, and children; but whilst God is with us these difficulties may be well borne. I pray God that there may be twenty camp meetings in a week, and wonderful seasons of the Lord in every direction. I preached on Wednesday at the widow Strode’s house. Rest on Thursday, Friday. This is my covenant day. We came twenty miles to Jefferson, and lodged with Mr. Nevill. Doctor Tiffin received us kindly on Saturday. After dinner we rode on to Deer Creek, and housed with White Brown.

Sabbath, 10. I preached in my host’s barn: my subject was 2 Corinthians 6:1, 2. Brother Lakin added an exhortation, and brother Boehm gave them a discourse. At a late camp meeting I learn that seventy joined society: the prospects are great.

O what a charming view presents itself from Doctor Tiffin’s house! but these long talks about land and politics suit me not; I take little interest in either subject: O Lord, give me souls, and keep me holy! Our route through the prairies, the weeds as high as our heads on horseback, showed us on Monday almost every desirable comfort but pure water. We stopped on the north branch of Paint Creek. At Jacob Cutler’s on Tuesday, we had an interview with M’Daniel, Flood, and Trader, official men. These and Hunt’s settlements are great improved, and the Methodists have increased. Thirteen miles was the extent of our Wednesday ride; we stopped at Pelham’s.fp111 We remain Thursday and Friday; my study of divinity is Wesley’s sermons—I read some of them to-day. As I cannot often meet Bishop M’Kendree, and meeting, we cannot be alone for talk, I wrote a letter of counsel to him.fp112 I preached on Saturday. I felt solemn whilst dining at Philip Davis’s: this is an old Virginia family, and here as brethren and sisters whom I have known, some twenty, others above thirty years. Life is short. We set out for Mad River, and reached Andrew Read’s; I gave them a discourse on John 3:17. I spoke at William Hamar’s on Tuesday; my subject was Isaiah 35:3-5. There is a serious affliction in the family; I sympathize with them. Dayton is a growing town; we passed through it on Wednesday. I found the son of a Methodist from Gunpowder Neck, one Horner, and lodged with him. On Thursday we came down Little and Great Miami; the rich lands of these rivers are occupied by New Lights, Shakers, Methodists,—and sinners to be sure. I was glad to stop at Daniel Baker’s. I slept about five hours last night: I had excessive labour, a crowd of company, and hogs, dogs, and other annoyances to weary me. I am thankful for a prospect of one night’s quiet at John Harden’s, near Hamilton, Butler county; preached for them on Friday; we had a large and lively meeting. Saturday brought us to the descendant of a German. We came on to Milford, Little Miami. Here are folks from most of the eastern States, and of all professions: they have good land, and this rarely makes people any better.

Sabbath, 24. I spoke in the new chapel in Milford: brothers Lakin and Boehm also spoke. I feel the importance of the approaching conference,fp113 At brother Gatch’s, on Monday, I filled up the day in planning, writing, and reading. We visited Andrew Maguire’s family. Preached on Wednesday; the house was full, and the weather excessively warm: faint yet pursuing. My aid is absent amongst the Germans. I lodged at M’Carmut’s. Thursday I stood up at Columbia, and gave them a talk on Matthew 7:7-12: the heat was extreme. Fair Cincinnati brought us up. The house here is enlarged and the society has increased. Our brother West is sick and cannot come to the conference; many of our brethren will be absent. Friday, humiliation day. Muskingum district will have four camp meetings. At Kauhaway there were one thousand people present; at St. Clairsville three thousand souls at least; at Rush Creek nearly as many. In Miami district seventeen camp meetings in the year: in Scioto circuit four; Hochhocking two; Deer Creek two; Mad River three; White Water two; Cincinnati two; and White two.

Sabbath, October 1. Brother Blackman preached at nine o’clock, brother M’Kendree at twelve o’clock, and brother Burke at three o’clock: there were, it is judged, three thousand souls on the ground. I may add, that the list may be complete, seventeen camp meetings for Indiana district. I thought it proper to render an account of all I had received, and all I had expended on the road: all given away came out of my own pocket. More of camp meetings—I hear and see the great effects produced by them, and this year there will be more than ever.

Sabbath, 8. I preached in the morning; and in the evening I also spoke again by way of exhortation. The conference closed its labours, and the members separated on Monday.

KENTUCKY

My party came away to Carroll’s. Next day we stopped with Captain John Sterne, from Stafford, old Virginia. At midnight I called up my fellow- travellers, and set out having an appointment at Mount Gerizim chapel.fp114 We arrived in time, and had an ordination, after which I gave an exhortation. Lodged at Whitaker’s.fp115 Came in haste next day to Martin’s meeting house, where I discoursed on Psalms 85:1Psalm 85:1-9. We held a conciliatory conference with several of the local preachers, on the subject of the ordination of local elders. On Friday Bishop M’Kendree preached, and I also spoke, embracing various subjects in my exhortation. Lodged at Major Martin’s.fp116 We moved early on Saturday morning, breakfasting at Hoskett’s, and crossed the Kentucky by fording.fp117 Kind John Bennett’s brought us up for the evening. We have stationed about eighty travelling preachers; rejected fourteen; located nine: there is an increase of two thousand three hundred and sixty-six members in this western conference. We have in Mississippi, fifteen travelling and eight local preachers; and three hundred and sixty members: if spared and so directed, I shall see that country and Canada before I die.

Sabbath, 15. I spoke in Bennett’s chapel on John 3:19. I spoke very plainly to a gay congregation. Captain Irvinfp118 took me home with him. Our way led through Richmond on Monday, and over the Long Hill: we pressed on to Dennis’s—any port in a storm. A rough ride of fifteen miles, on Tuesday morning, brought us to Howard’s: twenty years ago my kind host received me in Georgia. Another rough ride of twenty miles brought us, by moonshine, to Mr. Johnson’s, where we were entertained like gentlemen. An early start on Wednesday evening gave us advantage of the day, and we came twenty miles to breakfast; we ate, and prayed, and went forward to Mr. White’s, where we were comfortably lodged and entertained.

TENNESSEE

Came away on Thursday across Powell’s and Clinch Rivers, and reached Cheek’s for the night. My health has been, beyond expectation, good: I have travelled on horseback generally. I am continually in prayer; but a certain fiend assaults me without ceasing—this is for my humiliation. Friday. I chasten soul and body this day. Our expenses for the last five days have been five dollars thirty cents. We were favoured in two houses, or the sum would have been greater. We crossed Holston at Marshall’s ford on Saturday. Squire Read has built a neat pine chapelfp119 in a short time. We lodged with him.

Sabbath, 22. I gave them a discourse on Romans 12:6-20. Pattison, Stier, and Boehm followed:fp120 there was also preaching at night,fp121 I spoke at Benjamin Van Pelt’s chapelfp122 on Monday. At Warrensburg,fp123 next day, my subject was Romans 6:1-5. We dined with the elders of the house of Conway,fp124 and lodged with the only son, Thomas Conway. Preached at O’Haver’s chapelfp125 on Wednesday. Dined, and came on to friend Ellis’s. We suppose we have made three hundred and forty miles since we left Cincinnati. My mind and body have had no small exercise in bringing my stiff-jointed horse over the rocks, and rough and deep roads. I preached at Harrison chapel,fp126 on Galatians 5:7-10; the text is a sermon.

NORTH CAROLINA

We crossed the French Broad, and fed our horses at the gate of Mr. Hoodenpile:fp127 he would accept no pay but prayer; as I had never called before, he may have thought me too proud to stop. Our way now lay over dreadful roads. I found old Mr. Barnard sick:fp128 the case was a desperate one, and I gave him a grain of tartar and a few composing drops, which procured him a sound sleep. The patient was very thankful, and would charge us nothing. Here are martyrs to whisky! I delivered my own soul. Saturday brought us to Killian’s. Eight times within nine years have I crossed these Alps. If my journal is transcribed it will be as well to give the subject as the chapter and verse of the text I preached from. Nothing like a sermon can I record. Here now am I, and have been for twenty nights, crowded by people; and the whole family striving to get round me. Sabbath, 29. At Buncombe I spoke on Luke 14:10. It was a season of attention and feeling. We dined with Mr. Erwine,fp129 and lodged with James Patton:fp130 how rich, how plain, how humble, and how kind! There was a sudden change in the weather on Monday; we went as far as D. Jay’s. Tuesday, we moved in haste to Mud Creek, Green River Cove, on the other side of Saluda.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Lodged with kind and pleasant Thomas Edwards.fp131 On the first of the month (November) we reached Staunton Ferry. We suppose we have ridden five hundred and ten miles since we left Cincinnati; what heights, what hills, what rocks! Lord, thou preservest man and beast! The disagreeable part of this western wandering is the necessity of stopping at night. Ah! how different are the taverns here from the houses of entertainment in the Atlantic States! And the keepers of these poisonous liquor shops—Is there one who fears God and encourages prayer? One or two; the rest are drunkards.

We are at father Staunton’s, on the Saluda. Our host is an Israelite indeed, and the wife worthy of such a husband. Here is a society of sixteen souls. I gave a discourse at Salem chapel. It is a cloudy day, well fitted for retreat. I wrote a very long letter to Doctor Coke. We have a quarterly meeting on Friday. On Saturday, I preached on Luke 18:1.

Sabbath, 5. I preached in the open air, because our cabin meeting house was small and open. My subject led me out on the antiquity and truth of Holy Writ; the characters of Moses and Christ, calling the attention to the likeness, but superior excellence of Jesus, at the times of the presence and power of the Almighty, and the more perfect and abundant good produced by this latter manifestation. We had a sacramental feast. On Monday we came away, and attended to the mending of our travelling gear. There are no small numbers of the preachers about here married this last year. I have read with satisfaction The Star in the East: Lord, hasten the time when all shall know thee! O, Reedy River circuit—spiritually and temporally poor! Tuesday, Powell’sfp132—I preached. My friend has taken a new wife, and built a new house. His former wife was kind to me; I saw where her remains and those of her daughter lay—they fell asleep in Jesus. We rode into Abbeville and stopped at George Connor’s.fp133 Great news—great times in Georgia—rich and poor coming to Christ. At Connor’s chapel I spoke, on Thursday, on Romans 12:1, 2. After sermon I ordained John Stone a local deacon. Friday, covenant day. In Edgefieldfp134 the Baptists are carrying all before them; they are indebted to Methodist camp meetings for this. I preached on opening the new chapel on Luke 19:9; we had an open time. The Methodists have great success in Camden district; surely there must be some good done—all are on fire, and I feel the flame: God is with preachers and people.

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I preached to about one thousand people, on Titus 2:1. The quarterly meeting engaged our attention six hours every day. Our route on Monday lay over Bush Creek. This is, or was, a Quaker settlement: the Friends have gone to rich lands, unpolluted by slavery— they have formed a settlement in Ohio. I preached in Tranquil chapelfp135 on Tuesday—God has blessed Stephen Shell’s family. Grandmother, who was waiting in great peace for her summons, was called away in August last. I must needs preach at Major’s chapel: my subject was the great salvation. Lodged with Colonel H. Herndon.fp136 O how kind! Thursday, rode to Jeremiah Lucas’s.fp137 I was in heaviness of mind, and suffered in the flesh. Brother Boehm preached in the chapel.

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I preached to about one thousand souls, standing in the chapel door. The house could not contain the people on any day: some came to see, some to hear, and some felt. We have laboured for three days about six hours a day on our private business. We crossed Pacolet, Thickety, and Broad River,fp138 on our way to Josiah Smith’s on Monday. On Tuesday I preached for them, and Boehm and Hill exhorted: it was a gracious season. Wednesday we came through York to William Gassaway’s,fp139 There was heavy snow for about twelve hours.fp140 Brother Boehm preached at the dwelling house, and I gave them a sermon in the chapel. On Friday we took the road to Waxhaw, and with some difficulty kept the path, and the horses their feet. In about nine hours we made our way, crossed Lenham’s ferry, and came in to Robert Hancock’s, stiff and chilled,fp141 O for patience and courage!

On Saturday we attended a congregation of thirty souls.

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At the Waxhaw chapel I preached to four hundred souls.fp142 An exhortation followed, and the sacrament. Monday, a cold ride to William Heath’s, on Fishing Creek.fp143 I met a congregation on Tuesday, in a log cabin, scarcely fit for a stable. To my surprise, a number of United States’ officers came up; I invited them in: these gentlemen are attached to an establishment at Rocky Mount;fp144 they behaved with all the propriety I expected of them. Wednesday brought us where a sermon was expected, and I gave them one. I made an acquaintance with a venerable pair—Mr. Buchanan and wife, Presbyterians, and happy in the experience of religion. A brick chapel is building at Winnsboro for the Methodists,fp145 We lodged at William Lewis’s,fp146 but late emerging into light. On Thursday, we had a chilly ride of twenty-five miles to Mr. Watson’s. It rained excessively on Friday, yet I visited James Jenkins, and baptized his child, Elizabeth Asbury Jenkins.fp147 We reached Camden on Saturday.

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I preached in the tabernacle to about five hundred

people, and as we had two distinct congregations in the house, I dropped a word of advice to the poor Africans in presence of the whites. Brother Boehm preached in the evening. On Monday I was seriously afflicted in body. In much weakness of flesh, and solemnity of mind, I set out, on Tuesday, for Black River. There are great changes in the house where I stopped—my dear old Mary is dead, and there is another wife. On Wednesday I saw the third house on Black Riverfp148—fifty by thirty-six feet. I spoke in an especial manner to Henry Young’s Negroes,fp149 who were called together for that purpose. At Samuel Rembert’sfp150 on Thursday. My host proposes shortly to remove to Georgia. We preached to a small meeting on Friday. Henry Boehm preached on Saturday at James Caper’s.

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We had a five hours’ meeting. Tarpley and Hobbs prayedfp151 after I had preached: some had come to be prayed for. We made a cold, heavy ride of forty-five miles on Monday. We reached Kell’s tavern in the night. The road was dreadfully ploughed up with wagons; the ferry was wide, and we had the swamp to pass, and dip, dive, and go—we laboured through it: this was our Tuesday’s task. Wednesday evening brought us rest in Charleston. Where does the cotton go, that arrives in such quantities? To England and France, in spite of the non-intercourse. I am mainly ignorant of these things, and have no wish to be wiser. Our old church is enlarged, and our parsonage completely fitted up. I am busy writing, or occupied with my Bible and Ramsay’s History.fp152

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I preached in Cumberland chapel: I concluded with a close application. Bishop M’Kendree came in on Tuesday.fp153 I received many letters with pleasing accounts from the north. Sarah Dickens once, now Sarah Baker, in Baltimore, has lost her child; and God has converted the mother: is not this another answer to prayer? Father Everitt has gone in glory to glory: God be glorified! Four hundred people attended our ministry on Friday. I have eighteen letters to answer, and more are no doubt on their way. We have prayed especially and earnestly for our conference: surely God will hear! It is all peace with preachers and people. On Saturday conference set to work in earnest, and in great order. Thomas Glenn’s case is a serious one; he is suspended for imprudence, but not for gross immorality.fp154

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We had a gracious feast of love. I preached at Cumberland in the morning, and at Bethel in the evening. We laboured straight onward Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; Friday was set apart for ordination: it was desired that I should preach: it was a season of tears. We came out of Charleston on Saturday, and lodged for the night at Mrs. Brian’s quarter,fp155 with Thomas M’Kendree,fp156 who fed us richly. A Sabbath’s journey brought us to a sick man’s house. I prayed with our host, and administered some medicine which procured him ease.

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