1815

I preached at Saterman’s house. Monday, dined

at M’Cleary’s, and came on to Ubank’s.fv1 Tuesday, to Button’s.fv2 O that God may bless my last labours in this family! Wednesday, to Koger’s.fv3 Thursday, to Captain Perry’s.fv4 Friday, we had a cold hungry ride of thirty-six miles. Saturday, busy writing.

Sabbath, 8. I spoke in much feebleness upon part of Psalm 37, and gave a charge to the society. My labours were followed with much coughing and a restless night. Monday, I bled in the arm to relieve the spitting of blood. This place calls for great labour, and I am not fit for it: I must go hence. Tuesday, I filled an appointment made for me in Bethel chapel: I was divinely assisted. The care of the societies comes with weight upon my mind. Here are liberal souls at home and abroad: we have added nearly two hundred dollars to our mite subscription. Thursday, came to Strawberry Ferry. Grand accommodation at Mr. Lesesne’s.fv5 Friday, to Hale’s:fv6 we had an appointment here which we knew not of: the people assembled, and I spoke to them. Saturday, came to Santee, and crossed the Long Ferry in fifty minutes.fv7 Away with the false cant, that the better you use the Negroes the worse they will use you! Make them good, then—teach them the fear of God, and learn to fear him yourselves, ye masters! I understand not the doctrine of cruelty. As soon as the poor Africans see me, they spring with life to the boat, and make a heavy flat skim along like a light canoe: poor starved souls—God will judge!

Sabbath, 15. A sacramental day: I preached and gave a word of exhortation to the society. I cannot preach more than once a day. I wrote two letters, having no other leisure to do it in.

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A great storm without. I glanced at Echard.fv8 I find history of the Jews and the Romans, and very little of the pure Church. We have presided in three conferences in seven months. We had planned a ride of one thousand and three hundred miles into Virginia Conference, but Providence forbade it by affliction.

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We started away in company with William M. Kennedy, and James Norton,fv9 with the last of whom we parted at the ferry over Black River. Lodged with Mr. Rogersfv10—his father has gone to rest. On our route we visited Bethel Durant, and saw his brethren, John and Henry: their simple-hearted, kind father entertained me thirty years ago on my returning from my visit to Charleston.

NORTH CAROLINA

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Crossed the lakes and Waccamawfv11 and got in after eight o’clock to brother Frink’s. At William Guse’s, I saw my kind mothers in Israel, Guse and Rogers. I continue to expectorate blood. Is it possible that the children of the French Protestant martyrs to the tyranny of Louis XIV, and his bloody priesthood, can ever forget the God of their fathers? Noble, holy men, may God gather in your children to the latest generations!

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A dash of rain stopped us awhile, but we went forward thirty miles to Wilmington. I feel the effect of the damps.

Sabbath, 22. I preached in the chapel. O, wretched appearance of broken windows! It was a sacramental day. Were I a young man, I should not wish to be stationed in Wilmington. Our funds are low here, and our house a wreck.

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We came away to widow Nixon’s. Tuesday, to Shepherd’s. Doctor Lomas has been suddenly called away by death. Wednesday, to Lot Ballard’s. Shall the Gospel be taken from Goshen? Thursday, dined at Joseph Bryan’s; lodged at Hardy’s. We dashed through Mussel Shell Creek in a swim—it was serious work.

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Dined at Hatch’s: our reception kind; and our host is in bed with a leg broken. We reached Newbern in the evening. Here is weeping and lamentations for poor me—the leading characters of the society cannot speak to each other, or of each other, without bringing heavy accusations—yet all very glad to see the bishop.

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My trust is in a faithful God—he hath never deceived me nor forsaken me. I am scarcely an hour free from pain, and all that I do is in the strength of Jesus.

Sabbath, 29. I preached, and there was a trembling from first to last under the word—but it was with cold. Ah! people hard and dull! John Bond preached three times: possibly in my short exhortation to the society I talked down the tempers of some of the members: Ah! wretched use of liquid fire!

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Cold indeed; my feet suffer. We made twenty-six miles to a house—no wood at the door, and none to cut wood.

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A heavy storm took us at Greenville. We put the remains of a poor, pious slave in the ground who had reached one hundred years. Brandy in a cold is like laudanum.

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We came twenty-two miles; I was nearly done.

Had we followed our first plan, and gone by Norfolk, it would have probably cost me my life. It was time to lower our sails and drop anchor at Edward Hall’s, near Tarboro: it is paradise regained for a few days. The weather has been excessively cold, and keenly felt by an old man of seventy, deeply wounded in the limbs, breast, and lungs. Sabbath, 5. I spoke to a gathering of serious people in Edward Hall’s large dining room: the speaker was led to some awful truths. I am occupied in reading, writing, and patching and propping up the old clay house as well as I may: God be gracious to us still!

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We breakfasted with Mrs. Austin. O! the look expressive of the workings of her soul she gave, when in the trying hour she said, “Pray for me!” Shall a Methodist conference assemble, a society be gathered, and a chapel be built in Tarboro? Dined with Exum Lewis and wife: this favoured pair have been renewed and quickened. The house of their father was amongst the first in former days to receive the Methodists, and the children now open their house, and hearts, and hands to them: may the Lord convert, and own, and bless their children’s children to the latest generations! Amen! amen!

Came to James Hunter’s at Fishing Creek—a cold ride. I sent for dear Henry Bradford and his wife, and we renewed our covenant with God. Tuesday, to Halifax; mother Long would by no means take a nay: honourable woman! I gave an evening lecture to some serious souls, and John Wesley Bond exhorted after me with energy.

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Crossed Black’s ferry to sister Sarah Weaver’s. VIRGINIA

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We are at Matthew Myrick’s, Virginia—to rest the horses, not ourselves. The alarms of the wasting sickness are very serious. I wrote an epistle to Norfolk, and another to Suffolk.

Sabbath, 12. I preached in Dromgoole’s house. Doctor Simmons kindly officiated and drew two ounces of blood from my arm. I ordained Edward Dromgoole an elder in the Church of God.fv12 Edward Dromgoole was born in Sligo; joined the Methodists in 1770; began to exhort in 1774; travelled in America from 1774 until 1785; since then he has been a faithful local preacher, respected and beloved: he has six children living, two of whom, Edward and Thomas,fv13 are local deacons.

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Came away in company with Philip Bruce, John Early, and William Barnes, to Lewis Gregg’s, calling on Major Thomas on our route.

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A great storm of snow blew for eight miles in our eyes on our way to Sister Holmes’s. I saw Francis Hill once more: thirty years has he been a backslider from God: may he be speedily restored! Sister Gregg is sick, and sister Holmes near the last great change. To Ogburn’s we went forward twelve miles:—we have seen some of our early acquaintances once more.

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To Fennell’s, forty miles. Behold, we have a daughter a disciple, in the ancient house of Bedford: the kindness shown to God’s people he hath repaid. To father Jude’s on Thursday, where I was willing to rest, for I felt very ill.

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We came into Lynchburg in great weariness, having dined at Mr. Reed’s.

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I preached in the new, neat brick chapel, forty feet by fifty. Monday and Tuesday, we progressed well in our business.fv14 Doctor Jennings preached us a great sermon on, “I am the vine, ye are the branches.”

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We ordained elders, and I tried to speak on <505619> Philippians 2:19-22. I failed—I have been almost strangled with an asthmatic cough, and vomiting of blood.

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I keep the house, and busy myself to organize the stations. Thanks to the God of peace! we are confirmed in the belief that a treaty has been made between the United States and Great Britain.fv15 We have ordained twenty deacons and eight elders. Is there not a declination in gifts, as well as members? We settled at seventy-one dollars each man.

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Came away from Lynchburg to Amherst court house, lodging with a local preacher who keeps a public house: may he disappoint all my fears, and exceed all my hopes!

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I preached at Meredith’s. Shall we have to cross Buffalo, Pine and Tye rivers, after the thawing of the great snow?

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Came to S. Garland’s, Nelson court house. Thursday, to the widow Gentry’s.

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As we passed Monticello, a cloud rested upon it: the day was clear. We crossed the north branch of James River, near Charlottesville. Sheltered for the night, under the roof of the widow Gillum. We have had bad roads, and I am feebleness itself. We crossed Rapidan at the Race Ford, and came to my dear John Stockdale’s on Saturday evening. Hail, rest!

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We had preaching in the morning, and I spoke a few minutes in the evening; water the seed, O Lord!

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To Henry Fry’s.fv16 I have passed a painful night—the last in this house, perhaps. Tuesday, to Culpepper. Would I not stay and preach to them? O, that I were able! to will, is always present with me. We went forward to Rix’s. This was a gentleman who kept private accommodation; the law being against private entertainment: his bill, in the morning, amounted to five dollars, save two shillings. Wednesday, dined at Bashaw’s, and lodged at New Baltimore.

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Came to Fairfax court house, dining on our route at Alexander Wangho’s.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Friday, to Georgetown. Saturday, writing official letters.

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In the chapelfv17 I lectured on a chapter of Hosea. My mind, perhaps, partakes of the weakness of my body—I let fly a few scattering shot; I keep up a kind of running fire with my small-gun sermonizing. Our ranks are thinned, if one hundred have died in the Lancaster, Virginia circuit. I behold the ruins of the capital and the President’s house; the navy yard we burned ourselves.fv18 O, war! war!

MARYLAND

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A cold ride brought us to Elk Ridge; and our old friend, widow Honour Dorsey, gave us a shelter and a welcome. Tuesday, came in to Baltimore. My kind, inquiring friends, are coming in from morning till night. I am with my old friend the widow Dickins.fv19

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I preached at the Point. Our conference began on Monday,

and prudence restrained me to one session per day; perhaps I did not speak officially six times during the continuance of conference. When it was understood that the ancient superintendent did not attend in the afternoon, the visits to him were renewed. Stationing about eighty-five preachers we found to be no small work. Friday, we ordained the deacons in Light Street church. Being Good Friday, a fast was appointed, and I spoke a few words on the sufferings of Christ.

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At Eutaw chapelfv20 I spoke upon the apostolic order of things. Monday, conference rose. Tuesday, I retired to Perry Hall. The stormy, damp weather is hard upon me; but I abound here in comforts above millions: Lord, make me grateful and humble! What a preacher and writer was Samuel Davies!fv21 His sermons are very Methodistical. We have sent Samuel Montgomery to Montreal, and Samuel Burgess to Chenango district: they have had our counsel, and our prayers.

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In great weakness, I gave my farewell exhortation at the Fork Chapel.fv22 Came back to Perry Hall: all here is solitary to me!

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At Havre de Grace, I see the fourth generation of the

Jarratts;fv23 but some are still out of Christ. We crossed the ferry in six minutes. At North East chapel I gave them a farewell discourse. I passed a restless night. O, the kindness of the people to a poor sinner saved by grace alone! Wednesday, James Smithfv24 went forward and preached in the Elk chapel: at one o’clock we came up, exhorted, sung, and prayed. We must attend to our appointments, though we should speak but little, for the people wish to see us: we have lived and laboured so long, that we have become a spectacle to men. This place, Elkton, has been founded about fifty years: it may be visited of the Lord in the fourth or fifth generation. The speaker remembered that although the British were all around them,fv25 they escaped a visit. In great weakness of body we came on to the comfortable retreat of Nicholas Chambers.fv26

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Stopped at Bethel, spoke a little and prayed. We dropped anchor at Richard Bassett’s, until better weather. Saturday, I sent forward John Smith to fill my appointment. My unpleasant cough still cleaves to me. Bohemia Manor was formerly the field in which the Whitefield Methodists, called New Lights, laboured with success; the Wesleyan Methodists are heirs to these, according to the Gospel.

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We would have attended meeting to-day, but we wished not to ride fourteen miles. We called a meeting at Richard Bassett’s, and took occasion to speak of the work of God in the days of the New Lights, sixty years past.

DELAWARE

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We came away in the rain to Smyrna, stopping by the way at A. Short’s:fv27 we lodged with Israel Peterson.

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At Dover, my dear friends who had not seen me for one and two years visited me, and led me into conversation the whole after noon. It is hard, think they, that we cannot see him; so it might be thought in every place; but do they always remember the hardship they impose on me? So we go.

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We came to Camden, the first upon the line of my

appointments. I spoke a few words, and came to James’s, son of David Owens, my old disciple. We called on James Batemanfv28 as we came along.

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I preached once more at Johnstown: the day had been set

apart for a general thanksgiving for peace, and I remembered it in the pulpit. We dined with P. Wells,fv29 and rode back to Milford. Dust, fever, and too much company, these are my trials: peace, and perfect love, these are my consolations.

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I preached, and hastened to Frederica, lodging with Andrew Dill:fv30 here we saw dear Doctor Edward White, who hath known and followed the Methodists since 1778. I preached at Barratt’s chapel, in great feebleness of body. Must I needs dine with Judge Andrew Barratt? “Ah! I know that my father and mother thought more of him, than of any man upon the earth; and well does it become their son to respect him.” And is this all? God forbid!

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I preached in Wesley chapel, Dover, and the truth was felt. Monday, after delivering a short exhortation at Smyrna, I rode on to Smith’s,fv31 Newcastle county.

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Reached Wilmington.

PENNSYLVANIA

Wednesday, to Landreth’s. Thursday, I sat in conference awhile, but became sick. Friday, I tried it again. Saturday, a chill overcame me, followed by burning heat. I continued at Richard Bowyer’s.

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Instead of filling an appointment, I was taken with a chill, followed by high fever. I have groaned away the whole week. I was lodged beyond the first gate, and few knew where I was: attentions overcome me.

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Feeling no fever, I ventured to whisper a few words: perhaps I shall be able to say something in the new chapel in Tenth street, Philadelphia.

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At three o’clock I preached in the chapel in Tenth street: what a noble building! Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, resting at Thomas Haskins.fv32

NEW JERSEY

Thursday, at Trenton.

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We came through bad roads thirty-seven miles, to Mr.

Baker’s tavernfv33—wearied down. Our host was very attentive, and we had prayer in course. Saturday, called upon Thomas Morrell. Had an interview with Mr. M’Dowell,fv34 the stationed minister of the Presbyterian congregation in Elizabethtown: he is modest and pious. O, for such men in all Protestant Churches!

NEW YORK

We drove up to George Suckley’s, Greenwich. The weather is most distressing to my feelings.

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I attended the North church, and gave a discourse—it was something between talking and preaching; yet we had a time of much feeling.

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To Croton, forty miles. The dear aged man, Governor Van Cortlandt, has gone to his rest, having attained to ninety years, and upward.fv35

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A twenty miles’ painful ride brought us to Warren’s tavern,fv36 where we were made comfortable. Wednesday, to Rhinebeck, forty miles. Thursday, to Judge Van Ness’s,fv37 forty miles—in rain, cold, and suffering. The lady kind; the sister all attention. O, how goodness outshines the vain glories of this world! Friday, a cold rain dogged us into Albany. Saturday, I paid an hour’s visit to my brethren in conference.

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By vote of conference, I preached the funeral sermon for Doctor Cokefv38—of blessed mind and soul—of the third branch of Oxonian Methodists—a gentleman, a scholar, and a bishop, to us—and as a minister of Christ, in zeal, in labours, and in services, the greatest man in the last century. Poor wheezing, groaning, coughing Francis visited the conference chamber on Tuesday and Thursday. Although confined to my room, I was not prevented from entering deeply into the consideration of the plan of the stations: the elders thought I came out well. Alas! what miseries and distresses are here. How shall we meet the charge of seventy married out of ninety-five preachers—children—sick wives—and the claims of conference? We are deficient in dollars and discipline.

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We closed our labours in great peace and union. Saturday, we rode out of Albany to brother Spicer’s, New Canaan. The bishops here saw eye to eye, with hearts and souls in perfect union.

MASSACHUSETTS

Sabbath, 28. I gave an evening lecture. Monday, came away through Lebanon to Pittsfield. Elder Casefv39 came up to go with the bishop ninety or a hundred miles to Unity, the seat of the New England Conference: the providence was plain; we must part. Came to Chester, thirty-six miles.

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To Westfield, and continued on nineteen miles farther. In Wilbraham they think they have had a very general work of God, and an increase of the society: may it grow exceedingly! Wednesday, we came on to Leicester greatly outdone.

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To Needham: there is a revival in several of the societies in this circuit, and a house has been built. Orlando Hinds—his praise is in all the Churches.

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I am patiently suffering affliction in Boston. Sabbath, 4. John Wesley Bond attended all day at the chapel. I preached in the evening in weakness and in much trembling.

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We passed towns and villages, making forty miles. NEW HAMPSHIRE

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At Unity, poor Francis was shut up alone as at Albany.

George Pickering presided over conference: our business progressed well: I ordained twelve deacons and twelve elders.fv40 Thursday, rain and snow. We made about twenty-nine miles this day. The taverns in New England are good; good attention and moderate charges. Friday, I came very sick to B. Pawlett’s.

MASSACHUSETTS

Saturday, to Cambridge: I must reduce my projected tour of sixteen hundred miles to a straight ride of three hundred and eighty miles to New York, and thence through Philadelphia to Little York, and my son Francis Hollingsworth.fv41 As I passed through Ashgrove I preached in the chapel. Monday, to Pittsfield. Here we have given up weekly preaching for two sermons a day every other week.

NEW YORK

Tuesday, to Troy; Wednesday, to Judge Van Ness’s; Thursday, to Freeborn Garrettson’s.fv42

Sabbath, 11. I preached for them; very feeble. Wednesday, we started away for Poughkeepsie, lodging in a tavern. Thursday, we had a heavy ride over Peekskill Mountains. At the landing I providentially called upon a brother who had been offended, and had withdrawn himself from us; I seriously set life and death before him in a spirit of love and pity.

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Came rapidly to New York, forty-two miles. Saturday. I have had company enough.

Sabbath, 18. Attended at Fourth street chapel; my subject, Zephaniah 1:12; time was when I could have preached upon this text.

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I spoke a few words at the African chapel, both colours being present.

NEW JERSEY

We hasted to Elizabeth that evening. Wednesday, to Stephen Barcalow’s. Thursday, to James Sterling’s, Burlington: my old friend has felt a severe shock in his system, but there is some mind, and there is grace yet left. PENNSYLVANIA

Friday, to Philadelphia; great heat. In the evening rode to Thomas Haskin’s.

Sabbath, 25. I preached in the City Road chapel. Monday, we arrived late in the evening at a tavern beyond Downingtown.fv43

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Happy at mother Boehm’s. A pleasing providence, according to my wishes, had brought Henry Boehm in a few minutes before us. Wednesday, I rest a day. Ah! the changes we witness, and the difference of being, in relation to others, I remark in this end of time; to me at least. My long-loved friend, Judge Bassett, some time past a paralytic, is lately re- stricken on the other side, and suffers much in his helpless state.

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How the new bridge stretches its pride of length across the wide Susquehanna! Will not the father of eastern waters some day rise in the fury of a winter flood, and tear away this slight fetter which the puny art of man has thrown over him? Columbia bridge is surely a noble work. We came to son Francis Hollingsworth’s, Little York. My kind countrywoman gave me up her own room. I tried to preach, but wanted strength: my audience was partly composed of the respectables of the borough, and were no doubt disappointed. I sit seven hours a day, looking over and hearing read my transcribed journal: we have examined and approved up to 1807. As a record of the early history of Methodism in America, my journal will be of use; and accompanied by the minutes of the conferences, will tell all that will be necessary to know. I have buried in shades all that will be proper to forget, in which I am personally concerned; if truth and I have been wronged, we have both witnessed our day of triumph. Friday, we came away to Carlisle.

Sabbath, July 9. I spoke in the new chapel and the truth was felt. Monday, came to Shippensburg. My health is better this hot weather and rough ride. O! how deeply my soul feels for ours, and all Churches; for ours, and all ministers: I smite with my hands, and would lift up my voice like a trumpet: is there not a cause? We lodge with Deacon John Davis: this brother hath been with us in single life; now he hath five sons and a daughter: his eldest, Samuel, is given to God in the ministry, and travels. The old man’s heart is still in the work. Tuesday. So crowded was the road that we hardly escaped being wedged in the narrows of the mountains on our way to Fannettsburg. Lodged at William Anderson’s.fv44 Wednesday, we came over the third mountain to James Hunter’s. My health is much better, and I have lately written more than I had for weeks. We are later in this neighbourhood than last year; so also is the harvest. O, what abundance in our houses, our barns, and in our fields!—”more than we can well manage,” cries the husbandman. For peace, liberty, and plenty, O, to grace and to God, what debtors! What man can live to himself amidst the evidences of heavenly, and the enjoyments of social goodness? We could not work ourselves, but we lent our horses to help to hale in the harvest. We left our kind friends to beat across the mountains on Saturday and made thirty miles to Bloody Run.fv45 The stones of this stream are tinged red as with blood, and the story is, that three men were killed in it by the Indians shortly after Braddock’s defeat. My meditations lead me to make some observations on Colossians 1:26-28. Colosse was a city of Phrygia, near to Laodicea. Paul had not then visited this Church, yet in apostolic power and authority he wrote them the epistle. And for what purpose? To teach and to exhort. Why, then, not preach as well as write to Churches, in all parts, and in any part of the world, since the end of preaching is instruction and exhortation? O, say the Baptists, this is my Church. O, this is my congregation, says the stationed minister. And must no other ministers preach to these souls? No, says sectarian prejudice; no, says bigoted pride; no, says the wool-shepherd, who is afraid his flock may become too wise for him. “The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations.” 1. The mystery of God the Eternal Son, hid till the expiration of four thousand years, from ages and from generations; yet not hid from the obedient,—not hid from Abel in the bleeding lamb, from Enoch, from Noah, nor from Abraham; not hid from the Israelites, but typically shown in the passover, the serpent in the wilderness, the release of captives and debtors on the death of the high priest; not hid from Job, from David, nor from Isaiah, who had a fuller manifestation of the glories of that day, whose coming in the order of time should thereafter be fixed by Daniel. But now is made manifest to his saints; the Holy Ghost carrying to the soul the conviction of the truth, begetting in obedient, gracious souls this hope of glory. Christ formed within them the riches of the glory of this mystery; the only foundation of the hope of everlasting glory; the first moving cause in grace, and the meritorious cause. Warning or admonishing every man, and teaching every man, according to the universal commission in the Gospel. In all wisdom: but those who have been taught, and are negligent in teaching and giving this warning: O, pity, pity, pity that there are such! Do you work faithfully? Continue to do it in the name and by the authority of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: tell this rebellious generation they are already condemned, and will be shortly damned: preach to them like Moses from Mount Sinai and Ebal, like David—”The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God”; like Isaiah—”Who amongst you shall dwell with devouring fire? Who amongst you can dwell with everlasting burnings?” like Ezekiel— “O, wicked man! thou shalt surely die!” Pronounce the eight woes uttered by the Son of God near the close of his ministry, and ask with Him— “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Preach as if you had seen heaven and its celestial inhabitants and had hovered over the bottomless pit and beheld the tortures and heard the groans of the damned. Perfect in Christ Jesus; in experience, in obedience, in love. We went up into the little chapel in the state it was, and said a few words to a few people. Lodged at a grand tavern at night, and paid pretty well for our shelter: but I wish not to be under any obligations to tavern keepers. The heat is so great that it requires prudence to avoid its effects. A drover, who had for many days eaten dust like a serpent in following his cattle, broke his leg about seven miles below the town: poor man! it will be well if he saves his life.

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Came into Bedford, overcome with the heat: brother Bond preached.

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To Somerset. We found that on the last Sabbath, a notice had been politely given of our expected arrival. Many attended at the court house, and the Lord spoke his own truths through a tottering tenement of clay, accompanied with conviction in many minds. William Ross, with whom we lodged, stepped round the town with our mite subscription, and the citizens were liberal.

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We came across Laurel Hill to the stone mill upon Jacob’s creek. We know not what others may think, but we esteem the western Pennsylvania roads to be the roughest on our continent; my poor arms feel them, and will for days to come.

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To John Brightwell’s, Freeport. Here we will rest and refit. We left Philadelphia July 3, and have travelled three hundred miles in twelve days.

Sabbath, 23. At Brightwell’s I preached upon Galatians 4:19, 20. The apostle’s labour and success at the first. The falling away of the converts— being drawn aside in search of an easier way, or going off to avoid persecution. The fervent desire of the apostle to be with, and to pass a second travail of soul for the whole of religion—inward, practical, and experimental. I spoke about thirty minutes. John W. Bond met the classes. He preached in the afternoon.

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Ordained John Philips, of Union, a local deacon. The heat is such that all flesh seems to groan under it.

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Left Brightwell’s, fording the Monongahela at

Freeport. We ascended the dreadful hills to Briggs’s, and saw him and his brother, to whom we failed not to give our parting charge. Briggs is a Marylander, and an ancient Methodist. Down went the fence, and through the flax and corn he conducted us, and onward we toiled to Newkirk’s mill—a clean house, and kind souls. We might not stay. Forward we drove up the valley to Rock meeting house, a handsome edifice, and thence along the Williamsport road to Washington.fv46 We were lodged like a president at Haslett’s. Is it possible? can it be true?—a revival at Steubenville! Not far from two hundred converts there, mostly young people. I rejoice exceedingly. The Book Concern have sent out Horneck—the dagger to the hilt, almost at every stroke. I wrote my valedictory to J. Young.fv47 Wednesday and Thursday at Washington. A Baptist missionary came into town collecting for foreign lands: we labour for those at home. Feeble as I was, the necessity of bearing testimony to the truth pressed upon me. A very unpleasant circumstance had taken place—an illicit intercourse between a lady and gentleman had become public, involving the innocent as well as the guilty in distress; they were members of the Presbyterian Church. Another distressing event in the same Church was talked of. A very respectable merchant and citizen had lost two of his children dying in doubt, and thought to have been somewhat deranged: this visitation fell upon him in a still greater degree. It may be said that he had put himself on the unfavourable side of election; the case was possible, but we cannot say that it was so. I remembered these things when I preached in Washington court house. “The foundation of God standeth sure.” This foundation of God, laid for the redemption of mankind, involves their repentance, justification, and sanctification; and its consummation is eternal life. The word to Adam was, Obey, and live. The Gospel-covenant shall stand sure in the wisdom, justice, power, grace, truth, love, goodness, and mercy of God, manifested in the atonement and righteousness of Christ, and the operations of the Holy Spirit, whereby men are made able to repent, believe, and obey. This covenant is conditional to all who hear the Gospel. Because men are unfaithful is the foundation less sure? It is the foundation of God, laid in Christ, and known to the patriarchs and prophets. “Have you heard what Mr. ——, a Presbyterian, has done?” “Have you heard what John Doe and Richard Doe, both Methodists, have done?” “I am done with religion.” Have you ever begun with it? Had these people continued faithful, would it have saved you? Have you done with Christ? Do you want to experience, in your own person, the awful certainty of damnation!

As our Baptist brother talked and read letters upon missions to foreign lands, I thought I might help with a few words. I related that a few years past, a London Methodist member, in conversation, had complained to me that the kingdom and the Church had given so largely to support distant missions. I observed in reply, that the Methodist preachers, who had been sent by John Wesley to America, came as missionaries; some of them returned, but all did not. And now, behold the consequences of this mission! We have seven hundred travelling preachers, and three thousand local preachers, who cost us nothing. We will not give up the cause—we will not abandon the world to infidels; nay, we will be their plagues—we will find them herculean work to put us down. We will not give up that which we know to be glorious, until we see something more glorious. Nor will we concede an inch to schismatics and heretics, who say, “Do away your forms, and leave your peculiar doctrines, and we shall show you something better.” Show it to us first in the book of God. We are not ignorant of Satan’s devices.

WEST VIRGINIA

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We came away to John Beck’s, West Liberty. It is said there were about three thousand people to hear the word last Sabbath at Steubenville: there was great preaching, a great love feast, and sacrament; Bishop M’Kendree was there. I had an interview with R. Brown, and much talk about the work of God, and the necessity of energetic preaching to wake the slumbering generation.

Sabbath, 6. I preached at John Beck’s, at four o’clock; my subject was 1 Corinthians 7:28-30. The time is short. It might have been true, considering how uncertain persecution then made, and was about more abundantly to make, life, to all the followers of the Lord Jesus; it may be especially true in pestilences, famines, and desolating wars. But the proverbial uncertainty, in all ages and in all lands, of the sublunary things which so deeply engage the thoughts and affections of unthinking mortals, shows the propriety of the apostolic admonition; for verily, in this respect also, the time is short.

How many newly married pairs—parents with children, upon whom they have just discovered, in their matured characters and upright conduct, the qualities and virtues which justify all their strength of affection— speculators upon the probabilities and possibilities of fortune, who risk credit and estate to become richer than their fellow-mortals—covetous persons, idolators, who labour and starve to make the golden heap a little higher;—how many of these find that the time is short; alas! too short for them! O, sinner, the time is short! Seeker, the time is short! strive— agonize to enter in. Backslider, surely to thee the time is short! Believers, O remember the time is short! And if you are daily bearing your cross, faithfully combating under the great Captain of your salvation, you will rejoice to remember that the time is short. O, joyful consideration to those who have put on the Lord Jesus, and shall love his appearing—this time of suffering is short!

Monday. Came to Mount Pleasant.

OHIO

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Came to Zanesville. There is a camp meeting now in operation, five miles from this town. We reckon that since the 20th of June, we have passed through New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio, to Muskingum River, making nine hundred miles; two hundred of which ought, in our opinion, to be called the worst on the continent. O, the goodness, providence, and love of God in Christ Jesus to us!

Sabbath, 13. I preached on the camp ground. My subject was 2 Corinthians 5:2: “Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” “The Lord”—that is, the Son of God, in all his attributes and perfections; his offices and character; his perfect Deity in heaven, and humanity on earth; the Maker and Redeemer of mankind; and as their Judge, manifesting his uprightness in the eternal punishment of bad angels and bad men. “Terror of the Lord”—in death, the resurrection, and general judgment. “Terror”— in the recollection of what the sinner had done to offend God, grieve the Holy Spirit—what he had done to bring contempt upon religion and its ministers, and the unoffending followers of the Lord Jesus. “Terror”—in the consideration of the certainty of his punishment being eternal. “Persuade men”—to submit to the conditions of salvation; the use of the means of grace; and to a life of Gospel obedience. “Persuade men”—by all that is desirable in religion, and all that the truly pious enjoy—by all the glories of heaven, and all the horrors of remediless perdition in hell. By the judgment of charity, we are bound to believe the statement of David Young: that at Kenhawa camp meeting there were twenty-five converts; at Marietta, forty; at Fairfield, twenty-four; at Zanesville, twenty-three. Glory be to our God! now we live, if our people stand fast in the faith. Sabbath, 20. I preached to a small congregation in the chapel at Chilicothe. There is a camp meeting within nine miles, and some are sick, some dying, and some are dead. My subject was Luke 22:61, 62: “And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.” The Gospels will harmonize here by John, who was witness to the whole. Peter denied thrice; First, to the damsel who kept the door; John having asked leave of the high priest to bring in Peter. Secondly, when the kinsman or cousin of Malchus, whose ear Peter had cut off, witnessed, possibly, by the young man, asked him, “Did not I see thee in the garden with him?” Thirdly, when the conversation is taken up in company with the servants of the high priest, and one of them asks, “Art thou not one of his disciples?” The previous character of Peter may be noticed—a married man, not a youth; forward, ardent, as was seen on many occasions. When faithfully warned, he pledged himself with overweening confidence. His offence was, First, taking unallowed means of defence—like his pretended successors, the popes: Secondly, following too far off: Thirdly, denying his Lord;—the lie, the oath, and their repetition, follow of course. What was the subject of Peter’s denial? Did he deny that Christ was the eternal Son of God—the Saviour of the world in all his sacred offices? No: Peter’s crime was, that he denied his discipleship; and this is the crime of which so many modern apostates are guilty. Who now deny the Lord? Backsliders, baptized infidels, careless seekers of salvation, slothful believers, and those who have fallen from sanctification by the neglect of the works of mercy, charity, and piety. “The Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.” Ah! he was obliged to go out with disgrace; he had entered with honour. But he could not weep and repent in wicked company: no, he sought a solitude—for three days and three nights, it may be. But lo, Jesus sendeth the word of comfort that he may not break his heart: “Go, tell my brethren,” said he to Mary Magdalene. Thrice did Peter deny his Lord; and thrice did our Lord question his disciple. “Lovest thou me?” O, how great is the love of God; the love of Christ; the love of the Holy Spirit! redemption is love.

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We visited from house to house with our mite subscription, which seemed to all well pleasing: the citizens were liberal. Hearing that Eleanor W——n was ill, and wished to see me, I delayed not, but went in the evening. When we entered the room, I found her ill indeed; an attack highly inflammatory, accompanied by a deep cough. On Tuesday I repeated my visit; and in private examination found that God had shown her the vileness of her nature in a great degree, and that she had received consolation, and only wanted and waited for the Spirit to give assurance of his own work by his witness in her heart. I told her that it was very common for persons to be sure that God had blessed them. O! how her eyes, her face, her tongue spoke! She was an Episcopalian of the English Church. Her mind had been much exercised upon receiving the sacrament: it was administered to her. I find I am about such a feverish, coughing subject as the lady I have been visiting; I coughed nearly the whole night.

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We left Chilicothe in the rain. Some folks are fond of

railing out against Methodists, taking the worst as a sample; but bad as they are, I would not take the best of the railers without a change in sentiment, in heart, and in manners. Ah! let us take heed that party and politics do not drive out our piety; they do not mingle well. Can it be that Bonaparte is finally overthrown?fv48 The time is coming that all kings and rulers must acknowledge the reign of the King of kings, or feel the rod of the Son of God. But will forms do for the United States of America? Foolish people will think they have a right to govern themselves as they please; aye, and Satan will help them. Will this do for us? is not this republic, this land, this people, the Lord’s? We acknowledge no other king but the eternal King. And if our great men will not rule in righteousness, but forget God and Christ, what will be the consequence? Ruin.

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We changed our course, to go to the Mechanicsburgh camp meeting. As soon as we came upon the ground, I felt that God was with the meeting. Give us a chimney, that we may have fire: it was done. God was with us, and souls were converted.

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At John Sale’s.

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I preached on Romans 13:12: “The night is far spent.” What constitutes the natural night? Absence of light, ignorance, insecurity, uncertainty. The Gospel watchman crieth the hours. The Scripture night; from Adam to Moses. The patriarchal stars, and those who preceded them as dim lights, Adam, Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham. The moon-light of the law, the Sabbaths, the sacrifices. But this night was about to pass away, although darker just before the dawn of the Gospel day; and it is thus in nature. The Jews had corrupted themselves in religion and in manners. The night of Judaism and Paganism had nearly passed away. When Paul wrote in the year sixty, the Gospel had obtained in Europe, Lesser Asia, Greece, in the city of Rome; and had spread from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean. This night has returned occasionally. It came upon the Asiatic Churches because of their unfaithfulness: where once were the Gospel and its martyrs, are now Greek papas, and Greek superstitions. From the third to the thirteenth century, the Church of Rome brought darkness upon Europe by prohibiting the Bible, and by the introduction of her own mummeries and idolatries. Philosophy, so called, with Voltaire for its high priest, brought night and destruction upon France; judicially, to avenge on the bloody house of Bourbon the blood of the Protestant martyrs. And would not some of our great men, if they dared, bring a night of infidelity on this land? Who sees them in regular attendance on the house of God? “Let us cast off the works of darkness.” Let us not sin in practice. Let us cast off evil tempers, desires, and affections. “The armour of light” (see Ephesians 6:11-17), perfect faith, perfect hope, perfect obedience, perfect love. On our route we called upon many of our old friends, Buck, Sale, Bonner, Smith, Butler; they treated us like presidents.

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I have been under the necessity of applying four

blisters for a great inflammation in my face and jaws. I have taken medicine. As a member of the Bible Society in Philadelphia, I have distributed many hundreds of Testaments.fv49 We do great things with our mite subscription. John Wesley Bond reads many times in the testaments given to the poor. I have visited the families of Butler, Owens, Beale, Heath, Wright, Fowler, and Davis.

Sabbath, 10. I preached on the camp ground. My subject was Hebrews 3:7, 8: “His voice.” What is the voice of God to us; to every case and character? The Gospel of the grace of God, in all its blessings, promises, means, ordinances, doctrines, and precepts. “His voice”—in power, in mercy, in providence, in love. “Harden not your hearts.” We may harden our hearts against the former, latter, and present impressions the powerful Gospel may have made upon our hopes, our fears, and our consciences. In what manner? By open, notorious sinning; by secret wickedness; by sinful tempers indulged; by a wilful neglect of Gospel men and Gospel means. The greatness of our rebellion. We sin against the infinite love of God; the infinite merit of Christ; the Spirit of infinite holiness. To-day, if ye will hear his voice; to day: this is both the true reading and meaning. Not to- morrow; no: it may never come. To-day, then, speaker and hearer do all you can for God.

On Tuesday, the 12th, we began our journey.

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Our Ohio Conference began, and all our fears vanished. We have great peace, abundance of accommodation, and comfortable seasons in preaching, noon and night, in the chapel and court house. Great grace, and peace, and success have attended our coming together. We hold in Ohio Conference sixty-eight preachers, sixty-seven of whom are stationed. Ten delegates have been chosen for the General Conference. The settlement with the married and unmarried was made according to the funds, in which the mite subscription aided: the children of the preachers were remembered in the distribution of the funds.

Thursday, we came away to Cincinnati. Bishop M’Kendree and myself had a long and earnest talk about the affairs of our Church and my future prospects. I told him my opinion was, that the western part of the empire would be the glory of America for the poor and pious; that it ought to be marked out for five conferences, to wit: Ohio, Kentucky, Holston, Mississippi, and Missourifv50; in doing which, as well as I was able, I traced outlines and boundaries. I told my colleague, that having passed the first allotted period (seventy years), and being, as he knew, out of health, it could not be expected I could visit the extremities every year, sitting in eight, it might be, twelve conferences, and travelling six thousand miles in eight months. If I were able still to keep up with the conferences, I could not be expected to preside in more than every other one. As to the stations, I should never exhibit a plan unfinished, but still get all the information in my power, so as to enable me to make it perfect, like the painter who touches and retouches until all parts of the picture are pleasing. The plan I might be labouring on would always be submitted to such eyes as ought to see it; and the measure I meted to others, I should expect to receive. Sabbath, 24. I preached at Lebanon, by request of conference, a memorial sermon for Doctor Coke: my subject was Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men.” The Gospel light, in all its fulness of grace and power, the reflected light of that Light of the world, manifested in faith and in obedience in every grade and class of believers. Ministers should be resplendent like a city illuminated in the night; a great light amidst Churches in darkness and slumber; like Doctor Coke, whose effulgence beamed forth in missions, in labours, in Europe, in America, in the isles of the sea, and in Asia. I took occasion to particularize the abundant labours of this distinguished man of God.

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We came rapidly to Cincinnati. Friday, Bishop

M’Kendree’s fractures are all repaired, and bones strong again, I suppose, for he has flown away like a bird with the boys.fv51 We must stay and distribute the word of God to the poor, collect a little mite money, and then away, preaching in every town we pass through.

Sabbath, October 1. I preached in the chapel: my subject was Philippians 1:27.

KENTUCKY

Wednesday, I preached in the court house in Georgetown; my subject Acts 13:26: “To you is the word of this salvation sent.” This salvation; the Gospel, to be sure. Who the author, what the nature, means, conditions, spirituality, and degrees of this salvation. From whom it is sent, by whom, and to whom it is sent. It was sent to Jews first, afterward to the Gentiles, and continued to be sent, and is still sent to the children of men by the written word, by the ministers of that word, and by the influences of the Holy Spirit. The consequences of its reception—eternal life: of its rejection—everlasting damnation. We came into Lexington. My soul is blest with continual consolation and peace in all my great weakness of body, labour, and crowds of company.! am a debtor to the whole continent, but more especially to the northeast and southwest; it is there I usually gain health, and generally lose in the south and centre. I have visited the south thirty times in thirty-one years. I wish to visit Mississippi, but am resigned. I preached in Lexington on Zephaniah 3:12, 13: “I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord.” The true character of God’s people— tempted, grieved, poor in spirit. Their strong confidence in Jehovah; in all his attributes, perfections, promises; in all his sacred offices and near relations to his own people. Well guarded by a supreme love of God, and a love to their fellow-men, this people shall not transgress the law in its word nor in its spirit. Nor shall they deceive; for the deceitful tongue is changed by the grace that changed the deceitful heart. As a flock, their souls shall feed and fatten on the privileges and ordinances of the Gospel, whilst other flocks of the hireling shall starve and be scattered: the flock of God shall be led into green pastures by the Great Shepherd, and they shall lie down, undisturbed by that which shall distress others, assured that they shall never perish, neither shall any be able to pluck them out of his hand.

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we came into the Shakers’ town:fv52 are these children of light? They are wiser than millions of the children of this world. Well-built houses, two grand gardens—everything well planned for comfort and money. But why should I say any harm of this people, who am, I suppose, the last man in the world to envy or to imitate them? TENNESSEE

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At James M’Kendree’s.fv53 Nathaniel Moore has come to take away our sister, Frances M’Kendree:fv54 all parties are pleased. Wednesday, I took counsel of my elder sons, who advise me not to go to Mississippi this year.

On Thursday I officiated at the marriage of Nathaniel Moore and Frances M’Kendree; we believe it is of the Lord—they are a worthy couple, and nearly of an age. We have given away many Testaments to the poor on our route hither, and they were in all cases received with thankfulness: we accompany our gifts with prayer and exhortation when opportunities offer. Sabbath, 15. I attended the funeral of the little son of James M’Kendree, and spoke a few words; James Gwinn spoke on David’s words, “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” I baptized Frances Elizabeth Mabry. So here have been a marriage, a funeral, and a baptism; and must I be honoured and burdened with them all? Well; make the best of me whilst you have me; it will not be often.

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Brother M’Kendree preached a funeral sermon for Mrs.

Crabb, daughter of S. Mitchell. I added an exhortation. Our brother Blackman had improved his house and estate. Ah! sad estate of human frailty. The body of the first husband rests in a tomb near the dwelling; the body of the second may yet float in the Ohio.fv55 Go, disconsolate sister— thou art prepared to weep for the wretched, for thou thyself knowest what is sorrow of heart! Thursday, at Bibb’s.

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We opened our conference.fv56 Saturday, great peace, great order, and a great deal of business done.

Sabbath, 22. I ordained the deacons, and preached a sermon, in which Doctor Coke was remembered. My eyes fail. I will resign the stations to Bishop M’Kendree—I will take away my feet. It is my fifty-fifth year of ministry, and forty-fifth year of labour in America. My mind enjoys great peace and divine consolation. My health is better, which may in part be because of my being less deeply interested in the business of the conferences. But whether health, life, or death, good is the will of the Lord: I will trust him; yea, and will praise him: he is the strength of my heart and my portion forever—Glory! glory! glory! Conference was eight days and a half in session—hard labour. Bishop M’Kendree called upon me to preach at the ordination of elders.

Sabbath, 29. At a little place, called a meeting house, I preached by appointment. The notice given had been short, and rather uncertain, nevertheless many attended—more than was at all expected. We had a feeling time: I spoke awful words.

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We came upon the turnpike—a disgrace to the State and to

the undertakers, supposing they had any character to lose. It is a swindling of the public out of their money to demand toll on such roads as these. We are told, Why, they make you pay on the turnpikes to the eastward. Yes, so they do; and they make them fine roads. Thursday, to father Holt’s, forty- three miles: we came in two hours after night. This will not do—I must halt, or order my grave.

Saturday, I am very unwell. Friday, rest and physic. I felt that keeping three men and four horses three days and four nights, not with my friends but with me, was too great a burden to impose. O, what kindness and attentions I receive!

Sabbath, 5. I declined preaching, being so exceedingly weak. Tuesday, we stopped with Wesley Harrison,fv57 son of Thomas Harrison, in Harrisonburg; the father was the first man under whose roof I lodged on my first visit to that town: his pious wife, and simple-hearted, pious Robert Harrison, are, I trust, both in glory. I have received a statement from James Axleyfv58 of the work of God in the different places within his knowledge, at quarter and camp meetings; and it appears there were upwards of one hundred and fifty souls who professed to have found justifying grace: there were powerful rains at some of these meetings to interrupt the preaching, and drive the people from their seats; but the work of God prospered in the tents.

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We came to Captain Hill’s—very kind and attentive. Tuesday, came to Thomas Harrison’s, son of Thomas. Thursday, at Boling’s, we were greatly annoyed by a brigade of Kentuckians;—can fiends be more wicked? The drunkards kept the house in an uproar.

NORTH CAROLINA

Friday, at Barnett’s, there was a dance—such fiddling and drinking! I delivered my testimony: I am clear from Barnett’s blood. A rapid ride brought us to Mills’s on Saturday.

Sabbath, 12. I attended the quarterly meeting at Samuel Edney’s, and bore a feeble, but a faithful testimony to the truth. I have read, with dim eyes, Joseph Moore’s dialogue; it is not elegant, but argumentative; it seems to have silenced the Baptists.

Sabbath, 19. I preached upon Acts 26:17, 18. Many were the instances of deliverance; they bound him and scourged him, yet had the Jews no power over his life, which they so often sought. And the Gentiles, to whom he was especially sent by the Son of God, what a description is given of their deplorable state! what blindness of mind, ignorance, idolatry, superstition, complicated and unaccountable wickedness! “The power of Satan”—completely in his possession, body, soul, and spirit, in all their powers and passions—in infidelity and impenitence, and under the guilt of actual transgression. Thus Gospel truth and Gospel ministers find sinners; and they must be preached to with energy. And these ministers must be sent; and to be qualified for this mission, they must, like Paul, be convinced, convicted, and converted, and sanctified. Like him they must be preserved from the violence of the people; but especially from their indulgences and flatteries. “Turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.” A faithful minister will have these signs to follow him.

I die daily—am made perfect by labour and suffering, and fill up still what is behind. There is no time or opportunity to take medicine in the daytime, I must do it at night. I am wasting away with a constant dysentery and cough.

SOUTH CAROLINA

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At Benjamin Glover’s. At Allen Glover’s, on Tuesday. Wednesday, my children will not let me go out.fv59

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Came to Thomas Child’s, near Cambridge,fv60 twenty miles. Friday. To Doctor William Moon’s.fv61 Saturday. The doctor urges, and I have consented to take digitalis:—O, the powerful expectoration that followed!

Sabbath, 26. I preached, and we had a time of great feeling. Monday, heavy rain. We came away to Hezekiah Arrington’s,fv62 a cold, damp ride. Tuesday, to the widow Means’sfv63; the lady was not at home, but the servants are attentive. John Wesley Bond preached in the kitchen. We try to do good. Wednesday, to Sterling Williamson’s, thirty miles in eight hours. A damp, rainy day, by no means pleasant to me. Thursday, rested. Friday, at Columbia.

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A melancholy and awful scene has been witnessed

here. Doctor Ivey Finch, about thirty years of age, in driving a violent horse out of Columbia in his chair, was dashed between the shaft and wheel, and his skull fractured. The unhappy man was the only son of my dear friend, Edward Finch. How many Gospel sermons had he heard, and how many prayers had been offered up for him! I preached on the Sabbath. I have passed three nights at B. Arthur’s, two at friend Alexander M’Dowell’s, and one night at Colonel Hutchinson’s. My consolations are great. I live in God from moment to moment. The poor colonel is like myself—broken to pieces. I feel deeply upon my mind the consequence of this charge (Columbia).

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We met a storm and stopped at William Baker’s, Granby.fv64

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