1812

A steady ride of thirty-eight miles brought

us into Charleston. The highways were little occupied by travellers of any kind, which was the more providential to me, for my lameness and my light fly cart would have made a shock of the slightest kind disagreeable. I was anxious also to pass this first day of the new year in undisturbed prayer. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, in reading, meditation, writing and prayer. I do not reject visitors.

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I preached at Cumberland chapel, and met the societies of both colours. I visited the fatherless, and some widows. My mind enjoys peace. In the evening I preached in Bethel chapel. We made our exodus from Charleston at eight in the morning. No passage at Clemmon’s ferry. We found a lodging with Mr. Brindley: our host has buried one Methodist wife, and is now happy with another. I am consoled to know that our dear departed sister, ever kind to me, died in the Lord. Tuesday evening, lodged at the widow Boone’s: this family have received Methodist preachers for the last six and twenty years.

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We reached Georgetown.fs1 I preached in our enlarged chapel on 1 Corinthians 7:29.

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We came away to James Green’s, where I preached and then rode over to Francis Green’s:fs2 here William Capers preached, on “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona,” &c. We took the road on Friday, in a driving snow; but missing our path, we got back to James Green’s, and there, upon entreaty, consented to stay. We were told on Saturday morning, that we could not travel; we tried it nevertheless, and made thirty-five miles in nine hours. The cold was piercing.

Sabbath, 12. No rest for us. We toiled over Pee Dee swamp towards Mary Port’s: she had gone to rest. The snow was about a foot deep, and I could not see where they had laid her. We came in to Mr. Newsom’sfs3 five hours after my time; so I delivered a message to the family: thirty-one miles to- day. On Monday, at General Benjamin Lee’s, I spoke to a few people. NORTH CAROLINA

Tuesday. We dined at Lumberton, and went forward to Mark Russell’s, where I spoke to a few people. Wednesday, came to Fayetteville. We have had a rude ride of great bodily suffering from Georgetown: but my mind has enjoyed perfect peace, and constant prayer.

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We made this a sacramental day. What will not perseverance and management do! Here we have built a neat little chapel, costing but twelve hundred dollars, one thousand and fifty of which is paid. Friday, we had a cold ride to Amos Richardson’s. Saturday, thirty miles’ riding brought us to King’s.

Sabbath, 19. We crossed the river in a storm: at the second ferry it was worse, and we hardly escaped the deep, as it would seem; we arrived, nevertheless, time enough at Mount Zion chapel to bear our testimony from Ephesians 5:14-16: it was open vision. I had, after meeting, a word with the whites and Africans of the society—plain talk: Boehm preached in the evening. We were cribbed in our quarters at night—a narrow bed for two; this is no novelty to us. I gave our sister Richards a grant of a lot thirty feet square, in the churchyard. Baptized Captain Cameron’s son Alexander. A ride of twenty miles in excessive cold brought us to George Shepherd’s hospitable house on Tuesday. Wednesday, awfully cold: we made twenty miles to S. Ballard’s. Thursday, another ride of twenty miles brought us to Adonijah Perry’s. Our host was sick, and I prescribed for him. Friday, a day of abstinence: wrote letters. Saturday, we came into New Bern in the rain.

Sabbath, 26. I preached morning and evening, and met the whites and Africans of the society. Monday. A powerful rain accompanied us to Guilford,fs4 twenty-six miles. Here I baptized a Mr. Murphy and his three children. I feel the effects of our damp ride. We called a meeting at Greenville on Tuesday, at our sister Brook’s: as there were few men present, I adapted text and sermon to the women. We have no chapel here, although we have had a society thirty years. At Mr. Freeman’s we dined, talked, and prayed. It began to rain at one o’clock, and we started away to Edward Hall’s; we dare not loiter or wait for fair weather. Thursday, we halted, concluding to give up Edenton for Tarboro. There are great freshets in the rivers, as we hear. Ah! the ferries! we shall have them, sink or swim. Friday, reading, writing, and taking medicine.

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I passed the day in prayer, peace, love, and joy.

Sabbath, 2. At Tarboro I preached to a serious, attentive congregation. I preached in the afternoon also at brother Hall’s. Monday, I breakfasted with Mr. Austin, an English Baptist; his wife with us; my business with him was to charge him most solemnly to hold a perpetual prayer meeting every Wednesday evening in his house. The lowlands about Tarboro bridge are under water. We came thirty miles to Colonel John Whitaker’s: here I had occasion to give a solemn and personal testimony, and it was publicly given. On Tuesday we had a meeting of a few neighbours in Pinner’s family. We have made seven hundred miles since we left Camden, through frost, floods, cold, and hunger; poor men, and poor horses! Well, this life is not eternal. Wednesday, came to Murfreesboro, dined with the respectable widow Meredith and her children, prayed, and continued forward to Jesse Battle’s; a hailstorm overtook us on the way. This house is in affliction. VIRGINIA

Thursday, reached Isaac Lunsford’s, forty miles, visiting an afflicted family on our route. Richard Yerbury has gone from poor Suffolk to the rich inheritance of glory; he was almost a prodigy of affliction and of grace. On Friday we held a meeting at Portsmouth, and preached to a full house. Sabbath, 9. I preached in Norfolk, and met the society.

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Came to Isaac Lunsford’s, and thence to Suffolk; what a

sickly country is this! I have heard of three deaths in as many days. We had a small meeting at General Wells’s widow’s: the head of the house and his daughter have departed in peace since my last visit. I visited, as is my custom, the graves of the deceased. On Wednesday the cold was excessive, and we were right glad to house with Andrew Woodley, who treated us with great kindness. I preached at night at William Blunt’s.

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The weather was clear, but chilly. We made twenty-eight miles only, to our friend Birdsong’s. I see a providence always over me, and I am always stayed upon God.

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We came to Bryant’s, twenty-five miles, and could go no farther; they put me to bed very unwell. Our host is a disobedient son reclaimed—of Methodist parents. Here are two meeting houses, and the gospel is brought back to the vicinity of Prince George court house, after thirty years’ absence. No time was to be lost—I took tartar, and had a serious spell while it lasted.

Sabbath, 16. I rode about a mile and gave a sermon. My breast is sore, and my heart is in pain for Petersburg. Monday, I visited my ancient friends, Wood Tucker and wife.

We came to John Bradley’s on Tuesday night, and preached on Hebrews 2:1-4. Wednesday, a muddy ride brought us to town. Our conference began on Thursday.fs5 The affair of James Boyd and Henry Hardy detained us two days from other business. We shall not station more than seventy-five preachers this year—a less number than last. A charge had been brought against me for ordaining a slave; but there was no further pursuit of the case when it was discovered that I was ready with my certificates to prove his freedom; the subject of contention was nearly white, and his respectable father would neither own nor manumit him. I shall mention no names. Old Virginia, because of the great emigrations westward, and deaths, decreases in the number she gives to the Methodists; but new Virginia gains. Doctor Jennings was at conference, and preached often for us, and was much followed. We had little or no trouble about the stations, and conference rose on Thursday. I started away and came in great haste to Willis’s chapel:fs6 the heat was oppressive, and man and beast gladly stopped at the widow Sculley’s. Little sleep last night. Let me suffer, and let me labour; time is short, and souls are daily lost.

Sabbath, March 1. It blew a cutting wind at northeast, as we made our way towards Roper’s chapel,fs7 thirty miles distant. I preached some awful truths. Monday, I passed a night of great suffering. We came off this morning to James City, and preached in the chapel to many people—we had an evening meeting. Lodged at John Taylor’s. Tuesday, we came to Williamsburg,fs8 where I preached with a full mind, but failing voice. Wednesday, we rode near forty miles to breakfast with an English family, the Whitefields; and went forward to lodge with George Hope,fs9 a shipbuilder from Whitehaven.

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I preached in the new brick house, Hampton; ordained Robert Gilliam and brother Evans local deacons. I suffer from a deep cold. On Friday I had an opportunity of giving the two families of Lucas and Stubblefield a solemn warning and charge. We crossed the river at Yorktown, now like many other towns, declining in numbers and in wickedness, because of the decrease of trade and strong drink.

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At Philip Tabb’s, Esquirefs10—a great farmer, and a kind and hospitable gentleman.

Sabbath, 8. It rained, and we had two hours in the cold house to utter our testimony. I came home with deacon Bellamy, a witness of the sanctifying power of grace. We rejoiced in God. He handed me Michaelis, which I read. Monday, came on to Shackleford’s chapel, where I found a few auditors from Gloucester.

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To Pace’s chapel—I go forward in rain, and in temptation and affliction, and great grief for souls. I find that Michaelis, contrary to Bengelius and Wesley, has left it doubtful concerning the three that bear witness in heaven: the doctrine is not the less true.

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At Cole’s chapel I preached on Luke 13:23-25. I dined with father Mann, where, I presume, I preached thirty-three years past;fs11 this family cleaves to us, but the Baptists have the rule in Queen Annefs12 and Essex. We must not be envious—we have it, and are getting it, and will continue to get it, if we are faithful, still more abundantly throughout the whole continent. I was happy in spending a night under the roof of a simple-hearted poor man, Billy Carr; he travelled four years, and is now a useful local preacher.

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I preached at Hobbe’s Hole; it was damp and I was cold, but I felt help from God. This labour will go for the Baptists: mother Cox, a Baptist, had appointed a meeting for me, and I gave them a sermon. We sow here, but others reap. On my way to Port Royal, on Friday, I expounded a text of Scripture to the family of John Rowzie. Saturday evening brought us into poor Fredericksburg.

Sabbath, 15. I preached for them. The Methodists have done great good here: since they began to preach the Baptists and Presbyterians have built meeting houses. Mr. Strebeck has the Episcopal church. We were off on Monday, through mud and mist, to Samuel’s tavern, twenty miles; here we fed and prayed with the family. At Grigg’s I gave a night lecture. I preached at Mrs. Hoe’s to a full house on Tuesday morning, and went forward to Major Newell’s, making a ride of forty-six miles. I called, on Wednesday, on my friend Mr. Carter, who has now six children in society: surely the time to favour this family is come. We laboured along to Leesburg, stemming the cold and boisterous northwest. Friday and Saturday were spent in happy, loving conference.fs13 My task it was to ordain sixteen deacons. I preached, so also did brother M’Kendree.

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Ordination day for elders; I had declined, not wishing to preach the sermon; but I officiated, and N. Snethen preached. We have had a solemn, loving, peaceful conference. Our labours ended on Friday morning, and we separated. Arrived at the ferry, it blew a hurricane. I lifted up my heart in prayer to God. There was in a few minutes a great calm, which all those with me witnessed, but I will not say it was in answer to prayer.

MARYLAND

We lodged with Ephraim Howard, upon Carroll’s manor.

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We called and dined with our respectable brother Ignatius Davis:fs14 Ah! he is rich in property and a young wife! It blew up very cold as we came into Frederick.

Sabbath, 29. Easter Sunday. I was three hours reading, praying, preaching, and meeting the society, white and coloured; it was a day of God and of his power. My congregation chiefly from the country. A cold ride brought us to Liberty; Monday morning, I preached for them, and went on to Ephraim Howard’s.

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We moved forward, calling on brothers Joshua Jones and

Alexander Warfield. Lodged under the roof of Nancy Willis. There are many late converts around her: Frank Hollingsworth and his wife,fs15 Henry Willis, and a young lady with fifty thousand dollars—can she get and keep religion? I doubt.

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I preached at Joshua Tipton’s:fs16 this is an ancient

friend whom I had not visited for eight years. Henry Boehm preached in German. Thursday, dined near Union chapel at Mr. Matthews’s,fs17 and went forward to Meredith’s.

PENNSYLVANIA

Friday, a cold disagreeable ride brought us across the country to Samuel Brinkley’s:fs18 here I received the first intelligence of the death of my dear old friend Martin Boehm.

Sabbath, 5. I preached at Boehm’s chapel the funeral sermon of Martin Boehm, and gave my audience some very interesting particulars of his life. Monday, busy writing. Tuesday, at Jacob Boehm’s: I preached here.

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We called on Zeltenright; kinder people need not be: we fed and prayed with them. I went forward and preached at Churchtown,fs19 and housed with Owen Brunner. I suffer much in my feet amongst the Germans, and I greatly dislike stoves. We had a blessed meeting on Thursday evening.

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Rode to Coventry. We had a full house. Ah! where are my

sisters Richards, Vanlear, Potts, Rutter, Patrick, North?fs20 At rest in Jesus; and I am left to pain and toil: courage, my soul, we shall overtake them when our task is done! I visited Mr. May.fs21 If they wanted the plan for their meeting house, here it is—forty by fifty feet. I rejoiced in finding three of sister Rutter’sfs22 children in the way.

Sabbath, 12. I preached at old Israel Anderson’s.fs23 Our friend has been in fellowship with us thirty-two years, and has been honoured by missions from his country and district to the legislature and to congress: his family of children are pleasing. Twice only have I ever visited this neighbourhood. Monday. Snow and cold.

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I preached at Radnor. We dined at B. Gyger’s, and slept under the roof of Isaac James. The peace and consolations of God abound towards me.

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Came to the city of Philadelphia. We opened our

conference in great peace on Saturday.

Sabbath, 19. Preached in St. George’s in the morning, and at St. Thomas’sfs24 in the evening. It is a time of peace. We had a solemn time at the ordination of deacons on Wednesday. I preached at Union chapel on Friday.

Sabbath, 26. I gave them a sermon at Ebenezer in the forenoon, met the society at Union, and ordained, as deacons, Joseph Inglesfs25 and John George,fs26 venerable and pious men. On Thursday all the honours of officiating at the ordinations fell upon me, Bishop M’Kendree being sick. I closed the conference on Monday morning. Sister Lusby’sfs27 lamp is nearly extinct; I visited and prayed with her.

NEW JERSEY

We came away and rode in the afternoon sixteen miles to father Thomas Rodman’s. We lodged with Mr. Jacob Snyder at New Brunswick on Tuesday night.

NEW YORK

Wednesday, a cold ride brought us to New York.

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Our General Conference began.fs28 During the session I saw nothing like unkindness but once, and there were many and weighty affairs discussed. I hope very few rules will be made. We may disquiet ourselves in vain.

Sabbath, 10. At the African church in the morning: I preached also at the Hudson chapel; it was an awful time. A subject before the conference was the question, If local deacons, after four years of probation, should be elected to the eldership by two-thirds of the conference, having no slaves, and having them, to manumit them where the laws allowed it—it passed by a majority. On Saturday, a motion was made to strengthen the episcopacy by adding another bishop.

Sabbath, 17. I preached at Brooklyn in our elegant house.fs29 After a serious struggle of two days in General Conference to change the mode of appointing presiding elders, it remains as it was. Means had been used to keep back every presiding elder who was known to be favourable to appointments by the bishops; and long and earnest speeches have been made to influence the minds of the members: Jesse Lee, Asa Shinn, and Nicholas Snethen were of a side; and these are great men. Many matters of small moment passed under review, and were regulated. Mr. Shaw, of London, called to see me, and I had seventeen of the preachers to dine with me; there was vinegar, mustard, and a still greater portion of oil: but the disappointed parties sat down in peace, and we enjoyed our sober meal. We should thank God that we are not at war with each other, as are the Episcopalians, with the pen and the press as their weapons of warfare. Sabbath, 17. At the Two Mile Stone my subject was 1 Peter 4:6-9. I preached also at Greenwich, and at John Street Chapel. On Monday I took an emetic, but I found I could not be sick in quiet, so unceasingly was I pursued by visitors and letters; so I made my escape to George Suckley’s and took to my bed. On Tuesday I breakfasted with Colonel Few. Some good widows collected above two hundred dollars for the poor preachers in New England States: sister Seneyfs30 I must make honourable mention of as being very active in this labour of love. We made a peaceable ride of twenty-four miles to mother Sherwood’s. I have been kept from sinning, in much patience and affliction.

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Came to Eben Smith’s; the host kind and attentive; the

mother holy and devout: I cannot pass my old friends without a call. I called on Joseph Crawford, and took to my bed: I suffer. In the evening I preached at White Plains chapel in much affliction of body: we lodged at brother Fowler’s.

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Rode to Croton: here I saw once more the elder of ninety- two—much in the enjoyment of God and of himself.

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We halted on our way at Peekskill. I prayed in Burrill’s small house.

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We stopped at Mr. Williams’s: I am blessed with patience. I preached on Wednesday, and administered the Lord’s supper: I am in weakness and fear, and much trembling.

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I saw our little conventicle in Rhinebeck.

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We halted awhile at Esopus; dined at the widow Scott’s.

We have had a home here many years: the Lord heard prayer for the father, who died in peace. We lodged at John Crawford’s: I suffer from high fevers. On Tuesday we rode through the heat, thirty-four miles, to Coeyman’s Landing, and preached at six o’clock. The blister at the back of my ears broke on the way. O, for patience and faith! A cold ride brought us to Albany. The Dutch Synod and the Methodist Conference are about to sit here. From the fourth to the tenth we have been occupied in close conference.

Sabbath, 7. I preached in an old house: and we had a gracious season. I gave a solemn exhortation on the spot designated for our new church: the situation is very eligible. Wednesday, conference ended its labours. Thursday, we rose at five o’clock, and crossed the river: after a ride of five hours in the rain we were willing to stop at Mr. Darling’s.

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Came through Shakerstown: if these are children of light, they are wiser in their generation than the children of this world. We took a hasty dinner with Gamaliel Whitney, and came away in the rain to Hawley’s. Saturday, we dined on our route at Merrill’s, and came in to lodge with Squire Pitkin.fs31

CONNECTICUT

Sabbath, 14. I preached at Glastonbury and met the society. Monday, at Hebron we visited three families, and were kindly received by Doctor Huntington, with whom we lodged in Windham. Tuesday, we dined in Abington, and lectured to a few people in the evening at John Nichols’s. Wednesday, a fide of thirty miles brought us to father Balls’s, where we lodged; all is not right here.

MASSACHUSETTS

Thursday, we dined at Stone’s tavern in Framingham; they had nearly been as wild as Indians when we prayed. I have felt sick enough to be in bed. We came to Lynn. I come through great tribulation.

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Our conference began and progressed in much peace and

order. Thursday, I gave preachers and people a sermon.

Sabbath, 21. I preached. The chapel, saving the pews and the steeple, is beautiful. We had an ordination. The proclamation of the president of the United States is out, to inform us that there is war between our people and the English people: my trust is in the living God. Thursday we came rapidly through a storm of rain to father William Bogle’s in Needham; we were well steeped. Friday, we took the Worcester road to Brookfield. Saturday, we came off at four o’clock, and rode seventeen miles to breakfast at Belcherstown, and continued onward fifteen miles beyond Warner’s. Sabbath, 28. We made a ride of twenty-five miles to Pittsfield. Brother M’Kendree preached at two o’clock; and I ascended the pulpit at six o’clock in the evening. Monday, we called on our way at father Spicer’s. We have spent on this journey twenty-three dollars. There is a serious division in Pittsfield—about thirty members, have withdrawn. They have built a neat house in Lynn; but I am afraid of a steeple; and if they put this foolish addition, it must not be by Methodist order, or with Methodist money—they may pay for their own pride and folly. We have had great peace and order in the New England Conference; but we are poor. NEW YORK

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We came away to Lansingburg. We must stand still and see the salvation of God in these times of trouble.

Sabbath, 5. At Troy I preached and gave an exhortation to the society. At Lansingbury I preached in the evening,fs32 but did not feel myself at liberty as in Troy. On Tuesday we came through the heat to Beldin’s, twenty-two miles; here we had grand entertainment. Wednesday, we concluded it best to keep on our way, and miss the camp meeting. We prayed with the family with whom we dined on our route. Came to Little Falls, and were well received and accommodated at Moralle’s. It rained, but we continued on to Reuben Mather’s. The people gaze and laugh at us as we pass: surely we are men to be wondered at and hated by all but the pious. Sabbath, 12. We hold our conference in Lyons.fs33 Brother M’Kendree preached in the morning, and I gave a discourse in the evening at Westmoreland. We went forward to David Coe’s, where I preached at night. My host had entertained me at Middlefield, Connecticut, twenty-two years ago.fs34 My mind enters deeply into God, his providence and grace. Consequential W.B. Lacyfs35 is married; and why not?—he has left us; and why not? Between Albany and Lynn, and Boston, we have spent thirty dollars and fifty-six cents—a few cents more than the conference furnished for our expenses. On Saturday we rode over to our brother Hanna’s,fs36 from Queen’s county, Ireland.

I preached at Bethel chapel, standing on the floor to speak. I was feeble, yet I met the society, baptized a child, and addressed my brethren and sisters on the subject of singing as a part of the worship of God. The solemn fast to be observed on the first Friday in October was not forgotten to be mentioned. I called up the children of my host to read for me, and had a serious conversation with the two eldest, the only son and eldest daughter: the tears witnessed how deeply they felt. We came away to Holmes’s on Monday morning, and thence to Forbisher’s: here we have a chapel. We called a meeting at night at father Doolittle’s.

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A long ride through Manlius, and calling at Dodge’s, brought us into the widow Hocox’s neat house. We dined at Hommerman’s, in Auburn, on Wednesday, and lodged with Eddy, Scipio. On our way we were mocked by some men in a harvest field: this is their glory of wickedness: ours is, that the offence of the cross hath not yet ceased. My revenge was prayer that God might convert and save them for Christ’s sake.

Sabbath, 19. I preached at Lyon’s town. I have been reading Faber; there appears, to my mind, to be more probability in his expositions of prophecy than in those of any other commentator, more especially as it relates to the Jews. We have had a blessed rain. Lord, pardon the sins of an ungrateful and unholy people!

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were employed in a very pleasing conference, about thirty members being present: our brethren of Canada were all absent.fs37 Elders and deacons were ordained: the increase of members, according to the returns, one thousand.

Sabbath, 26. I preached upon the camp ground. I have been located in Daniel Dorsey’s family eleven days; I want to be moving. Had not hostilities existed between us and our neighbours, I should have spent some of this time in visiting the frontiers on Niagara. Our funds allowed us to give forty-nine dollars for the support of each single preacher, one hundred and eighteen dollars for those married and their wives and children. On Monday the members of conference communed in the Lord’s supper, after which I read off their stations, and we parted in great peace. Through two showers of rain, after dinner, I made my way to Geneva. I lectured in a school house in the evening, from James 4:8-10. I was directed to forcible and right words.

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The heat is excessive, yet we went forward, accompanied by our local brethren. I ordained our brother Goodwin under the trees. We were willing to halt at the invitation of Mr. Thompson to dinner. I felt like Jonah in the sun. We were kindly received for the night by Judge Smith on the Seneca Lake. I die daily. I live in God from moment to moment. My text for Friday, 31, the appointed fast-day, was Isaiah 58:1: I was weak, but truth was strong. I will leave Newtown this afternoon. There must be a great change here. We came away, after meeting, to Elijah Griswold’s: my host is a brand plucked from the burning—strong drink had scorched him forty years. He had a pious son who watched over, and prayed for him; and he himself never closed his doors against the pious. The Lord heard prayer on his behalf, and has entirely delivered him from the love of whisky. I hear of another wonderful emancipation from the slavery of drunkenness.

PENNSYLVANIA

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Wefs38 rest at Joshua Kenney’s, Black Walnut Bottom.fs39 My congregation might amount to one hundred. Our host was a whisky maker; but now it is a house for God. In all my weakness I am kept in perfect peace. Yesterday I visited, conversed, and prayed with Mr. Ourton’s family, the wife and mother: the people are serious, but the head is a man of the world. For forty years past we have preached the gospel from the mouth to the branches, and up them, of the great river Susquehanna; the fruit of our labour has begun to appear within the last five yearsfs40; we shall see it yet more abundant.

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We came away to John Smith’s, and continued onward to father Smith’s,fs41 but came in too late for meeting.

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We dined at father Bidlack’s,fs42 and went forward to Wilkes- Barre. The court was sitting,fs43 and a meeting was expected. My subject was “Knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men.” They gave me the court room.

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We came along down the turnpike, and rough we found it.

Farewell to Merwine’s—I lodge no more there; whisky—hell; as most of the taverns here are. Our Thursday’s ride brought us rapidly to Lehigh; we crossed at the ford, and had little time to admire the beautiful country above and below. The Germans are decent in their behaviour in this neighbourhood; and would be more so, were it not for vile whisky: this is the prime curse of the United States, and will be, I fear much, the ruin of all that is excellent in morals and government in them. Lord, interpose thine arm! Lord, send thy gospel to these Germans!fs44 We lodge with George Custos, Wyomissing.fs45

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I am still; I abstain. In the evening we had an assemblage of people, and brother Boehm spoke to them in German.

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We visited F. Hyles, on our way to A.T. Brobest’s. I feel a deep concern for the Old and New World; calamity and suffering are coming upon them both: I shall make but few remarks on this unhappy subject; it is one on which the prudent will be silent; but I must needs say it is an evil day. I have written many letters of serious warning to our elders.

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Brother Boehm preached in Dutch. I gave a few words of exhortation to the folks at J. Brobest’s, at the Forge; W. Fox exhorted. Monday, on our way to Schuylkillfs46 we strayed somewhat. Henry Boehm preached at our kind host’s, J. Dondor’s, a German.

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We climbed and laboured over the Furnace hills,fs47 to Peter Albie’s,fs48 a disciple of father Boehm.

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We passed through Lititz,fs49 a second Bethlehem. What a lovely country we have lately seen! no slaves here. The river Lehigh has three branches, flowing from the Beach or Green Swamp,fs50 which cross the Wyoming turnpike to Bethlehem: this beautiful stream, according to my computation, meanders one hundred miles to its mouth, making its way, by disruptive force, as it would seem, through what is called the Gap in the Blue Ridge.fs51 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, at mother Boehm’s, writing, reading, and prayer; these are my occupations and enjoyments.

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I preached at Souderberg’s chapel in the morning; and at Strasburg at two o’clock; and again at Bethel at six o’clock. Monday, we crossed at M’Call’s ferryfs52 and came to father Jones’s.fs53 MARYLAND

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Rode through the rain to John Low’s;fs54 dined, prayed, and came away to Manchester. We lodged at Rutler’s, a Dutch family. Friday, we came into the camp.fs55 Monday, we came to Pipe Creek, and dined with my old friend James M’Cannon. The meeting began yesterday. I preached to a great crowd. What good may be wrought at this meeting, time, and, especially, eternity will show. There were about one hundred tents, and often five thousand people on the ground. In four nights I suppose I have had eight hours’ sleep. I was greatly blest at the sacrament. Tuesday, dined at Fredericktown; and went forward to Middletown. After forty years’ labour, we have a small society in this place. We gave them discourses in English and German in the evening. Wednesday, toiling over the South Mountain to Snevely’s.fs56 On Thursday I preached in the neat, new chapel in Hagerstown, to about one hundred hearers; and after meeting visited and tarried for the night with the widow Dowler:fs57 our kind hostess is an afflicted woman, unable to walk, yet she enjoyeth much communion with God. On Friday we ventured upon the United States’ road to Cumberland;fs58 dining on our route with Rascer, whom I warned faithfully; as also Thomas Prattfs59 and Major Briscoe.fs60 whom we visited, exhorted, and prayed with. Saturday, a fatiguing ride, through oppressive heat, brought us fasting to Aquila Brown’s.fs61

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I preached in Cumberland to an attentive people, and went on to Cresaptown, where I also bore my testimony: there might be one thousand people in the two congregations. I have little rest. We came up the mountain, dining at Mussulman’s, and going thence forward to Tomlinson’s.fs62 There was a strange medley of preachers, drovers, beasts on four legs, and beasts made by whisky on two, travelling on the turnpike at one time.

PENNSYLVANIA

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A rude, rough ride, brought us to Clark’s, twenty-

eight miles. Wednesday, we met my friend Judge Vanmeeter, at the bottom of Laurel Hill, with five hundred fat steers from his prairie in Ohio; if he can undertake this labour and perform it cheerfully for the sake of gain, why should I complain of my sufferings? There are very distressing rumours abroad: my mind is fixed on, “Ye are of more value than many sparrows.” After losing so much rest, I could have wished to sleep without annoyance from fleas or bed bugs. Two innkeepers on our route, Besoon and Tomlinson, declare against keeping or selling liquid fire: this is great. We moved on Thursday to the widow Henthorn’s, within a mile of the camp ground. I preached on Friday and Saturday. The ministry are instructed to be careful to preach to the soldiers, wherever opportunity offers. The Union Volunteersfs63 desired a sermon, so I gave a discourse on the ground:fs64 my subject was Jeremiah 2:13.

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We celebrated a solemn sacrament; a simple-hearted, weeping people, crowded round the table. My soul has been greatly blessed during my stay on the camp ground. Good, I doubt not, has been done. I have been pleased by reading, at intervals, Benson’s Life of Fletcher. The man of God was worn out before he married; and where else might he have found such a nurse, and helper, and shepherdess in a wife? but, possibly, he would have lived longer had he travelled. Comparing myself with Fletcher, what am I, in piety, wisdom, labours, and usefulness? God be gracious to me!

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May I make the best of the remains of life. I presume we had ten thousand at the Liberty camp meeting, and five thousand at the meeting in this neighbourhood of Uniontown. Forty persons came forward to enroll their names in society with us. We came away to George Hogg’s: kind as can be; so indeed are the wife and sister. We entered Brownsville on Wednesday, and drove to Doctor Wheeler’s. Notice of our proposed meeting had not been generally given, and we had not many hearers; perhaps a hundred. I preached in Washington on Thursday, on 1 Peter 3:10-15: it was a solemn time; and indeed there was reason. Samuel Porter,fs65 a Presbyterian minister, came to meeting; unable to sit up, he lay down upon the seat: it would appear that he is not long for this world: I lent him Fletcher’s Life.

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We had a suffering ride of thirty-two miles to the Stone chapel, on Short Creek. I preached at four o’clock, and there was much feeling in the congregation. I want strength, and food, and rest. We have serious times; it becomes us to be silent, and let God judge the nations, and correct the guilty.

OHIO

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We directed our route towards the Indian Short Creek camp meeting.

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We had a solemn meeting. I preached to about three thousand people, as I judge. Monday, I was called on to preach; we have had eighty- four tents on the ground, four hundred and fifty communicants, and forty persons have joined us. The work of God was uninterrupted night and day; and we doubt not many precious souls were converted. I shall have travelled six thousand miles in eight months, and met in nine conferences, and have been present at ten camp meetings.

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We came away thirty miles to Barnesville, where I delivered my testimony. I suffer for want of rest. The Methodists seem to have almost entire influence in this town. Our chapel is forty by fifty feet.

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We came through the heat to Sherrock’s, dined, and went forward towards Wills Creek; logs, stumps, ruts, bushes; rough work: we arrived in the night at Waller’s.

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We set out in the rain, and came thirty miles to Zanesville; I retired sick to Spangler’s. We have a meeting house here, and at Fairfields. It is a time of trouble on the frontiers; the Indians have killed and scalped some whites, it is said.

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We attended Rush Creek camp meeting. The work of God during the night was awfully powerful. Many Germans present were deeply serious.

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I preached. The whole night was spent in prayer. We had a sermon on Monday morning, and the sacrament followed: there might be two hundred and fifty communicants. I had been unwell, but an emetic, taken on Saturday night, prepared me for usefulness. I lodged with Edward Teel, aged seventy-seven. I had known him forty years. On Tuesday, we passed through New Lancaster, to Jesse Spurgeon’s.

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I preached at Stroud’s chapel, and we had an open,

feeling, gracious season. I find that the mother of my host, Edward Stroud, went safe to rest last April: she was a disciple of ours, and a respectable widow in Israel. I suffer from chills; the nights are cold, and I have been much exposed.

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We rode over to Judge Vanmeeter’s. On Friday I preached

in the new house in Jefferson; we visited M’Dowell’s, and lodged with White Brown on Saturday.

Sabbath, 27. I preached; after meeting I gave up and stole to my bed. My rest has been much broken for the last month in various ways, and I am feverish and have the jaw ache. Could I be less earnest when I preach, I might have less bodily suffering; but it may not be. The Ohio Conferencefs66 sat from Thursday, October the 1st, to Wednesday the 7th; we had great order. The writer of this journal laboured diligently, and was much assisted by the eldership in the business of the stations. He preached three times, was called upon to ordain twelve deacons, and also to ordain elders: upon the last day his strength failed. I want sleep, sleep, sleep: for three hours I lay undisturbed in bed, to which I had stolen on Wednesday; but they called me up to read off the stations. I have a considerable fever; but we must move.

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We made a pretty rapid ride, thirty miles, to Purrey’s.

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A morning ride of twenty-two miles brought us over trees, stumps, and through mud holes to a house of refreshment; we fed hastily, and went into the town of Miranda, thirteen miles farther.

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We have had rain. We fed on our way, and continued

onward through a great storm of thunder, lightning, and rain to Cincinnati. O, let us not complain when we think of the suffering, wounded, and dying, of the hostile armies! If we suffer, what shall comfort us? let us see—Ohio will give six thousand for her increase of members in one new district.

Sabbath, 11. I preached in Cincinnati. We are at low mark here this year; perhaps they will raise the scaffolding for a new house. KENTUCKY

We came over to Kentucky on Monday, and reached noisy Lexington: there was company enough, and little quiet through the night.

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We rode out to the widow Clark’sfs67 to breakfast. Our ride of twenty-six miles brought us to lodge under the roof of the widow Hall.

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We returned to Lexington in the forenoon. The distance gone over in the last two days and a half may be one hundred miles. I preached, but the notice had not been early, and there were few to hear. I attended Ratcliff’s chapel on Thursday, and ordained brother Cornelius Ruddle a local elder: he officiated in my place in the pulpit. I preached in the house of his father in 1780: how strangely I often find the lost! On Friday I preached in the representative chamber in Frankfort. I conversed with some of the respectables, and found one who had made one of my company twenty-three years ago in a journey through the wilderness. We reached Edward Talbot’sfs68 on Saturday.

Sabbath, 18. I preached at the brick chapel.

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We rode twenty-four miles to breakfast with James Ward,

Goose Creek, Jefferson County, I preached the funeral of his son. Here I saw some of my ancient brethren and sisters, and the children of others of them.

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Came to Brunerstown: we had preaching in German and

English. We dined with Mr. Conrad’s kind family. There are some of Otterbein’s and Schwope’s people hereabouts. I was called to visit friend Whips in a dropsy. We came down to Baregrass Creek. What is called the Baregrass Settlement is the garden of the State. It is a low, level country, and in wet seasons must be sickly, as it is now. I saw a native of Saxony who had lately arrived, and had joined us. O! what a work has there been among the Germans, and would more abundantly have been, had they the discipline of the Methodists!

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I preached in Louisville at eleven o’clock in our neat brick house, thirty-four by thirty-eight feet. I had a sickly, serious congregation. This is a growing town, and a handsome place, but the falls or ponds make it unhealthy: we lodged at Farquer’s.

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Breakfasted at B. Shaveley’s, five miles on our route: we worried and plunged through the deep roads thence towards the Barrens, and happily took the road newly cut through the woods, and found a shelter for the night with a brother Hawkins.

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We came on to Elizabeth, county town of Harden; a little milk, morning and evening, served us for food. We lodged beyond Elizabeth with father Gilliland, whose father and grandfather were killed by the Indians: himself, until lately, has always been a frontier man, and greatly exposed.

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We set out and reached Mr. Woodson’s to lodge.fs69 I am

greatly supported by God both in body and mind. A prize! a book found in the pocket of Mr. Whits after his death—Baxter’s Poor Man’s Family Book: the old gentleman had a good guide, and doubtless died in peace: I am indebted to the son for this excellent work.

Sabbath, 25. We have an awful storm: preached in Mr. Woodson’s house. A Mr. Locke was present; one of the kindest Baptists I have met with. Monday, came to Allen’s to dinner, and kept on to James Stringfield’s.fs70 Tuesday, we crossed Barren River, rising swiftly. A ride through the rain brought us to Edward Porter’s. Wednesday, visited David Porter, from Elk Ridge, in Maryland.

TENNESSEE

Thursday, we rode thirty miles to brother Gwinn’s.fs71 Friday, we came away late to Nashville, stopping on our way to speak to the widow Bowen, the daughter of my ancient friend, the late General Russell; this lady hath three daughters who profess religion: surely we have not prayed in vain. We found the river high on Saturday; Mr. Hobbs, the jailer, kindly took us in; but we are not prisoners, but of hope—but of the Lord. Sabbath, November 1. I preached in the new, neat brick house,fs72 thirty- four feet square, with galleries. Twelve years ago I preached in the old stone house, taken down since to make a site for the state house. The latter house exceeds the former in glory, and stands exactly where our house of worship should by right have stood; but we bear all things patiently. This is a pentecostal day to my soul. Hail, all hail, eternal glory!

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We left our lodging in the jail house, and came away to Green Hill’s. Tuesday, busy in writing: I conclude that next year we shall visit and hold a conference in Mississippi, if so directed and permitted. Wednesday, we had an appointment in the neat little brick house, town of Franklin,fs73 upon Harpeth River. After meeting the society, we hasted away to escape the rain; the storm in the night was made awful by the thunder and lightning. We have a brick house in the town, and a frame one five miles out.fs74 I find old acquaintances here from Virginia and North Carolina. I preached on Thursday to a small congregation at Green Hill’s. Friday, after meeting at Nashville, we went forward to Benjamin Maxey’s:fs75 we held a meeting here, and I was expected to occupy the pulpit. We stayed on Saturday at the widow Bowen’s, on Mansker’s Creek.

Sabbath, 8. I preached at Bowen’s chapel, baptized a few subjects, and gave three exhortations; I had aid from God. If the Lord means to make us instruments for good, we are wanted here and at Natchez.

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We started away in the rain to James Gwinn’s. Tuesday, we

opened our conference in great peace;fs76 forty deacons were ordained, and ten elders; the travelling and local ministry amounts to sixty-two; the net increase, after allowing for death and removal, two. We came away, after a peaceful close of our labours, on Tuesday following, to John M’Gee’s, thirty-three miles: Wednesday, to Garratt’s: Thursday, to Gibson’s: Friday, to Jack’s, forty-five miles, arriving in the night. O, the rocks, hills, ruts, and stumps! My bones, my bones!

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We had a quiet leisurely ride of thirty-one miles to

Winton’s.fs77 Driving my sulky over such roads, and through such uncommon colds, causes me to suffer deeply for the last few days. I am comforted with an increase of eight thousand in the Tennessee Conference. If we meet the Mississippi Conference, as appointed, in November, 1813, we shall have gone entirely round the United States in forty-two years: but there will be other States: well, God will raise up men to make and to meet conferences in them also, if we remain faithful as a people.

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We came through the rain to Knoxville, and lodged with

father Wagner, one of Otterbein’s men.fs78 Tuesday, arrived in Dandridge, we drove to Foute’s. It is excessively cold. It was my occupation to baptize six of the eight children of our host. Wednesday, we crossed French Broad at Seaham’s ferry, and forded Pigeon River near its mouth on our way to James Gilliland’s:fs79 we came into our station for the night almost stiff with cold.

Sabbath, 29. I preached, and so also did Bishop M’Kendree; Henry Boehm exhorted. I found a relief to my cold in a few grains of tartar emetic. God hath wrought upon the vilest of the vile in the fork of Pigeon and French Broad Rivers, and he will yet do wonders.

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We stopped at Michael Bollen’s on our route, where I gave them a discourse on Luke 11:11-13. Why should we climb over the desperate Spring and Paint Mountains when there is such a fine new road?fs80

NORTH CAROLINA

We came on Tuesday a straight course to Barnard’s, dining in the woods on our way.

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We went over the mountain, twenty-two miles, to Killian’s.

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Came on through Buncombe to Samuel Edney’s; I preached

in the evening. We have had plenty of rain lately. Friday, I rest. Occupied in reading and writing. I have great communion with God. I preached at father Mills’s.fs81

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We scaled the mountain—the rise may be a quarter of a mile, the descent much more gradual, and about a mile in length. We had a keen, cold wind, mingled with snow. Green River was full and rapid, but little Fox darted like a fish up the stream: we stopped at Marvill Mills’s,fs82 chilled indeed.

Sabbath, 6. I preached at Mills’s chapel, after meeting we went home with John Mills,fs83 White Oak Creek. Ah, John, thy pious, praying mother! think often of her.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Monday, a bitter cold ride of forty miles, brought us to father Francis Watters’s.fs84 O warm room, and kind old Virginians! Our host has twelve children of eighteen once living.

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Came to Broad River. We found Smith’s fordfs85 deep enough, but Fox turned his fearless breast up the stream, and brought me swiftly and safely through the swell of waters: he is a noble beast. We dined in the woods, and stopped at Esquire Leech’s;fs86 brandy and the Bible were both handed me: one was enough—I took but one.

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Came to Winsborough late at night: I cannot easily describe the pain under which I shrink and writhe: the weather is cold, and I have constant pleuritic twinges in the side. In cold, in hunger, and in want of clothing—mine are apostolic sufferings. Jacob Rumph is dead, and so are elder Capers and James Rembert: these were early friends to the Methodists in South Carolina, and left the world in the triumph of faith. We are in Camden.

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We stay at father Buchanan’s: people here give little encouragement to Methodism, but the walls of opposition will fall, and an abundant entrance will yet be ministered to us—the craft of learning, and the craft of interested religion will be driven away.

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A cold ride brought us to Dunkin’s. Is not this man a brand plucked from the burning? a reclaimed drunkard! Camp meetings have done this—they do great good, and prosper in the sandhills.

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We lodged in Columbia with Colonel Hutchinson.

Sabbath; 13. I preached in the legislative chamber, and had the members for a part of my congregation.fs87 Monday, at the house of the widow of General Jacob Rumph; the father and son both died in the Lord. This house has been open to the Methodists for about twenty-seven years, whether in peace or persecution; Jacob travelled nearly four years;fs88 so meek, so mild, diligent, and simple-hearted, so sincerely good. On Tuesday we came to father Carr’s,fs89 a Swiss: here are pious, kind souls. Wednesday, came to Stephen Swithen’s,fs90 within twenty-three miles of Charleston. it remains intensely cold. Thursday, my fingers gave out; then the axletree gave a crack, seventeen miles from the city. We loaded another, whilst I rode in John B. Glenn’sfs91 sulky, he and Boehm, with the aid of cushions and bearskins, rode horseback into the city. These are trifles. Ah! we feel—we fear the locations of this conference will be sixteen in number. Saturday, our conference began its session in good order.fs92

Sabbath, 20. I preached at Cumberland chapel in the morning, and at Bethel in the afternoon.fs93 The presiding eldership and the episcopacy saw eye to eye in the business of the stations: there were no murmurings from the eighty-four employed. Christmas day was a day of fasting, and we dined one hundred at our house on bread and water, and a little tea or coffee in the evening. Funds are low; but our Church is inured to poverty, and the preachers may be called the poor of this world, as well as their flocks.

Sabbath, 27. I had an opportunity of meeting the society, of both colours, and my exhortations were pointed, and in season. We have, with the increase, about eighteen thousand. What is coming? days of vengeance, or of Gospel glory? We have lost, by locations and other causes, fourteen of the itinerancy.

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Letters—letters to write! We send two missionaries to Mississippi. Religion is not fashionable in Charleston. Tuesday, receiving visitors. Our house is a house of prayer. Wednesday, we came to Readhammer’s.fs94

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Came to Georgetown:fs95 I am now at home here after

twenty-nine years of labour. Many letters call my attention: I am happy in God. We hear of a blessed work in James River district—camp meetings the great instrument. According to Thomas L. Douglass’sfs96 account six hundred have joined us. We have also a pleasing account in a letter from Joel Winch, New London district, Bristol, Rhode Island, of a work of God; one hundred have joined, and other converts there were who have joined the Baptists and Episcopalians:—were these stolen from us? Saturday, at rest, writing letters.

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