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OF 


NOV  18  1941 


BX  8495    .A8  A2  v.l 
Asbury,  Francis,  1745-1816 
Journal  of  Rev.  Francis 
Asbury 


J  0  U  R  N  A(i»N0V  18 1941 


REV.  FRANCIS  ASBURY, 


BISHOP  OF  THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 


Jn  ®l)ree  iJolnnus. 


VOLUME  I. 

FROM  AUGUST  7,  1771,  TO  DECEMBER  31,  178G. 


PUBLISHED  BY  LANE  &  SCOTT, 

200  Mulberry-street. 
JOSEPH    LONGKING,  PRINTER. 

1852. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


The  following  is  the  preface  which  Mr.  Asbury  pre- 
fixed TO  THE  FIRST  NUMBER  OF  THE  SECOND  VOLUME  OF 

his  Journal,  which  was  printed  during  his  lifetime. 

In  the  month  of  September,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thou- 
sand seven  hundred  and  seventy-one,  I  embarked  in  England 
for  America ;  at  which  time  the  memoirs  I  have  written  of 
my  life  commenced.  As  I  considered  my  station  on  the  Ame- 
rican continent,  in  the  order  of  Divine  Providence,  as  a  situa- 
tion in  which  I  should  frequently  be  exposed  to  censure  and 
jealousy,  I  thought  it  highly  expedient,  for  my  own  satisfac- 
tion and  the  confirmation  of  my  friends,  to  keep  an  impartial 
diary  of  my  intentions,  resolutions,  and  actions,  as  a  Christian 
and  a  minister,  that  I  might  have,  through  this  medium,  a  con- 
stant and  reasonable  answer  for  mine  accusers.  From  the 
nature  and  design  of  the  work,  it  must  have  in  it  many  things 
both  unpleasing  and  uninteresting  to  curious  and  critical  read- 
ers; and  perhaps  some  things  exceptionable  even  to  those 
who  enter  into  its  spirit,  and  read  it  with  affection .  In  keep- 
ing a  journal  of  my  life,  I  have  unavoidably  laboured  under 
many  embarrassments  and  inconveniences  ;  my  constant  travel- 
ling, the  want  of  places  of  retirement  and  conveniences  to  write, 
my  frequent  calls  to  the  pulpit,  my  extensive  epistolary  cor- 
respondence, and  my  debility,  and  sometimes  inability  of  body, 
have  all  been  inseparable  from  my  station  in  the  Church,  and 
so  many  impediments  to  the  perfection  of  the  account  of  my 


4 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


labours  and  sufferings  in  this  country.  The  first  volume  of 
the  extract  of  my  journal  was  published,  many  years  after  it 
was  written,  under  the  management  of  others,  it  being  out  of 
my  power  to  attend  the  press,  or  even  to  read  over  the  copy 
before  it  was  printed  :*  several  inconveniences  attending  that 
volume  will  be  avoided  in  this. 

For  many  years  I  did  not  determine  to  publish  a  second 
volume  of  the  extract  of  my  journal :  but  the  advice  of  my 
friends,  and  the  prospects  of  my  approaching  dissolution,  have 
determined  me  on  its  publication.! 

As  I  have  had  no  certain  dwelling-place  in  America,  my 
manuscripts  have  frequently  been  exposed  to  be  lost  and  de- 
stroyed ;  but,  by  the  permission  of  Divine  Providence,  I  have 
collected  them  together. 

The  Methodists  of  late  years  have  become  a  more  numerous 
body,  consequently  more  obnoxious  to  their  enemies.  The 
Scripture  is  fulfilled  even  amongst  us,  "  Also  of  your  own 
selves  shall  men  arise,  speaking  perverse  things,  to  draw  away 
disciples  after  them."  Some,  who  were  for  a  long  time  our 
confidential  friends  and  fellow -labourers,  are  now  become  our 
most  inveterate  foes,  and  have  written  and  published  books 
against  our  characters,  government,  and  discipline.  And  as 
I  am  considered  the  most  ostensible  character  in  the  Metho- 
dist Church  in  America,  I  have  frequently  to  bear  the  greatest 
weight  of  their  invectives.  But  impartial  readers  will  not,  I 
am  persuaded,  give  an  implicit  assent  to  the  asseverations  of 
those  who  may  be  under  personal  resentment  agajnst  the 
body,  or  individuals,  without  duly  considering  the  possibility 
of  their  being  influenced  by  self-interest,  jealousy,  or  prejudice. 

°  This  volume,  now  reprinted,  was  corrected  by  the  author. 

j  This  determination  was  not  carried  into  effect,  except  one  small 
number,  which  is  now  republished  with  the  corrections  of  the 
author. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


And  as  1  have  been  (under  God  and  my  brethren)  the  prin- 
cipal overseer  of  the  work  in  America,  and  have  constantly- 
travelled  from  the  centre  to  the  circumference  of  the  Connexion, 
I  flatter  myself  that  reasonable  men  will  acknowledge  that  I 
have  always  had  an  opportunity  of  obtaining  better  informa- 
tion relative  to  the  true  state  of  the  whole  work  than  any  other 
man  could  possibly  have.  Would  it  not  then  be  highly  inju- 
dicious to  prefer  a  history  of  Methodism,  written  by  men  of 
small  and  contracted  information,  (and  apostates  from  its  prin- 
ciples,) to  such  a  history  of  its  progress  as  will  be  presented 
to  the  public  in  my  journals  ?  And,  if  I  may  be  credited,  I 
can  declare,  that  in  the  critical  and  delicate  circumstances 
that  I  have  been  necessitated  to  stand  in  relative  to  the  charac- 
ters of  men,  I  have  never  knowingly  deviated  from  the  prin- 
ciples of  that  sacred  charity  which  obligates  us  to  treat  each 
other  with  all  possible  tenderness. 

If  I  have  injured  the  character  of  man.  woman,  or  child, 
in  journal  representation,  I  have  done  it  inadvertently,  and 
sincerely  ask  their  pardon.  In  stationing  the  preachers  I  have 
known  no  man  after  the  flesh  ;  but  have,  to  the  utmost  of  my 
power,  endeavoured  to  keep  an  eye  to  the  glory  of  God,  the 
usefulness  of  the  ministry,  and  the  benefit  of  the  people.  I 
have  attempted  to  give  a  simple  narration  of  facts  in  the  in- 
tegrity of  my  heart,  and  in  the  fear  of  God. 

My  intention  is,  as  much  as  possible,  to  remove  every  hin- 
derance  out  of  the  way,  and  to  give  no  occasion  for  offence 
to  any  man.  But  if,  after  all,  my  attempts  prove  unsuccess- 
ful, I  can,  in  the  approbation  of  my  own  heart,  and  in  the 
company  of  my  old,  faithful,  and  constant  American  friends 
and  brethren,  through  the  medium  of  my  journal,  look  back 
upon  what  God  has  wrought,  and  say,  "  Hitherto  the  Lord 
hath  helped."    We  can  thus  comfort  and  console  ourselves 


6 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


with  the  past  lovingkindness  of  the  Lord ;  and  the  years  in 
which  his  right  hand  hath  been  bare,  will  thus,  to  us,  be  ren- 
dered more  delightful. 

I  had  thoughts  of  leaving  my  manuscripts  to  the  executors 
of  my  will,  to  be  published  by  them  after  my  death,  but  found, 
upon  reconsideration,  that  their  contents  respecting  persons 
and  things  were  of  such  a  nature  that  no  person  could  do 
it  so  well  as  myself.*  Should  my  life  be  spared,  the  volumes 
will  be  brought  forward  in  course.  As  soon  as  one  is  disposed 
of,  another  will  be  put  to  press,  until  the  whole  is  published. 

FRANCIS  ASBURY. 

0  The  greater  part  of  the  journal  which  follows,  was  left  in  manu- 
script, but  revised  under  the  author's  inspection  as  far  down  as  the 
year  1807.  See  the  Transcriber's  Notice,  and  page  454,  vol.  iii,  of 
the  following  journal. 


NOTICE  OF  THE  TRANSCRIBER. 


The  name  of  the  venerable  author  of  the  following  journal 
will  create  for  the  work  so  deep  and  enduring  an  interest,  in 
the  hearts  and  minds  of  those  for  whom  it  was  more  especially- 
prepared,  that  it  becomes  proper  the  transcriber  should  give 
some  account  of  the  manner  in  which  he  conducted  the  work 
of  transcribing,  so  that  those  who  are  concerned  may  have 
satisfactory  assurances  of  its  genuineness.  The  ill  health  by 
which  Bishop  Asbury  was  so  much  of  his  life  a  sufferer ;  the 
crowds  in  which  he  was  too  often  compelled  to  live  in  the 
west  and  south ;  the  succession  of  visitors  he  thought  it  his 
duty  at  all  times  of  leisure  to  receive  ;  his  ministerial  labours ; 
and  above  all,  the  constant  occupation  of  mind  which  the  im- 
portant concerns  of  a  Church,  so  great  in  membership,  so 
widely  extended  and  rapidly  increasing,  necessarily  occasioned, 
left  the  first  Superintendent  of  that  Church  few  means  of 
rendering  his  journal  more  perfect.  The  transcriber  has  not 
attempted  to  improve  it  by  giving  his  own  for  the  author's. 
Some  things  in  the  original  work  he  has  taken  the  liberty  of 
leaving  out  of  the  transcript ;  but  there  are  not  many  of  these, 
and  they  are  most  of  them  in  that  part  of  it  which  the  bishop 
himself  examined  during  his  life.  The  transcriber  not  unfre- 
quently  found  a  confusion  of  dates ;  and  sometimes,  as  he 
thinks,  a  mistake  in  the  names  of  persons  and  things,  more 
especially  in  the  author's  geographical  notices  of  the  districts 


8 


NOTICE  OF  THE  TRANSCRIBER. 


through  which  he  made  his  annual  tour ;  the  emendations,  in 
this  last  particular,  are  not,  it  is  to  be  feared,  always  correct. 
In  places  where  the  author  has  left,  by  inadvertence,  a  sen- 
tence unfinished,  a  thing  not  uncommon,  the  transcriber  has 
always  tried  to  supply  what  was  wanting ;  and  where  hurry 
has  occasioned  evident  mistake,  as  is  the  case  in  a  few  instances, 
he  has  ventured  upon  correction ;  but  he  is  not  sure  that  in 
every  attempt  he  has  been  successful.  To  those  persons  yet 
living,  who  had,  by  habits  of  intimacy  with  Bishop  Asbury, 
become  acquainted  with  the  peculiarity  of  his  conversational 
and  epistolary  manner  of  expressing  himself,  the  style  of  the 
present  work  may  not  be  so  pleasing ;  because  it  is  not  so 
exactly  the  style  they  expected — not  so  decidedly  the  bishop's. 
But  they  must  recollect  that  the  author's  intention  in  keeping 
his  journal  was,  to  make  a  faithful  record  for  posterity ;  and 
the  transcriber  never  forgot  that  its  value,  in  this  respect, 
would  be  better  understood  and  more  highly  appreciated  by 
those  who  can  only  know  the  author  by  his  work.  The  ab- 
ruptness of  sentence  in  its  beginning  or  its  break — the  sudden 
light  flashed  upon  a  subject  by  a  suggestion  conveyed  in 
words  few  and  strong ;  the  names,  descriptive  as  painting,  he 
was  wont  to  bestow  upon  persons  and  things — all  these  live 
only  in  the  memory  of  his  surviving  friends ;  and  with  them 
must  pass  away :  but  that  which  is  of  more  importance — the 
identity  of  Bishop  Asbury  in  the  commencement,  the  con- 
tinuance, and  wonderful  increase  of  Methodism  in  this  country, 
will  give  a  perpetuity  of  interest  in  the  record  here  offered 
which  nothing  else  can  give.  The  transcriber  would  not, 
however,  have  it  supposed  that  he  has  entirely  departed  from 
Bishop  Asbury's  style ;  on  the  contrary,  he  presumes  he  has 
been  enough  observant  of  this  to  satisfy  most  readers,  inas- 
much as  the  bishop  himself,  when  he  examined  what  had  been 


NOTICE  OF  THE  TRANSCRIBER. 


9 


transcribed  up  to  1807,  altered  but  once,  and  then  not  much. 
The  public  may  rest  assured  that  the  work  is  the  author's : 
but  here  the  transcriber  must  be  permitted  to  speak  in  the 
first  person.  When  I  give  this  assurance,  I  must  be  under- 
stood to  mean  from  the  year  1780  to  the  end  of  the  journal ; 
the  original  manuscript  of  all  that  preceded  that  date,  I  never 
saw:  I  only  know  that  when  printed  it  did  not  please  the 
author.  The  journal  of  Bishop  Asbury  might  have  been  bet- 
ter. I  once  ventured  to  express  my  unavailing  wishes  to  him 
that  he  had  left  out  many  of  the  uninteresting  incidents  and 
travelling  notices  we  find  in  it,  and  had  put  in  more  of  the 
deep  reflections  and  acute  remarks  on  men,  books,  and  pass- 
ing events  continually  afloat  in  his  powerful  and  observant 
mind ;  and  that,  for  the  sake  of  his  brethren  in  the  ministry 
who  should  follow  him,  he  had  made  the  skeletons  of  his 
sermons  more  perfect,  and  had  added  many  more.  His  re- 
ply, uttered  with  much  feeling,  would  have  satisfied  every 
candid  mind  that  it  was  by  no  ordinary  effort  so  much  had 
been  done. 

F.  HOLLINGSWORTH. 

March  28,  1821. 

1* 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

REV.  FRANCIS  ASBURY. 


On  the  7th  of  August,  17*71,  the  Conference  began  at  Bristol, 
in  England.  Before  this,  I  had  felt  for  half  a  year  strong 
intimations  in  my  mind  that  I  should  visit  America ;  which  I 
laid  before  the  Lord,  being  unwilling  to  do  my  own  will,  or 
to  run  before  I  was  sent.  During  this  time  my  trials  were 
very  great,  which  the  Lord,  I  believe,  permitted  to  prove  and 
try  me,  in  order  to  prepare  me  for  future  usefulness.  £  At  the 
Conference  it  was  proposed  that  some  preachers  should  go 
over  to  the  American  continent.  I  spoke  my  mind,  and  made 
an  offer  of  myself.  It  was  accepted  by  Mr.  Wesley  and 
others,  who  judged  I  had  a  call.  /  From  Bristol  I  went  home 
to  acquaint  my  parents  with  my  great  undertaking,  which  I 
opened  in  as  gentle  a  manner  as  possible.  Though  it  was 
grievous  to  flesh  and  blood,  they  consented  to  let  me  go.  My 
mother  is  one  of  the  tenderest  parents  in  the  world ;  but,  I 
believe,  she  was  blessed  in  the  present  instance  with  Divine 
assistance  to  part  with  me.  I  visited  most  of  my  friends  in 
Staffordshire,  Warwickshire,  and  Gloucestershire,  and  felt 
much  life  and  power  among  them.  Several  of  our  meetings 
were  indeed  held  in  the  spirit  and  life  of  God.  Many  of  my 
friends  were  struck  with  wonder,  when  they  heard  of  my 
going  ;  but  none  opened  their  mouths  against  it,  hoping  it  was 
of  God.  Some  wished  that  their  situation  would  allow  them 
to  go  with  me. 


12 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Sept.  1771. 


I  returned  to  Bristol  in  the  latter  end  of  August,  where 
Richard  Wright  was  waiting  for  me,  to  sail  in  a  few  days  for 
Philadelphia.  When  I  came  to  Bristol  I  had  not  one  penny 
of  money ;  but  the  Lord  soon  opened  the  hearts  of  friends, 
who  supplied  me  with  clothes,  and  ten  pounds  :  thus  I  found, 
by  experience,  that  the  Lord  will  provide  for  those  who  trust 
in  him. 

On  Wednesday,  September  4,  we  set  sail  from  a  port  near 
Bristol ;  and  having  a  good  wind,  soon  passed  the  channel. 
For  three  days  I  was  very  ill  with  the  sea-sickness ;  and  no 
sickness  I  ever  knew  was  equal  to  it.  The  captain  behaved 
well  to  us.  On  the  Lord's  day,  September  8,  brother  W. 
preached  a  sermon  on  deck,  and  all  the  crew  gave  attention. 

Thursday,  12th.  I  will  set  down  a  few  things  that  lie  on 
my  mind.  Whither  am  I  going  ?  To  the  New  World.  What 
to  do?  To  gain  honour?  No,  if  I  know  my  own  heart.  To 
get  money  ?  No :  I  am  going  to  live  to  God,  and  to  bring 
others  so  to  do.  In  America  there  has  been  a  work  of  God : 
some  moving  first  amongst  the  Friends,  but  in  time  it  de- 
clined ;  likewise  by  the  Presbyterians,  but  amongst  them  also 
it  declined.  The  people  God  owns  in  England,  are  the  Me- 
thodists. The  doctrines  they  preach,  and  the  discipline  they 
enforce,  are,  I  believe,  the  purest  of  any  people  now  in  the 
world.  The  Lord  has  greatly  blessed  these  doctrines  and 
this  discipline  in  the  three  kingdoms :  they  must  therefore  be 
pleasing  to  him.  If  God  does  not  acknowledge  me  in  Ame- 
rica, I  will  soon  return  to  England.  I  know  my  views  are 
upright  now  :  may  they  never  be  otherwise  ! 

On  the  Lord's  day,  September  15,  I  preached  on  Acts 
xvii,  30 :  "  But  God  now  commandeth  all  men  everywhere 
to  repent."  The  sailors  behaved  with  decency.  My  heart's 
desire  and  prayer  for  them  was,  and  is,  that  they  may  be 
saved :  but  0  !  the  deep  ignorance  and  insensibility  of  the 
human  heart ! 

The  wind  blowing  a  gale,  the  ship  turned  up  and  down,  and 
from  side  to  side,  in  a  manner  very  painful  to  one  that  was 
not  accustomed  to  sailing :  but  when  Jesus  is  in  the  ship  all 


Oct.  1771.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


13 


is  well.  0  what  would  not  one  do,  what  would  he  not  suffer, 
to  be  useful  to  souls,  and  to  the  will  of  his  great  Master! 
Lord,  help  me  to  give  thee  my  heart  now  and  forever. 

Our  friends  had  forgotten  our  beds,  or  else  did  not  know 
we  should  want  such  things ;  so  I  had  two  blankets  for  mine. 
I  found  it  hard  to  lodge  on  little  more  than  boards.  I  want 
faith,  courage,  patience,  meekness,  love.  When  others  suffer 
so  much  for  their  temporal  interests,  surely  I  may  suffer  a 
little  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  souls.  May  my 
Lord  preserve  me  in  an  upright  intention !  I  find  I  talk  more 
than  is  profitable.  Surely  my  soul  is  among  lions.  I  feel  my 
spirit  bound  to  the  New  World,  and  my  heart  united  to  the 
people,  though  unknown ;  and  have  great  -cause  to  believe, 
that  I  am  not  running  before  I  am  sent.  The  more  troubles 
I  meet  with,  the  more  convinced  I  am  that  I  am  doing  the 
will  of  God. 

In  the  course  of  my  passage  I  read  Sellon's  Answer  to  Eli- 
sha  Cole,  on  the  Sovereignty  of  God  ;  and  I  think,  no  one 
that  reads  it  deliberately  can  afterward  be  a  Calvinist. 

On  the  Lord's  day,  September  22,  I  preached  to  the  ship's 
company  on  John  iii,  23  :  but  alas  !  they  were  insensible  crea- 
tures. My  heart  has  been  much  pained  on  their  account. 
I  spent  my  time  chiefly  in  retirement,  in  prayer,  and  in  read- 
ing the  Appeals,  Mr.  De  Renty's  life,  part  of  Mr.  Norris's 
Works,  Mr.  Edwards  on  the  Work  of  God  in  New-England, 
the  Pilgrim's  Progress,  the  Bible,  and  Mr.  Wesley's  Sermons. 
I  feel  a  strong  desire  to  be  given  up  to  God — body,  soul,  time, 
and  talents  ;  far  more  than  heretofore. 

September  29.  I  preached  to  the  ship's  company  again,  on 
these  words,  "  To  you  is  the  word  of  this  salvation  sent."  I 
felt  some  drawings  of  soul  towards  them,  but  saw  no  fruit. 
Yet  still  I  must  go  on.  Whilst  they  will  hear,  I  will  preach, 
as  I  have  opportunity.  My  judgment  is  with  the  Lord.  I 
must  keep  in. the  path  of  duty. 

On  the  6th  of  October,  though  it  was  very  rough,  I 
preached  on  deck  to  all  our  ship's  company,  from  Heb.  ii,  3 : 
"  How  shall  we  escape,  if  we  neglect  so  great  salvation  ?"  The 


14 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.  1771. 


Lord  enabled  me  to  speak  plainly,  and  I  had  some  hopes  that 
the  interesting  truths  of  the  Gospel  did  enter  into  their  minds. 
I  remember  the  words  of  the  wise  man,  "  In  the  morning  sow 
thy  seed,  and  in  the  evening  withhold  not  thy  hand."  As  to 
my  own  mind,  I  long  and  pray,  that  I  may  be  more  spiritual. 
But  in  this  I  comfort  myself  that  my  intention  is  upright,  and 
that  I  have  the  cause  of  God  at  heart.  But  I  want  to  stand 
complete  in  all  the  will  of  God,  "  holy  as  he  that  hath  called 
me  is  holy,  in  all  manner  of  conversation."  At  times  I  can 
retire  and  pour  out  my  soul  to  God,  and  feel  some  meltings 
of  heart.  My  spirit  mourns,  and  hungers,  and  thirsts,  after 
entire  devotion. 

October  13.  Though  it  was  very  windy,  I  fixed  my  back 
against  the  mizen-mast,  and  preached  freely  on  those  well- 
known  words,  2  Cor.  v,  20 :  "  Now  then  we  are  ambassadors 
for  Christ,  as  though  God  did  beseech  you  by  us :  we  pray 
you  in  Christ's  stead,  be  ye  reconciled  to  God."  I  felt  the 
power  of  truth  on  my  own  soul,  but  still,  alas  !  saw  no  visible 
fruit :  but  my  witness  is  in  heaven,  that  I  have  not  shunned 
to  declare  to  them  all  the  counsel  of  God.  Many  have  been 
my  trials  in  the  course  of  this  voyage ;  from  the  want  of  a 
proper  bed,  and  proper  provisions,  from  sickness,  and  from 
being  surrounded  with  men  and  women  ignorant  of  God,  and 
very  wicked.  But  all  this  is  nothing.  If  I  cannot  bear  this, 
what  have  I  learned  ?  0, 1  have  reason  to  be  much  ashamed  of 
many  things,  which  I  speak  and  do  before  God  and  man. 
Lord,  pardon  my  manifold  defects  and  failures  in  duty. 

October  27.  This  day  we  landed  in  Philadelphia,  where  we 
were  directed  to  the  house  of  one  Mr.  Francis  Harris,  who 
kindly  entertained  us  in  the  evening,  and  brought  us  to  a  large 
church,  where  we  met  with  a  considerable  congregation. 
Brother  Pilmore  preached.  The  people  looked  on  us  with 
pleasure,  hardly  knowing  how  to  show  their  love  sufficiently, 
bidding  us  welcome  with  fervent  affection,  and  receiving  us 
as  angels  of  God.  O  that  we  may  always  walk  worthy  of 
the  vocation  wherewith  we  are  called !  When  I  came  near 
the  American  shore,  my  very  heart  melted  within  me,  to  think 


Nov.  1771.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  15 

from  whence  I  came,  where  I  was  going,  and  what  I  was 
going  about.  But  I  felt  my  mind  open  to  the  people,  and 
my  tongue  loosed  to  speak.  I  feel  that  God  is  here  ;  and  find 
plenty  of  all  we  need. 

November  3.  I  find  my  mind  drawn  heavenward.  The 
Lord  hath  helped  me  by  his  power,  and  my  soul  is  in  a 
paradise.  May  God  Almighty  keep  me  as  the  apple  of  his 
eye,  till  all  the  storms  of  life  are  past !  Whatever  I  do,  where- 
ever  I  go,  may  I  never  sin  against  God,  but  always  do  those 
things  that  please  him  ! 

Philadelphia,  November  4.  We  held  a  watch-night.  It  be- 
gan at  eight  o'clock.  Brother  P.  preached,  and  the  people 
attended  with  great  seriousness.  Very  few  left  the  solemn 
place  till  the  conclusion.  Towards  the  end,  a  plain  man  spoke, 
who  came  out  of  the  country,  and  his  words  went  with  great 
power  to  the  souls  of  the  people  ;  so  that  we  may  say,  "  Who 
hath  despised  the  day  of  small  things  ?"  Not  the  Lord  our 
God :  then  why  should  self-important  man  ? 

November  5.  I  was  sent  for  to  visit  two  persons  who  were 
under  conviction  for  sin.  I  spoke  a  word  of  consolation  to 
them,  and  have  hopes  that  God  will  set  their  souls  at  liberty. 
My  own  mind  is  fixed  on  God :  he  hath  helped  me.  Glory 
be  to  him  that  liveth  and  abideth  forever ! 

Tuesday,  November  6.  I  preached  at  Philadelphia  my  last 
sermon,  before  I  set  out  for  New- York,  on  Romans  viii,  32  : 
"  He  that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for 
us  all,  how  shall  he  not  with  him  freely  give  us  all  things  ?" 
This  also  was  a  night  of  power  to  my  own  and  many  other 
souls. 

November  7.  I  went  to  Burlington  on  my  way  to  York,  and 
preached  in  the  court-house  to  a  large,  serious  congregation. 
Here  also  I  felt  my  heart  much  opened.  In  the  way  from 
thence  to  York  I  met  with  one  P.  Van  Pelt,  who  had  heard 
me  preach  at  Philadelphia.  After  some  conversation,  he  in- 
vited me  to  his  house  on  Staten  Island  ;  and  as  I  was  not  en- 
gaged to  be  at  York  on  any  particular  day,  I  went  with  him 
and  preached  in  his  house.    Still  I  believe  God  hath  sent  me 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.  1771. 


to  this  country.  All  I  seek  is  to  be  more  spiritual,  and  given 
up  entirely  to  God — to  be  all  devoted  to  him  whom  I  love. 

On  the  Lord's  day,  in  the  morning,  November  11,  I 
preached  again  to  a  large  company  of  people,  with  some  en- 
largement of  mind,  at  the  house  of  my  worthy  friend  Mr.  P. ; 
in  the  afternoon  preached  to  a  still  larger  congregation  ;  and 
was  invited  to  preach  in  the  evening  at  the  house  of  Justice 
Wright,  where  I  had  a  large  company  to  hear  me.  Still, 
evidence  grows  upon  me,  and  I  trust  I  am  in  the  order  of 
God,  and  that  there  will  be  a  willing  people  here.  My  soul 
has  been  much  affected  with  them.  My  heart  and  mouth  are 
open ;  only  I  am  still  sensible  of  my  deep  insufficiency,  and 
that  mostly  with  regard  to  holiness.  It  is  true,  God  has 
given  me  some  gifts  ;  but  what  are  they  to  holiness  ?  It  is  for 
holiness  my  spirit  mourns.  I  want  to  walk  constantly  before 
God  without  reproof. 

On  Monday  I  set  out  for  New- York,  and  found  Richard 
Boardman  there  in  peace,  but  weak  in  body.  Now  I  must 
apply  myself  to  my  old  work — to  watch,  and  fight,  and  pray. 
Lord,  help  ! 

Tuesday,  13.  I  preached  at  York  to  a  large  congregation 
on  1  Cor.  ii,  2  :  "I  determined  not  to  know  anything  among 
you,  save  Jesus  Christ,  and  him  crucified,"  with  some  degree 
of  freedom  in  my  own  mind.  I  approved  much  of  the  spirit 
of  the  people :  they  were  loving  and  serious ;  there  appeared 
also,  in  some,  a  love  of  discipline.  Though  I  was  unwilling  to 
go  to  Y'ork  so  soon,  I  believe  it  is  all  well,  and  I  still  hope  I 
am  in  the  order  of  God.  My  friend  B.  is  a  kind,  loving,  wor- 
thy man,  truly  amiable  and  entertaining,  and  of  a  child-iike 
temper.  I  purpose  to  be  given  up  to  God  more  and  more, 
day  by  day.    But  0  !  I  come  short. 

Wednesday,  14.  I  preached  again  at  York.  My  heart  is 
truly  enlarged,  and  I  know  the  life  and  power  of  religion  is 
here.  O  how  I  wish  to  spend  all  my  time  and  talents  for 
him  who  spilt  his  blood  for  me  ! 

The  Lord's  day,  18,  I  fotmd  a  day  of  rest  to  my  soul.  In 
the  morning  I  was  much  led  out  with  a  sacred  desire.  Lord, 


Nov.  1771.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


help  me  against  the  mighty  !  I  feel  a  regard  for  the  people : 
and  I  think  the  Americans  are  more  ready  to  receive  the 
word  than  the  English ;  and  to  see  the  poor  negroes  so  af- 
fected is  pleasing ;  to  see  their  sable  countenances  in  our 
solemn  assemblies,  and  to  hear  them  sing  with  cheerful  melody 
their  dear  Redeemer's  praise,  affected  me  much,  and  made 
me  ready  to  say,  "  Of  a  truth  I  perceive  God  is  no  respecter 
of  persons." 

Tuesday,  20.  I  remain  in  York,  though  unsatisfied  with  our 
being  both  in  town  together.  I  have  not  yet  the  thing  which 
I  seek — a  circulation  of  preachers,  to  avoid  partiality  and 
popularity.  However,  I  am/fixed  to  the  Methodist  plan^nd 
do  what  I  do  faithfully  as  to  God.  ll  expect  trouble  is  at 
handj  This  I  expected  when  I  left  England,  and  I  am  will- 
ing to  suffer, -yea,  to  die,  sooner  than  betray  so  good  a  cause 
by  any  means.  It  will  be  a  hard  matter  to  stand  against  all 
opposition,  as  an  iron  pillar  strong,  and  steadfast  as  a  wall  of 
brass:  but  through  Christ  strengthening  me  I  can  do  all 
things. 

Thursday,  22.  At  present  I  am  dissatisfied.  I  judge  we 
are  to  be  shut  up  in  the  cities  this  winter.  My  brethren  seem 
unwilling  to  leave  the  cities,  but  I  think  I  shall  show  them 
the  way.  I  am  in  trouble,  and  more  trouble  is  at  hand,  for 
I  am  determined  to  make  a  stand  against  all  partiality.  I 
have  nothing  to  seek  but  the  glory  of  God ;  nothing  to  fear, 
but  his  displeasure.  I  am  come  over  with  an  upright  inten- 
tion, and  through  the  grace  of  God  I  will  make  it  appear : 
and  I  am  determined  that  no  man  shall  bias  me  with  soft 
words  and  fair  speeches  :  nor  will  I  ever  fear  (the  Lord  help- 
ing me)  the  face  of  man,  or  know  any  man  after  the  flesh,  if 
I  beg  my  bread  from  door  to  door  ;  but  whomsoever  I  please 
or  displease,  I  will  be  faithful  to  God,  to  the  people,  and  to 
my  own  soul. 

Saturday,  Nov.  24.  I  went  with  brother  S.  and  brother 
W.  to  Westchester,  which  is  about  twenty  miles  from  New- 
York.  My  friends  waited  on  the  mayor  for  the  use  of  the 
court-house,  which  was  readily  granted.    On  the  Lord's  day 


ASBUKY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec.  1771. 


morning,  a  considerable  company  being  gathered  together,  I 
stood  up  in  the  Lord's  power  ;  yea,  I  felt  the  Holy  One  was 
nigh.  I  judged  that  my  audience  needed  to  be  taught  the 
first  principles  of  religion  :  so  I  spoke  from  those  words,  "  Now 
he  commandeth  all  men  everywhere  to  repent."  Seriousness 
sat  on  the  faces  of  my  hearers,  and  the  power  of  God  came 
both  on  me  and  them,  while  I  laboured  to  show  them  the 
nature  and  necessity  of  repentance,  and  the  proper  subjects 
and  time  for  it.  In  the  afternoon  the  congregation  was  in- 
creased, both  in  number  and  seriousness :  some  of  the  chief 
men  of  the  town — the  mayor  and  others,  were  present.  I 
delivered  my  thoughts  on  those  words,  "This  is  his  com-, 
mandment,  that  we  should  believe  on  the  name  of  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  and  love  one  another."  I  felt  warmth  in  my 
soul  while  I  set  forth  the  nature  and  necessity  *of  faith,  and 
much  enlargement  towards  my  hearers.  In  the  evening  I 
preached  at  one  M.'s,  at  a  place  called  West-Farms,  to  many 
persons,  on  the  love  of  God.  The  next  day  I  preached  at 
Westchester  again  to  a  large  company,  and  felt  a  sense  of 
God  resting  on  my  heart,  and  much  love  to  the  people.  Being 
detained  another  day  by  the  roughness  of  the  weather,  I 
preached  another  sermon  on  this  text,  "Knowing  therefore 
the  terrors  of  the  Lord,  we  persuade  men."  In  the  evening 
we  went  to  the  mayor's,  where  we  lodged  that  night ;  and  the 
next  day  at  noon  set  out  for  York. 

The  Lord's  day,  December  2,  I  found  a  day  of  rest  to  my 
soul,  and  much  liberty,  both  in  the  morning  and  evening, 
among  the  people.  0  that  I  may  live  to  God  and  not  to 
myself,  and  keep  myself  free  from  all  worldly  entanglements ! 

Saturday,  December  8.  As  brother  B.  was  still  at  New- 
Y'ork,  I  thought  it  best  to  make  another  visit  to  Westchester. 
I  spent  the  evening  and  lodged  at  the  house  of  one  Dr.  White, 
who  appears  to  be  an  understanding  man  in  the  things  of 
God.  His  wife  is  also  of  an  amiable  disposition,  and  is 
touched  with  a  sense  of  her  own  state,  and  that  of  her  neigh- 
bours. I  spoke  to  her  freely  of  the  willingness  of  Christ  to 
save  now,  but  unbelief  still  prevailed.    The  next  morning  I 


Dec.  17*71.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  19 

went  to  the  court-house  to  preach,  but  the  noise  of  the  chil- 
dren, and  the  ill-behaviour  of  the  unhappy,  drunken  keeper, 
caused  much  confusion.  In  the  afternoon  my  friend  M.  in- 
formed me  that  the  door  of  the  court-house  was  shut  against 
me.  I  felt  myself  at  first  a  little  troubled  ;  but  soon  after  a 
tavern-keeper  gave  me  the  offer  of  an  upper  room  in  his 
house,  where  I  spoke  on  those  words,  "  If  we  confess  our 
sins,  he  is  faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to 
cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteousness."  The  power  of  God 
was  with  us,  and  many  of  the  vilest  of  those  present  will,  I 
trust,  remember  it  as  long  as  they  live.  In  the  evening  I 
made  another  visit  to  West-Farms,  and  preached  there ;  and 
my  heart  was  there  also  touched  with  the  power  of  God. 
I  lodged  that  night  at  the  house  of  Mr.  0 — y.  After  sup- 
per I  asked  the  family  if  they  would  go  to  prayer.  They 
looked  at  one  another  and  said,  there  was  need  enough.  The 
next  morning^  when  I  asked  a  blessing  before  breakfast,  they 
seemed  amazed.  I  told  them,  they  wanted  nothing  but  reli- 
gion. The  old  father  said,  it  was  not  well  to  be  too  religious. 
The  son  said,  he  thought  we  could  not  be  too  good.  I  soon 
afterwards  took  my  leave  of  them,  and  preached  in  the 
evening  at  Eastchester  to  a  few  who  seemed  willing  to  hear, 
on  those  words,  "  As  for  me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve 
the  Lord."  I  found  myself  straitened  and  shut  up  ;  but  the 
Lord  knoweth  what  he  hath  to  do  with  me. 

Tuesday,  December  10.  I  rode  to  New-Rochelle,  and  was 
received  with  great  kindness  by  Mr.  Devoue  and  his  family, 
and  preached  there  to  a  few.  The  next  day  also  I  preached 
to  a  large  company,  and  found  liberty,  and  believe  the  power 
of  God  was  among  us.  From  thence  I  rode  to  Rye,  where  a 
few  people  were  collected  together  to  hear  the  word :  and 
the  next  day  preached  to  them  again.  On  Sunday,  14, 1  rode 
back  to  Eastchester,  and  preached  to  a  large  company,  and 
found  some  satisfaction  in  speaking  on  "  The  one  thing  need- 
ful." On  the  Lord's  day  I  preached  at  New-Rochelle  in  the 
church.  My  text  was,  "  All  have  sinned,  and  come  short  of 
the  glory  of  God."    I  felt  an  opening,  and  was  satisfied.  I 


20  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.  1772. 

published  myself  to  preach  again  in  the  afternoon,  and  those 
who  had  most  opposed  me  before,  came  to  hear,  and  behaved 
well.  In  the  evening  I  preached  in  the  house  of  my  friend 
Mr.  D.  The  next  day  I  preached  again  at  Mr.  D.'s,  and  on 
Tuesday  went  to  Rye,  where  I  had  many  to  hear,  and  felt 
some  freedom  of  spirit.  The  next  day  I  preached  at  Mair- 
nock,  to  a  company  of  people  who  at  first  took  but  little 
notice  of  the  worship  of  God ;  but  I  trust  some  of  them  felt 
the  power  of  truth  in  their  hearts.  On  Thursday  I  returned 
to  York,  and  found  my  friends  in  peace. 

Lord's  day,  December  22,  I  preached  to  a  large  company 
in  the  evening,  and  felt  much  power.  I  know  that  God  was 
with  us  indeed,  yea,  was  nigh  to  bless  the  people.  On 
Christmas  day,  we  had  a  very  comfortable  time.  On  Friday 
the  27  th,  I  set  off  with  two  of  my  friends  for  Staten  Island. 
On  the  28th  we  arrived  at  Justice  W.'s,  where  we  were  en- 
tertained with  the  best  his  house  afforded.  From  thence  I 
Avent  to  my  old  friend  V.  P.'s,  who  received  me  with  his 
former  kindness,  and  collected  a  congregation  for  the  evening, 
to  whom  I  preached,  but  had  a  violent  pain  in  my  head. 
After  service  I  went  to  bed,  and  was  very  ill.  However,  the 
next  day,  being  the  Lord's  day,  I  preached  in  the  morning 
and  also  in  the  afternoon,  with  some  freedom  of  mind.  In 
the  evening  I  returned  and  preached  at  Justice  W.'s.  Having 
received  an  invitation  to  preach  at  the  house  of  one  Mr. 
W — d,  at  the  east  end  of  the  Island,  I  visited  that  place  on 
my  return  to  New-York,  where  I  had  a  comfortable  time. 

On  Tuesday  we  arrived  in  New- York.  We  have  been 
favoured  here  with  a  very  solemn  watch-night.  Many  felt 
the  power  of  God. 

January  1,  1772.  I  find  that  the  preachers  have  their 
friends  in  the  cities,  and  care  not  to  leave  them.  There  is  a 
strange  party-spirit.  For  my  part  I  desire  to  be  faithful  to 
God  and  man.  On  Thursday  evening,  I  preached  my  last 
sermon  for  a  time,  on  1  Thess.  v,  6  :  "  Let  us  not  sleep  as  do 
others,  but  let  us  watch  and  be  sober." 

On  Friday,  brother  S.  and  myself  set  out  for  West-Farms, 


Jan.  1772.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


and  I  preached  in  the  evening.  On  the  Lord's  day  I  preached 
at  brother  M — y's  at  half-past  nine,  in  Westchester  at  three, 
and  at  West- Farms  at  six  in  the  evening.  A  person  showed 
me  much  kindness  at  West-Farms,  favouring  me  with  a  man 
and  horse  all  the  time  I  was  there,  acknowledging  the  word 
came  home  to  his  heart,  and  that  he  was  wicked.  My  friend 
Hunt,  who  was  a  Quaker,  said  he  never  was  so  affected. 
The  next  day  I  went  to  Westchester,  but  had  only  a  few  to 
hear  me.  On  Wednesday  I  preached  at  H — t's,  and  felt 
much  Divine  power  in  my  soul,  and  an  opening  among  the 
people.  I  have  found  many  trials  in  my  own  mind,  but  feel 
determined  to  resist.    I  see  traps  set  for  my  feet. 

Thursday,  I  preached  at  D.'s,  and  had  an  attentive  people 
to  hear,  and  felt  myself  warm  and  zealous.  On  Friday  I  went 
to  Mairnock,  had  a  large  congregation,  and  felt  the  divine 
presence.  Many  of  the  people  also  felt  the  power  of  truth, 
and  sunk  under  the  word — it  was  laid  home  to  the  hearts  of 
the  people  ;  but  some  contradicted  and  blasphemed.  I  be- 
lieve God  has  a  work  to  do  among  the  people  in  this  place. 
Lord,  keep  me  faithful,  watchful,  humble,  holy,  and  diligent 
to  the  end.  Let  me  sooner  choose  to  die  than  sin  against 
thee,  in  thought,  word,  or  deed. 

Saturday  13,  I  preached  at  one  friend  B — g's,  where  many 
attended  to  the  truth,  and  showed  a  willingness  to  hear.  On 
the  Lord's  day  I  preached  at  D.'s  at  ten  in  the  morning,  at 
three  in  the  afternoon,  and  at  six  in  the  evening.  Many  at- 
tended, but  I  fear  few  felt  such  deep  concern  as  will  induce 
them  to  leave  their  sins,  and  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come. 
At  brother  H.'s  on  Monday  evening,  the  house  would  not 
hold  the  congregation :  there  I  felt  liberty  and  power.  I 
hope  God  will  visit  them.  I  have  had  many  trials  from 
Satan,  but  hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped  me  against  them 
all.  I  stand  a  miracle  of  mercy  !  O  that  I  may  always  be 
found  faithful  in  doing  his  will ! 

On  Tuesday  the  14th  I  went  to  Rye  :  but  the  people  here 
are  insensible.  They  cry,  "The  Church  !  the  Church  !"  There 
are  a  few  Presbyterians  ;  but  they  have  suffered  their  meeting- 


22 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Jan.  1112. 


house  to  go  to  ruin,  and  have  lost  the  power  of  religion,  if 
they  ever  had  it.  I  was  not  a  welcome  messenger  to  this 
people.  On  Wednesday  the  15th  I  preached  at  two  in  the 
afternoon  at  Mairnock  with  some  power,  and  in  the  evening- 
returned,  preached  at  Rye,  to  a  large  company,  and  felt  my 
Master  near.  Thursday  16,  I  was  taken  ill  with  a  cold  and 
chill.  The  next  morning  I  rode  to  New- City,  but  the  cold 
pinched  me  much.  On  New-City  Island  a  congregation  was 
assembled  to  receive  me.  I  spoke  to  them  with  some  liberty, 
and  they  wished  me  to  come  again.  A  wise  old  Calvinist 
said,  he  might  experience  all  I  mentioned,  and  go  to  hell.  I 
said,  Satan  experienced  more  than  I  mentioned,  and  yet  is 
gone  to  hell.  After  preaching  I  rode  to  Mr.  B.'s,  though  in 
much  pain.  When  I  had  preached  there  I  went  to  bed. 
During  the  whole  night  I  was  very  ill.  My  friends  behaved 
very  kindly,  and  endeavoured  to  prevail  upon  me  to  stay 
there  till  I  was  restored :  but  my  appointment  required  me 
to  set  off  for  Eastchester,  where  I  preached,  and  rode  near 
eight  miles  in  the  evening  to  New-Rochelle.  On  the  19th, 
the  Lord's  day,  I  preached  three  times,  though  very  ill. 
Many  attended,  and  I  could  not  think  of  disappointing  them. 
Monday  the  20th,  I  rode  to  P.'s  Manor,  and  preached  there 
at  noon,  and  at  six  in  the  evening  at  P.  B.'s  in  Rochelle.  The 
next  day  I  rode  to  D.'s,  but  the  day  was  extremely  cold.  In 
the  night  I  had  a  sore  throat,  but  through  the  help  of  God  I 
go  on,  and  cannot  think  of  sparing  myself : 

"  No  cross,  no  suffering  I  decline, 
Only  let  all  my  heart  be  thine  V 

Tuesday  the  21st  I  preached  at  my  friend  D.'s  for  the  last 
time,  on,  "  Those  things  that  ye  have  both  learned,  and  re- 
ceived, and  heard,  and  seen  in  me,  do."  The  people  seemed 
deeply  affected  under  the  word.  In  the  morning  of  the  2 2d, 
I  set  out  for  the  New-City,  and  preached  there  in  much 
weakness  and  pain  of  body,  and  in  the  evening  went  to  my 
friend  P.'s.  That  night  I  had  no  rest :  and  when  I  arose  in 
the  morning,  the  pain  in  my  throat  was  worse.    On  the  23d 


Feb.,  1772.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


23 


I  came  in  a  covered  sleigh  to  my  friend  B.'s,  where  I  took  up 
my  lodging,  being  unable  to  go  any  farther.  I  then  applied 
to  a  physician,  who  made  applications  to  my  ears,  throat,  and 
palate,  which  were  all  swelled  and  inflamed  exceedingly.  For 
six  or  seven  days  I  could  neither  eat  nor  drink  without  great 
pain.  The  physician  feared  I  should  be  strangled,  before  a 
discharge  took  place :  but  my  God  ordered  all  things  well. 
I  am  raised  up  again  ;  and  cannot  help  remarking  the  kindness 
with  which  my  friends  treated  me,  as  if  I  had  been  their  own 
brother.  The  parents  and  children  attended  me  day  and 
night  with  the  greatest  attention.  Thus,  though  a  stranger 
in  a  strange  land,  God  has  taken  care  of  me.  May  the  Lord 
remember  them  that  have  remembered  me,  and  grant  to  this 
family  life  forever  more  ! 

February  5.  Still  I  feel  myself  weak.  It  is  near  a  fort- 
night since  I  came  to  my  friend  B.'s.  Dr.  W.  has  attended 
me  in  all  my  illness,  and  did  all  he  could  for  me  gratis.  Yes- 
terday was*  the  first  day  of  my  going  out.  I  went  to  West- 
chester to  hear  a  friend  preach.  My  kind  friends  S.  and  W. 
brought  up  a  sleigh  from  York  on  Monday  last,  but  my 
friends  at  this  place  would  not  suffer  me  to  go  with  them.  In 
the  course  of  my  recovery,  I  have  read  much  in  my  Bible, 
and  Hammond's  Notes  on  the  New-Testament.  I  have  also 
met  with  a  spirited  piece  against  predestination.  I  did  not 
expect  to  find  such  an  advocate  for  general  redemption  in 
America.  This  day  I  ventured  to  preach  at  Mr.  A.  B.'s  to 
his  family  and  a  few  other  people.  In  the  evening  returned 
home,  and  found  Mr.  D.  L.,  the  former  governor's  son,  there ; 
who  lives  in  the  woods  near  Salem,  and  invited  me  to  his 
house.  We  spent  the  evening  comfortably  together.  On 
Thursday,  February  7,  I  preached  as  I  had  appointed,  the 
man  of  the  house  being  in  a  consumption.  Though  I  had 
not  many  people  to  hear  me,  yet  I  have  reason  to  hope  that 
my  sermon  did  good  to  the  poor  invalid.  I  felt  affected  for 
my  friends  in  this  place,  who  had  been  in  some  measure 
moved  by  the  word  on  my  former  visits,  but  are  now  returned 
to  their  old  ways  and  company.    I  found  myself  weak  and 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1772. 


unfit  to  preach,  but  believe  there  were  some  who  felt  the 
word  come  close  to  their  hearts.  May  God  help  them  to 
profit  by  it !  On  Friday,  the  8  th,  I  set  out  for  York  in  a 
sleigh,  and  my  friends  seemed  glad  to  see  me.  I  want  to  be 
less  concerned  about  anything  except  my  own  work — the  sal- 
vation of  souls.  At  present  I  seem  determined  to  consecrate 
my  all  to  God — body,  soul,  time,  and  talents. 

On  the  Lord's  day  foimd  myself  weak,  but  brother  P.  being- 
ill,  I  preached  in  the  morning,  and  found  life.  Stayed  at 
home  on  Monclay,  and  read  in  Mr.  Wesley's  Notes  on  the  Old 
Testament.  On  Monday,  the  11th,  I  went  to  the  jail,  and 
visited  a  condemned  criminal,  and  preached  to  him  and  others 
with  some  tender  feelings  of  mind,  on  those  words,  "  Joy 
shall  be  in  heaven  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth."  Tuesday, 
the  12th.  This  day  I  have  visited  many  of  my  friends  from 
house  to  house,  and  did  not  find  much  evil  or  much  good 
stirring  among  them.  Now  I  retire  to  hold  communion  with 
God,  and  to  feel  his  power. 

In  the  evening  my  strength  increased,  and  I  preached  with 
some  freedom.  On  Wednesday  I  walked  out,  but  caught 
cold,  and  returned  home  chilled  and  very  ill.  In  the  evening 
when  I  went  into  the  pulpit,  my  every  limb  shook;  and 
afterward  went  to  bed  with  violent  pains  in  my  bones.  The 
sickness  continued  for  three  days,  and  kept  me  at  home  for 
above  a  week.  On  Thursday,  the  20th,  I  gave  an  exhortation 
in  public.  Having  a  desire  to  visit  my  friends  on  Staten 
Island,  I  set  off  in  the  afternoon  of  the  21st,  contrary  to  the 
persuasion  of  my  friends  in  York.  S.  S.,  who  was  tender  to- 
wards me  in  my  illness,  and  took  care  of  me  as  if  I  had  been 
his  father,  accompanied  me. 

Justice  W.  received  us  and  entertained  us  kindly ;  and 
though  weak  and  weary,  I  preached  at  P.  V.  P.'s  to  a  few 
persons,  with  much  satisfaction.  Mr.  D.  invited  me  to  preach 
in  his  house,  to  which  I  consented ;  and  Justice  W.  sent  us 
there  on  the  Lord's  day,  with  several  of  his  family.  I  preached 
twice  at  that  gentleman's  house  to  a  large  company.  Some, 
it  appeared,  had  not  heard  a  sermon  for  half  a  year  ;  such  a 


Feb.,  1772.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


25 


famine  there  is  of  the  word  in  these  parts,  and  a  still  greater 
one  of  the  pure  word.  I  returned  in  the  evening  to  Justice 
W.'s,  and  preached  to  a  numerous  congregation  with  comfort. 
Surely  God  sent  me  to  these  people  at  the  first,  and  I  trust 
he  will  continue  to  bless  them,  and  pour  out  his  Spirit  upon 
them,  and  receive  them  at  last  to  himself !  February  23,  I 
preached  again  at  Justice  W.'s  to  many  people,  and  the  Lord 
was  with  me.  My  labours  increase,  and  my  strength  is  re- 
newed. Though  I  came  here  weak,  yet  after  preaching  three 
times  I  felt  myself  strong.  Thanks  be  to  God,  who  hath  raised 
me  up  from  so  low  a  state  !  On  the  24th,  I  preached  at 
A.  W.'s,  at  two  in  the  afternoon,  to  a  large  company,  and  had 
an  invitation  to  go  to  the  south  part  of  the  Island :  in  the 
evening  also  I  preached  at  the  same  place.  On  the  26th,  I 
preached  at  the  ferry,  on  my  way  to  New- York,  to  a  few 
people,  though  some  came  two  miles  on  foot.  After  preach- 
ing, I  visited  a  young  man  who  seemed  to  be  at  the  point  of 
death  :  he  was  full  of  unbelief,  and  I  fear  it  was  through  his 
Calvinistic  notions. 

Thursday,  the  27th,  we  arrived  in  York.  I  found  brother 
P.  had  set  off  for  Philadelphia  in  the  morning.  In  the  even- 
ing I  met  the  society,  and  felt  myself  assisted  and  enlarged. 
At  night  I  slept  with  holy  thoughts  of  God,  and  awoke  with 
the  same  :  thanks  be  to  God ! 

After  having  preached  in  a  large  upper  room,  at  Mr.  T.'s 
in  Amboy,  where  many  came  to  hear,  and  I  was  much  fa- 
voured in  my  own  soul,  an  innkeeper  invited  me  to  his  house, 
and  kindly  desired  that  I  would  call  on  him  when  I  came  again. 

Friday,  27.  I  set  off  on  a  rough-gaited  horse,  for  Burling- 
ton ;  and  after  being  much  shaken,  breakfasted  at  Spotswood  ; 
fed  my  horse  again  at  Crosswick's,  and  then  thought  to  push 
on  to  Burlington ;  but  the  roads  being  bad,  and  myself  and 
horse  weary,  I  lodged  with  a  Quaker,  on  whom  I  called  to 
inquire  the  way.  He  not  only  invited  me  to  tarry  all  night, 
but  also  treated  me  with  great  kindness.  The  next  day  I 
rode  to  town  very  weary ;  and  on  the  Lord's  day  preached 
in  the  court-house  to  many  hearers. 

2 


20 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1*772- 


Monday,  30.  After  riding  to  New-mills,  in  company  with 
some  friends,  in  a  wagon,  I  preached  in  a  Baptist  meeting- 
house, and  was  kindly  received. 

Tuesday,  31.  Finding  the  people  were  divided  among  them- 
selves, I  preached  from  these  words :  "  This  is  his  command- 
ment, that  we  should  believe  on  the  name  of  his  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  and  love  one  another ;"  and  humbly  hope  my  labour 
was  not  in  vain.    The  same  night  we  came  to  Burlington. 

April  2.  I  came  to  Philadelphia,  and  finding  brother  B.  and 
brother  W.  there,  was  much  comforted.  Brother  B.  's  plan 
was :  that  he  should  go  to  Boston ;  brother  P.  to  Virginia ; 
brother  W.  to  York ;  and  that  I  should  stay  three  months 
in  Philadelphia.    With  this  I  was  well  pleased. 

Friday,  4.  We  dined  with  Mr.  R.,  who  cannot  keep  negroes 
for  conscience'  sake  ;  and  this  was  a  topic  of  our  conversation. 

Saturday,  5.  This  morning  my  mind  was  composed  and 
serene. 

April  Y.  In  the  evening  I  preached  to  a  very  large  audience 
in  the  church,  after  preaching  in  the  day  to  many  poor  mor- 
tals in  the  Bettering-house. 

April  8.  Set  out  for  Bohemia  to  find  Mr.  W.,  (who  had  been 
at  his  own  discretion,)  that  he  might  wait  on  Mr.  B.,  in  order 
to  go  to  York  for  five  months.  Stopping  at  Mrs.  Withey's* 
in  Chester,  to  feed  myself  and  my  horse,  I  inquired  about 
preaching  in  that  town,  and  found  this  to  be  the  house  where 
Mr.  B.  and  Mr.  P.  put  up ;  and  that  the  people  were  pleased 
with  Methodist  preaching.  After  leaving  word  that  I  would 
call  to  preach  there  on  my  return,  I  set  off  for  Wilmington, 
expecting  to  meet  Mr.  W.  there  ;  but  we  accidentally  met 
just  as  he  was  turning  off  to  Mr.  T.'s  for  lodging,  about  four 
miles  from  the  town.  He  seemed  glad  to  see  me,  and  willing 
to  be  subject  to  order. 

The  next  morning  Mr.  W.  went  on  his  way  to  Philadelphia. 
Having  a  desire  to  go,  and  see,  and  hear  how  things  went,  I 
desired  him  to  call  and  preach  at  Chester ;  and  I  proceeded 

°  She  kept  the  best  Inn  on  the  continent,  and  always  received  the 
Methodist  preachers. 


Apr.,  17*72.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.. 


to  the  house  of  Mr.  S.,  a  friend  of  the  Methodists ;  and  then 
rode  on  to  Newcastle,  and  stopped  at  the  house  of  brother  F., 
a  tavern-keeper,  but  a  good  man.  Preached  there  to  a  few- 
people,  but  met  with  opposition,  and  found  the  Methodists 
had  done  no  great  good.  The  court-house  here  is  shut  against 
us ;  but  it  is  open  for  dances  and  balls ;  and  brother  F.  has 
lost  his  company  by  receiving  us.  However,  we  were  com- 
forted together. 

April  10.  Set  out  for  Bohemia,  where  I  found  that  some 
mischievous  opposers  had  thrown  the  people  into  confusion. 

I  have  had  serious  thoughts  of  going  to  Baltimore  ;  but  the 
distance,  which  is  ninety  miles,  seems  too  much  at  present. 

April  11.  Found  an  inattention  to  study,  an  unsettled  frame 
of  mind,  much  insensibility  of  soul,  and  a  backwardness  to 
prayer.  Lord,  help  me  with  an  active  warmth  to  move,  and 
with  a  vigorous  soul  to  rise ! 

Visited  an  old  man  who  was  sick,  with  whom  I  had  some 
conversation,  though  not  much;  but  came  away  without 
prayer ;  and  was  justly  blamed  both  by  my  friends  and  my- 
self. I  would  have  prayed  with  him ;  but  two  men  came  in, 
whose  countenances  I  did  not  like,  and  therefore  neglected 
my  duty  through  the  fear  of  man.  I  have  nothing  to  plead 
to  palliate  my  omission.  It  is  true,  that  to  introduce  prayer 
among  pray erl ess  people  is  not  an  easy  matter ;  yet  this  is  no 
excuse  for  me.  Lord,  forgive  both  my  secret  and  open 
faults ;  my  failings  of  omission  and  commission :  help  me  to 
have  respect  to  all  thy  commandments ;  and  to  be  blameless 
before  thee  in  all  things  ! 

Lord's  day,  11.  Preached  to-day  at  my  friend  H.'s,  as  also 
the  evening  before.  The  house  was  filled  both  before  and 
after  dinner.  The  Lord  gave  me  great  liberty  and  power; 
and  I  humbly  believe  that  some  trembled  under  the  word.  0, 
that  it  may  not  wear  off !  I  preached  from  these  words  :  "  The 
wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  and  all  the  nations  that  for- 
get God."  After  describing  the  wicked,  and  showing  wherein 
they  forget  God,  I  attempted  to  prove  the  torments  to  be 
real  and  eternal,  from  the  real  joys  and  duration  of  heaven. 


28 


ASBUEY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Am.,  1772. 


Monday,  12.  Visited  E.  T.,  and  saw  his  father,  who  is  a 
hundred  years  old,  or  more.  He  had  lately  lost  his  wife,  who 
was  younger  than  he ;  and  in  her  he  lost  his  nurse  and  earthly 
comfort. 

Tuesday,  13.  Was  advised  and  invited  to  preach  at  Wilming- 
ton ;  which  I  did,  though  there  were  but  few  to  hear. 

Wednesday,  1 4.  Rode  to  Chester,  and  preached  in  the  court- 
house. The  church  minister  and  many  Quakers  were  present ; 
but  the  congregation  appeared  to  be  the  wildest  I  had  seen 
in  America.  But  I  humbly  hope  the  labour  was  not  all  in 
vain.  In  the  morning  I  visited,  and  spoke  with  great  freedom 
to  four  men  who  were  under  sentence  of  death. 

Thursday,  15.  I  rode  through  a  heavy  rain  to  Philadelphia, 
and  preached  the  next  morning  with  some  freedom. 

Tuesday,  20.  My  mind  is  quiet  and  serene.  I  am  now  free 
from  company,  which  is  very  pleasing  to  me,  having  found 
that  much  company  is  both  disagreeable  and  dangerous. 

Wednesday,  21.  Met  the  society,  and  found  both  life  and 
liberty  among  the  people.  This  night  Brother  W.  came  in 
from  Virginia.  He  gives  a  flaming  account  of  the  work  there. 
Many  of  the  people  seem  to  be  ripe  for  the  Gospel,  and  ready 
to  receive  us.  I  humbly  hope,  before  long,  about  seven 
preachers  of  us  will  spread  seven  or  eight  hundred  miles,  and 
preach  in  as  many  places  as  we  are  able  to  attend.  Lord, 
make  us  humble,  watchful,  and  useful  to  the  end  of  our  lives  ! 

April  23.  Brother  W.  set  off  for  New- York. 

April  24.  I  preached  at  Philadelphia  with  freedom  and 
power. 

April  25.  Preached  to  the  people  with  some  sharpness. 
In  the  evening  I  kept  the  door,  met  the  society,  and  read  Mr. 
Wesley's  epistle  to  them. 

Tuesday,  28.  I  intended  to  go  out  of  town ;  but  could  not 
get  a  horse.  So  I  stayed  for  Brother  W.,  and  heard  that 
many  were  offended  at  my  shutting  them  out  of  society-meet- 
ing, as  they  had  been  greatly  indulged  before.  But  this  does 
not  trouble  me.  /  While  I  stay,  the  rules  must  be  attended  to ; 
and  I  cannot  suffer  myself  to  be  guided  by  half-hearted  Me- 


Mat,  1772.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  29 

thodists^J  An  elderly  Friend  told  me  very  gravely,  that  "  the 
opinion  of  the  people  was  much  changed,  within  a  few  days, 
about  Methodism  :  and  that  the  Quakers  and  other  dissenters 
had  laxed  their  discipline ;  that  none  but  the  Roman  Catholics 
kept  it  up  with  strictness."    But  these  things  do  not  move  me. 

Wednesday,  29.  Set  out  for  Burlington,  where  I  met  with 
brother  W.  and  brother  K.,  and  found  the  people  there  very 
lively.    Two  persons  have  obtained  justification  under  brother 

W.,  and  a  certain  Dr.  T  1,  a  man  of  dissipation,  was  touched 

under  brother  B.'s  preaching  last  night.  I  admire  the  kind- 
ness of  my  friends  to  such  a  poor  worm  as  I.  0  my  God ! 
remember  them !  remember  me ! 

Thursday,  30.  I  humbly  hope  the  word  was  blest  to  a  large 
number  of  people  who  attended  while  I  preached  at  the  court- 
house. 

Set  out  for  Philadelphia ;  but  about  a  mile  from  the  city 
found  that  the  bridge  could  not  be  crossed  on  horseback ;  so 
I  left  my  horse  and  walked  to  the  ferry.  Brother  W.  took 
the  horse  and  went  to  Burlington,  on  his  way  to  York.  Was 
desired  to  attend  the  execution  of  the  prisoners  at  Chester, 
and  J.  K.  went  with  me.  We  found  them  penitent ;  and  two 
of  the  four  obtained  peace  with  God,  and  seemed  very  thank- 
ful. I  preached  with  liberty  to  a  great  number  of  people 
under  the  jail  wall.  The  sheriff  was  friendly  and  very  kind. 
J.  K.  preached  at  the  gallows  to  a  vast  multitude ;  after  which 
I  prayed  with  them.  The  executioner  pretended  to  tie  them 
all  up,  but  only  tied  one,  and  let  the  rest  fall.  One  of  them 
was  a  young  man  about  fifteen.  We  saw  them  all  afterward, 
and  exhorted  them  to  be  careful.  We  returned  to  Philadel- 
phia the  same  night,  and  I  gave  an  exhortation. 

Tuesday,  May  5.  Set  out  for  Burlington  again,  and  preached 
to  a  serious  people.  But  how  is  my  soul  troubled  that  I  am 
not  more  devoted  !  0  my  God  !  my  soul  groans  and  longs  for 
this. 

May  6.  My  heart  was  much  humbled ;  but  the  Lord  en- 
abled me  to  preach  with  power  in  my  soul. 


30 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[May,  1112. 


Thursday,  1.  Visited  some  prisoners ;  and  one  of  them,  who 
is  to  be  tried  for  his  life,  seemed  much  affected.  In  the  even- 
ing I  preached,  and  felt  my  heart  much  united  to  this  people. 
Next  morning  set  off  for  Philadelphia,  and  got  in  time  enough 
for  intercession ;  after  which,  I  visited  a  sick  friend,  who  rested 
her  soul  on  God,  and  then  I  preached  in  the  evening. 

Sunday,  10.  Preached  in  the  morning ;  attended  two  places 
of  worship  in  the  day ;  preached  again  at  night ;  and  had  a 
comfortable  time  in  meeting  the  society. 

Monday,  11.  Was  much  stirred  up,  and  found  an  increase 
of  life  in  visiting  the  society ;  and  then  preached  in  the  evening. 

Tuesday,  12.  Set  off  for  the  Jerseys.  My  mind  enjoys  sweet 
peace  and  the  love  of  God.  It  is  my  desire  to  be  entirely 
devoted  to  God,  who  opens  the  hearts  of  people  to  receive  me, 
and  my  heart  to  deliver  his  counsel  to  them. 

Wednesday,  13.  Preached  at  three  o'clock  on,  "Behold  I 
stand  at  the  door  and  knock."  O,  what  a  time  of  satisfaction 
and  power  was  this  to  my  own  soul !  Went  afterward  to  Mr. 
TVs,  and  many  friends  came  at  eight  o'clock,  when  I  was  en- 
abled to  preach  with  life. 

Thursday,  14.  Went  to  the  new  church.  Surely  the  power 
of  God  is  amongst  this  people.    After  preaching  with  great 

assistance,  I  lodged  at  I — c  J  s's,  and  in  the  morning  he 

conducted  me  to  Gloucester ;  and  thence  we  went  by  water 
to  Philadelphia.  Here  I  found  a  change.  Brother  Pilmore 
was  come,  and  the  house  was  given  up ;  which  pleased  me 

well,  as  it  was  a  burden  to  the  people.    Brother  P  e  went 

to  Mr.  W.'s,  and  I  went  to  Mr.  W — r's.  On  Friday  night  I 
was  heavily  afflicted  ;  and  dear  sister  W — r  took  great  care  of 
me.  The  next  morning,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  I  was 
something  better,  and  preached  in  the  evening. 

Lord's  day,  17.  After  preaching  in  the  morning,  I  went  to 
see  G.  H.,  who  was  near  to  eternity.  He  had  peace  in  his 
soul.  Some  slight  me  in  this  place  on  account  of  my  atten- 
tion to  discipline ;  and  some  drop  off.  But  my  work  is  to 
please  God. 

Tuesday,  19.  Went  about  sixteen  miles  into  the  country, 


May,  1112.']  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


31 


and  preached  at  eleven  o'clock,  with  energy  of  soul.  A  Pres- 
byterian minister,  who  attended  my  preaching  this  morning, 
accompanied  me  part  of  the  way  back.  We  conversed  by 
the  way,  on  the  evidences  of  religion,  the  work  of  God,  and 
sending  out  preachers.  This  morning  I  arose  with  more  spi- 
ritual strength,  and  felt  a  great  desire  to  do  the  will  of  God 
with  all  purity  of  intention,  desire,  and  thought ;  that  in  all 
things  God  may  be  glorified  through  Jesus  Christ. 

Wednesday,  20.  Went  to  Trenton ;  but  as  the  court  was 
sitting,  I  was  obliged  to  preach  in  a  school-house  to  but  few 
people  ;  and  as  there  were  soldiers  in  the  town,  I  could  hardly 
procure  lodging. 

Thursday,  2L  Preached  on  the  other  side  of  the  river  to 
a  few  simple  people  ;  and  in  the  evening  at  Burlington,  where 
the  congregation  was  also  small  on  account  of  the  fair. 

Friday,  22.  In  the  morning  I  rode  home  in  great  pain ; 
but  after  dinner  went  ten  miles  down  the  river. 

Sunday,  24.  We  rode  down  to  Greenwich,  where  I 
preached  at  ten  o'clock  to  near  three  hundred  people,  col- 
lected from  different  parts ;  we  then  rode  back  to  friend 
P.'s  where  we  dined  ;  and  thence  to  Gloucester,  which  made 
near  fifteen  miles.  I  preached  there  at  three  o'clock  to  about 
two  hundred  people,  and  then  went  up  the  river  in  a  boat  to 
Philadelphia,  where  I  preached  at  seven  o'clock. 

Monday,  25.  Was  unwell,  but  went  to  Burlington,  and 
preached  in  the  evening,  though  very  sick. 

Tuesday,  26.  Found  myself  very  unwell  in  the  morning ; 
but  visited  a  prisoner  under  sentence  of  death,  and  strove 
much  to  fasten  conviction  on  his  heart.  Through  the  mercy 
of  God,  I  hope  the  poor  man  was  humbled. 

Wednesday,  21.  Went  to  New -mills,  where  I  preached  at 
four  o'clock  ;  and  again  at  ten  o'clock  the  next  morning. 

Friday,  29.  I  preached  under  the  jail  wall ;  and  for  the 
benefit  of  the  prisoner,  attended  him  to  the  place  of  execution. 
When  he  came  forth,  he  roared  like  a  bull  in  a  net.  He 
looked  on  every  side,  and  shrieked  for  help ;  but  all  in  vain. 
0  how  awful  !  Die  he  must, — I  fear,  unprepared.   I  prayed 


32 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1772. 


with  him,  and  for  him.  How  difficult  it  is  (if  I  may  use  the 
term)  to  drench  a  hardened  sinner  with  religion  !  I  saw  him 
tied  up  ;  and  then,  stepping  on  a  wagon,  I  spoke  a  word  in 
season,  and  warned  the  people  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come,  and  improve  the  day  of  their  gracious  visitation,  no 
more  grieving  the  Spirit  of  God,  lest  a  day  should  come  in 
which  they  may  cry,  and  God  may  refuse  to  hear  them.  We 
then  rode  home  to  Philadelphia,  where  I  exhorted  in  the 
evening,  and  found  myself  much  more  drawn  out  than  I 
expected. 

Lord's  day,  31.  Preached  morning  and  evening  with  some 
life ;  but  found  that  offences  increased.  However,  I  cannot 
help  it.  My  way  is  to  go  straight  forward,  and  aim  at  what 
is  right. 

June  1.  Preached  this  morning  at  five  o'clock;  and  this 
day  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Wesley,  and  experienced  a  great  degree 
of  purity  in  my  soul. 

Tuesday,  2.  Rose  this  morning  between  four  and  five,  and 
was  much  quickened  in  preaching  ;  then  went  to  Haddonfield 
about  noon.  Satan  assaulted  me  this  day,  but  the  Lord 
helped  and  delivered  me,  for  his  mercy  and  truth's  sake,  and 
granted  me  life  in  my  soul. 

Wednesday,  3.  Preaching  at  five  at  Manta  creek,  I  was 
favoured  with  an  opening  and  great  power.  After  preaching 
there,  about  one  hundred  people  went  to  Mr.  T.'s,  one  and  a 
half  mile  off,  and  there  also  I  preached  with  life. 

Thursday,  5.  At  Greenwich  I  was  weak  in  body,  but  had 
some  liberty  in  preaching  to  about  two  hundred  willing  peo- 
ple ;  but  at  Gloucester,  I  preached  only  to  a  few  dead  souls, 
from  this  striking  passage :  "  The  word  preached  did  not 
profit  them,  not  being  mixed  with  faith  in  them  that  heard  it." 
I  must  observe,  that  in  this  journey  I  have  been  kept  in  peace, 
and  had  more  freedom,  life,  and  power,  than  I  ever  expe- 
rienced in  the  city. 

Saturday,  6.  Sailing  four  miles  up  the  river,  I  came  to 
Philadelphia  in  great  comfort. 

Lord's  day,  June  7.  After  preaching  in  the  morning,  I  was 


June,  1112.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  33 

at  the  table  with  Mr.  S.,  and  many  felt  the  power  of  God, 
though  I  felt  but  little  myself.  We  had  a  love-feast  to-day, 
and  several  could  testify  that  God  was  with  us :  some  of  our 
Jersey  friends  spoke  of  the  power  of  God  with  freedom. 

Monday,  8.  With  much  disagreeable  company  I  set  off  for 
Trenton,  where  many  felt  the  divine  power  accompanying  the 
word  preached. 

Wednesday,  10.  After  preaching  on  the  other  side  of  the 
river,  I  returned  to  Philadelphia,  and  preached  in  the  evening. 

Thursday,  11.  Set  off  in  the  stage  for  Bristol,  and  crossed 
the  water  to  see  a  man  suspected  of  murder ;  but  found  him 
very  ignorant  of  things  relating  to  his  soul :  I  then  returned 
to  Philadelphia  veiy  unwell. 

Friday,  12.  I  was  a  little  better,  and  rose  to  preach  at  five 
o'clock.    The  Lord  was  with  me  this  day  at  intercession. 

Saturday,  IS.  Hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped.  Praised  be 
his  dear  name ! 

Lord's  day,  June  14.  After  preaching  in  the  morning  with 
some  freedom  of  mind,  I  went  to  St.  Paul's,  and  afterward 
spent  the  afternoon  in  my  room ;  then  preached,  and  met  the 
society  in  the  evening ;  but  felt  great  dryness,  and  was 
grieved  to  see  so  much  conformity  to  the  world,  in  the  article 
of  dress,  among  our  people. 

Tuesday,  16.  Set  off  for  Burlington ;  and  though  weak  and 
infirm,  I  preached  at  night  with  liberty. 

Wednesday,  11.  I  bent  my  course  for  New-mills ;  but  still 
groan  for  more  life,  and  want  to  be  more  holy. 

Thursday,  18.  After  preaching  twice  at  New-mills  with 
great  liberty  and  life,  I  returned  to  Burlington  ;  but  was  very 
ill  that  night ;  and  though  quite  unwell  the  next  morning,  yet 
proceeded  on  my  way  to  Philadelphia. 

Lord's  day,  June  21.  Finding  myself  much  recovered,  I 
preached  with  some  animation. 

Monday,  22.  This  day  my  heart  was  in  deep  exercise. 

Tuesday,  23.  Walked  down  to  Gloucester-point,  and  then 
rode  to  brother  C.'s  ;  and  though  very  weak,  weary,  wet,  and 
low,  while  it  rained  very  hard,  I  preached  with  some  power 

2* 


34 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  111 2. 


to  many  people  from  these  words :  "  As  the  rain  cometh 
down,  and  the  snow  from  heaven,  and  returneth  not  thither, 
but  watereth  the  earth,  and  maketh  it  bring  forth  and  bud, 
that  it  may  give  seed  to  the  sower,  and  bread  to  the  eater ; 
so  shall  my  word  be  that  goeth  forth  out  of  my  mouth  ;  it 
shall  not  return  unto  me  void,  but  it  shall  accomplish  that 
which  I  please,  and  it  shall  prosper  in  the  thing  whereto  I 
send  it." 

Wednesday,  24.  At  Greenwich,  I  met  with  Mr.  S.,  who 
preached  and  baptized  several  people  that  seemed  deeply 
affected.  We  then  rode  together,  and  had  some  conversation 
on  the  insult  which  Mr.  S — y  had  given  Mr.  W — y.  As  Mr.  S. 
knew  that  Mr.  S — y  had  preached  for  Mr.  W — y,  and  was  well 
acquainted  with  his  doctrine,  he  was  surprised  at  his  conduct. 
He  said  Mr.  W — y  was  undoubtedly  a  good  man,  and  had 
been  useful  to  thousands. 

Thursday,  25.  Travelling  back  towards  Gloucester,  I  called 
at  'Squire  P.'s  ;  and  presented  him  with  a  petition  for  raising 
£150  to  discharge  the  debt  on  our  preaching-house  at  Phila- 
delphia. He  promised  both  to  give  himself,  and  to  propose 
it  to  others. 

Friday,  26.  Returned  to  Philadelphia,  and  preached  at 
eight  with  some  power.  I  find  that  Satan  strives  to  sow 
discord  among  us ;  and  this  makes  me  desirous  to  leave  the 
city. 

Saturday,  27.  Felt  a  great  desire  to  live  more  to  the  glory 
of  God ;  and  preached  at  night  with  some  life.  Received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Pilmore  replete  with  accounts  of  his  preach- 
ing abroad,  in  the  church,  to  a  large  congregation,  and  the 
like.  My  heart  is  still  distressed  for  want  of  more  religion. 
I  long  to  be  wholly  given  up,  to  seek  no  favour  but  what 
cometh  from  God  alone.  I  want  to  breathe  after  the  Lord  in 
every  breath. 

Lord's  day,  28.  This  was  a  day  of  sweet  rest  to  my  soul ; 
and  the  Lord  gave  me  power  to  speak  with  some  affection. 

Monday,  29.  Set  out  for  Trenton  with  some  loose  and 
trifling  company  in  the  stage.  After  preaching  in  the  evening 


July,  1772 J         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


with  some  life  and  energy,  I  went  the  next  day  to  preach  in 
the  field,  and  then  returned  and  preached  with  freedom  to 
many  people  in  the  court-house. 

July  1 .  Went  over  the  ferry  and  preached  to  many  people  ; 
among  whom  were  some  fine  women,  who  behaved  with  airs 
of  great  indifferency.  Returning  to  Trenton,  I  preached  at 
night,  and  the  next  morning  at  five,  after  which  I  set  off  for 
Philadelphia  with  unprofitable  company ;  among  whom  I  sat 
still  as  a  man  dumb,  and  as  one  in  whose  mouth  there  was 
no  reproof.  They  appeared  so  stupidly  ignorant,  sceptical, 
deistical,  and  atheistical,  that  I  thought  if  there  were  no  other 
hell,  I  should  strive  with  all  my  might  to  shun  that.  Came 
home  late  and  weary  ;  but  preached  with  some  comfort.  I 
have  lately  been  blessed  with  much  purity  of  intention,  and 
fervour  of  spirit ;  but  greatly  thirst  after  living  more  in  God. 

Saturday,  4.  Went  to  Burlington,  in  order  to  attend  the 
execution  of  one  S.,  a  murderer ;  and  declared  to  a  great 
number  of  people  under  the  jail-wall,  "  He  healeth  the 
broken  in  heart."  The  poor  criminal  appeared  penitent, 
behaved  with  great  solidity,  and  expressed  a  desire  to  leave 
the  world. 

Then  returned  to  Philadelphia,  gave  an  exhortation  that 
night,  and  found  the  Lord's  day  a  day  of  sweet  peace. 

Monday,  6.  Set  out  for  Burlington  again,  and  spent  three 
days  labouring  among  them.  Many  seemed  much  stirred  up 
to  seek  the  kingdom  of  God. 

Thursday,  9.  Returned,  and  found  some  inward  liberty  in 
Philadelphia. 

Saturday,  11.  Was  a  day  of  peace  and  love  to  my  soul. 

Lord's  day,  12.  Went  through  the  usual  exercises  of  the 
day,  and  enjoyed  some  peace  of  mind.  Our  congregations 
here  are  small.  They  cannot  bear  the  discipline  and  doctrine ; 
but  this  does  not  move  me. 

Monday  morning  I  preached  with  life,  and  long  to  be  as 
an  even-rising  flame  of  fire. 

Tuesday,  14.  Went  to  the  Jerseys  and  preached  at  friend 
T.  's  to  near  one  hundred  people,  though  in  the  time  of  harvest ; 


30 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1112. 


and  while  preaching  from  these  words,  "Ye  were  sometime 
darkness,  but  now  are  ye  light  in  the  Lord,"  many  felt 
the  power  of  truth,  when  the  darkness  and  its  properties  were 
explained.  After  describing  true  religion  to  about  one  hun- 
dred souls,  at  J.  C.'s,  I  went  on  Wednesday  to  Greenwich,  and 
felt  much  shut  up  while  preaching  to  about  the  same  number, 
on,  "Fear  not,  little  flock,  &c."  I  then  proceeded  to  Glou- 
cester, which  is  one  of  the  dullest  places  I  have  seen  in  this 
country.  The  same  night  went  to  Haddonfield  ;  and  the  next 
day  preached  at  J.  T.'s  to  a  few  attentive  hearers,  who  seemed 
somewhat  affected  by  the  truths  of  God ;  especially  one  S.  K., 
who  was  greatly  concerned  on  account  of  his  past  life,  as  he 
had  been  much  devoted  to  company  and  liquor.  I  felt  afraid 
that  his  concern  would  not  be  permanent.  However,  he  ac- 
companied me  to  the  ferry. 

Friday,  H.  Returned  to  Philadelphia  time  enough  for  in- 
tercession, and  found  it  a  good  time  both  then  and  at  the  even- 
ing preaching. 

Lord's  day,  19.  After  preaching  in  the  morning,  I  set  off  in 
the  afternoon  for  Trenton,  came  thither  on  Monday  by  noon,  and 
found  life  in  preaching  at  night. 

Monday,  July  20.  Met  with  brother  S.  from  New- York, 
who  informed  me  that  I  was  to  go  to  York  ;  which  was  what 
I  did  not  expect ;  but  feel  myself  quite  easy,  not  being  fixed 
in  any  place.  He  gave  me  an  account  of  Mr.  W.'s  good 
behaviour:  though  I  fear,  after  all,  he  will  settle  at  Bo- 
hernia. 

Wednesday,  July  22.  In  meeting  the  small  society  of  about 
nineteen  persons,  I  gave  them  tickets,  and  found  it  a  comforta- 
ble time.  They  are  a  serious  people ;  and  there  is  some  pros- 
pect of  much  good  being  done  in  this  place.  After  preaching 
on  Tuesday  morning  over  the  ferry,  and  in  the  evening  at 
Trenton,  I  took  leave  of  them  on  Wednesday  morning,  and 
set  off  for  Philadelphia,  Left  Philadelphia  on  the  Lord's  day 
evening,  after  preaching  on  these  words,  "  If  I  come  again,  I 
will  not  spare  ;"  and  on  Monday  met  with  brother  B.  Went 
thence  to  New-mills,  where  I  preached  on  Tuesday  night  and 


Aug.,  1772.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  37 

Wednesday  morning,  and  found  the  people  there  very  affec- 
tionate ;  then  returned  to  Burlington,  and  found  many  friends 
from  Philadelphia.  We  had  power  among  us  at  night,  and 
the  next  morning  at  three  I  set  off  for  Amboy,  and  on  the 
way  had  some  conversation  with  one  of  Jacob  B.'s  disciples. 
We  came  to  the  stage-house  through  much  rain  and  bad  roads, 
about  seven  o'clock :  thence  we  went  to  Amboy,  and  took  lodg- 
ing at  a  tavern.  Have  been  kept  in  peace  through  this  journey, 
felt  great  courage  in  the  work  of  God,  and  go  towards  York 
in  faith.  The  congregation  at  Amboy  was  small,  and  they 
appeared  to  be  such  as  cared  but  little  for  the  Gospel ;  so 
that  my  hope  of  that  place  is  but  slender.  On  Saturday  even- 
ing, I  preached  with  some  power,  to  a  large  congregation  of 
rich  and  poor,  from  these  words,  "  Even  from  the  days  of  your 
fathers,  ye  have  gone  away  from  mine  ordinances,  and  have 
not  kept  them :  return  unto  me,  and  I  will  return  unto  you." 
After  preaching  with  great  liberty  on  the  Lord's  day,  to  many 
people  at  P.  V.'s  and  justice  W.'s  on  Staten  Island,  I  set  off 
on  Monday  in  a  boat  for  New- York ;  and  arriving  about  five 
o'clock,  found  Mr.  W.,  who  that  night  had  preached  his  fare- 
well sermon,  and  told  the  people  that  he  did  not  expect  to 
see  them  any  more.  I  have  always  dealt  honestly  with  him, 
but  he  has  been  spoiled  by  gifts.  He  has  been  pretty  strict 
in  the  society,  but  ended  all  with  a  general  love-feast ;  which 
I  think  is  undoing  all  he  has  done.  However,  none  of  these 
things  move  me.  My  mind  is  calm,  and  my  soul  under  a 
comfortable  sense  of  God  ;  and  I  am  determined,  by  his  grace, 
to  keep  on  in  the  way  of  my  duty,  if  it  should  be  my  lot  to 
stand  alone. 

August  4.  My  soul  felt  life,  and  power,  and  renewed  cou- 
rage. Discovering  the  unfaithfulness  of  some  who  first  spoil 
a  man,  and  then  condemn  him,  I  intend  to  keep  such  at  a  pro- 
per distance.  In  the  love-feast  this  evening,  I  found  that  the 
living  could  not  bear  the  dead.  Mr.  W.  rose  up  and  spake 
as  well  as  he  could,  against  speaking  with  severe  reflections 
on  his  brother.  But  all  this  was  mere  talk.  I  know  the  man 
and  his  conversation. 


38 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1112. 


Wednesday,  6.  Felt  satisfaction  and  life  in  meeting  the  society- 
last  night,  and  spent  this  day  in  retirement. 

Thursday,  7.  Preached  in  York,  from  Phil,  i,  24,  25  :  "To 
abide  in  the  flesh  is  more  needful  for  you.  And  having  this 
confidence,  I  know  that  I  shall  abide  and  continue  with  you 
all,  for  your  furtherance  and  joy  of  faith."  Found  liberty  in 
my  mind  while  addressing  the  people,  and  am  determined,  in 
the  strength  of  the  Lord,  to  aim  at  promoting  his  glory,  and 
to  seek  nothing  but  him. 

Friday,  8.  After  preaching  in  the  morning,  I  found  the 
Lord  near,  and  had  great  peace  at  intercession.  It  pleases 
me  much  to  see  the  people  diligent  in  attending  the  word  ;  and 
find  myself  favoured  with  liberty  and  the  power  of  God  in 
my  labours  among  them ;  and  humbly  hope,  that  God  will 
make  known  his  power  among  this  people,  and  drive  Satan 
from  them  ;  and  that  we  shall  yet  see  good  days  in  this  place. 

Saturday,  9.  I  found  a  degree  of  life  in  my  soul ;  and  on 
the  Lord's  day  had  power,  and  light,  and  life,  and  love,  in 
speaking  on  these  words  :  "Ye  were  sometime  darkness,  but 
now  are  ye  light  in  the  Lord  :  walk  as  children  of  light."  The 
congregations  are  steady,  and  we  look  for  the  power  of  God 
both  in  our  own  souls  and  among  the  people.  0,  my  God, 
make  bare  thine  arm !  After  preaching  in  the  evening  of  the 
Lord's  day,  with  some  opening  of  heart,  and  to  a  full  house, 
I  met  the  society ;  and  then  set  out,  on  Monday  morning,  for 
New-Rochelle,  and  preached  the  same  night  at  friend  D.'s, 
about  thirty  miles  from  York. 

Tuesday,  12.  My  soul  does  not  forget  God  ;  but  my  desire 
is  still  towards  him,  and  the  remembrance  of  his  name.  On 
Wednesday  I  found  my  mind  somewhat  engaged ;  but  on 
Thursday  had  some  fears  of  coming  short  of  eternal  life.  A 
cloud  rested  on  my  mind,  which  was  occasioned  by  talking 
and  jesting ;  I  also  feel  at  times  tempted  to  impatience  and 
pride  of  heart ;  but  the  Lord  graciously  blest  me  with  life  and 
power  in  preaching  at  night ;  and  I  afterward  found  my  mind 
fixed  on  God,  and  an  earnest  longing  to  be  always  holy  in  heart 
and  life.    After  preaching  on  Friday  at  New-Rochelle,  from 


Aug.,  1772.]        ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  39 

these  words,  "  We  ought  to  give  the  more  earnest  heed  to 
the  things  which  we  have  heard,  lest  at  any  time  we  should 
let  them  slip,"  I  set  out  for  York  on  a  bad  horse,  and  met 
with  indifferent  fare,  on  the  road  ;  but  reached  York  on  Satur- 
dav,  and  there  received  a  letter  from  my  father  and  friend, 
Mr.  Mather,  who  informed  me  of  the  preachers'  returning  to 
England.  Preached  also  this  evening  with  some  satisfaction, 
but  found  broken  classes,  and  a  disordered  society,  so  that 
my  heart  was  sunk  within  me  ;  but  it  is  still  my  desire  to  com- 
mit myself  to  God. 

Lord's  day,  17.  Preached  in  the  morning,  and  then  went  to 
preach  at  Newtown,  about  twelve  miles  distant,  in  the  even- 
ing. Friend  S.  was  in  company  with  me,  and  we  were  obliged 
to  lodge  at  a  tavern ;  but  we  were  more  serious  than  usual, 
and  spent  our  time  in  useful  conversation.  As  it  rained,  we 
had  but  few  people  at  preaching  in  the  morning ;  we  then  re- 
turned to  York  about  ten  o'clock.  In  this  journey  I  have 
found  my  soul  comfortable  and  alive  to  God,  a  sacred  near- 
ness to  God,  and  power  to  withstand  temptations  ;  though,  in 
the  afternoon  of  the  next  day,  I  had  cause  to  blame  myself  for 
trifling  conversation  at  noon. 

Monday,  18.  This  has  been  a  day  of  distress  to  my  soul. 
I  was  opposed  for  meeting  the  society,  because  one  or  two 
classes  met  at  that  time ;  which  seemed  to  me  a  very  weak 
objection,  as  those  classes  might  meet  at  another  time. 

August,  21.  Preached  this  morning  with  great  life  in  my 
soul,  and  felt  a  strong  desire  to  be  devoted  to  God,  and  more 
and  more  engaged  to  promote  his  glory  both  in  heart  and  life. 
0  that  my  soul  could  be  more  intimately  and  sweetly  united 
to  the  Lord!  In  the  evening  I  preached  with  power;  but 
have  found  my  soul  troubled  within  me,  on  account  of  a  party- 
spirit  which  seems  to  prevail  too  much  in  this  place.  But 
they  must  answer  for  their  own  conduct.  My  business  is, 
through  the  grace  of  God,  to  go  straight  forward,  acting  with 
honesty,  prudence,  and  caution,  and  then  leave  the  event  to 
Him. 

Lord's  day,  August  24.  Preached  morning  and  evening,  and 


40 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Sept.,  1112. 


had  peace  in  my  own  soul.  In  the  evening  I  met  the  society, 
and  read  Mr.  Wesley's  letter. 

Monday,  25.  Early  in  the  morning  we  crossed  the  North 
river,  in  order  to  go  to  Staten  Island.  Many  people  attended 
the  word  ;  but  I  know  not  what  to  make  of  them  ;  for  though 
they  seem  fond  of  hearing,  yet  they  do  not  appear  tc  be  much 
affected.  On  Tuesday  I  went  to  Amboy,  and  dined  with  a 
mixed  company  of  Assembly-men,  Church-men,  Quakers,  &c. 
Many  of  them  came  to  hear  me  in  sport,  but  went  away  very 
still.  On  my  return  I  preached  at  Mr.  W —  's,  to  many  peo- 
ple ;  on  Thursday  returned  to  York,  and  preached  in  the  even- 
ing with  some  life.  Friday  my  soul  was  kept  in  peace  and 
love ;  and  while  preaching  at  night,  both  myself  and  others 
felt  the  power  of  God  in  our  souls. 

Saturday,  30.  I  preached  with  liberty,  and  can  rejoice  in 
God  my  salvation,  finding  an  increasing  desire  to  live  to  him 
alone.  Lord's  day,  3 1 .  Found  life  both  morning  and  evening, 
and  had  many  people ;  I  also  went  to  church,  and  heard  Dr. 
O.  preach  on  the  divinity  of  Christ. 

Tuesday,  September  2.  My  heart  was  fixed  to  seek  the  Lord  ; 
and  found  some  nearness  to  him,  and  life  in  my  soul :  I  preach- 
ed also  in  the  evening  with  some  comfort. 

Wednesday,  3.  Preached  at  five,  and  found  my  soul  this 
day  fixed  to  do  the  will  of  God. 

Thursday,  4.  Preached  in  the  morning,  and  found  this  a 
blessed  day.  My  soul  wras  lively,  and  my  heart  w^as  filled 
with  holy  thoughts  of  God,  and  felt  a  strong  and  pure  desire 
to  pray,  and  mourn,  and  long  for  God.  In  the  evening  I 
preached  from  these  words :  "  Whosoever  shall  confess  me 
before  men,  him  will  I  confess  before  my  Father  who  is  in 
heaven." 

Friday,  5.  Found  my  soul  grieved  at  the  discovery  of  such 
parties  among  the  people.    Who  can  find  a  faithful  man  ? 

Saturday,  September  G.  Found  peace  in  my  soul,  and 
held  a  meeting  for  the  better  ordering  of  the  spiritual  and 
temporal  affairs  of  the  society.  In  this  meeting  I  propounded 
the  following  queries  : — 


Sept.,  1772.] 


ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL. 


41 


I.  How  often  shall  there  be  public  preaching  ?  Agreed, 
that  it  should  be  on  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Friday  nights, 
besides  the  Lord's  day  ;  and  exhortation  on  Saturday  night. 

II.  Shall  we  have  morning  preaching  ?  This  was  agreed  to. 

III.  Shall  we  have  the  Society  meetings  private  ?  This 
was  doubted  by  some ;  jbut  I  insisted  on  it,  from  our  rules 
and  Mr.  Wesley's  last  lettej^/ 

IV.  Shall  we  make  a  weekly  and  quarterly  collection  ? 
Agreed. 

V.  Can  any  other  means  be  devised  to  lessen  the  debt  ? 
The  debt  was  £1,100  ;  but  no  other  means  could  be  found  to 
relieve  it. 

VI.  Ought  we  not  to  be  more  strict  with  disorderly  per- 
sons ?   Very  little  was  said  in  answer  to  this. 

VII.  Shall  we  have  three  stewards,  for  the  satisfaction  of 
the  society  ?  '  The  majority  voted  against  it. 

VIII.  Are  we  as  frugal  as  we  can  be  ?  It  was  thought 
we  were. 

IX.  Will  the  stewards  meet  me  once  a  week  ?  Agreed. 

X.  Do  we  endeavour  to  avoid  all  partiality  in  the  things  of 
God? 

XI.  Can  we  come  at  the  balance  of  our  accounts  now  or 
soon  ?    It  was  thought  we  could. 

XII.  Who  will  stand  at  the  door  ?    Isot  determined. 

XIII.  Shall  we  meet  the  society  on  Sunday  nights  ?  This 
was  opposed  by  some.  But  I  insisted  upon  its  being  the 
best  time  ;  and  at  last  it  was  agreed  to  for  a  season. 

XIV.  Who  shall  be  the  collectors  ?  This  was  not  deter- 
mined, though  debated. 

XV.  Can  the  preacher  meet  the  children  ?  Agreed. 

XVI.  Can  we  spread  the  books  ?  There  was  but  little 
said  on  this  head,  and  it  was  left  undetermined. 

Monday,  September  7.  R.  S.  C.  W.  and  myself  set  off  for 
New-Rochelle.  At  night  I  felt  myself  unwell,  and  my  mind 
under  a  cloud,  but  gave  an  exhortation  at  Mr.  D.'s  in  the 
evening. 

Tuesday,  8.  This  was  a  day  of  heaviness,  much  trouble, 


42 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  1*7  72. 


sore  temptation,  and  sorrow  of  heart ;  but  in  the  evening  I 
was  happy  in  God,  and  spoke  with  power  and  feeling.  On 
Wednesday  my  mind  was  warmly  engaged,  and  I  preached 
to  many  people,  both  at  three  o'clock  and  seven. 

Thursday,  10.  Mr.  D.  accompanied  me  as  far  as  Kings- 
bridge,  on  my  way  to  York,  where  S.  S.  met  me,  and  rode 
with  me  the  rest  of  the  way. 

I  preached  in  the  evening,  and  rose  to  preach  next  morning 
at  five.  It  appears  to  me  that  trouble  is  at  hand  ;  but  I  fear 
nothing,  being  conscious  of  having  acted  uprightly  before 
them  all,  and  having  no  by-ends  in  view.  Whoever  has,  must 
answer  for  it.  Whatever  comes,  I  am  determined,  while  here, 
by  the  grace  of  God,  to  proceed  according  to  the  Methodist 
doctrine  and  discipline. 

Friday,  11.  I  met  the  people  in  the  morning  to  discourse 
with  them  about  their  temporal  matters,  and  appointed 
Mr.  C.  to  take  an  account  of  the  weekly  and  quarterly  collec- 
tions. But  the  other  two  stewards  refused  an  exact  entry  of 
the  money  that  is  not  settled.  However,  the  people  must 
have  the  same  satisfaction  concerning  the  other  collections. 
Saturday  morning  I  felt  a  strong  desire  to  live  to  God,  and 
act  with  a  single  eye  to  his  glory  in  all  that  I  do.  On  Satur- 
day evening  we  had  a  comfortable  meeting.  After  preaching 
to  many  people  on  the  Lord's  day  at  seven,  I  prepared  to 
approach  the  table.  There  was  a  great  drawing  among 
the  people  while  these  words  were  enforced :  "  This  do  in 
remembrance  of  me."  Lord,  prepare  my  heart.  My  bleeding 
Lord  !  let  my  soul  feel  thy  melting  love.  Lord,  make  all 
thy  people  glad  together  in  thee,  that  thou  mayest  be  glori- 
fied in  and  by  us  both  now  and  ever.  At  the  table  I  was 
greatly  affected  with  the  sight  of  the  poor  negroes,  seeing 
their  sable  faces  at  the  table  of  the  Lord.  In  the  evening 
I  had  a  full  house  and  much  Divine  assistance. 

Monday,  14.  I  had  liberty  and  love  in  preaching  at  five, 
and  this  day  felt  power  to  live  to  God. 

Tuesday,  15.  I  spent  great  part  of  my  time  in  company, 
and  preached  with  some  life  to  a  small  company  at  Bloom- 


Sept.,  1772.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


43 


ingdale.  Preaching  at  five  the  next  morning,  I  had  many 
people,  and  a  comfortable  sense  of  God. 

Wednesday,  16.  I  set  off  for  Newtown,  and  found  nearness 
to  God,  and  more  constancy  of  mind.  Our  journey  was  wet 
and  troublesome  ;  however,  there  was  a  small  company  of 
people,  and  I  preached  with  courage,  disregarding  my  fa- 
tigue, if  any  good  can  be  done.  We  returned  to  York  in 
the  night,  which  was  very  dark :  but  He  to  whom  the  dark- 
ness is  known,  conducted  us  in  safety.  Friday  morning  I 
found  great  peace.  Lord,  help  me  to  be  always  guarded, 
and  fly  the  very  appearance  of  evil ;  so  that  in  thy  strength 
I  may  every  moment  conquer. 

Saturday,  19.  I  felt  comfortable  in  preaching  this  morning 
at  five  o'clock.  0,  my  God  !  help  me  this  day  to  eye  thy 
glory  !  We  had  a  melting  power  this  evening  also  in  public 
exhortation. 

Lord's  day,  20.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  good  time  while 
I  spoke  from  the  latter  part  of  the  eighty-first  psalm  ;  and  in 
the  evening  we  had  a  very  full  house,  and  the  Lord  favoured 
me  with  warmth  and  power  while  I  addressed  the  people 
from  Rom.  vi,  17,  18.  After  preaching  on  Monday  morning, 
I  went  to  Staten  Island.  Justice  W.  met  me  and  informed 
me  that  the  people  were  very  busy  at  that  time  in  court ;  so 
I  went  and  preached  to  many  attentive  people  at  the  ferry. 
Hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped  me.  I  will  endeavour  to  praise 
him  with  my  whole  heart,  and  glorify  him  more  and  more. 
Tuesday  I  crossed  the  bay,  and  preached  in  the  evening  at 
York. 

Wednesday,  23.  In  the  morning  I  preached,  and  felt  a 
measure  of  peace,  and  stronger  confidence  in  my  soul  towards 
God. 

I  am  now  twenty-seven  years  of  age,  and  have  had  a  reli- 
gious concern  on  my  heart  about  fourteen  years ;  though  I 
felt  something  of  God  as  early  as  the  age  of  seven. 

Thursday,  24.  I  preached  in  the  morning  from  Psalm 
lxxxvi,  17  ;  and  found  myself  enlarged  in  the  evening  on  the 
subject  of  the  good  Samaritan.    This  day  my  soul  has  felt 


44 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  17*72. 


much  love  towards  God,  and  my  mind  has  been  bent  on  doing 
his  will. 

Friday,  25.  Attending  the  lecture  to-day,  I  heard  the 
doctor  with  much  satisfaction  ;  and  in  the  evening  preaching 
I  laid  open  the  plague  of  the  human  heart  as  I  had  felt  it. 
It  was  a  solemn  time.  This  day  we  received  tidings  from 
Philadelphia  of  their  doing  well  both  in  spiritual  and  temporal 
matters.  Some  have  been  much  dissatisfied  with  private 
society-meetings,  and  collections  in  the  classes.  But,  in  the 
midst  of  every  trial,  the  Lord  keeps  me  in  peace.  On  Satur- 
day morning,  though  it  was  cold,  we  had  many  people,  and 
a  moving  time  at  five  o'clock ;  and  a  comfortable  season  in 
the  evening  exhortation. 

Lord's  day,  27.  Preaching  this  morning  on  "building  the 
tower,"  I  had  some  assistance ;  but  experienced  some  heavy 
exercises  of  mind  this  day.  In  the  evening  I  was  enabled  to 
preach  with  power,  on  the  awful  subject  of  the  judgment : 
attempting 

I.  To  prove  that  the  judgment  will  be  universal. 

II.  To  describe  the  person  of  the  Judge. 

III.  To  describe  the  awful  events  preceding  and  attending 
that  period. 

IV.  To  point  out  the  business  of  the  day. 

V.  To  show  the  decision  and  consequences. 

Monday,  28.  Many  people  attended  the  preaching  at  five 
o'clock,  and  brother  S.  and  myself  set  off  in  the  forenoon  for 
New-Rochelle.  As  we  came  unexpectedly  on  the  people,  I 
improved  the  occasion  by  preaching  on  these  words  :  "  In 
such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not,  the  Son  of  man  cometh." 

Tuesday,  29.  At  friend  D.'s  I  preached  with  fervency 
from  Ezek.  xxxiii,  4.  I  have  been  much  assaulted  this  day 
with  temptations,  but  have  been  kept  by  the  power  of  God. 
I  find  a  degree  of  effeminacy  cleaving  to  me,  but  abhor  it  from 
my  very  heart.  The  reading  of  Mr.  Wesley's  journal  has 
been  made  a  blessing  to  me. 

o 

Wednesday,  30.  I  was  led  to  speak  very  closely  at  P.  B.'s, 
to  a  congregation  in  winch  were  many  old  people ;  and  then 


Oct.,  1772.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


45 


returned  to  Mr.  D.'s,  where  I  preached  again,  and  enforced 
the  duty  of  meeting  together  among  themselves. 

October  1.  I  set  off  for  York ;  and  preached  to  a  small 
company  at  Kingsbridge  on  my  way.  This  day  I  received 
a  letter  from  my  mother,  informing  me  she  was  weak  in  body, 
and  had  an  earnest  desire  to  see  me  once  more  before  she 
dies. 

October  3.  Though  1  preached  with  liberty  last  night,  yet 
my  mind  was  troubled  to-day  :  but  I  earnestly  desire  to  re- 
new my  covenant  with  God.  Mr.  W.  received  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Wesley,  enforcing  our  rules  and  discipline.  My  desire  is 
to  sit  loose  to  every  created  object. 

Lord's  day,  4.  I  felt  divine  assistance  in  preaching  both 
morning  and  evening  ;  but  was  grieved  at  soceity-meeting,  to 
see  the  steward  desirous  to  let  strangers  in. 

On  Monday,  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Wesley,  and  communicated 
the  true  sentiments  of  my  mind. 

Tuesday,  6.  This  was  a  day  of  peace  and  rest  to  my  soul. 
After  preaching  at  night  with  some  power,  I  spoke  to  our 
steward,  whose  conduct  did  not  altogether  please  me — fre- 
quently avoiding  to  speak  to  me — absenting  himself  from  the 
meeting  of  the  leaders — the  appearance  of  dissimulation — op- 
posing our  rules — and  consulting  persons  who  were  not 
members  of  our  society.  He  appeared  to  be  somewhat 
affected  by  the  conversation. 

Thursday,  8.  In  preaching  both  morning  and  evening,  I 
had  an  opening  of  soul  towards  the  people ;  I  met  the  so- 
ciety this  evening,  and  told  them  plainly  my  mind  relative  to 
their  state  as  a  collective  body. 

Friday,  9.  I  met  the  leaders,  and  there  were  some  sharp 
debates.  After  much  had  been  said,  I  was  charged  with 
using  Mr.  N —  ill,  in  saying  he  opposed  my  meeting  the  so- 
ciety. Mr.  L —  told  me  I  had  already  preached  the  people 
away ;  and  intimated  that  the  whole  work  would  be  destroyed 
by  me.  Perhaps  this  was  because  I  spoke  so  freely  to  Mr. 
N — ,  and  desired  him  to  take  care  what  company  he  kept. 

Saturday,  10.   I  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Wesley,  in 


46 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1772. 


which  he  required  a  strict  attention  to  discipline;  and  ap- 
pointed me  to  act  as  assistant.  He  also  enjoined  that  Mr.  W. 
might  not  print  any  more  books  without  his  consent.  I  like- 
wise received  a  letter  from  Mr.  W.,  informing  me  of  the  state 
of  matters  in  Maryland  ;  and  that  it  was  appointed  for  me  to 
winter  there.    For  this  I  intend  to  prepare. 

Lord's  day,  11.  Preached  with  power  in  the  morning,  and 
spoke  freely  to  a  large  congregation  in  the  evening.  My  soul 
is  blest  with  peace  and  love  to  God. 

Monday,  12.  Read  one  of  Mr.  Wesley's  sermons  to  the 
people,  and  believe  some  felt  it  reproving  them  for  evil  speak- 
ing. My  mind  is  serene  and  comfortable.  Part  of  Monday 
was  spent  in  meeting  classes ;  and  on  Tuesday  morning,  at 
five,  I  had  many  people.  My  intention  is  to  deal  faithfully 
with  all ;  and  it  is  my  real  opinion,  that  I  am  not  so  sensible 
of  faults  in  any  other  person  as  in  myself.  Lord,  help  me  to 
be  faithful,  and  in  all  I  do  to  glorify  thee  more  than  ever  ! 
Felt  assistance  this  evening  in  preaching. 

Wednesday,  I  went  to  Newtown,  but  was  not  expected. 
However,  we  collected  many  people  to  hear  the  word.  I 
then  returned  to  York,  and,  after  preaching  in  the  morning, 
was  engaged  in  settling  the  classes,  making  up  some  bands, 
and  meeting  the  children.  I  have  reason  to  be  thankful  ; 
though  my  trials  have  been  great  from  many  quarters,  they 
have  not  moved  me. 

Friday,  16.  Preached  in  the  morning,  and  felt  resigned  to 
anything,  having  no  choice ;  but  am  willing  to  go  to  the  end 
of  the  world,  if  I  can  be  holy  and  useful. 

Lord's  day,  18.  Preached  in  the  morning  with  some  sensi- 
bility, and  then  went  to  hear  Mr.  I.,  who  delivered  a  profitable 
discourse  on  the  education  of  children.  He  proved  the 
necessity,  antiquity,  and  human  authority  of  catechising ;  and 
made  it  evident,  that,  in  the  primitive  Church,  the  best  and 
ablest  men  were  appointed  for  this  work.  He  gave  some 
account  of  the  school  in  Alexandria ;  and  told  the  audience, 
that  in  this  duty  there  should  be  both  precept  and  example, 
and  sometimes  severity.    In  the  evening  I  was  enabled  to 


Oct.  IV  72.,]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


47 


speak  plainly  to  a  large  congregation,  on  Deut.  xxx,  19 :  "I 
call  heaven  and  earth  to  record  against  you  this  day,  that  I 
have  set  before  you  life  and  death,  blessing  and  cursing  : 
therefore  choose  life,  that  both  thou  and  thy  seed  may  live." 
This  day  we  had  a  love-feast.  Many  people  spoke  freely, 
but  not  long.  This  I  have  observed  more  here  than  in  Eng- 
land, that  the  people  speak  short,  and  yet  very  full. 

Monday,  19.  Set  off  in  the  stage  for  Philadelphia.  The 
company  was  all  pretty  quiet,  except  one  young  man,  who 
frequently  profaned  the  name  of  the  Lord.  It  was  my  inten- 
tion to  reprove  him ;  but  waiting  for  a  proper  time,  I  found 
an  opportunity  when  there  was  only  one  person  with  him, 
and  then  told  him  how  he  had  grieved  me.  He  received  the 
admonition  very  well ;  and  excused  himself  by  saying,  he 
did  not  think  of  what  he  was  doing.  Afterward  he  seemed 
more  careful.  After  dining  at  Brunswick,  we  came  to  Prince- 
ton, a  place  I  had  long  wished  to  see  for  the  sake  of  the 
pious  Mr.  D.,  late  president  of  the  college  there.  Here  I  met 
Mr.  B.,  and  we  both  agreed  in  judgment  about  the  affairs  of 
the  society  ;  and  were  comforted  together.  The  next  day  I 
came  to  Trenton :  but  a  drunken  sailor  had  locked  up  the 
court-house,  so  I  was  obliged  to  preach  in  a  school-house, 
where  we  had  a  comfortable  meeting ;  and  also  at  five  the 
next  morning-. 

Thursday,  October  22.  In  the  morning  I  preached  over  the 
river,  and  in  the  evening  at  Trenton,  with  some  assistance. 
And  many  young  people  attended. 

Saturday,  24.  Leaving  my  horse  at  Bristol,  I  went  to  Bur- 
lington ;  and  on  the  Lord's  day  my  spirit  was  much  dejected, 
though  in  preaching  I  felt  greatly  assisted,  and  Divine  truth 
reached  the  hearts  of  the  people. 

Monday,  26.  After  preaching  at  five,  I  left  them,  and 
preached  in  the  evening  at  Philadelphia,  All  things  con- 
sidered, the  people  here  seemed  to  be  quiet  and  in  good  order. 

On  Tuesday,  preached  both  morning  and  evening.  R.  S. 
and  myself  set  out  on  Wednesday  for  Bohemia,  and  on  our 
way  we  found  a  few  friends  at  Newcastle  that  had  not  de- 


48 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.,  1772. 


serted  the  cause.  In  this  journey  I  called  at  Chester  jail, 
and  saw  the  prisoners,  who  all  seemed  hardened  to  a  man, 
and  among  them  were  the  wretched  three  that  I  saw  escape 
the  gallows  before ;  two  of  these  had  behaved  so  badly  they 
were  now  in  chains.  Lord,  what  is  man !  And  what  am  I 
Avithout  thy  grace  !  Keep  me,  keep  me,  holy  Lord,  and  never 
let  me  go  !  Let  me  die  rather  than  live  to  sin  against  thee  !  I 
spoke  freely  to  one  of  them,  who  was  a  murderer. 

Thursday,  29.  We  reached  Bohemia,  where  we  found  So- 
lomon Hersey,  a  man  hearty  in  the  cause,  and  of  a  good  un- 
derstanding ;  but  his  spirit  is  too  warm  and  easily  moved. 

On  Friday,  I  visited  E.  and  R.  T.  and  saw  their  father  in 
his  hundredth  year,  eating,  drinking,  smoking,  and  talking. 
He  appeared  as  forgetful  of  eternity  as  if  he  had  been  at  the 
most  secure  distance  from  its  brink.  I  think  he  told  me  that 
his  father  lived  to  be  a  hundred  and  nine,  and  never  used 
spectacles. 

Saturday,  31.  Rose  early  this  morning,  and  purpose, 
through  grace,  to  devote  this  day  to  God.  I  have  traveled, 
since  Monday  week,  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles. 

Lord's  day,  November  1.  After  preaching  at  H.'s  in  the 
morning,  I  intended  to  preach  in  the  school-house  in  the  after- 
noon ;  but  it  would  not  contain  half  the  people  ;  so  I  stood  at 
the  door,  and  the  people  without.  Went  to  bed  very  unwell 
this  evening ;  but  rose  at  five,  and  feeling  better,  set  off  for 
Susquehanna.  The  next  morning  my  soul  longed  for  God. 
I  felt  a  comfortable  sense  of  his  love  in  my  heart,  and  can  re- 
joice in  him  as  my  all-sufficient  portion.  In  the  afternoon  we 
rode  in  company  to  the  bay  side.  A  few  people,  who  came 
straggling  after  the  time  at  fiiend  Nathaniel  Giles's,  felt  them- 
selves affected  by  the  power  of  God.  At  friend  G.'s  the 
family  was  called  together  in  the  evening,  and  R.  W.  gave  a 
moving  exhortation.  One  person  seemed  affected.  The  next 
morning  I  rose  at  five,  my  usual  time,  and  spent  one  hour  in 
solemn,  secret  prayer.  Friend  G.  treated  me  with  great  kind- 
ness, and  pressed  me  to  call  again.  I  then  went  to  Rocky- 
Run,  and  preached  with  freedom  to  a  number  of  people, 


Nov.,  1772.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


49 


among  whom  were  many  Friends.  For  some  days  past  my 
mind  has  been  blest  with  much  peace ;  so  that  I  experience 
a  present  salvation,  and  hope  to  experience  that  which  is 
eternal.  Thanks  be  to  God  for  what  I  feel !  Glory,  glory  be 
given  to  my  dear  and  gracious  Saviour ! 

Wednesday,  4.  This  evening  I  had  a  very  solemn  family 
meeting;  and  spoke  separately  and  pointedly  to  every  one, 
both  black  and  white. 

On  Thursday  morning,  rising  at  my  usual  time,  I  had  a 
comfortable  sense  of  God  upon  my  heart.  Glory  be  to  thee, 
0  Lord !  After  breakfast,  Mrs.  G.,  her  brother,  and  myself 
set  out  for  Deer-creek.  We  called  at  a  Friends'  meeting,  and 
heard  two  men  and  a  woman  speak.  They  all  spoke  to  pur- 
pose. We  then  proceeded  to  Mr.  M.'s,  and  unexpectedly  found 
the  people,  at  two  o'clock,  waiting  to  hear  the  word.  I 
preached  with  liberty,  and  the  power  of  God  was  felt  in  the 
hearts  of  many,  though  some  of  them  were  principal  men. 
The  man  of  the  house  looked  very  earnestly  at  me  while  I 

was  preaching.    I  then  published  preaching  at  S.  L  's ; 

where  we  had  also  a  comfortable  time.    S.  L  himself  was 

deeply  affected.  He  had  been  a  ranting  Quaker,  and  a  rebel- 
lious man ;  but  God  hath  touched  his  heart,  and  wrought  a 
good  work  on  him  and  several  others  here.  The  next  day  we 
proceeded  to  Henry  Watters',  whose  brother  is  an  exhorter, 
and  now  gone  with  Mr.  W.  to  Virginia.  The  Lord  hath  done 
great  things  for  these  people,  notwithstanding  the  weakness 
of  the  instruments,  and  some  little  irregularities.  Men  who 
neither  feared  God,  nor  regarded  man, — swearers,  liars,  cock- 
fighters,  card-players,  horse-racers,  drunkards,  &c,  are  now 
so  changed  as  to  become  new  men ;  and  they  are  filled  with 
the  praises  of  God.  This  is  the  Lord's  work,  and  it  is  mar- 
vellous in  our  eyes.  Not  unto  us,  O  Lord,  not  unto  us ;  but 
unto  thy  name  be  all  the  glory ! 

Saturday,  7.  We  had  a  powerful  meeting  at  H.  W.'s ; 
several  from  Mr.  M.'s  followed  me,  and  seemed  to  give  good 
attention  to  the  things  of  God.  Here  I  met  with  Nicholas 
Watters,  an  exhorter,  who  appears  to  be  a  serious  and  sensible 

3 


50 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Nov.,  1112. 


man.  After  appointing  to  meet  the  exhorters  at  my  return, 
I  went  to  S.  F.'s  and  preached  to  many  people  ;  then  preached 
at  a  place  about  three  miles  on  my  way  back,  and  came  to 
H.  W.'s  again ;  where  we  had  a  very  comfortable  time. 

Lord's  day,  8.  We  "had  a  very  melting  time  indeed,  while 
1  preached  to  about  two  hundred  souls,  from  Rom.  vi,  17,  18. 
We  had  also  many  people  at  R.  W.'s  while  I  preached,  with 
liberty  in  my  soul,  from  1  Cor.  iv,  20  :  "  The  kingdom  of  God 
is  not  in  word,  but  in  power."  This  day  I  have  been  free 
from  evil,  happy,  and  joyful  in  my  God.  At  the  widow  B.'s 
there  were  many  people,  both  black  and  white,  rich  and  poor, 
who  were  all  exhorted  to  seek  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found. 
Some  of  the  young  women  of  this  family  are  serious  and 
thoughtful. 

Tuesday,  10.  I  enjoy  peace  and  life  in  my  soul;  and  am 
determined,  through  grace,  to  love  and  seek  nothing  but  God. 
Preached  to  many  people,  both  at  C.  B.'s  in  the  morning,  and 
at  I.  M.'s  in  the  evening ;  and  was  favoured  with  much  free- 
dom. 

Wednesday,  11.  Many  people  attended  preaching  at  Mr. 
S.'s,  among  whom  were  some  Baptists,  who  went  away  dis- 
pleased. The  congregation  was  also  large  at  friend  S.'s.  I 
have  read  Dr.  S.  on  the  non-eternity  of  hell  torments.  But 
by  his  arguments,  we  may  as  well  prove  the  non-eternity  of 
heavenly  joys ;  for  he  calls  it  an  aldviov  life.  Now  if  the 
alcjviov  life  of  saints  arise  from  a  principle  of  spiritual  life 
derived  from  Christ,  then  the  ladviov  death  of  the  wicked 
arises  from  a  principle  of  spiritual  death  in  them ;  and  the  one 
will  come  to  an  end  as  soon  as  the  other. 

Thursday,  12.  Preached  at  friend  G.'s.  There  are  some 
Baptists  in  this  neighbourhood,  who  oppose  the  work  under 
us,  and  perplex  and  trouble  our  young  beginners,  though 
they  let  me  alone.  Then  returning  to  friend  C.'s,  the  word 
flowed  freely,  while  I  preached  to  many  people,  at  six  o'clock, 
from  2  Cor.  v,  20:  "Now  then  we  are  ambassadors  for 
Christ,  as  though  God  did  beseech  you  by  us ;  we  pray  you, 
in  Christ's  stead,  be  ye  reconciled  to  God."    Spoke  on  God's 


Nov.,  1772.3 


ASBUItY'S  JOURNAL.. 


51 


being  reconciled  to  sinners,  and  showed  on  what  terms  they 
might  be  reconciled  to  God,  and  that  none  but  Christ  could 
bring  about  the  reconciliation.  My  mind  was  greatly  enlarged 
while  describing  the  character  of  Gospel  ministers.  Friday 
morning  my  soul  was  happy  in  God.  I  rode  about  eight 
miles  to  meet  J.  K.    Many  people  attended  the  word  at  Mr. 

G  's ;  and  after  preaching  J.  K.  came.    We  went  together 

to  town  and  stayed  all  night.    The  next  morning  I  returned  to 

J.  C  's,  where  the  congregation  was  large  at  twelve  o'clock. 

This  man's  friends  have  rejected  him  on  account  of  his  religion. 
The  family  seem  very  serious ;  and  I  hope  there  will  be  a 
great  and  good  work  here.  Then  rode  to  Richard  Owing's, 
where  some  people  came  to  see  me,  with  whom  we  sung  and 
prayed. 

Tuesday,  17.  This  morning  I  found  some  peace  and  life  in 
my  soul ;  but  want  more  retirement.  My  desire  is,  to  be  ever 
before  the  Lord.  Many  people  attended  the  preaching,  both 
in  the  forenoon  and  in  the  evening,  when  the  congregation  was 
much  affected.  The  next  morning  I  went  to  friend  S.'s,  and 
found  his  family  well.  Here  we  had  Dr.  Warfuld,  and  several 
polite  people  to  dine  with  us.  I  spoke  to  the  ladies  about 
head-dresses ;  but  the  Doctor  vindicated  them,  observing  that 
religion  did  not  consist  in  dress.  I  quoted  the  words  of  St. 
Peter  ;  I  stayed  about  an  hour,  and  then  departed.  We  then 
rode  to  Friend  D.'s,  and  spent  some  time  with  his  family. 

Thursday,  19.  Friend  D.  and  I  setoff  for  Frederica.  We 
came  to  G.  S's.,  where  I  expected  to  have  preached,  but  there 
was  a  disappointment ;  so  we  pursued  our  way,  though  my 
little  horse  was  unwell  and  very  weary.  A  poor,  unhappy 
man  abused  me  much  on  the  road :  he  cursed,  swore,  and 
threw  stones  at  me.  But  I  found  it  my  duty  to  talk  to  him, 
and  show  him  his  danger.  Frederica  is  a  neat,  little  town, 
having  one  main  street  and  three  cross  streets.  It  contains 
about  a  thousand  houses,  and  the  inhabitants  are  chiefly  Ger- 
mans. There  are  two  German  churches,  one  Calvinist,  and 
one  Lutheran.  There  is  also  one  English  church,  and  one 
Roman  chapel.    Many  people  came  to  hear  me  in  this  town. 


52 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Nov.,  1772. 


Friday,  20.  Found  some  peace  of  mind  in  the  morning ;  but 
was  sorely  buffetted  by  Satan  in  the  course  of  the  day ;  I  had 
but  few  people  in  the  evening,  and  but  little  power. 

Saturday,  21.  My  mind  was  greatly  depressed.  Not  on 
account  of  any  outward,  known  sin ;  but  partly  from  the  state 
of  my  body,  and  partly  from  a  deep  sense  of  the  very  great 
work  in  which  I  am  employed.  I  do  not  know  when  I  sunk 
into  deeper  distress :  though,  thank  God,  there  was  no  con- 
demnation. 

Lord's  day.  After  preaching  in  the  morning,  brother  J.  H., 
friend  B.,  and  myself  set  off  to  a  place  where  I  had  to  preach 
at  two  o'clock.  Friend  B.  was  awakened  by  the  instru- 
mentality of  Friend  S.,  and  he  told  me  that  he  had  been  much 
opposed.  I  heard  him  give  an  exhortation  greatly  to  the 
purpose ;  and  gave  him  a  note  of  recommendation,  to  do  all 
the  good  he  could.  Happened  in  company  with  an  old,  stupid 
Quaker  woman,  who  supposed  me  to  be  a  half  Quaker,  and 
thought  the  Friends  were  the  only  people  in  the  world,  and 
that  they  were  not  fallen  from  their  former  lively  and  spiritual 
state.  A  man  came  twenty  miles  for  me,  to  go  and  preach  a 
funeral  sermon.  I  accordingly  complied,  and  had  many  peo- 
ple to  hear  me.  Then  went  about  two  miles,  to  preach  at 
Mr.  D.'s ;  and  met  with  a  German  minister,  Mr.  Benedict 
Swope,  who  heard  me  preach  at  both  places.  We  had  some 
conversation  about  the  ordinances  administered  by  Mr.  S.  He 
advanced  some  reasons  to  urge  the  necessity  of  them,  and 
said  Mr.  W.  did  not  do  well  to  hinder  us  from  the  administra- 
tion of  them.  I  told  him  they  did  not  appear  to  me  as  i 
tial  to  salvation. 

Tuesday,  24.  Preached  at  Winchester,  in  an  unfinished 
house ;  and  while  the  rain  beat  in  upon  me,  many  people 
looked  and  wondered  at  the  stranger.  However,  I  delivered 
my  message  with  some  energy,  and  then  rode  three  miles  to 
Richard  Owing's,  where  the  Lord  enabled  me  to  preach  with 
much  feeling  to  a  great  number  of  people. 

Wednesday,  25.  We  rode  about  twenty  miles  to  my  old 
friend  Joshua  Owing's,  the  forest-home  for  the  Methodists  at 


Dec,  1772.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


that  time,  and  found  a  very  agreeable  house  and  family.  The 
old  man  is  "  an  Israelite  indeed."  He  was  once  a  serious 
Church-man,  who  sought  for  the  truth;  and  now  God  has 
revealed  it  to  him.  The  Lord  has  also  begun  to  bless  his 
family.  He  has  one  son  a  preacher,  and  the  rest  of  his  chil- 
dren are  very  thoughtful.  Though  it  was  a  rainy  day,  there 
were  many  people,  and  my  heart  was  greatly  enlarged  towards 
them  in  preaching. 

Thursday,  2  6 .  The  congregation  was  also  large  at  Mr.  Samuel 
Merryman's,  and  the  Lord  was  with  me.  But  on  Friday,  at 
Mr.  E.'s,  the  congregation  was  small,  and  I  was  much  straiten- 
ed. The  same  evening  I  rode  to  Baltimore.  Saturday,  28. 
Preached  at  the  Point  the  first  time. 

Lord's  day,  29.  It  was  a  rainy  day,  but  I  rode  to  the  Point, 
and  after  preaching  to  a  large  congregation,  returned  to  town 
and  dined  at  W.  M.'s :  I  preached  in  town  both  at  three,  and 
at  six  o'clock. 

Monday,  November  30.  Rode  in  company  with  Mrs.  Rachel 
Hulings,  Mrs.  R.,  and  the  widow  W.,  to  Nathaniel  Perrig's, 
and  preached  to  a  large  number  of  people.  Then  I  rode  to 
William  Lynch's,  to  whom  I  was  introduced  by  Mrs.  H.,  and 
had  many  to  hear  the  word  of  truth. 

The  next  day,  at  Joppa,  there  were  many  people  from  the 
country,  and  some  from  the  town. 

Thursday,  December  3.  Preached  at  James  Presbury's,  to 
many  people  who  could  feel  the  word,  and  with  much  power  in 
my  own  soul.  Then  rode  three  miles  into  the  Neck,  and  had  a 
solemn,  heart-affecting  time,  while  preaching  from  Rev.  ii,  11 ; 
a  passage  which,  it  seems,  just  suited  their  case :  afterward 
returned  to  J.  P.'s.  Friday,  4.  After  preaching,  Joseph  Dal- 
lam conducted  me  to  his  house,  and  treated  me  with  great 
kindness.  Preached  at  his  house  at  three  o'clock;  and  on 
Saturday,  at  M.  B.'s,  about  three  miles  off. 

Lord's  day,  6.  Went  about  five  miles  to  preach  in  our  first 
preaching-house.  The  house  had  no  windows  or  doors ;  the 
weather  was  very  cold :  so  that  my  heart  pitied  the  people 
when  I  saw  them  so  exposed.    Putting  a  handkerchief  over 


54 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1772. 


my  head,  I  preached,  and  after  an  hour's  intermission  (the 
people  waiting  all  the  time  in  the  cold)  I  preached  again. 

Monday,  V.  J.  K.  and  I  went  about  five  miles  to  lodge  ;  and 
the  next  morning  set  off  for  Bohemia.  We  passed  through 
Charlestown,  and  dined  at  the  head  of  the  Elk.  We  lodged 
at  R.  T.'s,  where  I  spoke  closely  to  the  poor  negroes,  who 
took  some  notice  of  what  was  said.  Since  I  went  from  here 
last,  my  travels  have  been,  perhaps,  as  much  as  three  hundred 
miles  in  about  six  weeks.  And,  glory  to  God !  I  have  been 
favoured  with  the  presence  of  the  Lord ;  and  with  zeal  and 
power  in  my  public  exercises.    Rode  to  B.'s  tavern  for  my 

trunk  and  box  of  books  ;  and  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  P  

which  surpassed  everything  I  ever  had  met  with  from  a  Me- 
thodist preacher.  The  Lord  judge  between  him  and  me ! 
Then  I  went  to  S.  H.'s,  and  after  preaching  to  a  few  people, 
I  spoke  to  them,  one  by  one,  concerning  the  state  of  their 
souls. 

Tuesday,  8.  I  intended  to  have  preached  at  Georgetown ; 
but  in  my  way  found  a  large  house  belonging  to  a  certain  Mr. 
B.,  in  which  Mr.  Whitefield  had  preached  some  years  ago,  to 
some  Hollanders,  who  were  eminent  for  religion :  but  the  old 
people  are  now  dead.  Then  I  proceeded  on  my  way  to  George- 
town, and  lodged  at  the  house  of  a  Quaker.  He  treated  me 
with  great  kindness ;  and  appeared  to  be  an  understanding 
man.  His  wife  was  somewhat  tender  in  religious  conversation. 
In  the  evening  the  negroes  were  collected,  and  I  spoke  to 
them  in  exhortation.  In  the  morning  three  or  four  white  peo- 
ple also  attended  at  prayer,  to  whom  I  spoke  about  their 
souls.  The  Friend  went  with  me  in  the  morning ;  and  when 
I  asked  him  what  satisfaction  he  required,  he  told  me,  no 
more  than  what  he  had  received. 

Wednesday,  9.  Preached  to  many  people,  rich  and  poor, 
at  J.  R.'s,  and  at  another  place  in  the  evening. 

Friday,  11.  Went  twelve  miles  into  Kent  county,  and  had 
many  great  people  to  hear  me.  But  before  preaching,  one 
Mr.  R.,  a  church  minister,  came  to  me  and  desired  to  know 
who  I  was,  and  whether  I  was  licensed.    I  told  him  who  I 


Dec,  1772.] 


ASBUIIY'S  JOURNAL. 


55 


was.  He  spoke  great,  swelling  words,  and  told  me  he  had 
authority  over  the  people,  and  was  charged  with  the  care  of 
their  souls.  He  also  told  me  that  I  could  not,  and  should  not 
preach ;  and  if  I  did,  he  would  proceed  against  me  according 
to  law.  I  let  him  know  that  I  came  to  preach,  and  preach  I 
would  ;  and  further  asked  him  if  he  had  authority  to  bind  the 
consceinces  of  the  people,  or  if  he  was  a  justice  of  the  peace  ; 
and  told  him  I  thought  he  had  nothing  to  do  with  me.  He 
charged  me  with  making  a  schism.  I  told  him  that  I  did  not 
draw  the  people  from  the  Church  ;  and  asked  him  if  his  church 
was  then  open  ?  He  told  me  that  I  hindered  people  from  their 
work  ;  but  I  asked  him  if  fairs  and  horse-races  did  not  hinder 
them  ?  and,  further,  told  him  that  I  came  to  help  him.  He 
said,  he  had  not  hired  me  for  an  assistant,  and  did  not  want 
my  help.  I  told  him,  if  there  were  no  swearers  or  other  sin- 
ners, he  was  sufficient.  But,  said  he,  what  did  you  come  for  ? 
I  replied,  to  turn  sinners  to  God.  He  said,  cannot  I  do  that 
as  well  as  you  ?  I  told  him  that  I  had  authority  from  God. 
He  then  laughed  at  me,  and  said,  You  are  a  fine  fellow,  indeed  ! 
I  told  him  I  did  not  do  this  to  invalidate  his  authority ;  and 
also  gave  him  to  understand  that  I  did  not  wish  to  dispute 
with  him  :  but  he  said  he  had  business  with  me,  and  came  into 
the  house  in  a  great  rage*  I  began  to  preach,  and  urged  the 
people  to  repent,  and  turn  from  all  their  transgressions,  so 
iniquity  should  not  prove  their  ruin.  After  preaching,  the 
parson  went  out,  and  told  the  people  they  did  wrong  in  coming 
to  hear  me ;  and  said  I  spoke  against  learning.  Whereas,  I 
only  spoke  to  this  purpose — when  a  man  turned  from  all  sin, 
he  would  adorn  every  character  in  life,  both  in  Church  and 
state.  I  left  him,  and  preached  at  John  R's.  at  seven 
o'clock. 

Lord's  day,  13.  Preached  twice  with  very  little  intermission, 
to  many  people  collected  at  a  school-house  near  R.  T.'s ;  and 
then  rode  to  S.  H.'s,  and  found  it  a  comfortable  time  while 
preaching  at  six  o'clock.  On  Monday  I  rode  to  New-Castle, 
and  preached  to  a  large  company.  My  soul  has  lately  been 
much  bowed  down. 


56 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1772. 


Tuesday,  15.  There  were  but  few  people  attended  preach- 
ing at  Mr.  S.'s  ;  and  as  the  next  day  was  wet,  I  stayed  and  had 
a  family-meeting.  On  Thursday  I  went  to  Mr.  T.'s.  My 
mind  has  been  much  affected  lately.  May  the  Lord  support 
and  teach  me !  After  preaching  at  Mr.  T.'s,  I  went  to  hear  a 
New-Light  minister,  and  found  but  little  satisfaction. 

Lord's  day,  20.  Though  it  rained  much,  yet  many  people 
attended  preaching  at  I.  H.'s.  Then  I  preached  at  a  place 
about  five  miles  off ;  and  rode  thence  to  Newcastle,  where 
many  people  attended  at  night.  The  Lord  favoured  me.  My 
mind  is  now  full  of  Divine  peace. 

Monday,  21.  I  set  out  for  Bohemia ;  and  though  my  body 
was  much  fatigued  with  my  ride,  and  my  head  ached  vio- 
lently, yet  in  the  evening  I  enforced  these  words :  "  Be  dili- 
gent that  ye  may  be  found  of  him  in  peace,  without  spot,  and 
blameless ;"  and  endeavoured  to  show  them,  that  in  justi- 
fication we  have  peace,  in  sanctification  we  are  without  spot, 
and  in  perfect  love  we  are  blameless  ;  and  then  proceeded  to 
show  them  wherein  we  must  be  diligent. 

Tuesday,  22.  On  my  way  to  Susquehanna,  a  person  came 
for  me  to  visit  Mrs.  T.  in  a  dropsy.  I  then  proceeded  to 
J.  D.'s  ;  and  the  next  day  set  off  for  J.  P.'s,  to  attend  our 
quarterly  meeting.  Many  people  attended,  and  several 
friends  came  many  miles.  I  preached  from  Acts  xx,  28 : 
"  Take  heed,  therefore,  unto  yourselves,"  &c.  After  show- 
ing to  whom  the  charge  was  given,  I  proceeded  to  enforce 
the  subject  thus  : — 

I.  Take  heed  to  your  spirits. 

II.  Take  heed  to  your  practice. 

III.  Take  heed  to  your  doctrine. 

IV.  Take  heed  to  the  flock. 

1.  Those  that  are  under  deep  conviction. 

2.  Those  that  are  true  believers. 

3.  Those  that  are  sorely  tempted. 

4.  Those  that  are  groaning  for  full  redemption. 

5.  Those  that  have  backslidden. 

I  then  urged  the  motives  to  this  duty.    We  afterward  pro- 


Dec,  1772.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


57 


cceded  to  our  temporal  business,  and  considered  the  following 
propositions  :— - 

1.  What  are  our  collections  ?  We  found  them  sufficient  to 
defray  our  expenses. 

2.  How  are  the  preachers  stationed  ?  Brother  S.  and  bro- 
ther 0.  in  Frederick  county.  Brother  K.,  brother  W.,  and 
I.  R.,  on  the  other  side  of  the  bay  ;  and  myself  in  Baltimore. 

3.  Shall  we  be  strict  in  our  society  meetings,  and  not  ad- 
mit strangers  ?  Agreed. 

4.  Shall  we  drop  preaching  in  the  day-time  through  the 
week  ?   Not  agreed  to. 

5.  Will  the  people  be  contented  without  our  administering 
the  sacrament  ?  J.  K.  was  neuter  ;  brother  S.  pleaded  much 
for  the  ordinances  ;  and  so  did  the  people,  who  appeared  to 
be  much  biassed  by  him.  I  told  them  I  would  not  agree  to 
it  at  that  time,  and  insisted  on  our  abiding  by  our  rules.  But 
Mr.  B.  had  given  them  their  way  at  the  quarterly  meeting 
held  here  before,  and  I  was  obliged  to  connive  at  some  things 
for  the  sake  of  peace. 

6.  Shall  we  make  collections  weekly,  to  pay  the  preachers' 
board  and  expenses  ?  This  was  not  agreed  to.  We  then  in- 
quired into  the  moral  characters  of  the  preachers  and  ex- 
horters.  Only  one  exhorter  was  found  any  way  doubtful, 
and  we  have  great  hopes  of  him.  Brother  S.  received  £8 
quarterage  ;  brother  K.  and  myself  £Q  each.  Great  love 
subsisted  among  us  in  this  meeting,  and  we  parted  in  peace. 

I  then  went  to  Jos.  Dallam's  ;  and  on  Christmas  day  at- 
tended the  Church,  and  heard  parson  West  preach  a  plain, 
useful  sermon,  which  contained  much  truth ;  and  afterward 
received  the  sacrament.  Then  rode  five  miles  to  Bush  ;  but 
as  Mr.  S.  did  not  give  public  notice,  few  people  attended, 
and  the  preaching  was  late.  The  next  day  I  rode  to  B.  P.'s, 
where  we  had  a  large  congregation,  and  a  very  comfortable 
meeting.  On  the  same  day,  at  the  house  of  H.  W.,  Nicholas 
Watters  spoke  with  great  care,  but  with  little  depth.  He 
may  improve,  and  make  a  useful  preacher  in  time. 

Lord's  day,  27.  Rode  to  the  widow  Bond's,  and  preached 
3* 


58 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Jan.,  17*73. 


twice,  with  very  little  intermission,  to  a  great  number  of  peo- 
ple. Appointing  a  meeting  in  the  evening,  I  had  an  oppor- 
tunity of  hearing  Isaac  Rawling  exhort.  His  exhortation  was 
coarse  and  loud  enough,  though  with  some  depth.  I  gave 
him  a  little  advice,  which  he  seemed  willing  to  take. 

Monday,  28.  Many  people  of  various  kinds  attended  at 
A.  S.'s.  Preached  afterward  at  I.  M.'s  in  the  evening,  and 
went  thence  to  I.  B  's,  and  met  the  class. 

Tuesday,  29.  At  Mr.  S.'s  I  found  great  peace  of  mind, 
and,  thanks  be  to  God,  had  power  in  preaching,  though  the 
people  were  dead  and  stupid.  The  next  day  at  Mr.  C.'s  I 
had  many  people,  and  preached  with  freedom  ;  then  went  to 
G.'s,  where  we  had  great  consolation. 

January  1,  1*773.  My  body  has  been  weak  for  some  time  ; 
but  my  mind  has  enjoyed  a  good  degree  of  peace,  and  I  have 
a  strong  desire  to  be  kept  in  the  meekness  of  Jesus  Christ. 
My  heart  has  been  affected  by  reading,  lately,  part  of  Sewel's 
History  of  the  Quakers.  How  great  was  the  spirit  of  per- 
secution in  New-England,  when  some  were  imprisoned,  some 
had  their  ears  cut  off,  and  some  were  hanged  !  0  that  our 
God  would  arise,  and  bow  the  nations  to  himself! 

January  2.  After  preaching  to  several  people  at  J.  M.'s,  a 
new  place,  I  then  rode  back  to  Mr.  C.'s,  and  preached  in  the 
evening. 

January  3.  Rode  to  Baltimore,  and  had  a  large  congre- 
gation at  the  house  of  Captain  Paten,  at  the  Point.  Many 
of  the  principal  people  were  there  ;  and  the  Lord  enabled  me 
to  speak  with  power.  At  night  I  preached  in  town.  The 
house  was  well  filled  with  people,  and  we  have  a  comfortable 
hope  the  work  of  the  Lord  will  revive  in  this  place.  Bless 
the  Lord,  0  ye  saints  !  Holiness  is  the  element  of  my  soul. 
My  earnest  prayer  is,  that  nothing  contrary  to  holiness  may 
live  in  me. 

Monday,  4.  Rode  to  S.  S.'s,  and  was  much  affected  in 
preaching  to  the  people.  I  then  met  and  regulated  the 
class. 

Tuesday,  5.  They  were  kind  enough  to  offer  me  the  court- 


Jan.,  1773.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


59 


house  in  town  :  but  judging  it  unfit,  I  preached  in  another 
house  ;  then  met  the  society,  and  settled  a  class  of  men. 

Wednesday,  6.  We  had  a  pretty  good  gathering  at  N.  Per- 
rig's,  about  six  miles  from  town  ;  I  then  rode  back  to  town, 
and  after  preaching  with  comfort  in  the  evening,  I  formed  a 
class  of  women. 

Thursday,  7.  Rose  with  a  determination  to  live  more  to 
God.  Preached  twice  in  the  country,  met  two  classes,  and 
settled  them  as  well  as  I  could.  The  class  at  Mr.  S.'s  were 
lively,  and  had  the  power  of  God  among  them.    They  were 

the  fruit  of  N.  P  's  labours,  and  many  of  them  could  give 

a  good  account  of  their  experience. 

Friday,  8.  My  mind  is  fixed  on  God.  I  both  desire  and 
purpose  to  exercise  fasting,  prayer,  and  faith.  After  some 
exercise  of  mind,  the  Lord  enabled  me  to  preach  with  warmth 
at  Mr.  M.'s  from  these  words :  "  Be  not  ye  partakers  with 
them."  I  showed  :  First,  whom  the  words  were  spoken  to. 
Secondly,  with  whom  they  were  not  to  be  partakers.  Thirdly, 
how  they  were  not  to  partake  with  them  ;  namely,  In  spirit — 
in  judgment — in  practice. 

Lord's  day,  January  10.  Many  people  attended  at  J.  P.'s, 
to  whom  I  preached  twice,  with  some  life,  and  then  went 
three  miles  into  the  Neck ;  and  felt  much  power  while  preach- 
ing on  perfect  love.  The  more  I  speak  on  this  subject,  the 
more  my  soul  is  filled  and  drawn  out  in  love.  This  doctrine 
has  a  great  tendency  to  prevent  people  from  settling  on 
their  lees. 

Monday,  11.  Preached  with  great  plainness  to  many  peo- 
ple at  D.  R.'s,  and  then  rode  to  Mr.  D.'s. 

Tuesday,  12.  Rode  to  M.  B.'s;  but  as  they  had  no  pre- 
vious notice,  we  collected  but  few.  However,  I  preached, 
and  afterward  returned  to  Mr.  D.'s,  and  preached  to  his 
family. 

Thursday,  14.  It  was  late  before  I  reached  S.  L.'s,  and 
as  there  was  much  rain  and  snow,  the  company  was  small. 
Young  Doctor  Andrews  took  me  home  with  him.  The 
young  man,  with  his  sister  and  mother,  seemed  tender ;  but 


60  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1773. 

his  father  appeared  to  be  a  stiff  old  man,  and  I  did  by  no 
means  like  his  spirit. 

Friday,  15.  Many  people  attended  preaching  at  S.  F  's. 

I  was  shut  up  in  speaking,  and  afterward  rode  home  with 
friend  P. 

Saturday,  16.  This  morning  I  rose  to  glorify  God,  with  a 
determination  to  do  his  will,  and  that  only  ;  to  be  wholly  de- 
voted to  the  Lord,  in  spirit,  soul,  and  body.  Many  people 
came  to  hear  the  word  of  life  to-day,  though  it  was  very 
cold. 

Lord's  day,  17.  Preaching  to-day  at  friend  P.'s,  on  the 
barren  fig-tree,  I  first  showed  that  it  was  applicable  to  the 
Jews  ;  and,  secondly,  to  the  Protestant  Church  ;  at  the  same 
time  described  the  barren  fig-tree  as — one  without  leaves — 
or,  one  without  blossoms — or,  one  without  fruit — or,  one  that 
did  not  bear  so  much  fruit  as  another  might  bear.  I  then 
rode  to  Jos.  Dallam's,  and  preached  to  his  family  with  a  few 
others.  On  Monday  but  few  people  attended  at  B.'s ;  and 
in  the  evening  I  preached  at  Mr.  D.'s,  but  was  shut  up. 
The  next  day  many  country  people  came  to  hear  the  word 
at  Joppa,  though  but  few  from  the  town.  There  are 
about  forty  houses  in  this  town,  and  it  stands  on  a  neck  of 
land  near  the  water ;  but  the  people  seem  to  be  buried  in 
trade,  sensuality,  and  superstition. 

Wednesday,  20.  The  weather  being  cold,  there  were  but 
few  at  J.  B.'s ;  nevertheless  I  preached.  If  Israel  be  not 
gathered,  yet  I  hope  to  be  the  Lord's. 

Thursday,  22.  After  preaching  with  liberty  at  Mr.  C.'s,  I 
wrent  to  A.  G.'s,  and  found  life  in  preaching  there.  The  next 
day  at  J.  M.'s,  I  preached  to  a  stupid  company,  and  then 
rode  to  J.  C.'s.  I  was  favoured  with  liberty  in  dispensing 
the  blessed  word  in  the  evening  at  J.  Owing's.  How  plea- 
sant and  profitable  it  is  to  feel  Divine  power  in  public  ex- 
ercises !  Saturday,  I  rode  to  Baltimore,  and  had  a  large 
congregation. 

Lord's  day,  24.  I  preached  twice  at  the  Point,  and  once 
in  town.    On  Monday  my  heart  felt  great  sorrow.  This 


Feb.,  1773.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  61 

day  I  wrote  to  my  mother ;  and  in  the  evening  found  great 
consolation. 

Tuesday,  26.  My  mind  was  wholly  given  up  to  God,  and 
I  have  a  great  hope  that  the  Gospel  will  yet  spread  in  this 
town.  On  Wednesday  there  was  a  moving  among  the  people 
while  I  preached  at  N.  P.'s  ;  and  afterward  returning  to  town, 
preached  in  the  evening.  On  Thursday  I  felt  power  and  life 
in  my  soul,  while  preaching  to  a  large  number  of  people 
at  Mr.  G.'s.    On  Friday  I  preached  in  the  Neck  and  at  Joppa. 

Saturday,  30.  Perceiving  the  great  wickedness  of  the  peo- 
ple who  were  swearing  and  drinking  in  a  tavern,  great  strug- 
gles arose  in  my  mind  about  preaching  there ;  however  I 
broke  through  every  difficulty,  and  felt  both  life  and  power  in 
dispensing  the  word  among  them. 

Lord's  day,  31.  This  was  a  day  of  power  and  comfort.  I 
rode  to  Jos.  Presbury's,  preached  three  times,  and  met  the 
classes.  Many  of  the  people,  through  grace,  were  able  to  give 
a  good  account  of  their  experience. 

February  1.  Was  favoured  in  preaching  to  a  number  of 
people  at  D.  R.'s ;  and  my  mind  has  been  kept  by  the  grace 
of  God. 

Tuesday,  2.  Was  greatly  assisted  in  preaching  to-day,  both 
at  Swan-Creek  and  Mr.  Dallam's.  The  next  morning  I  break- 
fasted with  Richard  Dallam,  and  found  that  he  was  very  fond 
of  Mr.  Law's  works.  He  treated  me  with  great  kindness. 
After  preaching  and  meeting  the  society  at  the  ferry,  I  went 
to  Jacob  Giles's,  a  man  much  talked  of,  but  what  he  is,  I 
know  not.  In  principle  he  appeared  to  be  a  Quaker.  He 
was  much  troubled  with  the  gout,  which,  he  told  me,  his 
father  had  before  him.  He  said,  his  father  cured  himself  of 
the  gout  by  milk  and  moderate  diet ;  but  threw  himself  into 
a  dropsy.  On  Thursday,  after  preaching  at  Deer-Creek,  I 
rode  to  B.  P.'s.  My  present  purpose  is,  to  put  all  the  people 
who  are  fit  for  it  into  bands. 

Friday,  5.  Many  people  attended  at  F.'s,  and  my  soul  was 
enlarged  in  preaching  to  them.  I  then  rode  back  to  B.  P.'s, 
and  put  the  people  into  bands  as  I  had  designed. 


02  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1773. 

Saturday,  6.  My  mind  was  calm  and  serene  this  morning. 
I  preached  with  some  power,  and  we  had  a  comfortable  meet- 
ing. W.  D.,  a  lad  about  sixteen  or  seventeen  years  of  age,  ex- 
horted the  people.  He  appeared  to  be  a  promising  youth, 
and  I  gave  him  a  license  to  exhort. 

LoraVs  day,  7.  Some  great  critics  attended  at  the  preaching- 
house  to-day ;  but  I  preached  twice,  and  spoke  freely. 

Monday,  8.  Though  the  weather  was  very  cold,  I  went  to 
W.  B.'s,  and  enforced,  on  a  dull  congregation,  these  awful 
words  of  our  Lord,  "  What  shall  it  profit  a  man,  if  he  shall 
gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  his  own  soul  ?"  I  went  after- 
ward to  the  widow  Bond's,  and  spoke  closely  to  the  girls, 
who  appeared  to  be  somewhat  serious. 

Tuesday,  9.  After  preaching  to  more  people  than  usual, 
at  A.  S.'s,  I  wrent  to  B.'s  in  the  evening,  and  both  met  the 
class  and  formed  some  bands.  I  also  gave  them  a  copy  of 
the  proper  deed  for  securing  their  preaching-house. 

Wednesday,  10.  I  wrent  to  C.'s  and  preached.  This  per- 
haps will  be  the  last  time,  for  it  is  a  disorderly  house.  I 
then  went  to  Aquila  Galloway's  and  preached  with  some  com- 
fort. There  is  room  to  hope  that  the  Lord  will  do  something 
for  the  people  here. 

Thursday,  11.  The  congregation  was  large  at  J.  M.'s,  and 
I  preached  with  plainness,  so  that  the  sleepy  people  seemed 
to  awake.  I  then  went  back  to  C.'s  and  preached  with  some 
satisfaction ;  but  Satan  wras  close  at  my  heels :  however,  the 
Lord  gave  me  power  to  resist  him. 

Friday,  12.  The  Lord  enables  me  to  stand  fast  in  the  midst 
of  temptations.  My  soul  possesses  inward  and  spiritual 
power.  Many  people  attended  preaching  to-day  at  J.  O.'s ; 
I  afterward  met  the  class,  and  then  gave  an  exhortation  in 
the  evening. 

Lord's  day,  14.  Many  country  people  came  to  hear  the 
word  of  God  at  the  Point;  some  came  twelve  miles  before 
those  of  the  town  had  left  their  houses  ;  perhaps  before  some 
of  them  had  left  their  beds.  I  found  some  life  and  power  in 
preaching  both  at  the  Point  and  in  Baltimore. 


Feb.,  1773.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


Monday,  15.  Rose  this  morning  with  holy  thoughts  of 
God ;  and  we  had  a  good  time  in  public  worship. 

Wednesday,  17.  I  preached  and  met  the  society,  and  em- 
ployed Mr.  M.  to  draw  up  a  deed  for  the  house  in  Gunpowder- 
Neck. 

Thursday,  18.  Preached  with  power,  both  at  N.  P.'s  and 
Mr.  Galloway's. 

Friday,  19.  A  few  people  attended  at  Mr.  M.'s:  going 
afterward  about  four  miles  to  Mr.  D.'s,  I  preached  and  met 
the  society  ;  most  of  them  appeared  to  be  under  a  good  work 
of  grace. 

Lord's  day,  21.  The  weather  was  excessively  severe,  yet 
many  people  came  to  hear  the  word  at  J.  P.'s.  I  rode  about 
six  or  seven  miles  to  preach  in  the  Neck,  but  never  felt  colder 
weather.  The  water  froze  as  it  ran  from  the  horse's  nostrils  ; 
and  a  friend  said,  the  water  froze  as  it  came  from  his  eyes. 
However,  after  preaching  to  a  few  people,  I  returned. 

Monday,  22.  I  had  sixteen  miles  to  ride  to  preach  to  a  few 
people,  and  five  more  to  J.  D.'s  to  get  my  dinner.  I  have 
suffered  a  little  by  lodging  in  open  houses  this  cold  weather ; 
but  this  is  a  very  small  thing  when  compared  to  what  the 
dear  Redeemer  suffered  for  the  salvation  of  precious  souls. 

Tuesday,  23.  Glory  to  God !    I  had  peace. 

Wednesday,  24.  After  preaching  with  plainness  to  a  con- 
siderable number  of  people,  I  then  went  to  J.  D.'s,  where 
many  people  attended,  and  we  had  a  comfortable  time.  My 
old  opponent,  Mr.  E.,  met  me  here,  but  he  did  not  appear  so 
forward  as  he  had  been.  I  rode  thence  to  Rocky-Run,  and 
preached  there  with  satisfaction.  Mr.  G.  and  his  wife  treated 
me  with  great  kindness. 

Thursday,  25.  I  had  a  good  time  and  many  people  at  Mr. 
L.'s.  Two  letters  came  to  hand  to-day,  one  from  York,  and 
one  from  Philadelphia.  They  entreat  me  to  return,  and  in- 
form me  that  trouble  is  at  hand.  But  I  cannot  fear  while  my 
heart  is  upright  with  God.  I  seek  nothing  but  him ;  and  fear 
nothing  but  his  displeasure. 

Lord's  day,  28.  After  preaching  yesterday  at  S.  F.'s,  I  re- 


64 


ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1773. 


turned  to  friend  P.'s,  and  preached  twice  to-day.  Then  rode 
to  Mr.  D.'s,  and  spent  the  evening  comfortably. 

Monday,  March  L  Mr.  D.  and  myself  rode  to  B.'s,  where 
I  spoke  with  great  plainness  of  speech.  There  appears  to  be 
some  reason  to  doubt  of  the  people  in  general  here ;  though 
the  young  women  seem  to  be  deeply  serious  and  thoughtful. 
I  then  went  to  Captain  S  's  ;  but  found  very  little  satisfac- 
tion. The  man  and  his  wife  are,  I  fear,  too  fond  of  their  own 
opinions.  After  preaching  here,  I  went  to  B.'s  again,  and 
spent  some  time  in  serious  conversation ;  I  afterward  prayed 
and  gave  an  exhortation.    I  then  rode  to  M.'s  and  preached ; 

and  returned  to  0  's  and  preached  there  :  but  found  the 

old  man  too  much  of  a  Quaker  in  principle.  He  objects 
against  prayer  in  his  family ;  and  greatly  discourages  his 
daughter,  who  strives  to  live  in  the  fear  of  God. 

Friday,  March  5.  Went  to  J.  O.'s,  where  we  had  a  melt- 
ing time ;  and  the  people  seemed  much  affected  both  in  the 
day  and  in  the  evening.  Satan  has  assaulted  me  veiy  much 
of  late :  but  hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped  and  delivered  me. 
I  came  next  to  Baltimore,  and  had  many  to  hear  the  word. 

Saturday,  6.  Went  to  the  Point,  but  the  people  seemed 
very  hard  in  their  minds.  In  the  evening  at  Baltimore,  we 
had  a  moving,  melting  season.  I  humbly  believe  the  labour 
was  not  in  vain. 

Monday,  8.  Rose  this  morning  with  a  determination  to  fight 
or  die  ;  and  spent  an  hour  in  earnest  prayer.  Lord,  keep  me 
ever  watchful.  I  was  also  much  comforted  by  a  letter  which 
I  lately  received  from  R.  0.,  part  of  which  was  as  follows  :  "  I 
know  not  what  it  will  come  to.  Almost  every  person  seems 
to  be  under  a  religious  concern.  There  are  about  twenty-two 
persons  already  joined  in  society  at  Seneca.  At  Georgetown 
four  have  been  lately  enabled  to  rejoice  in  God :  and  one  at 
Rocky- Creek.  Blessed  be  God ;  who  hath  not  forgotten  to 
be  gracious." 

Tuesday,  9.  This  was  a  day  of  sweet  peace  to  my  soul. 

Went  to  dine  with  one  Mr.  L  ,  and  found  him  and  his  wife 

both  serious.    Preached  in  the  evening  with  power. 


Mar.,  17*73.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


05 


Wednesday,  10.  I  went  to  N.  P  's.  It  was  a  rainy  morn- 
ing; but  a  time  of  power  to  those  who  were  present.  In 
going  thence  to  Mr.  G.'s,  it  was  with  great  difficulty  we  crossed 
the  water.  The  next  morning  I  set  off  for  Gunpowder-Neck ; 
but  found  the  Great-Falls  very  high ;  however,  I  got  there 
about  one  o'clock,  and  found  it  a  good  time  while  preaching 
the  word  of  God. 

Friday,  12.  Preached  a  funeral  sermon  at  J.  W.'s,  from 
Isaiah  lvii,  1,2:  "  The  righteous  perisheth,  and  no  man  layeth 
it  to  heart ;  and  merciful  men  are  taken  away,  none  consider- 
ing that  the  righteous  is  taken  away  from  the  evil  to  come.  He 
shall  enter  into  peace :  they  shall  rest  in  their  beds,  each  one 
walking  in  his  uprightness."  This  was  a  solemn  time  indeed. 
What  melting  and  weeping  appeared  among  the  people ! 
There  was  scarce  a  dry  eye  to  be  seen.  0  that  it  may  not 
be  as  seed  sown  by  the  wayside !  After  preaching  I  rode  to 
Mr.  D.'s,  and  met  with  brother  K.  and  brother  W.,  and  found 
myself  abundantly  comforted  in  their  company. 

Lord's  day,  14.  Preached  at  Bohemia.  There  were  but 
few  people;  though  it  was  a  melting  time.  Rode  then  to 
S.  H.'s,  but  was  much  shut  up  in  preaching. 

Monday,  15.  Found  my  mind  this  morning  free  to  do  the 
will  of  God  ;  and  was  more  than  ever  strengthened  in  prayer. 
But  set  out  for  Worton  to-day,  with  my  mind  depressed  in 
such  a  manner  as  I  hardly  ever  felt  it  before.  In  my  journey 
my  heart  sunk  within  me  ;  and  I  knew  not  why.  At  a  certain 
Mr.  D.'s,  at  the  Cross-Roads,  many  people,  who  appeared  to 
be  strangers  to  the  truth,  were  waiting  to  hear  the  word.  I 
stood  at  the  door  and  declared:  "The  time  is  fulfilled,  the 
kingdom  of  God  is  at  hand."  I  spoke  with  great  feeling,  and 
exerted  myself  much,  but  could  not  get  my  spirit  free.  They 
persuaded  me  to  stay  all  night ;  but  it  was  as  if  I  had  been 
bound  in  chains. 

Tuesday,  16.  Went  to  R.'s,  and  found  myself  delivered 
from  my  shackles ;  but  still  my  spirit  is  not  altogether  at 
home — it  longs  for  God.  I  do  humbly  and  confidently  hope 
to  live  more  to  God  than  ever.    Lord,  keep  me  every  moment ! 


GO 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Mar.,  1773. 


Wednesday,  17.  Went  down  to  the  lower  church,  but  with 
some  backwardness  of  mind.  However,  there  were  many- 
people  who  were  still  and  attentive  ;  and  I  felt  a  melting  sense 
of  God  in  my  own  soul. 

Friday,  19.  I  spoke  with  power  to  many  people  at  New- 
Castle.  Went  thence  to  Wilmington,  and  spoke  to  a  few  peo- 
ple with  great  feeling. 

Lord's  day,  21.  But  few  attended  at  I.  H.'s,  because  of 
the  rain ;  but  I  felt  myself  greatly  assisted.  Went  thence, 
through  the  rain,  to  Newport,  where  many  people  attended 
in  the  evening.  They  appeared  to  have  very  little  sense  of 
religious  things. 

Monday,  22.  Being  a  rainy  day,  we  set  out  late  for  Marl- 
borough. There  was,  notwithstanding,  a  large  congregation 
waiting.  Though  unwell,  I  gave  them  an  exhortation  at 
night,  and  I.  R.  preached.  He  has  been  of  some  use  to  the 
people  here. 

Tuesday,  23.  My  mind  was  serene  ;  and  I  felt  a  nearness 
to  God — a  determination  to  live  to  him  alone. 

Went  to  T.  E.'s,  and  felt  much  life  while  preaching  to  a 
large  company  there  ;  but  wras  afflicted  with  a  violent  pain  in 
the  head. 

Wednesday,  24.  Many  great  people  attended  the  preaching 
at  W.'s  ;  and  we  had  a  comfortable  time.  Rode  thence  to 
S.  H.'s  ;  many  Quakers  were  present,  and  it  was  a  moving 
season.  I  then  went  about  twenty  miles,  through  wet  wea- 
ther and  bad  roads,  to  Mr.  T.'s.  The  night  was  very  dark, 
the  road  was  through  the  woods,  and  it  was  late  before  we 
reached  the  place  ;  but,  by  the  help  of  a  good  guide,  I  got 
there  safe  at  last. 

"  In  all  my  ways,  Thy  hand  I  own, — 
Thy  ruling  providence  I  see  ; 
Assist  me  still  my  course  to  run, 
And  still  direct  my  paths  to  Thee." 

I  was  somewhat  troubled  to  hear  of  Mr.  W  ,  who  had 

printed  some  of  Mr.  Wesley's  books  for  the  sake  of  gain. 
This  will  not  do.    It  does  by  no  means  look  well. 


Mar.,  1773.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


07 


Friday,  26.  Many  young  people  attended  among  others, 
atChristeen-Bridge,  while  I  preached  from  Eccles.  xi,  9  :  "  Re- 
joice, 0  young  man,  in  thy  youth ;  and  let  thy  heart  cheer 
thee  in  the  days  of  thy  youth,  and  walk  in  the  ways  of  thy 
heart,  and  in  the  sight  of  thine  eyes  :  but  know  thou,  that  for 
all  these  things  God  will  bring  thee  into  judgment."  Deep 
seriousness  sat  on  the  faces  of  all ;  and  the  mouths  of  many 
gainsayers  were  in  a  great  measure  stopped. 

Saturday,  27.  Rode  to  Bohemia,  and  lodged  with  a  Pres- 
byterian elder.  The  next  day  I  preached  in  the  school-house. 
But  these  people,  who  profess  religion,  could  scarce  be 

serious  during  the  time  of  preaching.    Mr.  B  ,  and  some 

other  great  opposers  of  our  doctrine,  were  present  at  S.  H.'s 
at  three  o'clock:  I  therefore  changed  my  purpose,  and 
preached  from  1  John  iii,  23  :  "  And  this  is  his  commandment, 
that  we  should  believe  on  the  name  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
and  love  one  another ;  as  he  gave  us  commandment."  And 
I  had  great  hope  that  it  was  well  received. 

Monday,  29.  Rode  twenty  miles  to  Susquehanna ;  and 
just  got  in,  almost  spent,  time  enough  to  preach  at  three 
o'clock.  Hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped  me.  Praised  for- 
ever be  his  dear  and  blessed  name  ! 

Tuesday,  30.  Our  quarterly  meeting  began.  After  I  had 
preached,  we  proceeded  to  business  :  and  in  our  little  con- 
ference, the  following  queries  were  propounded,  namely : — 

1.  Are  there  no  disorderly  persons  in  our  classes  ?  It  was 
thought  not. 

2.  Does  not  dram- drinking  too  much  prevail  among  our 
people  ? 

3.  Do  none  contract  debts  without  due  care  to  pay  them  ? 
We  found  that  this  evil  is  much  avoided  among  our  people. 

4.  Are  the  band-meetings  kept  up  ? 

5.  Is  there  nothing  immoral  in  any  of  our  preachers  ? 

6.  What  preachers  travel  now,  and  where  are  they  sta- 
tioned ?  It  was  then  urged  that  none  must  break  our 
rules,  under  the  penalty  of  being  excluded  from  our  connexion. 
All  was  settled  in  the  most  amicable  manner.   Mr.  S.  preached 


G8 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Apr.,  m3. 


a  good  and  useful  sermon  from  Joel  ii,  17:  "  Let  the  priests, 
the  ministers  of  the  Lord,  weep  between  the  porch  and  the 
altar,"  &c.  Many  people  were  present  at  our  love-feast, 
among  whom  were  some  strangers  :  but  all  were  deeply  se- 
rious, and  the  power  of  God  was  present  indeed.  Brother 
0.  preached  a  very  alarming  sermon,  and  brother  S.  gave  a 
moving  exhortation.  The  whole  ended  in  great  peace.  And 
we  all  went,  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord,  to  our  several  ap- 
pointments. 

Saturday,  3.  Preached  at  Baltimore,  where  we  had  a 
comfortable  meeting.  Lord's  day,  4.  I  delivered  a  funeral  dis- 
course, but  was  much  shut  up  in  my  mind.  Went  thence  to 
the  Forest,  and  preached  at  seven  o'clock,  with  great  comfort. 
Several  rich  people  attended  preaching  the  last  three  days, 
and  did  not  seem  displeased  with  the  plain  truths  of  the 
Gospel.  One  or  two  persons  here  seem  to  be  groaning  for 
full  redemption.  My  heart  is  grieved  that  I  have  not  been 
entirely  devoted  to  God  ;  but  have  great  reason  to  be  thankful 
that  I  feel  more  and  more  desire  after  God. 

Thursday,  8.  I  left  Baltimore.  J.  K.  and  three  exhorters 
being  present,  we  held  a  watch-night  at  P.'s,  and  the  Lord 
was  powerfully  with  us. 

Friday,  9.  Preached  at  L.'s  with  power.  But  found  it  a 
heavy  cross  while  preaching  at  Mr.  G.'s. 

Lord's  day,  11.  Preached  at  Bohemia;  but  the  people 
there  seemed  to  be  but  little  affected.  Rode  thence  to  S.  H.'s, 
where  many  people  attended,  and  I  was  enabled  to  speak 
with  solemnity  from  Deut.  xxx,  19 :  "I  have  set  before  you 
life  and  death,"  &c.  Went  thence  to  Newcastle,  but  found 
them  out  of  order.  Then  rode  to  Red- Clay  Creek,  where 
I  preached  with  power. 

Tuesday,  13.  Many  people  came  to  hear  the  word  at 
Mount-Pleasant. 

Wednesday,  14.  Came  very  weary  to  Philadelphia  ;  but 
the  sight  of  my  friends  greatly  revived  me ;  and  all  seem  to 
be  in  peace. 

Tuesday  proved  to  be  a  day  of  peace  to  my  soul ;  part  of 


Apr.,  17*73.] 


ASBUliY'S  JOURNAL. 


G9 


which  I  spent  in  visiting  the  people.  The  next  day  I  was 
employed  in  writing  to  England  ;  and  after  preaching  in  the 
evening  with  power,  I  went  to  rest  in  sweet  peace,  and  awoke 
in  the  morning  in  the  same  frame  of  spirit.  May  this  day  be 
spent  to  the  glory  of  God !  and  may  my  soul  yet  praise  him 
more  and  more  ! 

On  Wednesday,  after  spending  a  part  of  the  day  in  visiting, 
I  preached  in  the  evening  from  these  words  :  "  So  we  see 
that  they  could  not  enter  in  because  of  unbelief :"  and  hum- 
bly hope  it  was  not  labour  in  vain,  while  unbelief,  that  de- 
structive root  of  all  other  sin,  was  exposed  to  the  people. 

On  Thursday  there  was  an  appointment  for  me  to  preach 
at  Newtown.  Brother  S.  and  myself  crossed  the  East  River ; 
but  it  was  with  difficulty  that  we  obtained  horses.  We  then 
attempted  to  proceed  on  our  way  ;  but  it  was  a  severe  morn- 
ing, with  much  snow  and  wind.  The  snow  came  full  in  our 
faces,  so  that,  after  riding  a  few  miles,  we  were  lost  in  the 
storm,  and  imperceptibly  turned  our  course  back  towards 
New- York  ;  which  we  never  discovered  till  we  overtook  some 
people  on  the  road.  We  then  crossed  the  river  back  to  the 
city,  where  I  continued  till  Monday. 

Friday,  I  preached  at  [New]  York  on  these  words  :  "  The 
Lord  is  good,  a  strong  hold  in  the  day  of  trouble  ;"  and  felt 
life  and  power  in  dispensing  the  word.  On  Saturday  I 
visited  the  sick,  and  gave  an  exhortation  to  the  people. 

Lord's  day,  4.  After  preaching  in  the  morning  on  Heb. 
xii,  15,  I  went  in  the  afternoon  to  church,  and  heard  Mr.  E. 
preach  a  useful  sermon  :  in  the  evening  I  preached  with 
much  freedom  on  Eccles.  xi,  9,  "  Rejoice,  0  young  man,  in 
thy  youth,"  &c.  The  young  people  appeared  deeply  serious. 
May  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  attend  it,  and  great  fruit  appear 
in  time  to  come  !  The  next  day  I  rode  to  Bloomingdale, 
and  preached  with  satisfaction  ;  and  then  returned  home,  and 
found  it  a  blessing  to  laboui  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord, 
both  in  season  and  out  of  season.  On  Tuesday  morning  my 
mind  was  clear,  my  heart  was  fixed  on  God,  and  Christ  was 
precious.    Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul !    New- York  is  a  large 


70 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.        [Apkil,  1773. 


city,  and  well  situated  for  trade  ;  but  the  streets  and  build- 
ings are  very  irregular.  The  inhabitants  are  of  various  de- 
nominations, but  nevertheless  of  a  courteous  and  sociable 
disposition.  There  are  several  places  of  Divine  worship  :  the 
Episcopalians  have  three ;  the  High  Dutch,  one ;  the  Low 
Dutch,  three ;  the  Lutherans,  two ;  the  French  Protestants, 
one ;  the  Presbyterians,  two ;  the  Seceders,  one ;  the  Bap- 
tists, one  ;  the  Moravians,  one  ;  the  Methodists,  one ;  and  the 
Jews,  one.  The  city  abounds  with  inhabitants ;  but  the 
exact  number  I  could  not  ascertain. 

Wednesday,  7.  My  soul  enjoyed  great  peace,  and  the  day 
was  partly  spent  in  religious  visits.  The  next  day  my  mind 
was  in  the  same  comfortable  frame ;  and  holy  thoughts  of 
God,  with  strong  desires  to  do  all  things  with  a  single  eye  to 
his  glory,  as  well  as  to  follow  his  Divine  precepts,  possessed 
my  peaceful  heart. 

Friday,  9.  This  day  was,  as  yesterday,  a  day  of  peace ; 
and  it  was  with  great  satisfaction  I  preached  in  the  evening, 
though  cold,  to  a  considerable  number  of  people,  on  the 
much -neglected  duty  of  self-denial. 

Lord's  day,  11.  I  went  through  my  morning  exercises  in 
church  as  usual,  and  in  the  afternoon  heard  Mr.  C.  preach  a 
good  sermon ;  but  a  more  gay  and  undevout  congregation  I 
have  seldom  seen — they  were  talking,  laughing,  bowing,  and 
trifling  both  with  God  and  their  minister,  as  well  as  with 
their  own  unawakened  souls.  On  Tuesday  I  took  my  leave 
of  New- York,  after  preaching  from  Philippians  i,  9,  with  an  in- 
tention to  spend  some  time  on  Staten  Island,  on  my  way  to 
Philadelphia.  During  my  stay  on  the  Island  I  preached 
several  times,  with  power  and  satisfaction  ;  but  was  sometimes 
greatly  assaulted  by  Satan.  Hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped 
me.  Glory  to  his  name  !  He  preserves  and  blesses  my 
soul ;  he  supplies  me  with  all  things  necessary  for  the 
preservation  and  health  of  my  body.  May  I  be  ever  careful 
to  please  him,  and  devote  all  the  powers  of  body  and  soul  to 
his  service  ! 

Thursday,  15.  I  preached  for  the  first  time,  on  this  visit, 


April,  1773.]        ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


71 


in  Philadelphia,  on  Ruth  ii,  4.  Many  people  attended,  and 
the  Lord  filled  my  heart  with  holy  gladness.  All  things  are 
in  peace  here. 

From  Saturday,  17,  till  Thursday  the  22,  was  spent  in 
the  Jerseys ;  where  I  preached  at  different  places,  and  often 
to  large  congregations.  The  Lord  was  frequently  with  me 
in  mercy  and  power ;  and  my  heart  was  greatly  enlarged. 
How  I  long  to  be  more  holy — to  live  more  with  God,  and  for 
God !  Troubles  encompass  me  about ;  but  the  Lord  is  my 
helper.  Before  my  return  to  Philadelphia  I  had  the  pleasure 
of  seeing  the  foundation  laid  of  a  new  preaching-house,  35  feet 
by  30.  Then  I  returned  and  preached  on  Thursday  evening, 
the  Lord  being  with  me. 

Friday,  23.  This  morning  my  mind  was  in  a  calm  and 
even  frame — sweetly  fixed  on  God  as  its  prime  object.  But 
I  greatly  long  for  more  grace — to  receive  esteem  or  disesteem 
with  equal  cheerfulness — to  be  something  or  nothing,  as  God 
would  have  me  to  be.  My  heart  was  at  liberty,  while  em- 
ployed in  speaking  for  God  this  evening. 

Tuesday,  27.  The  Lord  has  graciously  assisted  me  in 
preaching  every  day ;  and  my  desires  to  be  entirely  devoted 
do  still  increase.  But  alas  !  what  cause  have  I  to  mourn  the 
want  of  life  and  zeal,  both  in  public  and  private  duties !  Ne- 
vertheless, it  is  my  determination  to  offer  all  I  have  to  God. 
May  he  give  me  more  to  offer,  and  graciously  accept  the  offer- 
ing made  !  Had  much  conversation  with  A.  W.,  but  found  him 
unwilling  to  spend  all  his  time  in  travelling.  However,  he 
agreed  to  take  a  part  with  I.  K.  So  my  intention  is  to  send 
them  to  the  upper  part  of  the  Jerseys,  where  they  may  labour 
alternately,  a  fortnight  at  a  time. 

Thursday,  29.  Mr.  S.  is  just  come  from  England,  with 
strange  accounts  of  their  Calvinistic  disputes.  My  mind  is 
rather  low,  but  serene  and  spiritual,  and  determined  to  folloAV 
Christ.  How  greatly  do  I  long  to  die  to  every  object  which 
does  not  lead  me  to  God  !  Blessed  Master,  hasten  the  time 
when  I  shall  love  thee  according  to  the  full  extent  of  that  de- 
sire which  thou  hast  given  me. 


72 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1773. 


Saturday,  31.  This  was  a  day  of  delightful  rest  to  my  soul. 
After  preaching  in  the  morning,  I  spent  part  of  the  day  in 
visiting  some  souls  in  distress.  In  the  evening  I  preached 
again  on  these  words,  "  Cut  it  down,  why  cumbereth  it  the 
ground  ?"  My  mind  was  much  enlarged,  perhaps  to  the  offence 
of  some,  while  showing  the  particular  marks  of  such  as  do  but 
cumber  the  ground  in  the  Lord's  vineyard. 

Lord's  day,  May  2.  My  soul  was  favoured,  both  yesterday 
and  this  morning,  with  delightful  and  intimate  accesses  to 
God.  In  preaching  this  morning  from  these  words,  "  Try  the 
spirits  whether  they  be  of  God,"  I  took  occasion  to  show,  1st, 
That  this  is  the  duty  of  all  that  profess  religion ;  and  2dly, 
That  they  should  bring  their  experience  and  practice  to  the 
word  of  God,  to  know  if  they  be  genuine.  After  preaching 
to  a  large  congregation  in  the  evening,  I  met  the  society,  and 
thought  it  necessary  to  deal  closely  with  the  members. 

Thursday,  6.  After  spending  a  few  days  in  a  country  tour, 
preaching  to  many  people  at  Goshen,  Marlborough,  and  other 
places,  with  some  assistance,  I  returned  and  preached  in 
Philadelphia  this  evening,  on  the  subject  of  the  stony -ground 
hearers.  Some  perhaps  were  displeased  with  me.  But  I 
must  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God,  and  leave  the  event 
to  him.  This  day  a  letter  from  Mr.  Wesley  came  to  hand, 
dated  March  2,  in  which  he  informs  me,  that  the  time  of  his 
coming  over  to  America  is  not  yet,  being  detained  by  the 
.building  of  the  new  chapel. 

Lord's  day,  9.  My  heart  was  much  affected  last  evening, 
while  many  of  the  people  felt  the  power  of  God.  And  this 
day  my  soul  was  filled  with  sweet  peace.  I  had  also  the 
pleasure  of  hearing  Mr.  T.  preach  with  great  sensibility. 

Monday,  10.  Visiting  several  families  to-day  afforded  me 
great  comfort  of  mind ;  and  in  preaching  this  evening,  with 
close  application  to  those  who  pursue  earthly  more  than  hea- 
venly pleasures,  my  soul  was  filled  with  peace. 

Travelling  through  the  Jerseys  I  met  with  W.  B.,  a  man  who 
has  a  great  regard  for  us,  but  seems  to  be  too  much  taken  up 
with  worldly  cares.    But  speaking  faithfully  and  closely  to 


May,  1773.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


73 


him,  I  showed  him  the  deceitfulness  of  riches,  in  producing  a 
spirit  of  independence  towards  God,  hardness  of  heart,  and 
pride  in  its  various  forms,  while  they  promise  us  safety  and 
happiness. 

Thursday,  13.  Through  much  rain  I  returned,  wet  and 
weary,  to  Philadelphia,  after  having  preached  at  several  places 
in  the  Jerseys,  and  sometimes  with  much  freedom  and  power. 
Many  people  attended  this  evening,  while  I  described  an  honest 
and  good  heart,  under  the  similitude  of  the  good  ground  which 
received  the  seed  and  brought  forth  fruit.  This  was  free  from 
the  hardness  of  the  way-side,  from  the  shallowness  of  the 
stony-ground,  and  from  the  obstructions  of  the  thorny  ground. 
The  honesty  of  the  heart  appears  in  its  conduct  towards  God, 
towards  all  mankind,  and  towards  itself.  As  our  Lord  is 
pleased  to  denominate  such  a  heart  good  as  well  as  honest,  is 
it  not  very  wrong  for  a  Christian  to  say  he  has  a  bad  heart  ? 
Is  not  all  that  the  Holy  Ghost  produces  good  ?  And  so  far  as 
that  blessed  Spirit  has  changed  the  heart  of  a  believer,  is  it 
not  good  ?  Through  the  unmerited  grace  of  God,  I  have  no 
desire  to  seek  anything  but  Him,  and  that  which  may  lead 
me  to  him. 

Lord's  day,  16.  In  preaching  this  morning  from  Gen. 
xviii,  19,  I  strongly  enforced  the  great  necessity  of  relative 
duties ;  and  very  pointedly  pressed  the  same  in  meeting  the 
society  at  night. 

Monday,  17.  All  this  day  I  was  very  unwell  with  a  sore 
throat  and  violent  pain  in  my  head ;  but  I.  K.  providentially 
came  in  and  supplied  my  place.  My  indisposition  continued 
also  on  Tuesday,  so  that  I  had  but  little  power  to  read  or 
think;  but  on  Wednesday,  I  found  myself,  through  mercy, 
much  better.  Although  my  body  is  weak,  my  soul  is  strong 
in  the  grace  of  God.  May  my  heart,  my  lips,  my  hands, 
my  life,  my  strength,  my  all,  be  constantly  devoted  to 
God! 

Monday,  24.  Sweet  peace  pervaded  my  soul;  and  my 
whole  heart  desired,  prayed,  longed,  and  panted  to  live  a  more 
spiritual  life  by  faith  in  the  blessed  Son  of  God.    In  the  even- 

4 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[May,  1*773. 


ing  I  preached  from  Isa.  lxii,  6  :  "  I  have  set  watchmen,"  &c. ; 
and  took  occasion,  First,  to  show  that  the  Lord  calls,  autho- 
rizes, and  qualifies  all  faithful  ministers.  Secondly,  delineated 
their  character  as  watchmen.  Thirdly,  observed  that  they 
were  to  keep  watch  on  the  walls.  Fourthly,  the  duties  en- 
joined, "  they  shall  not  hold  their  peace.  Keep  not  silence." 
While  opening  this  passage  the  Lord  greatly  comforted  my 
soul.  The  next  morning  I  expatiated  on  Canticles  i,  7  ;  and 
considered,  First,  the  address,  "  Tell  me,  0  thou  whom  my 
soul  loveth."  Secondly,  the  request,  "  where  thou  feedest,"  &c. 
This  denotes  the  sincere  desire  of  a  true  believer,  in  the  time 
of  division  or  persecution,  or  general  declension  of  true  piety. 
Thirdly,  the  humble  queiy,  "Why  should  I  be  as  one  that 
tumeth  aside  by  the  flocks  of  thy  companions  ?"  This  indicates 
a  fear  of  being  exposed  to  false  teachers,  who  name  the  name 
of  Christ,  but  deny  him  in  experience,  doctrine,  and  practice. 
How  fearful  is  a  pious  soul  of  turning  aside  as  a  forlorn, 
neglected  creature,  exposed  to  the  malice  and  designs  of  devils 
and  ungodly  men.  Glory  to  God  !  Notwithstanding  all  the 
assaults  of  Satan,  my  soul  is  preserved  in  peace,  and  my  heart 
is  fixed,  trusting  in  the  Lord.  My  chief  desire  is  to  be  found 
obedient  and  faithful  at  all  times,  and  all  occasions. 

Thursday,  27.  My  text  was  Isaiah  xxiii,  16 :  "He  shall 
dwell  on  high.  His  place  of  defence  shall  be  the  munition  of 
rocks,"  &c.  First,  I  inquired  to  whom  this  promise  is  made. 
Secondly,  How  "  he  shall  dwell  on  high."  High  in  faith,  love, 
and  church-privileges — above  the  power  of  Satan,  the  world, 
and  all  dangers ;  so  that  none  of  them  shall  injure  his  soul. 
Thirdly,  "  His  defence  shall  be  the  munition  of  rocks," — Christ 
shall  be  the  rock  of  his  defence — and  the  love,  truth,  faithful- 
ness, mercy,  and  power  of  God  shall  enclose  him  on  every 
side.  Fourthly,  "  His  bread  shall  be  given  him" — all  things 
needful  for  life  and  godliness. 

Friday,  28.  It  was  a  gracious  season  at  intercession  to-day. 
My  soul  was  favoured  with  love  and  power. 

Monday,  31.  I  went  to  Germantown,  and  preached  with 
freedom  and  comfort  to  a  large  congregation  assembled  in  the 


June,  1773.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


Dutch  Presbyterian  Church.  I  take  God  for  my  sufficient 
portion ;  and  Christ  is  all  in  all  to  me. 

Tuesday,  June  1.  This  day  my  soul  was  under  gracious 
exercises;  and  went  out  in  ardent  desires  after  God.  He 
has  engrossed  all  my  affections ;  and  my  heart  is  taken  up 
with  him. 

Thursday,  3.  To  my  great  comfort  arrived  Mr.  R.,  Mr.  S., 
Mr.  Y.,  and  Capt.  W.  Mr.  R.  preached  a  good  sermon  on 
these  words,  "  I  have  set  before  thee  an  open  door,  and  no 
man  can  shut  it."  He  will  not  be  admired  as  a  preacher. 
But  as  a  disciplinarian,  he  will  fill  his  place. 

Lord's  day,  6.  After  preaching  both  yesterday  and  this 
morning  at  Burlington,  I  went  to  Church  in  order  to  receive 
the  sacrament.  But  the  parson  gave  us  a  strange  discourse, 
full  of  inconsistency  and  raillery.  Leaving  him  to  answer  for 
his  own  conduct,  I  took  no  further  notice  of-  it,  but  preached 
at  night  from  these  words,  "The  natural  man  receiveth  not 
the  things  of  the  Spirit  of  God,"  &c. ;  and  showed,  First,  what 
the  things  of  the  Spirit  of  God  are.  Secondly,  described  the 
natural  man.  And,  Thirdly,  showed  how  they  appear  to  be 
foolishness  to  him ;  and  that  he  cannot  know  them,  by  the 
strength  of  his  natural  or  acquired  abilities.  The  little  society 
in  Burlington  appears  to  be  in  a  comfortable  and  prosperous 
state.  On  my  way  to  Trenton,  I  met  A.  W.  on  the  road. 
We  stopped  at  a  house,  and  in  the  course  of  conversation  I 
found  he  was  much  dejected  in  his  mind ;  but  before  we 
parted  he  appeared  to  be  somewhat  comforted.  Many  people 
attended  the  preaching  at  Trenton,  though  the  notice  was  but 
short. 

Thursday,  10.  My  soul  has  been  much  assaulted  lately  by 
Satan ;  but  by  the  grace  of  God  it  is  filled  with  Divine  peace. 
My  heart  thirsteth  for  God,  even  for  the  living  God.  I  wrote 
to  Mr.  Wesley  to-day,  and  in  the  evening  addressed  my  dis- 
course chiefly  to  the  young  people.  May  the  Lord  apply  it 
to  their  hearts ! 

Friday,  11.  Mr.  R.  came  to  Trenton.  After  dinner  and 
prayer,  we  set  off  together  for  Princeton.    On  Saturday  we 


76 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1773. 


reached  New- York ;  and  our  friends  there  having  previous 
notice  of  our  coming,  kindly  met  us  on  the  dock  where  we 
landed.  The  sight  of  Mr.  W.,  with  some  other  concurring  cir- 
cumstances, affected  Mr.  R.  so  that  he  appeared  to  be  rather 
cast  down  in  his  mind. 

Lord's  day,  13.  I  preached  this  morning  to  a  considerable 
number  of  people.    Mr.  R.  found  his  spirits  raised,  and  was 

much  comforted.  In  the  afternoon  Mr.  R.,  Capt.W.,  Mr.W  1, 

and  myself  went  to  St.  Paul's  church,  and  received  the  sacra- 
ment. At  night,  Mr.  R.  dispensed  the  word  of  truth  with 
power.  It  reached  the  hearts  of  many,  and  they  appeared 
to  be  much  quickened. 

Monday,  14.  Many  were  present  while  I  preached  from 
2  John  4  :  "I  have  no  greater  joy  than  to  hear  that  my  chil- 
dren walk  in  truth."  The  Lord  favours  me  with  great  dis- 
coveries of  my  defects  and  unfaithfulness.  But,  blessed  be 
God,  my  soul  is  humbled  under  these  discoveries.  My  soul 
panteth  for  more  of  the  Divine  nature.  When  shall  I  be  fully 
conformed  to  his  blessed  will  ?  I  received  a  letter  this  day 
from  that  venerable  father  in  Christ,  Mr.  Wesley. 

Wednesday,  16.  Captain  W.  set  out  for  Albany,  and  I  for 
New-Rochelle.  On  Thursday,  Mr.  L.  preached  at  Mr.  D.'s, 
on  these  words,  "  To  them  that  have  obtained  like  precious 
faith  with  us."  He  spoke  plainly  and  much  to  the  purpose  ; 
though  he  did  not  show  the  necessity  of  assurance.  We  had 
some  free  and  friendly  conversation  afterward ;  in  which  I 
gave  him  to  understand  how  we  hold  this  point :  that  as- 
surance is  suspended  on  an  evangelical  act  of  faith,  by  which 
we  apply  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ  for  the  removal  of  our 
guilt ;  and  that  we  then  receive  the  testimony  of  the  Spirit. 
(Rom.  viii,  16.) 

Lord's  day,  20.  Satan,  that  malicious  enemy  of  mankind, 
is  frequently  striving  to  break  my  peace.  And  the  Lord  gra- 
ciously shows  me  all  my  involuntary  defects  ;  so  that  my  soul 
is  bowed  down  as  in  the  dust ;  but  Christ  is  precious,  and 
the  Spirit  of  all  grace  comforts  my  heart.  This  day  I  preached 
three  times  at  Mr.  D.'s.    The  word  reached  the  hearts  of 


June,  17*73.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


11 


many,  with  Divine  power.  Our  labours  here  have  not  been 
in  vain.  Many  have  a  relish  for  religious  exercises,  and  ex- 
perience the  spiritual  benefit  of  frequently  meeting  together 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  My  intention  is  to  form  a  society 
here. 

Monday,  21.  "While  preaching  at  Mr.  B.'s,  the  Lord  fa- 
voured me  with  sweet  liberty ;  and  there  was  no  small  moving 
amongst  the  people.  Several  seemed  willing  to  meet  in 
society  here  also. 

Tuesday,  22.  I  received  an  account  of  the  case  of  S.  D. 
She  is  about  sixteen  years  of  age,  and  has  been  lately 
brought  under  serious  and  deep  concern  for  the  salvation  of 
her  soul.  A  few  days  after,  she  was  taken  ill,  and  was  fre- 
quently troubled  with  fits ;  which,  while  they  were  on  her, 
deprived  her  of  her  reason.  About  three  days  after  she  was 
taken  ill,  she  was  justified  by  faith,  and  had  peace  with  God. 
She  continued  weakly  in  body  about  five  weeks  ;  but  fasted, 
prayed,  and  sang,  to  the  astonishment  of  all  about  her. 
After  her  recovery,  she  manifested  a  sound  conversion — she 
had  a  settled  peace,  was  conscientiously  serious,  meek,  and 
patient  in  all  her  conduct ;  and  the  word  of  God  was  pre- 
cious food  to  her  soul. 

Wednesday,  23.  After  preaching  with  some  power  on  these 
words,  "  Blessed  are  they  that  hear  the  word  of  God,  and 
keep  it,"  I  joined  a  few  in  society,  and  then  set  off  for  New- 
York.  I  called  on  Mr.  B.  in  my  way,  who  renewed  his 
former  kindness,  and  treated  me  with  great  cordiality.  On 
my  return  to  New- York,  I  found  Mr.  R.  had  been  well  em- 
ployed in  settling  matters  pertaining  to  the  society.  This 
afforded  me  great  satisfaction,  and  more  especially  the  revival 
of  religion,  which  has  lately  taken  place  in  this  city. 

Saturday,  26.  Having  preached  a  few  times  in  New- York, 
since  my  return,  I  set  off  for  Staten  Island  ;  but  the  heat  was 
so  extremely  powerful,  that  I  stopped  at  my  old  friend 
J.  W.'s,  and  on  the  Lord's  day  heard  Mr.  P.,  a  Presbyterian 
minister,  preach  twice  ;  but  thought  he  was  too  metaphysical 
and  superficial.    In  the  evening  I  preached  in  Mr.  W.'s  yard, 


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ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL. 


[July,  1773. 


from  Heb.  v,  12  :  "Ye  have  need  that  one  teach  you  again 
which  be  the  first  principles  of  the  oracles  of  God."  My 
mind  is  filled  with  the  peace  of  God,  and  is  drawn  out  in  love 
to  Him  and  all  mankind.    Blessed  be  the  Lord  ! 

Monday,  28.  While  preaching  to-day  on  Isaiah  lxii,  6,  Mr. 
P.,  the  minister,  made  one  of  the  congregation.  After  service 
we  had  some  conversation  on  religious  subjects.  He  had 
imbibed  that  absurd  scheme  of  Mr.  B.'s ;  namely,  that  we 
are  born  again  before  we  repent  and  believe.  How  strange, 
that  any  man  should  suppose  the  effect  is  produced  before 
the  instrumental  causes  exist !  But,  by  the  grace  of  God, 
none  of  these  things  shall  move  me  from  the  gospel-plan  of 
salvation.  Glory  to  God !  He  blesses  me  with  the  graces 
and  comforts  of  his  Holy  Spirit  in  my  own  soul !  The  next 
day  Mr.  P.  attended  preaching  again.  I  had  lent  him  Mr. 
Fletcher's  Second  Check.  He  approved  of  the  latter  part, 
though  not  of  the  first.  May  the  truth  of  God  spread  here 
and  in  every  place  !  Had  some  serious  conversation  with  Mr. 
D.  and  his  wife.  They  both  seem  to  have  desires  to  be  in- 
structed in  the  ways  of  God.  But  the  people  in  these  parts 
appear  in  general  to  be  ignorant  of  their  own  hearts  ;  and  are 
in  danger  of  resting  in  the  superficial  knowledge  of  religion, 
without  the  power. 

Wednesday,  30.  Preached  at  the  house  of  A.  W.  to  more 
people  than  -were  expected,  and  my  soul  had  near  and  sweet 
access  to  God,  being  filled  with  that  peace  which  passeth  all 
understanding. 

Thursday,  July  1.  Set  off  for  New- York,  and  having  a 
tedious  passage  over  the  North  River,  I  spent  some  time  in 
serious  conversation  with  two  men  in  the  boat,  and  hope  it 
was  not  in  vain.  Then  I  came  safe  to  York,  and  preached 
from  Habakkuk  iii,  2  :  "0  Lord,  revive  thy  wrork  in  the  midst 
of  the  years  !"  On  Friday  arrived  the  sorrowful  news  of  the 
destruction  of  Mr.  Whitefield's  Orphan-house.  As  there  was 
no  fire  in  the  house,  it  was  supposed  to  have  been  set  on  fire 
by  lightning,  which  had  been  in  the  morning,  as  some  say, 
accompanied  with  a  sulphureous  smell.    It  broke  out  in  a 


July,  1773.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


79 


rapid  flame  about  seven  or  eight  o'clock  at  night,  and  con- 
sumed the  whole  building,  except  the  two  wings. 

Lord's  day,  4.  Many  people  attended  preaching  both  morn- 
ing and  night.  In  our  love-feast  to-day,  many  were  touched 
to  the  heart,  and  some  were  greatly  comforted.  Lord,  let 
it  not  be  as  the  morning  dew  !  On  Monday,  my  soul  was 
in  a  delightful  frame — my  peace  flowed  as  a  river.  I  had 
power  to  resist  every  temptation  of  Satan  before  it  could  dis- 
turb my  mind — and  my  heart  was  sweetly  drawn  out  in  love 
to  all  men. 

Tuesday,  6.  Having  reason  to  fear  that  I  had  been  rather 
too  much  elevated,  my  heart  was  humbled  before  the  Lord  ; 
and  was  now  fixed  on  him  as  its  all-sufficient  good.  When 
shall  I  appear  before  Him  ! 

Wednesday  7.  My  soul  is  happy  under  a  comfortable  sense 
of  God.  May  his  grace  always  enable  me  to  devote  myself 
without  reserve  to  him  !  The  power  of  God  was  present 
while  I  preached  to-day,  behind  the  barracks,  to  a  number  of 
soldiers  and  others.  Afterward  I  met  a  class,  and  preached 
again  in  the  evening.  But  my  spirit  has  been  grieved  by  the 
false  and  deceitful  doings  of  some  particular  persons.  Blessed 
be  God  !  all  are  not  so  ;  some  are  faithful.  But  what  is  the 
chaff  to  the  wheat  ?  One  undertook  to  reprove  me,  because 
I  went  in  at  a  quarter  after  eight,  and  came  out  at  twenty 
minutes  after  nine.  What  reason  have  I  to  be  thankful,  that 
this  is  the  worst  man  can  reprove  me  for!  O  that  I  had 
more  zeal  to  preach  the  word  in  season  and  out  of  season ! 

Friday,  9.   After  intercession  I  went  to  see  Mr.  L  . 

Mr.  S.,  Mr.  W.,  and  myself,  were  charged  with  winking  at 
the  follies  of  some.  We  had  a  little  debate  on  the  subject ; 
and  Mr.  L.  was  pleased  to  say,  "  He  did  not  know  but  the 
church  door  would  be  shut  against  me ;"  and  that  "  some 
persons  would  not  suffer  matters  to  go  on  so."  He  moreover 
told  me,  "  the  preachers'  gifts  were  taken  away."  How  dan- 
gerous it  is  to  be  addicted  to  pride  and  passion,  going  from 
house  to  house,  speaking  perverse  things  ! 

Saturday,  10.  After  preaching  this  evening  I  enjoyed  a 


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ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  IJuly,  1773. 


comfortable  time  in  meeting  the  leaders  and  band-society. 
My  heart  was  blessed  with  a  lively  sense  of  God's  gracious 
presence. 

On  the  Lord's  day  I  preached  twice  with  great  plainness 
to  a  large  number  of  people  ;  and  then  set  off,  in  company 
with  Mr.  J.,  towards  Philadelphia.  Came  safe  to  the  city  on 
Thursday,  but  did  not  find  such  perfect  harmony  as  I  could 
wish  for. 

Wednesday,  14.  Our  general  conference  began :  in  which 
the  following  propositions  were  agreed  to : — 

1.  The  old  Methodist  doctrine  and  discipline  shall  be  en- 
forced and  maintained  amongst  all  our  societies  in  America. 

2.  Any  preacher  who  acts  otherwise,  cannot  be  retained 
amongst  us  as  a  fellow-labourer  in  the  vineyard. 

3.  No  preacher  in  our  connexion  shall  be  permitted  to  ad- 
minister the  ordinances  at  this  time ;  except  Mr.  S.,  and  he 
under  the  particular  direction  of  the  assistant. 

4.  No  person  shall  be  admitted,  more  than  once  or  twice, 
to  our  love-feasts  or  society-meetings,  without  becoming  a 
member. 

5.  No  preacher  shall  be  permitted  to  reprint  our  books, 
without  the  approbation  of  Mr.  Wesley,  and  the  consent  of 
his  brethren.  And  that  R.  W.  shall  be  allowed  to  sell  what 
he  has,  but  reprint  no  more. 

6.  Every  assistant  is  to  send  an  account  of  the  work  of 
God  in  his  circuit,  to  the  general  assistant. 

There  were  some  debates  amongst  the  preachers  in  this 
conference,  relative  to  the  conduct  of  some  who  had  mani- 
fested a  desire  to  abide  in  the  cities,  and  live  like  gentlemen. 
Three  years  out  of  four  have  been  already  spent  in  the  cities. 
It  was  also  found  that  money  had  been  wasted,  improper 
leaders  appointed,  and  many  of  our  rules  broken. 

Friday,  16.  I  set  off  for  Chester,  and  had  a  comfortable 
time  in  preaching.  Mrs.  W.  and  two  young  women  in  her 
house,  appeared  to  be  under  some  religious  concern.  May 
the  Lord  make  bare  his  holy  arm,  and  revive  his  glorious  work  ! 
I  understand  that  some  dissatisfied  persons  in  New- York, 


July,  1773.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


81 


threaten  to  shut  the  church  door  against  Mr.  R.  If  they 
should  be  bold  enough  to  take  this  step,  we  shall  see  what 
the  consequence  will  be ;  and  no  doubt  but  the  Lord  will 
bring  all  their  evil  deeds  to  light.  0  that  it  may  be  for  the 
salvation  of  their  precious  souls  ! 

Lord's  day,  18.  My  soul  has  enjoyed  great  peace  this 
week,  in  which  I  have  rode  near  one  hundred  miles  since  my 
departure  from  Philadelphia,  and  have  preached  often,  and 
sometimes  great  solemnity  has  rested  on  the  congregations. 

On  Monday,  brother  Y.  rode  in  company  with  me  to  Mr. 
S.'s,  where  I  preached  with  sweet  freedom  to  a  few  attentive 
people.  We  took  friendly  counsel  together,  and  our  time 
was  profitably  and  comfortably  spent.  On  Tuesday  morning 
my  heart  was  still  with  the  Lord,  and  my  peace  flowed  as  a 
river.  Glory  be  given  to  God !  On  Wednesday,  at  New- 
castle, the  company  was  but  small,  though  great  power  at- 
tended the  word.  Perhaps  the  Lord  will  yet  visit  this  people, 
though  at  present  too  many  of  them  appear  to  be  devoted  to 
pride,  vanity,  and  folly.  But,  through  abundant  mercy,  my 
heart  is  devoted  to  God  and  to  his  work.  O  that  it  may 
never  depart  from  him  ! 

I  received  a  letter  from  my  dear  brother  W  ,  written  in 

Ireland,  with  his  usual  plainness  and  honesty  of  heart. 

Thursday,  I  came  to  R.  T.'s,  when  the  Lord  enabled  me  to 
press  home  the  word  on  the  consciences  of  the  people,  many 
of  whom  had  never  heard  us  before.  Set  off  the  next  day 
for  Susquehanna,  and  met  with  I.  R.,  who  gave  me  an  ac- 
count of  a  considerable  prospect  of  the  work  of  God  in  Kent. 
In  the  evening  we  came,  very  wet  and  weary,  to  I.  D.'s. 
We  were  kindly  entertained,  and  soon  forgot  our  fatigue  and 
pains. 

Lord's  day,  25.  I  first  preached  in  this  neighbourhood,  and 
then  rode  hard  to  reach  Deer-Creek  in  time.  Was  very  un- 
well with  a  violent  headache,  but  after  preaching  to  many 
people,  and  meeting  a  large  class,  I  felt  myself  much  reco- 
vered. Thus  the  Lord  graciously  helpeth  me  ?  My  soul  is 
filled  with  peace,  and  drawn  out  in  love  to  God  and  man. 


82 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Aug.,  1773. 


Monday,  26.  My  heart  is  fixed,  trusting  in  the  Lord ;  and 
fully  bent,  through  grace,  to  obey  his  holy  will.  How  sweet 
is  the  peace,  and  how  great  is  the  power  with  which  the  Lord 
blesseth  me !  Part  of  the  forenoon  was  spent  in  settling  the 
class.  Then  brother  W.  rode  with  me  to  S.  L.'s,  where  I 
met  two  more  classes,  and  found  them  in  a  prosperous  way. 
Then  rode  back  to  H.  W.'s  in  great  peace  ;  and  the  next  day 
I  found  the  class  increased  in  number  at  S.  F.'s.  Preached 
also  in  the  evening ;  and  found  it  a  comfortable  time.  The 
young  women  in  the  house  seem  determined  to  seek  the 
salvation  of  their  souls. 

Wednesday,  28.  R.  W.  set  off  with  me  for  his  house.  But 
before  we  rode  far,  a  violent  clap  of  thunder,  which  appeared 
to  be  just  over  my  head,  shook  every  limb  in  my  body,  and 
frightened  my  horse  so  much  that  I  found  it  difficult  to  keep 
my  saddle.  But  my  body  and  mind  soon  recovered  the 
shock,  and  my  soul  was  comforted.    Thus  we  see, 

"Dangers  stand  thick  through  all  the  ground, 
To  push  us  to  the  tomb." 

But  the  Lord  is  the  preserver  of  all  that  put  their  trust  in 
him.    Glory  be  given  to  God  forever ! 

Thursday,  29.  Met  the  class  at  J.  P.'s,  in  Gunpowder  Neck, 
and  found  the  enemy  had  attempted  to  get  in  amongst  them ; 
but  through  their  vigilance  and  the  grace  of  God  he  was  re- 
pelled, and  could  gain  no  admittance. 

On  Thursday,  I  intended  to  go  to  Baltimore,  but  was  pre- 
vented by  a  lameness  in  one  of  my  feet ;  so  my  time  was 
-  spent  at  J.  P.'s.  The  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  the 
people  in  this  neighbourhood  ;  many  of  them  are  very  happy 
in  religion,  and  some  thirsting  for  full  salvation.  On  Satur- 
day, J.  K.  met  me.  I  attempted  to  speak  a  little  in  public, 
but  was  afterward  very  unwell,  and  had  a  troublesome  pain 
in  my  head.  However,  I  was  enabled  to  preach  the  next  day 
with  some  energy. 

Monday,  August  2.  We  began  our  quarterly  meeting. 
After  our  temporal  business  was  done,  I  read  a  part  of  our 


Aug.,  1773.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


minutes,  to  see  if  brother  S.  would  conform  ;  but  lie  appeared 
to  be  inflexible.  He  would  not  administer  the  ordinances  un- 
der our  direction  at  all.  Many  things  were  said  on  the  sub- 
ject ;  and  a  few  of  the  people  took  part  with  him.  At  the 
conclusion  of  our  quarterly  meeting,  on  Tuesday,  we  had  a 
comfortable  season,  and  many  were  refreshed,  especially  in 
the  love-feast.  On  Wednesday,  I  set  out  for  Baltimore,  but 
was  taken  very  sick  on  the  road ;  however,  I  pursued  my 
way,  though  it  was  sometimes  through  hard  rain  and  heavy 
thunder ;  and  preached  in  Baltimore  on  Thursday,  in  Mrs. 
Tribulet's  new  house,  which  she  freely  lent  for  that  purpose. 
There  appeared  to  be  a  considerable  moving  under  the  word. 
After  preaching  the  next  morning  at  the  Point,  I  went  to  see 
a  woman,  once  happy  in  several  respects,  but  now  under  dis- 
tressing circumstances.  Her  husband  was  driven  from  her ; 
and  she  was  left  with  four  children  for  three  months. 

Many  people  in  general  attend  the  preaching  in  Baltimore, 
especially  after  we  have  been  long  enough  in  town  for  the 
inhabitants  to  receive  full  knowledge  of  our  being  there. 
And  I  have  a  great  hope  that  the  Lord  will  do  something  for 
the  souls  in  this  place,  though  the  little  society  has  been 
rather  neglected,  for  want  of  proper  persons  to  lead  them.  I 
rode  to  Patapsco  Neck,  and,  after  preaching,  reduced  the 
the  class  to  some  order.  Nathan  Perrig  told  me,  he  had 
been  grieved  by  some  who  had  manifested  too  great  a  for- 
wardness to  speak  in  public.  I  then  returned  to  Baltimore, 
and  went  thence  to  Backriver  Neck,  where  I  found  contention 
in  the  class ;  but,  through  grace,  was  enabled  to  bring  them 
to  peace  and  order.  Then  I  went  to  Charles  Harriman's,  and 
settled  two  classes  in  that  neighbourhood.  While  preach- 
ing there,  the  Lord  favoured  us  with  a  lively  and  profitable 
season.  My  mind  has  lately  been  much  tortured  with  tempta- 
tions ;  but  the  Lord  has  stood  by  and  delivered  me.  O,  my 
God  !  when  will  my  trials  end  ?  At  death.  Lord,  be  ever 
with  me  and  save  me,  or  my  soul  must  perish  at  last.  But 
my  trust  is  still  in  God,  that  he  will  ever  help  me  to  conquer 
all  my  foes. 


84 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Aug.,  1773. 


Preached,  and  met  the  society,  on  Wednesday,  at  Joseph 
Presbury's,  and  on  Thursday,  set  off  for  Kent  county,  but 
was  troubled  with  a  very  uncommon  pain  in  my  head.  In 
public  worship,  at  Mr.  G.'s,  a  serious  negro  was  powerfully 
struck ;  and  though  he  made  but  little  noise,  yet  he  trembled 
so  exceedingly  that  the  very  house  shook.    I  then  rode  to  Mr. 

H  's,  and  was  kindly  entertained.    Here  we  saw  a  little 

woman  with  neither  hands  nor  feet ;  yet  she  could  walk,  card, 
spin,  sew,  and  knit.  And  her  heart  rejoiced  in  God  her  Sa- 
viour.   But  what  is  she  at  this  time  ? 

Friday,  13.  The  spirit  of  holy  peace  reigns  in  my  heart. 
Glory  be  given  to  God !  I  received  information  to-day  of 
W.  F.,  who  had  threatened  to  stone  one  of  our  preachers,  but 
was  taken  sick  and  died  in  a  few  days.  Also  of  another  per- 
son who  had  been  under  conviction  for  sin,  but  resisting  and 
shaking  it  off,  he  left  the  house,  and  died  in  the  dark,  speak- 
ing evil  of  the  ways  of  God.  Jjikewise  of  Mrs.  H.,  who  was 
under  conviction  from  the  Spirit  of  God,  but  going  from  the 
house  and  indulging  a  trifling  spirit,  she  soon  after  died.  Thus 
it  seems,  when  men  slight  the  mercies  of  God,  he  visits  them 

with  his  judgments  !    The  congregation  to-day  at  Mr.  G  's 

was  very  large,  but  they  looked  like  fat  bulls  of  Bashan, 
though  they  sat  pretty  still  while  I  endeavoured  to  prove  that 
the  spirit,  doctrine,  sufferings,  and  practice  of  the  holy  apos- 
tles are  exemplified  in  the  people  of  God  at  this  time.  The 
Lord  favoured  me  with  freedom  and  power,  as  also  in  the 
evening  at  Mr.  H  's. 

On  Saturday,  a  multitude  of  people  attended  the  preach- 
ing of  the  word,  and  the  Lord  was  with  us  of  a  truth. 

Lord's  day,  15.  For  some  time  past,  the  Lord  has  blessed 
me  with  abundant  peace  and  love ;  but  my  soul  longs  for  all 
the  fulness  of  God,  as  far  as  it  is  attainable  by  man.  0, 
when  shall  it  once  be  ?  When  shall  my  soul  be  absorbed  in 
purity  and  love  ?    The  congregation  assembled  under  a  tree, 

at  Mr.  G  's,  and  in  the  time  of  the  first  prayer,  a  woman 

fell  down  and  lay  there  all  the  time  of  the  sermon.  The 
people  here  appear  to  be  much  affected  with  prejudice  against 


Aug.,  1773.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


85 


I.  R. ;  they  will  not  bear  with  his  rough  address.  But  I 
know  not  what  to  do  with  them.  If  some  other  preacher 
could  visit  them  in  his  stead,  perhaps  the  work  of  God  would 
prosper  much  better.  But  most  of  the  society  appear  to  be 
under  a  genuine  work  of  grace  ;  though  a  few  of  their  cases  are 
doubtful.  The  clerk  of  the  church  desired  to  be  present  in 
the  class  meeting ;  and  was  considerably  affected. 

Tuesday,  17.  After  preaching  to  a  number  of  people  at 

Mr.  H  's,  I  was  much  delighted  with  the  simple  account 

of  the  work  of  God  related  and  experienced  by  T.  L.,  who  I 
believe  is  saved  from  indwelling  sin.  He  was  born  at  Thorns- 
bury,  near  Bristol  in  England  ;  and  came  over  to  America 
about  nineteen  or  twenty  years  ago.  He  was  first  brought  to 
God  in  Gunpowder  Neck ;  and  was  soon  after  in  great  dis- 
tress for  purity  of  heart.  He  said,  he  prayed  and  wept  till 
his  tears  lay  in  small  lakes  on  the  floor ;  but  was  at  last  sud- 
denly filled  with  spiritual  glory.  He  was  blessed  with  won- 
derful communications  of  peace  and  love.  He  appeared  to 
be  a  holy,  serious,  happy  man,  and  artless  without  colouring ; 
so  that  there  is  no  room  to  doubt  but  it  is  a  genuine  work  of 
God. 

Wednesday,  18.  Several  friends,  both  men  and  women,  ac- 
companied me  to  the  bay ;  and  when  we  came  to  the  water 
side,  we  kneeled  down  and  prayed,  recommending  each  other 
to  the  grace  of  God. 

Thursday,  19.  I  felt  myself  unwell,  but  my  heart  longs  to 
overflow  with  love  to  God.  My  resolution  is,  through  grace, 
to  make  a  total  and  perpetual  surrender  of  myself  to  him,  and 

his  service.    At  D.  R  's,  on  Friday,  many  people  attended 

to  hear  the  word,  which  was  dispensed  with  some  power ; 
but  my  soul  longs  and  pants  for  more  of  God.  My  heart  re- 
joices in  God,  but  I  am  troubled  with  too  much  freedom  of 
temper,  which  may  proceed  from  a  great  flow  of  animal  spir- 
its ;  but  it  has  the  appearance  of  levity.  I  long  to  be  so 
guarded  as  to  have  a  solemn,  constant  sense  of  the  omnipre- 
sent God  resting  on  my  mind.  Saturday,  21.  F.  H.  invited 
me  home  with  him ;  and  I  called  to  see  R.  D.,  but  found  him 


86 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Aug.,  1*773. 


too  wise  for  me  to  do  him  much  good.    Rode  to  H.  W  's, 

and  preached  with  life  and  power  from  the  first  Psalm ;  and 
afterward  met  the  class.    Preached  on  the  Lord's  day  at 

H.  W  's  in  the  morning  at  five,  at  S.  L  's  at  ten,  and 

at  S.  F  's  in  the  evening.    My  soul  has  been  kept  in 

tranquillity  and  peace. 

Tuesday,  24.  My  heart  swells  with  strong  desire  to  live  to 
God ;  and  to  trust  constantly  in  him,  that  he  may  direct  my 
paths.  I.  I.,  an  honest  old  friend,  came  to  hear  me.  0 
that  names  and  parties  were  done  away  !  that  Christians 
were  all  but  one  body  !  that  pure  love  might  reign  alone  in 
every  heart !    Lord,  hasten  the  happy  and  desirable  period. 

Wednesday,  25.  My  body  was  very  weak,  but  my  soul  was 
strengthened  and  blest  with  a  delightful  sense  of  God,  while 
preaching  to  a  large  congregation  at  Mr.  B  's ;  and  I  af- 
terward met  the  class.  God  is  the  portion  of  my  soul ;  and 
to  do  his  will  is  my  constant  desire  and  determination.  I 
spoke  with  two  exhorters  at  Mr.  C  's,  and  gave  them  li- 
cense to  act  in  that  character.    Friday,  21.  At  Mr.  C  's 

we  had  a  comfortable  time ;  and  the  work  of  God  seems  to 
be  reviving  there.  Satan  is  still  haunting  my  mind,  but  the 
Lord  gives  me  power  to-resist  him,  and  keeps  me  in  constant 
peace.  On  Saturday,  all  my  soul  was  love;  no  desire  for 
anything  but  God  had  place  in  my  heart.  Keep  me,  O  Lord, 
in  this  delightful,  blessed  frame.  This  day  I  met  with  P.  E., 
who  has  set  out  to  preach,  but  I  am  doubtful  of  his  call. 
D.  R.,  who  lodged  with  me  to-night,  is  under  great  exercises 
of  mind  from  a  conviction  that  it  is  his  duty  to  preach.  He 
ventured  to  open  his  mind  to  me  on  the  subject,  after  he  was 
in  bed ;  and  so  exceedingly  was  he  agitated,  that  the  bed 
shook  under  him,  while  he  was  relating  the  exercises  of  his 
mind. 

Lord's  day.  After  preaching  at  Mr.  O.'s  in  the  morning, 
and  at  Mr.  E.'s  in  the  afternoon,  I  rode  thence  to  town  under 
heavy  exercises  of  mind.  Surely  there  will  be  good  done 
here,  or  the  place  must  be  given  up. 

On  Monday,  I  spent  part  of  my  time  in  reading  Poole's 


Sept.,  1773.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


87 


account  of  the  downfall  of  Antichrist.  Lord,  hasten  the  time  ! 
While  preaching  this  evening  in  town,  there  was  a  gracious 
moving  amongst  the  people. 

On  Tuesday  I  rode  to  Mr.  D.'s,  where  a  few  attended,  and 
I  trust  not  in  vain ;  then  returned  to  town  groaning  in  spirit. 
I  was  in  company  with  Br.  W.,  and  Br.  S.,  on  Wednesday, 
but  was  much  distressed  on  account  of  so  few  preachers  well 
qualified  for  the  work,  and  so  many  who  are  forward  to  preach 
without  due  qualifications.  My  foolish  mind  felt  rather  dis- 
posed to  murmuring,  pride,  and  discontent.  Lord,  pardon 
me,  and  grant  me  more  grace  !  The  next  day  my  conscience 
checked  me  for  the  appearance  of  levity.  How  seriously 
should  we  consider  the  presence  of  the  Deity ;  and  ever  re- 
member that  we  must  render  an  account  of  all  our  conduct ! 

Friday,  Sept.  3.  After  enjoying  a  comfortable  season  with  a 
few  friends,  at  Mr.  H.'s,  about  twelve  miles  from  Baltimore,  I 
preached  at  four  o'clock  at  Mr.  A.'s,  in  Middle-river  Neck, 
where  there  is  a  good  prospect,  and  lodged  with  M.  A.,  whose 
heart  the  Lord  hath  touched ;  and  on  Saturday  returned  to 
town. 

Lord's  day,  5.  In  the  morning  I  preached  at  town,  and 
then  at  the  Point,  where  the  people  seem  more  attentive  ;  and 
afterward  returned  to  town,  and  preached  at  night  to  a  large 
congregation.  It  is  a  matter  of  great  grief  to  me,  to  see  the 
inhabitants  of  this  town  so  much  devoted  to  pride,  spiritual 
idolatry,  and  almost  every  species  of  sin.  Lord,  visit  them 
yet  in  tender  mercy,  to  reform  and  save  their  souls.  On  Mon- 
day I  went  to  visit  W.  L.,  in  Patapsco  Neck.  How  is  the 
scene  changed  there  !  He  is  no  more  ashamed  of  the  truth  as 
it  is  in  Jesus.  His  wife  has  lately  experienced  great  agonies 
of  soul ;  and  was,  in  a  wonderful  manner,  delivered,  being 
filled  with  the  peace  and  love  of  God.  This,  by  the  mercy 
of  God,  has  produced  a  gracious  effect  on  his  heart.  The 
next  day  he  accompanied  me  to  G.  P.'s,  and  thence  to  Gun- 
powder Neck,  where  we  had  a  comfortable  time.  Hitherto 
the  Lord  hath  helped  ! 

Wednesday,  8.  I  crossed  Bush-River,  and  then  rode  to 


88 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  1773. 


I.  D  's :  my  heart  was  filled  with  peace  and  power  ;  but 

what  sore  conflicts  have  attended  me  !  I  am  weary  of  all  that  is 
wrong  within  me.  Lord,  purify  my  heart,  make  me  wholly 
thine,  and  fill  me  with  all  the  fulness  of  thy  love !  The  next 
day  I  visited  F.  H.,  who  treated  me  kindly.  We  entered  into 
a  close  conversation  on  religious  subjects  ;  but  I  found  he  had 
been  reading  Mr.  M  's  mystery  of  errors  more  than  the  Gos- 
pel. He  has  some  good  qualities.  But  how  weighty  is  his 
charge ;  he  has  a  family  of  not  less  than  eighty  souls  under 
his  care  !  They  were  collected  in  the  evening  to  join  in  prayer, 
and  receive  a  word  of  exhortation.  I  rode  to  Deer-Creek  on 
Friday,  and  had  a  refreshing  season,  as  also  at  Henry  Watters's 
in  the  evening  at  four  o'clock.  The  Lord  is  still  my  friend, 
and  fills  me  with  peace  and  pure  desire. 

Monday,  13.  Found  it  necessary  on  a  particular  occasion 
to  go  to  Pipe-Creek ;  and  while  preaching  to  a  large  number 
of  people  at  Richard  Owings's,  the  power  of  the  Lord  was 
present.  My  mind  has  been  much  stayed  on  God  for  some 
time  past,  and  my  body  has  felt  but  little  weariness,  though 
on  some  days  I  have  preached  four  times.  Came  to  William 
Lynch's,  and  found  Mr.  L.  in  spiritual  trouble  ;  but  I  hope  the 
Lord  will  soon  deliver  him,  and  give  him  the  "  oil  of  joy  for 
mourning."  Glory  to  God  !  my  mind  is  kept  in  sweet  peace, 
and  deeply  engaged  in  every  duty.  Preached  on  Thursday 
at  Mr.  L.'s,  and  there  appeared  to  be  some  small  awakenings 
amongst  the  people.  Thence  rode  to  Nathan  Perrig's.  He 
appears  to  be  a  man  that  fears  God  in  some  degree ;  but  is 
very  stiff,  and  in  some  things  full  of  self-will.  My  mind  was 
as  it  were  in  chains,  while  preaching  at  Mr.  H.'s  ;  but  my  soul 
was  greatly  blest  while  dispensing  the  word  to  a  large  congre- 
gation at  Mr.  A.'s,  in  Middle-River  Neck.  There  is  a  pros- 
pect of  some  good  being  done,  by  the  grace  of  God,  in  the 
this  place.  After  preaching  on  Saturday,  with  freedom  and 
satisfaction,  to  a  number  of  people  in  Gunpowder  Neck,  I  was 
taken  very  unwell ;  and  after  a  very  restless  night,  with  much 
profuse  sweating,  I  rose  in  the  morning  exceedingly  indisposed, 
and  in  much  weakness  of  body  went  through  the  public  duties 


Sept.,  1773.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


80 


of  the  day  ;  but  the  Lord  was  graciously  and  powerfully  with 
me,  both  in  preaching  and  society-meeting. 

Monday,  20.  My  soul  was  refreshed  with  the  love  of  God. 
How  do  I  long  for  a  mind  thoroughly  refined,  filled  with  per- 
fect purity,  and  constantly  devoted  to  God  !  The  prospect  and 
hope  of  this  frequently  transports  my  soul.  Lord,  hasten  the 
blessed  period  !  Let  all  my  soul  be  swallowed  up  in  love  !  I 
have  lately  been  reading  Mr.  W.  on  the  ruin  and  recovery  of 
man :  he  is  a  judicious  writer,  in  the  main,  and  generally  illus- 
trates his  subjects  well ;  but  some  of  his  sentiments  relative 
to  infants,  I  think,  are  very  exceptionable. 

Tuesday,  21.  I  crossed  the  bay,  in  company  with  a  few 
friends,  to  Kent  county.  After  a  good  passage  we  reached 
the  shore,  sat  down  to  rest  and  refresh  ourselves,  and  then 
joined  in  prayer.  We  walked  to  John  Randall's,  where  we 
were  informed  of  the  opposition  which  one  of  our  preachers 
met  with.  But  the  work  is  the  Lord's,  and  they  that  oppose 
his  work  oppose  his  omnipotence.  On  Tuesday  my  soul  was 
kept  in  peace  and  rest.  After  preaching  with  some  comfort, 
I  was  seized  with  a  quartan  ague,  which  was  attended  with 
much  pain  in  my  back  and  limbs.  Mr.  Kennard  asked  me 
home,  and  treated  me  with  much  civility  and  kindness.  I 
now  read  Smollet's  description  of  the  Methodists ;  and  cannot 
wonder  that  his  readers,  who  have  no  personal  knowledge  of 
them,  should  treat  the  Methodists  with  contempt.  But  the 
day  is  coming  when  every  one  will  appear  in  his  true  colours, 
and  be  constrained  to  render  an  account  of  all  his  conduct  to 
God.  A  high  fever  and  heavy  sweats  were  my  companions 
in  the  night ;  and  the  next  morning  I  was  too  unwell  to  speak 
in  prayer ;  but  I  ventured  to  ride  in  a  carriage  as  far  as  Mr. 
Hinson's,  in  the  afternoon. 

Thursday,  23.  At  Mr.  Hinson's  the  Lord  was  with  me 
while  preaching  from  Acts  xiv,  10.  Observing  in  J.  R.  the 
odious  appearance  of  speaking  too  freely  of  absent  persons,  I 
felt  a  sense  of  my  own  imprudence ;  and  saw  both  the  pro- 
priety and  necessity  of  retaining  every  such  matter  in  my  own 
breast,  till  an  opportunity  may  offer  of  conversing  with  the 


90 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Sept.,  1773. 


person  immediately  concerned,  face  to  face.  Lord,  pardon 
me  in  everything  that  is  wrong  in  the  least  degree  ;  and  grant 
me  more  fortitude  and  evangelical  wisdom  for  the  time  to 
come ! 

Friday,  24.  My  trials  and  exercises  have  been  somewhat 
peculiar.  May  the  God  of  mercy  communicate  more  abundant 
power  and  love !  Though  this  was  the  day  in  course  for  my 
ague  to  return,  I  preached  to  a  small,  serious  congregation 
with  inward  power.  My  ague  came  on  afterward  with  a  severe 
pain  in  my  back.  I  drove  off  the  cold  fit  by  walking  and  run- 
ning, but  went  to  bed  in  a  high  fever.  The  next  morning  my 
frame  felt  weak  ;  but  my  heart  was  sweetly  resigned. 

Saturday,  25.  While  preaching  to  a  large  company  at  Mr. 
Gibbs's,  we  had  a  moving,  melting  time.  After  preaching  at 
nine  o'clock  the  next  morning  at  the  same  place,  I  went  to 
church,  and  thought  the  minister  intended  to  point  at  me,  by 
speaking  against  idleness,  and  people  who  follow  an  unwar- 
rantable employment,  and  doing  what  they  have  no  business 
with.  But,  can  any  employment  be  more  unwarrantable  than 
the  charge  of  souls  without  any  real  concern  for  their  salva- 
tion ?  And,  bad  as  idleness  is,  it  is  far  preferable  to  leading 
immortal  souls  astray.  The  world  can  judge  whether  he  is 
most  like  an  idle  man  who  reads  a  dry  harangue  every  Lord's 
day,  or  he  who  toils  and  labours  both  day  and  night  to  save 
the  souls  of  men.  But  these  things  I  leave  with  the  Lord. 
Many  people  attended  my  preaching  in  the  evening,  while  I 
took  occasion,  from  2  Cor.  v,  20,  to  show,  amongst  other 
things,  the  evangelical  mission  and  life  of  a  true  ambassador 
of  Christ. 

Monday.  We  crossed  the  bay,  and  rode  to  Jos.  Presbury's. 
My  ague  coming  on  I  went  to  bed  in  great  torture ;  and 
thought  my  frame  could  not  long  endure  it.  My  body  is 
greatly  weakened  by  this  disorder;  and  perhaps  I  shall  be 
dumb  for  a  season,  either  for  my  own  unfaithfulness,  or  tl^e 
unfaithfulness  of  the  people.  May  the  Lord  fortify  my  soul 
with  patience ! 

Thursday,  30.  Though  very  weak  and  low,  the  Lord 


Oct.,  1773.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


91 


favoured  me  with  a  good  opportunity,  life,  and  liberty,  at 
Daniel  Ruff's. 

Friday,  Oct.  1.  I  was  exceedingly  ill  at  Mr.  D.'s  ;  and  now 
began  to  think  my  travelling  would  be  interrupted.  This  is 
my  greatest  trouble  and  pain,  to  forsake  the  work  of  God, 
and  to  neglect  the  people,  whose  spiritual  interest  and  salva- 
tion I  seek  with  my  whole  soul.  The  next  day,  finding  my- 
self too  weak  to  travel,  I  sent  brother  E.  in  my  place ;  and 
must  content  myself  to  abide  here  awhile,  where  they  treat 
me  with  the  greatest  care  and  kindness.  My  present  purpose- 
is,  if  the  Lord  spares  and  raises  me  up,  to  be  more  watchful 
and  circumspect  in  all  my  ways.  0  Lord,  remember  me  in 
mercy  ;  and  brace  up  my  feeble  soul ! 

Lord's  day,  Oct.  3.  Every  day  I  have  endeavoured  to  use 
what  little  strength  I  had  for  God ;  and  this  day  I  felt  some- 
thing better  in  my  body,  and  quite  serene  in  my  mind.  Rode 
to  Bush,  and  preached  to  many  people  with  considerable 
power.  But  had  a  violent  fever  at  night,  which  held  me 
nine  horn's.  It  is  my  desire  to  be  resigned  to  the  will  of  God 
in  all  things.  Sent  brother  W.  in  my  place  to  supply  the 
appointments. 

Wednesday,  6.  My  disorder  returned,  and  my  body  was  in 
great  pain  for  many  hours.  Felt  some  patience,  but  not 
enough.  0  that  this  affliction  may  answer  the  intended  end  ! 
My  will  is  quite  resigned  to  the  will  of  God,  so  that  I  cannot 
ask  ease  in  pain ;  but  desire  to  be  truly  thankful,  and  leave 
the  disposal  of  all  things  entirely  with  him. 

It  is  undoubtedly  a  gracious  providence,  that  my  lot  should 
be  cast  in  the  family  of  J.  D.,  during  my  indisposition  to 
travel.  I  shall  never  forget  the  kindness,  or  discharge  the 
obligations  I  am  under,  to  Mrs.  Sarah  Dallam,  who  watched 
and  waited  upon  me  day  and  night.  God  grant,  that  the 
same  measure  which  she  has  meted  to  me,  may  return  upon 
herself  and  her  children  !  On  Thursday  and  Friday  my 
mind  was  kept  in  peace,  though  I  could  do  very  little  but 
read.  The  language  of  my  heart  is,  Lord,  thy  will  be 
done  ! 


92 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Nov.,  1773. 


My  disorder  has  increased,  and  for  several  days  my  indis- 
position has  been  so  great  that  I  kept  no  journal.  My  friends 
wept  around,  and  expected  my  dissolution  was  near.  But  the 
Lord  thought  on  both  them  and  me,  to  raise  me  up  from  the 
borders  of  death.  0  that  my  few  remaining  days  may  be 
spent  to  his  glory  ! — that  every  valuable  end  may  be  answered 
by  my  future  life  ! 

Wednesday,  27.  Mr.  D.  was  so  kind  as  to  conduct  me  in 
a  carnage  to  my  friend  Barnet  Preston's,  at  Deer  Creek.  On 
Friday  I  found  myself  much  better,  and  my  soul  was  kept 
in  peace  and  purity.  May  the  Lord  ever  keep  me  near  to 
himself ! 

November  4.  Our  quarterly  meeting  came  on,  and  I  at- 
tended the  private  business,  though  in  much  weakness  of 
body.  Some  of  my  brethren  did  not  altogether  please  me. 
My  hand  appears  still  to  be  against  every  man.  Mr.  Rankin 
conducted  the  meeting.  At  the  close  of  the  whole,  I  dis- 
covered the  affectionate  attachment  which  subsisted  between 
many  of  my  dear  friends  and  me.  It  cut  me  to  the  heart 
when  we  came  to  part  from  each  other.  They  wept  and  I 
wept ;  especially  brother  L.  and  his  wife.  May  the  gracious 
Lord  remember  them  in  mercy  and  love  ! 

November  6.   Was  able  to  sit  up  and  write  to  my  dear 

friend  Mr.  S  y.    It  is  but  little  I  can  do  ;  but,  thanks  be 

to  God  for  any  help  !  Heard  brother  W.  preach,  and  thought 
it  my  duty  to  blame  him  for  speaking  against  the  knowledge 
of  salvation.  Was  better  on  Thursday ;  but  threw  myself 
into  a  violent  fever  by  my  own  imprudence. 

Tuesday  9.  My  disorder  seems  to  be  going  off,  though  I 
mend  but  slowly.  On  Wednesday  I  went  to  Mr.  D.'s  in  a 
carriage,  and  met  with  Mr.  R.,  who  preached  there.  The 
next  day  Mr.  R.  set  off  for  Philadelphia,  and  left  me  still 
poorly. 

Saturday,  13.  Though  I  have  not  preached  for  a  month, 
yet  I  ventured  to  attend  the  funeral  of  J.  Gallin,  a  Presby- 
terian, but  a  man  who  had  borne  a  Christian  character.  As 
they  could  get  no  preacher  of  their  own  profession,  they 


Nov.,  1113.'] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


93 


made  application  to  me.  Many  people  attended  on  this 
solemn  occasion ;  and  it  was  a  very  moving  time. 

Monday,  15.  Found  myself  much  better  in  health,  and 
concluded  to  set  off  on  my  Master's  business  as  soon  as  I 
should  be  properly  equipped.  On  Thursday  my  heart  was 
fixed,  trusting  in  the  Lord ;  and  as  my  body  was  gathering- 
strength,  I  set  out  on  Monday  for  Baltimore  ;  and  on  Friday 
reached  William  Lynch's,  who  entertained  me  with  the  great- 
est kindness.  Here  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  our  new 
church  begun  on  Back-river  Neck.  The  next  day  he  con- 
ducted me  in  his  carriage  to  the  Point,  where  I  was  enabled 
to  preach  with  some  power.  Then  returned  to  the  Neck,  and 
met  with  Mr.  J.  He  heard  the  word  of  God  with  great 
freedom  of  mind  ;  and  I  believe  his  false  peace  was  broken. 
My  spirit  was  greatly  refreshed  by  meeting  brother  Y.  at 
Baltimore  on  Monday  ;  and  the  next  day  I  was  much  as- 
sisted in  preaching  to  a  large  number  of  people  in  town,  both 
rich  and  poor.  May  the  Lord  arise  and  show  himself  gracious 
to  these  people  !  Through  abundant  grace  I  feel  nothing 
contrary  to  the  purest  intention ;  nor  the  least  desire  for  any- 
thing but  God.    Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul ! 

Thursday,  25.  Had  occasion  to  go  to  Annapolis,  and  found 
some  desire  to  preach  there.  But  perceiving  the  spirit  and 
practice  of  the  people,  I  declined  it.  A  tavern-keeper 
offered  me  the  use  of  his  house  for  preaching ;  but  he  was 
a  Deist,  and  I  did  not  feel  free  to  open  my  mouth  in  his 
house. 

After  my  return  to  Baltimore,  Mr.  J.,  the  person  men- 
tioned a  few  days  ago,  came  and  invited  me  to  his  house. 
The  next  morning,  at  breakfast,  he  showed  much  freedom 
in  conversation,  and  there  was  great  appearance  of  a  change. 

Monday,  29.  Have  been  able  to  officiate  at  the  town  and 
z  Point  every  day ;  and  the  congregations  rather  increase. 
Lord,  make  me  humble  and  more  abundantly  useful;  and 
give  me  the  hearts  of  the  people  that  I  may  conduct  them 
to  thee  !  I  feel  great  hopes  that  the  God  of  mercy  will  inter- 
pose, and  do  these  dear  people  good.    This  day  we  agreed 


94 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1773. 


with  Mr.  L.  to  undertake  the  brick-work  of  our  new  building 
at  the  Point.  At  night  I  was  seized  with  a  violent  fever; 
and  as  many  of  my  friends  thought  it  improper  for  me  to  go 
immediately  into  the  circuit,  I  concluded  to  abide  for  a  season 
in  town.  Many  are  under  some  awakenings  here ;  and  they 
are  very  kind  and  affectionate  to  me.  My  heart  is  with  the 
Lord.    He  is  my  all  in  all. 

Wednesday,  December  1.  Preached  at  Nathan  Perrig's  and 
William  Lynch's.  At  the  latter  place  many  more  people  at- 
tended than  we  could  expect,  considering  the  conduct  of 
Abraham  Rawling,  who  in  his  preaching  had  behaved  more 
like  a  madman  than  anything  else.  Rode  the  next  day  to 
Richard  Owings's,  where  a  few  attended  the  word  who  under- 
stood the  things  of  God.  My  soul  is  in  peace.  But  I  wish 
to  bear  all  things  with  perfect  patience,  and  feel  less  affected 
by  all  that  men  may  say  of  me,  and  every  act  of  disagreeable 
conduct  towards  me. 

Saturday,  4.  I  returned  to  Baltimore ;  and  the  house  of 
Mr.  William  Moore*  was  crowded  with  people  who  attended 
to  hear  the  word ;  and  the  next  day  I  felt  great  satisfaction 
in  preaching  to  a  large  number  of  people  at  the  Point ;  most 
of  them  gave  good  attention,  but  some  were  unruly. 

Tuesday,  7.  Yesterday  I  was  very  ill  all  the  day  with  a 
fever  ;  but  feel  something  better  to-day.  God  is  the  portion 
of  my  soul.  He  favours  me  with  sweet  peace,  and  sanctifies 
all  my  afflictions.  Lord,  evermore  keep  me,  and  conduct  me 
in  safety  to  thy  blessed  presence  above  !  I  had  a  fever,  and 
kept  my  bed  on  Wednesday,  and  should  have  thought  the 
day  had  been  lost,  had  it  not  been  a  season  for  the  exercise 
of  my  patience. 

Preached  on  Friday  with  some  satisfaction,  though  in 
great  weakness  of  body,  having  been  very  ill  in  the  preced- 
ing night.  On  Saturday  my  mind  was  serene ;  though  I 
greatly  long  to  have  a  deeper  sense  of  God  continually  resting 
on  my  heart.    My  soul  pants  earnestly  for  closer  communion 


°  He  became  a  Methodist,  and  afterward  fell  away. 


Dec,  1773.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


95 


with  the  Lord ;  and  to  die,  to  be  crucified,  to  every  other 
object. 

Lord's  day,  12.  While  preaching  at  the  Point,  there  was 
great  solemnity  very  visible  in  the  congregation.  The  power 
of  God  was  eminently  present,  and  one  person  fell  under  it. 
Such  numbers  of  people  attended  to  hear  the  word  to-day  in 
town,  that  we  knew  not  how  to  accommodate  them  ;  and 
there  appeared  to  be  more  seriousness  than  usual  among 
them. 

Tuesday,  14.  We  had  a  comfortable  time  at  William 
Lynch's.  The  next  day  Mr.  Chase,  a  Church  minister,  was 
present  at  preaching.  We  had  some  conversation  afterward, 
in  which  we  did  not  disagree.  But,  poor  man  !  one  more 
ignorant  of  the  deep  things  of  God,  I  have  scarcely  met  with, 
of  his  cloth.  He  knew  brother  K.,  and  appearing  to  be 
angry  with  him,  he  abused  him  for  preaching  in  the  church. 
Though  very  unwell,  I  rode  twenty  miles  on  Thursday,  to 
preach  at  William  Worthington's,  where  a  few  of  them  felt 
the  power  of  God.  Mr.  W.  and  his  wife  in  particular  were 
tenderly  affected. 

Saturday,  18.  Though  in  a  high  fever,  I  rode  twenty  miles 
through  the  rain  to  Baltimore.  But  the  Lord  preserved  me  ; 
and  I  was  able  to  preach  to  a  small  company  at  night.  Being 
unwell  on  the  Lord's  day,  I  did  not  attempt  to  preach  till 
night.  But  then  the  people  were  serious,  and  the  power  of 
God  was  present. 

Monday,  20.  Mrs.  Huling  introduced  me  to  the  family  of  Mrs. 
Rogers,  where  they  treated  me  with  great  kindness  and  care. 
0  that  plenty  may  not  hurt,  nor  ease  destroy  me  !  Lord, 
help  me,  in  all  things,  to  desire  nothing  but  thee  ! 

Thursday,  23.  R.  0.  informed  me  that  the  work  of  God 
was  gaining  ground  in  Frederick  county.  I  preached  at 
John  Dearer's,  in  the  old  town,  and  had  a  wild,  staring  con- 
gregation. On  Friday  the  Lord  graciously  blessed  me  with 
sweet  peace,  and  much  love.  My  heart  is  greatly  affected  at 
times  for  the  town  of  Baltimore ;  and  I  am  almost  ready  to 
doubt  whether  it  is  my  duty  to  tarry  here.    Yet  the  serious- 


06 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1*7*74. 


ness  of  the  people  appears  to  increase,  and  a  few  are  con- 
cerned for  their  salvation. 

Monday,  27.  My  soul  was  happy  in  God.  Brother  W. 
brought  good  accounts  from  the  country,  where  the  congre- 
gations are  large,  and  some  coming  to  the  Lord.  I  have 
great  hopes  that  my  acquaintance  with  the  family  of  Mrs. 
Rogers  will  be  rendered  a  blessing  to  them  ;  and  I  expect  to 
see  the  mother  and  son  bow  to  the  cross  of  Christ. 

Tuesday,  28.  Guise's  paraphrase  has  lately  afforded  me 
great  delight.  It  is  a  pity  that  such  a  man  ever  imbibed  the 
Calvinistic  principles.  My  soul  was  kept  in  peaceful  com- 
posure to-day  ;  and  at  night  I  made  a  religious  visit,  which  I 
hope  will  not  be  labour  lost.  On  my  return  home,  I  had 
great  hopes  that  Philip  Rogers  will  yet  become  a  disciple  of 
Jesus  Christ.  I  still  pray,  and  long,  and  wait,  for  an  out- 
pouring of  the  blessed  Spirit  on  this  town.  0  that  the  time 
were  come  !    Lord,  hasten  it  for  thy  mercy's  sake  ! 

Tuesday,  January  4,  1774.  My  body  has  been  indisposed 
for  some  days  past ;  but  the  grace  of  God  has  rested  on  my 
soul,  and  I  have  been  enabled  to  preach  several  times  with 
freedom,  power,  and  great  boldness,  the  Lord  being  my 
helper.  Feeling  rather  better  to-day,  I  ventured  to  ride  in 
a  chaise  ten  miles  to  Mr.  L  's,  where  we  had  some  agree- 
able, Christian  conversation.  Returned  the  next  day,  and 
continued  unwell — sometimes  being  confined  to  my  bed  for 
a  day  together  ;  yet  I  preached  at  other  times  to  large 
congregations.  It  frequently  appears  as  if  almost  the  whole 
town  would  come  together  to  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord. 
Surely  it  will  not  be  altogether  in  vain.  The  Lord  giveth  me 
great  patience,  and  all  things  richly  to  enjoy,  with  many  very 
kind  friends,  who  pay  great  attention  to  me  in  my  affliction. 
Amongst  others,  Mr.  Swoop,  a  preacher  in  high  Dutch,  came 
to  see  me.  He  appeared  to  be  a  good  man,  and  I  opened  to 
him  the  plan  of  Methodism. 

Friday,  14.  Though  this  was  the  day  for  the  return  of  my 
disorder,  yet  I  felt  much  better.  A  blister  under  my  ear  has 
removed  the  pain  in  my  head.    A  great  sense  of  God  rested 


Jan.,  1774.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


on  my  heart,  while  meeting  the  class  to-day.  There  is  an 
apparent  alteration  in  this  family  ;  and  I  must  conclude  the 
Lord  directed  my  steps  among  them. 

Saturday,  15.  My  body  is  still  weak,  though  on  the  re- 
covery. Lord,  if  thou  shouldst  be  pleased  to  raise  me  up,  let 
it  be  to  do  more  good !  I  desire  to  live  only  for  this !  Lord, 
I  am  thine,  to  serve  thee  forever,  with  soul  and  body,  time 
and  talents !  0  my  God !  now  all  I  am  and  have  is  devoted 
to  thee !  Mercifully  assist  me,  by  thy  grace,  to  persevere  in 
all  well-doing.  Amen. 

Lord's  day,  16.  While  preaching  in  town  this  evening,  two 
young  men,  in  the  midst  of  the  sermon,  came  in,  and  broke 
the  order  of  the  meeting.  On  Monday,  my  heart  felt  an  un- 
common burden,  on  account  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  place. 
And  sometimes  I  despair  of  ever  doing  them  much  good. 
But  a  constant  sense  of  God  resteth  on  my  own  soul. 

Wednesday,  19.  My  mind  is  kept  in  peace,  though  my 
body  is  weak ;  so  that  I  have  not  strength  sufficient  for  tra- 
velling :  nevertheless,  I  can  read  and  think.  O  that  it  may 
be  to  the  glory  of  Him,  who,  in  his  great  wisdom,  thinks  pro- 
per to  confine  me !  Lord,  ever  draw  my  heart  after  thee  ! 
May  I  see  no  beauty  in  any  other  object,  nor  desire  anything 
but  thee !  My  heart  longs  to  be  more  extensively  useful, 
but  is,  at  the  same  time,  filled  with  perfect  resignation  to 
God  in  all  my  affliction. 

Therefore,  I  cannot  choose  for  myself,  but  leave  all  to  him. 
A  young  man,  who  disturbed  the  congregation  on  the  evening 
of  last  Lord's  day,  has  seen  it  expedient  to  excuse  his  conduct, 
as  almost  the  whole  town  thought  him  culpable.  Thus  doth 
God  bring  good  out  of  evil,  and  make  the  fierceness  of  man 
turn  to  his  praise. 

Lord's  day,  23.  Great  numbers  of  people  attended  while  I 
preached  on  the  parable  of  the  prodigal  son. 

Tuesday,  25.  This  was  a  day  of  sweet  peace.  I  held  a 
private  conference  with  William  Moore  and  Captain  Stone, 
who  both  appeared  to  be  convinced  of  sin. 

Thursday,  27.  Many  people  attended  this  evening,  to  hear 
5 


98 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1*774. 


an  account  of  the  rise,  discipline,  and  practice  of  the  Metho- 
dists ;  on  which  subject  I  enlarged  with  a  warm  exhortation, 
and  had  great  liberty  and  satisfaction.  If  my  labours  should 
be  in  vain  for  the  people,  the  Lord  gives  me  a  gracious  reward 
in  my  own  soul. 

Friday,  28.  My  heart  was  fixed  on  God,  and  a  great  part 
of  my  time  spent  in  reading.  I  also  met  a  class,  and  received 
seven  probationers  into  the  society.  May  the  Lord  give  them 
grace  to  stand ! 

Lord's  day,  30.  It  appears  that  the  people  have  a  great 
desire  to  know  the  truth ;  for  though  it  rained,  and  froze  as 
it  fell,  yet  a  great  many  attended  to  hear.  It  was  a  very 
solemn  time  at  night,  while  I  discoursed  on  the  awful  day  of 
judgment.  Samuel  0 wings  is  tenderly  affected  for  the  sal- 
vation of  his  soul.  And  William  Moore  and  Philip  R-ogers 
seem  to  be  in  earnest  about  this  important  matter.  Glory  to 
God  for  these  things  !  Set  out  on  Monday  for  our  quarterly 
meeting,  and  met  the  preachers  at  brother  Owings's.  They 
all  appeared  to  have  their  hearts  fixed  on  promoting  the  work 
of  God  for  the  ensuing  quarter;  and  we  consulted  together 
with  great  freedom  and  love.  On  the  first  day  I  inquired 
into  the  moral  character  of  the  local  preachers,  appointed 
them  their  work,  and  gave  them  written  licenses  to  officiate. 
The  preachers  who  spoke  at  this  meeting,  manifested  great 
earnestness  and  zeal  for  the  salvation  of  souls ;  and  many  of 
the  people  were  much  affected ;  all  was  harmony  and  love. 
For  the  next  quarter  we  had  our  stations  as  follows  :  P.  Eberd, 
E.  Drumgoole,  and  Richard  Owings,  in  Frederick  circuit; 
brother  Yerbery  and  brother  Rawlings,  in  Kent  circuit ;  Henry 
Waiters  and  brother  W.  in  Baltimore  circuit;  and  myself  in 
Baltimore  town.  We  appointed  our  next  quarterly  meeting 
to  be  held  in  Baltimore  on  the  first  of  May  next.  Much  fa- 
tigued in  my  feeble  frame  by  various  exercises,  I  returned  to 
town,  and  visited  Mrs.  Moore,  who  was  afflicted  in  body  and 
distressed  in  mind. 

Thursday,  Feb.  3.  Last  night,  while  we  were  all  below 
stairs,  my  bed  took  fire  by  some  unknown  means,  though  it 


Feb.,  1*7 74.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


stood  three  yards  from  the  fire-place.  We  happily  came  up 
in  due  time,  and  finding  the  room  full  of  smoke,  we  discovered 
the  fire,  and  extinguished  it.  Surely  there  was  a  kind  provi- 
dence in  this !  This  day  I  wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  0.,  a  German 
minister,  relative  to  his  settling  in  Baltimore  town.  Though 
the  weather  was  very  disagreeable,  yet  many  attended  at 
night  to  hear  the  word.  God  is  still  my  chief  object ;  and 
my  desire  is  to  glorify  and  serve  him.  On  Saturday,  Mr.  S. 
came  to  consult  me  in  respect  to  Mr.  O.'s  coming  to  this 
town.  We  agreed  to  promote  his  settling  here ;  and  laid  a 
plan  nearly  similar  to  ours — to  wit,  that  gifted  persons 
amongst  them,  who  may,  at  any  time,  be  moved  by  the  Holy 
Ghost  to  speak  for  God,  should  be  encouraged ;  and  if  the 
Synod  would  not  agree,  they  were  still  to  persevere  in  this 
line  of  duty. 

Lord's  day  6.  We  had  a  moving  time  at  the  Point ;  and 
after  dining  with  Mr.  Swoop,  the  German  minister,  many 
people  attended  at  Mrs.  Trebalet's,  to  hear  me  preach ;  but  a 
company  of  men,  who  would  wish  to  support  the  character  of 
gentlemen,  came  drunk,  and  attempted  an  interruption :  how- 
ever Philip  Rogers,  once  their  intimate  associate  in  sin,  had 
courage  enough  to  defend  the  cause  of  God :  nevertheless,  I 
thought  it  expedient  to  dismiss  the  congregation ;  and  know 
not  how  this  will  end :  but  this  I  know,  Satan  and  his  emis- 
saries are  greatly  displeased. 

Monday,  1.  According  to  appointment,  I  went  to  Elk- 
Ridge,  and  was  kindly  received  by  Mr.  L  Worthington.  I 
spent  part  of  three  days,  labouring  for  the  salvation  of  souls. 
In  this  place  there  are  many  wealthy  and  wicked  people,  des- 
titute of  all  true  religion.  Numbers  attended  to  hear  the 
word,  and  some  were  affected.  Lord,  let  it  not  be  as  the  seed 
sown  by  the  way-side  !  Returned  to  Baltimore  on  Wednesday, 
and  the  next  day  I  advised  the  widow  T.  to  seek  redress  of  a 
magistrate,  for  the  late  riot  made  in  her  house.  But  they 
advised  her  to  put  up  with  it  for  this  time.  As  Mr.  M.  of- 
fered the  use  of  his  house,  I  met  the  people  there  on  Friday 
night,  and  found  the  disturbance  had  not  diminished  the  con- 


100 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1774. 


gregation,  but  increased  it.  Thus  Satan  prepares  a  weapon 
to  wound  his  own  cause.  After  reading  to  the  congregation 
part  of  the  "  Plain  Account  of  the  People  called  Methodists," 
I  told  them  we  were  a  united  body,  and  as  such  would  de- 
fend our  own  cause ;  that  I  had  qualified  myself  according 
to  the  act  of  toleration,  and  had  a  legal  right  to  preach  the 
Gospel. 

Friday,  11.  Endeavoured  to  raise  something  by  subscrip- 
tion, towards  building  a  Methodist  church  ;  but  as  the  whole 
lieth  on  my  shoulders,  I  find  the  burden  rather  too  heavy. 
However,  God  is  my  support,  and  my  heart  is  with  him. 

Tuesday,  15.  A  lively  sense  of  God  rested  on  my  soul, 
while  preaching  to  a  number  of  attentive  people  collected  at 
W.  L.'s ;  and  in  meeting  the  class  at  night,  I  found  the  mem- 
bers steady. 

Wednesday,  16.  Returning  to  the  Point,  I  received  a  me- 
lancholy account  of  a  poor,  abandoned  wretch,  who  staggered 
into  a  brothel  at  night,  and  was  found  dead  the  next  morning. 
He  was  found  at  the  door  of  Mr.  L.,  and  there  were  reasons 
to  suspect  he  was  murdered.  Thus  we  see  the  vengeance  of 
God  frequently  overtakes  impenitent  sinners,  even  in  this  life. 
How  awful  the  thought !  that  a  soul,  in  such  a  condition, 
should  be  unexpectedly  hurried  to  the  judgment-seat  of  a 
righteous  God  !  Let  every  poor  drunkard  take  the  warning  ; 
lest  the  next  time  he  brutifies  his  immortal  spirit,  by  depriv- 
ing it  of  the  proper  use  of  its  rational  powers,  it  should  be 
suddenly  driven  out  of  the  reach  of  divine  mercy.  On  my 
return  to  town  at  night,  W.  M.  gave  me  a  pleasing  account 
of  the  unspeakable  peace  with  which  God  had  blest  him. 
But,  let  him  that  most  assuredly  standeth,  take  heed  lest  he 
fall.  The  next  evening,  I  finished  reading  the  "  Plain  Ac- 
count of  the  People  called  Methodists ;"  and  then  exhorted 
the  congregation  with  much  warmth  of  heart. 

Friday,  18.  While  preaching  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Moore, 
his  father  and  mother  were  moved  by  the  word  of  God.  But 
after  lying  down  at  night  to  rest,  my  heart  was  oppressed 
with  inexpressible  feelings  for  the  inhabitants  of  Baltimore.  I 


Feb.,  1114.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


101 


am  pressed  under  them  as  a  cart  full  of  sheaves ;  and  would 
rather  be  employed  in  the  most  servile  offices,  than  preach  to 
them,  if  it  were  not  from  a  sense  of  duty  to  God,  and  a  desire 
to  be  instrumental  in  saving  their  souls.  If  honour  and 
worldly  gain  were  held  out  as  motives  to  this  painful  work, 
they  would  to  me  appear  lighter  than  vanity.  But,  Lord, 
thou  knowest  my  motives  and  my  ends !  0  prosper  thou  the 
work  of  my  heart  and  my  hands  ! 

Saturday,  19.  This  day  was  chiefly  spent  in  reading  and 
prayer.  Peace,  purity,  and  a  spirit  of  warm  devotion  filled 
my  heart.  Glory  to  God,  the  author  of  all  my  blessings! 
The  next  day  the  congregation  at  the  Point  were  but  little 
affected ;  but  at  night  the  attention  of  the  people  in  town 
was  much  struck,  while  I  preached  from  Matt,  iii,  1. 

Monday,  21.  I  rode  eight  miles  and  preached  at  Mr.  G.'s. 
Rode  afterward  to  Middle-River,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of 
seeing  our  new  house  raised  and  covered  in.  An  opposer  of 
the  truth  has  been  lately  and  suddenly  summoned,  by  the 
smallpox,  to  answer  for  his  conduct  at  the  bar  of  Almighty 
God.  Rode  to  N.  Perrig's  the  next  day,  and  found  some 
whose  hearts  were  tender.  S.  W.  gave  me  an  account  of  the 
happy  departure  of  his  brother,  John  Watters,  from  this  wicked 
and  dangerous  world.  He  had  acted  in  the  capacity  of  a 
steward  among  us ;  and  was  a  serious,  faithful  man. 

Happy  soul,  who,  free  from  harms, 
Rests  within  his  Saviour's  arms." 

N.  P.  rode  in  company  with  me  to  W.  L.'s.  where  we  spent 
the  evening  comfortably.  After  preaching  a  few  times,  I  re- 
turned on  Thursday  to  town,  and  was  much  pleased  to  hear 
of  the  success  which  W.  M.  had  met  with  in  raising  a  sub- 
scription of  more  than  a  hundred  pounds  for  our  building. 
Thus  doth  the  Lord  give  us  favour  in  the  sight  of  the  peo- 
ple. Mr.  R.  took  up  two  lots  of  ground  for  the  purpose  of 
building;  and  Mr.  M.  seemed  determined  to  prosecute  the 
work  at  all  events.  Surely  the  Lord  hath  stirred  up  their 
minds  to  this  pious  enterprise,  and  will  bless  them  therein. 


102 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1774. 


As  my  body  has  now  gained  a  little  strength,  I  am  determined 
to  rise  early,  and  make  the  most  of  my  precious  time. 

Lord's  day,  27.  I  rose  with  a  solemn  sense  of  God  on  my 
heart;  and  had  many  to  hear,  both  in  town  and  at  the 
Point. 

Tuesday,  March  1.  Several  went  with  me  to  John  Waters's, 
where  we  found  a  large  company  of  people  collected,  who 
appeared  both  ignorant  and  proud.  While  attempting  to 
preach  to  them  from  these  words,  "  May  we  know  what  this 
new  doctrine,  whereof  thou  speakest,  is  ?"  my  mind  was  op- 
pressed above  measure ;  so  that  both  my  heart  and  my  mouth 
were  almost  shut :  and  after  I  had  done,  my  spirit  was  greatly 
troubled.  0  my  soul !  if  confined  to  the  society  of  the  wicked, 
what  couldst  thou  find  but  vexation  and  grief?  But,  "  where 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is,  there  is  liberty."  Having  frequently 
sixteen  or  twenty  miles  to  ride,  and  then  to  preach  before 
dinner,  which  is  often  as  late  as  four  o'clock,  it  shakes  my 
constitution,  and  is  painful  to  the  flesh.  But  I  cheerfully 
submit  to  these  things  for  the  sake  of  precious  souls.  What 
did  the  blessed  Jesus  suffer  for  me !  The  next  day,  a  cham- 
pion in  sin,  a  man  who  had  been  a  famous  ringleader  in  ab- 
surd and  diabolical  sports,  was  deeply  wounded  by  the  Spirit 
of  God,  while,  in  the  course  of  my  sermon,  I  was  describing 
the  horrible  torments  to  which  those  would  be  exposed  in  hell, 
who  had  been  instruments  in  the  hands  of  Satan,  to  train  up 
others  in  sin  and  disobedience.  He  afterward  invited  me 
home ;  and  we  had  some  serious  conversation.  I  then  re- 
turned to  Baltimore. 

Friday,  March  4.  I  was  closely  employed  all  this  day,  and 
enjoyed  peace  in  my  soul.  But  O  !  how  does  my  spirit  pant 
for  more  of  God  !  The  next  morning  my  mind  was  somewhat 
dejected  by  the  weight  of  my  strong  desires  for  more  pure  and 
undefiled  religion.  In  reading  the  works  of  Mr.  Brandon, 
especially  his  meditations,  my  heart  was  greatly  melted. 
Through  grace,  I  feel  a  fixed  determination  to  live  more  than 
ever  to  the  glory  of  God.  On  the  Lord's  day,  I  laboured 
for  my  Master,  both  in  the  town  and  at  the  Point.    Set  off 


Ma*.,  1774.3 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


103 


the  next  morning  for  Gunpowder-Neck;  and  on  Tuesday, 
preached  at  the  funeral  of  W.  P.,  who  had  waited  for  the  con- 
solation of  Israel,  and  departed  in  peace,  triumphantly  de- 
claring, "  I  have  fought  the  good  fight,  I  have  finished  my 
course,  I  have  kept  the  faith."  Here  we  have  a  lively  and 
steady  class.  0  that  they  may  remain  so !  The  next  day, 
many  people  attended  while  I  preached  at  the  funeral  of  I. 
M.,  who  also  died  in  the  Lord.  My  text  was,  **  Blessed  and 
holy  is  he  that  hath  part  in  the  first  resurrection."  The  power 
of  the  Lord  was  present,  and  it  was  a  melting  time.  The 
Spirit  of  God  was  present  with  us  also  at  the  upper  ferry, 
while  I  preached  to  a  large  congregation  from  Psalm  cxxvi,  3  : 
"  The  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad." 
Honest,  simple  Daniel  Ruff  has  been  made  a  great  blessing 
to  these  people.  Such  is  the  wisdom  and  power  of  God, 
that  he  hath  wrought  marvellously  by  this  plain  man,  that  no 
flesh  may  glory  in  his  presence. 

Friday,  11.  On  my  way  to  Joseph  Presbury's  my  horse 
tired,  and  fell  down  with  me  on  his  back;  but  I  was  not  in 
the  least  hurt.  Calling  at  Dr.  Henderson's,  I  met  with  I.  R., 
a  Quaker,  who  said  it  gave  him  pain  to  think  that  Joseph  Pil- 
more  should  go  home  for  ordination,  and  expressed  his  disap- 
probation of  our  going  to  the  Church  for  the  ordinances,  sup- 
posing we  might  have  them  amongst  ourselves.  But  this  was 
all  a  farce.  He  would  rather  that  we  should  drop  them  alto- 
gether. And  in  the  course  of  conversation,  he  laboured  to 
overthrow  them  entirely.  But  when  I  told  him  it  might  ap- 
pear to  me  as  a  duty  to  use  them,  though  I  should  not  sup- 
pose that  all  went  to  hell  who  did  not  use  them ;  he  asked, 
why  we  use  them  if  they  are  not  essential  to  salvation  ?  What 
weak  reasoning  is  this !  Do  they  think  laying  them  aside  is 
thus  essential,  or  wearing  their  clothes  in  such  a  shape,  or 
using  (as  they  call  it)  the  plain  language  ?  Why  then  do  they 
follow  these  practices  ?  But  what  makes  them  so  contracted 
and  bitter  in  their  spirit  as  some  of  them  are  ?  There  is  One 
that  knoweth. 

After  preaching  the  next  day  at  brother  P  's,  and  having 


104 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Mar.,  im. 


the  pleasure  to  find  that  the  society  there  had  increased  both 
in  number  and  grace,  I  then  returned  to  Baltimore,  and,  though 
much  fatigued,  spoke  at  Baltimore  in  the  evening. 

Blessed  be  God  !  S.  O.  seems  determined  to  give  up  all  for 
Christ.  And  the  little  society  in  town  are  still  pressing  on. 
The  Lord  has  been  the  keeper  of  my  soul  in  this  journey ;  my 
peace  has  been  great,  and  my  intention  pure. 

Monday,  14.  Set  out  to-day  with  some  agreeable  company, 

for  Mr.  W  's ;  and  though  it  rained,  a  small  conoresration 

attended ;  but  they  discovered  very  little  sensibility  in  the 
things  of  God.  My  frame  seems  lately  much  affected  by 
nervous  disorders.  But  let  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done ! 
After  feeling  much  dejection  of  mind,  and  preaching  on  Tues- 
day at  the  house  of  J .  Owings,  on  Wednesday  I  visited  Joseph 
Cromwell,  a  very  stiff,  old  Churchman.  But  as  his  parson, 
Mr.  E.,  disagreed  with  him  in  the  doctrine  of  predestination, 
he  was  much  displeased  with  him,  and  willing  to  receive  us. 
I  preached  at  his  house  in  the  day  with  some  freedom,  and 
expounded  at  night.  May  the  Lord  apply  the  word  to  their 
conviction  and  conversion ! 

Returned  on  Thursday  to  Baltimore,  and  was  favoured  with 
liberty  and  power,  while  preaching  to  a  considerable  congre- 
gation at  night. 

Saturday,  19.  The  Lord  blessed  my  soul  with  sweet  peace 
in  the  day,  and  with  the  aid  of  his  Holy  Spirit  in  preaching 
at  night.  My  heart  is  with  God.  The  Lord  Jehovah  is  my 
strength  and  my  song :  He  also  is  become  my  salvation. 

Satan  assaulted  me  powerfully  with  his  temptations  on 
Monday ;  but  by  calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord,  I  was  de- 
livered. How  faithful  and  gracious  is  God !  He  will  not  suf- 
fer his  people  to  be  tempted  above  that  they  are  able  to  bear ; 
but  will  with  the  temptation  make  a  way  to  escape.  Precious 
truth !  Sometimes  we  are  tempted  to  the  uttermost  of  our 
strength,  but  never  beyond  it.  We  always  stand,  at  least,  on 
equal  ground  with  Satan :  and  by  faith  in  Christ  we  may  be 
more  than  conquerors. 

Tuesday,  22.  I  rode  a  few  miles  into  the  forest,  and  preach- 


Apr.,  1774.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


105 


ed  at  Mr.  E  's.    The  people  were  much  quickened  ;  and 

there  were  great  appearances  of  real  good. 

Wednesday,  23.  At  the  house  of  W.  L.  I  preached  a 
funeral  sermon  on  the  death  of  his  brother  Joshua.  Many 
of  his  friends  and  neighbours  were  present.  It  was  a  very 
solemn,  awful,  warning  season.  May  the  people  retain  the 
impressions  they  then  received,  and  be  found  prepared  for 
their  own  departure !  The  next  day  I  rode  to  meet  Mr.  W., 
but  took  cold,  as  the  weather  was  severe,  and  found  myself 
much  indisposed.  Mr.  W.  preached  an  animating  discourse 
from  Rev.  vi,  17.  There  is  a  great  probability  that  his  coming 
will  be  made  a  particular  blessing  to  many. 

Being  much  indisposed  on  Friday,  Mr.  W.  preached  to  a 
large  congregation.  There  is  something  very  singular  in  his 
manner ;  nevertheless  the  Lord  owns  and  blesses  his  labours. 
Though  I  continued  very  unwell  the  next  day,  I  went  to  church, 
and  heard  Mr.  Chase  deliver  a  good  discourse  on  retirement 
and  private  devotion ;  and  afterward  I  attempted  to  preach  at 
the  Point,  but  found  myself  much  worse  at  my  return  to  town. 
My  indisposition  and  weakness  of  body  have  so  pressed  me 
down  for  some  time  past,  that  I  do  not  expect  to  abide  long 
in  this  world  of  danger  and  trouble ;  neither  do  I  desire  it. 
But,  come  life  or  come  death,  let  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done ! 
After  the  physicians  had  given  over  I.  L  and  thought  they 
could  do  him  no  more  service,  we  had  recourse  to  that  old- 
fashioned  remedy,  prayer  ;  and  had  reason  to  believe  the  Lord 
in  mercy  heard  us. 

Thursday,  31.  My  illness  has  been  so  severe  that  I  have 
preached  but  little  for  some  days  past ;  but  felt  myself  rather 
better  to-day.    As  Captain  Webb  had  appointed  to  preach  at 

Mr.  W  's,  and  was  accidentally  prevented,  lest  the  people 

should  be  disappointed,  I  ventured  to  go  in  his  stead.  But 
after  preaching  was  taken  very  ill,  and  obliged  to  go  imme- 
diately to  bed. 

Lord's  day,  April  3.  Though  still  very  unwell,  I  attempted 
to  preach.  How  difficult  it  is  for  a  man  who  longs  for  the 
salvation  of  souls  to  be  silent !  Gratitude  urges  me  to  acknow- 

5* 


100 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  HU. 


ledge  the  providence  of  God,  and  the  kindness  of  my  friends. 
The  people  who  have  had  the  chief  trouble  with  me  in  my 
late  afflictions,  have  shown  remarkable  care,  tenderness,  and 
concern.    May  the  Lord  reward  their  work,  and  labour  of  love  ! 

Wednesday,  6.  My  indisposition  has  been  so  great  this 
week,  that  I  have  been  incapable  of  all  public  exercises.  Se- 
vere chills  and  burning  fevers  have  been  my  portion  both  day 
and  night.  0  that  I  may  wisely  and  diligently  improve  these 
seasons  of  affliction !  When  shall  I  be  all  glorious  within  ?  My 
soul  longs  for  the  complete  image  and  full  enjoyment  of  God. 
Satan  too  often  takes  the  advantage  of  my  constitution,  and 
betrays  me  into  such  a  degree  of  cheerfulness  as  has,  at  least, 
the  appearance  of  levity.  But  my  prevailing  and  earnest  de- 
sire is,  to  live  and  act  as  in  the  immediate  presence  of  a  holy 
and  glorious  God.  Lord,  make  me  more  serious,  watchful, 
and  holy ! 

Ventured  on  Thursday  to  ride  in  a  carriage  twelve  miles 
to  town ;  but  was  very  ill  most  of  the  night.  On  Saturday 
Captain  W.  intended  to  have  sailed  in  the  packet ;  but  when 
he  saw  the  entertainment  he  was  to  have,  he  returned  to  abide 
with  us  for  a  short  season.  In  great  weakness  of  body,  I 
met  the  congregation  this  evening,  without  any  intention  to 
preach ;  but  seeing  a  great  number  of  people  collected,  my 
spirit  was  moved  within  me,  and  I  thought  it  my  duty  to 
exert  what  little  strength  I  had,  and  preach  to  the  people. 
But  I  was  indisposed  and  confined  all  the"  next  day.  How- 
ever, Captain  W.  supplied  my  place. 

Monday  11.  I  was  somewhat  better.  But  I  find  myself 
assaulted  by  Satan  as  well  in  sickness  as  in  health,  in  weak- 
ness as  in  strength.  Lord,  help  me  to  urge  my  way  through 
all,  and  fill  me  with  humble,  holy  love,  that  I  may  be  faithful 
until  death,  and  lay  hold  on  eternal  life.  On  Tuesday  I  ven- 
tured to  go  as  far  as  Mr.  L.'s,  and  my  soul  was  kept  in  peace : 
though  the  next  day  my  spiritual  adversary  assaulted  me  in  a 
soft  and  artful  way;  but  the  Lord  delivered  me.  May  he 
ever  grant  me  grace  to  confide  in  him,  and  devote  my  body 
and  soul  entirely  to  his  service ! 


Apr.,  1774.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


107 


Thursday,  14.  Rode  back  to  town,  and  was  enabled  to 
preach  with  freedom  and  comfort,  from  the  case  of  Naaman, 
the  leper.  My  heart  is  much  drawn  out  after  God,  with  a 
determination  to  be  more  devoted  to  him,  and  more  fervent  in 
prayer. 

Lord's  day,  17.  Both  yesterday  and  to-day  my  soul  en- 
joyed more  peace  and  more  love.  May  these  graces  never 
be  interrupted  !  A  great  number  attended  at  the  Point, 
while  I  enforced  these  awakening  words,  "  0  earth,  earth, 
earth,  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord  !"  After  meeting  the  class 
of  young  men,  I  returned  and  spoke  in  town  from  Prov. 
xxiv,  30.  Was  much  fatigued,  but  desire  to  be  thankful  to 
God  that  I  am  gathering  some  strength  for  duty.  We  have 
reason  to  think  the  spirits  of  hartshorn  have  been  serviceable 
in  my  disorder. 

Monday,  18.  My  soul  was  in  peace,  but  my  body  weak. 
This  day  the  foundation  of  our  house  in  Baltimore  was  laid. 
Who  could  have  expected  that  two  men,  once  amongst  the 
chief  of  sinners,  would  ever  have  thus  engaged  in  so  great  an 
undertaking  for  the  cause  of  the  blessed  Jesus  ?  This  is  the 
Lord's  doing,  and  it  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes.  He  hath 
touched  and  changed  their  hearts.  He  hath  moved  them  to 
this  acceptable  undertaking  ;  and  he  will  surely  complete  it ; 
and  raise  up  a  people  to  serve  him  in  this  place. 

Tuesday,  19.  My  soul  was  in  a  comfortable  frame  ;  but  I 
did  not  employ  all  my  time  in  so  useful  a  manner  as  I  might 
have  done.  This  was  partly  owing  to  my  bodily  weakness. 
But  in  class -meeting  this  evening,  we  had  a  happy  and  blessed 
time  indeed.  Hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped.  So  my  labour 
hath  not  been  in  vain. 

Wednesday,  20.  Poor  Mr.  B.  arrived  here  to-day  from 
England.  In  great  distress  he  applied  to  me  for  a  little 
money.  And  is  it  come  to  this  !  Ah  !  what  will  be  the  end 
of  those  that  forsake  God,  for  wealth,  a  wife,  or  anything 
else  ?  0  my  soul,  keep  these  things  always  in  remembrance 
as  a  perpetual  caution.  And  may  the  Lord  keep  me  ever 
humble,  and  dead  to  all  created  good  !    I  read  the  rules, 


108 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1774. 


and  met  the  society  in  the  evening ;  and  it  was  a  melting, 
happy  time. 

Thursday,  21.  My  heart  was  fixed  on  God,  and  kept  in 
peace.  I  was  able  to  walk  some  distance  to-day,  and  believe 
the  Lord  is  about  to  restore  me  to  health.  May  it  be  to 
serve  Him,  and  Him  only  ! 

Saturday,  23.  Though  weak  in  body,  I  have  been  able  for 
a  few  days  past  to  go  through  my  public  exercises ;  and  was 
both  instructed  and  delighted  to-day  in  reading  the  Revelation 
with  its  comment.  There  we  see  the  rise  and  spread  of  the 
Christian  religion  through  the  extensive  and  idolatrous  em- 
pire of  the  Romans ;  the  wars  of  the  Saracens ;  the  gradual 
rise  and  artful  progress  of  Popery.  What  an  amazing  pro- 
phetic history  is  this,  of  all  people  and  nations,  in  epitome  ! 
How  expressive  are  the  differently-coloured  horses,  and  sur- 
prising representations  seen  by  St.  John !  In  this  book, 
extraordinary  events  are  foretold,  as  well  as  the  proper  rule 
of  our  faith  and  practice  revealed.  If  this  deep  book  were 
fully  understood,  need  we  go  any  farther  after  knowledge  ? 

Monday,  25.  The  Lord  favoured  me  yesterday  with  liberty 
in  preaching  to  large  companies  both  in  town  and  Point. 
And  this  day  my  soul  experienced  a  sweet  mixture  of  peace, 
and  joy,  and  grief.  We  had  a  very  comfortable  time  at  the 
class  in  the  evening. 

Wednesday,  27.  We  were  all  quickened  by  the  grace  of 
God  in  class-meeting  last  night.  Blessed  be  God !  Calm 
serenity  fills  my  mind ;  and  my  body  recovers  a  little 
strength. 

Friday,  29.  What  a  miracle  of  grace  am  I !  How  unworthy, 
and  yet  how  abundantly  blest !  In  the  midst  of  all  tempta- 
tions, both  from  without  and  from  within,  my  heart  trusteth 
in  the  Lord.  I  was  greatly  delighted  to-day  in  reading  Dr. 
Guise  on  the  Reign  of  Christ,  which  on  earth  will  be  spiritual, 
and  in  glory  personal  and  eternal.  0  the  beauties  and  joys 
of  which  I  have  some  prospect  in  that  celestial  world  !  It 
seems  rather  strange  that,  till  lately,  I  could  discover  no 
beauties  in  the  Revelation  of  St.  John.    But  now  I  think  it  is 


May,  1774.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


109 


the  grand  key  of  all  mysteries,  whether  pure  or  impure ; 
opening  to  view  all  the  revolutions,  persecutions,  and  errors 
of  the  Church  from  that  time  till  the  end  of  the  world.  And 
then  it  favours  us  with  a  glimpse  of  what  shall  remain  forever. 
In  preaching  to-night  from  these  words,  "  Bodily  exercise 
profiteth  little,  but  godliness  is  profitable  unto  all  things ;" 
I  took  occasion  to  show, 

I.  That  bodily  exercise,  or  what  is  called  religious  actions, 
cannot  change  a  sinful  heart,  or  purchase  love. 

II.  Wherein  godliness  consisteth ;  namely,  In  repentance, 
faith,  love  to  God  and  man,  meekness,  resignation,  chastity, 
and  the  pure,  spiritual  worship  of  God. 

III.  Wherein  this  is  profitable ;  namely,  In  all  states,  in  all 
commerce,  in  the  felicity  of  the  possessor,  in  the  general 
benefit  of  others,  and  finally  in  eternal  glory.  My  mind  has 
been  grieved  by  some  who  have  spoken  evil  of  ministers. 
But  I  must  be  sure  to  take  care  of  my  own  soul ;  that  is 
more  to  me  than  all  the  world,  and  all  the  men  in  it.  And 
blessed  be  God !  he  fills  me  with  peace  and  purity.  Lord, 
grant  that  this  may  be  my  portion,  increasing  forever ! 

Lwd's  day,  May  1.  Preached  twice  and  met  two  classes. 
In  the  morning,  at  the  Point,  I  had  some  feeling ;  but  found 
myself  rather  shut  up  at  night  in  town. 

Monday,  2.  My  soul  loveth  the  Lord  God !  What  a 
great  and  blessed  portion  is  he  for  worthless  man!  This 
evening  was  spent  in  company  with  two  German  ministers 
who  are  very  friendly,  and  intend  to  be  present  at  our  quar- 
terly meeting  to-morrow. 

Tuesday,  3.  Our  quarterly  meeting  began.  I  preached  in 
the  morning ;  and  in  the  afternoon  we  settled  our  temporal 
business,  with  great  order  and  much  love.  When  inquiry 
was  made  relative  to  the  conduct  of  the  preachers,  there  were 
some  complaints  of  a  few,  who  had  been  remiss  in  meeting 
the  societies,  and  catechising  the  children.  The  next  day 
several  of  us  spoke  in  public,  and  then  we  parted  in  peace. 
Had  a  friendly  intercourse  with  Mr.  O.  and  Mr.  S.,  the  Ger- 
man ministers,  respecting  the  plan  of  Church  discipline  on 


110 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [May,  1774. 


which  they  intended  to  proceed.  They  agreed  to  imitate  our 
methods  as  nearly  as  possible. 

Friday,  6.  I  preached  from  Matt,  xii,  50 ;  but  felt  my 
mind  dejected.  Not  meeting  with  success  in  this  town  as  my 
soul  ardently  longs  for,  I  rather  feel  a  desire  to  depart,  and  to 
try  some  other  people.  But  let  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done. 
My  heart  has  been  deeply  affected  by  reading  the  Life  of 
Col.  Gardiner.  Blessed  be  God  for  so  many  who  experience 
the  same  work  of  grace  which  we  preach,  and  at  the  same 
time  are  not  of  us  !  This  is  a  great  confirmation  of  the  work 
of  God.  And  "  whosoever  doeth  the  will  of  my  Father  who 
is  in  heaven,"  of  every  denomination,  "  the  same  shall  be  my 
brother,  and  sister,  and  mother." 

Saturday,  1.  My  soul  longeth  for  God.  My  heart  and  my 
flesh  cry  out  for  him.  0  that  I  were  wholly  devoted  to  my  God ! 

Lord's  day,  8.  Several  appeared  to  feel  something  of  the 
power  which  attended  the  word,  both  at  the  Point  and  in 
town.  On  Monday  my  soul  was  in  peace,  and  God  was  the 
object  of  my  love.  Mr.  C.  attended  our  class-meeting,  and 
expressed  his  approbation.  The  Lord  was  with  us,  and 
we  were  greatly  blessed.  Mr.  W.  arrived  to-day  from  Vir- 
ginia. He  gave  us  a  circumstantial  account  of  the  work  of 
God  in  those  parts.  One  house  of  worship  is  built,  and 
another  in  contemplation ;  two  or  three  more  preachers  are 
gone  out  upon  the  itinerant  plan ;  and  in  some  parts  the  con- 
gregations consist  of  two  or  three  thousand  people.  But 
some  evil-minded  persons  have  opposed  the  act  of  toleration, 
and  threatened  to  imprison  him.  May  the  Lord  turn  their 
hearts,  and  make  them  partakers  of  his  great  salvation  ! 

Wednesday,  11.  I  went  to  Mr.  L.'s,  and  preached  to  a 
large  congregation ;  then  called  at  N.  P.'s,  and  preached  a 
funeral  sermon  on  the  death  of  his  sister,  who  was  once  happy 
in  religion.  Returned  to  town  on  Thursday,  and  preached 
with  freedom  to  an  attentive  audience. 

Friday,  13.  I  packed  up  my  clothes  and  books  to  be  ready 
for  my  departure ;  and  had  an  agreeable  conversation  with 
Mr.  O.    The  next  day  some  of  my  friends  were  so  unguarded 


May,  1774.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


Ill 


and  imprudent  as  to  commend  me  to  my  face.  Satan,  ready 
for  every  advantage,  seized  the  opportunity  and  assaulted 
me  with  self-pleasing,  self-exalting  ideas.  But  the  Lord 
enabled  me  to  discover  the  danger,  and  the  snare  was  broken. 
May  he  ever  keep  me  humble,  and  little,  and  mean,  in  my 
own  eyes ! 

Lord's  day,  15.  About  to  take  my  leave  for  a  season,  I 
went  to  the  Point,  and  enlarged  on  these  words,  "  I  am 
afraid  of  you,  lest  I  have  bestowed  upon  you  labour  in  vain 
and  trust  some  felt  at  last  the  worth  and  weight  of  divine 
truths.  My  subject  at  night  in  town  was  this :  "  I  take  you 
to  record  this  day,  that  I  am  pure  from  the  blood  of  all  men." 
In  preaching  from  these  words  my  mind  was  under  some 
embarrassment.  Perhaps  my  foolish  heart  desired  to  end 
with  honour,  and  the  Lord  in  mercy  prevented  it.  May  I 
ever  be  contented  with  that  honour  which  cometh  from  God 
only ! 

Monday,  16.  When  the  time  of  parting  came,  I  felt  some 
unwillingness  to  leave  my  kind  and  valuable  friends :  how- 
ever, I  took  horse  and  rode  sixteen  miles  to  Mr.  G.'s,  where 
a  large  company  attended  to  hear  the  word.  Many  were 
also  present  at  Mr.  C.'s.  In  examining  the  leaders,  I  found 
them  steady  ;  but  refused  to  give  a  license  to  an  exhorter, 
who  had  been  too  unwatchful.  After  a  long  prejudice,  Mr. 
I.  G.  invited  me  to  his  house,  and  treated  me  kindly.  In 
preaching  at  Mr.  B.'s,  my  heart  was  troubled  within  me  for 
the  dulness  and  unbelief  of  the  people. 

Wednesday,  18.  Rode  to  Susquehanna,  and  many  of  the 
leading  men  were  present,  with  a  large  congregation.  Simple 
D.  R.  has  been  an  instrument  of  real  and  great  good  to  the 
people  in  these  parts. 

Thursday,  19.  I  am  happy  in  God  after  all  my  labours. 
But  when  amongst  my  friends,  my  mind  inclines  to  a  degree 
of  cheerfulness  bordering  on  levity.  0  for  more  watchful- 
ness ! — a  more  constant,  striking  sense  of  an  omnipresent 
God  !  Preached  to-day  in  the  market-house  at  Charlestown. 
The  congregation  was  somewhat  large,  and  many  of  them 


112 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1774. 


very  attentive.  The  company  was  large  at  Bohemia  on  Fri- 
day, and  my  own  heart  was  deeply  affected,  and  much  drawn 
out  while  speaking  from  Rev.  iii,  3.  At  Newcastle  on  Satur- 
day, Satan  was  there,  diverting  the  people  by  a  play.  How- 
ever, several  came  to  hear  me  enforce  these  words,  "  Be  not 
ye  partakers  with  them." 

Monday,  23.  After  preaching  yesterday  at  Newport  and 
Red-Clay  Creek,  I  rode  to-day  to  Chester ;  and  though  weary, 
spoke  from  Gal.  vi,  14.  Here  my  old  friends,  Mr.  M.  and 
Mr.  S.,  from  New- York,  met  me ;  and  the  next  day  we  rode 
to  Philadelphia.    Hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped. 

Wednesday,  25.  Our  conference  began.  The  overbearing 
spirit  of  a  certain  person  had  excited  my  fears.  My  judgment 
was  stubbornly  opposed  for  a  while,  and  at  last  submitted  to. 
But  it  is  my  duty  to  bear  all  things  with  a  meek  and  patient 
spirit.  Our  conference  was  attended  with  great  power ;  and, 
all  things  considered,  with  great  harmony.  We  agreed  to 
send  Mr.  W.  to  England ;  and  all  acquiesced  in  the  future 
stations  of  the  preachers.  My  lot  was  to  go  to  York.  My 
body  and  mind  have  been  much  fatigued  during  the  time  of 
this  conference.  And  if  I  were  not  deeply  conscious  of  the 
truth  and  goodness  of  the  cause  in  which  I  am  engaged,  I 
should  by  no  means  stay  here.  Lord,  what  a  world  is  this ! 
yea,  what  a  religious  world  !  O  keep  my  heart  pure,  and  my 
garments  unspotted  from  the  world  !  Our  conference  ended 
on  Friday  with  a  comfortable  intercession. 

Lord's  day,  29.  This  was  a  day  of  peace,  and  the  Lord  fa- 
voured me  with  faith  and  energy  while  preaching  to  the  peo- 
ple. I  visited  Mr.  W.,  who  is  going  to  England ;  but  found 
he  had  no  taste  for  spiritual  subjects.  Lord,  keep  me  from 
all  superfluity  of  dress,  and  from  preaching  empty  stuff  to 
please  the  ear,  instead  of  changing  the  heart !  Thus  has  he 
fulfilled  as  a  hireling  his  day.  We  had  a  very  solemn  love- 
feast  to  day  ;  and  on  Monday,  my  friends  and  I  set  off  in  the 
stage  for  New-York,  where  we  arrived  on  Tuesday  evening 
about  eight  o'clock.  We  had  some  trifling  company  on  the 
way,  who  talked  much  but  to  little  purpose.    My  old  friends 


June.  1774.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


113 


in  York  were  glad  to  see  me.  But  I  still  fear  there  is  a  root 
of  prejudice  remaining  in  the  hearts  of  a  few.  May  the  Lord 
prepare  me  for  all  events,  that  I  may  act  and  suffer,  in  all 
things,  like  a  Christian !  Captain  W.  preached  a  good  ser- 
mon in  the  evening. 

June  1.  Considering  my  bodily  weakness,  and  the  great 
fatigue  through  which  I  have  gone,  it  seems  wonderful  that  my 
frame  should  support  it,  and  be  still  so  capable  of  duty.  My 
mind  is  also  kept  in  peace.  My  heart  was  much  drawn  out 
both  towards  God  and  the  people,  while  preaching  this  even- 
ing from  Sam.  vii,  12.  But  too  much  of  the  old  spirit  is  still 
discoverable  in  my  few  prejudiced  friends.  Mr.  C,  not  con- 
tented with  his  imkind  and  abusive  letter,  is  still  exerting 
all  his  unfriendly  force.  I  feel  myself  aggrieved ;  but 
patiently  commit  my  cause  to  God.  Therefore  their  con- 
tention may  subsist  among  themselves.  I  shall  not  contend 
with  them. 

Thursday,  2.  In  the  public  exercise  of  the  evening,  my 
heart  was  warmed  with  affection  for  the  people.  And  except 
a  very  small  number  of  dissatisfied,  restless  spirits,  the  hearts 
of  the  people  are  generously  opened  towards  me.  My  heart 
is  still  fixed  on  God  ;  and  determined  through  grace,  both  to 
serve  him,  and  promote  the  prosperity  of  his  cause. 

Friday,  3.  Christ  is  precious  to  my  believing  heart.  Bles- 
sed be  God  for  this !  it  is  infinitely  more  to  me  than  the  fa- 
vour of  all  mankind,  and  the  possession  of  all  the  earth.  The 
next  day  my  soul  was  also  sweetly  drawn  out  in  love  to  God ; 
and  found  great  freedom  and  happiness  in  meeting  the  leaders 
and  the  bands.  I  told  them  that  the  Spirit  and  providence 
of  God  would  certainly  assist  in  purging  the  society ;  that  the 
time  would  come,  when  such  as  were  insincere  and  half- 
hearted would  have  no  place  among  us. 

Lord's  day,  5.  Attended  the  old  church,  as  usual,  but 
clearly  saw  where  the  Gospel  ministry  was.  The  Spirit  of 
grace  mercifully  assisted  me  in  the  public  duties  of  this  day. 
On  Monday,  I  preached  with  great  plainness  and  power  in 
the  Meadows  ;  but  while  preaching  on  Tuesday  evening,  my 


114 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[June,  1114. 


ideas  left  me,  though  I  felt  myself  spirited  in  addressing  the 
people  by  way  of  exhortation. 

Wednesday,  8.  The  fire  of  divine  love  glowed  in  my  heart. 
My  soul  was  in  peace.  My  affections  were  pure,  and  with- 
drawn from  earthly  objects.  But  I  fear,  lest  self-compla- 
cency should  have  any  place  in  me.  May  the  Lord  keep  me 
in  the  spirit  of  humility,  prayer,  and  loving  zeal ! 

Thursday,  9.  While  reading  a  sermon  of  Mr.  Brandon's  on 
on  "  Quench  not  the  Spirit,"  in  company  with  a  few  friends, 
both  they  and  I  were  much  quickened.  Blessed  be  God ! 
My  soul  is  kept  in  peace,  and  power,  and  love.  Had  great 
liberty  this  evening  in  pointing  out  the  causes,  why  we  have 
not  more  of  the  spirit  of  devotion ;  of  neglect  or  dulness  in 
prayer ;  of  too  much  heart-attention  to  the  world  ;  of  the  want 
of  more  faith  in  the  realities  of  eternity,  and  the  promises  of 
God  ;  of  not  looking  more  earnestly  to  God  in  humble  expec- 
tation of  receiving  his  grace,  &c. 

Lord's  day,  12.  Both  my  body  and  mind  are  weak.  As 
Mr.  R.  was  thought  by  many  to  be  a  great  preacher,  I  went 
in  the  afternoon  to  hear  him.  He  was  very  stiff  and  studied 
in  his  composition,  and  dwelt  much  on  their  favourite  doctrine 
of  imputed  righteousness.  He  appeared  to  have  very  little 
liberty,  except  in  a  short  application.  With  great  enlarge- 
ment of  heart,  I  spoke  in  the  evening  from  these  words,  *  If 
they  hear^not  Moses  and  the  prophets,  neither  will  they  be 
persuaded  though  one  rose  from  the  dead."  In  meeting  the 
society  at  night,  I  spoke  plainly  of  some  who  neglected  their 
bands  and  classes ;  and  informed  them  that  we  took  people 
into  our  societies  that  we  might  help  them  to  become  entire 
Christians,  and  if  they  wilfully  neglected  those  meetings, 
they  thereby  withdrew  themselves  from  our  care  and  assis- 
tance. The  next  day  many  people  attended  the  preaching  at 
the  Meadows. 

Tuesday,  14.  My  heart  seems  wholly  devoted  to  God, 
and  he  favours  me  with  power  over  all  outward  and  inward 
sin.  My  affections  appear  to  be  quite  weaned  from  all  ter- 
restrial objects.    Some  people,  if  they  felt  as  I  feel  at  present, 


June,  1774.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


115 


would  perhaps  conclude  they  were  saved  from  all  indwelling 
sin.  0  my  God,  save  me  and  keep  me  every  moment  of  my 
life  !  The  next  day  my  soul  was  under  heavy  exercises,  and 
much  troubled  by  manifold  temptations  ;  but  still,  all  my  care 
was  cast  on  the  Lord.  I  find  it  hurtful  to  pore  too  much  on 
myself.  True,  I  should  be  daily  employed  in  the  duty  of 
self-examination,  and  strictly  attend  both  to  my  internal  and 
external  conduct ;  but,  at  the  same  time,  my  soul  should  stea- 
dily fix  the  eye  of  faith  on  the  blessed  Jesus,  my  Mediator 
and  Advocate  at  the  right  hand  of  the  eternal  Father.  Lord, 
cause  thy  face  to  shine  upon  me ;  and  make  me  always  joyful 
in  thy  salvation. 

Thursday,  16.  My  soul  was  more  and  more  delighted  in 
God.  I  felt  myself  uneasy  to-day  on  account  of  riding  out, 
though  I  was  conscious  it  was  intended  for  my  health.  Yet 
to  some  it  might  have  the  appearance  of  pleasuring,  and  en- 
courage them  to  seek  their  carnal  pleasure  in  such  things. 

Saturday,  18.  The  Lord  was  my  helper;  and  my  mind 
was  in  peace. 

Lord's  day,  19.  This  was  a  blessed  and  delightful  day  to 
my  soul.  The  grace  of  God  was  eminently  with  me  in  all  my 
public  duties.  Heard  Mr.  E.  at  St.  Paul's  church  preach 
from  these  words,  "  Put  on  the  new  man,  which  after  God  is 
created  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness."  He  spoke  well 
on  man's  fallen  state,  and  the  new  creation ;  and  brought 
good  reasons  to  prove  that  we  must  be  renewed  in  order  to 
dwell  with  God.  But  he  did  not  insist  on  the  necessity  of 
repentance  and  faith  in  order  to  obtain  this  change. 

Monday,  20.  Mr.  S.,  Mr.  W.,  and  Mr.  T.  bore  me  company 
as  far  as  Kingsbridge,  on  my  way  to  New-Rochelle.  Was 
much  indisposed  when  I  reached  the  house  of  my  friend 
Mr.  D. ;  nevertheless,  thought  it  my  duty  to  preach  to  the 
people.  The  Lord  is  doing  something  for  several  souls  in 
this  place.  Though  they  have  had  but  very  few  sermons  for 
twelve  months,  yet  the  class  is  lively  and  engaged  with  God. 

Thursday,  23.  After  preaching  as  often  as  I  could  to  many 
people  who  attended  at  New-Rochelle,  I  set  off  for  York,  and 


116 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [July,  1114. 


was  met  at  Kingsbridge  by  Mr.  S.  and  Mr.  J.  But  on  my 
arrival  in  the  city  I  found  myself  very  unwell,  and  had  a 
painful,  restless  night. 

Friday,  24.  Found  myself  better ;  and  was  much  refreshed 

by  letters  from  Mr.  L.  and  Mr.  S  y,  in  Maryland.  But 

one  of  these  letters  informed  me  that  Mr.  S  e,  was  very 

officious  in  administering  the  ordinances.  What  strange 
infatuation  attends  that  man !  Why  will  he  run  before  Pro- 
vidence ? 

Saturday,  25.  My  fever  was  very  high  last  evening,  so  I 
took  an  emetic  this  morning.  I  found  liberty  in  my  own 
soul,  and  great  meltings  amongst  the  people,  while  preaching 
on  the  Lord's  day.  Though  my  disorder  has  a  tendency  to 
oppress  my  spirits,  yet,  blessed  be  God !  I  am  favoured 
with  power  to  conquer  every  spiritual  foe ;  and  my  heart  is 
sometimes  wonderfully  raised,  as  on  the  wings  of  faith  and 
love. 

Monday,  27.  R.  S.,  who  accompanied  me  a  few  miles  into 
the  country  to-day,  was  very  near  being  drowned.  He  went 
into  a  stream  of  water  to  wash  his  horse  and  chaise,  but  ac- 
cidentally got  out  of  the  horse's  depth,  and  they  must  all 
have  been  unavoidably  lost,  had  not  two  men  swam  in  and 
dragged  them  to  the  shore.  Thus  the  Lord  preserveth  both 
man  and  beast.  I  went  to  bed  this  evening  in  much  pain, 
and  had  an  uncomfortable  night. 

Tuesday,  28.  Many  of  my  good  friends  kindly  visited  me 
to-day;  and  in  the  afternoon  I  took  another  emetic.  My 
heart  is  fixed  on  God,  as  the  best  of  objects,  but  pants  for 
more  vigour,  and  a  permanent,  solemn  sense  of  God.  Rose 
the  next  morning  at  five,  though  very  weak,  and  spent  a  great 
part  of  the  day  in  reading  and  writing.  Many  people  at- 
tended the  public  worship  in  the  evening,  though  I  was  but 
just  able  to  give  them  a  few  words  of  exhortation.  Seeing 
the  people  so  desirous  to  hear  now  I  am  unable  to  say  much 
to  them,  Satan  tempts  me  to  murmuring  and  discontent. 
May  the  Lord  fill  me  with  perfect  resignation ! 

Thursday,  30.  My  body  was  very  weak  and  sweated  ex- 


July,  1114.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


117 


ceedingly.  If  I  am  the  Lord's,  why  am  I  thus  ?  But  in  his 
word  he  hath  told  me,  "  If  I  be  without  chastisement,  then 
am  I  a  bastard  and  not  a  son."  O  that  this  affliction  may 
work  in  me  the  peaceable  fruits  of  internal  and  universal 
righteousness !  An  attempt  to  speak  a  little  in  exhortation 
this  evening  greatly  augmented  my  disorder. 

Friday,  July  1.  In  prayer  to-day  with  I.  B.,  a  soldier  in 
the  23d  regiment,  the  Lord  greatly  refreshed  and  strength- 
ened my  soul.  My  mind  was  strongly  impressed  with  a 
persuasion,  that  God,  through  mercy,  would  restore  me  to 
health.  If  so,  I  am  determined,  by  his  assistance,  to  be  more 
than  ever  intent  on  promoting  his  cause  and  his  glory.  Gave 
an  exhortation  at  night,  and  met  the  leaders  :  but  the  next 
day  I  was  much  indisposed ;  nevertheless,  I  spent  part  of  my 
time  in  reading  the  afflicted  condition  of  the  Waldenses,  when 
so  wickedly  persecuted  by  the  Dominicans ;  with  the  lise  of 
those  brutish  men. 

Lord's  day,  3.  Poor  Mr.  H.  came  to  me  in  great  distress. 
He  is  a  native  of  Stowbridge,  where,  as  he  supposes,  he  has 
a  wife  now  living  ;  and  he  has  been  so  unwatchful  as  to  suffer 
his  affections  to  stray.  May  the  Lord  deliver  him  out  of  this 
dangerous  snare  of  Satan !  If  not,  he  may  be  undone.  I 
spoke  with  freedom  this  morning  from  Job  x,  2,  and  spent 
part  of  the  day  in  reading  of  the  holy  war  which  was  carried 
on  against  the  Waldenses  and  Albigenses,  by  the  devil,  the 
pope,  and  their  emissaries.  Though  my  body  is  still  weak, 
my  soul  is  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  joyful  in  his  salvation. 
And  at  night  I  was  able  to  preach  with  spirit,  and  found  my- 
self happy  in  addressing  a  large  and  attentive  audience. 

Monday,  4.  I  spent  part  of  this  day  in  visiting  a  few 
friends,  and  found  my  heart  much  united  to  I.  S.,  a  musician 
of  the  23d  regiment.  Was  much  better  to-night  than  I  had 
been  for  some  time,  and  enjoyed  a  good  night's  rest. 

Tuesday,  5.  In  reading  the  Life  of  Calvin,  it  appeared  that 
many,  in  his  day,  had  opposed  the  doctrine  of  predestination ; 
and  all  who  opposed  it  were  spoken  of  by  him  and  his  fol- 
lowers, as  bad  men.    My  fever  returned  this  evening,  and  it 


118 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1774. 


was  a  painful,  restless  night.  But  the  will  of  the  Lord  be 
done !  Though  he  slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust  him  !  Found 
very  great  lassitude  of  body  the  next  day  also ;  but  my  soul 
hungered  and  thirsted  for  more  of  God.  In  reading  Clark's 
Life  of  Origen,  I  felt  a  strong  desire  to  imitate  that  great  and 
good  man,  as  far  as  he  went  right. 

Thursday,  1.  My  disorder  was  much  abated,  and  I  had 
power  to  speak  plainly  and  pointedly  to  both  saints  and 
sinners. 

Lord's  day,  10.  My  bodily  weakness  has  been  such,  for  a 
few  days  past,  as  to  prevent  my  officiating  much  in  public ; 
however,  I  ventured  to  preach  twice  to-day,  but  in  the  even- 
ing was  so  weak  that  I  could  scarce  stand  in  the  pulpit :  but 
while  preaching  on  the  parable  of  the  prodigal  son,  the  Lord 
greatly  refreshed  and  strengthened  me ;  though  I  went  to  bed 
very  ill  at  night.  Satan  tempted  me  to-day  to  think  much 
of  my  gifts.  Alas !  what  poor  creatures  we  are ;  and  to 
what  dangers  we  are  exposed  !  What  are  all  our  gifts,  unless 
they  answer  some  good  purpose  ?  Unless  properly  improved, 
they  neither  make  us  holier  nor  happier.  We  have  nothing 
but  what  we  have  received ;  and  unless  we  are  humble  in 
the  possession  of  them,  they  only  make  us  more  like  devils, 
and  more  fit  for  hell.  How  wonderfully  is  the  language  and 
behaviour  of  Mr.  L.  changed  towards  me !  Before,  I  was 
everything  that  was  bad  ;  but  now,  all  is  very  good.  This  is 
a  mistake  :  my  doctrine  and  preaching  are  the  same  ;  and  so 
is  my  manner.    But  such  is  the  deceitfulness  of  the  man. 

His  favourite,  Mr.  ,  is  now  gone.    Had  I  preached  like 

an  archangel  it  would  have  been  to  no  purpose,  while  I 
thought  it  my  duty  to  oppose  him. 

Monday,  1 1 .  My  soul  is  not  so  intensely  devoted  to  God  as 
I  would  have  it ;  though  my  desires  for  more  spirituality  are 
very  strong.  Lord,  when  shall  my  poor  heart  be  as  a  rising, 
active,  holy  flame  ?  Blessed  be  God  !  my  illness  is  more 
moderate  to-day  than  it  has  been  for  some  days  past.  On 
Wednesday,  a  letter  from  S.  O.  informed  me  that  the  house 
in  Baltimore  was  then  ready  to  be  enclosed.    He  also  ex- 


July,  1774.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


119 


pressed  a  great  desire  to  persevere.  May  the  Lord  give  him 
grace  so  to  do  ! 

Thursday,  14.  My  mind  is  in  peace.  I  have  now  been  sick 
near  ten  months,  and  many  days  closely  confined ;  yet  I 
have  preached  about  three  hundred  times,  and  rode  near  two 
thousand  miles  in  that  time ;  though  very  frequently  in  a 
high  fever.  Here  is  no  ease,  worldly  profit,  or  honour.  What, 
then,  but  the  desire  of  pleasing  God  and  serving  souls,  could 
stimulate  to  such  laborious  and  painful  duties  ?  O  that  my 
labour  may  not  be  in  vain  !  that  the  Lord  may  give  me  to 
see  fruit  of  these  weak,  but  earnest  endeavours,  many  days 
hence  !  After  preaching  this  evening  with  some  warmth  of 
heart,  I  was  very  close  and  pointed  in  meeting  the  society. 

Saturday,  16.  My  heart  was  much  taken  up  with  God. 
Letters  from  my  dear  friends,  Mr.  F.  and  Mr.  R.,  gave  me 
great  satisfaction.  In  meeting  the  band  society,  I  showed 
them  the  possibility  of  using  all  the  means,  and,  without 
sincerity  and  spirituality,  they  might  still  be  destitute  of  true 
religion. 

Monday,  18.  The  Lord  assisted  me  in  yesterday's  duties; 
and  he  is  the  keeper  and  comforter  of  my  soul  to-day.  A 
poor,  unhappy  young  woman,  who  had  abandoned  herself  to 
the  devil  and  wicked  men,  being  at  the  point  of  death,  and 
expecting  to  go  shortly  and  render  an  account  of  herself  to 
God,  sent  for  me  to  visit  her.  I  felt  some  reluctance;  but 
considering  the  danger  her  soul  was  in,  thought  it  my  duty 
to  go.  She  was  very  attentive  while  I  spoke  plainly  to  her, 
and  made  prayer  to  God  in  her  behalf.  Strange  infatuation  ! 
that  men  will  not  seriously  think  of  preparing  for  death,  till 
it  comes  upon  them  !  If  we  were  sure  of  dying  in  a  few 
hours,  most  men  would  think  it  their  duty  to  labour  for  a 
preparation  :  but  when  no  man  is  sure  of  living  a  few  hours, 
very  few  think  seriously  about  it.  So  does  the  god  of  this 
world  blind  the  minds  of  mankind  ! 

Thursday,  21.  My  heart  enjoys  great  freedom,  with  much 
peace  and  love  both  towards  God  and  man.  Lord,  ever  keep 
me  from  all  sin,  and  increase  the  graces  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  in 


120 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1114. 


my  soul !  A  letter  from  Mr.  R.  brought  melancholy  tidings 
of  A.  W.  Alas  for  that  man  !  He  has  been  useful,  but  was 
puffed  up,  and  so  fell  into  the  snare  of  the  devil.  My  heart 
pitied  him  :  but  I  fear  he  died  a  backslider. 

Lord's  day,  24.  Ended  the  parable  of  the  prodigal  son. 
Does  it  not  appear  from  this  parable,  that  some,  who,  com- 
paratively speaking,  have  all  their  lifetime  endeavoured  to 
please  God,  and  are  entitled  to  all  his  purchased,  communi- 
cative blessings,  are  nevertheless  not  favoured  with  such 
rapturous  sensations  of  divine  joy  as  some  others.  I  remem- 
ber when  I  was  a  small  boy  and  went  to  school,  I  had  serious 
thoughts,  and  a  particular  sense  of  the  being  of  a  God ;  and 
greatly  feared  both  an  oath  and  a  lie.  At  twelve  years  of 
age  the  Spirit  of  God  strove  frequently  and  powerfully  with 
me  :  but  being  deprived  of  proper  means  and  exposed  to  bad 
company,  no  effectual  impressions  were  left  on  my  mind. 
And,  though  fond  of  what  some  call  innocent  diversions,  I 
abhorred  fighting  and  quarrelling :  when  anything  of  this 
sort  happened,  I  always  went  home  displeased.  But  I  have 
been  much  grieved  to  think  that  so  many  Sabbaths  were  idly 
spent,  which  might  have  been  better  improved.  However, 
wicked  as  my  companions  were,  and  fond  as  I  was  of  play, 
I  never  imbibed  their  vices.  When  between  thirteen  and 
fourteen  years  of  age,  the  Lord  graciously  visited  my  soul 
again.  I  then  found  myself  more  inclined  to  obey  ;  and  care- 
fully attended  preaching  in  West-Bromwick ;  so  that  I  heard 
Stillingfleet,  Bagnel,  Byland,  Anderson,  Mansfield,  and  Tal- 
bott,  men  who  preached  the  truth.  I  then  began  to  watch 
over  my  inward  and  outward  conduct ;  and  having  a  desire 
to  hear  the  Methodists,  I  went  to  Wednesbury,  and  heard 
Mr.  F.  and  Mr.  I.,  but  did  not  understand  them,  though  one 
of  their  subjects  is  fresh  in  my  memory  to  this  day.  This 
was  the  first  of  my  hearing  the  Methodists.  After  that,  another 
person  went  with  me  to  hear  them  again :  the  text  was,  "  The 
time  will  come,  when  they  will  not  endure  sound  doctrine." 
My  companion  was  cut  to  the  heart,  but  I  was  unmoved.  The 
next  year  Mr.  M  r  came  into  those  parts.    I  was  then 


July,  11143  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


121 


about  fifteen ;  and,  young  as  I  was,  the  word  of  God  soon 
made  deep  impressions  on  my  heart,  which  brought  me  to 
Jesus  Christ,  who  graciously  justified  my  guilty  soul  through 
faith  in  his  precious  blood ;  and  soon  showed  me  the  excel- 
lency and  necessity  of  holiness.  About  sixteen  I  experienced 
a  marvellous  display  of  the  grace  of  God,  which  some  might 
think  was  full  sanctification,  and  was  indeed  very  happy, 
though  in  an  ungodly  family.  At  about  seventeen  I  began 
to  hold  some  public  meetings ;  and  between  seventeen  and 
eighteen  began  to  exhort  and  preach.  When  about  twenty- 
one  I  went  through  Staffordshire  and  Gloucestershire,  in  the 
place  of  a  travelling  preacher ;  and  the  next  year  through 
Bedfordshire,  Sussex,  &c.  In  1769  I  was  appointed  assistant 
in  Northamptonshire  ;  and  the  next  year  travelled  in  Wilt- 
shire. September  3,  1771,  I  embarked  for  America,  and 
for  my  own  private  satisfaction,  began  to  keep  an  imperfect 
journal. 

To-day  Dr.  0.  preached  a  pertinent  discourse  on  the  short- 
ness of  time.  The  Lord  favoured  me  with  great  liberty  in 
the  evening,  while  preaching  to  a  large  congregation  from 
Gen.  xix,  17.  And  I  was  enabled  to  speak  plainly  and  closely 
in  meeting  the  society  at  night. 

Tuesday,  26.  My  soul  is  in  peace.  But  I  long  to  be  more 
spiritual — to  be  wholly  devoted  to  God.  Some  circumstances 
make  me  fear  that  we  have  a  few  bad  Characters  in  the  so- 
ciety here.  These  are  the  people  that  injure  the  cause  of 
God.  Like  Judas,  they  betray  the  Lord  with  a  kiss.  It  is 
not  easy  to  conceive  how  such  characters  counteract  the  most 
faithful  preaching.  If  their  conduct  is  not  fully  known  to  the 
preachers,  it  is  so  known  to  many  of  their  acquaintances,  that 
Satan  takes  the  offered  advantage,  and  hardens  the  hearts 
of  many  against  all  the  power  of  religion.  Of  all  characters, 
that  of  a  designing  sinner  under  the  fair  appearance  of  re- 
ligion, is  the  most  odious.  O  that  the  Lord  may  strip  all 
such  unsound  professors,  in  every  place,  of  their  covering, 
and  show  them  to  his  servants  in  their  own  proper  colours ; 
that  Israel  may  be  able  to  put  away  the  accursed  thing 

6 


122 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Aug.,  im. 


from  among  them ;  and  so  increase  both  in  strength  and 
number  ! 

Wednesday,  27.  I  rose  early  this  morning  to  see  my  Chris- 
tian brethren,  the  soldiers,  go  off ;  but  was  much  affected  at 
parting  with  those  worthy  men,  I.  S.  and  I.  B.  May  the 
Lord  go  with  them  ! 

Thursday,  28.  The  Lord  shows  me  the  snares  of  Satan, 
and  enables  me  to  avoid  them.  He  favours  me  with  the  light 
of  his  countenance,  and  fills  me  with  holy  love.  Surely  we 
stand  in  jeopardy  every  hour !  This  day  the  thunder  and 
lightning  struck  four  people  dead  on  the  spot.  Awful  scene ! 
And  will  man  still  venture  to  be  careless  and  wicked  ?  I 
made  some  improvement  on  the  subject  in  the  evening. 

Friday,  29.  I  rose  unwell  this  morning,  and  received  a 
melancholy  account,  that  the  daughter  of  I.  S.'was  beat  over- 
board. Poor  man !  He  has  lost  both  his  children  by  going 
to  sea.  I  was  much  blessed  at  intercession  to-day,  but  shut 
up  in  preaching  at  night.  My  soul  is  determined  to  live  more 
to  God. 

Lord's  day,  31.  We  had  a  feeling  time  this  morning  while 
I  preached  from  Psalm  1,  13.  After  the  various  duties  of 
the  day,  I  met  the  society,  and  showed  them  the  utility  of 
our  economy,  the  advantages  of  union,  and  the  fearful  end  of 
leaving  our  fellowship. 

August  1.  Some^of  my  good  friends  accompanied  me  as 
far  as  Kingsbridge,  on  my  way  to  New-Rochelle.  I  visited 
my  little  flock  with  some  satisfaction.  Here  are  some  of  the 
offspring  of  the  French  Protestants,  who,  on  account  of  their 
religion,  fled  from  Rochelle  in  France ;  and  God  has  merci- 
fully remembered  them  unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation. 

I  have  great  discoveries  of  my  defects  and  weaknesses.  My 
soul  is  not  so  steadily  and  warmly  devoted  to  the  Lord  as  it 
might  be.  Lord,  help  me,  and  supply  me  with  grace  always  ! 
In  preaching  from  Ephesians  ii,  12,  13,  I  had  great  freedom. 
It  seems  strange,  that  sometimes,  after  much  premeditation  and 
devotion,  I  cannot  express  my  thoughts  with  readiness  and 
perspicuity  ;  whereas  at  other  times,  proper  sentences  of  Scrip- 


Aug.,  1774.] 


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123 


ture  and  apt  expressions  occur  without  care  or  much  thought. 
Surely  this  is  of  the  Lord,  to  convince  us  that  it  is  not  by 
power  or  might,  but  by  his  Spirit  the  work  must  be  done. 
Nevertheless,  it  is  doubtless  our  duty  to  give  ourselves  to 
prayer  and  meditation,  at  the  same  time  depending  entirely 
on  the  grace  of  God,  as  if  we  had  made  no  preparation.  Rose 
early  the  next  morning,  but  found  myself  weak  both  in  body 
and  mind.  In  this  tabernacle  I  groan,  earnestly  desiring  to 
be  clothed  upon  with  the  house  which  is  from  heaven.  My 
soul  longs  to  fly  to  God,  that  it  may  be  ever  with  him.  0 
happy  day,  that  shall  call  a  poor  exile  home  to  his  Father's 
house  !  But  I  must  check  the  impetuous  current  of  desire,  for 
it  is  written,  "  He  that  believeth  shall  not  make  haste."  After 
preaching  to  a  large  auditoiy  in  the  evening  at  P.  B.'s,  I  rested 
in  peace.  Visited  Mr.  B.,  a  partial  friend,  the  next  day,  and 
had  some  serious,  weighty  conversation  with  him.    I  then 

went  to  Mr.  D  's  very  unwell,  and  in  trouble  and  pain 

spoke  from  Job  xxi,  15.  After  a  very  restless  night,  I  rose 
the  next  morning  much  indisposed,  and  was  obliged  to  go  to 
bed  again.  However,  on  Friday,  5,  I  set  off  for  New- York ; 
and  there  met  with  W.  W  s. 

Saturday,  6.  My  mind  is  calm  and  comfortable,  but  grieved 
by  the  imprudence  of  some,  and  the  loose  conduct  of  a  few 
others.  Though  much  afflicted,  I  met  the  band-leaders  and 
body-bands ;  and  we  had  a  singular  blessing. 

Lord's  day,  7.  We  had  a  solemn,  happy  love-feast.  Though 
very  weak,  I  made  out  to  preach  in  the  evening  with  some  en- 
largement of  heart.  Brother  W.  has  much  courage  in  preaching. 

Tuesday,  9.  My  soul  was  assaulted  by  trials  of  a  very  severe 
kind :  but  the  Lord  was  my  keeper.  I  have  been  reading 
Newton  on  the  Prophecies.  He  is  pretty  clear  in  his  views, 
and  affords  a  good  key  for  many  passages  ;  but  confines  him- 
self too  much  to  the  literal  meaning  of  the  Revelation. 

Wednesday,  10.  My  frame  is  much  afflicted.  But  it  is 
worse  to  be  afflicted  in  mind  by  the  misconduct  of  professors. 
It  grieves  me  much  to  see  the  deceit  of  a  few  persons  who 
have  crept  in  amongst  us.    It  is  a  thousand  pities  that  such, 


124 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Aug.,  1774. 


whose  hearts  are  not  right  with  God,  should  ever  thrust  them- 
selves in  amongst  the  people  of  God.  They  are  too  apt  to 
make  all  they  are  connected  with  as  a  rope  of  sand.  I  clearly 
see  that  professors  who  are  rotten  at  heart,  are  a  hinderance 
and  curse  to  the  rest.  May  the  Lord  thoroughly  purge  his 
floor ! 

Wednesday,  10.  I  was  very  low,  but  met  my  class,  and 
preached  in  the  evening.  There  appeared  to  be  but  little 
depth  of  religion  in  the  class.  It  is  a  great  folly  to  take  peo- 
ple into  society  before  they  know  what  they  are  about.  What 
some  people  take  for  religion  and  spiritual  life,  is  nothing  but 
the  power  of  the  natural  passions.  It  is  true,  real  religion 
cannot  exist  without  peace,  and  love,  and  joy.  But  then,  real 
religion  is  real  holiness.  And  all  sensations  without  a  strong 
disposition  for  holiness,  are  but  delusive. 

Thursday,  11.  My  soul  is  in  peace;  and  longs  to  be  more 
devoted  to  God.  My  heart  was  enlarged  and  happy  in  ex- 
horting the  people  this  evening. 

Friday,  12.  This  was  a  day  of  trouble  and  dejection  of 
mind.  But,  committing  my  cause  to  God  by  faith  and  prayer, 
I  have  a  hope  that  he  will  always  stand  by  and  deliver  me. 
My  soul  was  greatly  straitened  in  public  speaking.  I  received 
several  letters  to-day  ;  some  of  which  revived  my  spirits ;  but 
one  from  Mr.  R.  gave  me  pain.  Satan  makes  use  of  all  his 
cunning  and  tricks.  But  the  Lord  will  rebuke  him.  My  duty 
is  clear — to  bear  all  things  patiently,  and  silently  commit  my 
cause  to  God.  Even  in  this  city  there  are  some  restless  minds, 
who  are  not  much  disposed  to  spiritual  union.  Going  into  the 
pulpit  this  evening,  I  found  an  inflammatory  letter  without  a 
name.  My  trials  are  multiplied  and  weighty :  but  glory  to 
God !  he  strengthens  and  comforts  me  by  an  abundant  mani- 
festation of  his  love.  0,  how  is  my  soul  taken  up  with  God ! 
He  is  all  in  all  to  me !  And  if  he  is  for  me,  I  need  not  care 
who  is  against  me. 

Lord's  day,  14.  Mr.  P  y  visited  and  dined  with  the 

rector  to-day,  and  what  the  event  will  be,  I  know  not.  Attend- 
ing at  church,  as  usual,  I  heard  Dr.  blow  away  on,  "  This 


Aug.,  1774.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


125 


is  the  day  that  the  Lord  hath  made."  He  makes  a  strange 
medley  of  his  preaching ;  though  he  delivers  many  good  things, 
yet,  for  want  of  some  arrangement  of  his  ideas,  all  appears  to 
be  incoherency  and  confusion.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was 
with  me,  while  declaring  his  counsel  to  a  large,  listening  au- 
dience. 0  that  I  could  bring  them  to  the  arms  of  Christ  by 
thousands ! 

Monday,  15.  I  felt  some  conviction  for  sleeping  too  long ; 
and  my  mind  was  troubled  on  account  of  a  conversation  which 
had  past  between  Mr.  R.,  Mr.  S.,  and  myself.  But  the  great 
Searcher  of  hearts  knoweth  my  intentions ;  and  to  him  I  submit 

all  future  events.    Mr.  L.  waited  on  Mr.  P  y,  and  told 

him  he  appeared  to  be  more  taken  up  in  reading  Mr.  Berridge's 
Christian  World  Unmasked,  than  the  Bible.  Mr.  Berridge  kept 
his  room,  in  a  very  gloomy  state  of  mind,  about  five  years  ago ; 
and  now  he  is  come  forth  with  his  facetious  pen  to  dictate  to 
the  Christian  world.  But  Mr.  Fletcher,  in  his  Fifth  Check, 
has  fully  answered  all  his  witty  arguments.  Mr.  Berridge 
was  a  good  man,  no  doubt ;  but  unfortunately  drank  deep  into 
the  principles  of  Antinomianism. 

Wednesday,  17.  My  mind  is  free ;  and  my  soul  delighteth 
in  God.  He  taketh  such  possession  of  my  heart,  as  to  keep 
out  all  desire  for  created  objects.  In  due  time,  I  humbly  hope, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  to  enter  into  the  full  fruition.  0  blessed 
day,  when  my  soul  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  God ! 

"  In  hope  of  that  immortal  crown, 
I  now  the  cross  sustain ; 
And  gladly  wander  up  and  down, 
And  smile  at  toil  and  pain." 

Friday,  19.  I  was  very  unwell ;  and  in  much  pain  of  body 
spoke  to  the  people  at  night.  Thus  it  seems,  at  present, 
weakness  and  pain  are  a  part  of  my  portion.  0  that  my  soul 
may  be  made  perfect  through  sufferings ! 

Lord's  day,  21.  My  body  is  afflicted,  and  my  way  is  rough  ; 
nevertheless,  I  cheerfully  submit  to  the  will  of  God.  And 
though  very  unwell,  I  met  a  class  and  preached  at  night. 

Monday,  22.  My  heart  panteth  for  God,  even  for  the  living 


120 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Sept.,  1*774. 


God.  A  letter  came  to  hand  to-day  from  E.  B.,  giving  an  ac- 
count of  the  work  of  the  Lord  in  Gibraltar,  and  inviting  me 
to  go.    But  my  way  is  not  open. 

Tuesday,  23.  A  degree  of  the  peace  and  happiness  of  hea- 
ven possessed  my  soul  to-day.  And  although  it  was  a  rainy 
evening,  many  people  attended  while  I  preached  from  2  Kings 
v,  14,  15,  16. 

Wednesday,  24.  My  mind  is  much  exercised  about  going  to 
Gibraltar.  May  the  Lord  direct  my  steps  !  On  Friday,  at  in- 
tercession, my  heart  was  greatly  moved  by  the  power  of  God. 

Lord's  day,  28.  My  soul  was  expanded  and  filled  with  love, 

while  preaching  from  Isaiah  lv,  1.    Mr.  P  y  attended  at 

the  church  to-day,  but  was  not  invited  to  preach. 

Monday,  29.  I  visited  Second  River,  where  a  number  of 
Low-Dutch  people  attended  the  word,  which  was  delivered 
with  a  blessing.  J.  K.,  one  of  our  local  preachers,  has  been 
made  useful  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  neighbourhood. 

Thursday,  Sept.  1.  My  system  gathers  strength;  and 
though  variously  and  sorely  exercised,  the  Lord  is  graciously 
with  me,  blessing  both  my  soul  and  my  labours.  I  clearly 
see  that  I  must  be  cut  off  from  every  creature,  to  do  the  will 
of  God  with  an  undivided  heart.  May  the  Lord  sanctify  me 
wholly  for  himself,  and  every  moment  keep  me  from  all  ap- 
pearance of  evil ! 

Saturday,  3.  Calm  serenity  sat  on  my  mind,  and  all  my 
soul  was  fixed  on  God,  and  sweetly  inclined  to  do  his  will  in 
all  tilings.  In  the  afternoon  I  felt  unwell,  but  met  the  leaders 
and  bands.  The  next  day,  though  my  body  was  veiy  feeble, 
I  went  through  my  public  duties. 

Monday,  5.  I  visited  Mrs.  D.,  who  hardly  escaped  falling 
into  ruin,  both  of  body  and  soul.  She  opened  the  matter  to 
me,  and  found  deliverance.  A  solemn  report  was  brought  to 
the  city  to-day,  that  the  men-of-war  had  fired  on  Boston.  A 
fear  rose  in  my  mind  of  what  might  be  the  event  of  this.  But 
it  was  soon  banished  by  considering — I  must  go  on  and  mind 
my  own  business,  which  is  enough  for  me ;  and  leave  all  those 
things  to  the  providence  of  God. 


Sept.,  1774.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


Tuesday,  C.  I  rose  very  early  this  morning  in  great  peace, 
and  determined  not  to  let  an  hour  of  the  day  slip  without 

earnest  prayer  to  God.   Went  the  next  day  to  hear  Mr.  P  y 

preach  at  Flatbush.  He  spoke  pretty  well,  though  very  ten- 
derly, on  the  fall  and  recovery  of  man.  And  the  report  of 
his  great  abilities  exceeds  the  reality.  We  returned  just  time 
enough  for  preaching :  I  spoke  with  great  liberty  from  2  Kings 
v,  17,  18,  19  ;  but  afterward  found  myself  very  unwell. 

Thursday,  8.  Am  both  grieved  and  ashamed  that  my  soul 
is  not  more  steadily  and  fervently  devoted  to  God. 

"  And  shall  I  ever  live 

At  this  poor,  dying  rate — 
My  love  so  faint,  so  cold  to  thee, 
And  thine  to  me  so  great  ?" 

No :  I  will  both  labour  and  strive  to  be  more  swallowed  up 
in  the  holy  will  of  God.  My  determination  is  strong ;  may 
Divine  grace  make  it  stronger  and  stronger  every  day ! 

Friday,  9.  My  soul  was  happy  in  God :  yet  I  felt  some 
grief  on  account  of  the  weakness  and  deceit  of  a  few  who 
profess  religion. 

Saturday,  10.  God  is  still  my  principal  object.  Tidings 

came  to-day,  of  some  dissatisfaction  between  Mr.   and 

the  people  in  Philadelphia.  But  my  duty  is  before  me;  I 
have  my  own  business  to  mind. 

Lord's  day,  11.  Dr.  went  on  with  his  trumpery  in  his 

old  strain ;  and  the  great  Mr.  P  y  had  crowds  to  hear 

him  in  the  French  church.  We  also  had  a  crowded  audience 
and  solemn  time  in  the  evening.  A  young  woman  of  our  so- 
ciety, who  was  seated  in  the  congregation  last  Lord's  day,  is 
now  a  corpse.  How  short,  how  precarious  is  life  !  and  yet 
what  awful  and  weighty  things  depend  upon  it !  On  Mon- 
day evening  I  spoke  on  the  occasion,  from  Job  xix,  25,  26. 
We  have  lost  a  promising  disciple  of  twenty-two  years  of  age ; 
but  her  flesh  resteth  in  hope.  When  will  the  Saviour  extend 
the  arms  of  his  mercy  to  make  me  perfectly  and  eternally 
free  ?    I  heard  the  celebrated  Mr.  P  y  again  to-day. 


128 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Sept.,  Ill 4. 


He  insisted  on  eternal  election  ;  the  gift  of  the  Father  to  the 
Son ;  the  renewal  of  the  little  flock  by  grace ;  and  the  Fa- 
ther's good  pleasure ;  from  Luke  xii,  32.  He  detained  us 
two  hours ;  and  had  many  devoted  admirers.  He  spoke  to 
the  sinners  with  great  words,  but  to  little  purpose. 

Wednesday,  14.  My  mind  is  in  great  peace,  and  my  body 
in  better  health.  And  though  my  heart  cleaveth  to  the  Lord, 
yet  I  long — O  !  I  greatly  long  to  be  more  swallowed  up  in 
the  will  of  God. 

Thursday,  15.  All  my  desire  is  unto  the  Lord,  and  to  the 
remembrance  of  his  name.  To  please  him  is  my  chief  delight ; 
but  there  is  more  in  view  for  which  I  pant : — 

"  A  heart  in  every  thought  renew'd, 
And  full  of  love  divine  ; 
Perfect,  and  right,  and  pure,  and  good, 
A  copy,  Lord,  of  thine." 

Friday,  16.  I  rose  this  morning  dejected  in  mind.  But 
my  purposes  to  be  wholly  given  up  to  God,  are  stronger  than 
ever.  And  I  hope  to  live  to  him  in  a  more  devoted  manner 
than  heretofore.  Peace,  and  power,  and  love  filled  my  soul, 
while  speaking  at  night  from  Hosea  xii.  Glory  be  given  to 
God! 

Saturday,  17.  My  affections  are  raised  from  earth  and  all 
its  objects.  My  treasure  is  above,  and  there  also  is  my  heart. 
In  meeting  the  bands,  I  showed  them  the  impropriety  and 
danger  of  keeping  their  thoughts  or  fears  of  each  other  to 
themselves:  this  frustrates  the  design  of  bands;  produces 
coolness  and  jealousies  towards  each  other ;  and  is  undoubt- 
edly the  policy  of  Satan. 

Lord's  day,  18.  Losing  some  of  my  ideas  in  preaching,  I 
was  ashamed  of  myself,  and  pained  to  see  the  people  waiting 
to  hear  what  the  blunderer  had  to  say.  May  these  things 
humble  me,  and  show  me  where  my  great  strength  lieth  !  In 
meeting  the  society  I  urged  the  necessity  of  more  private  de- 
votion, and  of  properly  digesting  what  they  hear.  Set  off  the 
next  morning  for  New-Rochelle,  and  found  E.  D.  in  distress 


Sept.,  1774.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


129 


of  soul.  This  is  an  agreeable  family,  and  the  children  are 
both  affectionate  and  obedient  to  their  parents.  I  hope  she 
and  the  rest  of  them  will  become  true  Christians,  and  be 
finally  bound  up  in  the  bundle  of  life.  I  preached  from 
2  Tim.  iv,  2  ;  and  many  strangers  were  present.  Satan  is 
frequently  assaulting  me  with  his  temptations ;  but  the  Lord 
enables  me  to  discover  and  resist  his  first  attacks. 

Tuesday,  20.  Christ  was  precious.  At  P.  B.'s  I  spoke 
too  plainly  for  some  who  were  present.  The  next  evening,  at 
F.  D.'s.,  we  had  a  heart-affecting  time ;  and  I  trust  it  will  not 
be  forgotten  by  all. 

Thursday,  22.  The  Lord  has  graciously  visited  E.  D.,  and 
turned  all  her  mourning  into  joy.  Her  soul  is  happy  in  the 
love  of  God.  May  the  Lord  carry  on  his  work  of  grace 
through  this  family  and  neighbourhood;  turning  all  their 
hearts  unto  himself !  The  power  of  God  was  present  in  the 
congregation  to-night,  while  I  took  my  leave  for  a  season 
from  Isa.  lxvi,  2. 

Friday,  23.  I  set  off  for  New- York,  and  met  some  of  my 
good  friends  at  Kingsbridge.  They  brought  me  a  letter  from 
T.  R.,  who  thought  himself  injured ;  but  I  am  determined  to 

drop  all  disputes  as  far  as  possible.    Mr.  P  y  is  going  on 

in  York  with  his  Antinomianism  unmasked.  How  prone  is 
man  to  do  what  is  wrong!  And  what  watchfulness  and 
diligence  are  necessary  for  a  man  to  be  right  both  in  sentiment 
and  practice ! 

Lord's  day,  25.  According  to  the  particular  request  of 
sister  G.,  I  preached  her  funeral  sermon,  from  Isaiah  xlix,  10. 
She  had  been  brought  up  a  Calvinist ;  but  when  she  found 
peace  with  God,  she  renounced  all  her  Calvinistic  principles, 
which  she  said  had  been  a  check  to  her  industry  in  seeking 
the  Lord.  In  the  time  of  her  last  illness,  she  manifested  a 
great  degree  of  patience,  and  expressed  a  strong  desire  for 
entire  purity  of  heart.  A  little  before  her  death,  she  was 
filled  with  perfect  love ;  and  seemed  to  want  more  strength 
and  language  to  praise  God.  However,  she  did  it  to  the  ut- 
termost of  her  power. 

6* 


130 


ASBUUY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Oct.,  1114. 


Monday,  26.  My  soul  is  sweetly  drawn  out  after  God,  and 
satisfied  with  him  as  a  sufficient  portion.  But  0  !  how  I  long 
to  be  more  spiritual ! 

"  Come,  and  possess  me  whole, 
Nor  hence  again  remove ; 
Settle  and  fix  my  wav'ring  soul 
With  all  thy  weight  of  love." 

Thursday,  29.  W.  L.  gave  me  an  account  of  the  manner 
of  Mr.  R.'s  treating  him,  because  he  would  not  go  to  Sche- 
nectady. But  my  mind  is  bent  on  loving  God,  and  doing  his 
will  in  all  things.  I  have  had  frequent  calls  of  late  to  visit  the 
sick.  May  it  prove  a  blessing  both  to  them  and  me !  My 
heart  was  warm  while  addressing  the  congregation  this  even- 
ing, and  I  hope  it  was  not  labour  lost.  At  two  o'clock  in  the 
night,  we  were  all  alarmed  by  a  fire  which  burned  down  a 
house  in  Peck-Slip.  What  a  resemblance  of  the  general 
judgment !  But,  if  the  cry  of  fire  alarms  us,  how  much  more 
shall  we  be  alarmed  by  the  archangel's  trumpet !  When  all 
the  ungodly  shall  have  ten  thousand  times  more  cause  to  fear, 
than  the  loss  of  houses,  and  goods,  and  life,  how  will  they 
endure  the  cutting  anguish  ?  But  they  are  after  the 
flesh ;  therefore  they  mind  the  things  of  the  flesh,  and  them 
only. 

Lord's  day,  October  2.  Though  I  have  lately  heard  several 
preachers  of  some  fame,  I  am  fully  of  the  opinion  that  there 
is  room  enough  for  us  to  preach  repentance,  faith,  and  all  the 
work  of  God  on  the  soul  of  man.  They  almost  leave  this 
field  entirely  our  own.  We  had  a  solemn  love-feast  to-day : 
though  some  imposed  on  us  who  will  not  meet  in  class. 

Monday,  3.  My  soul  was  in  peace,  but  assaulted  by  Satan. 
The  next  day  Mr.  P.  sent  for  me,  and  requested  permission  to 
preach  in  our  house.  I  told  him,  that  as  he  had  refused  it  at 
first,  our  people  did  not  take  it  well. 

Wednesday,  5.  I  rose  early  this  morning,  and  found  my 
soul  devoted  to  God.  But  it  troubles  my  mind  that  I  am  not 
more  so.  Lord,  come  and  save  me  now  with  all  thy  great 
and  glorious  salvation !    0,  hasten  the  time ! 


Oct.,  1774.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


131 


"  Jesus,  see  my  panting  breast ; 
See,  I  pant  in  thee  to  rest ; 
Gladly  would  I  now  be  clean ; 
Cleanse  me  now  from  every  sin." 

Friday,  7.  Mr.  P  y  had  appointed  to  preach  in  our 

house,  and  a  very  large  congregation  attended  on  the  occa- 
sion. He  spoke  on  the  chaff  and  wheat,  from  Matt,  iii,  12 ; 
and  perhaps  felt  himself  under  some  obligation  to  come  as 
near  to  our  doctrine  as  his  principles  would  admit  of;  and 
thereby  gave  tolerable  satisfaction. 

Saturday,  8.  My  heart  was  enlarged  towards  God.  I  saw 
a  letter  from  Mr.  P.,  filled  with  his  usual  softness.  Poor 
man !  he  seems  blind  to  his  own  conduct.  We  had  a  very- 
happy  time  in  meeting  the  bands  this  evening. 

Lord's  day,  9.  The  Lord  assisted  me  in  my  public  exerci- 
ses both  morning  and  night :  and  going  to  church  to-day,  as 
usual,  I  heard  a  stranger  preach ;  but  he  was  a  workman  that 

needed  to  be  ashamed.    Attended  Mr.  P  y  on  Monday, 

and  found  him  very  affectionate.  The  elders  of  the  French 
church  wept  over  him  with  much  tenderness.  Several  friends, 
with  myself,  conducted  him  across  the  river ;  then,  after  sing- 
ing a  parting  hymn,  he  prayed  very  feelingly,  and  we  took 
our  leave  of  each  other.  I  afterward  went  to  preach  in  the 
Swamp,  where  we  had  many  people  and  a  good  time. 

Tuesday,  1 1 .  Last  night  my  soul  was  greatly  troubled  for 
want  of  a  closer  walk  with  God.  Lord,  how  long  shall  I 
mourn  and  pray,  and  not  experience  all  that  my  soul  longeth 
for  ?    And  this  day,  my  mind  is  in  nearly  the  same  frame. 

Wednesday,  12.  The  Lord  blessed  me  with  great  peace. 
I.  M.  brought  a  letter  from  New-Rochelle,  containing  an 
agreeable  account  of  the  work  of  God  there.  With  much 
enlargement  of  heart,  I  preached  to-night  from  1  Kings 
xix,  1 1  ;  and  hope  it  was  made  a  blessing  to  many  present. 

Thursday,  13.  My  soul  is  not  so  intensely  stayed  on  God  as 
it  might  be.  0  that  he  would  bring  me  nearer  to  himself; 
and  so  transform  me  into  his  divine  likeness,  that  there  may 
be  no  diversity  of  will ;  but  that  it  may  be  my  meat  and 


132 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1114. 


drink  to  promote  his  glory  from  moment  to  moment  in  all 
I  do !    I  had  much  company  in  the  course  of  this  day. 

Friday,  14.  My  heart  was  much  devoted  to  God.  But 
having  been  here  now  four  months,  preaching  or  exhorting 
every  day,  and  twice  on  the  Lord's  day,  besides  society  meet- 
ings ;  it  seems  to  be  too  much  for  both  the  people  and  the 
preacher.  We  have  now  more  unity  in  the  society  here  than 
we  have  had  for  some  time  past.  But  we  want  more  of  the 
life  and  power  of  religion  amongst  us. 

Lord's  day,  10.  Yesterday  Satan  assaulted  me  powerfully  ; 
but  the  Lord  was  my  keeper;  so  that  I  may  with  great  pro- 
priety adopt  the  language  of  the  poet, — 

"  In  all  my  temptations  he  keeps  me,  to  prove 
His  utmost  salvation,  his  fulness  of  love." 

This  day  the  Spirit  of  grace  assisted  me  in  my  public  exer- 
cises. Mr.  S.  T.,  once  a  silversmith  of  this  city,  preached  a 
good  sermon  at  church,  though  his  voice  was  so  low  that  he 
could  scarce  be  heard. 

Monday,  17.  Many  people  attended  preaching  in  the 
Swamp  ;  and  my  soul  was  greatly  blessed  in  the  discharge 
of  my  duty.  But  0,  my  heart  is  bowed  down  within  me ; 
and  I  feel  strongly  determined  to  be  more  watchful  and  dili- 
gent in  pleasing  God. 

Tuesday,  18.  My  heart  was  much  taken  up  with  God. 
I  drank  tea  this  afternoon  with  an  old  Moravian,  who  be- 
longed to  their  fraternity  in  Fetter-Lane,  at  the  time  when 
Mr.  Wesley  was  so  intimate  with  them. 

Wednesday,  19.  Capt.  W.  informed  me  by  letter,  the  house 
in  Baltimore  was  so  far  finished  that  he  had  preached  in  it. 
With  great  liberty  and  satisfaction,  I  both  met  class  and 
preached  in  the  evening ;  and  feel  more  encouragement  to 
hope  for  the  people  here. 

Thursday,  20.  Notwithstanding  all  my  grievous  tempta- 
tions, God  is  still  the  object  of  my  faith,  my  hope,  my 
love,  my  joy.  O  that  he  may  fill  me  always  with  filial  fear, 
and  give  me  grace  to  die  to  all  but  him !    My  soul  abounds 


Oct.,  m4/J 


ASBTTRY'S  JOURNAL. 


133 


with  sweet  peace ;  and  an  exhortation  which  I  gave  this 
evening,  was  made  a  blessing,  I  trust,  to  several  that 
heard  it. 

Friday,  21.  A  solemn,  comfortable  sense  of  God  rested  on 
my  mind,  and  he  has  kept  me  from  what  I  hate.  And  though 
Satan  made  some  attempts  upon  my  soul,  yet  the  Lord  gave 
me  power  to  withstand  him.  The  next  day  we  had  a  refresh- 
ing time  in  band-meeting. 

Lord's  day,  23.  Dr.  M.,  from  D.,  preached  to-day  at 
church,  on  fellowship  with  God.  He  spoke  well  on  the  sub- 
ject, as  far  as  it  relates  to  the  fruits  and  effects  of  the  Spirit ; 
but  was  deficient  in  respect  to  the  witness,  supposing  that 
some  may  be  in  favour  with  God  and  not  know  it.  Our  car- 
nal hearts  are  too  prone  to  draw  destructive  conclusions  from 
such  a  doctrine  as  his.  Dr.  0.,  as  usual,  made  a  mighty 
clutter  in  the  pulpit  about  Noah's  ark.  Our  congregation 
was  large,  and  we  were  not  left  without  a  blessing. 

Monday,  24.  I  still  look  to  Jesus,  the  Author  and  Finisher 
of  my  faith,  and  trust  in  him  for  supplies  of  strength  and 
consolation.  But  0,  when  shall  my  attention  be  so  fixed, 
that  nothing  may  divert  it  a  single  moment  from  its  beloved 
object !  We  are  informed  that  three  of  our  preachers  are 
coming  over  from  England,  and  that  we  may  look  for  them 
every  day. 

Tuesday,  25.  This  morning  my  spirit  wrestled  with  prin- 
cipalities and  powers ;  but  in  the  duty  of  prayer  the  Lord 
delivered  me.  After  preaching  at  night  from  Matt,  xxiv,  12, 
a  man  from  Morristown  came  to  me  to  inquire  into  my  prin- 
ciples ;  and  told  me  the  Lord  was  bringing  souls  to  himself 
in  his  neighbourhood,  and  that  more  than  one  hundred  were 
converted  there. 

Wednesday,  26.  My  soul  is  in  peace,  but  longs  to  be  more 
spiritual.  After  meeting  a  class  and  preaching  in  the  even- 
ing, I  found  myself  indisposed  with  a  cold  and  fever.  The 
next  day  my  disorder  continued,  attended  with  a  sore  throat, 
so  that  it  was  with  difficulty  and  pain  I  spoke  to  the  people. 

Friday,  28.  I  do  not  sufficiently  love  God,  nor  live  by 


134 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Nov.,  1774. 


faith  in  the  suburbs  of  heaven.  This  gives  me  more  concern 
than  the  want  of  health. 

"  >Tis  worse  than  death  my  God  to  love, 
And  not  my  God  alone." 

I  was  not  able  to  preach,  and  was  obliged  to  go  to  bed  early ; 
but  could  not  sleep.  On  Saturday,  as  my  disorder  con- 
tinued, I  felt  a  strong  desire  for  more  patience.  Mr.  J.,  his 
wife,  and  daughter,  are  all  very  ill ;  brought  on  chiefly  through 
fatigue. 

Lord's  day,  30.  I  kept  close  house  till  evening.  And  0  ! 
what  happiness  did  my  soul  enjoy  with  God  !  So  open  and 
delightful  was  the  intercourse  between  God  and  my  soul,  that 
it  gave  me  grief  if  any  person  came  into  my  room,  to  disturb 
my  sweet  communion  with  the  blessed  Father  and  the  Son. 
"When  my  work  is  done,  may  I  enter  into  that  fulness  of  joy 
which  shall  never  be  interrupted,  in  the  blissful  realms  above ! 
In  the  evening  I  ventured  to  preach  from  1  Cor.  i,  21  ;  and 
spoke  with  great  freedom  and  plainness ;  and  felt  better 
afterward  than  could  have  been  expected.  Found  myself 
something  better  on  Monday,  and  met  two  classes. 

Tuesday,  November  1,  My  soul  was  in  a  lively  frame,  and 
sweetly  inclined  to  live  to  God,  and  to  do  all  his  holy  will. 
Many  people  appeared  to  feel  the  word,  while  I  preached  in 
the  evening  from  Luke  viii,  18. 

Wednesday,  2.  My  friends  in  this  city  concluded  to  write 
to  Mr.  R.,  requesting  that  I  might  continue  some  time  longer 
in  New- York  and  the  country  adjacent,  supposing  it  would 
endanger  my  life  to  go  into  the  low  countries.  But  to  stay 
or  go,  I  submit  to  Providence.  As  my  legs,  hands,  and  feet 
were  swollen,  it  was  thought  proper  to  consult  a  physician, 
who  sent  me  a  certain  mixture  of  bitters. 

Thursday,  3.  My  mind  was  much  taken  up  with  God; 
but  I  must  lament  that  I  am  not  perfectly  crucified  with 
Christ.  I  visited  Mr.  J.,  who  appeared  to  be  near  death ; 
and  am  ready  to  say,  Art  thou  he  ?  0,  how  changed  !  The 
next  morning  about  eight  o'clock  he  died,  being  about  forty- 


Nov.,  1774.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


135 


two  years  of  age,  leaving  a  wife  and  six  children  behind  him. 
At  present  a  spirit  of  harmony  subsisteth  amongst  our  leaders  ; 
but  I  want  to  see  them  also  deeply  engaged  to  take  the  king- 
dom of  heaven  by  violence. 

Lord's  day,  6.  Both  my  body  and  mind  were  afflicted  to- 
day. In  the  morning  I  showed  the  congregation  the  danger 
of  settling  on  their  lees  ;  as  all  do  who  rest  in  dead  formality, 
or  trust  in  any  past  experience.  In  the  evening,  I  addressed 
the  people  on  the  heartfelt  inquiry  of  the  trembling  jailor, 
"  What  must  I  do  to  be  saved  ?" 

Monday,  7.  My  body  was  weak,  and  my  mind  was  much 
tempted.  Lord,  support  and  comfort  me  under  every  trial ! 
I  met  the  class  of  Mr.  J.,  deceased  :  found  much  love  amongst 
them ;  and  by  general  consent,  appointed  R.  S.  to  act  as 
their  leader.  I  found  much  satisfaction  in  preaching  the  next 
evening ;  but  had  sore  conflicts  with  Satan  in  the  course  of 
the  day. 

Wednesday,  9.  My  soul  is  strengthened  with  might,  and 
filled  with  peace.  But  I  see  the  propriety  and  great  neces- 
sity of  living  every  moment  more  and  more  to  God.  We 
are  informed  from  Philadelphia,  that  it  is  eight  weeks  since 
the  preachers  sailed  from  England  ;  though  they  are  not  yet 
'  arrived. 

Friday,  11.  My  heart  is  grieved,  and  groaneth  for  want  of 
more  holiness.  A  letter  from  E.  D.,  at  New-Rochelle,  informs 
me  of  a  gay  young  woman,  and  one  or  two  more,  who  are 
turning  to  God  through  Christ  Jesus.  They  call  aloud  for 
preachers  to  come  amongst  them.  On  Saturday  we  had  a 
blessed  time  in  band-meeting ;  though  my  mind  had  been 
somewhat  depressed  by  finding  one  or  two  of  my  best  friends 
drawn  into  a  measure  of  party  spirit. 

Lord's  day,  13.  Dr.  E.,  at  St.  Paul's,  was  on  his  old  tedious 
subject  of  the  Lord's  supper.  He  cannot  be  at  any  great 
loss  in  saying  the  same  thing  over  and  over  again  so  fre- 
quently. Many  people  attended  at  our  church  in  the  morning ; 
and  in  the  evening  there  were  about  a  thousand  who  seriously 
listened,  while  I  preached  from  Psalm  i,  12. 


136 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.,  1114. 


Monday,  14.  I  set  off  for  New-Rochelle ;  but  by  the  dis- 
agreeable gait  of  the  horse,  was  exceedingly  wearied  on  my 
arrival :  nevertheless,  I  gave  an  exhortation  to  some  serious 
people  who  were  collected  there.  The  next  day  my  mind 
was  troubled  by  turning  on  political  subjects,  which  are  out 
of  my  province.  Alas !  what  a  small  matter  may  interrupt 
our  communion  with  God ;  and  even  draw  away  our  affec- 
tions from  him.  Though  we  had  a  profitable  time,  while  I 
preached  from  Psalm  i,  2. 

Wednesday,  16.  I  went  to  P.  B.'s,  where  we  had  many 
people  and  some  power.  There  is  a  very  perceivable  altera- 
tion in  the  people  of  these  parts  :  they  both  hear  and  under- 
stand, in  some  measure,  the  things  of  God ;  and  can  feel  his 
awful  truths.  I  had  some  conversation  with  a  certain  Mr.  B., 
a  sensible  man,  though  he  is  tainted  with  the  indolent  spirit 
of  Quakerism. 

Thursday,  17.  All  my  desire  was  after  God,  and  him 
alone :  though  my  spirit  was  grieved  by  some  involuntary 
thoughts  which  crowded  in  upon  me.  But  in  the  midst  of 
all,  there  was  a  calm  and  settled  peace. 

Friday,  18.  Unguarded  and  trifling  conversation  has 
brought  on  a  degree  of  spiritual  deadness.  But,  by  the 
grace  of  God,  I  will  rouse  myself,  and  endeavour  to  be 
more  watchful  and  spiritual  in  all  my  ways ;  and  in  all 
things  please  him  whom  my  soul  loveth  far  above  every  other 
object. 

Saturday,  19.  I  set  off  with  an  intention  to  go  to  York, 

but  at  the  bridge  was  informed  that  Mr.  D  r  had  come 

to  the  city.  Therefore  I  returned  to  Mr.  B.'s  ;  and  preached 
twice  there  the  next  day,  as  also  once  at  Mr.  D.'s  :  and  am 
persuaded  that  the  power  of  God  attended  the  word  at  both 
places.  We  have  here  a  small  class  of  about  thirteen  per- 
sons, most  of  whom  enjoy  peace  and  consolation  in  Christ 
Jesus.  I  met  them  on  Monday,  and  we  were  greatly  com- 
forted together. 

Thursday,  24.  My  heart  is  weaned  from  visible  objects  ; 
and,  by  grace,  raised  to  its  Best-beloved  above.    But,  0  !  I 


Nov.,  1774.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


greatly  long  for  more  solid,  lasting  union — to  be  inwardly- 
adorned  with  all  the  virtues  and  graces  of  evangelical  religion. 
We  were  this  day  informed  of  the  death  of  Mr.  0.  May  the 
Lord  help  me  to  be  faithful,  lest  I  should  not  live  out  half 
my  days  !  I  set  off  the  next  day  for  New-York,  and  met 
brother  S.  at  Kingsbridge.  When  we  got  within  about  ten 
miles  of  York,  we  found  that  about  fifteen  minutes  before  a 
man  had  been  robbed  of  his  money  and  his  coat  from  off  his 
back.  One  of  the  rogues  pursued  us,  but  we  were  too  far 
before  him.  We  reached  our  church  just  as  Mr.  D.  began  to 
preach. 

Monday,  28.  After  taking  my  leave  of  my  good  friends  in 
New- York  the  last  evening,  from  Phil,  i,  27,  Captain  W.  and 
myself  set  off  this  morning  for  Amboy.  We  met  with  a  per- 
son who  came  a  passenger  with  us  from  England  in  the  cha- 
racter of  a  gentleman,  by  the  name  of  Wilson,  but  now  he  calls 
himself  Clarkson ;  and  since  then  he  has  called  himself  Laving- 
ston.  He  has  been  apprehended  for  passing  a  counterfeit  bill, 
for  which  he  was  both  imprisoned  and  whipped.  When  he 
saw  me,  he  knew  me  and  I  knew  him :  but  he  was  in  such 
perplexity  that  he  could  eat  no  breakfast,  and  went  off  in  the 
first  wagon  he  could  meet  with.  To  what  fears  and  anxiety 
are  poor  sinners  exposed !  And  if  the  presence  of  a  mortal 
man  can  strike  such  terror  into  the  minds  of  guilty  sinners, 
what  must  they  feel  when  they  stand  without  a  covering  be- 
fore a  heart-searching  and  righteous  God  ?  On  Tuesday,  we 
arrived  at  Burlington,  very  weary  ;  and  were  saluted  with  the 
melancholy  news,  that  two  unhappy  men  were  to  be  hung  on 
the  Monday  following ;  one  for  bestiality,  and  the  other  for 
abusing  several  young  girls  in  the  most  brutish  and  shocking 
manner.  Alas  for  the  dignity  of  human  nature !  The  next 
day  I  visited  them ;  and  found  one  of  them,  who  was  a  Papist, 
a  little  attentive ;  but  he  wanted  to  know  if  he  might  not  trust 
for  pardon  after  death.  The  other  was  a  young  man  who  ap- 
peared to  be  quite  stupid.  Both  Captain  W.  and  I  spoke  freely 
and  largely  to  them ;  though  there  was  very  little  room  to 
hope  that  we  should  do  them  any  good.    Here  Mrs.  H.  gave 


138 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1774. 


an  account  of  the  triumphant  death  of  her  sister,  whoso  heart 
the  Lord  touched  about  two  years  ago  under  my  preaching. 
In  preaching  this  evening,  I  showed  the  people  the  emptiness 
of  mere  externals  in  religion,  and  the  absolute  necessity  of 
the  inward  power  and  graces  thereof. 

Friday,  December  2.  My  soul  enjoys  great  peace  ;  but  longs 
for  more  of  God.  We  visited  the  prisoners  again ;  and  Cap- 
tain W.  enforced  some  very  alarming  truths  upon  them,  though 
very  little  fruit  of  his  labour  could  be  seen.  Mr.  R.  came  to 
Burlington  to-day,  and  desired  me  to  go  to  Philadelphia. 
So,  after  preaching  in  the  evening  from  Prov.  xxviii,  13,  I 
set  off  the  next  morning  for  the  city ;  and  found  the  society 
in  the  spirit  of  love. 

Lord's  day,  4.  I  preached  twice  with  some  freedom ;  and 
went  to  hear  Mr.  S., — but  it  was  the  same  thing  over  again. 
The  next  day  my  mind  was  in  a  sweet,  calm  frame,  and  I  felt 
a  strong  determination  to  devote  myself  wholly  to  God  and 
his  service.  I  spoke  my  mind  to  Mr.  R.,  but  we  did  not  agree 
in  judgment.  And  it  appeared  to  me,  that  to  make  any  at- 
tempt to  go  to  Baltimore  would  be  all  in  vain. 
— -  Tuesday,  6.  Visited  some  of  my  friends  in  the  city ;  and 
wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Wesley,  which  I  read  to  Mr.  R.,  that  he 
might  see  I  intended  no  guile  or  secret  dealings.  It  is  some- 
what grievous  that  he  should  prevent  my  going  to  Baltimore, 
after  being  acquainted  with  my  engagements,  and  the  impor- 
tunities of  my  friends  there.  However,  all  things  shall  work 
together  for  good  to  them  that  love  God.  The  next  day  Mr. 
R.  appeared  to  be  very  kind ;  so  I  hope  all  things  will  give 
place  to  love. 

•  Lord's  day,  11.  Mr.  R.  preached  a  close  sermon,  on  the 
neglect  of  public  worship.  At  church  Mr.  S.  had  the  same 
thing  over  again :  but  the  power  of  the  Lord  attended  our 
preaching  in  the  evening,  from  2  Thess.  i,  7,  8. 

Tuesday,  13.  Yesterday  my  heart  was  fervently  engaged 
in  acts  of  devotion;  and  with  some  enlargement  of  heart,  I 
gave  an  exhortation  at  a  private  house  near  my  lodging.  But 
to-day,  my  cry  is,  O  for  more  spirituality ! — more  purity  of 


Dec,  1774.] 


ASBUItY'S  JOURNAL. 


139 


heart !  Lord,  form  me  by  the  power  of  divine  grace,  according 
to  all  thy  righteous  will,  that  my  soul  may  enjoy  thee  in  glory 
forever!  Though  concurring  circumstances  required  me  to 
speak  this  evening,  in  a  manner  unprepared,  yet  we  were 
blessed  with  a  comfortable  season. 

Wednesday,  14.  Mr.  R.  was  sick,  and  Captain  W.  was  busy, 
so  I  spent  my  time  in  study  and  devotion ;  and  enjoyed  a 
blessed  sense  of  the  divine  presence.  But  what  need  can 
there  be  for  two  preachers  here  to  preach  three  times  a  week 
to  about  sixty  people  ?  On  Thursday  night  about  sixty  per- 
sons attended  to  hear  Captain  W.  preach.  This  is  indeed  a 
very  gloomy  prospect.  But  my  heart  delighteth  in  God.  He 
is  the  object  of  my  hope ;  and  I  trust  he  will  be  my  portion 
forever. 

Lord's  day,  18.  My  soul  was  happy  while  preaching  in  the 
morning.  Mr.  S.  gave  us  an  old  piece  at  church  ;  and  Mr.  R. 
was  very  furious  in  the  evening. 

Monday,  19.  My  body  was  indisposed,  but  my  soul  en- 
joyed health.  The  Lord  gives  me  patience,  and  fills  me  with 
his  goodness.  In  meeting  sister  T.'s  class  we  had  a  mutual 
blessing. 

"  0  that  I  could  all  invite, 
His  saving  truth  to  prove ! 
Show  the  length,  and  breadth,  and  height, 
And  depth  of  Jesus'  love." 

Wednesday,  21.  I  began  to  read  NeaTs  History  of  the  Pu- 
ritans. The  Lord  keeps  me  from  all  impure  desire,  and  makes 
me  to  abound  with  divine  peace.  In  prayer-meeting  this  even- 
ing all  present  were  greatly  blest. 

Friday,  23.  Mr.  Neal,  in  his  history,  is  tolerably  impartial ; 
though,  he  seems  rather  inclined  to  favour  the  Non- conformists. 
But  how  strange !  that  the  reformation  should  be  carried  on 
in  such  a  reign  as  that  of  Henry  VIII.,  and  in  the  time  of 
Edward  VI.,  while  he  was  but  a  child.  The  good  bishops, 
no  doubt,  carried  the  matter  as  far  as  they  could ;  but  it  was 
not  in  their  power  to  disentangle  themselves  and  the  nation 
from  all  the  superstition  of  Popery.    But  queen  Elizabeth  and 


140 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  Ill 5. 


her  friends  bore  hard  for  the  supremacy.  It  seems  the  dis- 
pute began  at  Frankfort ;  and  Calvin  was  in  the  consultation. 
In  the  evening  I  preached  from  these  words,  "Neither  give 
place  to  the  devil :"  and  believe  it  was  good  for  some  that 
they  were  present.    Took  my  lodging  the  next  day  at  Mr.  W.'s. 

The  next  day,  as  the  snow  was  near  two  feet  deep,  I  did 
not  go  out,  but  had  a  comfortable  time  at  home. 

Thursday,  29.  My  soul  is  happy  in  the  love  of  God.  He 
gives  me  grace  to  die  daily  to  the  world,  and  all  the  desires 
of  the  flesh.  Dr.  S.  delivered  a  good  discourse  from  Isaiah 
xxvi,  20,  21,  on  the  solemn  occasion  of  a  fast  and  preparation 
for  the  Lord's  supper.    I  spoke  at  night  from  John  i,  12,  13. 

Monday,  January  2,  1775.  I  see  the  great  necessity  of 
always  beginning  to  glorify  God,  with  fresh  vigour  of  soul. 
So  prone  is  man  to  grow  languid  in  devout  exercises,  that 
without  fresh  and  powerful  exertions  he  will  soon  sink  into 
dead  formality.  At  Mr.  B.'s,  where  we  dined  to-day,  I  was 
much  grieved  at  the  manner  of  Mr.  R.'s  conversation :  but  let 
it  be  a  caution  to  me  to  be  prudent  and  watchful.  The  next 
day  my  soul  was  greatly  alive  to  God.  And  the  people  here 
are  so  kind  to  me  that  it  fills  me  with  astonishment  and  grati- 
tude. 

Thursday,  5.  For  several  days  my  throat  has  been  much 
disordered,  but  it  is  now  something  better.  Glory  to  God ! 
he  sweetly  draws  my  heart  into  close  and  comfortable  com- 
munion with  himself.  In  reading  the  history  of  the  Puritans, 
I  am  surprised  at  the  conduct  of  archbishop  Laud.  A  mon- 
ster of  a  man  indeed ! 

Friday,  6.  Find  myself  free,  through  grace,  from  all  im- 
pure affections ;  but  I  am  troubled  on  account  of  my  disposi- 
tion to  trifle  in  conversation.  Yet  it  is  the  will  of  God  to 
save  me  from  this  also.  May  the  happy  hour  speedily  arrive 
when  I  shall  be  altogether  such  as  my  Lord  would  have  me 
to  be! 

Saturday,  7.  I  had  some  conversation  with  that  pious,  good 

woman,  the  widow  of  G.  T  1.    She  greatly  lamented  the 

condition  of  her  son,  who  was  in  the  Jersey  college ;  a  youth 


Jan.,  1775.] 


ASBUHY'S  JOURNAL. 


141 


of  about  seventeen  years  of  age,  but  under  no  deep  impressions 
for  the  salvation  of  his  soul.  How  grievous  must  this  be  to 
a  pious  parent !  While  carnal  parents  regard  only  the  worldly 
prosperity  of  their  children,  truly  religious  parents  are  chiefly 
concerned  about  the  eternal  salvation  of  their  souls.  I  was 
informed  to-day  that  poor  A.  W.  is  living  with  his  wife,  and 
appears  to  be  industriously  inclined. 

Lord's  day,  8.  The  Lord  was  pleased  to  bless  my  soul  with 
that  peace  which  passes  understanding.  A  letter  from  my 
friend,  W.  L.,  informed  me  that  three  of  my  friends  were  coming 
to  conduct  me,  if  possible,  to  Baltimore.  But  it  is  a  doubt 
with  me  if  I  shall,  with  consent,  be  permitted  to  go.  May  the 
Lord  give  me  wisdom,  patience,  and  faith,  that  in  all  cases  I 
may  know  how  to  act  or  suffer,  according  to  his  will  and  my 
duty ! 

Thursday,  12.  The  conduct  of  Mr.  is  such  as  calls  for 

patience.  He  has  reported  that  I  was  the  cause  of  A.  W.'s 
becoming  a  preacher.  Whereas  when  he  was  appointed  it 
was  by  the  conference.  And  the  time  when  I  wanted  him  to 
travel  was  a  year  before  his  appointment,  when  his  heart  was 
right  with  God.  Moreover,  at  the  last  conference  I  was  doubt- 
ful of  him,  and  so  expressed  myself  both  by  word  and  letter. 

Friday,  13.  As  my  throat  was  worse,  I  stayed  at  home  and 
took  physic.  Part  of  my  time  was  spent  in  reading  the  history 
of  the  Puritans  :  and  I  found  my  affections  pure,  and  fixed  on 
their  proper  object ;  though  Satan  did  not  fail  to  assault  me 
with  many  temptations. 

Lord's  day,  15.  I  visited  the  Quaker  meeting;  but  won- 
dered to  see  so  many  sensible  men  sit  to  hear  two  or  three  old 
women  talk.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  day  I  was  much  indis- 
posed, and  kept  at  home.  But  the  next  morning  I  found  my- 
self something  better;  and  earnestly  longed  for  purity  of 
heart,  and  perfect  resignation  to  all  the  will  of  God. 

Wednesday,  18.  In  the  night  my  throat  was  bad,  attended 
with  a  smart  fever.  My  mind  is  variously  exercised  at  different 
times.  Sometimes  thinking  that  my  affliction  is  judicial ;  other 
times  thinking  that  natural  causes  produce  natural  effects. 


142  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Jan.,  1115. 


But,  blessed  Jesus,  I  must  be  still  and  know  that  thou  art 
God.  From  this  time  till  Lord's  day,  23d,  I  had  a  putrid  sore 
throat,  and  two  persons  sat  up  with  me  every  night ;  but  I 
found  relief  from  purges,  and  a  mixture  of  nitre  and  fever 
powder.  Mr.  keeps  driving  away  at  the  people,  tell- 
ing them  how  bad  they  are,  with  the  wonders  which  he  has 
done  and  intends  to  do.  It  is  surprising  that  the  people  are 
not  out  of  patience  with  him.  If  they  did  not  like  his  friends 
better  than  him,  we  should  soon  be  welcome  to  take  a  final 
leave  of  them. 

From  the  twenty-third  of  January  till  the  first  of  February, 
my  affliction  was  so  severe  that  I  was  not  able  to  write. 
There  were  several  small  ulcers  on  the  inside  of  my  throat ; 
and  the  pain  of  the  gatherings  was  so  severe  that  for  two 
weeks  I  could  not  rest  of  nights.  My  friends  were  very  kind, 
and,  expecting  my  death,  they  affectionately  lamented  over 
me.  But  on  the  29th  of  January  I  was  happily  relieved  by 
the  discharge  of  near  a  pint  of  white  matter.  For  a  while  my 
mind  was  in  great  heaviness ;  but  after  some  severe  conflicts 
with  the  powers  of  darkness,  I  was  calmly  resigned  to  the 
will  of  a  wise  and  gracious  God.  O  Lord,  how  wonderful 
are  thy  works !  It  is  my  desire  to  know  the  cause  of  this  af- 
fliction, that,  if  it  is  in  my  power,  I  may  remove  it.  Is  it  that 
I  may  know  more  of  myself,  and  lie  in  the  dust  ?  Or,  for  my 
past  unfaithfulness?  But  whatever  may  be  the  cause,  I 
humbly  hope  that  all  those  painful  dispensations  will  work 
together  for  my  good.  In  the  course  of  this  affliction  I  found 
that  when  my  spirit  was  broken,  and  brought  to  submit  with 
cheerfulness  to  the  will  of  God,  then  the  disorder  abated,  and 
I  began  to  recover ;  though  Satan  was  very  busy,  and,  like 
Job's  impious  wife,  suggested  to  my  mind  that  I  should  curse 
God  and  die ;  nevertheless,  through  grace,  I  am  more  than 
conqueror,  and  can  give  glory  to  God.  The  gargle  which  I 
used  first,  to  scatter,  if  possible,  the  inflammation,  was  sage 
tea,  honey,  vinegar,  and  mustard ;  then  that  which  was  used 
to  accelerate  the  gathering,  was  mallows  with  a  fig  cut  in 
pieces :  and  lastly,  to  strengthen  the  part,  we  used  a  gargle 


Feb.,  1775.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


143 


of  sage  tea,  alum,  rose  leaves,  and  loaf  sugar.  On  Monday 
the  30th,  some  letters  came  from  Baltimore,  earnestly  pressing 
me  to  go.  And  Mr.  R.  was  so  kind  as  to  visit  me ;  when  all 
was  sweetness  and  love. 

Wednesday,  February  1.  I  am  once  more  able  to  write,  and 
feel  a  solemn,  grateful  sense  of  God's  goodness  resting  on  my 
soul.  My  all  of  body,  soul,  and  time,  are  his  due ;  and  should 
be  devoted,  without  the  least  reserve,  to  his  service  and  glory. 
O  that  he  may  give  me  grace  sufficient ! 

Thursday,  2.  I  am  still  getting  better,  but  not  able  to  speak 
in  public  ;  though  the  word  of  the  Lord  is  like  fire  within  me, 
and  I  am  almost  weary  of  forbearing.  The  next  day  my 
mind  was  much  taken  up  with  God,  and  several  of  my  friends, 
who  were  so  kind  as  to  visit  me,  were  melted  in  conversation 
and  prayer. 

Saturday,  4.  My  mind  was  filled  with  pure,  evangelical 
peace.  I  had  some  conversation  with  Capt.  W.,  an  Israelite 
indeed,  and  we  both  concluded  that  it  was  my  duty  to  go  to 
Baltimore.  And  I  feel  willing  to  go,  if  it  is  even  to  die  there ; 
but,  at  present,  am  not  permitted.  I  was  confined  to  the  house 
all  the  next  day ;  but  0  !  how  painful  are  these  dumb  Sab- 
baths to  me !  However,  it  is  my  duty  to  submit  to  the  provi- 
dence of  a  wise  God. 

Monday,  6.  My  body  is  but  weak,  and  my  mind  is  some- 
what distressed,  lest  I  should  be  too  much  concerned  about 
the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and  wish  to  take  the  cause  out  of  his 
hand.  How  frail  a  creature  is  man !  How  little  can  he  pen- 
etrate  into  the  design  and  works  of  God ! 

Tuesday,  7.  Mr.  T  r  took  me  in  a  chaise  to  dine  with 

Mr.  R  n  and  Mr.  R  a.  My  mind  is  somewhat  trou- 
bled with  temptations,  but  still  I  have  peace.  I  am 
weak  in  body ;  and  want  more  patience  and  resignation  to 
submit  to  the  will  of  God,  till  he  is  pleased  to  restore  me. 
What  is  life  ?  Lord,  help  me  to  be  always  ready  to  end  it 
here ! 

Wednesday,  8.  From  the  state  of  my  body  to-day,  I  feel 
great  expectation  of  being  restored  to  health.    But  0  !  how 


144 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1775. 


my  soul  longeth  for  more  spiritual  health  !  This  day  I  wrote 
to  Mr.  R.,  at  Baltimore,  to  come  for  me. 

Thursday,  9.  My  body  continues  to  recover.  But  I  dis- 
cover many  weaknesses  and  failures  in  my  inner  man.  When 
shall  my  soul  be  adorned  as  a  bride  for  her  bridegroom? 
When  shall  all  within  and  all  without  be  holiness  to  the 
Lord  ?  Notwithstanding  my  illness,  I  have  read  NeaPs  His- 
tory of  the  Puritans,  consisting  of  four  volumes,  in  about  two 
months. 

Friday,  10.  How  great  a  blessing  is  health !  Though  of 
late  it  is  but  seldom  enjoyed  by  me.  But,  through  mercy, 
my  body  now  feels  like  being  restored ;  and  I  am  afraid  of 
being  thereby  too  much  elated.  The  Lord  shows  me  the 
excellency  of  affliction,  and  enables  me  to  exercise  resignation 
in  all  conditions  of  life.  I  am  now  reading  Mosheim's  Eccle- 
siastical History ;  but  as  a  writer  he  is  too  dry  and  speculative. 

Tuesday,  14.  My  heart  pants  to  labour  for  God ;  to  be 
once  more  employed  in  building  up  his  spiritual  house.  0 
that  he  may  strengthen  me,  set  me  to  work,  and  greatly  bless 
my  poor  endeavours  !  Preaching  the  glorious  Gospel  seems  to 
be  my  proper  employment;  and  when  I  am  long  detained 
from  it,  I  appear  to  be  out  of  my  element.  But  hope,  a 
blessed  hope  revives,  that  before  long  I  shall  be  of  some  ser- 
vice in  the  Church  of  Christ. 

Thursday,  16.  My  mind  has  been  kept  in  great  peace  :  but 
I  am  somewhat  troubled  on  account  of  my  defects  in  useful- 
ness and  spirituality.  May  the  Lord  make  me  more  serious 
and  more  spiritual  in  all  my  internal  and  external  actions ! 
And  though  my  mind  was  much  taken  up  with  God  on  Fri- 
day, yet  I  was  too  free  in  conversation.  My  earnest  desire  is, 
to  have  full  power  over  every  thought,  word,  and  action.  I 
now  ventured  to  preach  from  Psalm  cxxvi,  3 :  "  The  Lord 
hath  done  great  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad."  R.  S. 
wrote  me  a  letter  with  his  usuall  kindness ;  and  informed  me 
that  Mr.  D.  concurred  in  sentiment  relative  to  my  going  to 
Baltimore.  And  it  is  thought  by  many,  that  there  will  be  an 
alteration  in  the  affairs  of  our  Church-government. 


Feb.,  1775.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


145 


Lord's  day,  19.  Mr.  R.  preached  his  farewell  sermon,  from 
Deut.  xxx,  19.    He  has  now  been  here  ten  months. 

Monday,  20.  Most  of  this  day  was  spent  in  private  devo- 
tion and  reading.  I  am  full  of  humble  expectation  that  the 
Lord  will  restore  me  to  better  health  and  greater  usefulness. 
May  my  eye  be  single,  aiming  at  nothing  but  the  glory  of 
God,  that  my  whole  body  may  be  full  of  light ! 

Wednesday,  22.  I  received  a  letter  from  Miss  G.  at  Anti- 
gua; in  which  she  informed  me,  that  Mr.  G.  was  going  away ; 
and  as  there  are  about  three  hundred  members  in  society,  she 
entreats  me  to  go  and  labour  amongst  them.  And  as  Mr. 
Wesley  has  given  his  consent,  I  feel  inclined  to  go,  and  take 
one  of  the  young  men  with  me.  But  there  is  one  obstacle  in 
my  way — the  administration  of  the  ordinances.  It  is  possible 
to  get  the  ordination  of  a  presbytery ;  but  this  would  be  incom- 
patible with  Methodism :  which  would  be  an  effectual  bar  in 
my  way.  It  appears  very  strange,  that  after  so  much  afflic- 
tion, my  heart  should  be  so  languid  and  dull.  This  day  Mr. 
R  n  set  off  for  New- York. 

Thursday,  23.  Mr.  R  f  and  Mr.  R  a  came  to  town. 

I  preached  in  the  evening  from  Rom.  i,  16:  "I  am  not 
ashamed  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ,"  &c.  And  showed,  First, 
Of  what  he  was  not  ashamed :  the  experience,  precepts,  and 
blessings,  of  the  Gospel ;  to  preach  it  in  its  purity  ;  to  suffer 
for  it.  Secondly,  Why  he  was  not  ashamed  of  this :  Because 
it  is  the  power  of  God  to  salvation  from  the  guilt,  power,  and 
remains  of  sin ;  the  power  of  God  is  displayed  in  preaching 
the  simple  truths  of  the  Gospel.  Thirdly,  To  whom  it  be- 
came so :  to  them  that  believe,  first,  the  threatenings,  precepts, 
and  invitations;  and  then  in  Jesus  Christ  for  this  present 
salvation. 

Saturday,  25.  I  packed  up  my  clothes  in  order  to  depart 
on  Monday  morning  for  Baltimore.  And  while  giving  a  few 
words  of  exhortation  in  the  evening,  we  found  it  a  solemn, 
feeling  time.  We  also  had  a  very  powerful  season  the  next 
evening,  while  I  preached  to  a  full  house  on  the  awful  subject 
of  the  rich  man  and  Lazarus. 

7 


146 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Mar.,  1115. 


Monday,  27.  My  dear  children  in  the  Lord,  P.  R.  and 
S.  0.,  with  several  other  kind  friends,  accompanied  me  out 
of  town.  We  stopped  at  Chester,  where  I  preached  from 
these  piercing  words  of  our  Lord,  "  Thou  knowest  not  the 
day  of  thy  visitation."  There  are  but  little  hopes  of  this 
place  at  present.  Though,  if  they  do  not  fill  up  the  mea- 
sure of  their  iniquity,  the  time  to  favour  them  may  come. 
The  Lord  hasten  it,  before  the  present  generation  drops  into 
eternity !  As  it  is  some  time  since  I  have  been  accustomed 
to  labour  and  fatigue,  my  body  was  exceedingly  weak  and 
weary  at  night. 

Tuesday,  28.  Stopping  at  Wilmington  to  preach  in  the 
evening,  a  barber  came  to  shave  me,  who  once  professed  re- 
ligion, and  had  been  a  soldier  in  the  twenty -third  regiment ; 
but  now  he  is  a  deserter  i>oth  from  God  and  man.  On  our 
way  to  Susquehanna  the  next  day,  we  accidentally  called  on 
Mr.  L  H.,  whose  heart  was  much  affected  while  we  prayed 
with  him  and  his  family.  When  we  came  to  the  ferry,  Ave 
had  an  agreeable  time,  several  joining  us  while  we  called  on 
the  Lord  by  prayer  in  our  room. 

Thursday,  March  2.  We  called  at  the  house  of  Mr.  J.  D., 
and  rested  about  an  hour.  Sister  D.  has  treated  me  with  all 
the  tenderness  of  a  mother  towards  a  son :  and  may  He  that 
will  not  forget  a  cup  of  water  given  in  his  name,  abundantly 
reward  her!  We  then  pursued  our  journey  to  Baltimore; 
and  my  heart  was  greatly  refreshed  at  the  sight  of  my  spirit- 
ual children  and  kind  friends  there,  for  whose  welfare  my  soul 
had  travailed  both  present  and  absent.  The  next  day  I  had 
the  pleasure  of  seeing  our  new  house,  and  my  old  friends,  with 
some  new  ones  added  to  their  number.  Here  are  all  my  own 
with  increase. 

Lord's  day,  5.  Both  in  town  and  at  the  Point,  large  num- 
bers attended  to  hear  the  word.  The  power  of  God  was 
present ;  and  I  had  an  inward  witness  that  it  was  the  will  of 
God  I  should,  at  that  time,  be  amongst  those  people.  N.  I. 
is  come  home  to  God,  and  R.  M.  is  on  his  way. 

Monday,  6.  My  mind  was  peaceful  and  calm.    The  next 


Mar.,  1115.']         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


day  I  set  out  in  a  carriage  for  Mr.  T.'s,  about  nine  miles  from 
town,  and  found  a  large  congregation,  many  of  whom  came 
from  Elk-Ridge.  On  Wednesday/,  I  returned  to  town,  and 
was  powerfully  assaulted  by  Satan.  But,  glory  to  God  !  He 
is  my  sun  and  my  shield ;  he  discovers  to  my  mind  the  temp- 
tations, and  keeps  me  from  their  power.  May  I  ever  feel  my 
obligations,  and  delight  in  giving  all  my  strength  and  time  to 
his  service ! 

Thursday,  9.  My  spirit  was  grieved  within  me  to  see  the 
wickedness  of  mankind  in  this  town — to  see  how  they  op- 
pose the  truth  of  God.  The  power  of  Satan  is  only  checked 
in  a  small  degree :  but  when  shall  he  be  quite  cast  out  ? 
Before  he  will  suffer  his  kingdom  to  be  entirely  overthrown, 
he  will,  no  doubt,  do  all  he  can  in  stimulating  his  trusty 
servants  to  defend  his  cause.  Preaching  on  Friday  at  W. 
L.'s,  the  wealthy  Mr.  C.  R.  was  present.  And  who  can 
tell  but  the  Lord  may  reach  his  heart ! 

Saturday,  11.  My  body  is  somewhat  unwell ;  but  my 
soul  is  in  health  and  peace.  Though  I  have  some  cause  of 
lamentation,  for  being  too  free  in  conversation  with  my 
friends. 

Lord's  day,  12.  Much  of  the  power  of  God  was  felt  at 
the  Point ;  and  a  divine  energy  went  forth  amongst  the 
people  that  night  in  town,  while  I  discoursed  from  that 
awakening  scripture,  Romans  ii,  8,  9,  10  :  "  But  unto  them 
that  are  contentious,  and  do  not  obey  the  truth,  but  obey 
unrighteousness,  indignation  and  wrath,  tribulation  and  an- 
guish, upon  every  soul  of  man  that  doeth  evil,"  &c.  Christ 
was  precious  to  my  soul,  which  was  filled  with  divine  peace. 
I  saw  brother  S.,  and  entered  into  a  free  conversation  with 
him.  His  sentiments  relative  to  Mr.  R.  corresponded  with 
mine.  But  all  these  matters  I  can  silently  commit  to  God, 
who  overrules  both  in  earth  and  heaven. 

Monday,  13.  After  preaching  at  0.  C.'s,  about  five  miles 
from  town,  in  a  comfortable  frame  of  mind,  I  returned.  The 
next  day  I  parted  with  brother  S.,  and  felt  my  mind  de- 
pressed by  temptations.    But  a  holy  flame  glowed  in  my 


148 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Mar.,  1775. 


heart,  while  discoursing  at  night  on  the  "  cloud  of  wit- 
nesses." Believing  that  some  souls  were  benefitted,  I  com- 
mended myself  to  the  divine  protection,  and  slept  in  peace. 
Though  it  rained  on  Thursday  evening,  yet  many  attended 
whilst  I  enforced  the  apostolic  injunction :  "  Let  us  lay  aside 
every  weight,  and  the  sin  which  doth  so  easily  beset  us." 
It  is  to  be  feared  that  many  Christians  do  not  "  lay  aside 
every  weight"  which  impedes  their  spiritual  progress,  If 
they  did,  they  would  not  halt,  and  go  on  as  if  they  were 
weary ;  but  be  enabled  to  run,  and  that  with  patience,  the 
race  that  is  set  before  them. 

Friday,  17.  The  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  men 
were  my  principal  objects.  I  went  to  preach  at  the  Point, 
but  they  were  training  the  militia,  so  that  the  town  seemed 
all  in  confusion. 

Saturday,  18.  Peace  and  pure  desires  filled  my  soul ; 
and  Christ  was  the  object  of  my  love.    Glory  be  to  thee, 

0  Lord  !  The  next  day  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  God  was 
with  me  in  preaching  at  the  Point ;  and  with  great  pathos 

1  was  enabled  to  deliver  the  truth  at  night  in  town.  Many 
of  the  audience  felt  the  weight  of  God's  word.  May  they 
yield  to  the  sacred  touch,  and  be  saved  !  On  Monday  and 
Tuesday,  I  made  a  small  excursion  into  the  country,  and 
laboured  to  bring  souls  to  Christ  at  Mr.  R.'s  and  Mr.  T.'s. 
It  seems  CD.  has  not  lost  all  the  concern  he  felt  some 
time  ago.  I  afterward  returned  safe  to  town  in  the  evening ; 
and  spent  a  part  of  the  next  day  in  reading  Taylor's  Trea- 
tise on  Holy  Living.  This  book  was  made  a  blessing  to  me 
above  seven  years  ago.  I  preached  in  the  evening  from 
1  Samuel  x,  6  :  "  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  will  come  upon 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  prophesy  with  them,  and  shalt  be 
turned  into  another  man."    Here  I  took  occasion  to  show, 

I.  The  operations  of  the  Spirit  on  the  heart  of  man — to 
convince,  convict,  convert,  and  sanctify. 

II.  The  effects  of  these  operations. 

1.  A  strong  inclination  to  speak  for  God.  This  is  the 
duty  of  every  Christian. 


Am.,  1775.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


149 


2.  A  great  change — in  judgment,  desire,  spirit,  temper, 
and  practice. 

I  found  myself  much  indisposed  when  I  returned  to 
my  lodgings,  and  the  disorder  of  my  body  depressed  my 
spirits. 

Friday,  24.  I  ventured  to  Patapsco  Neck,  and  had  a  full 
house  at  Captain  R.'s,  whose  wife  is  brought  by  grace  to 
the  knowledge  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Lord's  day,  26.  My  heart  was  delightfully  taken  up  with 
God.  In  the  time  of  preaching  at  the  Point  this  morning, 
my  spirit  was  tender,  and  many  of  the  audience  were  much 
melted.  I  also  found  myself  greatly  drawn  out  in  preaching 
at  night  in  town. 

Tuesday,  28.  Mr.  0.,  the  Dutch  minister,  accompanied 
me  to  I.  O.'s,  where  we  had  a  blessed  and  refreshing  sea- 
son. The  next  day,  at  town,  I  met  with  brother  W.  from 
Virginia ;  who  gave  me  a  great  account  of  the  work  of  God 
in  those  parts — five  or  six  hundred  souls  justified  by  faith, 
and  five  or  six  circuits  formed :  so  that  we  have  now  four- 
teen circuits  in  America ;  and  about  twenty-two  preachers 
are  required  to  supply  them.  Thus  we  see  how  Divine 
Providence  makes  way  for  the  word  of  truth,  and  the  Holy 
Spirit  attends  it.  May  it  spread  in  power,  and  cover  these 
lands !  Brother  W.  is  a  very  singular  man,  but  honest  in 
his  intentions,  and  sincerely  engaged  for  the  prosperity  of 
the  work.  I  dined  with  Mr.  0.,  the  minister  mentioned 
above,  and  spent  the  afternoon  with  him  and  Mr.  S.,  another 
minister  of  the  same  profession.  They  both  appear  to  be 
sincerely  religious,  and  intend  to  make  proposals  to  the 
German  synod  this  year,  to  lay  a  plan  for  the  reformation 
of  the  Dutch  congregations. 

Friday,  31.  This  was  a  day  of  joy  and  great  consolation 
to  my  soul.  I  clearly  saw  the  propriety  and  necessity  of 
devoting  every  faculty  and  every  hour  to  God. 

Lord's  day,  April  2.  Many  people  attended  to  hear  the 
word,  and  there  appeared  to  be  much  feeling  amongst 
them.    I  had  a  desire  to  hear  for  myself,  Mr.  ,  the 


150 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1775. 


Presbyterian  minister.  His  discourse  was  quite  systematical 
and  amusing,  but  if  he  had  studied  to  pass  by  the  con- 
sciences of  his  hearers,  he  could  not  have  done  it  more  ef- 
fectually. Monday  and  Tuesday  I  spent  comfortably,  in 
labouring  on  a  short  tour  in  the  country  :  and  was  graciously 
assisted  on  Tuesday  night  at  town. 

Wednesday,  5.  I  experienced  the  benefit  of  visiting  the 
sick,  and  found  much  satisfaction  in  my  own  soul,  while 
speaking  plainly  to  «a  carnal  young  man.  The  next  day 
Satan  assaulted  me  with  great  violence,  but  he  found  my 
heart  fixed  on  God. 

Friday,  7.  After  visiting  two  sick  persons,  I  went  to 
brother  L.'s,  and  was  enabled  to  speak  freely  and  feelingly 
to  a  large  number  of  rich  and  poor  assembled  there.  On 
Saturday  I  returned,  and  found  that  a  young  man  who  had 
turned  his  back  on  the  gospel,  and  devoted  himself  to  sin, 
had  been  suddenly  snatched  away  by  death.  How  awful ! 
Does  not  this  appear  like  the  judicial  hand  of  God  ?  Does 
it  not  seem  as  a  powerful  warning  to  surviving  sinners,  es- 
pecially such  as  answer  his  character  ?  And  yet  it  is  to  be 
feared,  many  will  not  bear  the  rod,  nor  regard  him  that 
appointed  it. 

Lord's  day,  9.  Though  my  body  was  weak,  and  my  mind 
grieved  by  the  wickedness  of  the  wicked,  yet  I  was  enabled 
to  speak  powerfully  both  at  the  Point  and  town.  The 
blessing  of  the  Lord  attended  us,  both  at  Mr.  E.'s  on  Mon- 
day, and  at  O.  C.'s  on  Tuesday.  Here  I  met  with  brother 
S.,  and  found  we  were  of  one  heart  and  of  one  mind.  Lord, 
grant  that  all  the  preachers  may  be  thus  united  in  senti- 
ment and  affection! 

Thursday,  13.  Had  some  conversation  with  Mrs.  J.,  from 
Philadelphia.  She  appeared  to  be  in  distress  about  her 
soul,  and  said  she  was  convinced  of  her  lost  estate  the  last 
Lord's  day. 

Saturday,  15.  God  is  my  portion,  and  my  all-sufficient 
good.  He  fills  me  with  pure,  spiritual  life.  My  heart  is 
melted  into  holy  love,  and  altogether  devoted  to  my  Lord. 


Apr.,  1775.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


151 


Many  came  to  hear  the  word  of  life  in  the  evening,  and  my 
soul  was  supplied  with  strength. 

Lord's  day,  16.  The  Spirit  of  God  attended  our  en- 
deavours both  in  town  and  Point.  My  heart  was  greatly 
enlarged  in  town  especially.  There  is  a  very  apparent  al- 
teration in  this  place.  There  is  not  so  much  drunkenness 
0  and  neglect  of  the  ordinances,  as  in  former  times ;  and  the 
people  are  much  more  inclined  to  attend  the  places  of  public 
worship.  So  that,  on  the  whole,  I  entertain  a  lively  hope 
that  the  Lord  will  yet  raise  up  for  himself  a  large  society  in 
the  town  of  Baltimore.  On  Monday  my  frame  was  weak 
and  weary :  nevertheless  I  had  to  preach  once  in  town,  and 
once  in  the  country,  about  seven  miles  off. 

Wednesday,  19.  Having  preached  at  several  places  in  the 
country,  I  returned  to  town;  and  find  that  the  Lord  assist- 
eth  me  from  time  to  time.  He  frequently  revives  both  body 
and  soul,  when  I  am  almost  ready  to  give  over. 

Thursday,  2.0.  Just  before  preaching  at  the  Point,  six 
men  were  accidentally  shot  in  the  militia  exercise.  I  will 
not  venture  to  assert,  the  captain  collected  them  for  exercise 
because  it  was  preaching  night.  However,  I  visited  one  of 
the  wounded,  and  prayed  with  him. 

Saturday,  22.  I  dined  with  Captain  R.,  who  appeared  to 
be  under  some  small  awakenings.  Afterward  came  to  town, 
when  brother  R.  and  I  met,  like  Jacob  and  Esau;  and  all 
was  love  and  peace.  In  the  evening  Mr.  R.  preached  a 
good  sermon  on  John  xii,  36 :  "  While  ye  have  the 
light  believe  in  the  light,  that  ye  may  be  the  children  of 
light." 

Lord's  day,  23.  Our  congregations  were  large ;  amongst 
whom  were  Mr.  G.,  Mr.  C,  and  others.  In  the  evening 
Mr.  R.  preached  an  alarming  sermon.  On  Monday  I  visited 
a  sick  woman,  who  soon  after  went  into  eternity ;  and  then 
I  went  to  Mr.  E.'s,  where  many  found  it  beneficial  to  them 
that  they  were  present  to  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord.  By 
particular  invitation,  I  lodged  on  Tuesday  night  at  Captain 
R.'s ;  and  in  the  course  of  a  free  conversation,  he  told  me 


152 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  111 5. 


that  he  was  brought  under  his  first  conviction  at  Mr.  T.'s, 
from  Prov.  xxviii,  13. 

Saturday,  29.  I  have  not  been  unassisted  in  the  public 
exercises  of  this  week,  and  now  find  my  soul  in  a  peaceful 
frame,  though  not  without  a  serious  concern  for  the  cause 
of  the  country.  Lord,  turn  aside  thy  displeasure,  and  mer- 
cifully interpose  ! 

Lord's  day,  30.  I  preached  three  times,  and  the  cup  of 
my  blessing  was  full.  What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord 
for  all  his  benefits?  But  we  have  alarming  military  ac- 
counts from  Boston,  New- York,  and  Philadelphia.  Surely 
the  Lord  will  overrule,  and  make  all  these  things  subservient 
to  the  spiritual  welfare  of  his  Church.  On  Monday  I  visited 
the  country,  and,  having  preached  at  a  few  places,  returned 
on  Tuesday  night  to  town ;  and  found  the  people  all  in- 
flamed with  a  martial  spirit. 

Thursday,  May  4.  My  soul  longs  for  a  perfect  conformity 
to  the  image  and  will  of  God  in  all  things.  I  desire  nothing 
but  him,  and  he  causeth  my  heart  to  overflow  with  peaceful 
joy.  I  preached  at  the  Point  this  evening,  but  have  more 
hope  for  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  than  for  those  of  the 
Point.  O  that  I  could  learn  the  holy  art  of  doing  more 
good  for  precious  souls  !  It  troubles  me  to  think  of  being  so 
unprofitable. 

Friday,  5.  At  the  appointed  time  for  preaching  we  had  an 
awful  storm  of  thunder  and  lightning,  which  killed  three 
horses.  However,  I  began  in  the  midst  of  it,  and  spoke  with 
liberty  of  spirit,  and  confidence  in  God. 

Saturday,  6.  I  was  grieved  to-day  that  I  did  not  feel  my- 
self more  steadily  devoted  to  God.  In  the  evening  I.  K. 
preached  a  good  and  profitable  sermon,  but  long  and  loud 
enough. 

Lord's  day,  1.  I  preached  twice  and  held  a  love-feast ; 
but  heaviness  is  brought  upon  my  mind  by  some  that  would 
once  (comparatively  speaking)  have  plucked  out  their  eyes, 
and  have  given  them  to  me ;  but  now  they  slight  me  ! 
"  Cursed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  man,  and  maketh  flesh 


May,  1775.3 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


153 


his  arm ;  whose  heart  departeth  from  the  Lord  !"  May  my 
heart  trust  in  the  Lord  ! 

Monday y  8.  Several  friends  set  out  in  company  with  me  to 
the  quarterly  meeting.  When  we  came  to  J.  G.'s,  he  did  not 
appear  to  be  so  open  and  free  as  he  was  about  a  year  ago. 
Prayer  is  almost  neglected,  and  both  his  children  and  servants 
are  almost  like  wild,  untaught  Indians.  Ah  !  what  is  all  the 
substance  of  this  world,  without  the  love  and  fear  of  God  ? 
I  proceeded  the  next  morning  to  meet  the  preachers  and 
stewards.  At  ten  o'clock  we  held  our  love-feast ;  though  my 
mind  was  under  some  exercises,  so  that  I  spoke  but  little. 
However,  at  four  o'clock  I  preached  from  Isaiah  xli,  13,  with 
great  enlargement,  and  to  a  large  concourse  of  people.  But 
was  confined  in  the  evening  to  the  company  of  men  who  were 
destitute  of  religion,  and  full  of  sin  and  politics.  My  bre- 
thren and  myself  were  glad  to  have  prayer  in  the  morning 
and  leave  them.  If  there  were  no  other  hell  than  the  com- 
pany of  wicked  men,  I  would  say,  From  such  a  hell,  good 
Lord,  deliver  me ! 

Thursday,  11,  was  appointed  as  a  general  fast :  I  preached 
on  the  occasion,  and  the  Lord  made  it  a  solemn,  heart-affect- 
ing time,  so  that  we  did  not  conclude  till  about  three  o'clock. 
The  next  day  I  reached  Bohemia ;  but  as  it  was  late,  some 
of  the  congregation  had  departed  :  I  therefore  exhorted  those 
that  were  left ;  and  then  proceeded  to  Newcastle. 

Lord's  day,  14.  Both  last  night  and  this  day,  I  hope  my 
skirts  were  clear  of  the  blood  of  the  people  in  this  little  town, 
whether  they  reject  or  accept  of  an  offered  salvation.  After 
stopping  to  preach  at  Chester  the  next  day,  I  then  went  on 
to  Philadelphia. 

Tuesday,  16.  I  had  some  friendly  and  close  conversation 
with  the  preachers,  in  which  we  spoke  plainly  of  our  expe- 
rience and  doctrines.    Mr.  R  a  preached  in  the  evening. 

From  Wednesday  till  Friday  we  spent  in  conference,  with 
great  harmony  and  sweetness  of  temper.  If  the  Lord  spares 
me,  I  am  now  about  bending  my  course  towards  Norfolk,  to 
preach  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  to  perishing  sinners  there. 


154 


ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  111 5. 


Monday,  22.  Having  preached  the  last  evening  with  some 
sweet  enlargement,  I  left  Philadelphia  this  morning,  and  set 
off  for  Norfolk.  Preached  at  night  to  a  few  people  in  Ches- 
ter, and  was  conducted  the  next  morning  in  a  friend's  chaise 
to  Cecil  court-house,  where  I  embarked  for  Norfolk. 

Monday,  29.  With  a  thankful  heart  I  landed  at  Norfolk, 
after  having  been  much  tossed  about  by  contraiy  winds  in 
the  bay.  My  accommodations  on  board  the  vessel  were  also 
very  indifferent,  so  that  it  was  a  disagreeable  and  fatiguing 
passage ;  but 

"  In  hope  of  that  immortal  crown 
I  now  the  cross  sustain  ; 
And  gladly  wander  up  and  down, 
And  smile  at  toil  and  pain." 

Here  I  found  about  thirty  persons  in  society  after  their 
manner  ;  but  they  had  no  regular  class-meetings.  However, 
here  are  a  few  who  are  willing  to  observe  all  the  rules  of  our 
society.  Their  present  preaching-house  is  an  old,  shattered 
building,  which  has  formerly  been  a  play-house.  Surely  the 
Lord  will  not  always  suffer  his  honour  to  be  trampled  in  the 
dust.  No ;  I  entertain  a  hope  that  we  shall  have  a  house 
and  a  people  in  this  town.  My  heart  is  filled  with  holy 
thoughts,  and  deeply  engaged  in  the  work  of  God.  On 
Tuesday  evening  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  souls  attended 
to  hear  the  word,  and  about  fifty  at  five  o'clock  on  Wed- 
nesday morning,  which,  by  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  was 
found  to  be  a  good  time.  I  then  went  over  to  Portsmouth, 
and  found  my  spirit  at  liberty  in  preaching  to  a  number  of 
souls  there. 

Friday,  June  2.  The  Lord  is  pleased  to  show  me  the  clan- 
ger which  a  preacher  is  in  of  being  lifted  up  by  pride,  and 
falling  into  the  condemnation  of  the  devil.  How  great  is  the 
danger  of  this  !  A  considerable  degree  of  ballast  is  highly 
necessaiy  to  bear  frequent  and  sudden  puffs  of  applause. 
Lord,  fill  me  with  genuine  humility,  that  the  strongest  gusts 
from  Satan  or  the  world  may  never  move  me ! 

Saturday,  3.  My  body  is  weak,  but  my  soul  is  in  a  sweet, 


June,  17  75.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


155 


pacific  frame.  I  see  the  need  of  constant  watchfulness  and 
entire  devotion  to  God.  My  heart  was  stayed  on  God  while 
preaching  in  the  evening  from  Psalm  lxviii,  18. 

Lord's  day,  4.  Many  seemed  willing  to  hear,  both  morning 
and  evening,  at  Norfolk  ;  but  in  the  afternoon,  at  Portsmouth, 
the  congregation,  though  large,  seemed  to  have  very  little 
sensibility.  On  Monday  I  found  myself  better  than  could 
be  expected,  after  preaching  three  times,  and  meeting  the 
society  the  day  before.  May  the  Lord  brace  up  my  feeble 
frame,  and  by  his  grace  I  am  determined  to  use  it  for  his  glory 
and  the  service  of  his  Church.  The  congregation  were  atten- 
tive in  the  evening  while  I  enlarged  on  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit. 

Tuesday,  6.  I  went  to  the  farthermost  part  of  Portsmouth 
parish,  through  such  a  swamp  as  I  never  saw  before,  and 
partook  of  a  blessing  with  the  people,  some  of  whom  are  of 
a  simple  heart.  After  having  preached  at  Mr.  F.'s,  in  St. 
Bride's  parish,  then  at  Mr.  M.'s  and  Mr.  R.'s,  I  returned  to 
Portsmouth  on  Thursday  evening,  and  found  my  soul  in 
peace.  I  have  lately  read  Mason  on  Self-Knowledge.  This 
book,  with  Franks  on  the  Fear  of  Man,  and  Thomas  a 
Kempis,  are  most  excellent  books  for  a  Christian. 

Wednesday,  14.  I  have  continued  labouring,  with  different 
degrees  of  encouragement,  between  Norfolk  and  Portsmouth  ; 
but  have  not  met  with  that  success  which  my  soul  longs  for. 
Our  friends  set  a  subscription  on  foot  to-day,  for  building  a 
house  of  worship,  and  have  raised  only  about  £34.  Had 
they  the  same  spirit  of  liberality  which  they  have  in  Balti- 
more, they  might  easily  accomplish  it. 

Thursday  15.  I  found  thirteen  serious  souls  in  society 
about  six  miles  from  town,  on  the  Suffolk  road  ;  but  poor 
brother  0.  is  subject  to  great  heaviness  through  manifold 
temptations.  The  congregation  here  was  small ;  however, 
some  of  them  were  much  affected.  I  gave  a  close  and 
pointed  exhortation  in  the  evening  at  Portsmouth ;  and  there 
was  a  melting  of  heart  amongst  the  people.  I  preached  again 
the  next  day,  and  met  both  the  classes,  and  felt  my  hopes  for 
Portsmouth  begin  to  revive. 


156 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1775. 


Monday,  19.  Yesterday's  labour  of  preaching  three  times, 
<fcc,  was  not  too  much  for  me.  And  this  day  my  soul  enjoyed 
delightful  communion  with  God.    Satan  assaults ;  but  He 

at  is  for  me  is  stronger  than  he  that  is  against  me. 

"  Be  thou  my  strength,  be  thou  my  way, 
Protect  me  through  my  life's  short  day  ; 
In  all  my  acts  may  wisdom  guide, 
And  keep  me,  Saviour,  near  thy  side." 

Tuesday  20.  I  preached  at  New-Mill  Creek,  and  joined 
two  persons  to  the  small  society  there.  Went  thence  to 
Northwest  Woods,  and  preached  at  the  house  of  Mr.  A. ; 
and  after  preaching  at  two  or  three  more  places,  I  returned 
on  Thursday  to  Portsmouth. 

Monday,  26.  The  God  of  hope  fills  me  with  joy  and  peace 
in  believing.  About  seventy  souls  sat  under  the  word  this 
evening,  and  some  of  them  were  very  deeply  affected.  But 
too  often  it  is  as  the  morning  cloud,  and  as  the  early  dew. 
How  irrational  it  is,  that  rational  beings  should  employ  their 
thoughts  with  readiness  on  every  trifling  subject,  when  they 
can  hardly  be  brought  to  think  seriously  on  the  things  of 
eternity,  although  the  Holy  Spirit  awakens  their  sensibility, 
and  alarms  their  fears  !  0,  the  strange  perverseness,  the 
deadly  depravity  of  man  ! 

Tuesday  27.  Preached  at  five  in  the  morning,  but  am  de- 
pressed in  spirit,  to  see  such  an  insensibility  to  the  things  of 
God  amongst  the  people.  Surely,  I  am  now  in  a  dry  and 
barren  land,  but  hope  it  will  not  be  so  long. 

Thursday,  29.  I  preached  at  Mr.  B.'s,  a  new  place,  and  a 
large  company  was  collected.  The  Lord  stirred  the  hearts 
of  the  people  under  the  preaching  of  the  word  at  H.'s,  and 
on  Friday  I  returned  and  preached  at  night  in  Portsmouth. 
After  I  had  met  the  classes  and  put  them  into  bands  the 
next  day,  I  then  set  off  for  Crany  Island  ;  but  found  the 
weather  excessively  hot,  such  as  I  had  never  known  in  Eng- 
land. On  my  return  some  of  the  members  appeared  a  little 
refractory  in  submitting  to  discipline.    But  without  discipline 


July,  11  75.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


15* 


we  should  soon  be  as  a  rope  of  sand  ;  so  that  it  must  be  en- 
forced, let  who  will  be  displeased. 

Lord's  day,  July  2.  Our  congregations  consisted  of  many- 
people  from  the  country  as  well  as  the  towns  ;  and  I  knew 
by  experience  that  "  where  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is,  there  is 
liberty." 

Monday,  3,  was  spent  in  writing  to  the  preachers,  and 
reading ;  and  I  was  much  contracted  in  my  ideas  while 
preaching  at  night.  But  all  my  soul  is  taken  up  with  God  ; 
so  that  my  desire  is  unto  the  Lord,  and  the  remembrance  of 
his  name. 

"  Give  me  thyself ;  from  every  boast, 
From  every  wish  set  free  ; 
Let  all  I  am  in  thee  be  lost, 
But  give  thyself  to  me." 

Friday,  7.  The  last  three  days  I  have  laboured  at  different 
places  in  the  country,  and  preached  this  evening  in  Portsmouth. 
Though  I  feel  some  concern  for  the  souls  of  my  fellow  men, 
yet  not  enough.  If  we  could  but  see  by  faith  the  danger  to 
which  poor  unpardoned  sinners  are  continually  exposed,  if  we 
could  but  have  a  realizing  view  of  that  unquenchable  fire  into 
which  they  must  be  plunged,  dying  in  their  present  state,  how 
could  we  rest  day  or  night  from  using  all  possible  endeavours 
to  prevent  their  eternal  damnation  ?  0  unbelief !  thou  most 
destructive  sin !  how  dost  thou  destroy  the  vigour  of  Chris- 
tians' endeavours,  as  well  as  the  souls  of  the  unregenerate ! 

Tuesday,  11.  After  preaching  at  five  o'clock  in  Norfolk,  I 
went  to  Portsmouth,  met  the  classes,  and  read  and  explained 
the  rules ;  telling  them  that  every  civil  society  has  its  pro- 
per rules,  and  persons  appointed  to  see  them  kept,  and  that 
every  member  forfeited  his  right  to  membership  if  he  wilfully 
transgressed  them.  If  men  see  the  necessity  of  being  thus 
subject  to  order  for  the  sake  of  temporary  advantages,  how 
much  more  cheerfully  should  we  be  subject  for  the  eternal 
advantages  which  attend  the  salvation  of  our  souls ! 

Friday  14.  I  returned  to  town  after  a  short  tour,  and  preach- 
ing several  times  in  the  country.    In  this  tour  I  lodged  at  the 


158 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [July,  1*775. 


house  of  brother  0.,  mentioned  some  time  ago,  a  man  of  a 
gloomy  spirit  but  solid  piety.  In  his  house  there  is  a  true 
spiritual  Church — three  souls  all  of  one  mind,  and  sincerely 
intent  on  seeking  and  serving  the  Lord.  I  met  the  classes  in 
town,  and  found  my  soul  sweetly  stayed  on  the  Lord,  though 
my  animal  spirits  nagged  by  reason  of  the  extreme  heat. 
Friend  L.  is  opposed  to  our  rules ;  but  no  man  can  expect  to 
abide  with  us,  unless  he  is  so  satisfied  with  our  rules  as  to 
manifest  a  proper  respect  and  conformity.  He  may  be,  as  I 
hope  he  is,  a  well-meaning  man,  but  he  is  deficient  in  religious 
judgment. 

Thursday,  20.  I  have  now  been  a  few  days  doing  my 
Master's  business  in  the  country ;  but  have  taken  cold,  and  am 
afflicted  with  a  severe  headache,  so  that  I  am  almost  ready  to 
lie  by.  However,  the  next  day  I  found  myself  something  bet- 
ter, and  came  to  Portsmouth,  met  the  classes,  and  preached. 
My  heart  and  my  flesh  cry  out  for  God. 

"  Fulfil,  fulfil  my  large  desires, 
Large  as  infinity ! 
Give,  give  me  all  my  soul  requires — 
All,  all  that  is  in  thee." 

Lord's  day,  23.  There  appeared  to  be  many  wild  people  in 
the  congregation,  though  the  grace  of  God  is  sufficient  to 
make  them  tame.  But  the  Almighty  dealeth  with  man  as 
with  a  rational  creature  ;  therefore  we  may  go  on  in  our  folly, 
like  the  wild  ass's  colt,  till  we  drop  into  endless  perdition,  un- 
less we  yield  to  the  sacred  touch  of  grace,  and  become  workers 
together  with  God. 

^Wednesday,  2G.  I  preached  to  a  small  company  at  brother 
W.'s ;  and  before  the  congregation  was  dismissed,  an  honest 
Christian  who  had  been  justified  about  twelve  months  before, 
rose  up  and  spoke  a  few  broken  words,  which  affected  the 
people  more  than  all  that  had  been  said.  What  an  excellent 
thing  is  simplicity  of  heart !  How  ready  is  God  to  own  and 
bless  it !  It  would  be  well  for  professors  of  some  standing,  to 
inquire  impartially  if  they  have  not  lost  their  first  simplicity. 
Old  professors  are  very  apt  to  become  wise  in  their  own  es- 


Aug.,  1 775.3         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


159 


teem,  and  fools  in  God's  esteem.  I  have  constant  inward 
fevers,  and  drag  a  cumbersome  body  with  me ;  but  my  soul 
is  united  to  Jesus ;  though  I  ardently  wish  to  feel  more  fer- 
vent love  to  my  God  and  Saviour.  Calling  at  brother  O.'s, 
in  this  little  excursion,  I  found  his  wife  exceedingly  happy  in 
the  love  of  God,  and  I  know  not  but  she  is  sanctified  wholly. 

Friday,  28.  At  my  return  to  town,  I  found  the  people  in 
some  commotion ;  their  trading  to  the  West-Indies  was  pro- 
hibited. However,  the  little  society  seemed  determined  to 
cleave  to  the  Lord.  The  next  day  I  went  down  the  river  to 
Mr.  U.'s,  and  preached,  (perhaps  to  but  little  purpose,)  to  a 
company  of  ignorant,  careless  people. 

Lord's  day,  30.  I  was  greatly  assisted  in  my  public  exer- 
cises both  in  Norfolk  and  Portsmouth.  If  it  were  in  my 
power,  and  consistent  with  the  will  of  God,  every  soul  of  them 
should  be  brought  to  Christ.  But  alas !  these  are  vain 
thoughts ;  for  the  Almighty  has  an  infinitely  greater  desire  for 
their  eternal  welfare.  But  the  whole  of  the  matter  is  this : 
they  "  will  not  come  to  Christ,"  in  the  way  he  has  appointed, 
u  that  they  might  have  life ;"  and  thus  many  will  eternally 
perish  in  their  sins. 

Friday,  August  4.  I  spent  the  preceding  part  of  this  week 
preaching  in  the  country  as  usual,  and  with  various  prospects 
of  success  ;  but  came  back  to-day,  met  the  classes,  which  ap- 
peared to  be  much  more  engaged  for  heaven ;  and  preached 
in  the  evening. 

Saturday,  5.  My  spirit  was  a  little  dejected,  but  blessed 
with  the  peace  of  God.  I  had  some  conversation  with  Mr. 
S.,  who  said  the  people  should  be  kept  in  society,  if  they  did 
not  meet  in  class ;  and  intimated,  that,  instead  of  preaching 
the  Gospel,  I  had  been  exposing  their  faults.  So  this  is  part 
of  what  I  have  gained  by  my  labour.  But  I  let  him  know 
that  our  rules  were  intended  for  use. 

Monday,  7.  I  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  T.  R.,  in  which  he 
informed  me  that  himself,  Mr.  R.,  and  Mr.  D.  had  consulted, 
and  deliberately  concluded  it  would  be  best  to  return  to  Eng- 
land.   But  I  can  by  no  means  agree  to  leave  such  a  field  for 


160 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Aug.,  1115. 


gathering  souls  to  Christ,  as  we  have  in  America.  It  would 
be  an  eternal  dishonour  to  the  Methodists,  that  we  should  all 
leave  three  thousand  souls,  who  desire  to  commit  themselves 
to  our  care ;  neither  is  it  the  part  of  a  good  shepherd  to  leave 
his  flock  in  time  of  danger :  therefore,  I  am  determined,  by 
the  grace  of  God,  not  to  leave  them,  let  the  consequence  be 
what  it  may.  Our  friends  here  appeared  to  be  distressed  above 
measure,  at  the  thoughts  of  being  forsaken  by  the  preachers. 
So  I  wrote  my  sentiments  both  to  Mr.  T.  R.  and  Mr.  G.  S. 

Tuesday,  8.  I  set  out  on  my  little  country  tour,  and  after 
preaching  at  Mr.  B.'s,  brother  W.'s,  and  a  few  other  places, 
returned  on  Friday  to  Portsmouth  and  preached  in  the  even- 
ing, though  much  indisposed.  This  week  we  have  had  such 
thunder  and  lightning  as  I  never  knew  before.  Thus,  by  going 
from  one  climate  to  another,  we  may  meet  with  things  ef  which 
we  had  very  little  idea.  Then  how  will  it  be  when  we  change 
worlds,  instead  of  climates  !  And  how  surprised  will  impeni- 
tent sinners  be,  when  they  go  from  earth  to  hell !  That  God 
whose  power  produces  the  thunder  and  lightning,  of  which 
the  inhabitants  of  some  parts  of  the  earth  have  very  little  con- 
ception, is  undoubtedly  able  to  produce  the  unquenchable  fire, 
of  which  many  impenitent  sinners  have  very  little  belief. 

Lord's  day,  13.  My  own  soul  was  enlarged  in  preaching, 
but  the  people  were  too  little  affected.  On  Monday,  I  *spoke 
both  morning  and  evening ;  but  we  were  interrupted  by  the 
clamour  of  arms,  and  preparations  of  war.  My  business  is,  to 
be  more  intensely  devoted  to  God.  Then, 

"  The  rougher  the  way, 
The  shorter  our  stay ; 
The  tempests  that  rise 
Shall  gloriously  hurry  our  souls  to  the  skies." 

Wednesday,  16.  Preaching  at  Mr.  H.'s,  about  sixteen  miles 
from  town,  I  met  with  Mr.  P.  from  North  Carolina,  who  in- 
vited me  to  go  and  form  a  circuit  in  Currituck  county,  where 
they  have  very  little  preaching  but  what  they  pay  for  at  the 
rate  of  three  pounds  per  sermon.  I  accepted  the  invitation, 
and  appointed  the  10th  of  September  for  the  time  to  visit 


Aug.,  1775.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


161 


tli em.  A  letter  from  brother  G.  S.,  which  came  to  hand  on 
Friday,  gave  an  account  of  about  two  hundred  souls  brought 
to  Christ  within  the  space  of  two  months.  Glory  to  God  for 
the  salvation  of  sinners !  Surely  I  am  in  a  dry  and  barren 
place !  And  there  is  but  little  prospect  of  doing  good ;  though 
the  Spirit  of  holiness  possesses  my  own  heart.  But  0  !  how 
it  pants  for  more  faith  and  love !  How  it  longs  to  be  more 
useful  in  the  Church  of  Christ ! 

Saturday,  19.  My  body  is  weak ;  but  this  does  not  concern 
me  like  the  want  of  more  grace.  My  heart  is  too  cool  towards 
God :  I  want  to  feel  it  like  a  holy  flame.  I  am  also  some- 
times afraid  that  I  shall  never  do  any  more  good. 

Lord's  day,  20.  I  preached  three  times  as  usual ;  and  heard 
a  sermon  on  the  dignity  of  human  nature.  Vain  philosophy ! 
"  Eveiy  imagination  of  the  thoughts  of  the  heart  (in  an  unre- 
newed man)  is  only  evil  continually."  Then  what  is  the  dig- 
nity of  depraved  human  nature  ?  Received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
T.  R.,  expressing  a  change  in  his  intention  of  returning  to  Eng- 
land. Rode  to  Mr.  B.'s,  on  Tuesday,  where  many  of  the 
people  were  much  affected  under  preaching.  Lord,  water  the 
seed  sown,  that  sooner  or  later  it  may  bring  forth  fruit  to  thy 
glory !  The  weather  is  now  so  hot,  that  my  body  is  greatly 
enfeebled,  and  my  mind  almost  unfit  for  every  exercise.  But 
I  desire  in  patience  to  possess  my  soul.  I  went  to  Mr.  E.'s 
on  Saturday,  but  there  was  so  little  prospect  of  doing  them 
any  good,  I  took  my  leave  of  them.  My  body  was  fatigued, 
my  soul  was  tempted  and  cast  down ;  but  in  meeting  the  peo- 
ple at  night  in  town  my  spirit  was  refreshed. 

Lord's  day,  27.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  wrought  powerfully 
in  our  congregations,  and  some  were  deeply  affected.  On 
Monday,  I  set  off  for  Mill-Creek,  to  hold  our  quarterly  meet- 
ing. We  found  it  a  peaceful,  comfortable  time.  Mr.  S.  dis- 
covered his  independent  principles,  in  objecting  to  our  disci- 
pline. He  appears  to  want  no  preachers :  he  can  do  as  well 
or  better  than  they.  But  it  is  likely  self-sufficiency  is  the 
spring  of  all  this.  After  preaching  at  a  few  other  places  on 
the  way,  I  returned  to  Portsmouth  on  Friday ;  and  on  Satur- 


162 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  Ill 5. 


day  we  had  a  most  remarkable  storm — the  wind  at  north-east, 
and  blew  several  vessels  on  shore  ;  and  among  others  the  Mer- 
cury man-of-war.  Houses  were  blown  down  ;  docks  torn  up  ; 
bridges  carried  away  ;  abundance  of  trees  broken  and  torn  up 
by  the  roots ;  and  several  tracts  of  land  overflowed  with  water. 
What  a  peculiar  blessing  is  true  religion  ! 

"  Who  in  the  Lord  confide, 

And  feel  his  sprinkled  blood, 
In  storms  and  hurricanes  abide, 
Firm  as  the  mount  of  God." 

A  more  awful  scene  than  this  will  be  unfolded,  when  God 
shall  judge  the  world  by  the  man  Christ  Jesus.  How  then 
will  poor  sinners  quake  and  tremble,  when  "  the  heavens  shall 
pass  away  with  a  great  noise,  and  the  elements  shall  melt 
with  fervent  heat !  0  that  they  were  wise,  that  they  under- 
stood this,  that  they  would  consider  their  latter  end !" 

Monday,  September  4.  I  was  taken  very  ill  with  the  fall 
fever,  and  being  able  to  take  but  little  nourishment,  was 
much  reduced.  However,  I  put  my  trust  in  the  Lord,  and 
committed  all  my  concerns  to  him  ;  but  was  not  able  to  keep 
any  journal  till  the  25th  instant,  and  then  felt  myself  but  very 
little  better. 

Tuesday,  20.  Brother  W.  died.  The  Lord  does  all  things 
well :  perhaps  brother  W.  was  in  danger  of  being  entangled 
in  worldly  business,  and  might  thereby  have  injured  the  cause 
of  God.    So  he  was  taken  away  from  the  evil  to  come. 

Wednesday,  2*7.  My  body  is  still  very  weak,  and  there  is 
too  much  weakness  in  my  soul,  which  passionately  longs  for 
more  spirituality,  and  more  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus. 

"  Come,  0  my  God,  thyself  reveal ; 
Fill  all  this  mighty  void  : 
Thou  only  canst  my  spirit  fill : 
Come,  0  my  God,  my  <Jod  V 

Thursday,  28.  I  ventured  to  preach  a  funeral  sermon  at 
the  burial  of  brother  W.  He  has  been  a  very  useful,  la- 
borious man,  and  the  Lord  gave  him  many  seals  to  his  min- 


Oct.,  1775.1 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


1G3 


istry.  Perhaps  no  one  in  America  has  been  nn  instrument  of 
awakening  so  many  souls,  as  God  has  awakened  by  him. 

Friday,  29.  My  body  recovers  a  little  health  and  strength. 
Lord,  help  me  so  to  use  my  strength  for  thee,  as  never  to 
provoke  thee,  in  thy  displeasure,  to  deprive  me  of  either  my 
life  or  my  strength !  Wrote  to  Mr.  T.  R.,  informing  him  of 
brother  W.'s  death. 

Lord's  day,  October  1.  Preached  in  Portsmouth,  for  the 
first  time  since  my  illness,  and  the  hearts  of  many  were 
touched. 

Tuesday,  3.  My  heart  is  fixed,  trusting  in  the  Lord.  I 
sincerely  desire  to  be  entirely  his — to  spend  the  remnant  of 
my  days  and  strength  altogether  for  God.  A  company  of 
marines  have  been  ashore  at  Norfolk,  ransacked  the  printing- 
office,  and  taken  the  printers  and  press  with  them.  The  in- 
habitants soon  after  embodied  and  got  under  arms.  The 
people  are  also  repairing  the  fort,  which,  if  put  in  order,  may 
sink  all  the  ships  that  shall  attempt  to  come  into  the  harbour. 
But  if  it  is  thought  expedient  to  watch  and  fight  in  defence 
of  our  bodies  and  property,  how  much  more  expedient  is  it 
to  watch  and  fight  against  sin  and  Satan,  in  defence  of  our 
souls,  which  are  in  danger  of  eternal  damnation !  But  small 
dangers  at  hand  have  a  greater  effect  on  fallen  man,  than  the 
greatest  dangers  which  are  thought  to  be  at  a  distance.  But, 
alas !  the  one  may  be  as  near  as  the  other  ! 

Saturday,  7.  I  ventured,  though  weak,  on  a  small  excur- 
sion into  the  country  this  week,  and  preached  several  times. 

Lord's  day,  8.  Was  greatly  enlarged  in  preaching  both  at 
Norfolk  and  Portsmouth,  and  I  venture  to  hope  some  good 
was  done.  But  martial  clamours  confuse  the  land.  However, 
my  soul  shall  rest  in  God  during  this  dark  and  cloudy  day. 
He  has  his  way  in  the  whirlwind,  and  will  not  fail  to  defend 
his  own  ark. 

Wednesday,  11.  Satan  assaults  me,  but  cannot  break  my 
peace.  My  soul  is  stayed  on  the  Lord,  and  I  find  great 
sweetness  in  reading  the  Bible,  and  comparing  spiritual  things 
with  spiritual.    Other  books  have  too  great  a  tendency  to 


164 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  17*75. 


draw  us  from  this,  the  best  of  books ;  I  therefore  intend  to 
read  more  in  this,  and  less  in  all  others. 

Friday,  13.  Preached  at  Mr.  F.'s,  where  I  always  find 
consolation  in  my  soul :  then  I  returned  to  Portsmouth,  and 
found  my  spirit  at  liberty  in  preaching  at  night.  Well  may 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  be  compared  to  a  net,  which  is  cast 
into  the  sea,  and  gathereth  all,  both  good  and  bad ;  we  had 
collected  twenty-seven  persons  in  our  little  society  here,  when 
I  first  came ;  but  I  have  been  obliged  to  reduce  them  to 
fourteen  ;  and  this  day  I  put  out  a  woman  for  excessive 
drinking.  Here  we  see  the  necessity  and  advantage  of  dis- 
cipline. No  doubt  but  Satan  will  use  all  his  endeavours  to 
thrust  in  some  who  are  unsound  and  insincere,  so  that  they, 
by  their  ungodly  conduct,  may  help  him  to  bring  reproach 
on  the  spiritual  Church  of  Christ.  And  unless  the  discipline 
of  the  Church  is  enforced,  what  sincere  person  would  ever 
join  a  society,  amongst  whom  they  saw  ungodliness  con- 
nived at? 

Friday,  20.  Having  spent  several  days  preaching  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  country,  I  returned  to  Portsmouth,  and 
was  comforted.  We  have  a  few  as  faithful  and  happy  souls 
in  this  place,  as  perhaps  in  any  part  of  Virginia ;  and  unless 
Divine  justice  has  determined  destruction  on  these  two  towns, 
I  hope  the  Lord  will  undertake  for  them,  and  increase  their 
number. 

Lord's  day,  22.  A  painful  swelling  in  my  face  prevented 
my  preaching  this  morning ;  but  it  broke  and  gave  me  ease 
before  night ;  so  I  exhorted  in  the  evening. 

Monday,  23.  As  I  expect  to  go  to  Brunswick  shortly,  my 
heart  rejoices  in  hopes  of  seeing  good  days,  and  many  souls 
brought  to  God,  in  those  parts.  True  Gospel  preachers  may 
say  with  the  poet, — 

*'  The  love  of  Christ  our  hearts  constrains, 
And  strengthens  our  unwearied  hands, 
We  spend  our  sweat,  and  time,  and  pains, 
To  cultivate  Immanuel'i  lands." 

Preaching  at  Mr.  B.'s  to-day,  some  who  had  treated  me 


Nov.,  1775.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


165 


with  unkindness,  were  now  affected  and  wept  much  at  the 
thoughts  of  parting.  The  word  went  with  power  to  the 
hearts  of  many  at  Mr.  H.'s  on  Tuesday ;  as  it  did  also  the 
next  day  at  the  widow  I.'s ;  where  they  prevailed  on  me  to 
tarry  all  night  and  preach  again  for  them  on  the  Thursday, 
which  I  did.  Here  is  a  prospect  of  doing  good,  and  a 
preacher  is  acceptable  ;  for  they  have  no  minister  in  the 
county,  except  one  who  is  occasionally  hired  at  the  extrava- 
gant rate  before-mentioned.  I  explained  something  of  our 
discipline  and  method  of  support  to  Mr.  P.,  and  he  seemed 
desirous  that  we  should  go  amongst  them.  I  then  went  to 
the  Northwest  Woods,  and  preached  at  the  funeral  of  a  cer- 
tain Mr.  M.,  who  had  desired  that  we  should  perform  this  last 
office  for  him.  Many  people  were  present,  who  seemed  se- 
rious, and  some  of  them  were  much  affected.  On  Friday  I 
returned  to  Portsmouth. 

Saturday,  28.  I  feel  determined,  by  the  grace  of  God,  to 
use  more  private  prayer.  And  may  the  Lord  make  me  more 
serious,  more  watchful,  and  more  holy  ! 

Lord's  day,  29.  There  was  great  tenderness  of  heart 
amongst  the  people  at  Norfolk,  while  I  enlarged  on  these 
words  of  our  Lord,  "  I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless  ;  I  will 
come  unto  you."  It  was  also  an  affecting  time  at  Ports- 
mouth while  preaching  from  Deut.  xxx,  19. 

Monday,  30.  I  am  now  bound  for  Brunswick.  Some  that 
had  been  displeased  with  my  strictness  in  discipline,  were  now 
unwilling  to  let  me  go ;  but  I  fear  they  will  not  soon  see  me 
again,  if  they  should  even  say,  "  Blessed  is  he  that  cometh 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord  !"  I  am  deficient  in  many  things ; 
but  my  conscience  beareth  me  witness  that  I  have  been  faith- 
ful to  these  souls,  both  in  preaching  and  discipline.  After 
taking  leave  of  my  friends,  I  set  out  for  Brunswick ;  and 
having  preached  at  Mr.  B.'s  in  the  way,  lodged  at  Mrs.  W.'s. 

Wednesday,  November  1.  After  we  had  passed  Southamp- 
ton court-house,  we  were  stopped  by  one  who  had  an  order 
from  the  committee  to  examine  strangers.  When  we  had 
given  him  an  account  of  ourselves,  he  treated  us  with  great 


16G 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Nov.,  1775. 


kindness,  and  invited  us  to  dine  with  him,  which  we  did.  My 
body  is  a  little  fatigued,  but  my  soul  is  blessed  with  heaith 
and  vigour.    Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  ! 

Thursday,  2.  By  the  good  providence  of  God  I  entered 
Brunswick  circuit  at  the  house  of  Mr.  M.,  and  am  now  within 
a  few  miles  of  dear  brother  G.  S.  God  is  at  work  in  this 
part  of  the  country ;  and  my  soul  catches  the  holy  fire 
already. 

Friday,  3.  God  is  my  rest  and  my  portion  ;  my  soul  de- 
lighteth  in  him.  My  heart  is  elevated  in  flames  of  sacred  fire, 
both  in  private  and  public  prayer. 

"  Let  others  stretch  their  arms  like  seas, 
And  grasp  in  all  the  shore : 
Grant  me  the  visits  of  thy  face, 
And  I  desire  no  more." 

Lord's  day,  5.  Rode  about  ten  miles  to  S.  Y.'s  chapel, 
and  met  brother  G.  S.  My  spirit  was  much  united  to  him, 
and  our  meeting  was  like  that  of  Jonathan  and  David.  We 
had  a  large  congregation,  and  I  was  much  comforted  amongst 
them. 

Monday,  6.  I  moved  on  towards  our  quarterly  meeting ; 
but  in  fording  Meherring  river,  the  water  was  so  deep  as 
almost  to  swim  my  horse  and  carriage.  On  Tuesday  our 
quarterly  meeting  began,  at  which  there  might  be  seven 
hundred  people.  What  great  things  hath  the  Lord  wrought 
for  the  inhabitants  of  Virginia  !  Great  numbers  of  them  mani- 
fest a  desire  to  seek  salvation  for  their  souls.   At  this  meeting 

we  admitted  F.  P.,  T.  F.,  and  J.  H  y,  as  travelling 

preachers.  I  had  great  satisfaction  in  preaching  both  Tues- 
day and  Wednesday,  and  was  much  pleased  with  the  manner 
and  matter  of  the  Christians'  testimony  in  the  love-feast ; 
having  a  correspondent  witness  of  the  same  in  my  own  breast. 

Thursday,  9.  Spent  this  day  profitably  and  comfortably 
with  brother  G.  S.  Happy  are  they  who  can  open  their 
minds  freely  to  each  other,  as  we  have  done  ! 

Friday,  10.  I  preached,  at  B.  J.'s,  and  the  power  of  the 
Lord  was  present,  melting  the  hearts  of  the  audience  ;  and  in 


Nov.,  1775.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


167 


class-meeting  both  believers  and  penitents  were  all  in  tears. 
I  have  now  a  blooming  prospect  of  usefulness,  and  hope  both 
to  do  good  and  get  good.  My  heart  goes  out  in  grateful 
thanksgiving  and  praises  to  God. 

Lord's  day,  12.  Was  much  shackled  in  my  ideas,  and 
tempted  against  the  place  and  people,  while  preaching  at 
T.  M.'s.  But  on  Monday  I  found  an  attentive,  feeling  people 
at  I.  J.'s.  The  preaching  appeared  to  be  very  seasonable,  as 
the  Baptists  are  creeping  in  amongst  our  societies  in  these 
parts.  My  soul  possesses  more  and  more  of  the  Divine 
life  and  love,  and  is  strongly  bound  to  Jesus  Christ  my 
Lord.  But  still  I  hunger  and  thirst  for  more  of  the  grace  of 
God. 

Tuesday,  14.  Preached  at  Mr.  C.'s  and  Mr.  B.'s,  and  met 
with  a  few  inquisitive  people.  It  is  a  just  observation,  that 
those  matters  which  are  the  least  disputed  in  religion  are 
the  most  essential,  and  those  who  are  the  most  fond  of 
controverted  trifles  have  the  least  real  religion.  Satan 
will  help  us  to  the  shell,  if  we  will  be  satisfied  without  the 
kernel. 

Wednesday,  15.  The  congregation  at  Mr.  H.'s  was  but 
small ;  though  I  hope  it  was  not  labour  in  vain.  The  next 
day  there  was  a  good  prospect  at  Mr.  F.'s,  and  a  class  of 
about  fifty  simple,  faithful  souls.  The  word  was  blessed  on 
Friday  at  friend  S.'s,  and  on  Saturday  I  came  to  S.  Y.'s,  a 
serious,  sensible  man. 

Lord's  day,  19.  I  began  and  ended  the  day  with  God.  I 
had  much  liberty  at  the  chapel  in  discoursing  on  the  subject- 
matter,  manner,  and  end  of  the  apostles'  preaching. 

Monday,  20.  My  soul  is  pure  and  peaceful ;  and  blest  with 
a  more  solid  sense  of  God  than  heretofore.  At.  V.  W.'s  we 
had  a  blessing  both  in  preaching  and  class-meeting. 

Wednesday,  22.  After  preaching  I  met  with  brother  I.  L. 
and  Mr.  K.  who  were  on  their  way  to  Portsmouth,  but  could 
not  pass  the  guards.  Lord,  help  thy  people  to  redeem  their 
time,  for  the  days  are  evil !  I  see  the  necessity  of  living  to 
God,  and  improving  our  present  privileges. 


168 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  17 75. 


Thursday,  23.  My  soul  was  blessed  with  a  delightful 
sense  of  the  goodness  of  God  this  morning ;  and  after  I  had 
preached  at  W.'s,  brother  R.  L.  gave  an  exhortation.  Then 
rode  to  F.  S.'s,  and  went  to  bed  with  a  fever  on  me;  and  in 
the  morning  felt  so  much  pain  that  I  thought  of  not  going  to 
the  Court-house.  However,  I  went  and  found  a  large  con- 
grgeation,  and  believe  it  was  a  profitable  season.  Thus  we 
see  the  propriety  of  dragging  a  feeble  body  to  duty,  as  far  as 
it  can  bear ;  and  if  there  be  a  willing  and  sincere  mind,  God 
will  either  give  us  strength  for  a  profitable  performance  of 
duty,  or  accept  of  what  we  are  able  to  do.  At  this  time  the 
Lord  rewarded  my  weak  endeavours  with  liberty,  power,  and 
consolation.  So  I  kept  on  my  way,  and  preached  the  next 
day  at  B.  S.'s,  and  on  the  Lord's  day  at  I.  M.'s,  to  about  four 
hundred  souls ;  where  one  person  was  struck  with  convulsive 
shakings.  After  preaching  at  L.'s,  on  Monday,  I  met  the 
class,  but  had  not  a  satisfactory  confidence  in  the  testimony 
of  some  of  the  members.  My  own  soul  was  in  a  comfortable 
frame,  and  felt  a  strong  desire  to  glorify  God  more  than  ever. 
My  mind  was  also  strongly  impressed  with  a  desire  to  warn 
and  stir  up  the  people  to  work  out  their  salvation,  in  these 
dangerous  and  difficult  times. 

Tuesday,  28.  The  rain  detained  me  in  the  house,  to  hold 
close  and  sweet  communion  with  my  God.    But  the  next  day 

I  found  many  collected  at  Mr.  B.'s.    Here  Mrs.  J  1  met 

me,  and  entreated  me  to  go  into  their  parish.    Pursued  my 

way  on  Thursday  to  Mr.  P  m's,  and  found  an  unsettled 

society.  And  on  Friday  preached  to  a  dry  congregation  at 
Mr.  P.'s,  and  the  next  day  went  on  to  Petersburg.  Here  I 
was  unexpectedly  pleased  with  the  sight  of  some  of  my  friends 
from  Norfolk.  I  preached  twice  in  Petersburg,  on  the  Lord's 
day,  and  though  many  of  the  people  seemed,  like  Gallio,  to 
care  for  none  of  those  things,  yet  I  hope  there  will  be  some 
faithful  souls  found  here. 

Monday,  December  4.  I  am  frequently  checking  myself  for 
the  want  of  more  solemnity  in  my  conversation ;  but  still  my 
heart  is  with  the  Lord. 


Dec,  1*775.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  169 

"  In  the  heavenly  Lamb 
Thrice  happy  I  am, 
And  my  heart  doth  rejoice  at  the  sound  of  his  name.'7 

Preached  at  I.  R.'s,  on  Tuesday,  and  rode  in  company  with 
a  few  friends  to  G.  B.'s,  and  preached  in  the  evening.  We 
had  a  melting  time  in  preaching  the  next  day,  but  especially 
in  the  class-meeting.  Satan  still  assaults  me  with  his  temp- 
tations, but  the  Lord  is  on  my  right  hand,  that  I  may  not  be 
moved,  if  I  trust  in  him.  We  must  expect  to  be  tempted,  as 
our  Lord  was,  while  we  are  within  the  reach  of  the  fallen 
spirits ;  but  it  is  our  duty  to  keep  ourselves  that  the  wicked 
one  touch  us  not.  And  if  we  yield  in  the  least  degree,  even 
in  desire  or  temper,  we  must  expect  to  suffer  for  it. 

Thursday,  7.  I  saw  brother  I.  K.,  whose  heart  seems  to  be 
yet  in  the  work  of  God.  We  had  a  good  time  to-day  at 
T.  A.'s,  both  in  preaching  and  class-meeting.  My  soul  rest- 
eth  in  the  love  of  God ;  and  all  my  powers  are  engaged  to  do 
his  will.  I  also  found  my  soul  devoted  to  God  in  faith  and 
prayer,  the  next  day.  And  after  preaching  at  F.  A.'s,  met 
the  society,  which  consisted  chiefly  of  penitents. 

Saturday,  9.  Found  a  few  simple  souls  at  Mr.  E.'s,  and 
we  were  comforted  together.  A  man  came  to  the  house  at 
night,  asked  for  me,  gave  a  curse,  and  went  away. 

Lord's  day,  10.  Rode  to  friend  L.'s,  and  preached  twice  in 
their  new  house,  thirty  feet  by  twenty-four.  My  own  heart 
was  enlarged,  and  many  of  the  people  were  moved  and  melted 
under  the  word.  We  have  about  sixty  persons  in  society 
here.  Friend  L.,  who  had  been  ill  for  some  time,  departed 
from  this  vale  of  woe,  full  of  faith,  and  love,  and  joy,  about 
one  o'clock  on  Monday  morning.  What  a  noble  and  delight- 
ful employment  is  ours,  to  be  nursing  immortal  souls  for  the 
realms  of  eternal  glory  !  And  now  and  then  we  have  the  in- 
expressible comfort  of  seeing  a  soul  depart  in  peace,  triumph- 
ing over  the  power  of  death  !  Is  there  joy  among  the  angels 
of  God  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth ;  and  is  there  not  joy 
among  them  over  one  soul  that  has  finally  escaped  the  snare 
of  the  devil  ?    Doubtless  there  is ;  and  we  will  participate  of 

8 


170 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Dec,  1775. 


their  joy.  Lord,  help  me,  in  all  humility  and  love,  in  all  pu- 
rity and  faithful  obedience,  to  devote  all  my  days  to  thee ; 
that  I  may  finally  join  all  the  glorious  company  of  heaven, 
and  praise  thee  eternally  there ! 

Wednesday,  13.  I  left  my  circuit,  and  came  back  to  preach 
at  friend  L.'s  funeral.  There  were  many  people,  and  a  great 
melting  among  them.  But  I  found  myself  very  unwell  at 
night,  through  much  exercise,  and  went  to  bed  in  a  high  fever. 
My  mind  was  also  dejected  and  tempted,  so  that  I  have  not 
had  such  a  day  these  six  weeks.  Lord,  give  me  patience,  that 
in  the  midst  of  all  I  may  possess  my  soul ! 

Friday,  15.  Was  able  to  preach  at  N.  M.'s,  and  met  with 
brother  I.  K.  and  his  wife,  who  were  married  yesterday. 
Found  a  happy  people  at  Mr.  T.'s,  on  Monday ;  and  was 
greatly  blessed  with  the  people,  on  Tuesday,  at  Mr.  B.'s. 

Wednesday,  20.  I  have  now  been  twelve  years  a  preacher, 
three  years  in  a  local  capacity,  and  nine  years  in  the  travel- 
ling connexion ;  about  four  years  and  eight  months  in  England, 
and  about  four  years  and  four  months  in  America. 

Thursday,  21.  By  a  mistake  of  brother  G.'s  I  rode  twelve 
miles  to  R.  J.'s,  and  then  had  to  ride  thirteen  miles  more  to 

0.  's,  and  met  the  people  at  night. 

Monday,  25.  Being  Christmas-day,  I  preached  from  1  Tim. 

1,  15  :  "  This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation, 
that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners."  My  spirit 
was  at  liberty,  and  we  were  much  blessed  both  in  preaching  and 
class-meeting.  Hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped  me  both  in  soul 
and  body,  beyond  my  expectation.  May  I  cheerfully  do  and 
suffer  all  his  will,  endure  to  the  end,  and  be  eternally  saved ! 

Wednesday,  27.  We  have  awful  reports  of  slaughter  at 
Norfolk  and  the  Great-Bridge  ;  but  I  am  at  a  happy  distance 
from  them,  and  my  soul  keeps  close  to  Jesus  Christ.  And  as 
we  know  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth,  I  can  say  with  St. 
Paul,  "  For  me  to  live  is  Christ,  but  to  die  is  gain."  Found 
a  warm  and  lively  society  of  about  fifty  souls  at  W.  F.'s, 
on  Thursday ;  but  the  company  was  small  at  friend  S.'s,  on 
Friday. 


Jan.,  me.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


m 


Lord's  day,  31.  Being  the  last  day  of  the  year,  we  held  a 
watch-night  at  S.  Y.'s  chapel,  beginning  at  six  and  ending  at 
twelve  o'clock.  It  was  a  profitable  time,  and  we  had  much 
of  the  power  of  God. 

Monday,  January  1,  1*776.  I  am  now  entering  on  a  new 
year,  and  am  of  late  constantly  happy,  feeling  my  heart  much 
taken  up  with  God,  and  hope  thus  to  live  and  thus  to  die. 
Or,  if  there  should  be  any  alteration,  may  it  be  for  the  better, 
and  not  for  the  worse  !  This  is  my  earnest  desire  and  prayer 
to  God. 

"  My  residue  of  days  or  hours, 

Thine,  wholly  thine,  shall  be  ; 
And  all  my  consecrated  powers 

A  sacrifice  to  thee ; 
Till  Jesus  in  the  clouds  appear 

To  saints  on  earth  forgiven, 
And  bring  the  grand  sabbatic  year, 

The  jubilee  of  heaven." 

On  Wednesday  my  soul  was  in  a  sweet  and  humble  frame, 
and  my  heart  was  expanded  both  in  preaching  and  meeting 
the  class.  I  returned  to  0.  M.'s  for  lodging,  and  the  next 
day  after  preaching  spoke  to  about  thirty  lively  souls  at 
W.'s. 

Wednesday,  10.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  met  me  at  friend  B.'s,  and 
gave  me  a  long  narrative  of  a  great  work  under  Brother  G.  S. 
We  held  a  watch-night,  and  Mr.  J.  and  I  stood  about  two 
hours  each.  There  appeared  to  be  a  great  degree  of  Divine 
power  amongst  the  people.  Mr.  J.  accompanied  me  to 
W.  P.'s,  where  I  preached,  and  then  pursued  my  way  to  Mr. 
P.'s,  in  Chesterfield,  a  good  old  saint  of  God.  The  Lord  was 
with  us  there ;  and  I  afterward  went  on  to  Petersburg ;  and 
was  glad  to  see  my  friends,  though  they  were  in  some  trouble 
about  the  times.  To  the  great  loss  of  many  individuals,  we 
are  informed  that  Norfolk  was  burnt  by  the  governor. 

Lord's  day,  14.  I  found  myself  at  liberty  in  preaching  in 
the  morning,  and  then  went  to  hear  parson  H.,  who  preached 
a  good  sermon.    He  came  in  the  evening  and  heard  me 


172  ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1776. 

preach  on  the  Jubilee,  Lev.  xxiv,  9,  10.  Brother  G.  S.  then 
met  the  class  with  great  animation. 

Monday,  15.  We  had  many  people  at  friend  L.'s:  I  have 
been  reading  Prideaux's  Connexions,  and  my  soul  possesses 
peace  and  purity  in  Christ  my  Redeemer. 

Wednesday,  17.  The  Lord  is  graciously  working  on  the 
hearts  of  the  people  at  F.  A.'s ;  but  the  Baptists  endeavour 
to  persuade  the  people  that  they  have  never  been  baptized. 
Like  ghosts  they  haunt  us  from  place  to  place.  0,  the  policy 
of  Satan !  Some  he  urges  to  neglect  the  ordinances  alto- 
gether ;  others  he  urges  to  misunderstand  them,  or  make  ad- 
ditions to  them.  Christ,  speaking  of  children,  says :  u  Of  such 
is  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  But  the  practice  of  the  Baptists 
says,  They  may  be  of  the  kingdom  of  glory,  but  they  cannot 
be  of  the  kingdom  of  grace.  But,  knowing  that  they  who  se- 
duce souls  must  answer  for  them,  I  shall  not  break  my  peace 
about  it,  but  leave  them  to  God.  I  look  on  them  as  objects 
of  pity,  rather  than  objects  of  envy  or  contempt.  The  people 
also  appeared  to  be  much  alive,  on  Thursday,  at  the  widow 
A.'s.  Had  a  blessing  in  class-meeting,  and  find  my  heart 
quite  given  up  to  God. 

Friday,  19.  Thanks  be  to  God  for  his  unspeakable  love; 
my  soul  enjoys  it  in  a  greater  and  greater  degree.  Many 
people  attended  to  hear  the  word  to-day  at  the  widow  L.'s. 
The  society  consisted  of  about  sixty  souls,  who  appeared  to 
be  very  lively  and  spiritual. 

Lord's  day,  21.  It  was  a  powerful  time  while  I  preached 
from  Isaiah  lxiii,  4 :  "  The  day  of  vengeance  is  in  my  heart, 
and  the  year  of  my  Redeemed  is  come."  Brother  J.,  who 
was  obliged  to  fly  from  Portsmouth,  distressed  by  the  late 
fire,  met  me  here.  On  Monday  we  were  all  deeply  affected 
with  a  sense  of  our  un worthiness,  at  friend  P.'s,  while  I 
discoursed  on  the  barren  fig-tree. 

Tuesday,  23.  My  soul  was  happy  in  God,  and  sweetly 
engaged  in  prayer  and  reading.  Several  people  were  af- 
fected under  the  word  at  Mr.  L.'s. 

Wednesday,  24.   I  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  T.  R.,  in- 


Ffb.,  1776.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


173 


forming  me  that  he  had  administered  on  brother  W.'s  will, 
and  desiring  me  to  pay  attention  to  his  affairs  in  these 
parts,  and  then  return  to  Philadelphia  by  the  first  of  March. 
Virginia  pleases  me  in  preference  to  all  other  places  where 
I  have  been;  but  I  am  willing  to  leave  it  at  the  call  of 
Providence.  We  were  much  comforted  together  at  R.  J.'s 
on  Thursday ;  but  the  thought  of  having  my  mind  taken  up 
with  brother  W.'s  affairs  gives  me  some  concern.  I  want 
no  temporal  business  of  any  kind. 

Tuesday,  30.  The  weather  has  been  very  cold,  though  I 
have  attended  every  place  in  course;  and  both  the  people 
and  myself  have  been  frequently  blessed.  I  have  been 
reading  Burnet's  History  of  his  Own  Times,  and  am  amazed 
at  the  intrigues  of  courts,  and  the  treachery  of  men.  There 
is  reason  to  fear,  the  same  cause  produces  the  same  effects 
at  this  time.  For  there  is  no  probability  of  peace,  and  a 
great  army  is  expected  from  England  in  the  spring.  May 
the  Lord  look  upon  us  and  help  us ! 

Monday,  February  5.  Having  attended  the  several  ap- 
pointments in  the  way,  I  came  to  S.  Y.'s,  and  met  the 
preachers  collected  for  the  quarterly  meeting.  With  mutual 
affection  and  brotherly  freedom  we  discoursed  on  the  things 
of  God,  and  were  well  agreed.  After  Mr.  J.  had  preached, 
he  and  Mr.  C.  administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  There  was 
much  holy  warmth  of  spirit  in  our  love-feast.  On  Thurs- 
day I  intended  to  have  set  off  for  Philadelphia,  but  my 
horse  is  lame ;  so  I  must  patiently  submit  to  the  providence 
of  God. 

Saturday,  10.  Went  to  0.  M.'s,  and  had  the  pleasure  of 
seeing  and  encouraging  some  of  my  friends  from  Ports- 
mouth. 

Monday,  12.  Rode  about  forty  miles  to  Mr.  J.'s.  I  found 
him  a  man  of  an  agreeable  spirit,  and  had  some  satisfaction 
in  conversing  with  him.  He  has  agreed,  if  convenient,  to 
attend  our  next  conference.  The  people  were  much  affected 
at  White-Oak  chapel  on  Friday ;  and  after  preaching  I  re- 
turned very  weary  to  Mr.  J.'s.    AH  my  desire  is  for  the 


174 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  mG. 


Lord,  and  more  of  his  divine  nature  impressed  on  my  soul. 
I  long  to  be  lost  and  swallowed  up  in  God. 

"  My  soul  and  all  its  powers, 
Thine,  wholly  thine,  shall  be  ; 
All,  all  my  happy  hours 

I  consecrate  to  thee  : 
Me  to  thine  image  now  restore, 
And  I  shall  praise  thee  evermore." 

Saturday,  17.  Mr.  J.  went  with  me  to  Captain  B.'s,  and 
opened  their  new  chapel  with  a  discourse  from  these  words, 
"  In  all  places  where  I  record  my  name,  I  will  come  and 
bless  thee."  I  spoke  at  night,  and  we  found  the  Lord 
with  us. 

Lord's  day,  18.  1  preached  twice  at  Petersburg.  The 
last  subject  was  the  rich  man  and  Lazarus,  which  struck  the 
people  with  great  solemnity ;  and  many  seemed  to  feel  the 
power  of  God.  On  Monday  there  were  two  Baptist 
preachers  amongst  the  congregation.  After  the  sermon  was 
ended,  they  desired  to  speak  with  me.  So  we  conversed 
about  three  hours  on  experimental,  practical,  and  contro- 
versial divinity  ;  but  ended  where  we  began.  I  thank  the 
Lord,  my  mind  was  kept  in  peace  and  coolness.  No  doubt 
but  Satan  is  very  active  in  promoting  religious  controversies. 
Many  take  a  controversial  spirit  for  the  spirit  of  religion  ; 
while  others  dispute  away  what  little  religion  they  have. 
"  Only  by  pride  cometh  contention.  The  wisdom  that 
cometh  from  above  is  pure  and  peaceable." 

Wednesday,  21.  Deep  seriousness  sat  on  the  minds  of  the 
people  under  the  preaching  at  friend  L.'s.  And  my  preach- 
ing, for  five  times  together,  has  been  attended  with  blessed 
effects.  But  let  all  the  glory  be  given  to  God !  I  am  only 
as  a  pen  in  the  hand  of  a  writer.  My  soul  longs  for  more 
spirituality,  and  to  be  totally  dedicated  to  God. 

Friday,  23.  I  set  off  for  Philadelphia ;  and  after  meeting 
with  various  occurrences,  heavy  rains,  and  much  fatigue, 
reached  Leesburg  on  Thursday,  29.  On  Friday,  March  1,  my 
soul  seemed  to  fix  again  on  its  centre,  from  which  it  had 


Mar.,  1770.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


175 


been  measurably  removed  by  a  variety  of  difficulties,  and 
found  sweet  peace  with  God.  A  company  of  lively  people 
attended  the  word  at  T.  A.'s,  where  I  met  with  brother 
W.  W.  The  attention  of  the  audience  was  also  much  en- 
gaged on  the  Lord's  day  at  the  court-house,  while  I  dis- 
coursed with  great  affection  and  clearness  of  ideas.  I 
afterward  visited  a  poor  unhappy  man  imprisoned  for  mur- 
der, but  found  him  very  ignorant ;  though  he  was  brought 
under  some  concern  before  we  parted.  Left  Leesburg  on 
Monday,  4,  and  by  the  good  providence  of  God,  arrived 
safe  at  Baltimore  on  Thursday ;  but  found  the  people 
greatly  alarmed  by  the  report  of  a  man-of-war  being  near. 
Many  of  the  inhabitants  were  moving  out  of  town.  Brother 
W.  preached  in  the  evening. 

Thursday,  7.  My  heart  mounts  heavenward  on  wings  of 
strong  desire  for  more  of  God ;  and  the  peace  of  God, 
which  passeth  all  understanding,  keepeth  my  spirit  in  his 
knowledge  and  love.  Here  I  met  with  brother  R.,  and 
found  him  under  some  exercises  of  mind  towards  Mr.  T.  R. 
However,  the  temptation  was  removed  before  we  parted. 
On  Friday  the  town  was  all  in  commotion.  It  was  reported 
that  the  man-of-war*  was  in  the  river,  which  excited  the 
serious  attention  of  all  the  inhabitants;  so  that  some  were 
moving  off,  while  others  were  getting  under  arms.  Alas,  for 
fallen  man!  He  fears  his  fellow  creatures,  whose  breath  is 
in  their  nostrils,  but  fears  not  Him  who  is  able  to  destroy 
body  and  soul  in  hell.  If  fire  and  sword  at  a  small  dis- 
tance can  so  alarm  us,  how  will  poor  impenitent  sinners  be 
alarmed  when  they  find,  by  woful  experience,  that  they 
must  drink  the  wine  of  the  wrath  of  God,  poured  out  with- 
out mixture  ? 

Lord's  day,  10.  The  congregations  were  but  small,  so 
great  has  the  consternation  been.  But  I  know  the  Lord 
governeth  the  world ;  therefore  these  things  shall  not  trouble 
me.  I  will  endeavour  to  be  ready  for  life  or  death ;  so  that, 
if  death  should  come,  my  soul  may  joyfully  quit  this  land 
of  sorrow,  and  go  to  rest  in  the  embraces  of  the  blessed 


176  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  17*76. 


Jesus.  O  delightful  felicity !  There  is  no  din  of  war ;  no 
unfriendly  persecutors  of  piety ;  no  enchanting  world  with 
concealed  destruction  ;  no  malevolent  spirit  to  disturb  our 
peace  :  but  all  is  purity,  peace,  and  joy.  Adapting  my  dis- 
course to  the  occasion,  I  preached  this  evening  from  Isaiah 
i,  19,  20:  "If  ye  be  willing  and  obedient,  ye  shall  eat  the 
good  of  the  land:  but  if  ye  refuse  and  rebel,  ye  shall  be 
devoured  with  the  sword :  for  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  it." 

Monday,  11.  Pursued  my  way  as  far  as  Mr.  H.  Gough's, 
and  was  treated  with  great  kindness.  May  this  family 
evince  that  all  things  are  possible  with  God ;  though  their 
salvation  should  be  attended  with  as  much  apparent  diffi- 
culty as  the  passage  of  a  camel  through  the  eye  of  a 
needle !  If  they  prove  faithful  stewards  they  will.  I 
preached  here  the  next  day  to  a  large  congregation,  amongst 
whom  were  some  of  my  old  friends  from  the  Forks ;  and 
the  Lord  gave  us  a  blessing  together. 

Wednesday,  13.  Came  to  J.  D.'s,  and  found  his  pious 
wife  under  hysterical  complaints,  and  full  of  doubts  about 
the  state  of  her  soul.  Preached  the  next  day,  at  a  place 
by  the  way,  with  holy  warmth  of  affection,  to  a  consider- 
able number  of  people. 

Tuesday,  19.  Under  the  divine  protection  I  came  safe  to 
Philadelphia,  having  rode  about  3,000  miles  since  I  left  it 
last.  But  heaven  is  my  object,  not  earth.  This  springs 
my  mind,  and  makes  my  burden  light. 

"  The  things  eternal  I  pursue, 
A  happiness  beyond  the  view 

Of  those  that  basely  pant 
For  things  by  nature  felt  and  seen  : 
Their  honours,  wealth,  and  pleasure  mean, 

I  neither  have  nor  want." 

Here  I  met  with  Mr.  T.  R.  in  the  spirit  of  love  ;  and  re- 
ceived a  full  account  of  what  related  to  the  unhappy  Mr. 
D.  I  also  received  an  affectionate  letter  from  Mr.  Wesley, 
and  am  truly  sorry  that  the  venerable  man  ever  dipped  into 


Mar.,  1776.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


177 


the  politics  of  America.  My  desire  is  to  live  in  love  and 
peace  with  all  men ;  to  do  them  no  harm,  but  all  the  good 
I  can.  However,  it  discovers  Mr.  Wesley's  conscientious 
attachment  to  the  government  under  which  he  lived.  Had 
he  been  a  subject  of  America,  no  doubt  but  he  would  have 
been  as  zealous  an  advocate  of  the  American  cause.  But 
some  inconsiderate  persons  have  taken  occasion  to  censure 
the  Methodists  in  America,  on  account  of  Mr.  Wesley's  po- 
litical sentiments. 

Wednesday,  20.  By  the  power  of  God  my  soul  is  kept, 
in  the  midst  of  all  company,  sweetly  reposed  on  Jesus 
Christ.  My  desire  is,  with  the  most  fervent  love,  to  devote 
myself  to  Him  that  died  for  me. 

Thursday,  21.  A  perfect  calm  pervaded  my  soul;  and  I 
found  myself  at  full  liberty  in  preaching  from  2  Cor.  vi,  2. 

Friday,  22.  How  changeable  are  all  things  here,  and  espe- 
cially in  these  precarious  times  !  but  my  determination  is,  to 
cast  all  my  care  on  the  Lord,  and  bear  with  patience  whatso- 
ever may  occur.  May  the  Lord  make  me  more  indifferent 
both  towards  persons  and  things,  and  only  intent  on  doing  his 
will !  On  Saturday  I  visited  Mrs.  M.,  above  eighty  years  of 
age,  and  very  infirm ;  *  she  is  a  friend  to  all  Gospel  preachers, 
and  opens  her  house  to  make  them  welcome.  If  she  should 
at  last  receive  the  Lord  into  her  heart,  it  will  be  well. 

Lord's  day,  24.  Brother  W.  preached  in  the  morning. 
Mr.  S.  at  the  Episcopal  church  was  very  severe  upon  the  Qua- 
kers, but  to  little  purpose.  Two  of  their  leading  men,  G.  D. 
and  A.  B.,  came  very  kindly  to  see  Mr.  T.  R. 

Monday,  25.  I  had  an  opportunity  of  speaking  to  J.  W. 
relative  to  his  leaving  the  work ;  and  he  manifested  some  in- 
clination to  return.  My  soul  was  greatly  blessed  in  meeting 
sister  W.'s  class,  and  all  present  seemed  to  partake  of  the 
same  blessing. 

"  The  opening  heavens  around  me  shine 
With  beams  of  sacred  bliss, 
If  Jesus  shows  his  mercy  mine, 
And  whispers  I  am  his/' 
8* 


178 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1776. 


Tuesday,  26.  My  soul  was  blessed  with  divine  serenity  and 
consolation.  May  I  ever  be  able  to  conduct  myself  with  evan- 
gelical prudence,  and  so  keep  under  my  body,  that  I  may  al- 
ways be  the  temple  of  God,  by  his  Spirit  that  dwelleth  in  me  ! 
The  next  day  also,  my  soul  enjoyed  the  same  delightful  sense 
of  the  divine  favour,  and  was  fixed  on  God  as  on  its  centre, 
though  in  the  midst  of  tumult.  Glory  to  God !  I  can  leave 
all  the  little  affairs  of  this  confused  world  to  those  men  to 
whose  province  they  pertain ;  and  can  comfortably  go  on  in 
my  proper  business  of  instrumentally  saving  my  own  soul  and 
those  that  hear  me. 

Friday,  29.  Have  been  graciously  assisted  every  time  I  have 
attempted  to  preach  this  week ;  and  found  a  particular  bless- 
ing to-day  in  speaking  at  the  funeral  of  sister  L.,  an  old  fol- 
lower of  Christ. 

Saturday,  30.  I  persuaded  J.  W.  to  decline  his  thoughts 
of  studying  and  settling,  and  return  to  his  circuit.  We  had  a 
powerful  time  in  prayer-meeting  this  evening. 

Monday,  April  1.  My  soul  panted  after  God.  We  had  a 
sudden  and  dreadful  alarm  of  fire,  which  threatened  a  store- 
house, malt-house,  and  brew-house.  It  was  not  extinguished 
without  great  difficulty,  and  until  much  damage  had  been  done. 
Man  can  neither  defend  his  person  nor  his  property  in  many 
cases,  and  yet  how  unwilling  to  commit  himself  and  his  pro- 
perty, in  a  proper  manner,  to  God ! 

Tuesday,  April  2.  My  mind  felt  some  dejection,  but  my 
peace  was  not  interrupted.  Amongst  others  in  the  congre- 
gation this  evening,  there  was  a  woman  of  ninety  years  of  age. 
The  next  day  I  was  much  employed  in  reading,  and  severely 
tempted  by  Satan,  but  was  kept  from  all  injury  by  the  power 
of  God. 

Friday,  5.  I  heard  a  Moravian  preach ;  but  it  was  only  a 
historical  faith.  And  this  being  Good  Friday,  I  preached  from 
these  pathetic  words  of  Christ,  "  Father,  if  it  be  possible,  let 
this  cup  pass  from  me  ;  nevertheless,  not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou 
wilt."  What  mortal  can  form  any  idea  of  the  blessed  Saviour's 
feelings  at  that  time,  when  his  agony  was  so  great  as  to  ex- 


Apr.,  17163         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  179 

press  from  his  sinless  body  great  drops  of  blood  and  water ! 
Was  it  ever  heard  before,  that  any  man  sweat  blood  ?  If  Je- 
sus found  the  punishment  due  to  sin  to  be  so  severe,  how  will 
poor  sinners  themselves  bear  the  eternal  damnation  of  hell  ? 

Lord's  day,  7.  The  Lord  graciously  assisted  me  in  my  pub- 
lic exerciess  both  morning  and  evening.  And  on  Monday  my 
soul  was  in  a  pure  and  spiritual  state. 

Tuesday,  9.  We  had  a  large  congregation,  and  my  heart 
was  greatly  expanded,  while  I  discoursed  on  "  the  cloud  of 
witnesses,"  from  Heb.  xii,  1.  The  power  of  God  was  eminently 
displayed  on  the  minds  of  several ;  and  one  in  particular  was 
struck  with  deep  conviction. 

Thursday,  11.  My  soul  was  all  on  stretch  for  God  both 
yesterday  and  to-day.  I.  B.  came  to  see  me,  and  appeared 
to  be  in  some  distress.  I  prayed  with  him  more  than  once, 
and  he  roared  out  for  very  anguish  of  spirit.  Instead  of  being- 
surprised  that  an  awakened  sinner  should  weep  and  cry  aloud 
for  mercy,  we  ought  to  be  infinitely  more  surprised,  that  an 
unforgiven  sinner  should  manifest  but  little  or  no  concern. 
If  a  man  expected  to  lose  all  his  property,  and  be  put  to  bodily 
torture,  could  he  be  unconcerned  ?  But  what  is  all  this  to 
the  loss  of  God  and  heaven,  and  the  torture  of  unquenchable 
fire  ?  Truly,  if  it  were  not  for  unbelief,  we  should  see  sinners 
on  every  side  weeping  and  roaring  aloud  both  day  and  night. 

Saturday,  13.  Was  desired  to  visit  a  prisoner  under  sentence 
of  death.  I  found  he  was  an  Englishman,  had  been  an  old 
soldier,  and  had  experienced  the  pardoning  love  of  God  in 
Ireland  about  twenty  years  ago,  under  Mr.  B.  Thus  we  see 
that,  although  a  soul  has  been  blest  with  the  favour  of  God, 
yet  unfaithfulness  may  provoke  the  Almighty  to  give  up  such 
a  person  to  work  all  kinds  of  sin  with  greediness.  Then  "  let 
him  that  standeth,  take  heed  lest  he  fall."  On  the  Lord's  day, 
my  mind  was  shut  up  in  preaching,  and  I  felt  the  want  of 
more  faith  for  Philadelphia. 

Monday,  15.  I  am  not  without  a  comfortable  sense  of  the 
favour  and  presence  of  God,  but  labour  under  a  lassitude  of 
both  body  and  mind.    I  went  to  the  jail  to  visit  the  prisoners 


180 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  Ill 6. 


again,  but  could  not  obtain  admittance.    Mrs.  C,  formerly  the 

wife  of  G.  T  1,  attended  our  class-meeting  to-day,  and  my 

soul  was  much  blessed  amongst  them. 

Tuesday,  16.  My  heart  was  sweetly  enlarged  towards  God, 
both  in  my  private  exercises  and  my  public  preaching.  A 
friend  from  New- York  informed  us,  that  troops  were  raised 
and  entrenchments  made  in  that  city.  O  Lord,  we  are  op- 
pressed ;  undertake  for  us.  I  received  a  letter  from  friend  E. 
at  Trenton,  complaining  that  the  societies  in  that  circuit  had 
been  neglected  by  the  preachers. 

Wednesday,  17.  My  soul  loves  God  and  all  mankind,  but 
I  cannot  please  all  men.  However,  my  conscience  is  void  of 
offence  both  towards  God  and  towards  man.  On  Thursday 
we  heard  of  a  skirmish  between  the  Philadelphia  fleet  and  the 
Glasgow  man-of-war.  What  will  be  the  end  of  these  things  ? 
Lord,  think  upon  us  for  good,  and  show  us  mercy !  Preach- 
ing this  evening,  the  powers  of  my  soul  were  at  full  liberty, 
and  I  trust  it  was  made  a  blessing  to  many. 

Friday,  19.  Satan  has  been  thrusting  at  me,  but  by  grace 
I  am  still  kept ;  and  my  soul  is  employed  in  holy  and  heavenly 
exercises,  with  constant  and  delightful  communion  with  God. 
O  !  how  I  long  to  find  every  power  of  soul  and  body  one  con- 
tinual sacrifice  to  God ! 

"  If  so  poor  a  worm  as  I 

May  to  thy  great  glory  live, 
All  my  actions  sanctify, 

All  my  words  and  thoughts  receive : 
Claim  me  for  thy  service ;  claim 
All  I  have  and  all  I  am." 

With  great  warmth  of  affection  I  went  through  the  public 
exercises  of  the  evening.  On  the  Lord's  day,  my  soul  was 
given  up  to  God ;  and  it  appeared  to  be  a  searching  time  in 
the  public  congregation. 

Monday,  22.  I  found  Christ  in  me  the  hope  of  glory :  but 
felt  a  pleasing,  painful  sensation  of  spiritual  hunger  and  thirst 
for  more  of  God.  On  Tuesday  I  rode  to  Burlington,  and  on 
the  way  my  soul  was  filled  with  holy  peace,  and  employed  in 


Apr.,  1776.3 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


181 


heavenly  contemplations :  but  found,  to  my  grief,  that  many 
had  so  imbibed  a  martial  spirit  that  they  had  lost  the  spirit 
of  pure  and  undefiled  religion.  I  preached  from  Rom.  xiii,  11, 
but  found  it  was  a  dry  and  barren  time.  And  some  who 
once  ran  well  now  walk  disorderly.  On  Wednesday  I  rode 
to  Trenton ;  and  found  very  little  there  but  spiritual  coldness 
and  deadness.  Had  very  little  liberty  in  preaching  among 
them ;  thus  has  the  Lord  humbled  me  amongst  my  people.* 
But  I  hope,  through  grace,  to  save  myself,  and,  at  least,  some 
that  hear  me. 

Thursday,  25.  I  rode  about  eleven  miles,  and  preached  to 
a  people  who  were  but  very  little  moved :  but  at  I.  B.'s  the 
next  day  there  was  more  sensibility  amongst  the  congregation ; 
and,  though  very  unwell,  I  found  my  heart  warm  and  expanded 
in  preaching  to  them.  It  is  my  present  determination  to  be 
more  faithful  in  speaking  to  all  that  fall  in  my  way,  about 
spiritual  and  eternal  matters.  The  people  were  very  tender 
at  friend  F.'s  on  Saturday.  And  on  the  Lord's  day  I  spoke 
feelingly  and  pointedly  to  about  three  hundred  souls  at  the 
meeting-house.  Afterward  I  returned,  through  the  rain,  to 
Trenton,  and  was  well  rewarded  in  my  own  soul,  while  preach- 
ing to  the  congregation  at  night.  I  felt  every  word,  which 
seemed  to  cut  like  a  two-edged  sword,  and  put  me  in  mind  of 
some  of  my  former  visits.  May  the  Lord  revive  his  work 
amongst  them  again ;  and  make  the  time  to  come  better  than 
the  former  time ! 

Monday,  29.  Satan  beset  me  with  powerful  suggestions, 
striving  to  persuade  me  that  I  should  never  conquer  all  my 
spiritual  enemies,  but  be  overcome  at  last.  However,  the 
Lord  was  near,  and  filled  my  soul  with  peace.  Blessed  Lord, 
be  ever  with  me,  and  suffer  me  not  to  yield  to  the  tempter ; 
no,  not  for  a  moment ! 

Tuesday,  30.  Went  about  nine  miles  to  our  quarterly  meet- 
ing at  Hopewell ;  and  we  had  much  of  the  power  of  God  in 
our  love-feast,  in  which  many  declared  their  experience.  I 
lectured  in  the  evening  at  I.  B.'s,  though  very  weary :  but 
my  heart  was  with  God ;  and  I  know  we  cannot  tire  or  wear 


182 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1776. 


out  in  a  better  cause.  On  Wednesday  rode  back  to  Trenton, 
where  I  preached  to  about  a  hundred  souls,  and  then  went 
about  thirty  miles  more  to  W.  B.'s. 

Thursday,  May  2.  Some  melted  under  the  word  at  Mount- 
Holly,  though  at  first  they  seemed  inattentive  and  careless. 
The  grace  of  God  kept  my  spirit  this  day  in  sweet  seriousness, 
without  any  mixture  of  sourness. 

*  Saturday,  4.  At  New-Mills  I  found  brother  W.  very  busy 
about  his  chapel,  which  is  thirty-six  feet  by  twenty-eight,  with 
a  gallery  fifteen  feet  deep.  I  preached  in  it  from  Matt,  vii,  7, 
with  fervour,  but  not  with  freedom,  and  returned  to  W.  B.'s 
the  same  night. 

Lord's  day,  5.  I  preached  at  New-Mills  again,  and  it  was 
a  heart-affecting  season:  then  returned  to  Philadelphia,  but 
went  under  a  heavy  gloom  of  mind,  and  found  my  spirit  much 
dejected  and  shut  up. 

Monday,  6.  My  mind  was  in  a  dissipated  frame  to-day : 
and  we  were  alarmed  with  a  report  that  ships-of-war  were 
then  in  the  river.  However,  I  was  blessed  in  meeting  a  class 
at  night.  My  mind  was  more  composed  and  comfortable 
the  next  day,  but  not  so  spiritual  and  heavenly  as  I  desire  it 
should  be. 

"  Come,  Lord,  from  above, 

The  mountains  remove, 
Overturn  all  that  hinders  the  course  of  thy  love  : 

My  bosom  inspire, 

Enkindle  the  fire, 
And  wrap  my  whole  soul  in  the  flames  of  desire." 

Preached  at  night  from  a  text  which  corresponded  with  my 
own  feelings:  "These  are  they  which  came  out  of  great 
tribulation,"  &c. 

Wednesday,  8.  My  spirit  is  much  assaulted  by  Satan,  but 
the  Lord  is  my  keeper.  About  ten  o'clock  to-day  tidings 
arrived  that  there  had  been  a  skirmish  off  Christiana,  between 
thirteen  row-galleys  and  the  Roebuck  man-of-war  ;  that,  after 
an  encounter  of  three  or  four  hours,  the  man-of-war  with- 
drew, as  it  was  thought,  much  shattered.    At  this  news  the 


May,  1776.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


183 


inhabitants  of  the  city  were  all  in  commotion  ;  and  the  women 
especially  were  greatly  shocked.  Lord,  what  a  world  is  this  ! 
Give  me  wisdom  and  patience,  that  I  may  stand  still  and  see 
the  salvation  of  God. 

'  Thursday,  9.  My  mind  was  free :  and  in  meeting  two 
classes  we  had  much  of  the  solemn  power  of  God.  At  night 
I  preached  from  these  words,  which  are  so  applicable  to  the 
circumstances  of  the  people  :  "  We  have  no  continuing  city 
here."  Many  people  seemed  to  feel  the  weight  of  this  Divine 
truth,  so  suitable  to  their  present  condition. 

Friday,  10.  My  soul  is  in  sweet  peace;  and  I  only  want 
to  feel  . my  heart  continually  flaming  with  pure  love  to  God, 
carrying  every  desire  and  every  thought  towards  heaven. 
Brother  B  1  arrived  here  to-day ;  and  we  are  now  in- 
formed that  some  men  were  killed  in  the  galleys,  and  the 
man-of-war  was  much  damaged. 

Lord's  day,  12.  Divine  grace  assisted  and  comforted  me  in 
all  the  exercises  of  the  day.  And  although  I  spoke  in  strong 
and  plain  terms  at  night,  yet  the  very  soldiers  bore  it  well. 
But  the  next  day  I  was  seized  with  a  severe  chill,  and  was 
carried  to  my  lodging  very  sick.  I  was  in  a  heavy  sweat  till 
four  o'clock  the  next  morning,  but  nevertheless  set  out  the 
next  day,  if  possible  to  reach  the  conference :  and  came  to 
Chester  that  night. 

Wednesday,  15.  I  am  still  afflicted,  but  not  forsaken ;  the 
Lord  fills  me  with  peace  and  consolation.  Attempted  to 
reach  a  quarterly  meeting,  but  when  I  got  to  the  place  was 
obliged  to  go  to  bed.  Though  the  next  day,  weak  as  I  was, 
I  went  and  held  a  love-feast,  and  afterward  preached ;  and 
the  Lord  gave  me  strength  in  my  inward  man. 

Saturday,  18.  My  poor  frame  is  much  afflicted  and  shat- 
tered ;  but  my  mind  is  full  of  Divine  tranquillity,  ardently 
desirous  to  submit  to  the  providence  of  God  with  inflexible 
patience.  How  amazing  is  the  goodness  of  God  !  He  raiseth 
up  the  best  of  friends — such  as  love,  for  Christ's  sake,  to  show 
the  kindest  care  for  me  in  my  affliction.  Inasmuch  as  they 
have  done  it  unto  me,  one  of  the  least  of  his  servants,  they 


184 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1776. 


have  done  it  unto  Christ.  And  may  he  crown  their  kindness 
with  an  eternal  reward  !  Was  very  unwell  all  the  Lord's 
day,  but  my  great  desire  to  be  at  conference  induced  me  to 
make  an  attempt,  on  Monday,  to  travel.  But  by  the  time  I  had 
rode  three  miles,  I  found,  if  I  travelled,  it  would  be  at  the 
hazard  of  my  life :  and  was  therefore  obliged  to  decline  it, 
though  the  disappointment  was  very  great.  Let  it  be,  Lord, 
not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt !  Brother  W.  went  to  a  Quaker 
meeting,  and  began  to  speak ;  but  some  of  the  Friends  de- 
sired him  to  sit  down. 

Tuesday,  2 1 .  My  disorder  seemed  to  be  broken  ;  but  I  was 
taken  with  a  bleeding  at  the  nose.  The  devil  still  bends  his 
bow,  and  makes  ready  his  arrows  on  the  string ;  but  the 
Lord  suffers  him  not  to  wound  me. 

Thursday,  23.  Visited  Mrs.  G.,  an  old  disciple  of  Mr. 
Whitefield's  ;  but  now  she  entertains  the  Methodists.  And 
on  the  Lord's  day  I  ventured  to  preach  to  a  small  company 
of  people. 

Monday,  27.  Expecting  the  preachers  were  on  their  re- 
turn from  the  conference,  I  appointed  preaching  at  my 
lodgings,  but  had  to  preach  myself,  to  a  small,  attentive, 
tender  company,  and  felt  much  quickened  in  my  own  soul. 
At  night  brother  R.  arrived,  and  informed  me  that  I  was  ap- 
pointed for  Baltimore :  to  which  I  cheerfully  submit,  though 
it  seems  to  be  against  my  bodily  health. 

Wednesday,  29.  My  whole  soul  is  devoted  to  God,  and 
desires  nothing  but  more  of  him.  Brother  R.  and  I  both 
spoke  to  the  congregation  collected  at  night,  and  the  power 
of  God  was  eminently  present.  On  Thursday  I  wrote  a  let- 
ter to  Mrs.  W.,  who  has  departed  from  God,  and  feel  great 
hopes  it  may  be  the  means  of  restoring  her. 

Friday,  31.  Though  far  from  being  in  a  good  state  of 
health,  I  set  off  for  my  appointment,  and  reached  I.  Dallam's 
at  night. 

Lord's  day,  June  2.  Went  to  the  chapel,  and  preached 
after  brother  S.  S.,  and  the  people  appeared  to  be  deeply 
affected ;  but  brother  S.  does  not  seem  to  enter  into  the 


June,  1776.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


185 


Methodist  plan  of  preaching.  He  uses  a  few  pompous,  swelling 
words,  which  pass  for  something  great  with  short-sighted 
people  !  but  are  not  calculated  to  do  them  much  spiritual 
good.  On  Monday  my  soul  enjoyed  the  peace  of  God  ;  but 
I  am  frequently  ashamed  before  the  Lord,  for  indulging  too 
great  a  flow  of  spirits  in  the  company  of  my  friends.  Though 
I  purpose,  through  grace,  to  begin  anew.  Lord,  succour  me 
by  thy  mighty  power !  We  had  a  melting  time  amongst  the 
people  on  Monday,  at  I.  D.'s. 

Tuesday,  4.  Went  to  the  widow  P.'s ;  and  after  I  had 
done  preaching,  met  a  small  class  of  about  thirteen  souls, 
who  appeared  to  be  sincere.  My  body  is  still  very  weak ; 
but  it  is  my  determination  to  spend  all  the  little  remains 
of  my  strength  for  God,  and  the  salvation  of  precious  souls. 

Wednesday,  5.  Some  felt  the  word  of  truth  at  the  widow 
B.'s,  while  I  was  showing  what  it  is  to  walk  after  the  flesh. 
But  there  appears  to  be  a  general  flatness  amongst  the  mem- 
bers of  the  class  :  they  are  neither  so  attentive  nor  so  tender 
as  they  were  two  years  ago.  What  a  pity  !  that  the  nearer 
souls  approach  to  eternity,  the  more  unlit  they  should  be  to 
enter  into  that  unchangeable  place  ! 

"  Help  me  to  watch  and  pray, 
And  on  thyself  rely ; 
Assured  if  I  my  trust  betray, 
I  shall  forever  die." 

Satan  hunts  my  soul  continually,  and  attacks  me  at  times 
with  the  most  powerful  temptations :  but  he  does  not  get 
any  advantage,  nor  break  my  peace  ;  but,  on  the  contrary, 
drives  me  nearer  to  my  Almighty  Protector,  and  I  feel  all 
my  powers  more  abundantly  given  up  to  God,  to  serve  him 
with  all  sincerity,  fervency,  and  diligence. 

Thursday,  6.  Was  greatly  blessed  in  meditation  and  prayer, 
on  my  way  to  Mr.  Harry  Gough's  ;  and  there  met  with  my 
good  friend,  Mr.  Philip  Rogers,  and  his  wife.  The  next  day 
my  spirit  was  in  heaviness  through  manifold  temptations.  I 
see  the  need  of  always  standing  sword  in  hand,  agamst  my 
adversary  the  devil.    Our  Lord  displayed  both  great  wisdom 


186 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  111 6. 


and  great  mercy,  when  he  commanded  us  to  watch  and  pray 
always.  May  I  show  mercy  on  my  own  soul  by  always  at- 
tending to  this  command  ! 

Lord's  day,  9.  Yesterday  I  preached  with  some  satisfac- 
tion at  Mr.  Giles's ;  and  rode  to-day  about  twelve  miles  to 
the  Forks,  where  I  preached  from  Col.  i,  28,  and  then  met 
part  of  several  classes.  My  feeble  body  was  much  fatigued 
with  the  exercises  of  the  day,  but  my  soul  was  delightfully 
taken  up  with  God.  On  Monday,  the  congregation  at  A.  G.'s 
appeared  as  if  they  both  understood  and  felt  the  two-edged 
sword  of  the  word.  I  see  the  need  of  having  my  thoughts 
constantly  employed  on  the  things  of  God,  that  no  vacant 
moment  may  be  left  for  Satan  to  fill  up. 

Tuesday,  11.  Rose  with  a  deep  sense  of  God  resting  on 
my  mind,  and  set  off  for  Mr.  L.'s,  which  is  about  twenty 
miles  from  the  house  where  I  lodged ;  but  by  losing  our 
way,  we  made  it  about  thirty  miles,  and  did  not  reach  the 
place  till  about  two  o'clock.  The  Lord  then  rewarded  me 
for  my  toil,  while  I  was  preaching  to  a  serious,  tender  people ; 
and  I  afterward  endeavoured  to  unite  the  society,  which 
Satan,  by  his  diabolical  wiles,  had  divided.  On  Wednesday 
the  congregation  at  I.  O.'s  were  so  impenetrable  that  neither 
promises  nor  threats  could  move  them.  Nor  did  the  people 
at  Mr.  W.'s  seem  to  have  much  more  sensibility,  though  I 
was  greatly  affected  myself  while  preaching  to  them  from 
2  Corinthians  vi,  2.  The  Lord  has  blessed  me  of  late  with 
much  assistance  in  preaching,  and  with  purity  of  heart. 

Thursday,  13.  Both  the  people  and  myself  were  moved 
by  the  word  at  J.  C.'s.  My  feeble  frame  is  much  fatigued 
with  preaching  twice  a  day  ;  but  it  must  drag  on  as  long  as 
it  can  ;  for  it  is  my  meat  and  drink,  yea,  it  is  the  life  of  my 
soul,  to  be  labouring  for  the  salvation  of  mankind.  I  desire 
nothing  but  God,  and  to  spend  the  remainder  of  my  strength 
in  suffering  and  labouring  for  him.  Who  that  knows  God, 
would  be  weary  of  such  a  master  !  And  who  that  knows  the 
worth  of  souls  would  be  weary  of  striving  to  save  them  ! 

Saturday  15.  After  preaching  in  the  Dutch  church,  and 


June,  17*76.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


187 


meeting  the  class,  I  rode  about  five  miles,  through  a  heavy 
rain,  and  the  wind  was  so  powerful  that  it  blew  down  trees, 
barns,  and  houses ;  so  that  it  was  with  difficulty  I  could  urge 
my  way  through  the  woods  ;  but  at  length  came  safe  to  the 
widow  M.'s,  and  enjoyed  a  comfortable  hour  in  preaching 
from  Luke  xiv,  18,  19.  On  my  coming  to  Baltimore,  I  met 
Mr.  T.  R.,  and  heard  him  preach.  On  Monday  I  rode  to 
W.  R.'s,  where  we  had  a  large  company  of  people,  and 
amongst  the  rest  were  two  Baptist  preachers.  All  this  day 
my  soul  was  happy  in  God. 

Tuesday,  18.  Though  temptations  hung  upon  my  spirit, 
yet  I  found  myself  greatly  enlarged  at  Mr.  E.'s,  while  en- 
forcing these  striking  words :  "  The  end  of  all  things  is  at 
hand :  be  ye  therefore  sober,  watching  unto  prayer."  Re- 
turned on  Wednesday  to  Baltimore,  and  spent  some  time  with 
Mr.  Otterbine.  '  There  are  very  few  with  whom  I  can  find  so 
much  unity  and  freedom  in  conversation  as  with  him.  At 
night  the  words  were  a  blessing  to  myself,  and  no  doubt  to 
others,  while  I  expatiated  on  2  Cor.  iv,  5.  I  can  rejoice  in 
God,  and  cast  all  my  care  upon  him. 

Thursday,  20.  Went  to  Nathan  Perrig's,  and  was  fined  five 
pounds  for  preaching  the  Gospel.  But  found  my  soul  at 
liberty  both  in  preaching  and  class-meeting.  We  then  went 
to  W.  L.'s,  and  found  N.  L.  under  uncommon  exercises  of 
mind. 

Saturday,  22.  Returned  to  Baltimore ;  and  although  my 
peace  is  not  broken,  neither  is  any  wrong  temper  or  desire 
indulged,  yet  I  lament  the  want  of  more  spirituality.  My 
soul,  like  the  rising  flame,  would  continually  ascend  to  God. 

Lord's  day,  23.  After  preaching  at  the  Point,  I  met  the 
class,  and  then  met  the  black  people,  some  of  whose  unhappy 
masters  forbid  their  coming  for  religious  instruction.  How 
will  the  sons  of  oppression  answer  for  their  conduct,  when 
the  great  Proprietor  of  all  shall  call  them  to  an  account !  We 
had  a  serious  audience  in  the  evening  at  town. 

Monday,  24.  Spoke  plainly  on  the  nature  of  our  society, 
and  the  necessity  of  discipline ;  which  perhaps  was  not  very 


188 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[July,  mG. 


pleasing  to  some  who  do  not  choose  to  join.  I  told  them, 
we  could  not,  would  not,  and  durst  not  allow  any  the  privi- 
leges of  members,  who  would  not  come  under  the  discipline  of 
the  society.  I  desire  to  know  no  man  after  the  flesh.  My 
soul  is  in  peace. 

Tuesday,  25.  L  F.,  who  has  lately  come  from  Virginia, 
gave  me  an  agreeable  account  of  the  glorious  spreading  of 
the  work  of  God  in  Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  The  Lord 
is  fulfilling  his  promises,  and  pouring  out  his  Holy  Spirit  on 
the  people.  Satan  is  still  busy  in  his  attempts  to  disturb,  if 
he  cannot  destroy  me:  but  my  soul  stays,  and  waits,  and 
hangs  on  God,  who  makes  me  more  than  conqueror  over  all 
the  assaults  of  the  enemy.    I  preached  to-day  at  the  house 

of  ,  a  man  who  has  much  talk,  and  but  little  religion. 

The  whole  congregation  appeared  to  be  very  stupid.  Rode 
thence  to  K.'s,  and  found  a  simple-hearted  people.  Here  I 
met  with  poor  M.,  who  is  keeping  a  school,  which  may  per- 
haps be  Ids  last  and  best  shift. 

Wednesday,  2G.  This  was  a  general  fast- day ;  and  my 
heart  was  fixed  on  God.  I  preached  at  three  o'clock  at  Mr. 
S.'s,  and  the  power  of  God  was  displayed  among  the  poorer 
part  of  the  congregation.  I.  F.  then  met  the  class,  like  an- 
other G.  S. 

Thursday,  2V.  This  was  a  day  of  trials.  Satan  drew  my 
thoughts  into  a  train  of  reasoning  on  subjects  which  were  out 
of  my  reach ;  for  secret  things  belong  to  God,  but  things 
which  are  revealed  belong  to  us  and  our  children.  Thus, 
while  I  was  soaring  out  of  the  region  of  my  duty,  I  became 
inattentive  to  what  immediataly  concerned  me,  and  overset- 
ting my  chaise,  broke  it  very  much.  Though,  blessed  be 
God,  my  body  was  preserved.  May  the  Lord  keep  my  soul 
united  to  himself,  as  its  proper  centre!  However,  I  was 
greatly  blessed  in  speaking  to  the  people ;  and  the  power  of 
God  rested  on  the  congregation. 

Friday,  28.  Going  to  my  appointment,  it  rained  much, 
and  I  got  wet,  which  brought  on  a  sore  throat,  and  laid  me 
up  till  July  9.    For  the  greatest  part  of  the  time  I  could 


July,  1776.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


189 


neither  eat,  drink,  nor  sleep,  till  the  tumour  broke.  But 
glory  to  God !  I  possessed  my  soul  in  patience  under  the 
whole  of  the  affliction;  though  my  heart  complains  of  its 
own  ingratitude  to  my  gracious  Lord,  who  not  only  supported 
both  soul  and  body  under  all  my  trouble,  but  provided  tender 
friends,  who  treated  me  with  the  greatest  affection.  As  a  kind 
father  dealeth  with  an  afflicted  son,  so  the  Lord  dealeth  with 
me.  What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits  ? 
I  will  render  thanksgiving  and  praise,  and  devote  both  body 
and  soul  to  the  Most  High.  During  this  affliction  my  abode 
was  at  Mr.  G.'s. 

I  have  now  come  to  a  determination,  God  willing,  to  go  to 
the  warm  springs,  and  make  a  trial  of  them  for  the  recovery 
of  my  health ;  perhaps  my  strength  may  be  thereby  so  re- 
stored for  future  services,  that  upon  the  whole  there  may  be 
no  loss  of  time.  R.  W.,  W.  L.,  and  I.  F.  will  supply  the  cir- 
cuit in  the  mean  time. 

Thursday,  July  11.  My  body  is  in  some  small  measure 
restored,  and  God  himself  is  the  portion  of  my  soul.  May  he 
ever  keep  me  from  every  desire  which  does  not  directly  or 
indirectly  lead  to  himself ! 

Saturday,  13.  My  heart  has  been  humbled  and  melted 
under  a  sense  of  the  goodness  of  God.  This  day  I  set  out  for 
Baltimore  on  my  way  to  the  springs ;  but  by  the  time  I 
reached  the  town  I  felt  a  great  disposition  to  weariness  in  my 
shattered  frame,  and  my  soul,  which  seemed  to  sympathize 
with  the  body,  had  not  such  a  lively  and  steady  sense  of  God 
as  at  some  other  times,  though  there  was  no  desire  after 
*  anything  else.  I  ventured  to  preach  both  this  evening  and 
the  next  day ;  and  humbly  hope  the  word  was  made  a  bless- 
ing to  many. 

Monday,  15.  We  set  off  for  the  springs.  Mr.  D.  overtook 
us  in  the  evening ;  and  that  no  opportunity  might  be  lost,  I 
lectured  at  night  in  the  tavern  where  we  lodged.  And  both 
the  tavern-keeper  and  his  wife  appeared  to  have  some  thoughts 
about  their  souls.  On  Tuesday,  we  reached  Frederick,  and 
collecting  as  many  people  as  we  could  by  a  short  notice,  I 


190 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1116, 


preached  from  2  Corinthians  vi,  2,  and  found  my  spirit  at 
liberty.  My  body  complains  of  so  much  travelling,  for  which 
it  is  almost  incompetent ;  but  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  the 
support  and  comfort  of  my  soul.  I  was  thrown  out  of  my 
chaise  the  next  day,  but  was  providentially  kept  from  being 
much  hurt.  When  we  came  to  Hagerstown,  it  seemed  as  if 
Satan  was  the  chief  ruler  there.  The  people  were  very 
busy  in  drinking,  swearing,  drumming,  &c.  My  mind  was 
disburdened  and  much  comforted  after  I  had  delivered  my- 
self from  Mark  i,  16,  though  it  seemed  to  answer  but  little 
purpose  to  the  people.  It  is  one  thing  for  the  preacher 
to  do  his  duty,  and  another  thing  for  the  audience  to  do 
theirs. 

Thursday,  18.  After  riding  forty  miles  to-day,  we  reached 
the  springs :  and  at  first  we  found  it  difficult  to  obtain  lodg- 
ings. But  after  a  while  I  procured  a  good  lodging  with 
Mr.  M.  Here  was  work  enough  for  a  preacher,  if  he  desired 
to  be  faithful.  My  soul  was  happy ;  and  I  felt  myself  totally 
delivered  from  the  fear  of  man — determined,  by  the  grace  of 
God,  to  discharge  my  duty. 

Friday,  19.  My  soul  was  in  peace ;  but  the  burden  of  the 
Lord  rested  upon  me.  I  could  not  be  satisfied  till  I  declared 
to  the  people  their  danger  and  duty  :  which  I  did  from  Isaiah 
lv,  6,  7.  They  all  behaved  with  decency,  though  it  is  more 
than  probable  that  some  of  them  had  enough  of  my 
preaching. 

Saturday,  20.  We  had  a  meeting  in  the  evening  (which  we 
intend  to  have  every  evening  at  Mr.  Gough's  and  Mr.  Merry - 
man's  alternately)  for  prayer  and  exhortation ;  at  which  about  * 
twenty  people  attended.  My  spirit  was  grieved  within  me 
at  the  conduct  of  poor  sinners ;  but  in  J esus  my  Lord  I  had 
peace. 

Lord's  day,  21.  A  Church  minister  attended  the  public  ex- 
hortation in  the  morning ;  and  in  the  afternoon  a  dissenting 
minister  preached  from  these  excellent  words,  "  Believe  in  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  thou  shalt  be  saved."  His  discourse 
was  very  methodical — but  dry,  and  full  of  academical  stiffness. 


July,  1776.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


191 


It  was  very  unlikely  to  bring  souls  either  to  faith  or  repent- 
ance. I  preached  in  the  evening  from  Acts  xiii,  26.  But  my 
spirit  was  so  stirred  up  within  me,  by  a  desire  that  the  people 
who  were  in  their  houses  might  hear,  that  by  speaking  too 
loud  I  hurt  myself.  We  afterward  had  a  good  time  in  our 
prayer-meeting. 

Monday,  22.  My  soul  enjoys  sweet  communion  with  God ; 
but  I  am  obliged  to  exercise  patience  in  bearing  with  the 
manners  of  poor,  blinded,  hardened  sinners. 

"  0  might  they  at  last  with  sorrow  return, 
The  pleasure  to  taste  for  which  they  were  born  ; 
Our  Jesus  receiving,  our  happiness  prove — 
The  joy  of  believing,  the  heaven  of  love  I" 

Tuesday,  23.  The  peace  of  God  abideth  constantly  with 
me.  I  preached  again  by  the  side  of  a  hill,  near  the  bath ; 
and  the  word  had  a  melting  influence  on  some  of  the  congre- 
gation. The  dissenting  minister  attended  our  prayer-meeting 
in  the  evening,  and  prayed  with  us.  By  the  blessing  of  God, 
my  body  began  to  feel  the  benefit  of  the  waters.  May  the 
Lord  bless  these  means  for  the  entire  restoration  of  my  health  ; 
and  in  all  my  Avays  may  I  acknowledge  him,  and  ever  study 
to  serve  him  with  all  I  have,  and  all  I  am  !  Reading  the  lives 
of  Halleburton,  Walsh,  and  De  Renty,  has  had  a  great  ten- 
dency to  quicken  my  soul.  Our  not  growing  in  grace  is  sel- 
dom for  the  want  of  knowledge  concerning  our  duty ;  but 
generally  for  want  of  using  proper  means  to  bring  the  know- 
ledge we  have  into  spiritual  use.  Our  dull  spirits  must  have 
line  upon  line,  and  precept  upon  precept. 

Wednesday,  24.  The  congregation  was  rather  increased; 
many  were  affected,  and  one  man  fell  down.  It  clearly  ap- 
pears that  I  am  in  the  line  of  my  duty,  in  attending  the  springs : 
there  is  a  manifest  check  to  the  overflowing  tide  of  immorality, 
and  the  prejudices  of  many  people  are  in  a  great  degree 
removed.  So  that  I  hope  my  visit  to  this  place  will  be 
for  the  benefit  of  the  souls  of  some,  as  well  as  for  the 
benefit  of  my  own  body ;  though  preaching  in  the  open  air, 


192 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [July,  1776. 


to  a  people  who  are  almost  strangers  to  a  praying  spirit,  is 
more  disagreeable  to  my  feelings,  and  a  much  greater  cross 
than  travelling  and  preaching  in  a  circuit. 

Friday,  26.  My  confidence  was  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  ac- 
companied with  sweet  consolation.  My  company  and  myself 
were  quickened  in  our  own  souls,  by  a  diligent  use  of  the 
means ;  and  the  hearts  of  several  others  were  under  some  re- 
ligious impressions.  But  the  zealous  conversation  and  prayers 
of  Mr.  Gough  seem  to  move  and  melt  the  hearts  of  the  peo- 
ple more  than  my  preaching  does.  Lord,  send  by  whom 
thou  wilt :  only  send  to  the  conviction  and  salvation  of  im- 
mortal souls.  I  have  found  both  reproof  and  instruction  in 
reading  the  life  of  Mr.  Walsh.  At  this  time  Christ  is  all  in 
all  to  me.  My  heart  is  sweetly  occupied  by  his  gracious 
Spirit.  But  alas !  I  am  not  watchful  enough  to  keep  up  the 
spirit  of  prayer. 

"The  praying  spirit  breathe, 
The  watching  power  impart : 
From  all  entanglements  beneath 
Call  off  my  peaceful  heart/7 

Saturday,  27.  There  were  many  to  hear  the  word  at  three 
o'clock ;  and  the  Lord  was  with  us  in  the  evening,  when  we 
were  assembled  for  prayer  and  exhortation. 

Lord's  day,  28.  My  soul  is  kept  in  the  love  of  God,  but 
longs  for  an  increase  of  the  Divine  gift.  The  workers  of  ini- 
quity are  not  so  bold  as  they  were  :  some  of  them  have  had 
convictions,  but  lost  them.  Others  seem  stiffly  to  oppose  the 
influences  of  Divine  grace.  Mr.  H.,  who  is  commonly  called 
the  high-priest,  on  account  of  his  height,  preached  to-day,  and 
I  stood  clerk  for  him ;  but  he  seemed  much  dashed,  and  it 
was  with  difficulty  he  proceeded  in  his  discourse,  which  was 
very  dry.  While  I  was  preaching,  my  heart  was  drawn  out 
in  compassion  to  the  people,  and  as  the  word  was  pointedly 
applied  to  their  consciences,  I  believe  some  good  was  done. 
So  much  public  speaking  is  almost  more  than  my  frame  can 
at  present  bear,  but  the  Spirit  within  me  constraineth  me.  I 


July,  1776.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


193 


feel  indeed  the  want  of  retirement  in  this  place,  yet  I  make  a 
substitute  of  family  exercises,  and  find  communion  with  God. 
My  soul  has  lately  been  much  drawn  out  towards  God  in 
reading  the  life  of  Mr.  Brainard,  and  longs  to  be  like  him  and 
every  other  faithful  follower  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Monday,  29.  My  present  mode  of  conduct  is  as  follows — 
to  read  about  a  hundred  pages  a  day;  usually  to  pray  in 
public  five  times  a  day;  to  preach  in  the  open  air  every 
other  day ;  and  to  lecture  in  prayer-meeting  every  evening. 
And  if  it  were  in  my  power,  I  would  do  a  thousand  times 
as  much  for  such  a  gracious  and  blessed  Master.  But  in 
the  midst  of  all  my  little  employments,  I  feel  myself  as  no- 
thing, and  Christ  to  me  is  all  in  all. 

Tuesday,  30.  My  spirit  was  grieved  to  see  so  little  of  the 
fear  of  God,  and  such  a  contempt  of  sacred  things  as  ap- 
peared in  many  of  the  people  in  this  place.  An  enmity 
against  God  and  his  ways  reigns  in  the  hearts  of  all  the  un- 
awakened,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest.  The  Rev.  Mr.  W. 
attended  in  the  congregation  to  hear  the  word  preached  to-day. 

Wednesday,  31.  Spent  some  time  in  the  woods  alone  with 
God,  and  foimd  it  a  peculiar  time  of  love  and  joy.  0  de- 
lightful employment!  All  my  soul  was  centred  in  God! 
The  next  day  I  unexpectedly  met  with  brother  W. ;  and 
while  preaching  at  three  o'clock  to  an  increased  company, 
the  word  produced  great  seriousness  and  attention.  And 
we  had  a  happy,  powerful  meeting  in  the  evening  at  Mr. 
G.'s.  But  my  mind  is  in  some  degree  disturbed  by  the  re- 
ports of  battles  and  slaughters.  It  seems  the  Cherokee  In- 
dians have  also  begun  to  break  out,  and  the  English  ships 
have  been  coasting  to  and  fro,  watching  for  some  advan- 
tages :  but  what  can  they  expect  to  accomplish  without  an 
army  of  two  or  three  hundred  thousand  men  ?  And  even 
then,  there  would  be  but  little  prospect  of  their  success.  O 
that  this  dispensation  might  answer  its  proper  end !  that  the 
people  would  fear  the  Lord,  and  sincerely  devote  themselves 
to  his  service !  Then,  no  doubt,  wars  and  bloodshed  would 
cease. 

9 


194 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL  [Aug.,  1776. 


Friday,  August  2.  My  soul  was  in  a  serious,  solemn  frame, 
but  earnestly  desired  to  be  more  universally  devoted  to  God. 
Brother  W.  preached  to-day,  and  seemed  a  little  abashed ; 
but  the  Lord  was  with  us  in  our  evening  exercises.  How 
difficult  it  is  to  be  much  amongst  men  of  the  world,  and  not 
imbibe  their  spirit  in  a  greater  or  less  degree!  I  am  afraid 
my  friends  begin  to  grow  somewhat  languid  in  their  spirits. 
How  watchful,  devout,  and  heavenly  should  we  be,  to  keep 
up  the  power  of  inward  religion,  in  the  midst  of  such  a  com- 
pany of  sinners  of  diverse  principles  and  manners !  For  my 
own  part,  I  have  had  cause  to  lament  the  want  of  more  watch- 
fulness. Lord,  help  us  to  be  faithful  in  all  things,  to  all  per- 
sons, and  in  all  places  ! 

Lord's  day,  4.  My  heart  was  fixed,  trusting  in  the  Lord. 
Brother  W.  preached  much  to  the  purpose,  though  there 
were  some  little  inaccuracies  in  his  language.  I  preached  in 
the  afternoon,  and  brother  W.  again  at  night ;  and  it  appear- 
ed to  be  a  time  of  power. 

Monday,  5.  Having  withdrawn  to  the  woods  for  the  pur- 
pose of  self-examination,  and  pouring  out  my  heart  in  prayer 
to  God,  I  found  myself  much  melted.  Glory  to  God  for  a 
comfortable  sense  of  the  Divine  favour !  But  alas  !  how  se- 
rious, how  solemn  should  I  be,  when  so  many  immortal  souls 
on  every  side  are  posting  down  to  everlasting  fire  ! 

On  Tuesday  but  few  of  the  gentlemen  attended  to  hear ; 
but  I  was  enabled  to  deliver  my  message  faithfully  and 
freely  ;  and  the  common  people  heard  me  gladly.  The  next 
day  also  many  attended,  and  I  hope  my  labour  will  not  be 
altogether  in  vain. 

Thursday,  8.  My  heart  was  sweetly  resigned  to  the  will 
of  my  Lord.  I  was  willing  to  do  or  suffer  whatsoever  he 
might  see  proper  to  require  of  me.  Met  with  a  man  to-day 
who  came  from  a  place  about  eighteen  miles  from  the 
springs.  He  never  heard  a  Methodist  before,  nor  saw  one ; 
yet  he  appeared  to  be  a  Methodist  in  principle,  experience, 
and  practice.  He  was  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  himself 
and  of  God  by  the  means  of  sore  afflictions  of  body,  prayer, 


Aug.,  1776.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


and  reading.  Thus  we  see  the  Lord  works  where,  and  in 
what  manner  he  pleases.  My  spirit  has  been  much  united  to 
the  faithful  people  of  God  of  every  denomination ;  and  at  this 
time  I  felt  a  spirit  of  unity  with  Mr.  H.,  a  German  minister, — 
though  the  Germans  in  general,  who  dwell  in  these  parts, 
seem  very  insensible  to  the  things  of  God.  On  Thursday 
night  we  had  a  mixed  company  of  Germans  and  English ;  Mr. 
H.  preached  in  German  and  I  in  English.  Our  exercises  in  the 
evening  were  as  usual.  Many  have  been  much  affected 
lately,  under  the  word  which  I  have  delivered  from  time  to 
time  for  God. 

Lord's  day,  11.  A  fine,  sensible,  polite  gentleman  deliver- 
ed a  discourse  on  the  new  birth ;  he  described  it  by  its 
effects,  but  appeared  to  be  at  a  total  loss  in  respect  to  the 
manner  in  which  it  is  wrought.  I  had  spoken  in  the  morning, 
and  in  the  evening  preached  again,  pressing  religion  on  the 
young  people  especially,  and  showing  the  superior  advanta- 
ges and  satisfaction  arising  from  it  even  in  this  life. 

Monday,  12.  I  rode  seventeen  miles  to  see  a  saint  indeed ; 
a  woman  confined  to  her  bed  for  fifteen  years,  and  quite  hap- 
py in  the  love  of  God,  though  she  had  never  seen  a  Methodist, 
or  any  other  truly  religious  people.  Where  are  the  free- 
thinkers ?  Is  this  priestcraft  ?  How  can  that  be  priestcraft, 
which  no  priest  ever  had  a  hand  in  ?  No  !  this  is  the  effect  of 
Divine  power  and  goodness  :  and,  so  is  all  real,  heart-felt  reli- 
gion. But  if  poor  impenitent  sinners  will  not  give  all  dili- 
gence to  know  the  comfort  of  enjoying  religion,  they  will, 
they  must,  though  much  against  their  will,  know,  in  due  time, 
the  misery  of  rejecting  it.  After  I  had  preached,  with  some 
Divine  assistance,  to  about  one  hundred  people  collected  from 
the  country  parts  around,  we  returned  and  had  a  comfortable 
time  in  our  evening  meeting.  The  house  in  which  we  live,  at 
the  springs,  is  not  the  most  agreeable  :  the  size  of  it  is  twenty 
feet  by  sixteen ;  and  there  are  seven  beds  and  sixteen  persons 
therein,  and  some  noisy  children.  So  I  dwell  amongst  briars 
and  thorns ;  but  my  soul  is  in  peace. 

Tuesday,  13.  I  found  the  parson  had  been  encouraging  the 


196 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Aug.,  1*776. 


gentlemen  to  oppose  me,  and  intimating  that  it  was  very  im- 
proper to  permit  me  to  preach.  My  soul  is  amongst  lions, 
but  the  God  of  Daniel  is  with  me.  I  attempted  to  preacli  in 
the  day,  but  my  mind  was  shut  up ;  though  my  spirit  was 
revived  in  the  evening  lecture.  Is  it  strange  to  see  a  priest 
conducting  a  persecution  against  the  people  of  God  ?  When 
did  a  persecution  take  place  in  which  men  of  that  character 
had  no  hand  ?  But  although  Satan  may  be  permitted  to 
transform  himself  into  an  angel  of  light  for  a  season,  yet  he 
will  not  always  have  his  own  way  in  this  matter. 

Thursday,  15.  My  throat  grew  worse,  and  it  was  a  rainy 
day,  so  I  was  obliged  to  be  dumb ;  but  having  faithfully  de- 
clared to  them,  from  time  to  time,  the  whole  counsel  of  God, 
both  in  his  promises  and  threatenings,  I  felt  myself  contented 
as  having  delivered  my  own  soul. 

Friday,  16.  My  throat  growing  worse,  they  put  a  blister 
behind  my  ear ;  but  my  conscience  was  pure,  and  I  quietly 
submitted  to  the  will  of  Heaven.  May  the  Lord  keep  me 
pure  in  heart,  and  humble  at  his  feet,  till  he  shall  make  up  his 
jewels,  and  bring  them  into  his  glorious  presence,  where  sor- 
row and  sighing  shall  be  done  away  !  Glory  to  God,  nothing 
has  lately  broken  the  peace  of  my  tranquil  breast ! 

Lord's  day,  18.  Found  myself  better,  and  felt  a  desire  to 
preach,  which  I  did ;  after  having  heard  parson  W.,  and  found 
myself  at  liberty  while  showing,  L  The  natural  state  of  the 
Gentile  world:  2.  Their  spiritual  state:  3.  The  means  and 
manner  of  their  change  :  and  lastly,  I  applied  it  to  the  Chris- 
tian world,  so  called, — heathens  in  their  hearts  and  practices  ; 
and  showed  how  vain  it  is  to  substitute  heathen  morality,  or 
religious  forms  and  ceremonies,  for  true  religion.  My  friend 
Mr.  B.  and  his  wife,  from  Portsmouth,  arrived  here  to-day. 

Thursday,  22.  My  soul  has  been  daily  grieved  by  the 
practices  of  poor  blinded  sinners ;  but  the  Lord  has  supported 
and  comforted  me.  I  have  not  spared,  but  preached  plainly 
and  pointedly  every  day  this  week ;  and  to-day  Mr.  S.,  a 
German  minister,  went  with  me  about  nine  miles  to  a  German 
settlement,  where  we  both  preached  in  our  proper  tongues. 


Aug.,  177C]         ASEURY'S  JOURNAL.  197 

Friday,  23.  I  had  some  serious  conversation  with  a  Qua- 
ker, on  the  subject  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  as  the  grand  cri- 
terion of  all  inward  and  outward  religion.  But  to  deny  this, 
is  to  oppose  the  present  dictates  of  the  Holy  Ghost  to  its 
former  dictates ;  which  would  be  a  most  dangerous  absurdity. 
How  strange,  how  presumptuous,  to  exalt  the  dignity  of 
modern  speakers  beyond  that  of  the  prophets  and  apostles, 
who  spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  have 
given  us  a  sure  word  of  prophecy,  whereunto  we  do  well 
that  we  take  heed  !  (2  Pet.  i,  19.)  But  we  must  come  to  the 
law  and  to  the  testimony ;  if  they  speak  not  according  to  this 
word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  light  in  them.  (Isaiah  viii,  20.) 
We  are  sure  that  the  Sacred  Scriptures  are  of  God ;  and  we 
are  as  sure,  if  any  man  speak  contrary  to  them,  he  is  not  of 
God. 

Lord's  day,  25.  I  have  had  strong  confidence  towards 
God,  but  my  heart  has  not  been  so  constantly  and  fervently 
employed  in  the  spirit  of  prayer  as  it  might  have  been.  Af- 
ter preaching  to-day,  I  fell  in  with  one  of  the  wildest  Anti- 
nomians  I  had  ever  met  with.  He  undertook  to  prove  that 
love  is  not  love ;  and  said,  "  they  that  are  born  of  God  do  not 
sin;  but  that  they  may  sin  in  all  manner  of  ways,  and  fre- 
quently do  so."  But  what  was  most  surprising,  he  said,  "  he 
valued  not  my  God  and  Christ ;  for  they  could  neither  save 
nor  damn  him."  Such  language  is  enough  to  make  a  man 
shudder  in  repeating  it. 

Tuesday,  27.  Having  taken  my  leave  yesterday,  in  dis- 
coursing on  the  parable  of  the  sower,  I  this  day  turned  my 
back  on  the  springs,  as  the  best  and  the  worst  place  that  I 
ever  was  in ;  good  for  health,  but  most  injurious  to  religion. 
We  then  rode  about  twenty-five  miles,  and  called  to  see  friend 
R.,  but  had  to  lodge  on  the  boards.  The  next  day  a  minister 
attended  to  hear  the  word  at  Dr.  C.'s,  and  gave  us  a  kind  in- 
vitation to  his  lodging. 

Saturday,  31.  I  met  brother  L.  and  brother  F.  at  Mr.  G.'s. 
Thus  hath  the  Lord  preserved  me  through  various  trials,  and 
his  providence  hath  conducted  me  back  in  safety.    I  enjoy 


198 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.        [Sept.,  1776. 


more  health,  and  perhaps  possess  more  grace  than  before  I 
went  to  the  springs.  Now,  0  Lord,  only  make  and  keep  me 
pure ;  and  let  me  be  wholly  and  only  thine  !  My  soul  was  en- 
larged in  preaching  to-day,  and  many  were  melted  under  the 
word.  I  strove  to  prevail  with  brother  F.  to  go  to  Baltimore, 
but  could  not. 

Lord's  day,  September  1.  I  rode  to  Gunpowder- Neck,  and 
preached  twice.  My  soul  was  exceedingly  happy  in  God, 
both  in  preaching  and  meeting  the  class ;  as  it  also  was  the 
next  day  at  I.  D.'s.  But  alas !  we  hear  of  bloodshed  and 
slaughter.  Many  immortal  souls  are  driven  to  eternity  by 
the  bloody  sword.  This  is  a  grief  to  my  soul !  Lord,  scatter 
them  that  delight  in  war,  and  thirst  for  human  blood !  It  is 
well  for  the  righteous  that  this  is  not  their  home.  No :  they 
are  blessed  with  a  pacific  spirit,  and  are  bound  for  a  kingdom 
of  peace,  where 

"  No  horrid  alarum  of  war 

Shall  break  our  eternal  repose ; 
No  sound  of  the  trumpet  is  there 

Where  Jesus's  Spirit  o'erflows : 
Appeased  by  the  charms  of  thy  grace, 

We  all  shall  in  amity  join, 
And  kindly  each  other  embrace, 

And  love  with  a  passion  like  thine." 

Friday,  6.  Having  been  much  fatigued  by  long  rides,  and 
preaching  and  meeting  classes  every  day,  though  for  the  most 
part  both  the  people  and  myself  were  much  quickened,  I 
came  to-day  to  my  old  and  faithful  friend's,  H.  W.,  and  the 
people  felt  the  two-edged  sword  of  the  word.  Glory  to  God  ! 
I  find  a  constant  sense  of  his  divine  love,  though  still  blame 
myself  for  being  too  free  in  conversation  when  amongst  my 
friends. 

Lord's  day,  8.  The  congregation  at  Bush-Forest  preaching- 
house,  appeared  to  be  very  insensible  ;  and  it  seemed  as  if  they 
had  opposed  the  truth  so  long,  that  they  could  feel  it  no  more. 
But  at  Deer-Creek,  my  heart  was  warm,  and  the  people  were 
moved.    On  Monday  I  also  preached  twice ;  but  on  Tuesday 


Sept.,  1*776.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


199 


it  seemed  as  if  my  labour  was  too  much  for  my  strength.  I 
have  scarce  had  time  to  enter  a  few  lines  in  my  journal,  but 
have  been  almost  constantly  employed  in  riding  from  place  to 
place,  and  speaking  to  the  people. 

Wednesday,  11.  The  people  were  serious  at  W.  B.'s.  Here 
I  saw  the  son  of  the  famous  Dr.  F  ;  but  how  unlike  his  father 
both  in  respect  to  grace  and  good  sense  !  My  soul  now  hangs 
on  the  Lord,  and  dwells  in  the  element  of  purity  ;  desirous  of 
nothing  but  to  enjoy  more  of  God,  and  to  be  entirely  dedicated 
to  his  service.  On  Thursday  I  found  a  loving,  simple  people 
at  T.  B.'s,  and  was  comforted  in  meeting  the  class ;  though 
I  had  been  undesignedly  led  to  reach  beyond  their  capacity 
in  my  preaching.  Friday,  13.  I  came  to  Mr.  G.'s,  and  met 
with  brother  I.  M.  from  New- York,  who  brought  painful  ac- 
counts of  bloodshed  and  slaughter.  On  Saturday,  I  felt  un- 
well, and  was  apprehensive  that  my  return  to  Baltimore  might 
bring  on  my  old  complaints.  We  had  a  large  company  and 
a  refreshing  season  at  Mr.  G.'s,  where  brother  F.  exhorted 
after  I  had  preached. 

Monday,  16.  This  was  an  abasing  season.  My  soul  was 
cast  down  and  deeply  humbled,  under  a  consciousness  of  my 
spiritual  wants.  I  did  not  enjoy  such  a  cheerful  sense  of  the 
divine  goodness  as  at  other  times,  but  ardently  panted  for 
more  of  the  Spirit  of  Christ. 

Tuesday,  17.  Both  rich  and  poor  came  out  to  hear  the  word 
at  Elk-Ridge,  and  some  of  the  young  and  gay  were  made  to 
weep.  It  will  be  well  for  them,  if  they  prefer  Jesus  Christ 
and  his  cross  to  all  the  wealth  and  vanity  of  this  world.  I 
went  home  with  Caleb  Dorsey,  who  was  once  convinced  of  sin, 
but  has  now  grown  worse  than  ever.  He  had  about  forty 
souls  in  his  family,  untaught  as  the  Indians  in  the  forest. 
They  seem  to  roll  in  plenty :  but  "  there  is  no  peace,  saith  my 
God,  to  the  wicked."  At  Mr.  R.'s  on  Wednesday,  we  had 
but  few  to  hear.  But  many  or  few,  it  makes  no  difference 
with  me.  The  Lord  filled  me  with  divine  consolation  while  I 
was  dispensing  the  word  of  life  to  them. 

Friday,  20.  Returned  to  Baltimore,  and  found  that  a  work 


200 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  1776. 


which  had  cost  some  thousands  of  pounds,  was  burnt  down. 
How  easily  can  divine  Providence  strip  us  of  all  our  earthly- 
objects  !  Are  not  such  occurrences  loud  calls  from  a  gracious 
God  ?  "  Lay  not  up  for  yourselves  treasures  upon  earth,  but 
lay  up  for  yourselves  treasures  in  heaven."  I  have  been  much 
enlarged  in  preaching,  and  favoured  with  peculiar  nearness  to 
God  at  certain  times,  for  this  week  past ;  but  have  been  also 
sorely  tempted  by  the  enemy,  and  found  it  required  great  ex- 
ertions of  faith  and  prayer,  to  conquer  every  motion.  Glory 
to  God  for  his  grace  bestowed  on  me  through  Jesus  Christ ! 
We  have  now  several  exhorters  raised  up  in  different  parts  of 

the  country.    This  evening  Mr.  R  a  came  to  town. 

Lord's  day,  22.  My  labour  was  great.  I  preached  twice, 
and  met  the  white  people  and  the  black  people  separately  at 
the  Point ;  and  after  preaching  in  town,  met  a  class.  All 
this  I  could  submit  to  with  cheerfulness ;  but  my  spirit  was 
grieved  for  the  want  of  more  holiness,  and  more  of  God. 

"  0  grant  that  nothing  in  my  soul 

May  dwell,  but  thy  pure  love  alone  : 
0  may  thy  love  possess  me  whole, — 

My  joy,  my  treasure,  and  my  crown  : 
Strange  flames  far  from  my  heart  remove  ; 
My  every  act,  word,  thought,  be  love." 

Monday,  23.  My  soul  has  been  much  harassed  by  Satan; 
though  I  found  great  freedom  in  preaching  to  a  number  of 
souls  at  the  Point.  On  Tuesday  also  my  spiritual  exercises 
were  great  and  painful.  Lord,  I  am  oppressed ;  undertake  for 
me.  Rode  to  Mr.  E.'s,  and  found  the  accuser  of  the  brethren 
had  taken  advantage  of  the  society,  by  tempting  them  one 
against  another.  But  most  of  them  and  the  congregation 
seemed  to  feel  the  power  of  the  word  preached. 

Wednesday,  25.  Though  unwell,  I  returned  to  town,  preach- 
ed to  a  large  and  serious  congregation,  and  endeavoured  to 
secure,  in  a  proper  manner,  our  little  building  at  the  Point. 
Having  preached  at  N.  P.'s  on  Thursday,  I  found  W.  L.  very 
sick  on  Friday  ;  but  the  small  company  which  was  collected 
for  worship,  were  deeply  affected  under  the  word.  And, 


Oct.,  me.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


201 


blessed  be  my  all-sufficient  Deliverer !  my  soul  was  in  a  great 
measure  disburdened  of  its  temptations,  and  restored  to  de- 
lightful access  to  God,  especially  in  the  exercise  of  prayer. 

0  my  God !  keep  me  always  near  to  thee ;  always  humble 
and  watchful ! 

Saturday,  28.  At  Mr.  G.'s,  I  met  the  preachers,  I.  M.  and 
T.  F.,  and  we  had  a  great  melting  in  public  worship :  my  own 
soul  also  partook  of  the  blessing. 

Lord's  day,  29.  There  were  five  or  six  hundred  people  at 
the  Forks,  to  whom  I  discoursed  on  the  judgments  of  God ; 
and  showed  who  are  the  provoking  cause — not  religious  peo- 
ple, as  the  ignorant  say,  but  those  who  transgress  the  laws  of 
God  in  defiance  of  his  justice.  Thus  it  was  with  the  antedi- 
luvians, with  the  Egyptians,  with  the  apostate  Israelites  in  the 
wilderness,  with  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  after  the  coming 
of  Christ,  and  thus  it  is  with  us.  After  preaching  we  held  a 
love-feast,  and  the  power  of  God  was  present  with  us.  Then 

went  to  Mr.  G  y's  and  preached  to  a  large  company  there. 

After  which  I  went  home  with  Mr.  C,  but  found  that  my 
labour  was  too  much  for  my  strength,  and  had  brought  on  a 
fever. 

Monday,  30.  Rode  nine  miles  and  preached  at  Mr.  M.'s, 
then  six  miles  farther,  and  preached  and  met  the  society  at 
Mr.  G  r's ;  and  the  Lord  was  with  us.  I  now  find  my- 
self better  both  in  body  and  mind,  and  know  the  truth  of  our 
Lord's  words,  "  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee." 

Friday,  October  4.  Having  travelled  through  the  Barrens, 
and  preached  at  several  places,  I  came  to  brother  C.'s,  and 
met  with  W.  L.    And  after  preaching  in  a  cold,  open  house, 

1  rode  to  Mr.  R.'s,  and  was  happy  in  the  company  of  my  good 
friends.  On  Saturday  I  lodged  at  the  house  of  N.  J.,  a  happy, 
simple  soul,  the  glory  of  this  family. 

Lord's  day,  6.  We  had  a  great  meeting  at  the  widow  M.'s. 
I  preached  at  eleven  o'clock  to  six  or  seven  hundred  souls  ;  and 
then  we  held  a  love-feast,  in  which  many  spoke  of  the  good- 
ness of  God.  We  had  five  or  six  preachers  and  exhorters; 
so  we  also  held  a  watch-night  from  six  o'clock  till  ten.  And 


202 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1776. 


I  felt  as  if  it  would  have  been  no  burden  to  have  tarried  in 
religious  exercises  all  the  night.  The  next  evening  likewise 
we  had  a  very  solemn  watch-night  at  W.  R.'s. 

Wednesday,  9.  Having  received  a  letter  from  Mrs.  M.  of 
Middle-River  Neck,  requesting  me  to  go  and  preach  a  funeral 
sermon  at  the  burial  of  her  sister,  I  set  out  this  morning  in 
compliance  with  her  request.  We  found  it  a  serious,  awful 
season :  and  after  all  was  over,  she  offered  me  some  money ; 
but  being  in  a  place  where  I  could  receive  my  six  pounds  per 
quarter,  which  was  sufficient  for  keeping  me  in  clothes  and  a 
horse,  I  thankfully  refused  to  take  it.  She  was  capable  of 
making  an  excellent,  useful  Christian,  and  appeared  to  be  under 
religious  impressions. 

Thursday,  10.  At  the  head  of  the  river,  I  found  a  few  poor, 
cold-hearted,  contentious  people :  but  in  the  time  of  my  preach- 
ing from  Galatians  v,  24,  25,  most  of  them  seemed  much  af- 
fected. 

Saturday,  12.  At  Mr.  G.'s  I  met  brother  R  n,  who 

was  just  recovering  from  a  late  illness ;  and  the  next  day  we 
rode  in  company  to  the  Point,  where  he  preached  a  very  pro- 
fitable sermon :  and  the  Lord  applied  the  word  to  the  hearts 
of  the  people,  while  I  preached  at  night  in  town. 

Monday,  14.  My  soul  enjoyed  the  peace  of  God  which 
passeth  all  understanding.  Mr.  R.  went  with  me  to  T.  W.'s, 
and  as  he  was  unwell  it  fell  on  me  to  preach.  I  was  greatly 
drawn  out  in  my  affections  and  ideas ;  and  it  was  a  tender, 
melting  time.  On  Tuesday  I  preached  with  holy  warmth  at 
Mr.  S.'s,  though  I  had  caught  cold,  and  found  myself  much 
indisposed. 

Wednesday,  16.  Met  with  brother  W  e,  and  as  I  found 

myself  unwell,  I  requested  him  to  take  my  place  for  a  day, 
but  could  not  prevail ;  so  I  patiently  submitted  to  go  on, 
and  think  hard  of  nothing  that  may  occur.  If  Jesus  Christ 
suffered  so  much  in  purchasing  salvation  for  men,  we  may 
be  willing  to  suffer  a  little  in  carrying  the  glad  tidings 
amongst  them. 

Friday,  18.  My  body  continued  unwell,  and  my  labour 


Oct.,  1776.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


203 


has  been  tiresome  to  the  flesh,  but  my  soul  has  been  much 
blessed  with  an  uninterrupted  peace,  and  sweet  communion 
with  God.  This  is  the  time  for  suffering  and  toil,  but  a  rest 
remaineth  for  the  people  of  God. 

"  And  what  are  all  my  sufferings  here, 
If,  Lord,  thou  count'st  me  meet 
With  thy  enraptured  host  to  appear, 
And  worship  at  thy  feet  ?" 

I  went  to  the  Point,  and  delivered  my  message  to  the  con- 
gregation with  much  freedom.  But  the  next  day  my  spirit 
was  grieved  to  find  that  the  love  of  some  was  waxing  cold. 
When  Christ  cometh,  will  he  find  faith  on  the  earth  ?  What 
an  ungrateful  creature  is  man  !  to  taste  and  see  that  the  Lord 
is  good,  and  then  turn  again  to  folly  ! 

Lord's  day,  20.  My  spirit  was  much  refreshed  in  preaching 
and  meeting  the  little  flock  at  the  Point ;  and  while  I  was 
preaching  with  peculiar  sympathy  in  town,  a  poor  sinner  was 
so  affected  that  he  groaned  as  in  an  agony.  If  sinners  could 
know  as  much  of  hell  as  the  damned  do,  they  would  both  groan 
and  roar  aloud :  it  is  the  blindness  of  their  minds  that  keeps 
them  so  easy.  On  Monday,  W.  L.,  I.  F.,  brother  S.,  and  my- 
self, held  a  watch-night  at  the  Point ;  and  my  soul  was  much 
quickened,  though  many  of  the  people  appeared  to  be  dull. 

Thursday,  24.  At  the  funeral  of  Mr.  T.'s  son,  I  preached 
to  about  a  thousand  souls,  and  gave  him  such  a  character  as 
I  thought  he  deserved.  Some  were  affected  ;  but  the  funeral 
parade  engaged  the  attention  of  too  many.  I  spent  about 
three  hours  in  the  different  exercises  suitable  to  the  occasion, 
found  myself  pure  from  the  blood  of  the  people,  and  took 
nothing  for  my  services. 

Friday,  25.  Being  a  day  of  rest  from  public  exercises, 
I  spent  it  in  prayer,  meditation,  and  reading ;  partly  in 
Whitby's  Notes,  and  partly  in  the  Life  of  Solon,  the  Athenian 
philosopher. 

Saturday,  26.  Meeting  with  two  of  the  preachers,  we  took 
sweet  counsel  together.    And  after  I  had  preached  the  next 


204 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.,  11 10. 


day  at  Gunpowder-Neck,  we  held  a  love-feast.  There  was  a 
great  melting  among  the  people,  which  I  hope  will  be  the 
first-fruits  of  a  gracious  harvest. 

Monday,  28.  The  people  were  too  destitute  of  spiritual  life 
at  Mr.  D.'s.  But  I  found  some  faithful,  lively  souls,  the  next 
day,  at  Susquehanna. 

Saturday,  November  2.  For  a  few  days  past  I  have  been 
variously  exercised  in  preaching  at  different  places.  Some 
congregations  were  warm  and  earnest  in  religion ;  others 
were  dull,  and  seemed  to  have  but  little  relish  for  Divine 
things.  To-day  I  came  home  to  H.  W.'s,  and,  except  the 
time  employed  in  public  and  private  exercises,  I  was  taken 
up  in  reading  Whitby's  Comments.  He  is  steady  to  his  pur- 
pose in  confuting  Socinianism  and  Calvinism. 

Lord's  day,  3.  "Truly  my  soul  waiteth  upon  God  :  from 
him  cometh  my  salvation."  I  know  they  that  wait  upon  him 
shall  renew  their  strength.  He  hath  drawn  me  by  the  cords 
of  his  love,  and  blessed  me  with  sweet  communion.  In 
preaching  and  meeting  class  at  Deer-Creek,  I  felt  so  much  of 
the  worth  of  immortal  souls  more  than  usual,  that  I  seemed 
as  one  awaking  out  of  sleep. 

Tuesday,  5.  My  spiritual  trials  have  been  heavy,  but  the 
Lord  supported  and  gave  me  peace.  Lord,  sanctify  me 
wholly,  and  keep  me  in  the  dust ! 

Thursday,  1.  Have  read  Whitby's  first  volume  as  far  as 
the  end  of  the  Acts.  I  preached  and  met  class  to-day  at 
T.  B.'s.  And  the  next  day  at  the  Forks,  I  found  a  people 
that  walk  closely  with  God.    Leaving  them  for  the  present, 

I  went  to  meet  Mr.  R  n,  who  was  then  recovered  from 

his  illness.  On  the  Lord's  day  we  were  employed  in  public 
exercises  at  the  widow  B.'s.  On  Monday  we  had  a  heart- 
affecting  time  in  prayer-meeting  at  Deer- Creek :  and  Tues- 
day, 12,  we  held  our  quarterly  meeting.  We  had  a  very 
solemn  time  at  the  love-feast,  in  which  many  spoke  freely 
and  feelingly  of  what  God  had  done  for  their  souls.  After 
the  preaching  was  ended  and  the  temporal  business  all  settled, 
we  then  laid  a  plan  for  regulating  the  public  exercises  of  the 


Nov.,  1776.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


205 


local  preachers ;  and  concluded  the  whole  in  much  love  and 
good  order.  But  these  public  times  interrupt  my  private 
devotions  and  communion  with  God.  It  would  be  very  dis- 
agreeable to  live  so  always.  One  of  the  preachers  brought 
an  account  of  an  apparition  that  appeared  to  a  lad,  and  gave 
a  particular  account  of  being  murdered  by  his  fellow-soldier, 
requesting  that  the  lad's  father  might  lodge  an  information 
against  the  murderer:  which  was  done.  I  was  informed 
that  the  American  and  English  armies  were  cannonading 
within  a  mile  of  each  other,  near  New-Rochelle.  How 
much  better  would  it  be  for  mankind,  to  "  seek  peace  and 
pursue  it !" 

Wednesday,  13.  Was  spent  comfortably  in  company  with 
the  preachers.  We  had  a  public  meeting,  in  which  we  all 
prayed  and  exhorted :  and  the  Lord  gave  us  his  blessing. 
Brother  K.  and  I  spent  Thursday  at  Mr.  G.'s ;  and  on  Fri- 
day I  went  to  Baltimore. 

Saturday,  1G.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  applied  the  word  to 
the  hearts  of  the  people,  while  I  preached  in  town  with  much 
animation. 

Lord's  day,  17.  It  was  difficult  to  reach  the  hearts  of  the 
congregation  at  the  Point :  but  we  had  great  satisfaction  in 
the  class-meeting.  Though  my  body  was  weak,  and  there 
were  symptoms  of  a  fever,  yet  I  was  enabled  to  preach  with 
spiritual  life  and  power  at  night  in  town. 

Monday,  18.  My  body  was  disordered,  and  my  spirit  sen- 
sibly felt  the  burden  of  the  flesh ;  but  under  all  my  weak- 
ness and  pains,  my  soul  was  exceedingly  happy  in  God. 
On  Tuesday  I  was  still  unwell,  and  took  a  vomit.  By  Thurs- 
day I  had  got  clear  of  my  fevers,  and  on  Friday  met  the 
preachers  W.  W.,  W.  L.,  and  C.  P.  But  my  throat  was  now 
sore,  and  my  mind  a  little  uneasy  on  account  of  the  disap- 
pointment in  the  circuit. 

Lord's  day,  24.  I  felt  unwell,  but  went  to  the  Point  in  the 
morning,  where  my  mind  was  interrupted  by  the  frequent 
coming  of  the  people,  almost  to  the  very  end  of  the  sermon. 
After  the  preaching  was  over,  I  told  them  that  I  had  rather 


206 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Dec,  1776. 


they  would  stay  at  home,  than  come  in  such  an  irregular 
manner.  The  congregation  were  very  serious  in  the  evening 
at  town.    But  I  felt  much  exhausted. 

Monday,  25.  My  soul  was  calm  and  comfortable.  I  have 
applied  myself  much  to  reading  Whitby  :  but  he  has  so  much 
to  say  about  different  men's  opinions,  that  it  makes  the  labour 
of  reading  him  too  dry  and  tedious.  Now  I  began  to  read 
the  Christian  Library.  On  Tuesday  intended  to  go  to  Mr. 
T.'s,  but  as  there  was  a  heavy  rain,  I  thought  it  unsafe  to 
venture  so  soon  after  my  recovery.  My  soul  has  had  com- 
plete victory  over  all  sin,  and  been  blessed  with  peaceable 
and  calm  fellowship  with  the  Father  and  the  Son.  Thanks 
be  to  God  for  his  unspeakable  gifts  ! 

Wednesday,  27.  I  went  to  Mr.  R.'s,  where  we  held  a  watch- 
night.  My  ideas  were  much  contracted  in  preaching ;  but 
we  had  several  exhorters  present,  and  they  all  spoke.  A 
great  part  of  what  they  said  was  very  simple,  though  well 
intended,  no  doubt.  The  society  were  greatly  melted  at  Mr. 
P.'s  on  Thursday ;  and  on  Friday  I  went  to  a  place  of 
W.  M.'s  cultivation,  and  I  found  a  society  of  about  thirty  se- 
rious, steady  people. 

Saturday,  30.  Returning  to  Baltimore,  I  preached  from 
Rom.  viii,  38,  39.  The  congregation  was  small,  but  there 
was  power  in  the  word.  It  was  now  reported  that  the 
British  troops  were  on  their  march  to  Philadelphia.  Troubles 
may  be  at  hand.  But  my  design  is,  through  grace,  so  to 
improve  my  time  as  to  be  always  prepared  for  the  worst. 
Poor  sinners  have  cause  to  tremble  at  the  approach  of  death  ; 
but  even  in  that  dreaded  hour,  the  righteous  can  rejoice  in 
hope  of  the  glory  of  God. 

Lord's  day,  December  1.  Preached  as  usual  both  at  town 
and  Point ;  but  some  of  the  people  seemed  destitute  of  spiritual 
feelings.  There  is  no  small  danger  of  their  being  given  up  to 
hardness  of  heart.  If  the  word  preached  does  not  prove  the 
savour  of  life  unto  life,  it  will  prove  the  savour  of  death  unto 
death.  So  that  people  may  hear  the  word  of  God,  and  re- 
sist the  operations  of  his  Spirit,  till  they  and  their  seats  have 


Dec,  1776.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


an  equal  degree  of  spiritual  sensibility  when  the  word  of  God 
is  preached. 

Monday,  2.  In  reading  Whitby  on  1  Cor.  iv,  4,  I  observed 
these  words :  "  Here  also  note  in  St.  Paul  another  sense  of 
justi6  cation ;  as  it  relates  to  our  absolution  from  condemna- 
tion, and  our  approbation  as  righteous  at  the  last  day,  which 
will  be,  saith  he,  according  to  our  works,  (2  Cor.  v,  10,)  and  our 
fidelity  in  execution  of  the  trusts  committed  to  us,  verse  2." 
We  are  commanded  to  follow  Jesus  Christ.  And  he,  for  the 
joy  that  was  set  before  him,  endured  the  cross,  despising  the 
shame.  So  it  is  our  duty  to  follow  the  example  of  Moses, 
who  had  respect  unto  the  recompense  of  reward.  Hence  it 
appears,  we  are  justified  by  the  merits  of  Christ,  through 
faith,  in  the  day  of  conversion  ;  and  by  the  evidence  of  works 
in  the  day  of  judgment.  Happy  is  the  Christian  who  abounds 
with  them ! 

Tuesday,  3.  I  was  informed  that  proposals  were  in  agita- 
tion for  settling  Mr.  S  e,  and  allowing  him  a  maintenance. 

But  none  of  these  things  shall  give  me  much  distress.  My 
soul  quietly  resteth  in  the  Lord.  I  have  some  desire  to  know 
the  issue  of  what  relates  to  Philadelphia  at  this  critical  junc- 
ture.   But  there  is  a  God  who  overruleth  all  these  matters. 

Thursday,  5.  My  soul  was  much  enlarged  to-day  in  preach- 
ing at  N.  P.'s.  I  afterward  went  in  company  with  Mr.  0.  to 
brother  L.'s.  And  on  Friday,  N.  P.,  W.  M.,  and  myself, 
held  a  watch-night.  Saturday,  I  returned  to  Baltimore,  in  a 
spiritual  frame  of  mind,  and  preached  from  John  viii,  12: 
"  He  that  followeth  me  shall  not  walk  in  darkness." 

Lord's  day,  8.  My  present  practice  is,  to  set  apart  about 
three  hours  out  of  every  twenty-four  for  private  prayer; 
but  Satan  labours  much  to  interrupt  me;  nevertheless,  my 
soul  enjoys  a  sweet  and  peaceful  nearness  to  God,  for  the 
most  part,  in  these  duties.  I  found  some  at  the  Point 
mourning  for  an  interest  in  Jesus  Christ.  May  the  Lord, 
whom  they  seek,  come  suddenly  into  the  temple  of  their  dis- 
consolate hearts  ! 

Monday,  9.  My  ideas  were  clear  and  my  heart  was  warm, 


208  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Dec,  17*76. 

while  I  was  treating  on  the  regal  dignity  of  Christ,  the  na- 
ture of  his  government,  and  the  privileges  of  his  subjects. 

Tuesday,  10.  With  the  snow  full  in  my  face,  I  set  out  for 
Mr.  T.'s.  The  flesh  was  reluctant  for  a  while,  but  was 
brought  to  submit.  When  the  mind  is  reconciled  to  duties 
and  difficulties,  then  that  which  was  hard  becomes  easy. 

Thursday,  12.  I  was  greatly  assisted  and  blessed  in  my 
own  soul,  while  preaching  about  two  hours  at  a  watch-night 
at  Mr.  P.'s.  We  have  many  alarming  accounts  of  martial 
preparations.  But  I  leave  the  troubles  of  to-morrow  till  to- 
morrow comes.  My  desire  is  to  live  more  to  God  to-day 
than  yesterday,  and  to  be  more  holy  this  hour  than  the  last. 

Lord's  day,  15.  The  troubles  of  the  times  seemed  so  to 
engross  the  attention  of  the  people,  that  the  congregation 
were  very  dull  while  I  preached  at  night  in  Baltimore,  from 
Micah  vi,  9  :  "  The  Lord's  voice  crieth  unto  the  city,  and  the 
man  of  wisdom  shall  see  thy  name ;  hear  ye  the  rod,  and 

who  hath  appointed  it."    It  seems  Mr.  R  n  is  going  to 

New- York. 

Thursday,  19.  Received  a  narrative  of  the  work  of  God  in 
Virginia,  written  by  Mr.  J.  to  be  sent  to  Mr.  Wesley.  The 
Lord  has  been  displaying  the  power  of  his  grace  in  a  mar- 
vellous manner,  through  many  parts  of  Virginia.  An  extract 
of  the  narrative  is  here  subjoined. 


A  BRIEF  NARRATIVE  OF  THE  REVIVAL  OF  RELIGION 
IN  VIRGINIA.    IN  A  LETTER  TO  A  FRIEND. 

Dear  Sir, — You  were  pleased,  when  in  Virginia,  to  desire 
a  narrative  of  the  work  of  God  in  these  parts.  I  shall  give 
you  matter  of  fact,  in  a  plain,  artless  dress ;  relating  only 
what  I  have  myself  seen  and  heard,  and  what  I  have  receiv- 
ed from  men  on  whose  judgment  and  veracity  I  can  fully 
depend. 

That  you  may  have  a  full  view  of  the  whole,  I  shall  go 
back  as  far  as  my  first  settlement  in  this  parish.    August  29, 


Dec,  1776.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


209 


1763,  I  was  chosen  rector  of  B.,  in.  the  county  of  D.,  in  Vir- 
ginia. Ignorance  of  the  things  of  God,  profaneness,  and 
ir religion,  then  prevailed  among  all  ranks  and  degrees.  So 
that  I  doubt  if  even  the  form  of  godliness  was  to  be  found  in 
any  one  family  of  this  large  and  populous  parish.  I  was  a 
stranger  to  the  people:  my  doctrines  were  quite  new  to 
them ;  and  were  neither  preached  nor  believed  by  any  other 
clergyman,  so  far  as  I  could  learn,  throughout  the  province. 

My  first  work  was,  to  explain  the  depravity  of  our  nature ; 
our  fall  in  Adam,  and  all  the  evils  consequent  thereon ;  the 
impossibility  of  being  delivered  from  them  by  anything  which 
we  could  do,  and  the  necessity  of  a  living  faith,  in  order  to 
our  obtaining  help  from  God.  While  I  continued  to  insist 
upon  these  truths,  and  on  the  absolute  necessity  of  being 
born  again,  no  small  outcry  was  raised  against  this  way,  as 
well  as  against  him  that  taught  it.  But  by  the  help  of  God, 
I  continued  to  witness  the  same  both  to  small  and  great, 

The  common  people,  however,  frequented  the  church  more 
constantly,  and  in  larger  numbers  than  usual.  Some  were 
affected  at  times,  so  as  to  drop  a  tear.  But  still,  for  a  year 
or  more,  I  perceived  no  lasting  effect,  only  a  few  were  not 
altogether  so  profane  as  before.  I  could  discover  no  heart- 
felt convictions  of  sin,  no  deep  or  lasting  impression  of  their 
lost  estate.  Indeed  I  have  reason  to  believe  that  some  have 
been  a  good  deal  alarmed  at  times.  But  they  were  shy  of 
speaking  to  me  (thinking  it  would  be  presumption)  till  their 
convictions  wore  off. 

But  in  the  year  1765,  the  power  of  God  was  more  sensibly 
felt  by  a  few.  These  were  constrained  to  apply  to  me,  and 
inquire,  "  What  they  must  do  to  be  saved  V  And  now  I 
began  to  preach  abroad,  as  well  as  in  private  houses  ;  and  to 
meet  little  companies  in  the  evenings,  and  converse  freely  on 
divine  things.  I  believe  some  were  this  year  converted  to 
God,  and  thenceforth  the  work  of  God  slowly  went  on. 

The  next  year  I  became  acquainted  with  Mr.  M'R.,  rector 
of  a  neighbouring  parish ;  and  we  joined  hand  in  hand  in  the 
great  work.    He  laboured  much  therein ;  and  not  in  vain.  A 


210 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1776. 


remarkable  power  attended  his  preaching,  and  many  were 
truly  converted  to  God,  not  only  in  his  parish,  but  in  other 
parts  where  he  was  called  to  labour. 

In  the  years  1770  and  1771,  we  had  a  more  considerable 
outpouring  of  the  Spirit,  at  a  place  in  my  parish  called  White- 
Oak.  It  was  here  first  I  formed  the  people  into  a  society, 
that  they  might  assist  and  strengthen  each  other.  The  good 
effects  of  this  were  soon  apparent.  Convictions  were  deep 
and  lasting  :  and  not  only  knowledge,  but  faith,  and  love,  and 
holiness  continually  increased. 

In  the  year  1772,  the  revival  was  more  considerable,  and 
extended  itself  in  some  places,  for  fifty  or  sixty  miles  round. 
It  increased  still  more  in  the  following  year,  and  several  sin- 
ners were  truly  converted  to  God.  In  spring,  1774,  it  was 
more  remarkable  than  ever.  The  word  preached  was  attend- 
ed with  such  energy,  that  many  were  pierced  to  the  heart. 
Tears  fell  plentifully  from  the  eyes  of  the  hearers,  and  some 
were  constrained  to  cry  out.  A  goodly  number  were  gather- 
ed in  this  year,  both  in  my  parish  and  in  many  of  the  neigh- 
bouring counties.  I  formed  several  societies  out  of  those 
which  were  convinced  or  converted ;  and  I  found  it  a  happy 
means  of  building  up  those  that  had  believed,  and  prevent- 
ing the  rest  from  losing  their  convictions. 

In  the  counties  of  Sussex  and  Brunswick,  the  work,  from 
the  year  1773,  was  chiefly  carried  on  by  the  labours  of  the 
people  called  Methodists.  The  first  of  them  who  appeared  in 
these  parts  was  Mr.  R.  W.,  who,  you  know,  was  a  plain, 
artless,  indefatigable  preacher  of  the  gospel :  he  was  greatly 
blessed  in  detecting  the  hypocrite,  razing  false  foundations, 
and  stirring  believers  up  to  press  after  a  present  salvation 
from  the  remains  of  sin.  He  came  to  my  house  in  the 
month  of  March,  in  the  year  1773.  The  next  year  others 
of  his  brethren  came,  who  gathered  many  societies  both  in 
this  neighbourhood,  and  in  other  places,  as  far  as  North 
Carolina,  They  now  began  to  ride  the  circuit,  and  to  take 
care  of  the  societies  already  formed,  which  was  rendered  a 
happy  means,  both  of  deepening  and  spreading  the  work  of  God. 


Dec,  1776.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


211 


I  earnestly  recommended  it  to  my  societies,  to  pray  much 
for  the  prosperity  of  Sion,  and  for  a  larger  outpouring  of  the 
Spirit  of  God.  They  did  so ;  and  not  in  vain.  We  have 
had  a  time  of  refreshing  indeed:  a  revival  of  religion,  as 
great  as  perhaps  ever  was  known,  in  country  places,  in  so 
short  a  time.  It  began  in  the  latter  end  of  the  year  1775  : 
but  was  more  considerable  in  January,  1776,  the  beginning 
of  the  present  year.  It  broke  out  nearly  at  the  same  time, 
at  three  places,  not  far  from  each  other.  Two  of  these 
places  are  in  my  parish  ;  the  other  in  Amelia  county — which 
had  for  many  years  been  notorious  for  carelessness,  profane- 
ness,  and  immoralities  of  all  kinds.  Gaming,  swearing,  drunk- 
enness, and  the  like,  were  their  delight,  while  things  sacred 
were  their  scorn  and  contempt.  However,  some  time  last 
year  one  of  my  parish  (now  a  local  preacher)  appointed  some 
meetings  among  them,  and  after  a  while  induced  a  small 
number  to  join  in  society.  And  though  few,  if  any  of  them 
were  then  believers,  yet  this  was  a  means  of  preparing  the 
way  of  the  Lord. 

As  there  were  few  converts  in  my  parish  the  last  year,  I 
was  sensible  a  change  of  preachers  was  wanting.  This  has 
often  revived  the  work  of  God :  and  so  it  did  at  the  present 
time.  Last  December  one  of  the  Methodist  preachers,  Mr. 
S.,  preached  several  times  at  the  three  places  abovemen- 
tioned.  He  confirmed  the  doctrine  I  had  long  preached ; 
and  to  many  of  them  not  in  vain.  And  while  their  ears 
w%re  opened  by  novelty,  God  set  his  word  home  upon  their 
hearts.  Many  sinners  were  powerfully  convinced,  and 
mercy !  mercy !  was  their  cry.  In  January,  the  news  of 
convictions  and  conversions  was  common ;  and  the  people 
of  God  were  inspired  with  new  life  and  vigour  by  the  hap- 
piness of  others.  But  in  a  little  time  they  were  made  tho- 
roughly sensible  that  they  themselves  stood  in  need  of  a 
deeper  work  in  their  hearts  than  they  had  yet  experienced. 
And  while  those  were  panting  and  groaning  for  pardon, 
these  were  entreating  God,  with  strong  cries  and  tears,  to 
save  them  from  the  remains  of  inbred  sin,  to  "sanctify 


212 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Dec,  1116. 


them  throughout,  in  spirit,  soul,  and  body ;"  so  to  "  circum- 
cise their  hearts,"  that  they  might  "love  God  with  all  their 
hearts,"  and  serve  him  with  all  their  strength. 

During  this  whole  winter,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was 
poured  out  in  a  manner  we  had  not  seen  before.  In  almost 
every  assembly  might  be  seen  signal  instances  of  divine 
power,  more  especially  in  the  meetings  of  the  classes.  Here 
many  old  stout-hearted  sinners  felt  the  force  of  truth,  and 
their  eyes  were  open  to  discover  their  guilt  and  danger. 
The  shaking  among  the  dry  bones  was  increased  from  week 
to  week :  nay,  sometimes  ten  or  twelve  have  been  deeply 
convinced  of  sin  in  one  day.  Some  of  these  were  in  great 
distress,  and  when  they  were  questioned  concerning  the 
state  of  their  souls,  were  scarce  able  to  make  any  reply  but 
by  weeping  and  falling  on  their  knees,  before  all  the  class, 
and  earnestly  soliciting  the  prayers  of  God's  people.  And 
from  time  to  time  he  has  answered  these  petitions,  set  the 
captives  at  liberty,  and  enabled  them  to  praise  a  pardoning 
God  in  the  midst  of  his  people.  Numbers  of  old  and  gray- 
headed,  of  middle-aged  persons,  of  youth,  yea,  of  little  chil- 
dren, were  the  subjects  of  this  work.  Several  of  the  latter 
we  have  seen  painfully  concerned  for  the  wickedness  of  their 
lives,  and  the  corruption  of  their  nature.  We  have  instances 
of  this  sort  from  eight  or  nine  years  old.  Some  of  these 
children  are  exceeding  happy  in  the  love  of  God — and  they 
speak  of  the  whole  process  of  the  work  of  God,  of  their 
convictions,  the  time  when,  and  the  manner  how,  they  ob- 
tained deliverance — with  such  clearness  as  might  convince 
an  atheist  that  this  is  nothing  else  but  the  great  power  of 
God. 

Many  in  these  parts  who  had  long  neglected  the  means  of 
grace  now  nocked  to  hear,  not  only  me  and  the  travelling 
preachers,  but  also  the  exhorters  and  leaders.  And  the  Lord 
showed  he  is  not  confined  to  man ;  for  whether  there  was 
preaching  or  not,  his  power  was  still  sensible  among  the  peo- 
ple. And  at  their  meetings  for  prayer,  some  have  been  in 
such  distress  that  they  have  continued  therein  for  five  or  six 


Dec,  1776.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


213 


hours.  And  it  has  been  found  that  these  prayer  meetings 
were  singularly  useful  in  promoting  the  work  of  God. 

The  outpouring  of  the  Spirit  which  began  here,  soon  ex- 
tended itself,  more  or  less,  through  most  of  the  circuit,  which 
is  regularly  attended  by  the  travelling  preachers,  and  which 
takes  in  a  circumference  of  between  four  and  five  hundred 
miles.  And  the  work  went  on,  with  a  pleasing  progress,  till 
the  beginning  of  May,  when  they  held  a  quarterly  meeting 
at  B.'s  chapel,  in  my  parish.  This  stands  at  the  lower  line 
of  the  parish,  thirty  miles  from  W.'s  chapel,  at  the  upper  line 
of  it,  where  the  work  began.  At  this  meeting,  one  might 
truly  say,  the  windows  of  heaven  were  opened,  and  the  rain 
of  Divine  influence  poured  down  for  more  than  forty  days. 
The  work  now  became  more  deep  than  ever,  extended  wider, 
and  was  swifter  in  its  operations.  Many  were  savingly  con- 
verted to  God,  and  in  a  very  short  time,  not  only  in  my  par- 
ish, but  through  several  parts  of  Brunswick,  Sussex,  Prince 
George,  Lunenburg,  Mecklenburg,  and  Amelia  counties. 

The  second  day  of  the  quarterly  meeting  a  love-feast  was 
held.  As  soon  as  it  began  the  power  of  the  Lord  came 
down  on  the  assembly  like  a  rushing  mighty  wind ;  and  it 
seemed  as  if  the  whole  house  was  filled  with  the  presence  of 
God.  A  flame  kindled  and  ran  from  heart  to  heart.  Many 
were  deeply  convinced  of  sin ;  many  mourners  were  filled 
with  consolation ;  and  many  believers  were  so  overwhelmed 
with  love,  that  they  could  not  doubt  but  God  had  enabled 
them  to  love  him  with  all  their  heart. 

When  the  love-feast  was  ended,  the  doors  were  opened. 
Many  who  had  stayed  without  then  came  in ;  and  beholding  the 
anguish  of  some,  and  the  rejoicing  of  others,  were  filled  with 
astonishment,  and  not  long  after  with  trembling  apprehensions 
of  their  own  danger.  Several  of  them  prostrating  themselves 
before  God,  cried  aloud  for  mercy.  And  the  convictions 
which  then  began  in  many,  have  terminated  in  a  happy  and 
lasting  change. 

The  multitudes  that  attended  on  this  occasion,  returning 
home  all  alive  to  God,  spread  the  flame  through  their  respec- 


214 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1116. 


tive  neighbourhoods,  which  ran  from  family  to  family :  so  that 
within  four  weeks,  several  hundreds  found  the  peace  of  God. 
And  scarce  any  conversation  was  to  be  heard  throughout  the 
circuit,  but  concerning  the  things  of  God:  either  the  com- 
plaining of  the  prisoners,  groaning  under  the  spirit  of  bondage 
unto  fear  ;  or  the  rejoicing  of  those  whom  the  Spirit  of  adop- 
tion taught  to  cry,  "  Abba,  Father."  The  unhappy  disputes 
between  England  and  her  colonies,  which  just  before  had  en- 
grossed all  our  conversation,  seemed  now  in  most  companies  to 
be  forgot,  while  things  of  far  greater  importance  lay  so  near 
the  heart.  I  have  gone  into  many,  and  not  small  companies, 
wherein  there  did  not  appear  to  be  one  careless  soul ;  and  the 
far  greater  part  seemed  perfectly  happy  in  a  clear  sense  of 
the  love  of  God. 

One  of  the  doctrines,  as  you  know,  which  we  particularly 
insist  upon,  is  that  of  a  present  salvation  ;  a  salvation  not  only 
from  the  guilt  and  power,  but  also  from  the  root  of  sin ;  a 
cleansing  from  all  filthiness  of  flesh  and  spirit,  that  we  may  per- 
fect holiness  in  the  fear  of  God  ;  a  going  on  to  perfection,  which 
we  sometimes  define  by  loving  God  with  all  our  hearts.  Se- 
veral who  had  believed  were  deeply  sensible  of  their  want  of 
this.  I  have  seen  both  men  and  women,  who  had  long  been 
happy  in  a  sense  of  God's  pardoning  love,  as  much  convicted 
on  account  of  the  remains  of  sin  in  their  hearts,  and  as  much 
distressed  for  a  total  deliverance  from  them,  as  ever  I  saw 
any  for  justification.    Their  whole  cry  was: — 

"  0  that  I  now  the  rest  might  know — 
Believe,  and  enter  in ; 
Now,  Saviour,  now  the  power  bestow, 
And  let  me  cease  from  sin !" 

And  I  have  been  present  when  they  believed  that  God  an- 
swered this  prayer,  and  bestowed  this  blessing  upon  them.  I 
have  conversed  with  them  several  times  since,  and  have  found 
them  thoroughly  devoted  to  God.  They  all  testify,  that  they 
have  received  the  gift  instantaneously,  and  by  simple  faith. 
We  have  sundry  witnesses  of  this  perfect  love  who  are  above 


Dec,  1776.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


215 


all  suspicion.  I  have  known  the  men  and  their  communica- 
tion for  many  years,  and  have  ever  found  them  zealous  for 
the  cause  of  God — men  of.  sense  and  integrity,  patterns  of 
piety  and  humility ;  whose  testimony  therefore  may  be  de- 
pended on. 

It  has  been  frequently  observed,  that  there  never  was  any 
remarkable  revival  of  religion,  but  some  degree  of  enthusiasm 
was  mingled  with  it — some  wildfire  mixed  with  the  sacred 
flame.  It  may  be  doubted  whether  this  is  not  unavoidable  in 
the  nature  of  things.  And  notwithstanding  all  the  care  we 
have  taken,  this  work  has  not  been  quite  free  from  it ;  but  it 
never  rose  to  any  considerable  height,  neither  was  of  long 
continuance.  In  some  meetings  there  has  not  been  that  de- 
cency and  order  observed  which  I  could  have  wished.  Some 
of  our  assemblies  resembled  the  congregation  of  the  Jews  at 
laying  the  foundation  of  the  second  temple  in  the  days  of 
Ezra — some  wept  for  grief ;  others  shouted  for  joy ;  so  that  it 
was  hard  to  distinguish  one  from  the  other.  So  it  was  here : 
the  mourning  and  distress  were  so  blended  with  the  voice  of 
joy  and  gladness,  that  it  was  hard  to  distinguish  the  one 
from  the  other,  till  the  voice  of  joy  prevailed — the  people 
shouting  with  a  great  shout,  so  that  it  might  be  heard 
afar  off. 

To  give  you  a  fuller  insight  into  this  great  work  of  God,  I 
subjoin  an  extract  from  two  or  three  of  my  letters. 

TO  THE  REV.  MR.  M'R. 

May  2,  1776. 

Rev.  and  dear  Brother, — Yesterday  I  preached  at  B.'s 
chapel,  to  a  crowded  and  attentive  audience.  Afterward  the 
Methodists  held  their  love-feast:  during  which,  as  many  as 
pleased  rose,  one  after  another,  and  spoke,  in  few  words,  of 
the  goodness  of  God  to  their  souls.  Before  three  had  done 
speaking  (although  they  spoke  but  few  words)  you  might  see 
a  solemn  sense  of  the  presence  of  God  visible  on  every  coun- 
tenance, while  tears  of  sorrow  or  joy  were  flowing  from  many 
eyes.    Several  testified  to  the  consolation  they  had  received : 


216 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1776. 


some  believed  they  were  perfected  in  love.  When  the  pas- 
sions of  the  people  were  rising  too  high,  and  breaking  through 
all  restraint,  the  preacher  gently  checked  them  by  giving  out 
a  few  verses  of  a  hymn.  When  most  of  the  congregation 
went  away,  some  were  so  distressed  with  a  sense  of  then*  sins, 
that  they  could  not  be  persuaded  to  leave  the  place.  Some 
lively  Christians  stayed  with  them,  and  continued  in  prayer  for 
the  space  of  two  hours,  till  fifteen  mourners  were  enabled  to 
rejoice  in  God  their  Saviour ;  and  some  careless  creatures  of  the 
politer  sort,  who  would  needs  go  in  to  see  what  this  strange 
thing  meant,  felt  an  unusual  power,  so  that,  like  Saul  among 
the  prophets,  they  fell  down  on  their  knees,  and  cried  for 
mercy  among  the  rest.  0  may  they  still  continue  to  pray  till 
God  has  given  them  another  heart ! 

May  3,  1776. 

Last  night  three  or  four  score  of  my  neighbours  met  to- 
gether to  keep  a  watch-night :  at  which  it  is  the  custom  to 
spend  three  or  four  hours  in  religious  exercises,  and  to  break 
up  at  twelve.  Such  was  the  distress  of  those  that  were  con- 
vinced of  sin,  that  they  continued  in  prayer  all  night,  and  till 
two  hours  after  sunrise.  Here  also  fourteen  or  fifteen  received 
a  sense  of  pardon :  so  that  in  two  days  thirty  of  my  own  par- 
ish have  been  justified,  besides  others  of  other  parishes. 

Indeed  I  do  not  take  it  for  granted  that  all  are  justified 
who  think  they  are  so.  Some  I  fear  are  mistaken.  But  I 
shall  judge  better  of  this  when  I  see  the  fruits. 

May  7,  1776. 

The  work  of  God  still  increases  among  us  :  I  believe,  within 
these  eight  days,  more  than  forty  here  have  been  filled  with  joy 
and  peace  in  believing.  Of  these  I  have  had  an  account; 
but  there  may  be  many  more.  And  several,  who  have  been 
justified  some  time,  believe  God  has  blessed  them  with  per- 
fect love. 

I  have  no  doubt  but  the  work  now  carrying  on  is  genuine : 
yet  there  were  some  circumstances  attending  it  which  I  dis- 


Dec,  me.] 


ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL. 


217 


liked — such  as  loud  outcries,  tremblings,  fallings,  convulsions. 
But  I  am  better  reconciled,  since  I  read  President  Edwards 
on  that  head,  who  observes,  "  That  wherever  these  most  ap- 
pear there  is«always  the  greatest  and  the  deepest  work." 

There  is  another  thing  which  has  given  me  much  pain — the 
praying  of  several  at  one  and  the  same  time.  Sometimes  five 
or  six,  or  more,  have  been  praying  all  at  once,  in  several  parts 
of  the  room,  for  distressed  persons.  Others  were  speaking 
by  way  of  exhortation :  so  that  the  assembly  appeared  to  be 
all  in  confusion,  and  must  seem  to  one  at  a  little  distance, 
more  like  a  drunken  rabble  than  the  worshippers  of  God.  I 
was  afraid,  this  was  not  doing  all  things  in  decency  and  order. 
Indeed  Dr.  Edwards  defends  this  also.  But  yet  I  am  not 
satisfied  concerning  it.  I  had  heard  of  it,  but  never  saw  it  till 
Sunday  evening.  But  this  is  a  delicate  point.  It  requires 
much  wisdom  to  allay  the  wild,  and  not  damp  the  sacred 
fire. 

The  first  appearance  of  anything  of  the  kind  at  my  chapel, 
was  last  Saturday  night.  I  was  not  there,  but  a  young  man 
who  studies  at  my  house  was.  He  is  grave,  prudent,  and 
solidly  religious,  without  the  least  tincture  of  enthusiasm. 
He  met  the  society  there  in  the  afternoon,  and  would  have 
returned  home,  but  that  many  who  were  in  great  distress 
begged  him  and  some  others  to  stay  and  pray  with  them. 
They  continued  in  prayer  the  whole  night,  during  which 
about  twelve  were  set  at  liberty.  But  notwithstanding  all 
they  could  do,  there  were  often  two,  three,  or  more,  speaking 
at  one  time. 

I  heard  of  this  the  next  day,  when  I  was  at  church,  and 
hastened  thence  to  the  chapel.  Some  hundreds  were  assem- 
bled there,  and  were  in  much  confusion  when  I  went  in.  I 
went  into  the  pulpit,  and  began  to  sing,  adding  short  exhorta- 
tions and  prayers.  The  confusion  ceased  :  several  spirits  were 
revived,  and  some  mourners  comforted. 

Since  that  evening,  this  kind  of  confusion  has  never  been 
known  in  my  neighbourhood.  It  continued  longer  in  other 
places ;  but  for  some  time  has  been  totally  gone.    But  as  this 

10 


218 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  17*76. 


abated,  the  work  of  conviction  and  conversion  usually  abated 
too.  Yet,  blessed  be  God,  it  still  goes  on,  though  not  with 
such  rapidity.  I  have  heard  but  of  two  or  three  that  found 
peace  for  three  weeks  ;  whereas  sometime  ago,  seldom  a  week 
passed,  but  I  could  hear  of  eight  or  nine — sometimes  between 
twenty  and  thirty,  at  one  meeting. 

I  have  chiefly  spoken  of  what  was  done  in  my  parish.  But 
that  you  may  know  a  little  of  what  was  done  elsewhere,  I 
subjoin  an  extract  from  the  letters  of  two  local  Preachers,  in 
the  county  of  Sussex. 

July  29,  177G. 

Rev.  Sir, — With  unspeakable  pleasure  I  acquaint  you  of 
the  glorious  revival  of  religion  in  our  parts.  It  broke  out  at 
our  last  quarterly  meeting,  and  has  since  wonderfully  spread 
throughout  the  circuit.  The  time  seems  to  be  coming,  when 
we  shall  not  need  to  teach  every  man  his  neighbour  to  know 
the  Lord ;  for  they  daily  know  him,  from  the  least  to  the 
greatest,  from  little  children  to  men  of  fourscore.  Above 
seven  years  have  I  been  exhorting  my  neighbours ;  but  very 
few  would  hear.  Now,  blessed  be  God,  there  are  few  that 
will  not  hear.  It  is  no  strange  thing  for  two  or  three  to  find 
the  Lord  at  a  class-meeting:  and  at  a  Sunday  meeting,  al- 
though there  was  no  preacher,  ten,  fifteen,  yea,  near  twenty 
have  been  converted.  At  a  place  near  me,  thirty  have  found 
the  Lord,  within  eight  days.  It  is  common  with  us  for  men 
and  women  to  fall  down  as  dead  under  an  exhortation;  but 
many  more  under  prayer — perhaps  twenty  at  a  time.  And 
some  that  have  not  fallen  to  the  earth,  have  shown  the  same 
distress,  wringing  their  hands,  smiting  their  breasts,  and  beg- 
ging all  to  pray  for  them.  With  these  the  work  is  generally 
quick ;  some  getting  through  in  less  than  a  week,  some  in  two 
or  three  days,  some  in  one,  two,  or  three  hours.  Nay,  we 
have  an  instance  of  one  that  was  so  indifferent,  as  to  leave  her 
brethren  at  prayers,  and  go  to  bed.  But  all  at  once  she 
screamed  out,  under  a  sense  of  her  lost  estate,  and  in  less  than 
fifteen  minutes  rejoiced  in  God  her  Saviour.  And,  blessed  be 
God,  many  of  these  retain  a  sense  of  his  favour.    Many,  who 


Dec,  1776.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


219 


a  few  weeks  ago  were  despisers  and  scoffers,  are  now  happy 
in  the  Lord.  Many  old  Christians,  who  were  always  full  of 
doubts  and  fears,  now  walk  in  the  light  of  his  countenance. 
Some  have  a  clear  witness  in  themselves,  that  they  have  given 
their  whole  hearts  to  God.  O  may  God  carry  on  his  work 
among  us,  until  we  are  all  swallowed  up  in  love ! 

T.  S. 

Mr.  S.  lives  twenty-two  miles  from  me :  the  writer  of  the 
following  letter,  about  thirty. 

July  29,  1776. 

Rev.  Sir, — On  June  the  9th,  we  had  a  large  congregation. 
I  spoke  on,  M  No  man  can  serve  two  masters."  Several  ap- 
peared to  be  much  distressed — two  women  in  particular.  "We 
spent  above  an  hour  in  prayer  for  them,  and  they  arose  in 
peace.  When  we  met  the  class,  we  suffered  all  that  desired 
it,  to  stay.  The  leader  only  put  a  question  or  two  to  each 
member.  This  was  scarce  ended,  when  the  fire  of  God's  love 
was  kindled.  Praises  hung  on  the  Hps  of  many  ;  and  several 
cried  out,  "What  must  we  do  to  be  saved?"  Thus  it  swiftly 
went  on ;  every  now  and  then  one  rising  with  faith  in  Jesus. 
Surely  this  was  one  of  the  days  of  heaven !  Such  a  day  I 
never  expected  to  see  in  time.  While  we  were  met,  one  I.  W. 
was  observed  to  be  looking  through  the  crack  of  the  door; 
which  being  opened,  he  came  with  it,  and,  being  unable  to 
stand,  fell  on  the  floor  quite  helpless.  But  in  two  or  three 
hours  he  rose  and  praised  a  pardoning  God :  while  one  of  the 
class  who  had  been  justified  some  time,  received  a  blessing 
greatly  superior  to  anything  he  had  known  before.  We  have 
reason  to  believe,  that  on  this  day  fifteen  were  enabled  to  be- 
lieve in  Jesus. 

Saturday,  June  15.  I  was  speaking  to  the  class,  and  one 
found  peace  to  her  soul.  Sunday,  16,  I  spoke  from,  "  This  is 
the  victory  that  overcometh  the  world,  even  our  faith,"  to  four 
or  five  hundred  people.  This  was  also  a  day  of  Pentecost. 
Convictions  seized  on  numbers,  who  wrestled  with  God  till 
their  souls  were  set  at  liberty.  A  young  woman  told  me, 
"  She  heard  that  many  people  fell  down,  and  she  would  come 


220 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1116. 


to  help  them  up."  This  she  said  in  scorn.  She  came  accord- 
ingly. The  power  of  God  soon  seized  her,  and  she  wanted 
helping  up  herself.  But  it  was  not  long  before  the  Spirit  of 
grace  helped  her,  by  giving  her  faith  in  Christ.  We  believe 
twenty  souls  found  peace  this  day.  0  may  we  see  many 
such  days ! 

July  7.  I  spoke  to  a  large  congregation.  Afterward  I  was 
going  to  give  out  a  hymn,  when  one  was  so  powerfully  struck, 
that  he  could  not  hold  a  joint  still,  and  roared  aloud  for  mercy. 
I  immediately  went  to  prayer ;  the  cries  of  the  people  all  the 
time  greatly  increasing.  After  prayer,  B.  T.,  lately  a  great 
opposer,  jumped  up  and  began  to  praise  God,  with  a  coun- 
tenance so  altered,  that  those  who  beheld  him  were  filled  with 
astonishment.  Our  meeting  continued  from  twelve  at  noon, 
till  twelve  at  night ;  during  which  God  raised  up  about  fifteen 
more  witnesses. 

The  Thursday  following,  six  of  those  who  were  convinced 
on  Sunday,  found  peace  in  believing.  We  hear  of  many  others 
converted  in  the  neighbourhood,  several  of  whom  were  strong 
opposers ;  and  some  hoary-headed  ones,  who  had  been  strict 
pharisees  from  their  youth  up. 

Sun/lay,  21.  We  had  a  large  and  attentive  auditory,  and 
the  power  of  the  Lord  prevailed.  The  next  day  I  was  much 
tempted  to  doubt,  whether  I  was  sent  of  God  to  preach  or 
not.  I  prayed  earnestly  to  the  Lord  that  he  would  satisfy 
me,  and  that  he  would  keep  all  false  fire  from  among  us. 
Afterward  I  preached.  While  I  was  speaking,  a  mother  and 
her  daughter  were  so  struck  with  conviction  that  they  trem- 
bled every  joint :  but  before  I  concluded,  both  found  peace. 
Glory  be  to  God !    I  am,  &c,  J.  D. 

God  has  made  examples  of  several  opposers — examples  not 
of  justice,  but  of  mercy.  Some  of  them  came  to  the  assembly 
with  hearts  full  of  rancour  against  the  people  of  God,  so  that, 
had  it  been  in  their  power,  they  would  have  dragged  them 
away  to  prison,  if  not  to  death.  But  unexpectedly  their  stub- 
bom  hearts  were  bowed  down,  being  pierced  with  the  arrows 


Dec,  177C] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


221 


of  the  Almighty.  In  a  moment  they  were  filled  with  distress 
and  anguish,  their  laughter  turned  into  mourning,  and  their 
cursing  into  prayer.  And  frequently  in  less  than  a  week  their 
heaviness  has  been  turned  into  joy.  Of  this  sort  are  several 
of  our  most  zealous  and  circumspect  walkers  at  this  day.  A 
goodly  number  of  these  are  rich  in  this  world ;  yet  they  are 
now  brought  so  low,  that  they  are  willing  to  be  taught  by  all, 
and  to  be  the  servants  of  all. 

A  gentleman  of  this  parish,  in  particular,  had  much  opposed 
and  contradicted ;  he  was  fully  persuaded  that  all  outward 
appearances,  either  of  distress  or  joy,  were  mere  deceit.  But 
as  he  was  walking  to  his  mill,  about  half  a  mile  from  his 
house,  deep  conviction  fell  upon  him.  The  terrors  of  the 
Lord  beset  him  round  about,  and  distress  and  anguish  got 
hold  upon  him.  When  he  came  to  the  mill  and  found  no  one 
there,  he  took  that  opportunity  of  prostrating  himself  before 
God,  and  of  pouring  out  his  soul  in  his  presence.  As  his  dis- 
tress was  great,  his  cries  were  loud,  and  his  prayer  importu- 
nate. The  Lord  heard  him,  and  set  his  soul  at  liberty  before 
he  left  the  place.  And  the  power  which  came  upon  him  was 
so  great,  that  it  seemed  as  if  his  whole  frame  were  dissolving. 

Upon  the  whole,  this  has  been  a  great,  a  deep,  a  swift,  and 
an  extensively  glorious  work.  Both  the  nature  and  manner 
of  it  have  been  nearly  the  same,  wherever  its  benign  influence 
reached.  Where  the  greatest  work  was — where  the  greatest 
number  of  souls  have  been  convinced  and  converted  to  God, 
there  have  been  the  most  outcries,  tremblings,  convulsions, 
and  all  sorts  of  external  signs.  I  took  all  the  pains  I  could 
that  these  might  be  kept  within  bounds,  that  our  good  might 
not  be  evil  spoken  of.  This  I  did,  not  by  openly  inveighing 
against  them  in  the  public  assembly,  but  by  private  advices 
to  local  preachers  and  others,  as  opportunity  would  permit. 
This  method  had  its  desired  effect,  without  putting  a  sword 
into  the  hands  of  the  wicked.  Wherever  the  contrary  method 
has  been  taken — where  these  things  have  been  publicly  op- 
posed, when  they  have  been  spoken  against  in  promiscuous 
congregations,  the  effect  has  always  been  this :  the  men  of 


222 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1776. 


the  world  have  been  highly  gratified,  and  the  children  of  God 
deeply  wounded.  The  former  have  plumed  themselves,  as 
though  they  were  the  men  who  kept  within  due  bounds,  and 
those  that  had  "  made  so  much  ado  about  religion,"  were  no 
better  than  hot-brained  enthusiasts.  I  cannot  but  think  this 
has  a  great  tendency  to  hinder  the  work  of  God.  Indeed,  if 
we  thought  that  God  wrought  everything  irresistibly,  we 
should  not  fear  this.  But  we  know  the  contrary :  we  know, 
that  as  some  things  promote,  so  others  hinder  his  work.  I 
grant,  means  should  be  used  to  prevent  all  indecency;  but 
they  should  be  used  with  great  caution  and  tenderness,  that 
the  cure  may  be  effected,  if  possible,  without  damping  the 
work  of  God. 

With  regard  to  the  inward  work,  there  has  been  a  great 
variety  as  to  the  length,  and  depth,  and  circumstances  of  the 
convictions  in  different  persons ;  but  all  in  general  have  been 
at  first  alarmed  with  a  sense  of  the  multitude  and  heinousness 
of  their  sins — with  an  awful  view  of  the  wrath  of  God,  and 
certain  destruction,  if  they  persisted  therein.  Hence  they  be- 
took themselves  to  prayer,  and  as  time  permitted,  to  the  use 
of  all  other  means  of  grace ;  although  deeply  sensible  of  the 
vileness  of  their  performances,  and  the  total  insufficiency  of  all 
they  could  do  to  merit  the  pardon  of  one  sin,  or  deserve  the 
favour  of  God.  They  were  next  convinced  of  their  unbelief, 
and  that  faith  in  Christ  is  the  only  condition  of  justification. 
They  continued  thus  waiting  upon  the  Lord,  till  he  spoke  peace 
to  their  souls.  This  he  usually  did  in  one  moment,  in  a  clear 
and  satisfactory  manner,  so  that  all  their  griefs  and  anxieties 
vanished  away,  and  they  were  filled  with  joy  and  peace  in 
believing.  Some  indeed  have  had  their  burdens  removed,  so 
that  they  felt  no  condemnation ;  and  yet  they  could  not  say 
they  were  forgiven.  But  they  could  not  be  satisfied  with  this. 
They  continued  instant  in  prayer,  till  they  knew  the  Lamb  of 
God  had  taken  away  their  sins. 

Most  of  these  had  been  suddenly  convinced  of  sin :  but 
with  some  it  was  otherwise.  Without  any  sense  of  their  guilt, 
they  were  brought  to  use  the  means  of  grace,  by  mere  dint  of 


Dec,  1776.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


223 


persuasion :  and  afterward  they  were  brought  by  degrees  to 
see  themselves,  and  their  want  of  a  Saviour.  But  before  they 
found  deliverance,  they  have  had  as  deep  a  sense  of  their 
helpless  misery  as  others.  One  in  my  parish  was  a  remarka- 
ble instance  of  this.  He  was  both  careless  and  profane  to  a 
great  degree ;  and  remained  quite  unconcerned,  while  many 
of  his  companions  were  sorrowing  after  God,  or  rejoicing  in 
his  love.  One  of  his  acquaintance  advised  him  to  seek  the 
Lord.  He  said :  "  I  see  no  necessity  for  it  as  yet ;  when  I 
do  I  will  seek  him  as  well  as  others."  His  friend  persuaded 
him  to  try  for  one  week,  watching  against  sin,  and  going  by 
himself  every  day.  He  did  so:  and  though  he  was  quite 
stupid  when  he  began,  yet  before  the  end  of  the  week,  he  was 
thoroughly  sensible  of  the  load  of  sin,  and  is  now  happy  in  God. 

If  you  ask,  "  How  stands  the  case  now  with  those  that 
have  been  the  subjects  of  the  late  work?"  I  have  the  plea- 
sure to  inform  you,  I  have  not  heard  of  any  one  apostate  yet. 
It  is  true,  many,  since  their  first  joy  abated,  have  given  way 
to  doubts  and  fears,  have  had  their  confidence  in  God  much 
shaken,  and  have  got  into  much  heaviness.  Several  have 
passed  through  this,  and  are  now  confirmed  in  the  ways  of 
God.  Others  are  in  it  still ;  and  chiefly  those  over  whom 
Satan  had  gained  an  advantage,  by  hurrying  them  into  irregu- 
lar warmth,  or  into  expressions  not  well  guarded.  I  have  seen 
some  of  these  in  great  distress,  and  just  ready  to  cast  away 
hope. 

I  have  a  great  deal  upon  my  hands  at  present,  and  have 
little  time  either  to  write  or  read.  The  difficulties  and  tempta- 
tions of  the  lately  converted  are  so  many  and  various,  that  I 
am  obliged  to  be  in  as  many  places  as  I  can ;  for  now  is  the 
critical  hour.  A  man  of  zeal,  though  with  little  knowledge 
or  experience,  may  be  an  instrument  of  converting  souls. 
But  after  they  are  converted,  he  will  have  need  of  much  know- 
ledge, much  prudence  and  experience,  to  provide  proper  food 
and  physic  for  the  several  members,  according  to  their  state, 
habit,  and  constitution.  This,  at  present,  seems  in  a  great 
measure  to  devolve  upon  me.    And  though  I  have  been 


224 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1115. 


*  twenty  years  in  the  Lord's  service,  yet  I  find  I  am  quite  une- 
qual to  the  task.  However,  I  will  do  what  I  can ;  and  may 
the  Lord  bless  my  endeavours ! 

The  enemy  is  busy  night  and  day,  in  sowing  the  tares  of 
division  among  the  wheat.  And  in  some  places  he  has  pre- 
vailed so  far  as  to  plunge  some  of  them  in  the  water.  In 
other  places  little  feuds  and  animosities  arise,  to  grieve  the 
preachers  and  damp  the  spirits  of  the  people.  On  these  oc- 
casions, they  commonly  apply  to  me ;  and  all  is  well,  at  least 
for  a  season.  When  I  consider  what  it  is  to  watch  over  souls, 
and  how  much  labour  and  pains  it  implies  to  discharge  it  in 
any  degree,  I  cannot  but  cry  out  with  the  apostle,  "  Who  is 
sufficient  for  these  things  ?" 

However,  upon  the  whole,  things  are  in  as  flourishing  a  con- 
dition as  can  reasonably  be  expected,  considering  what /great 
numbers,  of  various  capacities  and  stations,  have  been  lately 
added  to  the  societies. 

But  after  all,  a  great  part  of  Virginia  is  still  in  a  very  dark 
and  deplorable  condition.  This  province  contains  sixty-two 
counties ;  and  the  late  work  has  reached  only  seven  or  eight  of 
them.  Nor  has  it  been  universal  even  in  these,  but  chiefly  in 
the  circuit  which  is  regularly  visited  by  the  preachers.  In 
this  alone  very  many  hundreds  have  in  a  few  months  been 
added  to  the  Lord.  And  some  are  adding  still.  May  He 
continue  to  pour  out  his  Spirit  upon  us,  and  increase  the 
number  of  the  faithful  every  day ! 

Our  highest  gratitude  is  due  to  our  gracious  God ;  for  he 
hath  done  marvellous  things!  In  a  short  time  he  hath 
wrought  a  great  work  :  and  let  who  will  speak  against  it,  it  is 
evident  beyond  all  contradiction,  that  many  open  and  profli- 
gate sinners,  of  all  sorts,  have  been  effectually  and  lastingly 
changed  into  pious,  uniform  Christians.  So  that  every  think- 
ing man  must  allow  that  God  hath  been  with  us  of  a  truth, 
and  that  his  "  glory  dwells  in  our  land."  I  am  your  sincere 
friend,  and  brother  in  Christ, 

September  10,  1776.  D.  J. 

To  Mr.  T.  R. 


Dec,  177G.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


225 


The  following  letter,  which  relates  to  the  same  work,  ivas  writ- 
ten some  time  after. 

TO  THE  REV.  MR.  WESLEY. 

June  24,  1778. 

Rev.  and  dear  Sir, — You  have  the  Narrative  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  J.    I  send  this  as  a  supplement  to  it. 

At  our  little  conference,  held  in  Philadelphia  May,  1775, 
Mr.  S.  was  appointed  assistant  for  Brunswick  circuit,  in  Vir- 
ginia. He  found  there  about  eight  hundred  joined  together, 
but  in  a  very  confused  manner.  Many  of  them  did  not  under- 
stand the  nature  of  meeting  in  class ;  and  many  of  the  classes 
had  no  leader.  He  resolved  to  begin  in  good  earnest,  and  the 
preachers  with  him  were  like-minded.  Their  constant  custom 
was,  as  soon  as  preaching  was  over,  to  speak  to  all  the  mem- 
bers of  the  society,  one  by  one.  If  the  society  was  large,  one 
preacher  spoke  to  a  part,  and  he  that  came  next,  to  the  rest. 
By  this  means  they  learned  more  of  our  doctrine  and  disci- 
pline in  a  year,  than  in  double  the  time  before.  The  fruit 
soon  appeared :  the  congregations  swiftly  increased,  and 
many  were  pricked  to  the  heart.  Many  that  were  a  little 
affected,  desired  to  see  the  nature  of  meeting  in  class ;  and 
while  one  was  speaking  either  to  those  that  were  groaning  for 
redemption,  or  those  who  had  found  peace  with  God,  these 
were  frequently  cut  to  the  heart,  and  sometimes  enabled  on 
the  spot  to  praise  a  pardoning  God.  Nay,  sometimes  four, 
five,  or  six  found  peace  with  God,  before  the  meeting  was  over. 

The  work  of  God  thus  increasing  on  every  side,  more 
preachers  were  soon  wanting.  And  God  raised  up  several 
young  men,  who  were  exceeding  useful  as  local  preachers. 

After  Mr.  S.  had  been  about  eight  months  in  the  circuit, 
Mr.  J.  desired  his  parish  might  be  included  in  it ;  that  all 
who  chose  it  might  have  the  privilege  of  meeting  in  class,  and 
being  members  of  the  society.  He  soon  saw  the  salutary  ef- 
fects. Many  that  had  but  small  desires  before,  began  to  be 
much  alarmed,  and  laboured  earnestly  after  eternal  life.  In 

10* 


226 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Dec,  1770. 


a  little  time  numbers  were  deeply  awakened,  and  many  tasted 
of  the  pardoning  love  of  God.  In  a  few  months  Mr.  J.  saw 
more  fruit  of  his  labours  than  he  had  done  for  many  years. 
And  he  went  on  with  the  preachers  hand  in  hand,  both  in 
doctrine  and  discipline. 

When  Mr.  S.  took  an  account  of  the  societies,  before  he 
came  to  the  conference  in  1776,  they  contained  two  thousand 
six  hundred  and  sixty-four  persons :  to  whom  eighteen  hun- 
dred were  added  in  one  year.  Above  a  thousand  of  these 
had  found  peace  with  God ;  many  of  whom  thirsted  for  all 
the  mind  that  was  in  Christ.  And  divers  believed  God  had 
"  circumcised  their  heart,  to  love  him  with  all  their  heart,  and 
with  all  their  soul." 

This  revival  of  religion  spread  through  fourteen  counties  in 
Virginia;  and  through  Bute  and  Halifax  counties  in  North 
Carolina.  At  the  same  time  we  had  a  blessed  outpouring  of 
the  Spirit  in  several  counties  bordering  upon  Maryland. 

Our  conference  was  at  Baltimore  Town,  on  the  2 2d  of  May. 
Here  I  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  J.,  part  of  which  I  insert. 

May  11,  1776. 

"I  praise  God  for  his  goodness,  in  so  plentifully  pouring 
out  of  his  Spirit  on  men,  women,  and  children.  I  believe 
threescore,  in  and  near  my  parish,  have  believed,  through 
grace,  since  the  quarterly  meeting.  Such  a  work  I  never 
saw  with  my  eyes.  Sometimes  twelve,  sometimes  fifteen  find 
the  Lord  at  one  class-meeting.  I  am  just  returned  from 
meeting  two  classes.  Much  of  the  power  of  God  was  in 
each.  My  dear  partner  is  now  happy  in  God  her  Saviour.  I 
clap  my  hands  exulting,  and  praise  God.  Blessed  be  the 
Lord,  that  ever  he  sent  you  and  your  brethren  into  this  part 
of  his  vineyard !  Many  children,  from  eight  to  twelve  years 
old,  are  now  under  strong  convictions;  and  some  of  them 
are  savingly  converted  to  God.  I  was  much  comforted  this 
morning  at  the  W.  0.  Chapel.  The  people  there  are  of  a 
truly  teachable  spirit — those  particularly  who  profess  to  have 
obtained  the  pure  love  of  God.    They  are  as  little  children. 


Dec,  1116.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


227 


When  you  consider  how  the  work  is  spreading  on  every  side, 
you  will  readily  excuse  me  from  being  at  your  conference." 

Monday,  June  24.  I  left  Leesburg,  in  company  with  W.  B., 
(a  truly  devout  man,  who  now  rests  from  his  labours,)  and 
came  to  Petersburg  on  Saturday  the  29th,  where  I  preached, 
about  three  in  the  afternoon,  and  then  rode  on  to  Mr.  B.'s, 
about  ten  miles  farther.  A  little  company  was  waiting  for 
me,  and  God  was  with  us  of  a  truth." 

Sunday,  30.  I  was  comforted  by  the  sight  of  my  dear 
brother  S.  But  I  was  weak  in  body,  through  riding  so  far  in 
extreme  heat,  and  much  exercised  in  mind  ;  and  did  not  know 
how  I  should  be  able  to  go  through  the  labour  of  the  day.  We 
went  to  the  chapel  at  ten,  where  I  had  liberty  of  mind,  and 
strength  of  body  beyond  my  expectation.  After  preaching  I 
met  the  society,  and  was  more  relieved,  both  in  body  and 
mind.  At  four  in  the  afternoon  I  preached  again,  from  "  I 
set  before  thee  an  open  door,  and  none  can  shut  it."  I  had 
gone  through  about  two-thirds  of  my  discourse,  and  was 
bringing  the  words  home  to  the  present — Now,  when  such 
power  descended,  that  hundreds  fell  to  the  ground,  and  the 
house  seemed  to  shake  with  the  presence  of  God.  The 
chapel  was  full  of  white  and  black,  and  many  were  without 
that  could  not  get  in.  Look  wherever  we  would,  we  saw 
nothing  but  streaming  eyes,  and  faces  bathed  in  tears ;  and 
heard  nothing  but  groans  and  strong  cries  after  God  and  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  My  voice  was  drowned  amidst  the  groans 
and  prayers  of  the  congregation.  I  then  sat  down  in  the 
pulpit ;  and  both  Mr.  S.  and  I  were  so  filled  with  the  divine 
presence,  that  we  could  only  say,  This  is  none  other  than  the 
house  of  God  !  This  is  the  gate  of  heaven  !  Husbands  were 
inviting  their  wives  to  go  to  heaven,  wives  their  husbands : 
parents  their  children,  and  children  their  parents :  brothers 
their  sisters,  and  sisters  their  brothers.  In  short,  those  who 
were  happy  in  God  themselves,  were  for  bringing  all  their 
friends  to  him  in  their  arms.  This  mighty  effusion  of  the 
Spirit  continued  for  above  an  hour ;  in  which  time  many  were 


228 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1776- 


awakened,  some  found  peace  with  God,  and  others,  his  pure 
love.  We  attempted  to  speak  or  sing  again  and  again :  but 
no  sooner  we  began  than  our  voices  were  drowned.  It  was 
with  much  difficulty  that  we  at  last  persuaded  the  people,  as 
night  drew  on,  to  retire  to  their  own  homes. 

Tuesday,  July  2.  I  rode  with  Mr.  S.  to  Mr.  J.'s ;  who, 
with  Mrs.  J.,  received  us  with  open  arms.  I  preached  the 
next  day,  not  far  from  his  house,  to  a  deeply  attentive  con- 
gregation. Many  were  much  affected  at  the  preaching ;  but 
far  more  at  the  meeting  of  the  society.  Mr.  J.  himself  was 
constrained  to  praise  God  aloud,  for  his  great  love  to  him 
and  to  his  people. 

Sunday,  7.  I  preached  at  W.'s  chapel,  about  twenty  mile3 
from  Mr.  J.'s.  I  intended  to  preach  near  the  house,  under 
the  shade  of  some  large  trees.  But  the  rain  made  it  imprac- 
ticable. The  house  was  greatly  crowded,  and  four  or  five 
hundred  stood  at  the  doors  and  windows,  and  listened  with 
unabated  attention.  I  preached  from  Ezekiel's  vision  of  the 
dry  bones :  "  And  there  was  a  great  shaking."  I  was 
obliged  to  stop  again  and  again,  and  beg  of  the  people  to 
compose  themselves.  But  they  could  not :  some  on  their 
knees,  and  some  on  their  faces,  were  crying  mightily  to  God 
all  the  time  I  was  preaching.  Hundreds  of  negroes  were 
among  them,  with  the  tears  streaming  down  their  faces. 
The  same  power  we  found  in  meeting  the  society,  and  many 
were  enabled  to  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable.  In  the  cool 
of  the  evening  I  preached  out  of  doors,  and  many  found  an 
uncommon  blessing. 

Every  day  the  ensuing  week  I  preached  to  large  and  at- 
tentive congregations.  Indeed,  the  weather  was  violently 
hot,  and  the  fatigue  of  riding  and  preaching  so  often  was 
great.  But  God  made  up  all  this  to  me,  by  his  comfortable 
presence.  Thursday,  11,  I  preached  to  a  large  congregation 
at  the  preaching-house  near  Mr.  J.'s.  After  preaching  at 
several  places  on  Friday  and  Saturday,  on  Sunday,  14,  I 
came  to  Mr.  B.'s,  where  I  preached  and  met  the  society. 
The  congregation  was,  as  before,  abundantly  larger  than  the 


Dec,  1776.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


229 


chapel  could  contain.  And  we  had  almost  such  a  day  as 
fourteen  days  ago — only  attended  with  a  more  deep  and  so- 
lemn work.  What  a  work  is  God  working  in  this  corner  of 
Mr.  J.'s  parish  !  It  seemed  as  if  all  the  country,  for  nine  or 
ten  miles  round,  were  ready  to  turn  to  God. 

In  the  evening  I  rode  to  Mr.  S.'s,  and  found  a  whole 
family  fearing  and  loving  God.  Mr.  S.,  a  sensible  and  judi- 
cious man,  had  been  for  many  years  a  justice  of  the  peace. 
By  hearing  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  he  and  his  wife  first, 
and  then  all  his  children,  had  attained  that  peace  that  passeth 
all  understanding.  He  observed,  "  How  amazing  the  change 
was  which  had  been  lately  wrought  in  the  place  where  he 
lived !  That  before  the  Methodists  came  into  these  parts, 
when  he  was  called  by  his  office  to  attend  the  court,  there 
was  nothing  but  drunkenness,  cursing,  swearing,  and  fighting, 
most  of  the  time  the  court  sat:  whereas  now  nothing  is 
heard  but  prayer  and  praise,  and  conversing  about  God  and 
the  things  of  God." 

Monday,  15.  I  rode  towards  North  Carolina.  In  every 
place  the  congregations  were  large,  and  received  the  word 
with  all  readiness  of  mind.  I  know  not  that  I  have  spent 
such  a  week  since  I  came  to  America.  I  saw  everywhere 
such  a  simplicity  in  the  people,  with  such  a  vehement  thirst 
after  the  word  of  God,  that  I  frequently  preached  and  con- 
tinued in  prayer  till  I  was  hardly  able  to  stand.  Indeed 
there  was  no  getting  away  from  them,  while  I  was  able  to 
speak  one  sentence  for  God. 

Sunday,  21.  I  preached  at  Roanoke  chapel  to  more  than 
double  of  what  the  house  would  contain.  In  general,  the 
white  people  were  within  the  chapel,  and  the  black  people 
without.  The  windows  being  all  open,  every  one  could  hear, 
and  hundreds  felt  the  word  of  God.  Many  were  bathed  in 
tears,  and  others  rejoicing  with  joy  unspeakable.  When  the 
society  met,  many  could  not  refrain  from  praising  God  aloud. 
I  preached  to  a  large  company  in  the  afternoon,  and  con- 
cluded the  day  with  prayer  and  thanksgiving. 

Tuesday,  23.  I  crossed  the  Roanoke  river,  and  preached 


230 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  17*77. 


at  a  chapel  in  North  Carolina.  And  I  preached  every  day 
to  very  large  and  deeply  attentive  congregations  :  although 
not  without  much  labour  and  pain,  through  the  extreme 
heat  of  the  weather. 

On  Tuesday,  30,  was  our  quarterly  meeting.  I  scarce 
ever  remember  such  a  season.  No  chapel  or  preaching- 
house  in  Virginia  would  have  contained  one-third  of  the 
congregation.  Our  friends  knowing  this,  had  contrived  to 
shade  with  boughs  of  trees  a  space  that  would  contain  two 
or  three  thousand  persons.  Under  this,  wholly  screened 
from  the  rays  of  the  sun,  we  held  our  general  love-feast.  It 
began  between  eight  and  nine  on  Wednesday  morning,  and 
continued  till  noon.  Many  testified  that  they  had  "  redemp- 
tion in  the  blood  of  Jesus,  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins." 
And  many  were  enabled  to  declare,  that  it  had  "  cleansed 
them  from  all  sin."  So  clear,  so  full,  so  strong  was  their 
testimony,  that  while  some  were  speaking  their  experience, 
hundreds  were  in  tears,  and  others  vehemently  crying  to 
God  for  pardon  or  holiness. 

About  eight  our  watch-night  began.  Mr.  J.  preached  an 
excellent  sermon ;  the  rest  of  the  preachers  exhorted  and 
prayed  with  divine  energy.  Surely,  for  the  work  wrought 
on  these  two  days,  many  will  praise  God  to  all  eternity. 

T.  R. 


Thursday,  January  2,  1777.  My  soul  has  had  to  wrestle 
with  principalities  and  powers  ;  but  by  the  grace  of  God,  in 
obstinately  resisting  the  tempter,  I  have  come  off  more  than 
conqueror,  and  am  now  in  peace.  I  was  enabled  to  speak 
plainly  and  closely  at  Mr.  G.'s. 

Lord's  day,  5.  After  preaching  and  meeting  the  society, 
I  think  the  people  were  left  more  in  earnest  for  the  salvation 
of  their  souls  than  they  were  before.  On  Monday  the  Lord 
was  the  portion  and  comfort  of  my  soul ;  and  I  enjoyed  a 
very  agreeable  and  happy  season  with  the  little  flock  at 
W.  W.'s. 


Jan.,  1777.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


Tuesday,  7.  The  camp  fever  now  rages  much ;  of  which 
several  have  died. 

Thursday,  9.  I  have  met  with  a  few  faithful,  happy  souls, 
both  yesterday  at  Susquehanna,  and  to-day  at  E.  W.'s. 
My  own  soul  lives  constantly  as  in  the  presence  of  God,  and 
enjoys  much  of  his  divine  favour.  His  love  is  better  than 
life ! 

"  My  Jesus  to  know, 
And  feel  his  blood  flow, 
;Tis  life  everlasting,  His  heaven  below." 

Lord's  day,  12.  There  was  but  little  appearance  of  feeling 
while  I  preached  in  the  day  from  John  i,  14  ;  but  my  soul 
was  much  blessed  in  the  evening  at  W.  E.'s,  and  it  was  a 
solemn  time  amongst  the  people. 

Monday,  13.  We  have  constant  rumours  about  the  disa- 
greeable war  which  is  now  spreading  through  the  country ; 
but  all  these  things  I  still  commit  to  God.  Matters  of 
greater  perpetuity  call  for  the  exertion  of  my  mental  powers. 
My  soul  is  in  a  tranquil  frame,  but  thirsting  for  more  of 
God.  After  preaching  at  S.  L.'s,  I  met  the  society,  which 
seemed  but  slow  in  their  spiritual  progress.  Both  the 
audience  and  myself  were  much  more  engaged  the  next  day 
at  I.  P.'s. 

Thursday,  16.  A  certain  person  passed  great  encomiums, 
and  sounded  my  praise  as  a  preacher  to  my  face.  But  this 
is  a  dangerous  practice;  for  it  is  easier  for  a  preacher  to 
think  too  much  of  his  gifts,  than  too  little.  St.  Paul,  de- 
scribing the  true  Israelite,  saith :  "  whose  praise  is  not  of 
men,  but  of  God." 

Saturday,  18.  I  have  heard  much  of  many  attending  on 
the  Lord's  days  to  hear  T.  C,  but  for  my  part  I  see  but 
little  fruit.  My  heart  was  warmly  engaged  to-day  at  Mr. 
F.'s  ;  and  as  some  preachers  met  me  in  the  evening,  we  held 
a  watch-night  at  H.  W.'s.  There  was  a  great  number  of 
people,  and  it  was  a  solemn,  profitable  time. 

Lord's  day,  19.  In  preaching  at  N.  P.'s,  from  Zeph..i,  12, 
I  was  particularly  led,  in  the  close  of  the  sermon,  to  address 


232 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1111. 


the  younger  part  of  the  congregation,  in  such  a  manner  as 
greatly  affected  the  parents  who  were  present. 

Monday,  20.  It  is  now  a  time  of  great  and  spreading  sick- 
ness— but  in  this  very  time,  the  Lord  keeps  me  in  health  and 
safety ;  for  which  my  heart  is  drawn  out  in  grateful  ac- 
knowledgments. There  were  more  people  than  could  have 
been  expected,  to  hear  the  word  at  Mrs.  P.'s. 

Tuesday,  21.  A  messenger  from  Mr.  G.'s  met  me  at  the 

widow  B.'s,  informing  me  that  Mr.  R  a  and  Mr.  G.  S.  were 

there  waiting  to  see  me.  After  preaching  I  set  out,  and  met 
my  brethren  the  same  night,  and  found  them  inclined  to  leave 
America,  and  embark  for  England.  But  I  had  before  re- 
solved not  to  depart  from  the  work  on  any  consideration. 

After  some  consultation  it  was  thought  best  that  Mr.  R  a 

should  go  to  Mr.  R  n,  and  request  his  attendance  here. 

On  Thursday  brother  S.  preached  a  very  argumentative  and 
melting  sermon.  I  intended  to  have  gone  forward  on  my 
circuit,  but  was  prevented  by  the  rain. 

Friday,  24.  My  heart  has  checked  me  for  not  being  more 
watchful  in  company  and  conversation :  but  to-day  my  soul 
was  greatly  drawn  out  after  God.  How  often  do  we  grieve 
the  Holy  Spirit,  and  deprive  ourselves  of  divine  consolations, 
by  not  steadily  attending  to  the  duties  of  watching  and 
prayer.  Lord,  help  me  to  be  more  attentive,  and  more 
faithful ! 

Lord's  day,  26.  After  lecturing  in  Mr.  G.'s  family  I  rode 
to  the  Forks,  and  preached  there ;  then  through  rain,  and  cold, 
and  dirt,  to  meet  the  congregation  at  Mr.  C.'s  ;  and  afterward 
returned  to  Mr.  G.'s,  and  lectured  in  the  evening.  And  the 
Lord  was  with  me,  to  support  and  comfort  me  through  all 
the  exercises  of  the  day. 

Monday,  27.  My  spirit  was  assaulted  by  Satan,  and  felt  it- 
self in  a  heavy  frame  ;  but  in  the  Lord  I  have  help.  As  bro- 
ther G.  S.  is  willing  to  take  this  circuit  for  the  present,  my 
intention  is  to  move  towards  Annapolis  and  its  adjacent  parts. 
May  Divine  Providence  direct  my  steps!  I  have  had  an 
agreeable  conversation  with  my  friend  Mr.  0  e. 


Fep.,  1777.]  ASBURT'S  JOURNAL. 


233 


Friday,  31.  I  was  moved  to  speak  in  alarming  terms  at 
W.  L.'s ;  but  am  not  yet  so  steadily  and  spiritually  devoted 
to  God  as  my  soul  earnestly  desires  to  be.  Probably  the 
Lord  will  be  pleased  to  make  me  perfect  through  sufferings. 
But,  "  our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a  moment,  is  not 
worthy  to  be  compared  with  that  glory  which  shall  be  revealed 
in  us,"  if  faithful  to  the  grace  of  God. 

"Who  suffer  with  our  Master  here, 
We  shall  before  his  face  appear, 

And  by  his  side  sit  down ; 
To  patient  faith  the  prize  is  sure ; 
And  all  that  to  the  end  endure 
The  cross,  shall  wear  the  crown." 

Saturday,  February  1.  My  soul  is  determined  to  labour 
more  for  the  spirit  of  devotion.  I  found  myself  at  liberty  in 
preaching  at  the  Point,  on  "  Casting  all  your  care  upon  him, 
for  he  careth  for  you." 

Lord's  day,  2.  The  audience  at  the  Point  were  cold  and 
unaffected.  And  at  town,  on  Monday  evening,  they  were  dis- 
persed by  the  alarm  of  fire  in  the  time  of  preaching. 

Tuesday,  4.  After  a  season  of  temptations  and  spiritual  ex- 
ercises, I  found  my  mind  disburdened,  and  a  holy,  awful 
nearness  to  God.  On  Thursday  I  set  out  for  Risterstown,  in 
order  to  meet  brother  G.  S.,  and  calling  in  at  Mr.  W.'s,  where 
brother  K.  was  then  speaking,  I  also  spoke  a  few  words,  and 
found  my  soul  refreshed.  I  met  with  brother  G.  S.  the  next 
day,  and  saw  an  affecting  letter  from  Mrs.  T.  of  Philadelphia, 
in  which,  after  she  had  given  some  account  of  the  abounding 
wickedness  of  that  city,  she  informed  us  of  the  declension  of 
a  few  religious  persons,  of  the  fidelity  of  others,  of  the  camp- 
fever  that  was  then  prevailing  there,  and  that  many  died 
thereof — sometimes  twenty,  thirty,  and  even  forty  in  a  day. 
An  awful  account  indeed  !  So  it  seems  as  if  the  Lord  intends 
to  bring  us  to  our  proper  reflections  and  duties  by  the  sword, 
the  pestilence,  and  famine.  Alas  !  who  can  stand  before  the 
displeasure  of  the  Almighty  !  How  much  better  would  it  be, 
for  men  to  please  God,  and  live  in  love  to  him  and  one  an- 


234 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1111. 


other,  that  they  might  partake  of  his  blessing,  instead  of  his 
curse !  Lord,  grant  thy  people  wisdom  and  protection  in  all 
times  of  danger! 

Monday,  10.  I  went  to  the  quarterly  meeting  and  met  with 
brother  R  a  and  brother  R  n.  In  our  love-feast  seve- 
ral people  were  happy,  but  my  mind  was  under  a  cloud  and 
some  severe  exercises.  However,  I  earnestly  desire  an  increase 
of  patience,  and  communion  with  God.  O  my  Lord,  scatter 
every  cloud,  and  cause  thy  face  to  shine  with  beams  of  divine 
love  upon  my  soul ! 

Thursday,  13.  Mr.  R  n  went  to  Baltimore ;  and  on  Fri- 
day, I  felt  a  desire  to  be  labouring  for  the  salvation  of  souls. 
I  cannot  be  idle,  but  must  be  occupied  till  my  Lord  shall  come. 

0  happy  day,  when  the  weary  shall  be  at  rest !  Lord,  hasten 
thy  work  in  me,  and  then  hasten  thy  coming  to  judgment,  or 
by  death ! 

Saturday,  15.  I  have  been  reading  some  of  both  Greek  and 
Hebrew  :  but  my  soul  longeth  to  feel  more  deadness  to  every- 
thing but  God,  and  an  increase  of  spiritual  light,  life,  and  love. 

1  now  parted  with  dear  brother  G.  S.  On  the  Lord's  day  I 
found  freedom  and  warmth  in  preaching  to  a  larger  congrega- 
tion than  could  have  been  expected,  at  the  widow  M.'s. 

Monday,  11.  Rode  to  Mrs.  R.'s;  and  was  grievously  trou- 
bled with  inward  temptations.  0  !  when  shall  I  rest  with 
my  Jesus  in  eternal  glory  ?  Lord,  I  am  oppressed ;  undertake 
for  me ! 

Tuesday,  18.  It  was  a  cold  winter's  day,  but  I  rode  twenty- 
three  miles  to  Mr.  G.'s,  and  found  one  had  been  brought  to 
God  since  my  departure  the  last  time.  Several  seemed  to 
melt  while  I  was  discoursing  on  the  vision  of  the  dry  bones. 

Thursday,  20.  The  weather  was  exceedingly  severe,  and  I 
had  twenty-five  miles  to  ride ;  which  almost  benumbed  both 
body  and  soul.  But  my  mind  was  so  exercised  by  the  way, 
with  various  and  heavy  temptations,  and  such  a  deep  sense 
of  my  demerit  and  unprofitableness,  that  I  thought  my  suffer- 
ing was  much  less  than  my  desert.  Satan  frequently  assaults 
me  on  every  side,  and  with  every  species  of  temptations. 


Mar.,  11111 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


235 


Surely  it  is  through  great  tribulation  we  must  enter  into  the 
kingdom  of  God.  The  righteous  have  great  cause  to  rejoice 
that  a  rest  remaineth  for  them. 

Saturday,  22.  The  btfrden  of  my  ardent  desire  was,  to 
be  more  assimilated  to  my  spiritual  Head,  and  to  be  more 
abundantly  devoted,  both  day  and  night,  to  the  pure  and  un- 
interrupted service  of  my  God. 

"  I  would  be  thine,  thou  know'st  I  would, 
And  have  thee  all  my  own ; 
Thee,  0  my  all-sufficient  good, 
I  want,  and  thee  alone." 

Lord's  day,  23.  After  riding  twenty  miles  to  I.  W.'s,  I 
spoke  from  these  words,  "How  long  halt  ye  between  two 
opinions  ?"  Many  of  the  people  displayed,  by  their  looks,  the 
carelessness  of  their  hearts ;  but  a  few  from  among  them  have 
been  brought  to  Christ,  and  some  more  are  coming.  On  Tues- 
day we  had  severe  weather,  with  a  cold  and  dirty  house ;  but 
my  soul  was  much  blessed  in  my  little  sufferings.  On  Wed- 
nesday, I  was  kindly  entertained  by  old  Mr.  M.  and  his  wife : 
though  a  troublesome  little  Irishman  seemed  much  inclined 
to  altercation.  But  as  Solomon  says,  "  A  soft  answer  turneth 
away  wrath ;"  so  by  coolness  and  meekness,  the  ferocity  of 
his  temper  was  in  a  great  degree  subdued.  I  have  had  some 
doubts  of  late,  whether  I  am  in  my  proper  route  to  bring  souls 
to  God  ;  however,  the  event  must  make  it  manifest. 

Friday,  28.  My  heart  was  unfettered  and  quite  happy  in 
God,  while  publishing  glad  tidings  to  poor  sinners  at  Mr.  H.'s, 
from  Acts  xiii,  38,  39.  I  had  appointed  the  next  day  to  enter 
Annapolis,  but  a  great  snow  prevented  me.  Meeting  with 
brother  H.,  who  was  about  to  enter  upon  the  circuit,  we  took 
some  sweet  counsel  together  relative  to  the  work  of  God  ;  and 
I  gave  him  a  plan  which  comprehended  the  greater  part  of 
the  circuit,  reserving  for  myself  Annapolis  and  a  few  places 
adjacent.    My  soul  is  now  kept  in  peace  and  love. 

Lord's  day,  March  2.  Though  the  weather  was  very  cold, 
several  members  of  the  convention  attended  to  hear  the  word 
at  the  widow  D.'s ;  and  I  afterward  preached  in  the  play-house, 


230 


ASBtXRY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1777. 


now  converted  into  a  church.  In  the  beginning  of  the  en- 
suing week,  I  was  requested  to  preach  in  the  assembly-room, 
but  some  of  the  members  opposed  it ;  so  I  returned  to  the 
play-house,  and  found  my  ideas  contracted  while  preaching 
to  a  deistical  audience,  from  Rom.  viii,  7,  8.  Lord,  if  thou 
hast  called  me  to  preach  to  these  souls,  grant  me  divine  as- 
sistance !  But  how  difficult  it  is  to  declare  the  plain  truth  to 
ungodly  and  sensual  men  in  such  a  manner  as  not  to  be  dis- 
mayed at  their  countenance !  Our  sufficiency  is  of  God. 

Wednesday,  5.  I  had  some  hope  for  a  poor,  ignorant  peo- 
ple at  Broad-Neck,  on  the  other  side  of  the  Severn.  My 
clothes  were  wet  through,  in  riding  twenty  miles  the  next  day 
to  Mr.  P.'s ;  but  I  received  no  injury.  Here  I  met  with  Mr. 
0.  and  Wm.  M.,  and  my  soul  was  blessed  with  delightful 
communion  with  God. 

Lord's  day,  9.  Preached  at  Mr.  W.'s  :  and  on  Monday  my 
heart  was  inflamed  with  divine  love,  and  the  people  were  much 
melted,  while  I  was  discoursing  at  Mr.  R.'s  from  Amos  v,  6, 
though  my  soul  had  been  bowed  down  by  the  weight  of 
temptations  ;  and,  by  the  grace  of  God,  I  was  ashamed  before 
him,  being  base,  unworthy,  and  contemptible  in  my  own  eyes. 
May  the  grace  which  thus  abases  me,  in  due  time  exalt  me, 
and  bring  me  to  glory! 

Tuesday,  11.  I  met  with  a  dull  congregation  at  Mr.  G.'s, 
and  went  home  with  Mr.  T.,  who  appeared  to  be  the  only 
thoughtful  man  amongst  them.  I  was  much  indisposed  on 
Wednesday,  and  on  my  way  to  Annapolis,  stopped  at  Mr. 

M  r's,  where  a  certain  Mr.  R.  was  taken  sick ;  after  I  had 

conversed  with  him  about  his  soul  and  the  things  of  eternity, 
his  conduct  proved  that  God  hath  a  witness  for  himself  in 
every  breast,  for,  awaking  in  the  night,  he  uttered  expressive 
groans,  and  called  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord.  But  alas ! 
when  men  should  attend  to  the  voice  of  divine  grace,  which 
speaketh  in  silence,  though  frequently  with  great  power,  to 
every  conscience,  they  shake  off  the  disagreeable  sensation, 
and  plunge  into  business  and  sensual  pleasures :  and  when 
death  comes  they  plunge  into  hell.    Thus  it  was  with  the  rich 


Mar.,  11113 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


23V 


man  mentioned  by  our  Lord  in  the  parable :  and  thus  it  is 
with  many  every  day.  Unhappy  creatures  !  How  rich,  how 
honourable,  how  easy,  how  happy  once,  avails  them  nothing 
there !  There  they  must  dwell  in  eternal  poverty  and 
nakedness,  exposed  to  the  beating  storms  of  the  Divine  dis- 
pleasure. Then  how  much  better  is  it,  to  choose  affliction 
with  the  people  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasure  of  sin  for 
a  season ! 

Thursday,  13.  At  W.  M'C.'s  many  were  much  wrought 
upon  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  under  the  word :  A.  W.  especially 
was  so  deeply  affected,  that  she  had  scarce  power  to  contain 
herself.  I  saw  a  fresh  proof  that  the  life  of  man  is  quite  uncer- 
tain :  a  tobacco  house  was  blown  down  and  killed  a  negro  man. 

My  heart  was  deeply  engaged  in  prayer,  especially  for  the 
inhabitants  of  Annapolis.  My  confidence  in  God  was  so  great, 
that  I  could  trust  him  with  my  body  and  soul,  and  all  my  lit- 
tle concerns.  He  makes  me  a  partaker  of  his  spiritual  king- 
dom— righteousness,  peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Friday,  14.  My  natural  timidity  depressed  my  mind  at 
the  thought  of  preaching  in  Annapolis,  where  many  people 
openly  deny  the  Holy  Scriptures,  as  well  as  the  power  of  in- 
ward religion.  But  the  Lord  inspired  me  with  a  degree  of 
evangelical  courage ;  and  I  felt  a  determination  to  adhere  to 
the  truth,  and  follow  Jesus  Christ,  if  it  should  be  even  to 
prison  or  to  death. 

Saturday,  15.  Preaching  in  a  private  house  in  Annapolis, 
I  found  my  spirit  at  liberty  in  a  good  degree.  May  the  God 
of  Daniel  stand  by  me,  that  I  may  never  be  ashamed  to 
preach  the  pure  gospel,  or  even  afraid  to  suffer  for  it ! 

Lord's  day,  16.  After  preaching  at  the  widow  D.'s,  I  rode 
back  to  Mr.  H.'s,  and  was  not  very  agreeably  entertained  by 
a  company  of  gay,  worldly  people.  And  as  they  must  either 
imbibe  something  of  my  spirit,  or  I  something  of  theirs,  if 
we  were  long  together,  I  thought  it  most  expedient  to  depart 
in  peace  as  soon  as  it  was  convenient ;  and  was  much  as- 
sisted and  comforted  in  preaching  from  Acts  xvii,  30,  31; 
but  felt  myself  weary  and  unwell  at  the  close  of  the  day. 


238 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  1111. 


Monday,  1*7.  Preaching  when  the  house  of  assembly  was 
adjourned,  many  of  them  came  to  hear  for  themselves.  The 
Lord  was  with  me,  and  I  found  my  heart  melted  and  ex- 
panded with  love  to  the  souls  of  the  people.  But  by  impru- 
dently venturing  out  when  warmed  by  preaching,  I  have 
brought  on  a  sore  throat.  On  Tuesday  I  went  to  get  a  sight 
of  the  poor  prisoners,  but  could  not  obtain  admittance.  At 
Broad- Creek  on  Wednesday,  there  was  a  large  company  of 
wild  and  ignorant  mortals,  who,  after  preaching,  were  com- 
municating their  thoughts  to  each  other :  some  said  they  did 
not  like  the  doctrine ;  others  said  it  was  the  truth — the  very 
truth. 

Wednesday,  19.  I  rode  to  Major  R.'s,  who  treated  me  with 
great  kindness,  and  seemed  desirous  of  knowing  the  truth : 
but  the  spirit  of  the  times  has  engrossed  too  much  of  his 
attention.  Our  Lord  has  told  us  that  some,  "  when  they 
have  heard,  go  forth,  and  are  choked  with  cares,  and  riches, 
and  pleasures  of  this  life."  Luke  viii,  14.  No  doubt  but  this 
description  comprehends  a  vast  multitude  of  mankind  :  they 
do  not  consider  religion  as  the  one  thing  needful. 

Thursday,  20.  By  the  providence  of  God,  my  throat  was 
no  worse,  but  my  mind  was  under  some  dejection.  However, 
we  had  a  powerful  and  profitable  watch-night  at  Mr.  P.'s. 
And  on  Friday  there  were  many  attentive  people  at  Mr.  R.'s. 

Saturday,  22.  As  sure  as  we  draw  nigh  to  God  in  sin- 
cerity, he  will  draw  nigh  to  us.  I  have  given  myself  to 
private  prayer  seven  times  a-day,  and  found  my  heart  much 
drawn  out  in  behalf  of  the  preachers,  the  societies,  especially 
the  new  places,  and  my  aged  parents.  And  while  thus  ex- 
ercised, my  soul  has  been  both  quickened  and  purified.  Let 
the  glory  be  given  to  God  !  But  alas  !  after  all,  my  heart  is 
not  so  filled  with  generous  gratitude  as  it  should  be  ! 

"  Eternal  are  thy  mercies,  Lord ; 
Eternal  truth  attends  thy  word ; 
Thy  praise  shall  sound  from  shore  to  shore, 
Till  suns  shall  rise  and  set  no  more." 

Lord's  day,  23.  My  mind  was  delightfully  fixed  on  God. 


Apr.,  1777.] 


ASBUKY'S  JOURNAL. 


239 


A  few  people,  who  in  dulness  and  religious  stupidity  ex- 
ceeded all  I  had  ever  seen,  came  to  hear  me  to-day.  But 
would  they  sincerely  seek  after  God,  they  should  find  the 
Avay  to  heaven ;  for  the  prophet  saith,  "  A  fool  shall  not  err 
therein." 

Thursday,  27.  I  have  been  variously  exercised  with  the 
carelessness  of  the  people,  and  the  troubles  of  the  times ; 
though  my  soul  has  had  intimate  access  to  God.  I  received 
a  letter  from  brother  S.,  intimating  that,  according  to  rule, 
the  time  was  drawing  near  for  us  to  return.  But  St.  Paul's 
rule  is,  that  our  spiritual  children  should  be  in  our  hearts,  to 
live  and  die  with  them.  (2  Cor.  vii,  3.)  Then,  doubtless,  we 
should  be  willing  to  suffer  affliction  with  them.  May  the 
Lord  give  me  wisdom  sufficient  to  direct  me  in  this  and  every 
intricate  case ! 

Lord's  day,  30.  The  congregation  was  large  at  Mr.  D.'s, 
and  some  of  them  felt  the  power  of  the  word :  though  in  the 
afternoon,  at  a  school-house  near  Annapolis,  there  was  very 
little  appearance  of  spiritual  feeling.  On  Monday  I  was  un- 
der some  exercise  of  mind  in  respect  to  the  times  :  my  bre- 
thren are  inclined  to  leave  the  continent,  and  I  do  not  know 
but  something  may  be  propounded  to  me  which  would  touch 
my  conscience  ;  but  my  determination  is  to  trust  in  God,  and 
be  satisfied  if  the  souls  of  my  fellow-men  are  saved.  A  gen- 
teel woman  met  me  to-day  on  the  road  to  I.  H.'s,  and  asked 
me  if  I  should  not  preach  in  town ;  but  I  had  not  the 
presence  of  mind  to  tell  her  I  had  no  place  there  to 
preach  in. 

Wednesday,  April  2.  Having  received  information  that 
some  of  my  brethren  had  determined  on  their  departure,  I 
wrote  to  brother  S.,  that  as  long  as  I  could  stay  and  preach 
without  injuring  my  conscience,  it  appeared  as  mv  duty  to 
abide  with  the  flock.  But  I  must  confess  Satan  has  harassed 
me  with  violent  and  various  temptations.  However,  my  de- 
pendence is  on  the  Lord,  that  he  will  always  enable  me  to  do 
what  is  right  in  the  sight  of  God  and  man.  I  had  about 
twenty-two  miles  to  ride  to-day,  and  to  call  by  the  way  to 


240 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1111. 


preach  :  though  both  hungry  and  weary,  yet  my  soul  was 
much  blessed  in  dispensing  the  word. 

Thursday,  3.  My  soul  had  peace,  and  my  body  had  rest : 
but  Satan  was  still  at  hand.  We  had  a  comfortable  watch- 
night  at  Mr.  P.'s.  On  Friday  my  heart  was  dissolved  into 
tenderness  while  preaching  at  Mr.  R.'s. 

Saturday,  5.  Mr.  M.  gave  me  an  awful  account  of  a  man 
struck  instantly  dead  at  Deer-Creek.  The  very  relation  of 
his  crime  is  enough  to  make  a  man  shudder — he  had  been 
cursing  the  Holy  Spirit.  This  is  a  striking  proof  that  God  is 
not  an  inattentive  spectator  of  the  actions  of  men,  though 
most  men  live  as  if  they  thought  he  were.  No :  "  for  God 
shall  bring  every  work  into  judgment,  with  every  secret  thing, 
whether  it  be  good,  or  whether  it  be  evil."  Ecclesiastes  xii,  14. 
Much  temptation  has  urged  me  to  much  prayer :  so  that  I 
have  lately  retired  as  often  as  ten  or  twelve  times  a  day  to 
call  upon  my  God.  When  the  tempter  finds  that  his  violent 
assaults  only  drive  us  nearer  to  God,  perhaps  he  will  not  be 
so  maliciously  officious. 

Monday,  1.  Satan  seemed  determined,  if  possible,  to  dis- 
tract, if  he  could  not  destroy  me — even  blasphemous  thoughts 
have  been  darted  into  my  imagination.  But  I  know  where 
my  help  is  to  be  found.  Let  our  imaginations  be  ever  so 
horrid,  and  haunt  us  ever  so  frequently,  provided  we  hate 
them,  and  constantly  resist  them,  they  are  not  imputed  to 
us  ;  but  we  may  still  rejoice  in  God  in  the  midst  of  them  all. 
"  It  is  enough  for  the  servant  to  be  as  his  Lord,  who  was  in 
all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet  without  sin."  Glory 
to  God,  he  hath  promised  that  "  we  shall  not  be  tempted 
above  that  we  are  able,"  (though  sometimes  it  may  be  to  the 
extent  of  our  ability,)  "  but  will  with  the  temptation  also 
make  a  way  to  escape,  that  Ave  may  be  able  to  bear  it."  1  Cor. 
x,  13.  f  have  now  read  Newton  on  the  Prophecies  three 
times  over. 

Tuesday,  8.  There  was  a  large  company  of  wild-looking 
people  at  Mr.  G.'s,  on  the  fork  of  Patuxent  river.  And  there 
was  much  such  a  congregation  the  next  day  at  Mr.  C.'s. 


Apr.,  I'm.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


241 


Thursday,  10.  My  soul  was  much  refreshed  in  speaking 
to  the  people  at  C.  B.'s:  and  on  Friday  I  met  with  Mr. 

H  n,  and  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  R  n ;  in  which, 

after  he  had  given  me  an  account  of  the  circuits  and  societies, 
he  assigned  his  reasons  for  not  travelling  much  for  about  the 
space  of  two  months  past. 

Lord's  day,  13.  After  preaching  at  Mr.  D.'s,  I  found  much 
freedom  in  preaching  to  a  large  company  at  Annapolis  :  and 
had  an  invitation  to  go  into  Worcester  county. 

Monday,  ]  4.  This  was  a  day  of  rest  to  my  fatigued  frame, 
and  of  consolation  to  my  immortal  part.  On  Tuesday  there 
was  great  decency  in  the  congregation  at  Annapolis ;  though 
Satan,  by  his  emissaries,  had  raised  an  opposition.  But 
Israel's  God  is  above  them  all. 

Wednesday,  16.  God  was  with  us,  and  the  people  were 
happy  at  Mr.  M.'s.  On  my  way  I  called  and  dined  with 
Mr.  R.,  who  gave  great  attention  to  my  explanatory  and 
pointed  conversation  on  the  new  birth.  Riding  after  preach- 
ing to  R.  P.'s,  my  chaise  was  shot  through  ;  but  the  Lord 
preserved  my  person.  The  war  is  now  at  such  a  height,  that 
they  are  pressing  men  for  the  sea  service. 

Thursday,  17.  One  of  our  Society  died  of  a  disorder  in  the 
throat  and  lungs,  with  only  one  day's  illness.  Such  is  the 
precarious  tenure  of  life  !  But  "  blessed  are  they  that  die  in 
the  Lord !"  May  I  always  have  my  loins  girded  about,  and 
my  light  burning,  waiting  for  the  will  of  my  Lord !  God  has 
displayed  great  wisdom  and  goodness  in  hiding  future  events 
from  man;  that  we  may  live  without  that  painful  anxiety 
which  we  should  be  apt  to  feel  if  we  knew  the  hour  of  our 
death,  and  that  we  may  be  always  ready  to  meet  the  un- 
known period. 

Saturday,  19.  My  soul  was  much  blessed  at  R.  S.'s,  in 
preaching  from  the  Divine  expostulation,  "  Why  will  ye  die  ?" 
Mr.  I.  D.  invited  me  to  lodge  at  his  house,  and  treated  me 
with  great  kindness. 

Lord's  day,  20.  After  preaching  at  Mr.  W.'s,  I  rode  about 
twenty  miles  to  lodge  with  a  friend  ;  but  seeing  a  boy  plough- 

11 


242 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1777. 


ing  by  the  road-side,  my  conscience  smote  me  for  breaking 
the  Sabbath,  by  riding  when  there  was  no  real  necessity 
for  it. 

Monday,  21.  My  heart  was  comforted  in  the  company  of 
an  old  friend  :  but  on  Tuesday  Satan  raged  against  my  soul 
as  if  he  would  immediately  destroy  it;  but  my  divine  Pro- 
tector is  too  strong  for  him.  The  Lord  visited  and  blessed 
my  soul  in  the  evening,  while  I  was  describing  the  faithful 
and  wise  servant. 

Wednesday,  23.  I  found  myself  very  unwell  on  my  going 
to  T.  W.'s  ;  but  my  spirit  was  at  liberty  in  preaching.  Though 
still  unwell  I  rode  twenty  miles  to  I.  W.'s  on  Thursday,  and 
was  blessed  with  a  tranquil  mind  by  the  way.  Satan  cast 
several  infernal  darts  at  my  soul ;  but  I  was  enabled  to  repel 
them  by  the  shield  of  faith,  and  the  power  of  prayer. 

Saturday,  26.  A  very  genteel,  polite  company  assembled 
at  Annapolis  ;  and  though  I  spoke  with  great  plainness,  they 
bore  it  well. 

Lord's  day,  27.  After  meeting  the  congregation  at  the 
widow  D.'s,  I  found  a  large  company  at  Annapolis,  who  gave 
good  attention  to  me,  but  I  fear  they  were  not  disposed  to 
give  their  hearts  to  God.  My  mind  has  been  grieved  at  some 
who  call  themselves  friends  to  religion  and  to  the  Methodists. 
But  alas !  how  blind  and  ignorant  is  the  unchanged  mind  of 
man !  How  little  does  he  consider  what  will  please  or  dis- 
please his  Maker !  I  still  desire  to  have  every  action,  word, 
thought,  and  desire,  entirely  devoted  to  God.  Lord,  hasten 
the  much  wished  for  hour ! 

"  Thou,  my  life,  my  treasure  be, 
My  portion  here  below ! 
Nothing  would  I  seek  but  thee, 
Thee  only  would  I  know." 

Monday,  28.  About  two  hundred  careless-looking  people 
came  to  hear  the  word  at  Pig-Point:  they  seemed  en- 
tire strangers  to  such  a  doctrine;  so  some  laughed  and 
others  wept.    I  rode  fifty  miles  in  going  and  coming  to 


May,  1777.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


243 


preach  that  sermon ;  but  hope  it  was  not  altogether  labour 
lost. 

Friday,  May  2.  At  Mr.  R.'s  I  spoke  closely  and  pointedly 
for  the  last  time  during  this  visit ;  then  rode  through  the  rain 
and  darkness  to  Mr.  W.'s,  and  felt  my  heart  sweetly  melted 
with  gratitude  and  thanksgiving  to  God.  On  Monday,  I 
went  to  S.  T.'s,  and  met  my  brethren  at  the  Frederick  quar- 
terly meeting;  Tjhere  we  were  favoured  with  the  Divine 
blessing. 

Wednesday,  7.  A  letter  came  to  hand  from  Mr.  J.,  which 
gave  us  hopes  that  there  would  be  another  revival  in  Virginia. 
He  also  advised  us  to  take  no  immature  steps,  which  might 
have  a  tendency  to  alter  our  plan.  After  preaching  the  next 
day  at  R.  S.'s,  T.  D.  invited  me  to  his  house.  I  found  that 
he  and  his  wife  were  seeking  to  be  justified  by  the  deeds  of 
the  law,  and  I  laboured  with  undissembled  freedom  to 
convince  them  of  their  error ;  but  it  appeared  to  be  labour  in 
vain. 

Saturday,  10.  At  Annapolis  the  congregation  was  small, 
and  so  was  my  power  to  preach.  My  soul  has  been  kept  in 
a  calm  and  comfortable  frame,  but  panting  for  more  constant 
fervour  towards  God. 

Lord's  day,  11.  Many  attended  at  the  widow  D.'s,  to  hear 
what  I  would  say  on  my  departure.  I  spoke  from  Acts  xiii, 
46  ;  and  many  seemed  much  affected.  The  congregation  was 
also  large  at  Annapolis ;  where  I  spoke  in  plain  terms  to  the 
rich  and  the  gay,  on  our  Lord's  awful  account  of  the  rich 
man  and  Lazarus.  They  behaved  well ;  and  some  were  de- 
sirous to  know  if  I  intended  to  come  again. 

Monday,  12.  Set  out  for  our  yearly  conference,  and  having 
preached  at  Mr.  P.'s,  by  the  way,  came  safe  to  Mr.  G.'s,  and 
was  glad  to  see  the  preachers  who  were  there.  We  had 
some  weighty  conversation  on  different  points :  and  among 
other  things,  it  was  asked  whether  we  could  give  our  consent  . 
that  Mr.  R.  should  baptize,  as  there  appeared  to  be  a  present 

necessity.     T3nt  it  wir  ^ocieA   tfafr.tl^g  re^nlfl  Tfp.  a  hrwoh 

of  our  discipline ;  and  it  was  not  probable  that  things  would 


244 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1111. 


continue  long  in  such  a  disordered  state.  The  next  day,  with 
great  harmony  and  joint  consent,  we  drew  a  rough  draught 
for  stationing  the  preachers  the  ensuing  year.  And  on  Fri- 
day we  conversed  on  the  propriety  of  signing  certificates 
avouching  good  conduct  for  such  of  the  preachers  as  chose  to 
go  to  Europe.  But  I  could  not  see  the  propriety  of  it  at  this 
time.  We  also  conversed  on  such  rules  as  might  be  proper 
for  the  regulation  of  the  preachers  who  abide  on  the  conti- 
nent. And  it  was  judged  necessary  that  a  committee  should 
be  appointed  to  superintend  the  whole.  And  on  Monday  we 
rode  together  to  attend  the  conference  at  Deer-Creek. 

So  greatly  has  the  Lord  increased  the  number  of  travelling 
preachers  within  these  few  years,  that  we  have  now  twenty- 
seven  who  attend  the  circuits,  and  twenty  of  them  were  pre- 
sent at  this  conference.  Both  our  public  and  private  business 
was  conducted  with  great  harmony,  peace,  and  love.  Our 
brethren  who  intend  to  return  to  Europe,  have  agreed  to  stay 
till  the  way  is  quite  open.  I  preached  on  the  charge  which 
our  Lord  gave  his  apostles :  "  Behold,  I  send  you  forth  as 
sheep  in  the  midst  of  wolves :  be  ye  therefore  wise  as  ser- 
pents, and  harmless  as  doves."  Our  conference  ended  with  a 
love-feast  and  watch-night.  But  when  the  time  of  parting 
came,  many  wept  as  if  they  had  lost  their  first-born  sons. 
They  appeared  to  be  in  the  deepest  distress,  thinking,  as  I 
suppose,  they  should  not  see  the  faces  of  the  English  preach- 
ers any  more.  This  was  such  a  parting  as  I  never  saw  before. 
Our  conference  has  been  a  great  time — a  season  of  uncommon 
alfection.  And  we  must  acknowledge  that  God  has  directed, 
owned,  and  blessed  us  in  the  work.  A  certificate,  as  men- 
tioned above,  had  been  acceded  to,  and  signed  in  the  con- 
ference. 

Lord's  day,  25.  My  soul  was  quickened  in  preaching  at  the 
Bush  chapel ;  I  lodged  at  Mr.  D.'s  ;  and  the  next  day  collect- 
ed my  writings  and  letters,  in  order  to  preserve  them.  On 
Tuesday  went  to  Mr.  G.'s ;  and  on  Wednesday  began  to  read 
regularly  Mr.  Wesley's  Notes. 

Thursday,  29.  We  had  a  profitable  meeting  at  Gunpowder- 


June,  1111.'] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


245 


Neck.  And  on  Friday  I  returned  to  preach  at  Mr.  G.'s; 
where  we  had  a  small,  but  warm  congregation. 

Saturday,  31.  The  Spirit  of  grace  was  with  me:  but  I 
long  for  a  more  active  life ;  to  be  constantly  employed  in 
bringing  souls  to  God. 

Lord's  day,  June  1.  The  Lord  enlarged  my  heart,  and 
opened  a  door  of  utterance,  while  preaching  to  a  numerous 
congregation  at  the  Forks ;  and  there  were  some  among  them 
who  had  for  a  long  time  been  detained  by  prejudice  from 
hearing  us.    But  I  could  not  find  the  same  liberty  at  Mr. 

G.  's,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  day. 

Tuesday,  3.  "As  the  hart  panteth  after  the  water-brooks, 
so  panteth  my  soul  after  God.  My  soul  thirsteth  for  God, 
for  the  living  God though  I  have  been  at  times  sorely  be- 
set by  temptations.  But  shall  I  ever  yield  to  the  tempter, 
and  sin  against  my  Lord  ?    No :  in  the  strength  of  Jesus,  no ! 

Thursday,  5.  Having  been  ten  days  off  and  on  at  Mr.  G.'s, 
I  set  out  to-day  for  I.  C.'s ;  and  preached  by  the  way  at  P. 

H.  's.  On  Friday  I  laid  aside  my  wig,  and  began  to  use  the 
cold  bath  for  my  health :  and  rode  as  far  as  Mrs.  R.'s,  who 
was  a  mother  in  Israel,  and  both  a  friend  and  mother  to  me. 
After  many  heavy  trials  my  soul  was  comforted,  but  earnestly 
desirous  of  more  purity  and  fellowship  with  God. 

Saturday,  1.  Some  seemed  to  feel  the  weight  of  Divine 
truths  at  Risterstown ;  and  on  the  Lord's  day,  my  heart  was 
melted  and  expanded  towards  the  people  at  Brother  C.'s. 

Monday,  9.  I  met  brother  G.  S.  at  Mr.  C.'s,  and  preached 
on  Acts  xvi,  30,  31 ;  then  called  to  see  a  sick  person,  and  re- 
turned to  brother  C.'s. 

Wednesday,  11.  I  preached  in  town  on  these  affecting 
words,  "How  shall  I  give  thee  up,  Ephraim?"  And  on 
Thursday,  entering  my  circuit  at  Mr.  P.'s,  we  had  a  heart- 
affecting  season,  and  a  few  joined  the  society. 

Friday,  13.  We  had  great  harmony  and  love  in  our  increas- 
ing society  at  R.'s. 

Lord's  day,  15.  There  was  a  large,  attentive  audience  in  a 
school-house  on  Elk-Ridge ;  where  I  preached  with  usual  en- 


246 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  1777. 


ergy  and  affection,  on  Amos  iv,  11,  and  hope  the  time  of 
favouring  the  souls  of  both  rich  and  poor  is  now  approaching. 
But  after  so  great  a  blessing,  Satan,  as  if  moved  with  envy, 
attempted  to  wound  me  with  his  fiery  darts.  This  was  pro- 
bably permitted  by  my  gracious  Lord,  lest  I  should  be  exalted 
above  measure.  Brother  G.  S.  came  to  accompany  me  into 
Virginia,  to  fetch  our  clothing  and  books. 

Monday,  16.  We  set  out  and  rode  to  S.  T.'s,  where  we 
received  this  strange  relation :  "  A  person  in  the  form  of  a 
man  came  to  the  house  of  another  in  the  night ;  the  man  of 
the  house  asked  what  he  wanted.  He  replied,  '  This  will  be 
the  bloodiest  year  that  ever  was  known.'  The  other  asked 
how  he  knew.  His  answer  was,  '  It  is  as  true  as  your  wife  is 
now  dead  in  her  bed.'  He  went  back  and  found  his  wife 
dead.    But  the  stranger  disappeared."    On  Monday,  we 

went  to  brother  A  m's ;  and  on  Wednesday  to  B.  F.'s,  a 

kind  man,  but  his  ideas  of  religion  were  confused.  Thursday, 

we  rode  to  Leesburg,  and  found  that  brother  B  le  had  just 

departed  from  this  world  of  trouble  and  danger.  My  spirit 
was  much  drawn  out  towards  God  and  the  souls  of  the  peo- 
ple, while  preaching  on  Matt,  xxiv,  45,  &c.  Tuesday  we  went 
on  to  Frederick,  where  I  showed  the  people  the  danger  of 
postponing  their  duties  to  God,  from  Amos  iv,  11.  The  next 
day  we  rode  forty -five  miles  to  Risterstown  and  came  in  about 
seven  o'clock. 

Wednesday,  25.  By  invitation,  I  visited  I.  D.,  who  was 
very  ill,  and  hope  it  will  be  followed  by  the  operations  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  and  prove  a  permanent  blessing  to  his  soul. 
Then  rode  on  to  I.  W.'s,  and  found  myself  unwell,  but  happy 
in  God. 

Friday,  27.  I  went  to  Mr.  H.'s,  and  intended  to  preach  in 
Annapolis,  but  there  was  no  house  open  for  me.  The  next 
day  two  of  the  members  of  the  assembly  promised  to  use 
their  influence  in  procuring  me  a  house  to  preach  in ;  but  ex- 
pected they  could  not  succeed.  Alas  !  What  have  I  done  ? 
Whose  ox  or  ass  have  I  taken,  or  whom  have  I  defrauded  ? 
But  the  Lord  permits  it  to  be  so ;  therefore  I  peaceably  sub- 


July,  1111.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


mit,  and  will  not  fear  the  face  of  man,  nor  even  a  prison, 
while  employed  in  the  cause  of  God  and  of  truth.  However, 
contrary  to  my  expectation,  I  preached  in  the  church,  though 
the  congregation  was  small,  and  the  soldiers  made  a  great 
noise  before  the  door.  I  then  concluded  to  preach  the  next 
time  in  the  commons.  But  the  rain  which  fell  the  next 
day  prevented  me ;  and  there  were  but  few  people  at  Mrs. 
D.'s. 

Tuesday,  July  1.  The  Lord  blessed  me  with  joy  and  peace 
in  believing,  and  I  was  enabled  to  cast  all  my  care  upon  him. 
On  Tuesday  I  went  to  Mr.  P.'s,  about  twenty  miles ;  and 
have  been  much  delighted  in  reading  Dr.  Watts's  Treatise  on 
the  Rest  of  Separate  Spirits,  and  Mr.  Baxter's  Saint's  Rest. 
In  these  books  we  find  the  marrow  of  Methodism  ;  that  is, 
pure  religion,  and  sound  doctrine  wThich  cannot  be  condemned. 

Wednesday,  2.  Satan  still  manifesteth  a  desire  to  sift  me 
as  wheat ;  but  the  Lord  supports  me,  and  fills  me  with  peace. 
A  lowering  cloud  hangs  threatening  over  our  heads ;  but  all 
my  trust  is  in  the  Lord,  who  hath  stood  by  and  preserved  me 
for  many  years ;  and  will  stand  by  me  still. 

Thursday,  3.  I  rode  about  twelve  miles,  and  preached  a 
funeral  sermon  on  the  death  of  Mr.  W.  It  was  a  very  af- 
fecting time,  both  to  me  and  the  congregation.  But  after  I 
had  read  the  rules  in  the  society,  I  told  them  my  doubts, 
and  communicated  my  ideas  of  the  approaching  troubles, 
which  produced  a  great  melting  amongst  them. 

Saturday,  5.  I  had  some  conversation  with  Mr.  M  y  ; 

but  it  was  to  no  purpose,  for  he  was  still  inflexible.  Per- 
haps I  have  been  too  forward  in  taking  his  part  before,  and 
now  he  requites  me  for  it. 

Lord's  day,  6.  There  was  a  very  serious  congregation  in 
the  forenoon,  where  I  enforced  our  Lord's  affectionate  de- 
claration, Matt,  xxiii,  37.  But  in  the  latter  part  of  the  day, 
about  eleven  miles  distant  from  the  other  place,  the  people 
seemed  to  be  stupid  and  inattentive.  As  I  have  thought 
bacon  was  prejudicial  to  my  health,  I  have  lately  abstained 
from  it,  and  have  experienced  the  good  effects  of  this 


248 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [July,  1111. 


economy.  My  soul  has  been  kept  in  great  purity,  and 
ardent  pantings  after  more  of  God. 

Monday,  1.  In  the  evening  D.  R.  and  brother  H.  came 
and  brought  me  some  account  of  the  preachers,  whom  I  love 
in  the  bowels  of  Christ,  with  much  affection.  We  spent  the 
next  day  together  in  love,  and  to  edification  ;  and  on  Wed- 
nesday, they  set  out  for  Virginia,  and  I  for  Annapolis.  My 
spirit  was  somewhat  dejected  by  the  way,  with  a  fear  that 
the  people  would  reject  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  their 
own  destruction.  But  these  matters  must  be  left  to  the 
Lord,  who  "  will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness."  I  met 
a  very  insensible  company  at  Mr.  C.'s,  and  laboured  to 
fasten  the  truth  on  their  hearts,  from  Malachi  iii,  1  ;  but  it 
appeared  to  be  labour  in  vain. 

Thursday,  10.  They  received  me  at  Mr.  H.'s  better  than 
I  expected ;  and  some  were  touched  by  the  power  of  grace. 
There  was  an  opportunity  on  Friday  of  speaking,  at  least  to 
the  judgment  of  some  rich  and  honourable  men,  on  Psalm 
iv,  6,  1  :  "  There  be  many  that  say,  Who  will  show  us  any 
good?  Lord,  lift  thou  up  the  light  of  thy  countenance 
upon  us.  Thou  hast  put  gladness  in  my  heart,  more  than 
in  the  time  that  their  corn  and  their  wine  increased."  My 
heaviness  of  spirit  was  almost  removed,  and  my  soul  was 
free  and  happy  in  God. 

Lord's  day,  13.  Though  I  spoke  closely  and  plainly  at 
Mrs.  D.'s,  yet  the  audience  did  not  seem  properly  to  under- 
stand me.  I  had  intended  to  preach  in  the  commons  this 
afternoon,  but  the  rain  prevented  it,  so  I  preached  to  a  few 
desirous  souls  at  Mr.  H.'s.  But  my  spirit  is  grieved  within 
me,  to  see  such  multitudes  of  people  in  these  parts  so  for- 
getful of  God,  and  filled  with  the  spirit  and  conversation  of 
this  world.  Poor  souls  !  If  they  were  only  convinced  of  their 
sinful  and  lost  estate,  their  disposition  and  conversation  would 
be  immediately  changed.  My  work  at  present  is  very  heavy — 
it  is  chiefly  among  unawakened  people.  I  have  devised  what  I 
could  to  bring  them  to  God  ;  and  know  not  what  new  method 
to  take.    May  the  Lord  take  the  work  into  his  own  hand ! 


July,  1777.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


249 


Monday,  14.  There  were  forty  or  fifty,  chiefly  women,  to 
hear  the  word  at  Annapolis :  to  whom  I  showed,  "  If  our 
Gospel  be  hid  it  is  hid  to  them  that  are  lost ;  in  whom  the 
god  of  this  world  hath  blinded  the  minds  of  them  that  be- 
lieve not,  lest  the  light  of  the  glorious  Gospel  of  Christ, 
who  is  the  image  of  God,  should  shine  unto  them."  Though 
I  spoke  freely,  yet  but  few  of  them  seemed  to  feel  it.  On 
Tuesday  my  soul  was  under  deep  exercises.  I  am  often 
purposing  to  pursue,  with  greater  ardour,  the  summit  of 
holiness,  but  still  come  short ! 

Wednesday,  16.  At  a  place  ten  miles  from  Annapolis, 
there  was  some  melting  of  heart  under  the  word.  I  after- 
ward met  the  class,  and  then  returned  with  my  mind  fixed 
on  God,  and  sweet  nearness  of  soul  to  him. 

Thursday,  17.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  with  me  in 
preaching  at  Mr.  P.'s ;  and  there  was  a  great  moving  among 
the  society.  Blessed  be  God  for  all  things!  My  body  has 
been  in  tolerable  health,  and  my  soul  frequently  refreshed 
with  the  dew  of  heavenly  grace.  My  meditations  in  the 
Hebrew  Bible  have  afforded  me  great  pleasure.  This  is  the 
book  I  study  for  improvement. 

Lord's  day,  20.  Both  at  the  school-house,  where  I  called 
on  the  people  to  consider  their  ways,  from  Haggai  i,  5  ;  and 
at  Mr.  R.'s,  where  I  showed  them,  from  Ezek.  xxxiii,  31, 
how  many  of  old  time  heard  the  word  of  the  Lord,  but  did 
it  not ;  there  was  very  little  appearance  of  anything  more 
than  attention,  though  I  never  laboured  more  earnestly  to 
do  good.  It  seems  as  if  a  judicial  stupidity,  in  spiritual 
things,  prevails  among  them. 

Monday,  21.  Heard  Mr.  Rankin  preach  his  last  sermon. 
My  mind  was  a  little  dejected ;  and  I  now  felt  some  desire 
to  return  to  England,  but  was  willing  to  commit  the  matter 
to  the  Lord.  There  was  a  large  congregation,  and  some 
prospect  of  good  things  at  Mr.  S.'s,  where  I  told  the  people, 
from  the  authority  of  Jesus  Christ,  "Except  ye  repent  ye 
shall  all  likewise  perish."    Luke  xiii,  3. 

Wednesday,  23.   God  was  still  my  object  and  my  hope^^*^ 
11*  <^ 


250 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL-  [July,  I'm. 


But  I  have  lamented  my  backwardness  in  doing  good  by 
private  conversation ;  which  is  in  a  great  measure  owing  to 
the  natural  bashfulness  of  my  disposition.  After  visiting 
some  poor  people  to  pray  and  talk  with  them  on  the  import- 
ant subject  of  their  salvation,  I  rode  to  C.'s,  at  the  head  of 
South  River :  but  it  is  a  miserable,  stupid,  careless  neigh- 
bourhood ;  so  I  bid  it  farewell. 

Thursday,  24.  There  were  many  gay  and  giddy-looking 
folks  to  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord ;  and  a  few  of  them 
were  serious  and  affected.  Poor  souls !  They  are  real  ob- 
jects of  pity.  Both  their  education  and  the  circle  of  their 
acquaintance,  have  a  tendency  to  make  them  forget  their 
latter  end,  and  to  bend  all  the  strength  of  their  minds  to 
present  objects. 

Friday,  25.  We  kept  our  general  fast  as  appointed  by 
conference  ;  and  my  soul  was  enabled  to  cast  all  its  little 
cares,  both  spiritual  and  temporal,  on  Him  that  careth  for 
me.  May  the  Lord  direct  me  how  to  act,  so  as  to  keep  my- 
self always  in  the  love  of  God  !  I  have  lately  been  reading 
an  account  of  Theodosius  and  his  sons,  with  several  of  the 
ancient  Fathers ;  which  also  communicates  much  information 
relative  to  the  Eastern  and  Western  empires  for  about  three 
hundred  years, — so  long  were  idolatry  and  Arianism  kept  out 
of  the  Church  of  Christ.  And  while  Chrysostom  was  bishop, 
an  Arian  church  was  burnt  at  Constantinople.  But  since 
that  time,  absolute,  unconditional  predestination  has  made  its 
way  into  the  Church,  which  nullifies  all  laws,  human  and 
Divine — for  if  men  cannot  do  otherwise  than  they  do,  why 
should  any  law  inflict  punishment  for  their  crimes  ?  Must 
quadrupeds  be  punished  because  they  do  not  fly?  How 
easily  might  men,  believing  this  doctrine,  ascribe  their  envy, 
malice,  and  most  cruel  inclinations,  to  the  effect  of  Divine 
predestination  ;  and  conclude  that  their  most  malignant  dis- 
positions were  eternally  decreed,  and  therefore  not  to  be 
conquered  but  complied  with,  though  they  should  produce 
the  most  pernicious  and  destructive  consequences  in  human 
society. 


Aug.,  1777.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


251 


Saturday,  26.  My  soul  was  composed,  and  in  pursuit  of 
more  of  God.  Having  read  the  conquest  of  Rome  by  Alaric, 
and  the  rending  of  the  Western  Empire  by  the  Goths,  I  was 
led  to  observe  how  part  of  the  Revelation  of  St.  John  was 
then  fulfilled.    But  much  more  of  this  is  yet  to  come. 

Lord's  day,  27.  After  explaining  the  parable  of  the  sower 
at  Mrs.  D.'s,  I  preached  at  Annapolis  to  a  large  company — 
some  serious,  and  some  gay  and  trifling — on  these  compas- 
sionate words  of  Christ,  "  How  often  would  I  have  gathered 
thy  children  together,  and  ye  would  not !" 

Monday,  28.  As  the  rain  prevented  my  attending  the  ap- 
pointment, I  visited  the  jail,  and  found  an  unhappy  mortal 
under  sentence  of  death ;  who  was  very  ignorant,  but  so 
susceptible  of  religious  advice  that  he  was  melted  into  tears, 
and  shook  like  a  leaf. 

Tuesday,  29.  The  Lord  discovered  to  my  view  a  greater 
depth  of  holiness,  and  my  soul  thirsted  for  it.  I  met  with 
brother  H.,  who  had  been  to  Virginia,  but  having  some 
scruples  of  conscience  about  taking  the  test  oath,  was  obliged 
to  return.  May  the  Lord  direct  us  all  how  to  pursue  the 
most  wise  and  prudent  measures  !  The  next  day  I  preached 
at  Maggotty,  where  the  work  of  God  goes  on  successfully. 

Thursday,  31.  At  Mr.  P.'s  there  were  about  a  hundred 
souls,  who  seemed  much  alive  to  God.  Here  I  appointed  a 
quarterly  meeting  and  love-feast,  on  my  return  from  Balti- 
more and  Frederick,  next  Saturday  fortnight. 

Friday,  August  1.  The  Lord  gave  me  spiritual  peace,  but 
my  soul  was  on  stretch  for  a  greater  degree  of  holiness,  and 
deeper  communion  with  God. 

"  I  pant  to  feel  thy  sway, 
And  only  thee  to'  obey  ; 

Thee  my  spirit  gasps  to  meet ; 
This  my  one,  my  ceaseless  prayer, 

Make,  0  make  my  heart  thy  seat ! 
0  set  up  thy  kingdom  there  \ft 

I  have  now  finished  reading  sixteen  volumes  of  the  Univer- 
sal History. 


252 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL 


[Aug.,  1111. 


Lord's  day,  3.  In  the  forenoon  the  poor  rich  sinners  were 
very  attentive  in  the  school-house  on  Elk  Ridge  ;  and  it  is 
possible  the  Lord  may  raise  a  people  among  them  to  fear  and 
love  him.  But  at  Mr.  R.'s  in  the  afternoon,  the  congrega- 
tion was  very  dull,  though  I  spoke  strong  words  from  the 
Almighty's  awful  declaration  concerning  the  ungodly :  "  These 
shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment." 

Monday,  4.  Rode  thirty-seven  miles  to  the  Frederick 
quarterly  meeting  without  breaking  my  fast,  and  was  under 
the  necessity  of  preaching  when  I  arrived.  The  next  day  our 
meeting  began  with  a  love-feast ;  and  we  had  a  powerful, 
melting  time. 

Friday,  8.  Having  visited  my  friends  in  Baltimore,  I  rode 
to  Mr.  G.'s,  met  Mr.  R.,  and  had  some  agreeable  conversation 
on  the  work  of  God  in  different  parts  of  America.  Went  the 
next  day  to  the  Forks,  where  I  met  with  brother  G.  S.  in 
great  harmony,  and  found  Divine  assistance  in  dispensing  the 
word. 

Monday,  11.  We  settled  all  our  little  affairs  in  the  spirit 
of  love ;  and  brother  S.  partly  agreed  to  go  with  me  to  the 
quarterly  meeting.  But  alas !  though  my  confidence  in 
Christ  was  not  shaken,  yet  I  felt  myself  less  than  the  least 
in  the  company,  and  unworthy  of  the  favour  of  both  God  and 
man.  How  merciful  is  God  in  giving  us  such  abasing  views 
of  ourselves,  which  have  a  powerful  tendency  to  drive  us 
closer  to  him,  and  keep  us  always  in  the  dust ! 

Tuesday,  12.  After  I  had  publicly  declared  to  the  right- 
eous, "  The  God  whom  we  serve  is  able  to  deliver  us,"  we 
then  had  a  solemn,  comfortable  love-feast ;  and  having  done 
our  business,  I  returned  to  Mr.  G.'s,  where  many  people  at- 
tended to  receive  the  word  of  truth.  And  we  have  reason 
to  believe  the  work  of  God  is  now  reviving. 

Wednesday,  13,  was  spent  at  Mr.  G.'s,  and  after  some 
conversation  I  found  brother  S.  was  not  to  go  with  me,  be- 
cause Mr.  R-  did  not  choose  tn  spend  a  quarter  in  Baltimore 
circuit..  Indeed,  he  has  not  taken  a  regular  circuit  since  wc 
have  been  in  America;  so  I  was  obliged  to  go  into  a  n<Tw 


Aug.,  1777J 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


253 


circuit  with  a  young  exhorter  who  had  deserted  me  once  be- 
fore. But  all  contentions  wound  my  spirit,  so  I  passively 
submitted. 

Thursday,  14.  My  mouth  was  opened  and  my  heart  was 
enlarged  at  W.  L.'s ;  and  I  hope  the  word  was  made  a  bless- 
ing to  many  souls. 

Friday,  15.  Rode  to  Curtis's  Creek  to  hold  a  quarterly 
meeting  there ;  and  the  next  morning  we  began  with  a  love- 
feast.  It  was  a  time  of  great  power,  and  exceeded  all  we 
had  ever  seen  in  these  parts.  There  was  something  very 
admirable  in  the  Christian  simplicity  of  the  people,  who  spoke 
the  language  of  warm  and  artless  love.  Brother  S.  preached 
a  moving  sermon  on  the  barren  fig-tree ;  and  many  sinners 
wept. 

Lord's  day,  17.  The  rain  prevented  my  going  to  the  Ridge, 
and  brother  S.  from  going  to  Baltimore ;  so  we  had  a  very 
melting  time  in  discoursing  on  the  subject  of  the  Canaanitish 
woman.  And  I  believe,  Brother  S.  was  persuaded  that  he 
ought  to  be  in  this  circuit  with  me. 

Monday,  18.  This  was  a  day  of  much  temptation,  but  my 
Deliverer  was  at  hand.  At  C.  S.'s,  I  found  a  few  from  the 
Ridge,  who  informed  me  that  some  attended  yesterday  in  the 
rain.  Hence  I  conclude,  many  of  them  had  a  desire  to  be 
saved  ;  and  that  it  is  best  for  a  preacher  to  attend  his  appoint- 
ments, if  the  apparent  risk  is  not  too  great.  I  preached  to 
the  people  with  much  affection ;  many  felt  the  weight  of  the 
word,  and  a  young  woman  was  convinced  of  sin. 

Tuesday,  19.  The  pacific  spirit  of  grace  had  possession  of 
my  willing  heart.  After  preaching  at  Mr.  G.'s  to  a  few  souls 
as  dull  as  usual,  I  crossed  the  river  in  the  rain ;  and  though 
I  expected  to  feel  the  consequence,  yet  suffered  no  injury. 

Wednesday,  20.  How  unlike  real  Christians  are  some  that 
bear  the  name !  The  Lord  hath  enabled  me,  of  late,  to  be 
faithful  to  the  families  which  have  come  in  my  way.  And 
we  must  overcome  our  natural  bashfulness  and  backwardness, 
to  assist  the  precious  souls  of  our  fellow-men,  who  are  on  the 
brink  of  endless  ruin,  and  see  it  not.    On  Thursday,  both  the 


254 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Aug.,  1111. 


public  congregation  and  the  class  were  powerfully  melted  at 
Mr.  C.'s. 

Lord's  day,  24.  I  was  much  fatigued  by  riding  twenty-five 
miles  and  preaching  twice.  A  report  that  a  British  fleet  was 
sailing  up  the  Chesapeake  Bay,  has  induced  many  people  to 
quit  Annapolis.  Lord,  give  thy  people  faith  and  patience 
sufficient  for  their  day  of  trial ! 

Monday,  25.  My  soul  confided  in  God,  but  was  sweetly 
distressed  with  an  ardent  desire  for  more  complete  holiness. 
I  have  lately  read  Walker's  Sermons  with  much  pleasure. 
We  had  an  awful  storm  this  evening  at  nine  o'clock.  The 
thunder,  lightning,  and  sweeping  winds,  were  all  in  commo- 
tion. With  reverence  I  turned  my  mind  on  the  dread  majesty 
and  power  of  God,  who,  by  the  elements  in  which  we  live, 
contends  with  man.  Such  a  scene  as  this  was  enough  to 
strike  the  boldest  sinner  with  terror,  and  make  him  even 
shudder  at  a  wicked  thought.  And  how  dare  wicked  men  sin 
at  any  time  before  a  God  so  terrible?  Is  he  less  present 
at  one  time  than  another  ?  No,  verily !  But  they  desire 
not  the  knowledge  of  God.  Their  surprise  must  be  great 
beyond  all  expression,  when  disembodied  they  suddenly 
find  themselves,  by  woful  experience,  acquainted  with  nothing 
pertaining  to  their  offended  God,  but  his  inexorable  justice 
and  vengeful  power,  of  which  the  awful  scenes  we  now  be- 
hold in  the  contending  elements,  are  but  a  faint  resemblance. 
Then  how  much  better  is  it  to  suffer  affliction  with  the  people 
of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin  for  a  season  ? 

"  Happy  the  man  whose  hopes  rely 
On  Israel's  God :  he  made  the  sky, 

And  earth,  and  seas,  with  all  their  train ; 
His  truth  forever  stands  secure ; 
He  saves  the'  oppress'd,  he  feeds  the  poor, 

And  none  shall  find  his  promise  vain." 

Tuesday,  26.  T.  W.  informed  me  that  they  had  made 
choice  of  me  to  preach  in  the  Garretson  Church.  But  I  shall 
do  nothing  that  will  separate  me  from  my  brethren.  I  hope 
to  live  and  die  a  Methodist. 


Sept.,  1111.']         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


255 


Wednesday,  21.  Though  it  rained  I  rode  twenty-five  miles 
to  Maggotty  ;  but  was  tempted  and  shut  up  in  my  mind,  while 
endeavouring  to  announce,  "  If  God  be  for  us,  who  can  be 
against  us  ?"  But  the  next  day  my  soul  was  happy  at  Mr. 
P.'s,  and  I  admitted  four  persons  into  the  society  on  trial. 
The  militia  were  now  collecting  from  all  quarters.  On  the 
Lord's  day  my  soul  was  much  drawn  out  and  blessed  in 
preaching  on  1  John  ii,  16,  11.  Perhaps  it  will  not  be  in  my 
power  to  preach  much  longer  with  a  clear  conscience.  But 
if  it  should  be  so,  my  greatest  concern  would  be  for  the  peo- 
ple of  God.  For  many  of  the  poor  sinners  seem  deaf  to  all 
entreaties ;  and  I  seem  to  be  only  a  witness  for  God  against 
them,  that  their  damnation  may  be  just,  if  they  will  not  obey 
the  Gospel. 

Monday,  September  1.  The  Lord  refreshed  my  own  spirit, 
while  I  encouraged  the  few  faithful  souls  who  were  present, 
from  the  words  of  our  Lord,  "  Fear  not,  little  flock,  for  it  is 
your  Father's  good  pleasure  to  give  you  the  kingdom." 
Brother  D.  R.,  who  had  returned  from  Virginia,  met  me 
to-day. 

Wednesday,  3.  My  soul  was  watered  with  the  peaceful  in- 
fluence of  Divine  grace.  But  what  I  enjoyed  was  a  stimulus 
urging  me  to  groan  for  more.  I  spent  much  of  my  time  in 
reading  Law's  Serious  Call,  and  Baxter's  Call  to  the  Uncon- 
verted ;  and  think  the  latter  is  one  of  the  best  pieces  of  human 
composition  in  the  world,  to  awaken  the  lethargic  souls  of 
poor  sinners. 

My  mind  was  under  heavy  exercises :  so  I  fasted,  and 
preached  with  much  freedom  at  Mr.  T.'s  ;  but  it  brought  on  a 
smart  fever.  Though  I  was  much  indisposed,  necessity  was 
laid  upon  me  to  preach  twice  on  Thursday,  which  increased 
my  fever ;  and  with  indifferent  lodging  and  the  noise  of  chil-. 
dren,  the  night  was  very  uncomfortable. 

Lord's  day,  1.  After  being  blessed  with  a  warm  and  com- 
fortable season  while  preaching  to  a  large  company  at  Mr. 
H.'s,  I  then  rode  to  the  widow  P.'s,  where  the  word  went  to 
the  hearts  of  the  people  with  Divine  energy,  while  I  exposed 


256 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.        [Sept.,  1111. 


to  their  view  the  polluted  state  of  the  natural  man,  and  pointed 
out  the  sovereign  remedy. 

Tuesday,  9.  My  mind  was  so  intensely  bent  on  seeking 
after  more  of  God,  that  I  devoted  three  hours  to  the  exercise 
of  private  prayer  and  found  myself  much  drawn  out  by  the 
Spirit  of  grace,  in  holy  wrestling  and  communion  with  God. 
Being  informed  that  sister  S.  had  slept  in  the  Lord,  I  con- 
gratulated her  felicity.  Happy  soul !  She  is  taken  away 
from  the  evil  to  come,  and  gone  to  Abraham's  bosom,  where 
the  wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and  where  the  weary  are  at 
rest.  I  have  endeavoured  to  banish  all  anxiety  from  my 
mind,  and  devote  much  of  my  time  to  prayer;  and  have 
reaped  the  gracious  benefit  thereof  in  my  soul.  On  Wednes- 
day I  went  to  Maggotty,  and  had  a  large  congregation ;  but 
found  that  some  of  our  members  had  begun  to  backslide,  and 
that  the  society  stood  in  need  of  purging. 

Thursday,  11.  By  particular  request  I  preached  a  funeral 
sermon  at  the  burial  of  Mr.  W.  R.  There  were  a  great  many 
people ;  and  some  of  them  were  cut  to  the  heart  while  I  en- 
forced Eccles.  ix,  10.  But  afterward  at  Mr.  P.'s  my  mind 
was  somewhat  embarrassed. 

Friday,  12.  In  performing  the  last  office  for  L.  S.,  who  was 
a  Christian  indeed,  I  declared,  for  the  comfort  of  true  believ- 
ers, "  The  last  enemy  that  shall  be  destroyed  is  death." 
Some  attended  on  this  occasion  who  had  never  heard  a  Metho- 
dist before ;  and  the  Lord  gave  me  utterance  and  power. 

Monday,  15.  We  have  great  commotions  on  every  side. 
But  in  the  midst  of  war,  the  Lord  keeps  my  soul  in  peace. 
My  heart  was  warm  in  preaching  at  C.  S.'s,  though  the  con- 
gregation seemed  dull.  The  two  following  days  I  had  com- 
munion with  God ;  but  not  in  such  a  degree  as  I  wish  to 
.  experience.  I  long  "  to  comprehend  the  length,  and  breadth, 
and  depth,  and  height ;  and  to  know  the  love  of  Christ,  which 
passeth  knowledge,  that  I  may  be  filled  with  all  the  fulness 
of  God;"  to 

"  Live  the  life  of  heaven  above, 
All  the  glorious  life  of  love." 


Oct.,  1777.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


257 


Thursday,  18.  At  Mr.  W.'s  I  met  with  brother  S.  S.,  who 
informed  me  that  the  preachers  in  Virginia  intended  to  abide 
there  awhile  longer.  Brother  S.  preached  twice,  and  there 
was  some  small  moving  amongst  the  people. 

Lord's  day,  21.  There  was  nothing  remarkable  under  the 
word  at  Mr.  TVs;  but  there  was  a  large  company  and  some 
melting  of  heart  at  Mr.  P.'s. 

Monday,  22.  I  met  with  brother  G.  S.,  who  informed  me 
that  my  brethren,  Mr.  Rankin  and  Mr.  Rho'da,  had  left  the 
continent.  So  we  are  left  alone.  But  I  leave  myself  in  the 
hand  of  God ;  relying  on  his  good  providence  to  direct  and 
protect  us  ;  persuaded  that  nothing  will  befall  me,  but  what 
shall  conduce  to  his  glory  and  my  benefit.  There  was  both 
attention  and  concern  in  the  congregation,  which  was  prfiUjc 
large,  at  Capt.  S.'s. 

Lord's  day,  28.  Brother  G.  S.  was  unwell  with  an  ague. 
At  Risterstown  I  urged  the  necessity  of  family  duty,  and 
showed  them  how  they  should  train  up  their  children  in  the 
ways  of  the  Lord. 

Monday,  29.  My  soul  was  stayed  upon  God,  and  resigned  to 
his  unerring  wisdom.  I  wish  to  be  so  subject  to  my  Redeemer, 
as  to  move  in  conformity  to  his  divine  will ;  and  in  all  my  ways 
to  acknowledge  him  as  my  God  and  my  guide.  I  spent  part  of 
my  time  the  next  day  in  reading  Mr.  Baxter's  Gildas  Salvianus, 
and  esteem  it  as  a  most  excellent  book  for  a  Gospel  preacher. 

Saturday,  October  4.  I  rode  thirty  miles  to  G.  B.'s  to  meet 
brother  P  d.  My  mind  was  spiritually  employed  in  read- 
ing, meditation,  and  communion  with  God. 

Lord's  day,  5.  The  congregation  at  G.  B.'s  were  dull ;  but 
at  B.  G.'s  there  was  a  melting. 

Tuesday,  7.  The  word  seemed  to  be  made  a  peculiar  bless- 
ing to  the  believers  at  I.  H.'s ;  and  the  next  day  at  Mr.  E.'s 
the  power  of  God  was  present,  while  I  feelingly  urged  the 
people  from  Heb.  iv,  16:  "Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  to 
the  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace 
to  help  in  time  of  need."  My  spirit  was  also  divinely  ani- 
mated in  preaching  afterwards  at  R.  O.'s,  though  I  rode  twenty 


258 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1111. 


miles  between  the  two  sermons.  Several  old  professors  felt 
the  reviving  influence  of  the  grace  of  God  ;  and  I  was  in  hopes 
they  would  press  on  their  way  with  renewed  vigour.  Such  is 
the  languid  disposition  of  the  human  soul,  that  even  pure  minds 
require  a  constant  stimulation  to  keep  them  in  the  way  of 
duty.  This  is  one  reason  why  God  permits  our  minds  to  be 
tempted  by  Satan,  and  our  bodies  to  be  afflicted  with  diseases. 

Saturday,  11.  I  attended  and  spoke  at  the  half-yearly  meet- 
ing of  the  Germans.  And  on  the  Lord's  day,  after  preaching 
at  Mrs.  D.'s,  I  returned  to  the  meeting  of  the  Germans,  where 
brother  G.  S.  and  myself  both  spoke. 

Monday,  13.  Commotions  and  troubles  surrounded  me  with- 
out, but  the  peace  of  God  filled  my  soul  within.  We  seemed 
to  be  in  a  strait ;  but  my  heart  trusted  in  the  Lord.  These 
distressing  times  have  lately  induced  many  people  to  pay  a 
more  diligent  attention  to  the  things  of  God.  So  I  have 
hopes  that  these  temporal  troubles  will  prepare  the  way  for 
spiritual  blessings. 

Wednesday,  15.  A  heavy  gloominess  hung  on  my  mind. 
Brother  G.  S.  and  I  rode  to  Mr.  H.'s ;  and  after  I  had  en- 
forced these  words,  f  Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be  ye 
steadfast,  unmovable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord,  forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  your  labour  is  not  in  vain 
in  the  Lord,"  then  brother  S.  exhorted,  and  the  hearts  of 
the  people  melted  under  the  power  of  the  word.  We  likewise 
saw  the  merciful  hand  of  God  displayed  the  next  day,  at  Mr. 
W.'s,  on  the  bank  of  the  Potomac. 

Lord's  day,  19.  As  I  was  unwell,  brother  S.  preached  in 
the  morning  on,  "  Thy  kingdom  come ;"  and  there  was  a 
moving  in  the  congregation.  He  also  preached  in  the  after- 
noon at  Mr.  B.'s,  but  it  was  to  a  large  company  of  stupid  souls. 

Monday,  20.  After  I  had  preached  brother  S.  met  the 
class  ;  and  it  was  a  very  powerful  season :  he  also  met  a  class 

afterward  at  Mr.  S  r's,  and  we  were  favoured  with  a 

similar  blessing.  This  has  been  a  day  of  spiritual  and  peace- 
ful exercises  to  my  soul.  At  Mr.  H.'s  on  Tuesday,  we  were 
blessed  with  an  extraordinary  visitation  of  grace. 


Nov.,  im.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


259 


Thursday,  30.  We  have  been  detained  by  heavy  rains  at 
W.  S.'s,  for  three  days.  The  times  still  wear  a  gloomy  as- 
pect; but  our  trust  is  in  the  providence  of  a  superintending 
God.  We  have  been  greatly  blessed,  and  seen  great  displays 
of  the  divine  goodness  since  we  have  been  together.  And  we 
have  been  made  a  blessing  to  each  other.  We  now  left  Mr. 
S.'s  and  rode  to  Rocky-Creek. 

Lord's  day,  November  2.  I  cried  in  the  morning  to  a  large 

congregation  at  Mr.  J  n's,  "We  pray  you  in  Christ's  stead, 

be  ye  reconciled  to  God  ;"  and  in  the  afternoon  at  the  Sugar- 
Loaf,  "  Why  will  ye  die  ?"  And  my  soul  was  enlarged  and 
blessed  both  times.  I  then  rode  to  G.  G.'s,  which  made  about 
twenty  miles  in  the  day. 

Monday,  3.  Our  quarterly  meeting  began,  and  brother  S. 
preached  on  the  subject  of  the  barren  fig-tree.  On  Tuesday 
we  held  our  love-feast  at  nine,  and  I  preached  at  twelve.  Our 

brethren  0  g,  C.  S  g,  and  S  d,  all  spoke.  There 

were  many  friends  from  Virginia,  and  the  congregation  was 
very  large.  It  was  a  powerful,  melting  time,  and  concluded 
in  the  spirit  of  love. 

Wednesday,  5.  After  riding  thirty-seven  miles  I  came  to 
Baltimore,  but  was  very  weary ;  though  my  mind  was  calmly 
stayed  on  God. 

Friday,  1.  Went  to  Mr.  G.'s ;  and  on  Saturday  preached  on 
3  John  4 :  "I  have  no  greater  joy  than  to  hear  that  my 
children  walk  in  truth." 

Lord's  day,  9.  After  preaching  with  freedom  of  spirit  and 
speech  at  the  Forks,  I  returned  to  Mr.  G.'s  and  declared,  "  Ye 
are  the  salt  of  the  earth."  My  soul  has  been  kept  by  the 
grace  of  God;  and 

"  Calm  on  tumult's  wheels  I  sit." 

Monday,  10.  We  set  out  for  the  quarterly  meeting  at  Deer- 
Creek.  On  Tuesday  our  love-feast  began  at  ten,  and  at  half- 
past  two  I  began  the  public  exercisse,  from  Heb.  xiii,  17,  18, 
"  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and  submit  your- 
selves :  for  they  watch  for  your  souls  as  they  that  must  give 


200 


ASBTTRY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.,  1777. 


account,  that  they  may  do  it  with  joy,  and  not  with  grief ;  for 
this  is  unprofitable  for  you.  Pray  for  us :  for  we  trust  we 
have  a  good  conscience,  in  all  tilings  willing  to  live  honestly." 
The  preachers  were  stationed  without  any  trouble ;  and  all 
was  done  in  harmony  and  love. 

Wednesday,  12.  I  rode  back  to  Mr.  G.'s,  in  order  to  attend 
a  quarterly  meeting  on  Curtis's  Creek.  The  Lord  has  lately 
kept  my  soul  in  tranquil  peace,  not  much  disturbed  by  Satan. 
I  now  purposed,  by  the  grace  of  God,  as  often  as  time  will 
permit,  to  read  six  chapters  every  day  in  my  Bible. 

Saturday,  15.  Great  numbers  of  people  attended  at  the 
quarterly  meeting.  Preaching  on  Acts  xiv,  22,  I  endeavoured 
to  imitate  the  apostles  :  "  Confirming  the  souls  of  the  disciples, 
and  exhorting  them  to  continue  in  the  faith,  and  that  we  must 
through  much  tribulation  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God." 
The  power  of  divine  grace  was  greatly  felt  in  the  love- feast, 
and  all  our  business  was  well  conducted. 

Lord's  day,  16.  Having  first  preached  at  the  widow  H.'s, 
I  rode  to  Baltimore  and  preached  there.  On  Tuesday  I  was 
blessed  in  a  visit  to  Mr.  G.'s. 

Wednesday,  19.  Rode  to  Risterstown,  and  found  that  God 
was  my  sufficient  portion,  and  my  exceeding  great  reward. 
I  wanted  nothing  pertaining  to  this  world  more  than  I  pos- 
sessed ;  neither  clothing,  nor  money,  nor  food.  Blessed  be 
God,  for  his  parental  love  and  tender  care  towards  me ! 

"  Nothing  on  earth  I  call  my  own  : 
A  stranger,  to  the  world  unknown, 

I  all  their  goods  despise  ; 
I  tramjde  on  their  whole  delight, 
And  seek  a  country  out  of  sight, 
A  country  in  the  skies." 

Friday,  21.  I  have  endeavoured  to  improve  my  time  to  the 
best  advantage  in  reading ;  and  have  seen  so  much  beauty  in 
holiness,  that  I  have  thirsted  and  longed  for  more.  My  desire 
is,  like  Abraham,  the  father  of  the  faithful,  to  maintain  a  con- 
stant walk  with  God. 

Lord's  day,  23.  At  Mr.  S.'s  I  exposed  the  unjust  plea 


Dec,  im.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


261 


which  many  make  against  serving  God,  from  Matt,  xxv,  24, 
"  Then  he  which  had  received  the  one  talent  came,  and  said, 
Lord,  I  knew  thee  that  thou  art  a  hard  man,  reaping  where 
thou  hast  not  sown,  and  gathering  where  thou  hast  not  strew- 
ed." Thus  do  thousands  charge  God  foolishly  :  "  We  cannot 
repent  and  bring  forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance ;  we  cannot 
cease  from  evil,  and  learn  to  do  well;  we  cannot  deny  our- 
selves, and  take  up  our  cross ;  we  cannot  come  to  Christ  that 
we  may  have  life.  At  least,  we  cannot  do  these  things  now  ; 
we  must  wait  God's  time."  But  God  requireth  these  things 
now  ;  therefore,  those  who  say  they  cannot  do  them,  prac- 
tically say  he  is  a  hard  master.  At  Risterstown  in  the  after- 
noon, my  heart  was  expanded,  and  my  mouth  was  opened, 
while  I  declared,  "  He  that,  being  often  reproved,  hardeneth 
his  neck,  shall  suddenly  be  destroyed,  and  that  without  re- 
medy."   On  Monday,  I  parted  with  W.  G.  and  S.  S. 

Wednesday,  26.  I  came  to  Mr.  G.'s,  on  my  way  to  the 
Eastern  shore.  On  Saturday  I  intended  to  have  crossed  the 
bay,  but  was  prevented  by  the  weather.  My  soul  has  lately 
felt  much  of  the  power  of  God,  and  I  have  been  enabled  to 
trust  him  with  myself,  and  all  my  concerns. 

Monday,  December  1.  I  left  Mr.  G.'s,  and  after  crossing  the 
bay,  came  in  safety,  at  night,  to  Mr.  H.'s ;  having  been  absent 
more  than  four  years,  though  I  was  the  first  of  our  preachers 
who  carried  the  Gospel  into  this  neighbourhood.  My  heart 
was  thankful  to  God  for  his  providential  and  gracious  preser- 
vation of  me.  The  next  day  I  went  to  the  island,  and  preached 
with  some  warmth,  and  then  returned.  The  two  following 
days,  we  had  profitable  times  both  in  preaching  and  class- 
meetings. 

Thursday,  4.  Preaching  and  meeting  the  class  at  Mr.  G.'s, 
I  found  the  Lord  had  carried  on  a  good  work  in  the  souls  of 
many.  Blessed  be  God  !  my  soul  was  in  a  comfortable  frame, 
and  my  body  was  the  better  for  exercise. 

Lord's  day,  7.  Though  I  spoke  with  feeling  and  warmth, 
yet  the  people  were  dull  both  at  F.  T.'s  and  Mr.  H.'s.  But 
my  own  soul  was  kept  in  solemn  nearness  to  God,  and  filled 


262 


ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL.        [Dec,  1777. 


with  peace  and  love.  And  I  am  persuaded  that  my  appoint- 
ment to  this  circuit  is  by  Divine  Providence. 

Thursday,  11.  Early  in  the  morning  I  felt  a  strong  desire 
for  more  of  God.  At  Mr.  W.'s  my  soul  was  much  refreshed 
in  preaching  and  class- meeting.  As  the  congregations  are 
generally  large,  and  most  of  the  people  attentive,  we  have  a 
much  greater  prospect  of  doing  good  in  this  circuit  than  in 
some  others. 

Saturday,  13.  I  have  been  blessed  with  faith,  and  hope, 
and  love.  Lord,  if  troubles  are  near,  be  thou  nearer  still 
to  protect  and  comfort  me ;  so  shall  I  not  fear  what  man  can 
do  unto  me ! 

Lord's  day,  14.  We  had  a  good  time  in  the  forenoon,  and 
I  found  the  class  in  better  condition  than  I  expected.  In  the 
afternoon  the  Lord  blessed  me  with  freedom  and  solid  peace, 
while  preaching  at  I.  S.'s  on  Ezek.  xxxiii,  11.  There  is  a 
great  prospect  of  saving  souls  in  this  neighbourhood,  if  preach- 
ing can  be  continued. 

Monday,  15.  There  was  a  simple,  loving  people  assembled 
at  Mr.  S.'s ;  and  many  were  powerfully  wrought  on  while  I 
enforced  the  divine  command,  "  Seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of 
God,  and  his  righteousness,  and  all  these  things  shall  be  added 
unto  you,"  Matt,  vii,  33.  For  some  days  past,  my  spirit  has 
been  rather  hurried,  and  sometimes  tempted  by  Satan ;  but 
wonderfully  supported  by  the  grace  of  God.  An  agreeable 
prospect  opens  to  my  imagination,  if  Providence  should  permit 
me  to  spend  the  winter  in  this  circuit. 

Tuesday,  16.  At  Mr.  W.'s  I  met  with  B.  S.,  who  once 
preached  the  gospel,  and  a  blessing  attended  his  labours. 
Thursday  was  a  public  fast-day,  and  my  soul  was  kept  in  a 
degree  of  peace,  but  struggled  much  for  a  more  constant, 
fervent  spirit  of  devotion. 

Having  preached  at  Mr.  G.'s,  I  rode  to  T.  W.'s,  and  lec- 
tured in  the  evening,  with  satisfaction,  from  the  first  Psalm. 
On  Saturday  I  was  much  embarrassed  in  preaching  at  Mr. 

H  d's  ;  and  under  a  heavy  cloud  rode  to  H  n's.  But 

on  the  Lord's  day  my  heart  was  enlarged  and  inflamed  with 


Jan.,  1778.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


263 


love,  while  preaching  to  a  large  audience  on  2  Thess. 
i,  6-8. 

Monday,  22.  I  preached  a  funeral  sermon  near  the  Nine 
Bridges,  and  met  with  a  young  minister  who  had  been  under 
Divine  impressions  :  my  heart  at  that  time  was  much  united 
to  him  ;  but  he  afterward  became  a  lawyer. 

Tuesday,  23.  Rode  through  Chestertown,  about  thirty 
miles,  to  Mr.  H.'s,  and  enjoyed  some  rest  from  a  part  of  my 
labour.  In  reading  Josephus,  I  have  been  led  to  reflect  on 
the  disorder  and  confusion  which  have  always  overspread  the 
earth,  in  a  greater  or  less  degree,  ever  since  the  introduction 
of  sin.  Blessed  be  God !  my  mind  is  kept  free  from  all  tor- 
menting fear :  and  although  my  spiritual  trials  are  various 
and  great,  his  grace  is  always  found  sufficient  for  me.  The 
next  day  I  exhorted  the  people  who  came  together,  and  we 
spent  some  time  in  prayer. 

Thursday,  25.  Mr.  W.  read  a  good  sermon,  suitable  to 
the  day,  at  church.  Many  people  attended  at  the  preach- 
ing-house, where  I  declared  from  1  Tim.  i,  15,  "This  is  a 
faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ 
Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners."  The  language 
of  my  heart  on  this  Christmas  day  was,  "  Whom  have  I  in 
heaven  but  thee  ?  and  there  is  none  upon  earth  that  I  desire 
besides  thee."  The  next  morning  also  I  was  in  the  spirit  of 
devotion,  and  enjoyed  the  peace  of  God  which  passeth  all 
understanding.  Having  preached  a  funeral  sermon  in  the 
forenoon,  I  addressed  the  congregation  at  Mr.  H.'s,  from 
John  i,  45,  46. 

Thursday,  January  1,  1778.  Though  the  weather  has  been 
verj'  cold  for  several  days,  I  have  had  to  ride,  sometimes  a 
considerable  distance,  and  preach  every  day.  This  day  I 
preached  a  funeral  sermon  on  the  death  of  a  daughter  of  her 
who  was  buried  last  Friday.  My  text  was,  "  This  year  thou 
shalt  die."  Death,  like  a  cruel  conqueror,  spareth  none  on 
whom  he  seizeth ;  but  sendeth  them  to  the  shades  of  eter- 
nity, without  respect  to  age  or  condition  ! 

Friday,  2.  I  experienced  much  of  the  love  of  Jesus  Christ 


264 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1778. 


shed  abroad  in  my  heart ;  and  through  His  meritorious  medi- 
ation, found  a  delightful  nearness  to  God.  Indeed  I  have 
found  great  happiness  during  this  Christmas  season,  and  have 
endeavoured  to  redeem  my  time  by  diligent  industry.  May 
the  Lord  keep  me  steadfast  and  faithful  to  the  end,  and  bless 
me  with  an  abiding  witness  that  I  love  him  with  all  my  heart ! 
The  people  were  lively  to-day  at  Mr.  C.'s,  and  especially  in 
the  class-meeting. 

Lord's  day,  4.  The  word  of  the  Lord  went  to  the  hearts 
of  the  people  with  cutting  power,  both  at  Frederick,  in  the 

forenoon,  and  at  Mr.  H  n's  in  the  afternoon.    But  my  own 

mind  has  been  under  exercises  from  Satan.  On  Monday  my 
spirit  was  grieved  for  want  of  more  spirituality,  and  more  of 

God.    The  congregation  at  Mr.  S  n's,  was  large,  but  dull. 

But  the  people  seemed  quickened  both  at  Mr.  A.'s  on  Tues- 
day, and  at  Mr.  H  d's  on  Wednesday. 

Thursday,  8.  I  enjoyed  sweet  communion  with  God  this 
morning,  and  was  enabled  to  rest  my  soul  on  him  as  my 
never-failing  support.  God  was  powerfully  with  us  at  Mr. 
S  w's  on  Friday,  and  the  people  felt  the  weight  of  Di- 
vine truths. 

Lord's  day,  11.  By  reason  of  the  snow  the  congregations 
were  small,  but  the  Lord  gave  us  his  blessing.  My  soul  has 
possessed  a  holy  calm ;  and  I  have  found  the  Lord  constantly 
with  me,  in  a  greater  or  less  degree.  I  have  just  finished  the 
last  volume  of  Whiston's  Josephus,  and  am  surprised  that, 
at  the  age  of  seventy,  Mr.  Whiston  should  spend  so  much 
of  his  time  in  such  a  dry,  chronological  work.  How  much 
better  was  Mr.  Baxter  employed,  when  he  thought  himself 
near  to  eternity,  meditating  and  writing  on  the  Saints'  Ever- 
lasting Rest. 

Tuesday,  13.  A  solemn,  comfortable  sense  of  God  rested 
on  my  soul  this  morning  ;  and  at  Mr.  T.'s,  there  was  a  good 
congregation  of  poor,  but  serious  and  desirous  people.  At 
the  widow  J.'s,  on  Wednesday,  there  was  a  general  melting, 
and  six  were  received  into  the  society  on  trial.  So  there  is 
some  ground  to  hope  that  this  place,  which  has  appeared  to 


Jan.,  1778.]  ASBURTS  JOURNAL. 


265 


be  barren,  will  yet  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  righteousness. 
Many  were  also  much  affected  at  Mr.  V.'s :  after  the  service 
was  ended,  two  men  in  arms  came  up  ;  but  they  went  away 
without  making  known  their  design. 

Friday,  16.  I  found  great  liberty  of  spirit  and  speech  at 
Mr.  G.'s ;  and  there  met  with  brother  G.  S. 

Lord's  day,  18.  After  discoursing  at  Mr.  A  n's  on  the 

parable  of  the  sower,  I  thought  it  proper  to  remove  the 
preaching  to  another  house  ;  for  his  religious  sentiments  did 
not  agree  with  ours. 

Tuesday,  20.  My  soul  was  kept  humble  and  watchful :  and 
I  have  been  enabled  to  put  my  whole  trust  in  God,  on  all 

occasions.    Brother  L  sent  me  some  account  of  the  work 

of  God  ;  and  I  am  strongly  persuaded  that  he  will  defend  his 
own  cause,  and  his  own  people. 

Wednesday,  21.  The  house  was  not  sufficient  to  contain 
the  congregation  at  the  widow  W.'s,  and  the  word  went  with 
power  to  the  hearts  of  the  people.  Thursday  was  a  very 
cold  day,  yet  many,  both  rich  and  poor,  attended  at  I.  K.'s. 
And  the  Lord  enabled  me  to  show  them  plainly,  to  what 
lengths  a  man  may  go  in  the  externals  of  religion,  and  be  but 
almost  a  Christian. 

Friday,  23.  My  heart  was  fixed  on  God.  I  have  lately 
found  more  sweetness  and  delight  than  ever  before,  in  reading 
the  Old  Testament.  And  having  met  with  Luther's  Com- 
ment on  the  Galatians,  I  have  begun  to  read  that.  After 
riding  eight  miles  to  Mr.  H.'s,  I  found  that  I  had  eight  miles 
farther  to  ride,  to  preach  a  funeral  sermon  at  Mr.  F.'s  :  and 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  rested  upon  my  soul.  Then  rode  five 
miles  more,  in  great  peace  and  love,  to  lodge  at  Mr.  M.'s. 

Lord's  day,  25.  Many  attended  at  Mr.  R.'s  in  the  forenoon, 
and  God  gave  me  power  to  speak  to  their  hearts.  I  then 
rode  ten  miles  farther  to  the  meeting-house,  and  preached  to 
about  three  hundred  solemn  and  attentive  people. 

Tuesday,  27.  Both  my  body  and  mind  were  under  a  heavy 
gloom.  Attempting  to  preach  in  Quaker-Neck,  my  mind  was 
shut  up,  and  I  had  no  power  to  speak  to  the  people.  This 

12 


266 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  17 78. 


is  very  painful  and  disagreeable ;  but  it  ought  to  be  borne 
with  patience.  Physic  is  necessary  sometimes,  as  well  as 
food. 

Wednesday,  28.  My  soul  had  peace,  and  enjoyed  sweet 
rest  in  God,  after  all  my  trials.  May  I  ever  glorify  him, 
even  in  the  fires !  Dark  prospects,  in  temporal  matters,  pre- 
sent themselves  to  my  view.  But  "  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  are 
over  the  righteous  ;"  and  he  hath  promised  to  be  "  a  wall  of 
fire  round  about "  his  Church,  "  and  the  glory  in  the  midst 
of  her."  I  preached  a  funeral  sermon  at  the  meeting-house 
o*n  1  Cor.  xv,  20  :  "  But  now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead, 
and  become  the  first-fruits  of  them  that  slept."  There  were 
many  people  on  this  solemn  occasion,  and  my  heart  was  en- 
larged towards  them. 

Lord's  day,  February  1.  We  had  a  good  time  at  Frederick 
in  the  forenoon,  and  I  found  myself  at  liberty  in  the  afternoon 
at  Mr.  H.'s.  My  heart  feels  nothing  contrary  to  love  and 
purity  ;  and  the  effect  thereof  is  abundant  peace.  Troubles 
stare  me  in  the  face  ;  but  I  have  confidence  towards  God,  and 
without  perplexing  myself  with  anxious  care,  will  leave  all 
events  to  him. 

Monday,  2.  There  was  some  appearance  of  a  revival  at 
Mr.  S.'s  ;  and  the  Lord  blessed  my  soul  with  liberty,  peace, 
and  love.  On  Tuesday  we  had  a  love-feast  at  L.  A.'s,  and 
many  delivered  their  affectionate  testimony  of  God's  goodness 
and  love  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Wednesday,  4.  I  received  a  strange  account,  which  had 
been  attested  on  oath  by  the  people  who  lived  in  the  house ; 
but  am  at  a  loss  to  know  what  judgment  to  pass  upon  it. 
The  fact  was  this :  a  wicked  young  fellow,  whose  friends 
countenanced  the  truths  of  the  gospel,  was  disposed,  it  seems, 
to  curse  the  preacher ;  but  being  deterred  from  doing  it 
openly,  he  went  to  the  place  of  worship,  with  a  design  to 
curse  him  in  his  heart.  It  seems  he  was  struck  with  terror, 
and  soon  after  died.  His  own  brother  s*aid,  the  devil  pulled 
his  heart  out. 

Lord's  day,  8.  After  preaching  at  Mr.  F.'s  in  the  forenoon, 


Feb.,  1778.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


267 


I  met  the  congregation  at  Mr.  S.'s,  who  is  a  striking  instance 
of  the  power  and  goodness  of  God :  some  time  ago  he  was, 
like  Saul,  an  opposer  of  the  truth,  but  grace  hath  changed 
his  heart. 

Thursday,  12.  The  Lord  hath  supported  me  in  preaching 
at  every  place  ;  and  this  day  I  came  to  T.  W.'s,  and  met 
brother  G.  S.  The  martial,  threatening  aspect  of  the  times, 
has  had  a  great  tendency  to  keep  me  close  to  God  :  and  my 
soul  has  experienced  the  benefit. 

Saturday,  14.  I  had  much  peace,  but  too  much  company : 
my  time  was  not  spent  to  the  greatest  advantage.  But  the 
next  day  I  felt  the  power  of  Divine  truths  in  my  own  heart, 
while  preaching  at  E.  W.'s,  from  1  Pet.  i,  13-15. 

Monday,  16.  Our  quarterly-meeting  began  in  Mr.  W.'s 
bam,  and  numbers  attended  from  different  parts.  On  Tues- 
day morning  we  held  our  love-feast ;  and  the  Lord  was  with 
us.  My  heart  was  powerfully  drawn  out,  in  preaching  on 
the  last  three  verses  of  the  forty-eighth  Psalm. 

Wednesday,  18.  I  set  my  face  unto  the  Lord  God,  to  seek 
by  prayer  and  supplications,  with  fasting.  And  although 
brother  S.  had  manifested  a  desire  to  leave  the  continent,  he 
now  agreed  to  abide  in  the  country  with  me  awhile  longer. 

Lord's  day,  22.  Though  the  weather  was  disagreeable,  yet 
many  people  attended  at  E.  W.'s  ;  and  there  appeared  to  be  a 
promising  prospect,  amongst  the  young  people  especially.  I 
have  great  hopes  that  the  Lord  will  show  mercy,  and  make 
his  power  known  in  the  family  of  the  W  s. 

Monday,  23.  Satan  has  made  several  violent  pushes  at  my 
soul,  but  he  has  not  been  able  even  to  break  my  peace.  The 
word  was  powerfully  applied  to  the  hearts  of  the  people  at 
Mr.  G.'s  to-day. 

Wednesday,  25.  After  preaching  with  holy  warmth  at  Mr. 

L  n's,  I  met  the  class,  in  which  were  some  faithful  souls, 

but  others  that  could  hardly  bear  plain  dealing.  But  we 
must  deal  plainly  and  honestly,  though  affectionately  and  ten- 
derly, with  all  that  come  in  our  way,  and  especially  with  such 
as  put  themselves  under  our  pastoral  care.    If  we  seek  to 


268 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  1778. 


please  men,  unless  it  is  for  their  good  to  edification,  we  are 
not  the  servants  of  Christ. 

Thursday,  26.  I  spoke  closely  and  pointedly  to  many  poor, 

ignorant  people  at  the  widow  I  p's.    And  on  Friday,  met 

a  dull  congregation  at  Mr.  C.'s. 

Monday,  March  2.  Rode  to  L  K.'s,  on  Cedar-Creek,  an 
old  Presbyterian,  who  keeps  his  coffin  ready  made.  But  both 
the  congregation  and  the  class  seemed  very  blind  and  igno- 
rant in  spiritual  things. 

Thursday,  5.  Returned  to  T.  W.'s,  with  a  cold  in  my  head 
and  an  inflammation  in  my  throat,  which  detained  me  till  the 
Lord's  day.  But  my  time  was  chiefly  spent  in  prayer  and 
reading  Flavell's  and  Hartley's  works;  though  no  book  is 
equal  to  the  Bible.  I  have  also  received  much  instruction 
and  great  blessings  of  late  in  reading  Mr.  Wesley's  Works. 
There  is  a  certain  spirituality  in  his  works,  which  I  can  find  in 
no  other  human  compositions.  And  a  man  who  has  any  taste 
for  true  piety,  can  scarce  read  a  few  pages  in  the  writings  of 
that  great  divine,  without  imbibing  a  greater  relish  for  the 
pure  and  simple  religion  of  Jesus  Christ,  which  is  therein  so 
Scripturally  and  rationally  explained  and  defended. 

Monday,  9.  S.  S.  came  in  from  the  upper  circuit;  but  on 
Tuesday  both  he  and  G.  S.  left  me.  However,  I  was  easy, 
for  the  Lord  was  with  me.  And  if  he  will  be  with  me,  and 
bring  me  to  my  Father's  house  in  peace,  he  shall  be  my  God 
forever.  Yea ;  let  him  do  with  me  as  seemeth  good  in  his 
sight — only  let  him  not  take  his  Holy  Spirit  from  me — and  he 
shall  be  mine,  and  I  will  be  his,  in  time  and  through  eternity. 

Friday,  13.  I  was  under  some  heaviness  of  mind.  But  it 
was  no  wonder  :  three  thousand  miles  from  home — my  friends 
have  left  me — I  am  considered  by  some  as  an  enemy  of  the 
country — everyday  liable  to  be  seized  by  violence,  and  abused. 
However,  all  this  is  but  a  trifle  to  suffer  for  Christ,  and  the 
saltation  of  souls.    Lord,  stand  by  me! 

Lord's  day,  15.  My  temptations  were  very  heavy,  and  my 
ideas  were  greatly  contracted  in  preaching,  neither  was  my 
soul  happy  as  at  many  other  times.    It  requires  great  resig- 


Mar.,  1778.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


269 


nation  for  a  man  to  be  willing  to  be  laid  aside  as  a  broken 
instrument.  But 

"In  all  my  temptations 
He  keeps  me,  to  prove 
His  utmost  salvation — 
His  fulness  of  love." 

Monday,  16.  I  applied  myself  to  the  Greek  and  Latin 
Testament ;  but  this  is  not  to  me  like  preaching  the  Gospel. 
However,  when  a  man  cannot  do  what  he  would,  he  must  do 
what  he  can. 

Wednesday,  18.  To  make  the  best  of  my  time  in  this  par- 
tial confinement,  I  have  attended  closely  to  my  studies,  spent 
some  time  in  instructing  the  children,  and  intend  to  lecture 
frequently  in  the  family.  This  day  I  received  information 
that  brother  W.  was  cast  into  prison  at  Annapolis. 

Saturday,  21.  My  spiritual  exercises  have  been  various.  I 
have  frequently  been  under  powerful  temptations :  but  at 
other  times  my  soul  has  been  serene  and  comfortable.  Much 
of  my  time  is  spent  in  study.  And  my  desire  is,  to  glorify 
God  in  all  I  do,  and  spend  all  I  gain  in  his  service. 

Lord's  day,  22.  A  large  congregation  attended  at  E.  W.'s 
while  I  enforced  the  important  inquiry,  "  What  shall  it  profit 
a  man  if  he  gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  his  own  soul  ?" 
A  warm,  affectionate  zeal  glowed  in  my  heart,  and  some  of  the 

people  were  affected.   On  Monday  I  met  with  brother  C  x, 

and  sent  him  into  the  upper  circuit,  intending  myself  to  abide 
here  for  a  season  till  the  storm  is  abated. 

Wednesday,  25.  Blessed  be  God !  his  providence  hath  cast 
my  lot  in  a  quiet,  agreeable  family ;  where  I  can  make  the 
best  improvement  of  my  time  in  study  and  devotion.  Brother 

C  r  came  from  below,  and  we  had  a  meeting  at  E.  W.'s, 

where  some  were  deeply  cut  to  the  heart  by  the  two-edged 
sword  of  the  word. 

Friday,  27.  The  grace  of  God  is  a  sufficient  support,  while 
I  bear  the  reproach  of  men,  and  am  rewarded  with  evil  for 
all  the  good  which  I  have  done,  and  desired  to  do  for  man- 
kind.   I  want  for  no  temporal  convenience,  and  endeavour  to 


270  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Apr.,  1778. 

improve  my  time  by  devotion  and  study ;  but  all  this  cannot 
give  full  satisfaction,  while  it  is  not  in  my  power  to  labour 
more  for  God  in  seeking  the  salvation  of  souls.  But  I  am 
strongly  persuaded  that  Divine  Providence  will  bring  about  a 
change  before  long. 

Thursday,  April  2.  This  night  we  had  a  scene  of  trouble 
in  the  family.  My  friend  Mr.  T.  W.  was  taken  away,  and  his 
wife  and  family  left  in  great  distress  of  mind.    The  next  day 

1  sought  the  interposition  of  God  by  fasting  and  prayer. 

Saturday,  4.  This  was  a  day  of  much  Divine  power  and 
love  to  my  soul.  I  was  left  alone,  and  spent  part  of  every 
hour  in  prayer ;  and  Christ  was  near  and  very  precious.  The 
next  day  I  preached  with  great  solemnity  at  E.  W.'s,  on 

2  Cor.  vi,  20  ;  and  on  Monday  found  freedom  to  move.  Af- 
ter riding  about  fifteen  miles,  I  accidentally  stopped  at  a  house 
where  a  corpse  was  going  to  be  buried,  and  had  an  oppor- 
tunity of  addressing  a  number  of  immortal  souls.  I  then  rode 
on  through  a  lonesome,  devious  road,  like  Abraham,  not 
knowing  whither  I  went :  but  weary  and  unwell,  I  found  a 
shelter  late  at  night;  and  there  I  intended  to  rest  till  Pro- 
vidence should  direct  my  way.  This  was  something  like  the 
faithful  saints  of  old  times,  mentioned  Heb.  xi :  "  They  wan- 
dered about  in  sheep-skins  and  goat-skins,  being  destitute, 
afflicted,  tormented  :  (of  whom  the  world  was  not  worthy :) 
they  wandered  in  deserts,  and  in  mountains,  and  in  dens  and 
caves  of  the  earth."  Though  it  must  be  acknowledged  their 
trials  far  exceeded. 

Tuesday,  7.  My  soul  was  kept  in  peace ;  and  I  spent  much 
of  my  time  in  reading  the  Bible  and  the  Greek  Testament. 
Surely  God  will  stand  by  and  deliver  me  !  I  have  none  other 
on  whom  I  can  depend.  And  he  knows  with  what  intention 
and  for  what  purposes  I  came  into  this  distant  and  strange  land, 
and  what  little  I  have  suffered  for  his  cause.  At  night  a  re- 
port was  spread  which  inclined  me  to  think  it  would  be  most 
prudent  for  me  to  move  the  next  day.  Accordingly  I  set  out 
after  dinner,  and  lay  in  a  swamp  till  about  sunset ;  but  was 
then  kindly  taken  in  by  a  friend.    My  soul  has  been  greatly 


Apr.,  17*78.3  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL, 


271 


humbled  and  blessed  under  these  difficulties,  and  I  thought 
myself  like  some  of  the  old  prophets,  who  were  concealed  in 
times  of  public  distress. 

Thursday,  9.  I  promised  God,  that  if  he  would  lift  me  up, 
I  would  be  wholly  his,  and  spend  as  much  time  in  returning 
thanks  as  I  have  spent  in  seeking  his  protection, — which  has 
been  some  part  of  every  hour.  My  soul  has  been  much  com- 
forted in  reading  J.  Alleine's  Letters,  which  he  wrote  in  prison. 
I  felt  strong  confidence  in  God,  that  he  would  deliver  me ; 
being  conscious  that  I  sought  neither  riches  nor  honour,  and 
that  what  I  suffered  was  for  the  salse  of  his  spiritual  Church, 
and  the  salvation  of  my  fellow-men.  I  was  informed  that 
brother  J.  H.  was  apprehended  last  Lord's  day  in  Queen- Ann. 
May  the  Lord  strengthen  and  support  him,  while  he  suffers 
for  righteousness'  sake !  He  shall  be  faithfully  remembered 
by  me  in  my  addresses  to  the  throne  of  grace.  This  evening 
I  was  called  upon  to  visit  a  person  in  distress  of  mind ;  and 
the  Lord  gave  him  rest  for  his  souh  Perhaps  Providence 
cast  my  lot  in  this  place  for  the  assistance  of  this  man. 

Friday,  10.  My  heart  was  kept  pure,  and  panting  after 
God,  though  I  was  in  some  sense  a  prisoner,  and  under  the 
necessity  of  being  concealed,  rather  than  sacrifice  the  peace  of 
my  conscience,  and  offend  my  god.  0  my  Lord,  guide  thy 
poor  pilgrim  through  the  rugged  ways  of  this  ungodly  and 
dangerous  world  J  And  if  I  suffer  with  Christ  here,  may  I 
finally  reign  with  him  in  glory ! 

"  Who  suffer  -with  our  Master  here, 
We  shall  before  his  face  appear, 

And  by  his  side  sit  down  ; 
To  patient  faith  the  prize  is  sure ; 
And  all  that  to  the  end  endure 
The  cross,  shall  wear  the  crown." 

My  practice  is,  to  keep  close  to  God  in  prayer,  and  spend  a 
part  of  every  hour,  when  awake,  in  that  exercise.  I  have 
lately  begun  to  read  Mr.  Wesley's  Notes  again ;  and  have 
always  found  both  them  and  his  Sermons  to  be  made  an  es- 
pecial blessing  to  my  soul.    My  exercises  are  very  deep  and 


272 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Apr.,  1778. 


various.  The  Lord  makes  great  discoveries  of  my  defects  and 
short-comings  in  many  points.  He  melts  my  heart  into  hu- 
mility and  tenderness ;  he  graciously  draws  me  nearer  and 
nearer  to  himself ;  and  fills  me  with  the  spirit  of  holy  love. 

Saturday,  11.  God  was  my  portion,  and  my  soul  rested  in 
him.  But  I  was  at  a  loss  to  know  what  to  do :  my  time  was 
useless  in  respect  to  others ;  though  I  carefully  improved  it 
for  my  own  spiritual  advantage,  which  for  some  years  past, 
had  been  in  a  degree  neglected,  on  account  of  my  great  atten- 
tion to  the  souls  of  othe^  And  I  know  not  what  to  deter- 
mine— whether  to  deliver  myself  into  the  hands  of  men,  to 
embrace  the  first  opportunity  to  depart,  or  to  wait  till  Provi- 
dence shall  further  direct.    The  reason  of  this  retirement  was 

r~  as  follows.  From  March  10,  1778,  on  conscientious  principles 
I  was  a  non- juror,  and  could  not  preach  in  the  State  of  Mary- 
land ;  and  therefore  withdrew  to  the  Delaware  State,  where  the 

I  clergy  were  not  required  to  take  the  State-oath :  though,  with 
a  clear  conscience,  I  could  have  taken  the  oath  of  the  Dela- 
ware State,  had  it  been  required ;  and  would  have  done  it, 
had  I  not  been  prevented  by  a  tender  fear  of  hurting  the  scru- 
pulous consciences  of  others.  Saint  Paul  saith,  "When  ye 
sin  so  against  the  brethren,  and  wound  their  weak  conscience, 
J  ye  sin  against  Christ."  1  Co*  viii,  12. 

Lm^Lord's  day,  12.  This  was  one  of  my  dumb  and  silent  Sab- 
baths, and  was  spent  in  fasting  and  prayer,  that  the  Lord 
may  turn  again  my  captivity.  My  soul  was  greatly  humbled, 
and  not  a  little  comforted  in  waiting  before  God.  I  lament 
that  part  of  the  Lord's  flock  is  carried  away  captive  ;  but  hope 
that  those  who  remain  in  Zion  will  be  holiness  to  the  Lord, 
and  found  anions  the  livinof  in  Jerusalem. 

Monday,  13.  I  formerly  thought  it  would  be  death  to  me 
to  keep  silence  from  declaring  the  word  of  God ;  but  now  I 
am  in  a  measure  contented,  and  hope  to  see  a  day  of  liberty 
once  again.  It  appears  to  be  the  will  of  God  that  I  should 
be  silent  for  a  season,  to  prepare  me  for  further  usefulness 
hereafter.  Therefore  my  time  shall  be  employed  to  the  best 
advantage. 


Apr.,  1778.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


273 


Tuesday,  14.  I  am  not  yet  forsaken  of  all,  but  am  happy 
in  the  family  where  I  stay,  and  my  soul  is  fixed  on  God.  I 
have  a  private  chamber  for  my  asylum,  where  I  comfort 
myself  in  God,  and  spend  my  time  in  prayer,  meditation, 
and  reading.  The  next  day  brother  J.  F.  held  a  public 
meeting :  he  appeared  to  be  a  well-meaning,  good  man ;  and 
who  hath  despised  the  day  of  small  things  ? 

Thursday,  16.  My  soul  was  blessed  with  peace ;  but  I 
earnestly  desire  to  be  more  spiritual  in  all  my  thoughts, 
words,  and  actions. 

Friday,  17.  Being  Good-Friday,  I  devoted  myself  to  fast- 
ing and  prayer.  How  many  such  days  have  I  spent  in  ad- 
dressing large  congregations  on  the  mournful  subject  of  our 
blessed  Lord's  crucifixion  ;  but  am  now  deprived  of  the  pri- 
vilege of  making  a  public  improvement  of  the  day.  I  must 
sit  down  and  weep,  when  I  remember  Zion,  and  the  years  of 
God's  right  hand.  0 !  how  I  long  to  see  his  goings  in  the 
sanctuary,  as  in  times  past !  Return,  0  Lord,  to  the  many 
thousands  of  Israel,  and  cause  us  to  rejoice  according  to  the 
days  in  which  we  have  seen  trouble  !  I  now  enjoy  a  favour- 
able opportunity  of  taking  a  circumstantial  review  of  my  past 
life.  But  alas  !  how  am  I  ashamed,  and  covered  with  blush- 
ing before  God.  My  soul  is  bowed  in  awful  reverence  and 
melting  humility  before  the  mercy-seat.  My  intention  has 
been  pure,  as  far  as  I  can  judge ;  but  on  account  of  my  im- 
perfections, if  there  were  no  Mediator,  there  could  be  no  hope 
of  mercy.  But,  blessed  be  God,  I  can  come  with  humble  * 
boldness  to  the  throne  of  grace,  knowing  "  that  we  have  a 
High  Priest  that  can  be  touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  in- 
firmities ;  who  was  in  all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet 
without  sin."  I  hope  to  learn  obedience  by  the  things  I  suffer ; 
and  walk  more  watchfully  and  piously  before  God  for  the 
time  to  come. 

Saturday  18.  I  labour  to  make  the  best  use  of  my  pre- 
cious time  ;  and  hope  to  be  better  prepared  for  future  ser- 
vice on  earth,  or  for  eternal  service  in  heaven.  I  bear  our 
dear,  suffering  friends,  on  my  heart. 

12* 


274 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Apr.,  1778. 


Lord's  day,  19.  Another  solitary  Sabbath.  Ezekiel's  por- 
tion is  mine — to  be  dumb  for  a  season.  But  the  Lord  gives 
me  patience,  and  supports  me  under  it.  The  family  amongst 
whom  my  lot  is  cast  use  me  with  great  kindness  ;  and  may 
the  Lord  show  kindness  to  them  according  to  all  that  they 
have  done  unto  me  ! 

Morn/lay,  20.  Reading  the  Revelation,  with  Mr.  Wesley's 
Notes,  was  made  a  particular  blessing  to  my  soul ;  but  my 
conscience  checked  me  severely  for  not  reading  more  fre- 
quently that  part  of  the  sacred  canon,  seeing  such  a  blessing 
is  pronounced  on  them  that  read  and  understand  it.  But  I 
intend  for  the  future,  if  time  and  health  will  permit,  to  read 
one  chapter  in  it  every  day. 

Tuesday,  21.  I  purposed  in  my  own  mind,  to  spend  ten 
minutes  out  of  every  hour,  when  awake,  in  the  duty  of 
prayer.  May  the  Lord  help  me  to  pay  all  the  vows  which 
my  heart  hath  uttered,  and  my  mouth  hath  spoken  in  the 
time  of  trouble ! 

Wednesday,  22.  I  finished  Mr.  Wesley's  Notes  on  the 
New  Testament,  and  began  to  read  Doddridge's  Rise  and 
Progress  ;  but  am  not  so  decorated  with  holy  love  as  the 
temple  of  God  should  be.  I  am  reconciled  to  my  condition, 
and  in  faith  and  prayer  commit  all  events  to  my  Divine 
Protector.  This  is  an  excellent  season  for  dressing  my  own 
vineyard. 

Thursday,  23.  God  was  near,  and  my  heart  was  exceed- 
ingly humbled  before  him.  I  finished  Doddridge,  and  was 
pleased,  instructed,  and  affected  thereby.  I  think  an  abridg- 
ment of  this  book  would  be  of  great  service  to  our  societies. 

Friday,  24.  I  began  reading  honest  John  Bunyan's  Holy 
War ;  and  my  soul  was  kept  in  peace,  but  earnestly  desirous 
of  every  branch  and  degree  of  perfect  love.  Holiness  is  far 
preferable  to  the  greatest  wisdom. 

Lord's  day,  26.  I  was  still  confined  and  obliged  to  keep 
silence  ;  but  spent  much  of  the  day  in  reading  the  Revela- 
tion, with  Mr.  Wesley's  Notes  upon  it.  As  this  Revelation 
was  given  on  the  Lord's  day,  what  can  be  a  more  proper 


May,  1778.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


275 


subject  for  meditation  on  that  day  ?  Devoting  much  of  my 
time  to  the  exercise  of  prayer,  I  pray  frequently  for  my  dear 
parents  and  friends,  as  well  as  for  myself. 

Wednesday,  29.  Ventured  to  leave  my  asylum  ;  and  under 
the  special  providence  of  God,  came  safe  to  my  old  abode  ; 
where  I  purpose  spending  these  perilous  days  in  retirement, 
devotion,  and  study.  I  want  for  nothing  but  more  holiness, 
and  wonder  at  the  love  and  care  of  Almighty  God,  towards 
such  a  dead  dog  as  I  am.  My  spirit  was  greatly  comforted 
by  Psalm  cvi,  10  :  "He  saved  them  from  the  hand  of  him 
that  hated  them :  and  redeemed  them  from  the  hand  of  the 
enemy.' ' 

Friday,  May  1.  The  minds  of  the  people  are  so  confused, 
and  filled  with  the  spirit  and  troubles  of  the  times,  that  it 
does  not  appear  -to  me  as  if  God  required  me  to  treat  with 
them  on  spiritual  and  eternal  subjects,  till  they  can,  with 
some  considerate  calmness,  pay  attention  to  those  momentous 
matters.  I  have  lately  been  grievously  haunted  by  the 
temptations  of  Satan ;  but  my  desire  is  to  die  rather  than 
live  to  sin  against  God.  Lord,  stand  by  me  in  the  day  of 
trial,  and  every  moment  support  my  feeble  soul !  On  Sat- 
urday also  my  mind  was  much  harassed  by  my  spiritual 
adversary ;  and  my  study  and  devotion  were  interrupted,  so 
that  I  could  do  but  little  either  for  God  or  myself. 

Lord's  day,  3.  My  mind  was  strangely  twisted  and  tor- 
tured, not  knowing  what  to  do.  It .  seems  I  know  not  how 
to  fight,  nor  how  to  fly  :  but  I  am  persuaded  there  will  be  a 
speedy  change  in  the  wheel  of  Providence,  either  prosperous 
or  adverse.  Others  are  now  free,  but  I  am  bound.  Reading 
at  present  no  other  books  on  the  Lord's  days,  I  have  lately 
read  the  Revelation,  with  Mr.  Wesley's  Notes,  three  times 
through. 

Monday,  4.  Satan  hath  a  desire  to  destroy,  or  at  least,  to 
disturb  my  soul.  But  I  pray  mightily  to  God  against  him. 
0  that  he  may  rebuke  the  tempter,  and  make  a  way  for  my 
escape ! 

On  Wednesday  my  temptations  were  so  violent,  that  it 


276 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [May,  1778. 


seemed  as  if  all  the  infernal  powers  were  combined  to  attack 
my  soul.  Like  Elijah,  when  persecuted  by  Jezebel,  I  was 
ready  to  request  for  myself  that  I  might  die.  However, 
about  noon  the  storm  abated,  and  my  soul  was  calm.  I  had 
felt  as  though  I  could  neither  pray  nor  read  ;  but  the  Lord 
blessed  my  troubled  soul  while  endeavouring  to  pray  with  bro- 
ther E.  W.  My  temptations  have  been  such  as  I  never  expe- 
rienced before  in  the  course  of  my  life.  But  God  will  help  me, 
and  I  shall  yet  praise  him !  Both  Friday  and  Saturday  my 
spiritual  enemies  were  upon  me,  but  my  soul  had  more  strength 
from  the  Lord.  My  practice  is,  to  spend  some  part  of  every 
hour  in  prayer.  Lord,  "  what  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful 
of  him  ?  and  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him  ?"  On 
Saturday  brother  W.  came  home,  as  in  answer  to  prayer. 
On  the  Lord's  day  I  read  the  Revelation  three  times  over, 
and  experienced  great  sweetness  in  my  soul,  both  in  reading 
and  family  exercises. 

Monday,  11.  My  mind  was  deeply  exercised,  not  knowing 
what  to  do.  If  the  Lord  delivers  me,  I  shall  be  bound  to 
praise  him  :  if  I  had  a  thousand  hearts  and  tongues,  and  a 
million  of  years  to  live,  all  would  be  insufficient  for  paying 
the  mighty  debt  of  praise.  Time,  and  language,  and  num- 
bers, all  fail  in  point  of  praise  and  adoration  for  the  unmerit- 
ed mercies  of  a  gracious  God. 

"Praise  ye  the  Lord,  ye  immortal  choirs, 
That  fill  the  realms  above  ; 
Praise  Him  who  form'd  you  of  his  fires, 
And  feeds  you  with  his  love." 

Tuesday,  12.  My  exercises  were  still  grievous;  but  I  am 
persuaded  that  all  these  trials  will  contribute  to  the  spiritual 
advantage  of  my  soul.  Temptations  and  prayer,  as  one  ob- 
serves, qualify  a  Gospel  minister  for  his  work.  But  I  am 
ready  to  ask,  as  one  of  old,  "  Lord,  are  there  few  that  be 
saved  ?"  May  God  vouchsafe  to  help  and  deliver  his  few 
afflicted  people ! 

Wednesday,  13.  I  met  a  small  congregation,  and  my  soul 
was  blessed  in  speaking  to  the  people,  as  it  usually  is  on  such 


May,  1778.]  ASBURT'S  JOURNAL. 


277 


occasions.  0  my  God !  when  wilt  thou  turn  again  my  cap- 
tivity ?    Surely  Jacob  shall  rejoice,  and  Israel  shall  be  glad. 

Thursday,  14.  I  still  attend  to  prayer,  study,  and  teach- 
ing the  children  ;  but  cannot  be  fully  satisfied  without  preach- 
ing the  Gospel,  which  appears  to  be  my  peculiar  province. 
Though  I  find  more  relish  for  the  word  of  God,  and  greater 
sweetness  in  reading  it,  than  ever  before. 

Friday,  15.  My  soul  was,  for  the  most  part,  in  peace; 
though  at  times  my  own  trials  and  the  trials  of  others  pro- 
duced strong  agonies  of  mind.  But  strengthened  with  Di- 
vine might,  I  am  able  to  oppose  the  tempter  in  his  most 
violent  assaults,  and  am  brought  off  more  than  conqueror. 
The  study  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  affords  me  great  pleasure. 
Lord,  help  me  to  dig  into  the  Gospel-field  as  for  hidden 
treasure ! 

Saturday,  16.  It  may  be  observed  that  two  of  our  preach- 
ers have  been  apprehended,  rather  than  do  violence  to  con- 
science ;  and  the  men  by  whom  they  were  both  taken,  were 
dangerously  wounded  within  a  few  weeks  after  they  had  laid 
hands  upon  them.  I  am  now  resigned  to  my  confinement, 
and  am  persuaded  that  God,  by  his  providence,  will  show 
me  when  and  which  way  to  go. 

Lord's  day,  17.  As  a  congregation  was  collected  to  hear 
the  word,  I  ventured  to  preach,  and  found  my  soul  much 
drawn  out  both  in  speaking  to  God  and  the  people.  Per- 
haps this  was  a  token  of  future  enlargement  and  usefulness. 

Monday,  18.  My  spirit  was  oppressed  by  heavy  tempta- 
tions. The  preachers  and  people  began  to  convene  for  the 
quarterly  meeting,  which  was  to  begin  the  next  day. 

Tuesday,  19.  Brother  C  x  began  our  quarterly  meet- 
ing, and  then  I  preached  with  tender  sensibility  and  warm  af- 
fection a  humiliation  sermon,  on  Joel  ii,  16-18:  "Gather 
the  people,  sanctify  the  congregation,  assemble  the  elders, 
gather  the  children,  and  those  that  suck  the  breasts ;  let  the 
bridegroom  go  forth  of  his  chamber,  and  the  bride  out  of  her 
closet.  Let  the  priests,  the  ministers  of  the  Lord,  weep  be- 
tween the  porch  and  the  altar,  and  let  them  say,  Spare  thy 


278  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1V78. 

people,  0  Lord,  and  give  not  thy  heritage  to  reproach,  that 
the  heathen  should  rule  over  them  :  wherefore  should  they  say 
among  the  people,  Where  is  their  God  ?  Then  will  the  Lord 
be  jealous  for  his  land,  and  pity  his  people."  The  hearts  of 
the  people  were  greatly  melted  under  the  word:  and  the 
power  of  the  Lord  was  with  us  in  the  afternoon  also.  We 
were  quiet  and  undisturbed ;  and  I  hope  the  word  will  take 
root  in  the  hearts  of  some  who  were  present.  On  Wednesday 
there  was  so  much  company  about  me,  that  I  could  not  keep 
in  my  usual  and  desirable  track  of  walking  with  God. 

Thursday,  21.  My  mind  was  somewhat  dissipated.  A 
young  woman,  who  had  been  awakened  by  the  instrumentality 
of  Captain  W.,  but  deprived  of  the  means  of  grace  for  about 
four  years,  and  had  thought  she  could  never  be  happy  unless 
amongst  the  Methodists,  was  now  brought  to  God  by  faith  in 
Jesus  Christ,  and  found  peace  in  her  soul.  Another  person 
was  also  brought  into  deep  distress  for  an  interest  in  Christ 
about  the  same  time.  Our  family  meetings  are  now  attended 
with  great  power. 

Friday,  22.  Satan  worried  my  mind  with  his  temptations ; 
but  at  night  we  joined  the  two  families  together  for  worship, 
and  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  with  us  in  power. 

Saturday,  23.  I  set  this  day  apart  for  fasting  and  prayer, 
especially  in  behalf  of  brother  T.  W.  My  soul  was  comforted 
to  hear  that  Mrs.  P.,  near  seventy  years  of  age,  knew  by  ex- 
perience that  she  could  be  born  again,  though  she  was  old. 
This  week  the  Lord  has  given  me  two,  as  the  children  of  my 
bonds. 

Monday,  25.  T.  W.  went  back  to  have  his  case  determined. 
He  left  his  family  in  much  distress  of  mind.  I  endeavoured 
to  minister  some  comfort  to  them :  but  in  respect  to  myself, 
everything  appeared  to  be  under  a  cloud  ;  so  that  I  knew  not, 
as  yet,  what  the  Lord  would  be  pleased  to  do  with  me.  I 
now  began  to  read  Barclay's  Apology,  and  to  make  some 
strictures. 

Friday,  29.  I  spent  much  of  the  forenoon  in  prayer,  and 
read  through  the  book  of  Job  :  but  was  sorely  tempted  by  the 


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279 


devil.  My  spiritual  trials  have  been  heavier  and  more  grievous 
of  late,  than  I  have  ever  experienced  before  in  all  the  course 
of  my  pilgrimage.  They  seem  to  indicate  to  me,  that  I  shall 
lose  my  soul,  or  lose  my  life,  or  live  for  some  peculiar  useful- 
ness in  the  Church  of  Christ.    On  Saturday  Mr.  H  y 

came  to  see  me ;  and  I  ventured  to  set  out  for  Mr.  W.'s :  but 
having  been  so  long  unaccustomed  to  riding,  my  body  was  ex- 
ceedingly fatigued.  However,  my  soul  was  much  refreshed 
in  meeting  the  people  there. 

Lord's  day,  31.  My  body  was  indisposed :  but  many  peo- 
ple came  together  to  hear  the  word  of  God :  and  as  there 
had  been  some  little  disorders  among  them,  I  discoursed  on 
2  Tim.  ii,  19,  "Nevertheless,  the  foundation  of  God  standeth 
sure,  having  this  seal,  the  Lord  knoweth  them  that  are  his. 
And,  let  every  one  that  nameth  the  name  of  Christ  depart  from 
iniquity."  We  had  a  profitable  time  ;  and  in  the  afternoon  I 
went  to  hear  Mr.  C,  who  appeared  to  be  a  well-meaning, 
though  a  weak  man. 

Monday,  June  1.  I  rode  about  twenty  miles  and  came 
home  very  unwell,  and  continued  for  several  days  afflicted 
with  a  fever  and  boils ;  but  my  soul  was  peaceably  stayed  on 
the  Lord,  in  the  midst  of  various  and  heavy  trials  both  of 
body  and  mind. 

Lord's  day,  7.  Being  Whitsunday,  I  went  to  the  barn,  weak 
as  I  was,  and  preached  on  Rom.  viii,  7-9.  My  heart  was 
enlarged,  and  the  people  were  greatly  melted  and  alarmed ; 
and  many  of  them  felt  the  gracious  drawings  of  the  Father. 
But  alas !  I  am  as  gold  in  the  furnace !  though  I  must  not 
think  it  strange  concerning  the  fiery  trial,  which  is  to  try  me, 
as  though  some  strange  thing  had  happened  unto  me.  In 
my  patience  may  I  possess  my  soul :  and  the  Lord,  in  his  own 
time,  will  deliver  me.  Surely,  when  this  mortal  shall  put  on 
immortality,  then  shall  there  be  an  eternal  day  without  a 
cloud,  ease  without  pain,  and  joy  without  any  mixture  of  sor- 
row !  I  preached  again  in  the  afternoon,  and  found  great 
liberty  in  my  spirit.  Peradventure,  the  Lord  will,  in  this 
barren  place,  raise  up  a  seed  to  serve  him. 


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ASBTTRY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  1778. 


Wednesday,  10.  I  had  both  great  peace  and  heavy  trials; 
but  have  cause  to  complain  of  the  want  of  more  seriousness 
and  devotion  to  God.  I  find  the  more  pious  part  of  the  peo- 
ple called  Quakers,  are  exerting  themselves  for  the  liberation 
of  the  slaves.  This  is  a  very  laudable  design ;  and  "what  the 
Methodists  must  come  to,  or,  I  fear,  the  Lord  will  depart  from 
them.  But  there  is  cause  to  presume,  that  some  are  more 
intent  on  promoting  the  freedom  of  their  bodies,  than  the 
freedom  of  their  souls ;  without  which  they  must  be  the  vas- 
sals of  Satan  in  eternal  fire. 

Saturday,  13.  For  a  few  days  past  my  mind  has  been  vari- 
ously agitated  at  certain  times,  by  that  restless,  fallen  spirit, 
who  so  often  attempts  to  break  my  peace ;  but  my  soul  has 
been  kept  by  the  same  omnipotent,  gracious  arm  which  has 
been  so  frequently  displayed  in  my  behalf.  I  went  to  R.  W.'s, 
where  all  our  souls  were  under  the  softening  influence  of  Divine 
grace  in  the  class-meeting.  With  animation  of  spirit  I  preached 
twice  on  the  Lord's  day,  to  large  congregations.  As  the  Gos- 
pel of  Jesus  Christ  meets  with  indulgence  in  this  free  State,  I 
entertain  a  hope  that  it  will  prove  a  general  blessing  to  the 
inhabitants  thereof ;  and  that  Delaware  will  become  as  the 
garden  of  the  Lord,  filled  with  plants  of  his  own  planting. 

Monday,  15.  The  congregation  was  large  at  Mr.  K.'s,  but 
showed  too  much  appearance  of  spiritual  insensibility.  I 
have  lately  been  surprised,  and  self  reproved,  for  not  feeling 
the  same  earnest  desire  that  the  word  might  profit  the  hearers, 
after  it  was  delivered,  as  I  have  felt  before  the  preaching  be- 
gan. My  soul  was  deeply  engaged  with  the  Lord,  at  this 
time,  that  the  word  might  prove  a  permanent  blessing.  On 
Tuesday  I  heard  Mr.  T.  preach  a  funeral  sermon,  which  was 
well  put  together,  but  not  calculated  to  reach  the  hearts  of 
the  people. 

Thursday,  18.  My  trials,  as  usual,  have  been  great,  but 
the  Lord  has  not  left  me  comfortless.  About  this  time  it  was 
currently  reported,  that  a  treaty  of  peace  was  like  to  take 
place.  I  thought  this  would  have  been  a  singular  blessing, 
especially  as  it  would  have  given  the  Gospel  a  free  course 


July,  1778.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


281 


through  the  land.  But  my  hope  is,  through  grace,  that  I 
shall  be  found  prepared  for  all  changes  and  circumstances. 

Lord's  day,  21.  I  was  enabled  to  press  upon  the  consciences 
of  the  people,  with  great  pungency,  the  awful  declaration  of 
God  in  Amos  iv,  11  :  "I  have  overthrown  some  of  you,  as  God 
overthrew  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and  ye  were  as  a  firebrand 
plucked  out  of  the  burning  :  yet  have  ye  not  returned  unto 
me,  saith  the  Lord."  Some  felt  the  word  preached ;  and  at 
the  class-meeting  the  hearts  of  the  society  were  melted. 

Saturday,  27.  We  have  had  some  refreshing  times,  both 
in  our  public  and  society  meetings,  through  the  course  of  this 
week ;  and  my  own  soul  has  sometimes  been  greatly  drawn 
out  in  affectionate  devotion  ;  but  at  other  times  sorely  tempted 
by  the  enemy.  We  have  had  a  very  alarming  drought  in  this 
part  of  the  country.  Last  Friday,  we  fasted,  and  prayed 
that  the  Lord  might  water  the  earth :  but  though  we  had  a 
fine  shower,  it  did  not  seem  to  cover  much  more  than  the  two 
adjacent  farms. 

Lord's  day,  28.  In  the  forenoon,  I  preached  under  an  oak, 
on  "  Him  that  cometh  unto  me,  I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out;" 
but  the  people  seemed  unmoved :  though  in  the  afternoon 
they  were  a  little  roused  by  that  awful  threatening,  Psalm 
ix,  17 :  "  The  wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  and  all  the 
nations  that  forget  God."  Yet  there  seems  to  be  a  judicial 
hardness  of  heart  amongst  many  of  the  people.  There  was 
a  large  congregation  at  Mr.  S.'s  on  Monday,  but  they  also 
were  under  the  influence  of  a  spiritual  stupor.  My  mind  has 
been  much  agitated ;  and  at  present  my  prospect  of  success 
is  but  gloomy.  Sometimes  I  have  been  afraid  that  I  have 
done  wrong  in  retiring  from  the  work ;  though,  as  far  as  I 
can  judge,  the  glory  of  God  and  the  prosperity  of  his  Church, 
were  my  chief  objects. 

Tuesday,  30.  Brother  F.  G.  came  to  see  me ;  and  on  Fri- 
day the  Lord  sent  us  a  plentiful  rain  after  the  threatening 
drought. 

Saturday,  July  4.  I  lamented  my  want  of  more  spiritual 
life  and  Divine  animation ;  neither  did  I  find  myself  so  quietly 


282 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [July,  1778. 


and  perfectly  resigned  to  the  present  dispensations  of  Provi- 
dence, as  is  necessary  to  keep  my  soul  in  undisturbed  peace, 
and  promote  my  advancement  in  all  the  beauty  of  holiness. 

Lord's  day,  5.  The  Lord  favoured  me  with  great  assistance 

in  preaching  three  times  to-day ;  and  at  Mr.  C  y's,  in  the 

forenoon,  we  had  a  very  solemn  season. 

Tuesday,  7.  It  has  been  matter  of  grief  to  me,  that  I  have 
not  been  more  holy  and  heavenly  in  all  the  powers  of  my  soul. 
And  it  will  be  very  wonderful  if  my  soul  should  be  saved, 
after  so  many  external  trials,  and  such  internal  assaults  from 
the  banded  powers  of  darkness.  Death  and  destruction  seem 
to  threaten  me  on  every  side ;  but, 

"  Thou  know'st  the  pains  thy  servants  feel ; 
Thou  hear'st  thy  children's  cry ; 
And  their  best  wishes  to  fulfil, 
Thy  grace  is  ever  nigh." 

Wednesday,  8.  My  exercises  were  heavy,  but  I  had  some 
liberty  in  preaching,  and  there  were  some  happy  souls  who 
possessed  the  spirit  of  prayer. 

Friday,  10.  Satan  so  beset  me  by  different  means,  that  it 
seemed  as  if  I  could  do  little  else  but  endeavour  to  pray. 

Saturday,  11.  I  rode  to  W.  and  found  that  Mr.  C.  had 
taken  away  about  half  the  society,  and  was  gone  to  set  up  a 
church  for  himself.  But  I  met  those  who  were  willing  to 
abide  with  us,  and  preached  twice  on  the  Lord's  day,  perhaps 
to  some  purpose. 

Monday,  13.  Preaching  in  Slaughter-Neck,  there  appeared 
to  be  some  impediment  in  the  family  :  I  therefore  removed 
the  preaching,  and  found  the  children  were  openly  wicked. 

We  shall  now  meet  the  people  at  Mr.  S  y's,  whose  family 

appears  serious ;  and  I  hope  the  work  of  God  will  go  on  in 
this  neighbourhood.  The  people  were  all  attention  at 
Pt  ds's  on  Wednesday,  but  not  much  affected.  On  Thurs- 
day I  preached  at  B  y's,  and  then  returned  to  brother 

T.  W.'s. 

Saturday,  18.  I  laid  a  plan  for  myself  to  travel  and  preach 
nine  days  in  two  weeks.    This  was  one  step  towards  my 


July,  1778.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


283 


former  regularity  in  what  appears  to  me  as  my  duty,  my 
element,  and  my  delight.  On  the  Lord's  day  I  met  a  class 
in  the  morning,  and  then  preached  twice,  with  earnestness  and 
affection,  to  large,  attentive,  and  serious  congregations.  My 
spirit  was  afterward  refreshed  in  the  company  of  some  of  my 
old  friends. 

Monday  20.  My  company  being  gone,  my  soul  returned 
to  its  usual  exercises ;  and  I  was  led  to  reflect  on  the  fluctu- 
ating state  of  human  life — a  continual  circle  in  which  the 
soul  can  find  no  permanent  centre  to  fix  upon !  We  shall 
never  have  perfect  rest  till  we  come  to  the  holy  mountain  of 
the  Lord. 

Tuesday,  21.  My  soul  keeps  close  to  God  in  prayer,  medi- 
tation, and  reading.  My  internal  exercises  are  very  great, 
and  I  see  no  other  way  to  conquer  and  escape,  but  by  resist- 
ing my  malignant  foe.    On  Thursday  I  went  about  twenty 

miles  to  preach  at  one  T  d's,  in  Sussex  :  there  were  about 

two  hundred  people  who  appeared  to  be  kind,  and  willing 
to  receive  instruction ;  and  I  was  enabled  to  fix  their  atten- 
tion, though  they  were  ignorant  and  wild.  I  then  rode  ten 
miles  on  my  way  back  to  visit  I.  B.,  who  was  in  deep  distress 
of  soul.  On  Saturday  my  mind  was  sweetly  stayed  on  God, 
after  riding  about  fifty  miles  since  Thursday,  seeking  to  bring 
poor  wandering  souls  to  the  fold  of  Christ.  I  hope  to  travel 
and  preach  as  long  as  I  five. 

Lord's  day,  26.  My  own  soul  was  much  enlarged  while 
enforcing  Rom.  x,  15,  16  ;  though  the  hearts  of  the  audience 
appeared  to  be  proof  against  the  power  of  the  word.  Thus 
it  is  that  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  is  too  often  as  seed 
sown  in  stony  ground  :  the  hearers  do  not  prepare  their  hearts 
by  prayer  and  meditation,  and  the  Almighty  does  not  destroy 
their  moral  agency,  to  save  them  by  irresistible  grace ;  and 
therefore  the  word  which  was  intended  to  be  a  "  savour  of 
life  unto  life,"  proves,  by  their  abuse  of  preventing  grace,  "  a 
savour  of  death  unto  death." 

Monday,  27.  I  am  still  in  possession  of  the  inestimable 
pearl ;  Christ  abides  in  me,  the  hope  of  glory. 


284 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Aug.,  1*778. 


"  In  the  heavenly  Lamb, 
Thrice  happy  I  am, 
And  my  heart  doth  rejoice  at  the  sound  of  his  name." 

The  congregation  to-day  at  K.'s  were  dull  and  insensible,  but 
in  the  class-meeting  at  S.'s  we  had  a  melting  time. 

It  was  currently  reported  about  this  time  that  some  of  the 
British  troops  were  so  blocked  up,  that  there  was  very  little 
probability  of  their  escape.  And  thus  it  is  with  the  fallen 
spirits  of  mankind  ;  having  forfeited  the  favour  and  protection 
of  their  offended  Creator,  they  are  environed  by  the  invisible, 
malignant  angels,  who  kept  not  their  first  estate,  desirous  to 
involve  the  human  race  in  their  own  condemnation  and  misery. 
But  God,  moved  with  compassion  towards  our  helpless  race, 
has  made  it  possible  that  we  may  escape  through  the  redemp- 
tion that  is  in  Jesus  Christ.  But  0,  melancholy  thought! 
men  are  more  inclined  to  listen  to  the  voice  of  their  enemies, 
than  to  the  voice  of  their  Divine  Friend.  Instead  of  putting 
on  the  whole  armour  of  God,  and  resisting  the  devil  that  he 
may'  flee  from  them,  they  arm  themselves  against  all  the 
warnings  of  their  gracious  Creator,  and  resist  the  motions  of 
his  Holy  Spirit,  till  they  have  filled  up  the  measure  of  their 
iniquity,  and  have  their  portion  appointed  with  devils  and 
damned  spirits.  On  Wednesday  my  soul  was  deeply  exer- 
cised in  seeking  after  more  of  the  Divine  nature.  I  long  to 
be  made  perfect  in  love,  to  have  all  my  heart  wrapped  up  in 
Christ  Jesus,  to  have  my  conversation  in  heaven,  and  to  be 
completely  prepared  for  every  duty,  and  every  suffering  that 
may  lie  before  me !  We  had  a  lecture  in  the  evening  at 
T.  W.'s,  and  the  hearts  of  some  were  moved  and  melted  by 
the  power  of  God.  I  begin  to  think  it  is  my  duty  to  abide 
for  a  season  in  this  state ;  and  have  great  hopes  that  the 
Lord  will  pour  out  his  Spirit,  and  favour  us  with  a  revival  of 
pure  and  vital  piety. 

Saturday,  August  1.  I  went  into  the  Fork:  and  on  the 
Lord's  day  preached  at  Mr.  R.'s,  and  at  Mr.  L.'s.  The  con- 
gregations were  attentive  and  affected  ;  so  that,  although  they 
are  rude  and  unpolished,  yet  God  is  able,  even  of  these  un- 


Aug.,  1778.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


285 


seemly  stones,  to  raise  up  children  unto  Abraham.  Being 
informed  that  Mrs.  P.  was  dangerously  ill,  I  rode  about 
twenty  miles  to  see  her,  arrived  at  the  house  about  nine 
o'clock,  and  found  her  confident  and  happy  in  the  love  of 
God — a  miracle  of  saving  grace.  But  the  power  and  the 
glory  of  this  and  of  every  other  good  work,  belongs  unto  the 
Lord. 

Tuesday,  4.  We  had  a  large  congregation,  and  the  pre- 
sence and  power  of  God  were  with  us,  while  I  enforced,  on 
a  funeral  occasion  :  "  Remember  now  thy  Creator  inj,he  days 
of  thy  youth,  while  the  evil  days  come  not,  nor  the  years 
draw  nigh  when  thou  shalt  say,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  them." 

Thursday,  6.  After  proclaiming  the  great  salvation  at  J.'s, 
I  rode  back  to  visit  Mrs.  P.  again  ;  and  found  her  still  happy 
in  God,  and  patient  under  her  affliction. 

Lord's  day,  9.  Having  been  informed  that  some  of  the 
people  were  in  danger  of  being  led  aside  by  impressions  and 
dreams,  and  a  weak-headed  man  having  already  drawn  off  a 
few  simple  souls,  I  thought  it  expedient  to  urge  upon  them 
Isaiah  viii,  20 :  "To  the  law  and  to  the  testimony  :  if  they 
speak  not  according  to  this  word,  it  is  because  there  is  no 
light  in  them."  While  in  theory,  experience,  and  practice, 
we  keep  close  to  the  written  word  of  God,  we  are  safe.  And 
if  an  angel  from  heaven  preach  any  other  gospel,  saith  St. 
Paul,  "  Let  him  be  accursed."  Gal.  i,  8. 

Dreams  may  arise  from  various  causes  ;  and  even  diabolical 
impressions  may  sometimes  resemble  those  made  by  the  Spirit 
of  God.  And  it  is  evident  that  all  such  impressions  as  have 
a  tendency  to  effect  divisions,  to  interrupt  the  peace  of  the 
Church,  to  draw  us  off  from  any  revealed  duty,  or  to  make 
us  contented  in  a  lukewarm  and  careless  state,  cannot  come 
from  God,  because  they  are  contrary  to  the  revealed  dictates 
of  the  Holy  Spirit — and  the  Spirit  of  truth  cannot  contradict 
itself.  Therefore  all  impressions,  dreams,  visions,  &c,  should 
be  brought  to  the  standard  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  if  they 
do  not  perfectly  correspond  therewith,  they  should  be  re- 
jected. 


286 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1778. 


Monday  10.  At  Mr.  S.'s  there  was  an  ignorant,  hardened 
company,  who  had  heard  much  preaching,  but,  I  fear,  to  bad 
purpose.  May  the  hammer  of  the  word,  in  the  hand  of 
Omnipotent  Mercy,  break  these  rocks  into  pieces  !  In  the 
evening  I  returned  to  R.  W.'s  ;  and  was  under  painful  exer- 
cises of  soul  the  next  day.  Such  views  of  my  want  of  more 
of  the  Divine  nature,  and  such  a  clear  discovery  of  the  wick- 
edness and  obstinacy  of  tjie  people,  were  opened  to  my  mind, 
that  my  spirit  was  brought  down  to  the  dust  before  the  Lord, 
and  my^eart  poured  out  streams  of  humble,  earnest  prayer. 
The  words  of  the  apostle  are  continually  verified  :  "  We  must 
through  much  tribulation  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God." 
Acts  xiv,  22.  Such  gracious  discoveries  as  break  up  the 
great  deep  of  the  human  heart,  are  painful,  but  profitable. 
Blessed  be  God,  for  illuminating,  quickening,  sanctifying,  and 
strengthening  grace ! 

Thursday,  13.  A  sense  of  the  Divine  presence  penetrated 
my  soul,  and  I  was  deeply  humbled  before  the  Lord  ;  but  was 
at  the  same  time  in  the  furnace  of  temptations,  and  by  all 
my  prayers  and  efforts  could  not  obtain  deliverance  from 
them.  No  doubt  but  it  was  then  needful  that  I  should  be  in 
heaviness  through  such  manifold  temptations.  But  the  Lord 
knoweth  how  and  when  to  deliver.  On  Friday  my  soul 
was  in  peace,  and  I  felt  willing  to  die,  rather  than  ever  yield 
to  temptation  and  sin  against  my  God. 

Lord's  day,  16.  After  preaching  at  Mr.  B.'s  in  the  Fork,  I 
enforced  Acts  xiii,  40,  41,  at  R.  L.'s,  where  many  people 
were  affected,  and  about  twelve  were  taken  as  probationers 
into  the  society.  On  Monday,  at  Mr.  F.'s,  I  spoke  with 
spiritual  enlargement  to  a  poor,  ignorant  congregation;  and 
there  were  many  persons  much  affected  on  Tuesday  at  T.'s. 
It  seemed  as  if  the  Lord  was  working  on  their  willing  hearts, 
to  prepare  them  for  his  Church  militant  below,  and  for  his 
Church  triumphant  above. 

Though  my  body  is  feeble,  and  the  weather  is  very 
warm,  yet  the  Lord  supports  me,  and  makes  my  labours 
successful. 


Sept.,  1778.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


287 


"  How  do  thy  mercies  close  me  round ! 
Forever  be  thy  Name  adored  ; 
I  blush  in  all  things  to  abound  ; 
The  servant  is  above  his  Lord." 

Thursday,  27.  After  preaching  at  the  widow  J.'s,  I  re- 
turned to  Mr.  W.'s  ;  and  was  visited  by  my  old  friends,  W.  L. 
and  W.  M. 

Lord's  day,  30.  For  several  days  past  I  was  extremely  ill 
with  a  vomiting,  &c,  and  was  frequently  delirious.  It  was  a 
very  heavy  season  of  affliction ;  but  the  Lord  looked  upon 
me  in  my  trouble,  and  this  day  he  granted  me  some  relief. 
Glory  be  given  to  God  !  my  fever  was  greatly  abated. 

Lord's  day,  September  6.  I  am  still  unable  to  preach  the 
glad  tidings  of  salvation  to  my  fellow-men.  And  my  mind 
has  been  variously  exercised  through  the  past  week  :  some- 
times grieved  at  spending  my  time  to  so  little  purpose ;  at 
other  times  deeply  engaged  for  more  inward  religion,  and  for 
more  of  God. 

Lord's  day,  13.  Another  week  has  passed  without  public 
labour,  except  one  prayer-meeting.  But  my  soul  has  enjoyed 
a  great  degree  of  Divine  peace  and  consolation.  Especially 
on  last  Thursday,  my  soul  was  favoured  with  deep  com- 
munion with  God.  How  earnestly  do  I  long  for  a  more  holy 
and  a  closer  walk  with  God — to  have  every  thought  devoted 
to  my  blessed  Jesus !  I  ventured  to  preach  to-day  on  Heb. 
xiii,  13,  when  my  spirit  was  at  liberty,  and  the  people  were 
affected. 

Tuesday,  15.  This  was  a  day  of  peculiar  temptations.  My 
trials  were  such  as  I  do  not  remember  to  have  experienced 

/^Bbfore  ;  and  for  some  time  it  seemed  as  if  I  scarcely  knew 
whether  to  fight  or  fly.  My  usefulness  appeared  to  be  cut 
off ;  I  saw  myself  pent  up  in  a  corner ;  my  body  in  a  manner 
worn  out ;  my  English  brethren  gone,  so  that  I  had  no  one 
to  consult ;  and  every  surrounding  object  and  circumstance 
wore  a  gloomy  aspect.    Lord,  must  I  thus  pine  away,  and 

^'(Cpxencli  the  light  of  Israel  ?  No  :  though  he  slay  me,  yet  will 
I  trust  him. 


288 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Sept.,  1778. 


u  Though  in  the  paths  of  death  I  tread, 
With  gloomy  horrors  overspread, 
My  steadfast  heart  shall  fear  no  ill, 
For  thou,  0  Lord,  art  with  me  still : 
Thy  friendly  crook  shall  give  me  aid, 
And  guide  me  through  the  dreadful  shade." 

Wednesday,  16.  My  body  felt  better,  and  my  mind  had 
rest.  I  could  repose  myself  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  and  felt  a 
lively  hope  that  through  all  my  difficulties  the  Lord  will 
finally  conduct  me  to  eternal  rest. 

Thursday,  17.  While  riding  on  the  road,  my  soul  was 
deeply  affected  with  a  powerful,  solemn  sense  of  a  present 
and  gracious  God.  What  ecstatic  sensations  must  be  enjoyed 
in  heaven,  where  a  much  deeper  sense  of  the  Divine  presence 
is  eternally  enjoyed,  without  interruption  or  cessation  !  Well 
might  St.  Paul  say,  "  To  die  is  gain."  Here  our  communion 
with  the  Deity  is  but  partial  and  very  imperfect :  we  dwell 
in  shells  of  infirmity — exposed  to  the  assaults  of  wicked 
spirits,  and  surrounded  with  countless  numbers  of  amusing, 
empty  objects  ;  by  which  means  we  are  in  continual  danger 
of  forgetting  God,  or  of  being  too  well  satisfied  without  the 
fruition  of  him. 

I  called  to  see  Mr.  S.,  and  his  wife,  who  was  sick,  and  I 
introduced  a  conversation  on  the  benefit  of  affliction,  as  a 
proper  means  to  excite  our  consideration,  and  humble  us  for 
our  past  sins.  But  she  began  to  say,  Whom  the  Lord  loveth 
he  chasteneth  ;  and  seemed  inclined  to  presume  that  she  was 
in  a  state  of  acceptance.  This  I  did  not  believe,  and  there- 
fore broke  off  the  conversation  abruptly,  and  went  to  prayer. 
They  were  both  extremely  affected ;  and  especially  Mrs. 
S.  The  Lord  had  touched  and  broken  her  heart ;  so 
that  her  thoughts  of  herself  and  of  the  nature  of  religion 
were  greatly  changed ;  and  I  left  her  roaring  and  crying  for 
mercy. 

Lord's  day,  20.  There  was  a  great  melting  in  the  congre- 
gation, and  a  pleasing  prospect  of  a  gracious  work  of  God, 
while  I  attempted  to  describe  the  solemn  grandeur  of  the 


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289 


judgment  day,  and  the  woful  end  of  the  unregenerate,  from 
2  Thess.  i,  7-10. 

Thursday,  24.  My  frame  has  been  indisposed  all  this  week, 
so  that  I  am  almost  a  stranger  to  the  enjoyment  of  health  for 

any  length  of  time.    I  have  been  reading  the  life  of  Mr.  : 

but  think  it  quite  too  pompous.  The  praise  bestowed  on  him 
is  too  much  to  bestow  on  mortal  dust.  What  is  man,  that 
such  flowers  should  be  strewed  on  his  grave !  May  I  ever 
be  contented  with  the  honour  which  cometh  from  God  only ! 
My  soul  at  present  is  filled  with  his  Holy  Spirit ;  I  have  a 
glorious  prospect  of  a  boundless  ocean  of  love,  and  immense 
degrees  of  holiness  opening  to  my  view  ;  and  now  renew  my 
covenant  with  the  Lord,  that  I  may  glorify  him  with  my 
body  and  spirit,  which  are  his.  Seven  times  a  day  do  I  bow 
my  knees,  to  utter  my  complaints  before  him,  and  to  implore 
an  increase  of  his  grace.  But  after  all,  and  in  the  midst  of 
all,  I  can  feelingly  say,  I  am  an  unprofitable  servant.  But 
though  unworthy,  utterly  unworthy,  I  am  blessed  with  the 
sweet  gales  of  God's  love.  Blessed  breezes ! — how  they  cheer 
and  refresh  my  drooping  soul !  What  the  Lord  has  for  me 
to  do,  I  know  not ;  but  wait  to  know,  and  gladly  to  obey 
every  dictate  of  his  unerring  pleasure. 

Friday,  25.  My  soul  was  still  happy  in  my  God,  and  I  am 
powerfully  persuaded  that  I  shall  yet  live  to  be  more  useful 
than  ever  in  the  Church  of  Christ. 

Saturday,  26.  On  my  way  to  the  Fork,  I  was  in  spiritual 
travail  for  the  souls  of  the  people ;  and  there  was  some  melt- 
ing at  Mr.  R.'s ;  but  a  much  more  powerful  moving  at  L.'s, 
while  I  discoursed  on  2  Cor.  v,  11  :  "  Knowing  therefore  the 
terror  of  the  Lord,  we  persuade  men ;  but  we  are  made  ma- 
nifest to  God,  and  I  trust  also,  we  are  made  manifest  in  your 
consciences."  I  returned  to  my  lodging,  blessing  and  prais- 
ing God  that  he  had  enabled  me  to  deliver  my  own  soul, 
and  given  me  some  cause  to  hope  that  my  labour  was  not  in 
vain. 

Wednesday,  30.  The  malicious  enemy  of  mankind  still 
haunts,  and  powerfully  tempts  me;  but  my  never-failing 

13 


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ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  17 78. 


Friend  makes  me  victorious.  My  soul  is  in  constant  search 
after  more  of  God,  and  sweetly  sinks  deeper  and  deeper  into 
the  abyss  of  his  fulness.  I  am  much  employed  in  the  spirit 
and  duty  of  prayer  ;  but  earnestly  desire  to  be  more  so.  My 
desire  is  that  prayer  should  mix  with  every  thought,  with 
every  wish,  with  every  word,  and  with  every  action  ;  that  all 
might  ascend  as  a  holy,  acceptable  sacrifice  to  God. 

Thursday,  October  1.  My  heart  was  much  devoted  to  Him 
who  devoted  himself  to  death  for  me.  Peace  and  purity 
were  my  agreeable  companions  ;  and  I  saw  the  indispensable 
need  of  perpetual  watching,  and  looking  unto  "  Jesus,  the 
author  and  finisher  of  my  faith,  who  for  the  joy  which  was 
set  before  him,  endured  the  cross,  despised  the  shame,  and 
is  set  down  at  the  right  hand  of  God."  Endured  the  cross  ! — 
despised  the  shame !  And  shall  the  disciple  desire  to  be 
above  his  master  ?  Shall  I  ever  shun  the  cross  ? — or  dread 
the  shame  ?  God  forbid  !  For  it  is  only  on  condition  that 
we  suffer  with  him,  that  we  shall  also  reign  with  him.  At 
TVs  to-day  there  was  a  gracious  melting  in  the  congregation  ; 
and  the  prospect  of  a  good  work  on  the  hearts  of  many.  I 
then  rode  to  Mr.  F.'s ;  and  the  untaught  audience  felt  the 
weight  of  Divine  truth.  Mr.  F.  has  been  under  religious  im- 
pressions amongst  the  Nicholites,  but  suffers  spiritual  loss  by 
the  want  of  more  fortitude. 

Friday,  2.  I  preached  a  funeral  sermon  on  Nanticoke 
river ;  and  we  had  a  very  solemn  season. 

Lord's  day,  4.  I  was  greatly  assisted  in  my  public  exer- 
cises, though  my  body  was  afflicted  with  a  fever.  After 
preaching  twice,  I  rode  to  Mr.  W.'s,  and  enjoyed  consolation 
in  my  soul ;  though  at  present  there  is  but  a  small  prospect 
of  my  being  permitted  to  preach  long  in  this  land,  with  a 
clear  conscience.  But  to  defile  the  conscience,  would  be 
doing  evil  that  good  may  come  ;  which  I  look  upon  as  a  dan- 
gerous, yea,  a  diabolical  sentiment — and  therefore  can  never 
think  of  indulging  it.  My  conscience  must  be  kept  void  of 
offence  towards  God,  as  well  as  towards  man.  I  am  desirous 
to  do  what  I  can  for  the  salvation  of  the  immortal  souls  which 


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291 


inhabit  America ;  but  if  Providence  should  permit  men  to 
prevent  me,  then  I  am  clear,  and  must  labour  where  the 
door  is  open. 

Thursday,  8.  I  found  some  religious  feelings  in  the  congre- 
gation at  G.'s ;  but  dead,  dead  times  at  L.'s.  And  I  was  so 
unwell,  as  to  be  under  the  necessity  of  sitting  down  to  teach 
the  people.  I  returned  very  ill,  and  was  unable  to  preach  on 
the  Lord's  day. 

Lord's  day,  18.  My  body  has  laboured  under  affliction  all 
the  week ;  and  Satan  has  buffeted  me  with  heavy  tempta- 
tions. I  have  been  much  tempted  to  impatience,  and  to  say, 
Show  wherefore  thou  contendest  with  me  ?  But  shall  the 
clay  complain  in  the  hand  of  the  potter  ?  Lord,  support  me, 
and  enable  me  to  resist  the  devil,  that  he  may  flee  from  me  ! 
This  was  a  very  solemn  day  in  the  great  congregation,  and  I 
felt  unusual  power  in  preaching  on  Acts  xx,  27.  I  left  the 
people  under  the  effects  of  what  they  had  heard  and  felt ; 
and  then  returned  to  Mr.  W.'s.  Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul ; 
and  all  that  is  within  me,  praise  his  holy  name ! 

Friday,  23.  My  indisposition  still  cleaveth  to  my  shattered 
frame.  But  my  spirit  is  for  the  most  part  pacific  and  calm, 
though  much  tempted.  Lord,  grant  me  patience  and  resig- 
nation, on  all  occasions ;  that  while  I  am  a  living  man,  I  may 
never  complain ! 

Tuesday,  27.  My  soul  was  impressed  with  a  deeper  sense 
of  the  presence  and  purity  of  God.  And  I  felt  determined 
to  be  more  circumspect  and  watchful  in  every  part  of  my 
conduct.  But  what  are  all  the  resolutions  of  man  without 
the  grace  of  God  !  And  will  God  withhold  his  grace,  with- 
out any  fault  in  us  ?  By  no  means  :  He  hath  encouraged 
us  to  ask,  by  promising  that  we  shall  receive,  if  we  do  not 
ask  amiss.  Lord,  help  me  to  fulfil  all  my  covenant  engage- 
ments, that  I  may  have  respect  to  every  precept  of  thy 
righteous  law,  and  in  all  things  do  according  to  thy  holy  will. 
I  spent  part  of  this  day  in  reading,  but  a  fever  and  pains 
produced  a  restless  night. 

Thursday,  29.  I  spoke  with  some  animation  at  G.'s, 


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and  most  of  the  congregation  felt  the  weight  of  Divine 
truths. 

Friday,  30.  I  put  the  society  in  some  order  at  L.'s,  turn- 
ing out  the  disorderly  members — which  always  are  a  weight 
and  a  curse  to  any  religious  community.  St.  Paul  said  to 
the  Corinthians,  (though  alluding  to  only  one  disorderly  per- 
son among  them,)  "  Know  ye  not  that  a  little  leaven  leaven- 
eth  the  whole  lump  ?"  1  Cor.  v,  6.  And  the  anger  of  the 
Lord  was  kindled  against  Israel,  for  the  covetousness  of 
Achan,  who  then  dwelt  among  them.  Josh,  vii,  1.  And 
who  can  tell  how  often  the  Lord  is  displeased  with  his 
Church  for  the  wickedness  of  some  of  its  members  ?  No 
doubt  but  this  frequently  checks  the  spiritual  progress  of  the 
righteous ;  especially  if  ungodly  members  are  known  and  not 
dealt  with  according  to  the  Gospel.  I  spoke  plainly  and 
closely  to  the  people,  and  there  was  some  moving  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  amongst  them.  But  alas !  I  am  not  yet  so  de- 
vout, spiritual,  and  heavenly,  as  I  ought  to  be.  Neither  do 
I  feel  that  burning  love  to  God  which  I  want  to  feel.  What 
small  returns  do  I  make,  after  my  late  visitations  of  judg- 
ment and  mercy !  I  may  well  say  of  myself,  Ah  !  ungrate- 
ful wretch !    May  the  Lord  help  me  to  be  always  mending  ! 

Lord's  day,  Nov.  1.  After  I  had  preached  a  funeral  ser- 
mon, at  which  the  hearts  of  many  were  powerfully  wrought 
upon,  I  returned  to  T.  W.'s,  making  twenty  miles  in  the 
whole,  and  lectured  in  the  evening ;  and  then  lay  me  down 
and  slept  in  peace. 

Wednesday,  4.  There  was  some  melting  among  the 
people  at  T.'s,  and  a  prospect  of  a  work  of  grace.  On 
Thursday  I  felt  deep  workings  of  heart,  but  was  much  taken 
up  with  God  in  prayer.  I  rode  to  Quantico,  and  found  no 
want  of  anything  there,  but  religion.  I  then  returned  to 
Sussex,  and  found  my  spirit  at  liberty  in  preaching  to  those 
untaught  people,  who  behaved  with  seriousness  and  at- 
tention. 

Monday,  9.  I  rode  to  T.  W.'s  ;  and  cannot  help  esteem- 
ing his  house  as  my  temporary  home ;  though  I  meet  with 


Nov.,  1778.] 


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293 


more  spiritual  trials  than  in  constant  travelling.  Lord,  point 
out  my  way,  and  show  what  thou  wouldst  have  me  to  do ! 

Saturday,  14.  I  have  spent  this  week  in  reading  and  private 
exercises ;  and  have  been  much  indisposed  in  my  body.  But, 
glory  to  God !  I  have  been  favoured  with  some  access  to  his 
gracious  presence,  and  felt  strong  desires  to  be  abased  as  in 
the  dust  before  him. 

Lord's  day,  15.  This  morning  I  felt  very  unwell,  but  ven- 
tured to  set  out  for  my  appointment  twenty  miles  off;  and 
found  both  my  body  and  mind  strengthened  far  beyond  my 
expectation. 

Monday,  16.  I  preached  to  a  few  poor  people  at  W.  R.'s, 
and  then  returned  to  my  temporary  home,  in  a  much  better 
state  of  health  than  when  I  went  out.  Thus  is  my  life  at 
present  chequered :  I  come  home,  and  grow  sick,  then  go  out 
and  grow  better ;  and  return  to  meet  affliction  again.  So  the 
Lord  is  pleased  to  deal  with  me,  to  keep  my  spirit  down. 
Father  of  mercies,  let  thy  will  be  done !  I  am  thine,  and  sub- 
mit to  be  dealt  with  according  to  thy  pleasure. 

Wednesday,  18.  My  soul  was  much  devoted  to  God.  I 
spent  part  of  the  day  in  visiting  the  sick ;  and  then  returning, 
I  preached  in  the  evening,  with  much  liberty,  at  E.  W.'s. 

Thursday,  19.  Having  had  much  time  on  my  hands,  I 
have  endeavoured  to  improve  it  by  enriching  my  understand- 
ing with  religious  knowledge,  and  by  frequent,  earnest  prayer 
to  Almighty  God,  that  he  may  enrich  my  heart  with  all  the 
graces  of  his  Holy  Spirit.  I  have  lately  read  through  the 
first  volume  of  D.'s  paraphrase,  and  am  now  waiting  for  suf- 
ficient health,  and  a  proper  opportunity,  to  turn  out  and  labour 
in  the  field,  which  is  white  for  harvest.  But  alas  !  I  cannot 
think  that  I  grow  in  grace  as  I  increase  in  knowledge.  Come, 
dear  Lord,  come  quickly  into  my  panting  soul,  and  by  thy 
gracious  beams  transform  my  whole  soul  into  thy  Divine  like- 
ness, that  I  may  shine  in  all  the  image  of  Christ  Jesus ! 

Dr.  D.'s  critical  notes  and  improvements  are  excellent,  in- 
structive, and  beautiful — well  calculated  for  forming  the  minds 
of  young  preachers ;  to  prevent  wild  and  unwarrantable  ex- 


294 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1778. 


positions,  such  as  some  are  apt  to  give.  He  must  have  been 
a  man  of  extensive  reading  and  learning. 

Lord's  day,  22.  Some  souls  were  affected  while  I  was  preach- 
ing on  1  Cor.  vi,  19,  20;  and  in  class-meeting  the  members 
of  society  were  greatly  quickened.  But  it  is  matter  of  lamen- 
tation to  me,  that  I  do  not  glorify  God  more  perfectly.  On 
Monday,  I  read  D.'s  paraphrase,  and  admire  his  spirit,  sense, 
and  ingenuity ;  though  I  disagree  with  him,  in  respect  to  the 
unconditional  perseverance  of  saints.  That  this  doctrine  has 
a  pernicious  influence  on  the  conduct  of  many,  is  beyond  all 
doubt.  And  a  man  must  live  much  above  his  principles,  to 
be  diligent  and  faithful,  under  the  persuasion  of  such  a  stupify- 
ing  and  dangerous  sentiment. 

Thursday,  26.  My  mind  has  lately  been  much  taken  up 
with  God,  and  I  have  frequently  struggled,  and  wrestled,  and 
pleaded  for  more  of  the  Divine  nature. 

"  Bid  me  in  thy  image  rise, 
A  saint,  a  creature  new ; 
True,  and  merciful,  and  wise, 

And  pure,  and  happy  too. 
This  thy  primitive  design, 

That  I  should  in  thee  be  blest ; 
Should  within  the  arms  Divine, 
Forever,  ever  rest." 

Friday,  27.  I  am  much  delighted  in  reading  the  second 
volume  of  D.'s  paraphrase,  and  am  occupied  with  various  ex- 
ercises ;  and  my  soul  enjoys  sweet  peace.  But  all  this  is  not 
travelling  and  preaching  at  large,  for  the  salvation  of  souls. 
Lord,  when  shall  I  return  to  my  beloved  employment ;  and 
be  every  day  casting  the  Gospel  net  to  bring  souls  to  the  ex- 
panded arms  of  the  willing  Saviour  ? 

Lord's  day,  29.  We  had  a  large  audience,  and  a  very  solemn 
time,  at  J.'s.    I  then  returned  and  lectured  at  E.  W.'s. 

Thursday,  December  3.  Under  some  groundless  apprehen- 
sions, I  set  out  for  Somerset.  My  soul  poured  out  abundant 
prayer  by  the  way ;  and  the  Lord,  by  his  providence,  conducted 
me  in  safety. 


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295 


Tuesday,  8.  After  my  little  excursion  to  Broad-Creek,  and 
its  adjacent  parts,  I  returned  ;  and  notwithstanding  all  the  fore- 
boding apprehensions  of  my  mind,  no  person  offered  me  the 
smallest  insult. 

Wednesday,  9.  My  mind  was  kept  in  a  calm  serenity ;  but 
as  I  did  not  enjoy  such  deep  communion  with  God  as  my  soul 
was  favoured  with  in  the  course  of  the  last  week,  I  was  much 
abased  in  my  own  eyes.  Though,  upon  the  whole,  my  obli- 
gations to  praise  and  magnify  the  Lord  are  very  great;  and 
may  his  grace  preserve  me  from  every  degree  of  ingratitude ! 

Friday,  11.  As  brother  H.  is  incapable  of  travelling,  there 
seems  to  be  a  necessity  for  my  going  to  M.'s.  I  have  en- 
deavoured, and  do  still  endeavour  to  improve  my  time  by 
prayer,  meditation,  and  reading  ;  but  I  cannot  omit  any  oppor- 
tunity of  preaching,  not  knowing  how  soon  my  liberty  or  life 
may  come  to  a  final  period.  On  Saturday  I  met  the  children 
and  the  black  people,  and  found  some  gracious  movings  among 
them. 

Lord's  day,  13.  With  much  freedom  of  spirit,  I  preached  at 
E.  WVs,  on  these  words,  so  applicable  to  thousands:  "But 
they  made  light  of  it,  and  went  their  ways, — one  to  his  farm, 
and  another  to  his  merchandize ;  and  the  remnant  took  his 
servants,  and  entreated  them  spitefully,  and  slew  them." 
The  word,  attended  by  the  grace  of  God,  wrought  on  the  un- 
derstandings of  some,  and  on  the  affections  of  others. 

Tuesday,  15.  The  Lord  blessed  me  with  sweet  peace  ; 
though  too  much  company  interrupted  my  private  meditations 
and  study.  It  seems  as  if  I  must  commit  myself  to  Divine 
Providence,  and  go  forth  to  declare  the  glad  tidings  of  salva- 
tion to  the  children  of  men ;  lest  others  should  follow  my  ex- 
ample of  a  partial  silence  without  sufficient  cause. 

Thursday,  11.  1  have  ended  the  fourth  volume  of  Mr.  Dod- 
dridge's paraphrase.  He  sets  the  apostle  off  to  the  greatest 
advantage,  on  the  two  Epistles  to  the  Corinthians.  My  soul 
has  been  grievously  exercised  by  temptations  to  impatience 
and  discontent.  With  the  greatest  propriety  St.  Paul  exhorted 
Timothy,  to  "  war  a  good  warfare."    A  "  warfare"  indeed ! 


296 


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How  powerful  and  subtle  our  enemies  !  And  it  is  very  remarka- 
ble, that  all  the  addresses  to  the  seven  churches  of  Asia,  con- 
clude with  a  promise  to  them  that  overcome.  Lord,  help  me 
to  stand  in  the  evil  day,  fortified  with  faith,  meekness,  patience 
and  love  ;  that,  conquering  every  foe,  by  thy  Almighty  aid,  I 
may  at  last  eat  of  the  tree  of  life  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the 
Paradise  of  God ! 

Friday,  18.  I  am  not  altogether  what  I  wish  to  be,  and  am 
much  tempted  by  Satan  ;  nevertheless  the  Lord  is  my  portion 
and  my  support.  My  labours  are  still  in  some  measure  cir- 
cumscribed, so  that  I  generally  preach  or  exhort  but  about 
three  times  a  week.  Lord,  let  not  my  weakness,  timidity,  or 
unfaithfulness,  provoke  thee  to  lay  me  aside  as  a  broken  in- 
strument, as  fit  for  little  or  no  service  !  But  for  twenty  months 
before  these  troublesome  times  fully  came,  I  foresaw  the  pro- 
bability of  them,  and  was  much  stirred  up  to  rely  upon  God, 
and  prepare  for  the  worst.  There  is  now  an  appointment  for 
me  to  go  to  Kent,  in  Delaware,  and  my  hope  is,  that  the  Lord 
will  fortify  and  bless  me  in  my  labours. 

Lord's  day,  20.  After  preaching  at  L.  's,  I  returned  and 

lectured  at  T.  W.'s :  and  on  Monday  saw  brother  W  n, 

who  informed  me  of  the  prosperity  of  the  work,  which  far  ex- 
ceeds my  expectation.  Although  the  labourers  are  driven 
from  place  to  place,  yet  it  seems  the  Lord  will  help  us  in  his 
own  way  and  time. 

Wednesday,  23.  My  temptations  yesterday  were  very  heavy 
and  troublesome ;  but  to-day  my  soul  overflowed  with  grati- 
tude to  God.  I  have  lately  observed  the  strong  propensity 
in  children  to  lie,  and  seen  how  the  Lord  kept  me  from  that 
and  many  other  abominations,  from  my  early  days. 

"  In  all  my  ways  thy  hand  I  own, 
Thy  ruling  Providence  I  see  ; 
Assist  me  still  my  course  to  run, 
And  still  direct  my  paths  to  thee." 

My  soul  has  been  much  quickened  by  reading  the  Memoirs  of 
Mr.  D.,  who  was  a  man  of  great  piety,  and  strict  devotion  to 
God.    There  is  something  peculiarly  animating  in  the  lives  of  x 


Jan.,  1779.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


holy  men — for  in  their  experience  we  see  the  veracity  of  God 
in  fulfilling  his  gracious  promises ;  and  in  their  holy  tempers 
and  godly  conduct,  we  see  the  possibility  of  complying  with 
the  precepts  of  the  Gospel :  therefore,  in  the  perusal  of  such 
tracts,  we  feel  an  increasing  appetite  for  more  pure  and  un- 
dented religion. 

Friday,  25.  This  being  the  day  for  commemorating  the 
Saviour's  birth,  I  preached  at  E.  W.'s  with  much  inward  free- 
dom ;  though  the  audience  were  not  greatly  moved. 

I  have  lately  begun  to  read,  for  the  first  time,  Mr.  Hervey's 
celebrated  Dialogues ;  and  cannot  but  observe  his  laboured 
endeavours  to  establish  the  doctrine  of  "  the  imputed  righteous- 
ness of  Christ."  He  seems  to  make  it  equal  at  least  to  the 
two  grand  commands  of  our  Lord.  And  why  not  supersede 
them  ?  But  providence  has  brought  forth  that  eminent  man, 
Mr.  John  Fletcher,  to  manage  this  subject — whose  language 
appears  to  be  more  natural,  and  less  studied  than  Mr.  Hervey's, 
and  yet  in  no  respect  inferior ;  and  his  arguments  are  incon- 
testable, carrying  their  own  conviction  with  them.  But  of 
this  let  the  public  judge. 

Saturday,  26.  I  intended  to  set  outt  for  my  appointment 
in  Kent,  but  a  great  snow  prevented  me. 

Tuesday,  29.  I  have  generally  read  of  late  about  a  hundred 
pages  a  day,  in  Hervey's  Dialogues,  the  Lives  of  Gilbert,  Har- 
per, Langston,  Brainerd,  &c.  But  alas !  how  is  my  soul 
abased.  It  is  my  deliberate  opinion,  that  I  do  the  least  good 
in  the  Church  of  Christ,  of  any  that  I  know,  and  believe  to  be 
divinely  moved  to  preach  the  Gospel.  How  am  I  displeased 
with  myself !  Lord,  in  mercy  help,  or  I  am  undone  indeed ! 

January  1,  1779.  A  living  miracle  of  Divine  mercy,  I  am 
brought  to  the  beginning  of  another  year.  How  many  of  my 
friends  are  gone  to  eternity  the  past  year,  while  I  am  spared 
amidst  temptations  and  afflictions  of  various  kinds  !  I  humbly 
hope,  upon  the  whole,  I  am  more  spiritual ;  but  0  !  how  un- 
fruitful and  unprofitable.  This  year  seems  to  open  with  fore- 
bodings of  uncommon  distress.  Lord,  prepare  me  for  every 
event  of  thy  providence !  My  own  soul  was  much  affected,  and 
13* 


298 


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[Jan.,  1779. 


there  appeared  to  be  a  concren  among  the  people,  while  preach- 
ing to-day  at  L.'s.  Blessed  be  God  !  my  soul  has  intimate  ac- 
cess to  Jesus,  and  is  much  quickened. 

"  My  residue  of  days  or  hours, 
Thine,  wholly  thine  shall  be  ; 
And  all  my  consecrated  powers, 
A  sacrifice  to  thee." 

Saturday,  2.  I  reached  my  circuit  in  Kent,  and  preached 
on  my  favourite  subject :  "  This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  wor- 
thy of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world 
to  save  sinners ;"  and  there  appeared  to  be  some  meltings  of 
heart  among  the  people. 

Upon  mature  reflection,  I  do  not  repent  my  late  voluntary  re- 
tirement in  the  State  of  Delaware.  Notwithstanding  all  my  af- 
flictions and  fears,  I  entertain  a  hope,  that  after  the  people  have 
been  tried  and  humbled  by  their  present  calamities,  the  Lord 
will  yet  visit  and  bless  them  with  spiritual  light,  purity,  and 
consolation.  Already  I  am  informed  that  there  is  a  gracious 
work  going  on  in  Sussex,  in  Delaware,  and  in  Accomack  and 
Northampton  counties,  in  Virginia. 

Monday,  4.  Being  prevented  from  travelling,  by  a  heavy 
fall  of  snow,  I  finished  the  reading  of  the  2d  vol.  of  Mr. 
Wesley's  Sermons,  which  I  began  on  Saturday ;  and  they 
were,  as  usual,  made  a  peculiar  blessing  to  my  soul.  I  trust 
the  Lord  favours  me  with  an  increase  of  love  and  gratitude. 

Wednesday,  6.  I  ended  the  first  volume  of  Prideaux's  Con- 
nexions, and  had  a  clear  view  of  the  state  of  the  nations  at  the 
different  periods  of  the  Church  of  God — a  just  view  of  which 
is  highly  necessary  for  the  understanding  of  the  prophecies. 
The  revolutions  of  kingdoms  have  been  wonderful  in  all  ages ; 
and  it  ought  not  to  be  thought  strange,  if  they  should  be  so 
now.  But  in  all  the  various  turns  of  Divine  providence  God 
had,  and  still  has,  spiritual  ends,  and  the  welfare  of  his  Church, 
in  view. 

Thursday,  7.  In  reading  the  second  volume  of  Prideaux,  I 
was  struck  with  the  exact  fulfilment  of  Daniel's  prophecy. 


Jan.,  1*779.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


299 


"  The  seventy  weeks  being-  divided  into  three  periods, — that  is, 
into  seven,  sixty-two,  and  one  week, — the  first  reacheth  from 
the  time  of  the  going  forth  of  the  commandment  to  Ezra,  for 
the  restoring  of  the  Church  and  the  state  of  the  Jews,  in  the 
seventh  year  of  Artaxerxes  Longimanus,  to  the  finishing  of  that 
work  by  Nehemiah,  forty -nine  years  after ;  the  second,  from 
the  end  of  that  period  to  four  hundred  and  thirty-four  years 
after,  at  which  time  the  Messiah  appeared  in  the  ministry  of 
John ;  and  the  last,  from  that  of  his  thus  appearing,  to  his 
being  cut  off  by  his  death  on  the  cross — which  was  one  week, 
or  seven  years ;  and  all  these  put  together,  fully  make  up 
seventy  weeks,  or  four  hundred  and  ninety  years  of  this  pro- 
phecy :  and,  according  to  this  computation,  every  particular 
of  it  hath  been  fully  verified  in  a  completion  exactly  agreeable 
thereto,  and  the  whole  number  of  years  pointed  out  thereby 
exactly  answered  to  a  month ;  for  as  the  going  out  of  the 
commandment  to  Ezra,  from  whence  they  began,  was  in  the 
month  of  Nisan,  so  the  crucifixion  of  Christ  was  also  in  the 
same  month,  just  four  hundred  and  ninety  years  after." 
This  day  my  heart  was  kept  in  peace.  My  soul  shall  make 
her  boast  in  the  Lord. 

Friday,  8.  I  rode  to  Mr.  Boyer's,  and  conversed  freely  with 
him  on  the  things  of  God.  He  appeared  very  kind,  and  in- 
clined to  hear  instruction. 

Lord's  day,  10.  Though  it  rained,  many  attended  to  hear  the 
word  both  at  B.'s  and  at  Dover ;  and  on  Monday  my  heart 
was  greatly  enlarged  in  preaching  to  a  large  congregation  at 
H.'s,  on  Rom.  i,  16.  There  were  present  many  persons  of  re- 
spectability ;  but  every  mouth  was  stopt,  and  gainsay ers  had 
nothing  to  say  or  do. 

Tuesday,  12.  I  preached  at  S.'s,  on  the  education  of  chil- 
dren, and  relative  duties :  I  then  rode  to  R.  Shaw's,  where  I 
found  a  tender  congregation  ;  and  left  one  soul  in  deep  distress. 
It  seems  that  God,  in  compassion  to  the  souls  of  the  people, 
has  kept  the  way  open  for  the  preachers  to  travel,  notwith- 
standing the  imprudence  of  some,  and  the  wickedness  of  others. 
If  the  Lord  is  pleased  to  work,  who  or  what  can  hinder  ? 


300 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1119. 


Wednesday,  13.  My  soul  has  enjoyed  a  deep  sense  of  God. 
The  congregation  was  large  at  S.'s,  and  I  trust  their  coming 
together  was  profitable,  at  least  to  some  of  them.  In  many 
circuits  the  preachers  have  hardly  an  opportunity  of  reading 
their  Bibles,  much  less  anything  else.  A  great  part  of  the 
day  is  taken  up  in  riding,  preaching,  and  meeting  the  classes ; 
and  very  often  at  night,  there  is  a  large  family,  but  one  room 
for  all,  and  sometimes  no  candle :  so  that  I  think  it  would  be 
well,  under  such  circumstances,  if  the  preachers  could  have 
one  spare  day  in  every  week  for  the  purpose  of  improving 
themselves. 

Thursday,  14.  I  had  many  people  at  T.'s,  to  whom  I 
preached  with  great  freedom ;  and  took  occasion  to  explain 
and  enforce  family  duties.  It  affords  me  no  small  joy  to  find 
that  my  labours  are  not  altogether  in  vain. 

Saturday,  16.  I  am  grievously  tempted  by  the  enemy  ;  but 
the  Lord  is  still  my  defender  and  friend.  I  am  now  reading 
the  third  volume  of  Prideaux,  and  find  it  both  entertaining 
and  instructive.  I  still  go  on  to  enforce  the  education  of 
children,  and  family  duties. 

Lord's  day,  24.  At  the  widow  Jackson's  I  enforced  Gene- 
sis xviii,  19:  "I  know  him,  that  he  will  command  his  chil- 
dren, and  his  household  after  him,  and  they  shall  keep  the 
way  of  the  Lord,  to  do  justice  and  judgment;  that  the  Lord 
may  bring  upon  Abraham  that  which  he  hath  spoken  of  him." 
In  the  evening  I  opened  and  applied  Ezek.  xxxvi,  25,  &c, 
with  light  and  liberty,  and  the  congregation  felt  the  weight 
of  the  word. 

Tuesday,  26.  I  spent  much  of  my  time  in  reading  the  third 
volume  of  Mr.  Hervey's  Dialogues.  I  like  his  philosophy 
better  than  his  divinity.  However,  if  he  is  in  error  by  leaning 
too  much  to  imputed  righteousness,  and  in  danger  of  super- 
seding our  evangelical  worksof  righteousness,  some  are  also 
in  danger  of  setting  up  self-righteousness,  and,  at  least,  of  a 
partial  neglect  of  an  entire  dependence  on  Jesus  Christ.  Our 
duty  and  salvation  lie  between  these  extremes.  We  should 
so  work  as  if  we  were  to  be  saved  by  the  proper  merit  of  our 


Jan.,  1779.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


301 


works ;  and  so  rely  on  Jesus  Christ,  to  be  saved  by  his  merits 
and  the  Divine  assistance  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  as  if  we  did  no 
works,  nor  attempted  anything  which  God  hath  commanded. 
This  is  evidently  the  Gospel  plan  of  man's  salvation  : — St.  Paul 
says  in  one  place,  "  By  grace  are  ye  saved,  through  faith ; 
and  that  not  of  yourselves,  it  is  the  gift  of  God."  In  another 
place  the  same  apostle  saith,  "  Work  out  your  own  salvation 
with  fear  and  trembling."  But  some,  who  see  the  danger  of 
seeking  to  be  justified  by  the  deeds  of  the  law,  turn  all  their 
attention  to  those  passages  of  Scripture  which  ascribe  our  salva- 
tion to  the  grace  of  God  ;  and  to  avoid  the  rock  which  they  dis- 
cover on  the  right  hand,  they  strike  against  that  which  is  equally 
dangerous  on  the  left,  by  exclaiming  against  all  conditions  and 
doings,  on  the  part  of  man ;  and  so  make  void  the  law  through, 
faith — as  if  a  beggar  could  not  cross  the  street,  and  open  his  hand 
(at  the  request  of  his  benefactor)  to  receive  his  bounty,  without  a 
meritorious  claim  to  what  he  is  about  to  receive.  What  God 
hath  joined  together,  let  no  man  put  asunder.  And  he  having 
joined  salvation  by  grace,  with  repentance,  prayer,  faith,  self- 
denial,  love,  and  obedience,  whoever  putteth  them  asunder 
will  do  it  at  his  peril.  But  it  is  likewise  true  that  others  who 
see  the  danger  of  this,  in  order,  as  they  imagine,  to  steer  clear 
of  it,  go  about  to  establish  their  own  righteousness ;  and  al- 
though they  profess  to  ascribe  the  merit  of  their  salvation  to 
Jesus  Christ,  yet  think  they  cannot  fail  of  eternal  life,  because 
they  have  wrought  many  good  deeds  of  piety  towards  God, 
and  of  justice  and  mercy  towards  man ;  and  they  would  think 
it  incompatible  with  Divine  justice,  to  sentence  them  to  eternal 
punishment,  for  what  they  call  the  foibles  of  human  nature, 
after  having  lived  so  moral  and  upright  a  life.  Happy  the 
man  who  so  studies  the  Holy  Scriptures,  his  own  heart,  and 
the  plan  of  salvation,  and  daily  prays  with  such  earnest 
sincerity  to  Almighty  God,  as  to  see  that  neither  faith 
without  works,  nor  works  without  that  faith  which  jus- 
tifies the  ungodly,  will  suffice  in  the  awful  day  of  universal 
retribution ! 

Wednesday,  27.  My  soul  is  sensible  that  there  is  a  declen- 


302 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1779. 


sion  among  professors.  This  cannot  but  grieve  the  hearts  of 
those  who  labour,  and  are  engaged  to  promote  the  spiritual 
and  eternal  happiness  of  their  fellow  creatures.  Lord,  revive 
thy  work  of  grace,  in  all  our  societies  throughout  this  exten- 
sive continent,  and  in  every  nation  on  the  earth — and  espe- 
cially in  my  poor  heart. 

Thursday,  28.  We  had  tidings  of  great  troubles  in  the 
south  as  well  as  the  north.  The  gathering  cloud  seemed  to 
lower  and  threaten  with  great  severity.  0  my  God !  I  am 
thine :  and  all  the  faithful  are  thine.  Mercifully  interpose  for 
the  deliverance  of  our  land,  and  for  the  eternal  salvation  of  all 
that  put  their  trust  in  thee.  At  present  my  way  is  measura- 
bly hedged  in  by  Providence ;  but  the  time  may  come  when 
I  shall  be  useful  in  the  Church  of  Christ.  This  would  afford 
me  more  satisfaction  than  all  the  riches  of  the  east,  with  all 
the  pomp  and  grandeur  of  empires,  and  all  the  pleasures  that 
can  gratify  both  the  imagination  and  the  flesh. 

Monday,  February  1,  1779.  My  conscience  smote  me  se- 
verely for  speaking  an  idle  word  in  company.  0  !  how  frail  is 
man.  It  is  very  difficult  for  me  to  check  my  rapid  flow  of  spirits 
when  in  company  with  my  friends.  The  tongue  is  an  unruly 
member :  and  St.  James  spoke  a  sacred  truth  when  he  said, 
"  If  any  man  offend  not  in  word,  the  same  is  a  perfect  man, 
and  able  to  bridle  the  whole  body."  He  that  can  on  all  oc- 
casions govern  his  tongue,  will  have  power  sufficient  to  keep 
his  whole  body  in  religious  subjection. 

This  day  our  quarterly  meeting  began,  and  my  heart  was 
expanded  in  preaching  to  about  seven  hundred  people,  on 
Heb.  ii,  2.  I  entertain  great  hopes  that  we  shall  see  a  gra- 
cious revival  of  religion.  The  Lord  knoweth  that,  next  to  my 
own  salvation,  this  is  my  chief  concern,  and  all  my  interest 
in  America,  or  in  the  whole  world :  I  desire  to  live  only  for 
this. 

Tuesday,  2.  Our  love-feast  began  at  nine,  and  public  wor- 
ship at  twelve  o'clock.  The  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
were  very  powerful  in  the  congregation ;  so  that  there  was  a 
general  melting ;  and  amongst  the  young  people,  there  were 


Feb.,  1119.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


303 


outcries  and  deep  distress.  Here  was  a  blessed  prospect! 
God  is  gracious  beyond  the  power  of  language  to  describe. 
Both  preachers  and  people  were  exceedingly  quickened.  The 
public  labours  of  the  day  were  too  much  for  my  feeble  frame. 

Friday,  5.  I  am  still  far  short  of  what  I  wish  to  be  in  point 
of  universal  holiness  and  fervent  devotion ;  but  my  soul  is  kept 
in  peace,  and  I  am  determined,  by  grace,  to  be  more  resolute, 
faithful,  and  diligent. 

Lord's  day,  1.  There  was  a  large  company,  and  some  melt- 
ing of  heart,  at  Boyer's,  while  I  preached  on  Luke  xix,  10. 
In  the  afternoon  I  was  invited  to  preach  in  Dover  court-house ; 
but  my  ideas  were  not  very  clear,  neither  was  my  spirit  at 
liberty. 

Tuesday,  9.  My  affections  were  warm,  and  my  words 
flowed  with  ease  last  night  in  town;  and  the  attention  of 
the  people  appeared  to  be  fixed.  The  people  also  were 
very  lively  to-day  at  Shaw's.  My  body  is  in  a  feeble 
state ;  but  glory  to  God,  when  I  am  weak,  then  am  I 
strong.  Though  this  mortal  frame  is  shaken  by  repeated 
afflictions,  my  soul  is  supported  by  that  peace  which  passeth 
all  understanding.  Lord,  keep  me  always  in  the  dust  at  thy 
feet,  leaning  continually  on  Jesus  my  beloved,  that  as  my  . 
body  approacheth  the  grave,  my  soul  may  advance  towards 
the  realms  of  light  and  glory,  and  there  securely  rest  in  Abra- 
ham's bosom  till  the  general  resurrection. 

"  There  I  shall  see  his  face, 
And  never,  never  sin ; 
There,  from  the  rivers  of  his  grace, 
Drink  endless  pleasures  in. 

"  Yea,  and  before  I  rise 
To  that  immortal  state, 
The  thoughts  of  such  amazing  bliss 
Should  constant  joys  create/' 

"  There  I  shall  bathe  my  weary  soul 
In  seas  of  heavenly  rest, 
And  not  a  wave  of  trouble  roll 
Across  my  peaceful  breast/7 


304 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  1779. 


Saturday,  13.  Having  seen  some  good  appearances  at  two 
or  three  places,  I  returned  to  my  lodging,  but  found,  as  usual, 
that  heavy  crosses  are  to  be  borne  here.  Upon  the  whole,  it 
appears  sufficiently  clear  that  God  has  other  work  for  me  to 
do,  and  that  I  must  not  abide  here.  If  he  graciously  intends 
me  for  more  extensive  service  in  his  Church,  may  he  be 
pleased  to  open  my  way,  and  make  it  plain  before  me ! 

Monday,  15.  Various  trials  beset  me — from  Satan,  the 
world,  and  from  friends ;  but  hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped. 
I  am  convinced  there  must  be  no  resting  here,  in  any  person, 
place,  or  other  object ;  for  it  would  be  bitter  and  painful  in 
the  end. 

Thursday,  18.  My  soul  was  in  sweet  peace ;  and  I  humbly 
hope  the  Lord  will  sooner  take  me  out  of  the  world,  than  let 
me  live  to  sin  against  him.  Tis  grace,  almighty  grace,  must 
keep  me ;  otherwise  all  my  reading,  praying,  and  labours  of 
every  kind,  would  be  ineffectual.  The  means  must  be  dili- 
gently used  ;  but  unless  God's  blessing  accompany  them,  they 
will  be  used  in  vain. 

Friday,  19.  My  soul  was  so  terribly  beset  by  Satan,  that  I 
was  ready  to  say,  I  had  rather  die  than  live  thus.  But  grace, 
by  reflection,  brought  me  to  submit,  and  say,  the  Lord's  will 
be  done ;  though  my  sufferings  were  even  worse  than  death, 
yet  let  me  go  to  heaven,  to  enjoy  thy  presence,  if  it  be 
through  fire  and  water.  In  reading  Clark's  Martyrology,  I 
have  observed,  that  notwithstanding  the  errors  and  supersti- 
tions of  Popery,  there  has  been  a  Church  of  faithful  witnesses 
preserved,  who  have  borne  witness  to  the  truth — not  in  word 
only,  but  by  a  holy  life,  and  triumphant  death. 

Monday,  March  1,  1779.  I  have  of  late,  for  the  most  part, 
had  liberty  in  preaching,  and  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  has  been 
with  me :  and  from  my  various  and  peculiar  exercises,  I  am 
strongly  impressed  with  a  persuasion  that  the  Lord  is  prepar- 
ing me  for  future  services.    But  alas !  what  cause  for  shame, 

9 

on  account  of  my  great  unfaithfulness  !  This  present  life  may 
be  well  compared  to  a  tempestuous  ocean:  sometimes  the 
fair  wind  of  prosperity  blows  a  fresh  gale ;  at  other  times  the 


Mar.,  1779.] 


ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL. 


cross  wind  of  adversity  rages  and  threatens  a  hurricane.  How 
difficult  it  is,  in  the  midst  of  such  opposing  diversity,  to  pay 
proper  attention  to  the  Divine  compass,  and  still  pursue  the 
right  course  ! 

Wednesday,  3.  Nothing  grieves  me  so  much  as  the  want  of 
holiness.  But  it  affords  me  some  satisfaction  to  find  that  the 
people  in  these  parts  appear  to  advance  in  religion. 

Friday,  5.  Satan  shot  his  fiery  darts  at  me ;  but  my  soul 
was  shielded,  and  his  darts  repelled.  My  heart  is  humbled 
within  me  and  I  must  be  more  faithful  to  God,  or  I  fear  I 
shall  not  endure  to  the  end. 

Monday,  8.  I  had  a  large  congregation  yesterday  at  J.'s, 
and  my  spirit  was  at  liberty.  To-day  my  hopes  were  revi- 
ved at  Dover,  while  expatiating  on  the  experience  of  Heze- 
kiah. 

Lord's  day,  14.  For  some  days  past  my  soul  has  been  de- 
jected :  but  upon  examination,  I  am  conscious  that  I  have,  in 
some  good  measure,  walked  closely  with  God,  and  in  the  time  of 
my  greatest  heaviness,  I  have  found  peace ;  therefore  conclude, 
that  it  must  be  owing  to  some  natural  cause,  though  intended 
to  humble  me.  The  most  genteel  people  in  Dover  treat  me 
with  great  kindness  and  courtesy.  I  hope  it  will  turn  to  their 
own  spiritual  advantage.  I  have  a  witness  within,  that  I  seek 
not  theirs  (neither  money  nor  esteem)  but  them — as  the  pur- 
chase of  my  Lord's  death,  that  they  may  be  his  willing  ser- 
vants forever.  I  have  lately  been  reading  Watson's  Body  of 
Divinity.  The  general  drift  of  it  does  not  comport  with  my 
sentiments,  yet  it  contains  many  good  things.  I  had  a  mind 
to  abridge  his  two  sermons  on,  "  Lead  us  not  into  temptation, 
but  deliver  us  from  evil." 

On  Friday  I  was  inclined  to  believe,  that  the  night  before 
the  Lord  had  re-sanctified  my  soul.  It  afforded  me  much 
comfort;  and  I  was  ready  to  conclude  it  had  been  so  for 
many  years  past,  if  I  had  maintained  and  believed  it.  But  I 
fear  I  have  been  too  slack  in  urging  both  myself  and  others 
diligently  to  seek  the  experience  of  this  great  and  blessed 
gift.    May  the  Lord  help  me  from  this  time,  to  live  free  from 


30G 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  1779. 


outward  and  inward  sin,  always  maintaining  the  spirit  of 
the  Gospel  in  meekness,  purity,  and  love ! 

At  this  time  my  body  labours  under  much  affliction,  and  I 
seem  fit  for  little  or  no  service.  This,  with  the  heavy  temp- 
tations which  frequently  attack  my  soul,  makes  me  feel  as  in 
the  furnace ;  but  grace  surrounds  me  as  a  wall  of  fire,  and  I 
trust  my  soul  suffers  no  damage. 

Tuesday,  23.  My  eyes  being  sore,  the  children  read  for 
me  the  Life  of  John  Bruen.  He  was  an  eminent  man,  truly 
pious,  and  much  mortified  in  his  affections,  by  deep  meditation 
on  the  word  of  God,  and  other  religious  exercises.  I  see  my- 
self the  least  of  all  God's  servants,  whether  ancient  or  modern  ; 
and  although  he  has  done  more  for  me  than  for  many,  yet  I 
have  done  less  for  him.  From  an  observation  of  Mr.  Bruen's, 
that  great  blessings  more  frequently  attended  the  labours  of 
plain,  simple  preachers  than  of  the  more  sublime  and  eloquent, 
I  was  led  to  fear  that  I  had  not  been  simple  enough. 

Thursday,  25.  It  appears  to  me  very  difficult  to  keep  pro- 
fessors from  placing  too  much  confidence  in  past  experience ; 
and  to  keep  them  pressing  after  grace  with  as  much  assiduity 
as  at  first.  How  prone  is  man  to  start  from  God,  and  to  em- 
brace every  excuse  for  the  neglect  of  that  best  of  all  duties — 
living  in  close  communion  with  the  Father  of  spirits !  Though 
I  now  pray  not  less  than  ten  times  a  day,  yet  I  find  I  have 
need  to  pray  without  ceasing. 

Saturday,  27.  A  remarkable  instance  occurred  of  the 
watchful  care  of  God  over  his  people.  Mr.  Peddicord  went 
to  bed,  but  could  not  sleep,  though  he  tried  again  and  again. 
At  last  he  was  obliged  to  rise ;  and  going  down  stairs  with 
the  man  of  the  house,  he  found  the  house  on  fire. 

Lord's  day,  28.  My  mind  was  much  drawn  out  in  prayer, 
and  I  believe  I  have  not  spent  more  time  in  this  exercise  for 
many  years  past,  if  ever,  than  I  do  now.  But  my  mind  has 
been  much  perplexed  about  wandering  thoughts  in  prayer, 
though  Mr.  Wesley's  deep  and  judicious  discourse  on  that 
subject  has  afforded  me  no  small  satisfaction.  He  hath  both 
shown  the  causes  of  those  thoughts,  which  are  not  sinful,  and 


Arn.,  1779.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


307 


incontcstably  proves  that  they  contract  no  guilt.  Yet  a  devout 
and  tender  mind  must  be  grieved,  to  find  any  kind  of  tempta- 
tion in  that  sublime  exercise  wherein  the  whole  soul  desires  to 
be  employed.  This  portion  of  Scripture — "  Shall  not  God 
avenge  his  own  elect  who  cry  unto  him  day  and  night?" — hath 
followed  me  for  some  time,  almost  continually,  and  hath 
brought  me  much  comfort.  This  day  I  preached  at  E. 
White's.  I  am  strongly  persuaded  in  my  own  mind,  that  I 
have  stayed  in  these  parts  too  long.  A  black  man,  who  had 
been  liberated  by  Mr.  Blades,  gave  such  an  extraordinary  ac- 
count of  the  work  of  God  in  his  soul,  and  withal  displayed 
such  gifts  in  public  exercises,  that  it  appears  as  if  the  Lord 
was  preparing  him  for  peculiar  usefulness  to  the  people  of  his 
own  colour.  Let  the  Lord  choose  his  own  instruments,  and 
send  by  whom  he  will. 

Tuesday,  30.  Several  of  my  friends  came  to  take  their 
leave,  and  see  the  last  of  me  for  the  present.  They  manifest- 
ed great  affection :  and  well  they  might,  if  they  knew  how 
much  I  had  suffered  among  them.  The  next  day  I  set  off, 
and  on  my  journey  I  gradually  recovered  my  spirits.  Meet- 
ing with  a  man  on  the  road,  I  began  to  speak  to  him  about 
the  things  of  God,  and  saw  how  Providence  had  brought  it 
about,  for  the  Lord  had  reached  his  heart  the  night  before. 
I  advised  him  to  be  diligent  and  faithful,  and  so  left  him.  I 
then  rode  on  to  brother  Shaw's,  where  I  heard  agreeable 
news.  Peradventure  there  is  something  in  the  womb  of  Provi- 
dence, for  which  the  Lord  hath  been  preparing  me,  by  bring- 
ing me  through  the  fire  and  water. 

Thursday,  April  1,  1779.  My  soul  was  much  blessed,  and 
there  was  a  great  melting  among  the  people,  while  I  spoke 
strong  words  on  the  subject  of  sanctification.  The  believers 
were  greatly  quickened,  and  in  class-meeting  we  had  much  of 
the  power  of  God.  I  live  in  great  hopes  of  doing  good  in 
this  journey.    Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ! 

Friday,  2.  I  had  an  interview  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Gaw, 
a  kind,  sensible,  friendly  minister  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  I 
then  returned  to  the  house  of  Mr.  Shaw,  my  quiet  retreat  for 


308 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1779. 


the  present ;  and  here  I  hope  to  spend  my  little  leisure  in 
peaceable  converse  with  God  and  Divine  subjects.  My  soul 
longs  to  be  quite  complete  in  the  image  of  God. 

Lord's  day,  4.  I  breakfasted  with  a  Presbyterian  minister, 
and  endeavoured  to  answer  some  objections  which  he  start- 
ed ;  but  could  not  attempt  a  vindication  of  those  amongst  us 
who  had  dipped  deep  in  politics. 

On  Wednesday,  7,  there  was  a  great  moving  among  the 
people — some  seeking  justification,  and  others  perfect  love. 

Wednesday,  14.  My  soul  was  in  peace;  but  I  have  not 
sufficiently  enforced  the  doctrine  of  Christian  perfection. 
This  will  press  believers  forward,  when  everything  else  is 
found  insufficient ;  and  the  people  in  these  parts  appear  ripe 
for  it — for  there  is  little  or  no  opposition.  But  I  have  attend- 
ed too  much  to  my  own  small  and  low  experience.  Brother 
D.  and  brother  G.,  two  young  preachers,  both  spoke  to-day, 
and  I  gave  each  of  them  a  written  licence.  On  Thursday 
my  mind  Avas  deeply  exercised  on  the  subject  of  sanctifica- 
tion  ;  and  the  result  was,  a  determination  to  preach  it  more 
frequently,  and  pursue  it  more  diligently. 

Friday,  16.  My  greatest  trouble  is,  that  I  am  not  more 
holy.  My  soul  is  constantly  humble  within  me  on  this  ac- 
count. I  visited  the  Rev.  Mr.  M.,  and  presented  him  Mr. 
Fletcher's  Checks  ;  at  the  same  time  opening  to  his  view  the 
whole  plan  of  Methodism.  He  treated  me  with  exceeding 
great  kindness ;  and  I  spent  some  time  very  agreeably  in  his 
company.  The  people  of  these  parts  (the  most  wealthy  not 
excepted)  are,  for  the  most  part,  very  courteous  and  friendly. 
Surely  the  Lord  will  raise  up  for  himself  a  body  of  faithful 
witnesses  among  them.  Sundry  persons  of  respectability  at- 
tend my  feeble  exercises  in  public,  and  express  satisfaction. 
But  shall  this  satisfy,  or  lift  me  up?  God  forbid!  If 
this  should  be  the  case,  God  would  punish  me  for  my  folly. 
And  what  is  the  esteem  of  man,  whose  breath  is  in  his 
nostrils,  when  compared  with  the  approbation  of  the  Most 
High  ? 

Tuesday,  20.  We  have  judgment- weather — a  hard  frost, 


May,  1119.'] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


309 


which  has  killed  a  great  part  of  the  fruit.  I  am  now  read- 
ing Newton  on  the  Prophecies. 

Tuesday,  21.  Yesterday  and  to-day  we  held  a  quarterly 
meeting  near  Dover.  A  great  concourse  of  people  attended 
the  ministry  of  the  word ;  and  many  serious  persons  were 
present  at  our  love-feast. 

Wednesday,  28.  Our  conference  for  the  northern  stations 
began  at  Thomas  White's.  All  our  preachers  on  these  sta- 
tions were  present,  and  united.  We  had  much  prayer,  love, 
and  harmony  ;  and  we  all  agreed  to  walk  by  the  same  rule, 
and  to  mind  the  same  thing.  As  we  had  great  reason  to 
fear  that  our  brethren  to  the  southward  were  in  danger  of 
separating  from  us,  we  wrote  them  a  soft,  healing  epistle. 
On  these  northern  stations  we  have  now  about  seventeen 
travelling  preachers.  We  appointed  our  next  conference  to 
be  held  in  Baltimore  town,  the  last  Tuesday  in  April  next. 

Monday,  May  3,  1779.  Yesterday  we  had  some  melting 
under  the  word,  at  the  house  of  E.  White,  and  to-day  I 
wrote  to  John  Dickins,  to  Philip  Gatch,  Edward  Dramgoole, 
and  William  Glendenning,  urging  them,  if  possible,  to  pre- 
vent a  separation  among  the  preachers  in  the  south — that  is, 
Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  And  I  entertain  great  hopes 
that  the  breach  will  be  healed  ;  if  not,  the  consequences  may 
be  bad.  I  am  now  reading  Edwards  on  the  Affections. 
Excepting  the  small  vein  of  Calvinism  which  runs  through 
this  book,  it  is  a  very  good  treatise,  and  worthy  the  serious 
attention  of  young  professors.  I  have  now  been  about  thir- 
teen years  employed  in  the  work  of  God  as  a  travelling  minis- 
ter ;  and  upon  a  review,  I  have  cause  to  be  ashamed,  but, 
at  the  same  time,  great  reason  to  be  thankful  that  I  have  not 
yet  grown  weary,  and  humbly  hope  I  never  shall,  while  able 
to  travel  at  all. 

Tuesday,  4.  I  still  find  it  pleasant  and  profitable  to  be 
employed  in  my  Master's  service  both  in  public  and  private. 
My  conscience  smote  me  severely  for  lying  in  bed  till  six 
o'clock  this  morning,  no  indisposition  of  body  being  the 
cause.    0 !  why  should  we  lose  one  hour,  when  time  is  so 


310 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1779. 


short  and  precious,  and  so  many  things  to  be  learned  and 
taught. 

Saturday,  8.  Yesterday  being  a  public  fast-day,  we  had 
a  large  congregation,  and  a  solemn  time,  while  I  preached  on 
the  fast  of  the  Ninevites.  I  found  about  forty  in  society  at 
the  Draw-Bridge.  Thus  it  pleaseth  the  Lord  to  work,  and 
who  shall  hinder  him  ?  In  the  most  troublesome  times  he 
can  build  up  the  walls  of  Jerusalem.  I  thought  for  some 
time  that  it  would  have  been  much  better  for  the  work  of 
God  in  America,  if  brother  Shadford  had  stayed  ;  but  the 
Lord  ruleth  over  all,  and  he  ruleth  for  the  best.  Many 
faithful,  zealous  men  are  raised  up  for  the  work  in  the  States, 
who  only  want  a  little  instruction,  and  they  are  ready  to 
spend  and  be  spent  for  souls. 

Wednesday,  12.  Every  day  I  have  had  more  or  less 
liberty  in  preaching  the  blessed  Gospel.  The  people  daily 
show  great  marks  of  affection  and  esteem  for  me.  May  the 
Lord  keep  me  humble  !  Yea,  he  is  pleased  to  humble  me 
by  afflictions,  temptations,  and  frequent  discoveries  of  my 
defects  and  imperfections. 

Friday,  14.  J.  Hagerty  preached  on:  "May  we  know 
what  this  new  doctrine,  whereof  thou  speakest,  is  ?"  He 
spake  long,  and  much  to  the  purpose.  I  feel  some  fears  lest 
the  people  should  be  offended  against  the  truth,  by  any  im- 
proprieties, or  undue  rashness  of  expression.  But  how  can 
we  please  such  as  delight  in  their  sins?  It  is  our  duty, 
whether  they  will  hear,  or  whether  they  will  forbear,  to  de- 
clare, that  if  they  die  in  their  sins  they  can  expect  nothing 
but  hell  and  damnation. 

Saturday,  15.  I  received  a  letter  informing  me  of  the 
death  of  John  Laws,  a  young  man  whom  I  visited  about  a 
week  ago.  He  had  been  in  a  declining  state  about  fifteen 
months,  and  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  use  me  as  an  instrument 
to  open  his  eyes,  and  show  him  the  necessity  and  nature  of 
religion.  On  my  last  visit  I  found  him  ripening  fast  for 
heaven,  and  have  no  doubt  but  that  his  spirit  now  rests  in 
the  bosom  of  Jesus. 


June,  1779.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


311 


Lord's  day,  16.  I  preached  twice,  and  in  the  interim  went 

to  hear  Mr.  ,  who  preached  so  excellent  a  sermon  on 

the  sufferings  of  Christ,  that  I  was  amazed  to  think  how  such 
a  contrariety  of  preaching  and  practice  could  be  found  in  the 
same  man.  But  what  have  I  to  do  to  judge  another  man's 
servant?  To  his  own  Master  he  standeth  or  falleth.  The 
whole  of  the  public  service — preaching  and  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per— lasted  about  six  hours.  The  Friday  following  was  a 
day  of  fasting  among  our  people,  that  God  might  revive  his 
work,  avert  calamities,  and  send  us  rain,  that  our  hearts  may 
be  filled  -with  food  and  gladness.  My  own  soul  has  not  been  so 
steadily  devoted  to  God  as  I  wish  it  to  be.  How  I  long  to 
be  made  as  a  pure  seraphic  flame !  In  the  afternoon  of  our 
fast-day  we  had  a  great  rain  with  heavy  thunder  and  light- 
ning— mercy  and  judgment  united,  a  strong  indication  of  our 
deserts,  and  God's  goodness.  On  the  Lord's  day,  at  Johns- 
town, about  a  thousand  people  attended  to  hear  the  funeral 
sermon  of  John  Laws,  the  young  man  before  mentioned.  His 
experience  and  death  have  wrought  powerfully  on  the  hearts 
of  many,  both  in  the  family  and  neighbourhood,  so  that  even 
in  this  unpromising  place  there  is  a  prospect  of  religion. 
Thus  we  see  the  Lord  can  work,  when,  and  where,  and  how 
he  pleaseth.  I  am  ashamed  of  the  littleness  of  my  faith. 
Pardon  me,  Lord,  in  this  my  weakness.  I  long  to  be  alto- 
gether the  Lord's — to  preach  and  pray,  believe  and  love,  as 
when  I  first  entered  on  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

Tuesday,  June  1,  1779.  Both  yesterday  and  to-day  my 
soul  was  enlarged  in  unfolding  the  truths  of  the  Gospel.  In 
several  parts  of  this  peninsula  the  work  of  the  Lord  increases, 
and  people  are  flocking  in  apace.  The  work  is  his,  and 
worthy  of  him.  May  the  instruments  he  is  pleased  to  work 
by,  be  always  humble,  and  give  the  glory  to  whom  it  is  due  ! 
We  have  a  sound  of  war  from  the  southward ;  Lord,  think 
upon  us,  that  we  perish  not!  What  reason  have  I  to  be 
thankful,  that  in  the  midst  of  war  and  confusion  I  am  kept  in 
peace  and  safety. 

Thursday,  10.  I  feel  an  increasing  desire  to  be  the  Lord's, 


312 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  CJuOTS,  17Y9. 


every  moment,  in  every  thought  and  desire,  and  in  all  I  speak 
and  do. 

Lord's  day,  13.  Many  attended  the  word,  and  the  Lord 
was  with  me  in  speaking  on  Acts  xvi,  30.  In  the  evening  I 
treated  on  the  great  salvation. 

Monday,  14.  Notwithstanding  I  was  very  unwell,  I  rode 
to  S.  L.'s,  and  preached ;  had  a  very  unfeeling  company  to 
hear  me,  yet  felt  assisted  and  blessed  in  speaking  to  them. 
I  have  lately  read  Sherlock's  Sermons :  he  was  doubtless  a 
man  of  great  abilities,  and  it  is  a  pity  but  he  had  been  a  more 
evangelical  writer.  I  find  some  good  things  in  his  writings, 
and  others,  in  general,  harmless,  but  not  very  interesting. 

Wednesday,  16.  Preached  at  B.'s  ;  found  myself  shut  up, 
but  the  people  appeared  tender  and  attentive  :  next  day  I 
had  more  hearers  than  I  expected,  at  brother  Shaw's.  I 
have  not  spent  so  much  time  in  private  prayer  of  late  as  I 
could  wish,  for  want  of  time.  My  mind  enjoys  great  peace 
and  sweetness  in  God,  and  I  find  myself  much  given  up  to  him  ; 
'tis  very  seldom  I  feel  a  thought,  much  less  a  desire,  con- 
trary to  his  holiness.  Last  Monday  night  it  appeared  to  me 
that  I  had  as  deep  a  sense  of  God,  as  though  I  could  see, 
touch,  handle,  and  feel  him.  This  day  I  received  a  wonder- 
ful Arian  and  Socinian  letter  from  H.  C,  a  weak,  wild  mor- 
tal, swelled  with  pride  and  self-will.  I  rode  seven  miles  to 
see  a  sick  man,  who  was  more  than  seventy  years  of  age, 
deeply  convinced  of  sin.  I  laboured  and  prayed  with  him ; 
he  expressed  some  comfort,  but  had  not  a  confidence  of  his 
acceptance  with  God. 

Saturday,  19.  My  heart  is  kept  in  peace. 

Sunday,  20.1  preached  at  Shaw's,  at  eight  o'clock,  to  about 
two  hundred  hearers,  with  great  enlargement ;  a  melting  ten- 
derness went  through  the  congregation.  I  then  rode  to 
church  at  Dover,  and  heard  a  most  excellent  sermon  on  hy- 
pocrisy, by  Mr.  M'Gaw.  In  the  evening  I  preached  on  the 
Gospel  supper.  The  great  (so  called)  attended ;  but,  I  fear, 
to  little  purpose. 

Wednesday,  23.  Preached  at  a  new  place,  in  a  meadow, 


July,  1779.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 

to  about  one  hundred  people,  who  were  wild  enough ; y  after 
preaching,  had  to  ride  twelve  miles  for  my  dinner.  In  this 
our  labour,  we  have  to  encounter  hunger,  heat,  and  many- 
restless  nights  with  mosquitoes,  unwholesome  provisions,  and 
bad  water :  but  all  this  is  for  souls ;  were  it  for  silver,  I 
should  require  a  great  sum ;  but  the  Lord  is  not  unrighteous 
to  forget  our  labour  of  love,  and  our  reward  is  with  him. 

Thursday,  24.  I  find  the  heat  of  the  weather  too  great  for 
close  study ;  it  flags  the  spirits,  and  strangely  debilitates  all 
the  powers  of  body  and  mind  in  a  manner  that  is  seldom  felt 
in  Europe,  unless  for  one  month  in  the  year. 

Friday,  25.  I  am  not  as  I  long  to  be :  I  want  to  be  more 
spiritual  in  all  my  thoughts,  words,  and  works ;  to  live  wholly 
to  God  from  moment  to  moment. 

Saturday  26.  I  preached  in  New-Castle,  and  twice  the  next 
day  :  I  find  these  people  pay  no  great  attention  to,  and  do 
not  manifest  much  affection  for,  our  Gospel  and  ministry ;  I 
had  but  little  liberty  to  preach  to  them,  and  not  much  satis- 
faction while  there. 

Tuesday,  29,  Employed  in  reading.  I  see  what  I  ought 
to  be,  as  a  Christian  and  a  minister,  and  mourn  because  I  am 
not  more  holy.  0  !  how  great  a  thing  to  be  a  man  of  God  ! — 
to  be  in  everything  exemplarily  good  :  in  everything  to  do  one 
thing — the  will  of  God. 

Wednesday,  30.  I  received  the  minutes  of  the  Virginia  Con- 
ference, by  which  I  learn  the  preachers  there  have  been  effect- 
ing a  lame  separation  from  the  Episcopal  Church,  that  will  last 
about  one  year.  I  pity  them :  Satan  has  a  desire  to  have  us, 
that  he  may  sift  us  like  wheat. 

Friday,  July  2, 1779.  Heard  Mr.  M'Gaw  at  the  Forest  cha- 
pel, on :  "  Thy  kingdom  come." 

Sunday,  4.  At  half  past  eight  o'clock,  I  preached  at  the 
chapel,  and  then  went  to  church,  and  heard  Mr.  M.  preach 
an  excellent  sermon  on  wavering  in  religion.  The  inflam- 
matory disorder  that  had  seized  my  throat  is  growing  worse. 

Tuesday,  6. 1  applied  to  Dr.  Ridgely,  who  prescribed  two  blis- 
ters, of  great  strength  :  the  two  following  days  I  was  very  ill. 

14 


314 


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Friday,  9.  I  began  to  mend,  and  am  persuaded  that  the 
doctor's  means  have  been  very  successful,  and  feel  myself 
under  great  obligations  to  him. 

Sunday,  11.  Felt  myself  so  much  better  in  health,  that  I 
ventured  to  speak  to  a  small  serious  congregation ;  I  hope  not 
in  vain. 

Wednesday,  14.  Set  out  for  the  sea-side,  in  a  double  carriage, 
brother  Allfree  with  me,  We  rode  thirty  miles,  and  came  to 
Shockley's  a  little  after  twelve  o'clock.  Preached  to  about 
one  hundred  people,  all  serious  :  a  great  alteration  since  I  was 
here,  twelve  months  back.  So  does  God  work.  I  am  in 
growing  health,  my  voice  much  restored ;  feel  a  springing 
hope  that  this  journey  will  be  attended  with  a  blessing  to  my- 
self and  others.  I  am  overcome  with  a  sense  of  the  goodness 
of  God,  in  so  suddenly  raising  me  up.  0  !  What  I  laboured 
under  this  day  week  !  How  great  the  change  !  I  find  all  my 
afflictions  divinely  sanctified  to  me  ;  I  am  kept  in  great  peace, 
and  a  Divine  serenity  all  daj'.  A  sweet  peace  sits  upon  my 
soul.  I  read  some  psalms,  and  a  little  of  Haliburton's  Life, 
as  I  rode  in  the  chair.  0  how  good  it  is  to  strive  to  do  a 
little  for  God !  My  friends  were  frightened  at  my  going  out 
so  soon,  but  the  Lord  will  help  me  on  my  way.  I  spoke  at 
Shockley's  on  Eph.  ii,  8-10. 

Thursday,  15.  We  rode  to  the  sea-side,  about  forty  miles 
from  Shockley's.  I  read  part  of  the  life  of  Mr.  De  Renty. 
We  came  in  about  two  o'clock,  and  found  a  kind  reception. 
We  prayed  after  dinner  in  the  family  and  private ;  afternoon 
went  down  to  the  sea  to  bathe,  for  my  health ;  at  night  read 
a  chapter,  and  gave  an  exhortation.  Brother  Allfree  and 
myself  prayed  ;  we  rested  well. 

Friday,  16.  Am  kept  in  peace  of  soul,  yesterday  and  this 
day  ;  feel  myself  as  in  the  presence  of  God,  growing  in  health 
of  body  and  soul. 

Saturday,  17.  I  preached  on  1  John  i,  8,  9,  to  about  fifty 
people,  simple,  but  teachable.  Some  poor  men  in  a  boat 
came  on  shore,  who  had  been  taken  prisoners :  were  English 
and  Scotch,  going  to  York.    I  called  at  their  tent,  read  the 


July,  1*779.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


315 


third  of  Romans,  lectured  to  them ;  they  seemed  kind  and 
humble :  I  pitied  an  old  man,  near  seventy,  from  Devonshire. 
I  went  to  bathe,  called  on  the  distressed  people,  prayed  with 
them.  This  morning  I  finished  reading  the  book  of  Psalms, 
which  has  been  my  regular  reading  this  week  past ;  likewise 
the  eleventh  volume  of  Wesley's  Works,  and  part  of  the  lives 
of  those  men  of  God,  Haliburton,  De  Renty,  and  Walsh — one 
of  the  Church  of  Scotland,  another  from  the  Church  of  Rome, 
the  latter  a  Methodist  preacher ;  but  the  work  of  God  is  one 
in  all.  To  set  aside  a  few  particulars,  how  harmonious  does 
the  work  of  God  appear,  in  men  of  different  nations  and 
Churches !  I  have  been  in  peace,  but  not  so  much  given  up 
to  God.  I  was  humbled  and  stirred  up  to  be  more  heartily 
employed :  when  shall  every  thought,  word,  and  action  in 
me  be  holiness  to  the  Lord  ? 

Sunday,  18.  Rode  to  Wood's,  near  Peleg  Water's  tavern ; 
had  about  three  hundred  people,  and  apparently  very  ignorant 
in  religion,  yet  willing  to  be  taught.  I  spoke  on  1  John  i,  3  ; 
I  found  I  could  not  speak  plain  enough  to  them :  afternoon 
on  Isa.  lv,  6,  7  ;  they  understood  me  better.  I  went  to  Law's 
to  lodge.  I  found  the  Baptists  were  fishing  in  troubled  water, 
(they  always  are  preaching  water  to  people,)  and  are  striving 
to  get  into  all  the  houses  where  we  preach ;  they  had  taken 
one  simple  man  who  was  joined  to  us,  into  the  water.  They 
plead  they  did  not  want  to  join,  being  Church  people  ;  but  the 
ministers  were  good  men,  and  they  could  not  deny  them  their 
houses. 

Monday,  19.  I  preached  at  J.  Gray's  to  many  feeling  peo- 
ple :  a  good  work  is  begun ;  and  I  fear  that  division  is  begun 
also.  But  what  is  to  be  done  ?  Must  we  instrumentally  get 
people  convinced,  and  let  Baptists  take  them  from  us  ?  No ; 
we  will,  we  must  oppose :  if  the  people  lose  their  souls,  how 
shall  we  answer  it  before  God  ?  I  met  with  a  woman  who 
warmly  contended  for  dipping,  as  though  it  had  been  for  life. 
Another  began  with  me  about  going  to  their  houses;  and 
said,  we  must  all  live  in  heaven.  I  said,  there  will  be  no  re- 
baptizing  there.    She  said,  we  must  imitate  our  Lord.    I  said, 


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[July,  1779. 


our  Lord  rebuked  the  wind,  and  walked  upon  the  sea.  The 
point  is  this :  the  Baptists  and  Methodists  came  and  preached 
together ;  our  simple  young  men  not  knowing  how  they  would 
act;  the  people  being  unacquainted  with  them,  are  for  re- 
ceiving both. 

Tuesday,  20.  I  went  to  the  water,  and  believe  bathing  has 

been  of  singular  use  to  me.    Preached  at  E  s,  on  Acts 

xxvi,  18.  Had  great  freedom.  About  a  hundred  people  were 
present,  and  I  hope  there  will  be  a  work  here,  if  controversy 
does  not  prevent  it.  Afternoon,  I  called  to  see  a  person  in 
the  dropsy,  for  whom  I  sent  to  Dr.  White.  At  three  o'clock, 
preached  at  West's,  on  Matt,  vii,  7  :  "  Seek,  and  ye  shall  find." 
I  had  much  liberty,  but  the  people  in  general  were  insensible. 
After  preaching,  some  poor  people  came  with  tears  in  their 
eyes,  fearing  from  what  I  had  said,  I  was  about  leaving  the 
houses  where  the  Baptists  would  preach,  and  thought  we 
were  going  to  leave  them  altogether,  as  the  others  had  set  it 
forth.  I  answered  them,  while  we  could  get  a  house  to  our- 
selves, and  society,  we  would  consider  them  as  objects  of  our 
attention.  Some  rain,  and  my  preaching  twice,  brought  on 
a  small  inflammation  in  my  throat.  We  rode  to  J.  Gibbons's, 
fifteen  miles,  heavy  road,  very  hot. 

Wednesday,  21.  I  preached  at  twelve  o'clock  to  about  fifty 
people,  unfeeling  enough.    I  spoke  on  Gal.  iii,  22.    I  spoke 

all  the  truth.    After  preaching,  we  rode  to  Jos.  M  e's, 

twenty  miles,  great  part  heavy  travelling.  An  ulcer  broke  in 
my  mouth  while  I  was  preaching,  but  I  continued  speaking. 

Thursday,  22.  I  arose  with  a  gracious  sense  of  God  upon 
my  heart;  cool  weather  after  the  rain.  I  hear  good  news 
from  the  people,  of  the  work  of  God ;  though  they  are  not 
competent  judges,  yet  I  hope  the  prospect  is  favourable. 
Many  brought  home  to  God,  and  hope  more  will  be.  I  have, 
in  the  course  of  my  reading,  attained  to  the  end  of  Solomon's 
Song.  Preached  at  Joseph  Moore's ;  a  hundred  serious  peo- 
ple attended :  a  great  change  since  I  preached  here  nine  or 
ten  months  ago.  Then  many  in  blindness, — now  forty  in  so- 
ciety ;  some  seeking,  others  have  found  the  Lord.    One  of  the 


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317 


friends  told  me  lie  thought  he  could  number  fifty  praying 
families.  Some  who  have  not  joined  us  yet,  are  stirred  up  by 
preaching  to  pray ;  before,  the  people  were  swearers,  drunk- 
ards, fighters,  horse-racers,  and  such  like ;  but  the  Lord  hath 
done  great  things  for  them.  I  spoke  on  Eph.  v,  8  ;  had  great 
liberty. 

Friday,  23.  Arose,  as  I  commonly  do,  before  five  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  to  study  the  Bible.  I  find  none  like  it ;  and 
find  it  of  more  consequence  to  a  preacher  to  know  his  Bible 
well,  than  all  the  languages  or  books  in  the  world — for  he  is 
not  to  preach  these,  but  the  word  of  God.  I  preached  at  G. 
Bradley's,  in  the  woods,  to  about  two  hundred  people,  on  Acts 
xiii,  26.  Had  considerable  freedom.  In  the  evening,  at  G. 
Moore's,  on  Rev.  xxi,  6-8.  Great  liberty ;  the  serious  people 
much  affected. 

Saturday,  24.  I  rode  to  Joseph  Turpin's,  about  thirteen 
miles ;  many  people,  I  judge  about  two  hundred,  attended. 
The  Lord  hath  done  great  things  since  I  was  here  about  nine 
months  ago — numbers  are  inquiring  after  God ;  the  Lord  hath 
done  great  things  for  us.  Not  unto  us,  but  unto  him  be  all 
the  glory  given. 

Sunday,  25.  I  spoke  on  Matt,  xxiii,  37,  with  uncommon 
freedom,  to  about  three  hundred  people,  at  Joseph  Turpin's : 
we  had  a  melting  time  here.  The  Lord  is  striving  mightily 
to  save  them.  Rode  through  the  rain  to  Twyford's,  had  a 
hundred  people  or  more  to  hear ;  spoke  on  John  xv,  1 9,  20. 
Strove  to  comfort  and  encourage  the  seeking  souls.  Rode  to 
brother  White's  that  night. 

Monday,  26.  Spent  in  writing  to  our  dissenting  brethren 
in  Virginia,  hoping  to  reclaim  them.  I  am  kept  in  peace, 
though  not  without  inward  and  outward  war. 

Tuesday,  27.  I  have  peace :  arose  before  three :  I  am 
much  employed,  but  it  is  good  to  make  the  best  of  every  mo- 
ment, and  carefully  to  fill  up  the  space  of  time  that  may  be 
lost.  0  !  how  precious  is  time !  our  moments,  though  little,  are 
golden  sands.  I  preached  a  funeral  sermon  for  our  late  friend 
and  brother  Hardisty,  to  about  one  hundred  people.    I  spoke 


318 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[July,  1V79. 


on  Isaiah  lvii,  1,2.  Had  liberty  in  speaking  to  a  solemn  peo- 
ple :  some  were  affected,  and  at  the  close  brother  Peddicord 
gave  an  exhortation.    The  flux  prevails,  and  hath  carried  some 

off.    Returning,  I  called  at  Mr.  D  r's  ;  afterward  called  at 

Mrs.  Peterkin's,  who  is  sick. 

Wednesday,  28.  Prepared  my  letters ;  am  most  severely 
tried  at  times,  but  if  for  good,  the  Lord's  will  be  done.  Had 
a  conversation  with  Mr.  O'Neal  this  week — a  man  of  learning 
and  understanding,  who  knows  doctrines  and  men  ;  is  a  minis- 
ter of  the  Episcopal  Church,  in  Maryland,  a  non-juror.  I 
ended  the  reading  of  Isaiah,  in  course,  going  through  the  Bi- 
ble ;  have  trials  very  heavy,  but  my  soul  is  humbled  before 
the  Lord.  I  preached  at  Edward  White's,  on  Zeph.  i,  12  ;  had 
a  great  time  in  preaching. 

Thursday,  29.   Set  out  for  Kent;  visited  Mrs.  P  n, 

going  swiftly  to  her  home  ;  and  also  William  Riche — about 
two  months  ago  he  was  an  opposer,  proud  and  self-righteous, 
but  now  brought  low,  penitent,  and  submits  to  prayer,  and 
Methodist  conversation  ;  thus  does  God  bring  down.  He 
held,  yea,  pressed  my  hand,  unwilling  to  part.  I  came  to 
brother  Shaw's,  before  B.  D.  had  done  preaching.  I  spoke 
a  few  words,  and  after  dinner  went  to  see  my  very  dear 
friend,  M.  M  w  again. 

Friday,  30.  Went  to  the  widow  Howard's  ;  spoke  freely 
to  about  two  hundred  people,  on  John  hi,  16.  1.  The  con- 
dition that  all  men  must  have  been  in  if  God  had  not  given 
his  Son.  2.  His  great  love.  3.  The  nature  of  faith.  4.  The 
consequences  of  not  believing.    The  people  were  serious ;  I 

went  to  B.  All  r's.    A  man  followed  me  that  night,  ten 

miles,  distressed  in  soul ;  I  talked  to  and  prayed  with  him. 
He  went  away,  with  clearer  views  and  some  hope,  pleading 
for  the  blessing. 

Saturday,  31.   Rode  to  Shaw's;  the  weather  was  hot. 

Called  on  Mr.  W  d,  sick  and  distressed  in  his  soul.  There 

is  an  inquiry  excited  in  many  people,  and  an  awakening  power 
is  going  forth.  I  saw  to-day  a  political  libel ;  the  Methodists 
are  struck  at,  but  every  charge  is  false. 


Aug.,  mo.] 


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319 


Sunday,  August  1,  1779.  Rainy.  I  rode  to  church,  and 
heard  an  excellent  sermon  on  Luke  xiv,  22.  At  three  o'clock 
I  preached  in  the  square  at  Dover ;  many  came  to  hear.  I 
spoke  on  Ezek.  xxxiii,  30,  very  plain  and  pointed  :  how  it 
was  taken  I  know  not.  I  am  easy  and  clear  in  my  own 
mind. 

Monday,  2.  Our  quarterly  meeting  began  :  I  was  detained 
by  rain,  but  came  in  about  one  o'clock.  Brother  Cox  preached 
on  Psa.  xlviii,  12-14. 

Tuesday,  3.  In  the  morning  the  rain  continues  ;  all  things 
look  gloomy.  We  appointed  to  meet  at  nine,  if  clear ;  if  not, 
at  twelve  o'clock.  About  twelve  it  cleared  away,  without  such 
visible  tokens  as  sometimes  appear.  We  went  to  the  arbour ; 
it  covers  three  or  four  hundred  people.  It  is  possible  we  had 
six  or  seven  hundred  people  each  day  ;  from  Sussex,  Somer- 
set, Queen- Ann's,  Caroline,  Kent,  Newcastle,  and  Philadelphia. 
I  preached  on  Psa.  cxxvi,  3-6,  and  was  greatly  led  out ; 
God  was  with  us.  Mr.  M.  G.,  a  clergyman,  was  with  us, 
very  friendly.  The  rain  prevented  Mr.  M'Gaw's  attend- 
ance. 

Wednesday,  4.  We  held  our  love-feast.  Many  spectators, 
and  a  melting  time  ;  some  power  and  life  appeared  to  be 
amongst  the  people.  Upon  the  whole  we  had  a  blessed  time. 
About  twelve  o'clock  I  preached  on  Col.  i,  27,  28,  with  some 

freedom,  and  hope  the  people  were  profited.    Brother  G  n 

exhorted  long :  his  speaking  is  mostly  proposing  cases  of  con- 
science, and  answering  them,  and  speaking  about  Christ, 
heaven,  and  hell ;  yet  this  carries  all  before  it.  It  is  incre- 
dible the  good  he  has  been  instrumental  in  doing  ;  the  people 
are  generally  moved  under  his  preaching.  It  is,  however, 
thought  expedient  to  send  him  to  the  north.  I  go  to  Chop- 
tank.  We  have  had  much  of  God  in  this  meeting.  Though 
I  have  had  but  little  sleep,  and  unwholesome  weather,  yet  I 
feel  no  injury  ;  thank  the  Lord  !  We  rode  to  Thomas  White's 
after  four  o'clock. 

Thursday,  5.  Employed  in  writing. 

Friday,  6.  Part  of  the  day  taken  up  in  writing ;  am  not 


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collected  as  I  ought  to  be,  nor  as  I  long  to  be.  The  same 
day  heard  a  sermon  from  brother  Cox  at  E.  W.'s. 

Saturday,  7.  Rode  to  Williams's;  I  was  dejected  in  my 
own  soul,  on  account  of  some  things  I  felt  in  body  and  mind : 
met  a  few  in  class  ;  all  seemed  tender. 

Sunday,  8.  Preached  on  Rev.  xx,  11-15,  to  about  three 
hundred  people.  I  had  uncommon  light;  I  never  spoke 
there  with  such  liberty  in  my  life.  Rode  to  the  Draw-Bridge, 
preached  to  about  three  hundred  there,  but  not  with  so  much 
enlargement  as  in  the  morning.  The  Lord  is  at  work  here  of 
a  truth. 

Monday,  9.  This  morning  went  to  the  Bay  ;  afterward 
went  to  Furby's,  spoke  on  1  Pet.  iv,  18.  Met  the  class,  and 
found  them  much  engaged,  and  many  joined.  I  am  weak 
and  feeble,  the  weather  is  trying :  Lord  !  give  me  strength 
according  to  my  day.  I  have  been  tried  with  wandering 
thoughts  ;  I  could  only  read  a  few  chapters  in  Jeremiah  ;  we 
have  little  time  for  our  own  improvement.  I  read  the  first 
epistle  to  Timothy. 

Tuesday,  10.  Rode  to  Andrew  Perdin's.  It  was  reported 
about  that  there  would  be  a  horse-race,  and  some  opposition, 
but  there  was  none.  Many  came  to  hear  ;  I  spoke  long,  and 
with  liberty,  on  Heb.  xii,  25.  I  hope  not  in  vain.  Rode  to 
William  Verdin's,  where  I  preached  some  months  ago ;  the 
man  was  then  quite  an  unfeeling  person,  but  is  now  in  earnest 
for  his  soul's  salvation. 

Wednesday,  11.  Rode  to  Richard  Shaw's.  I  spoke  to  a 
simple  and  steady  people  on  the  righteousness  of  the  law  and 
righteousness  of  faith  ;  a  subject  with  which  they  appeared 
to  have  but  little  acquaintance,  therefore  it  was  necessary  to 
inform  their  judgments  :  some  were  affected.  I  met  the  class  : 
the  people  are  faithful,  in  general ;  thank  the  Lord  ! 

Thursday,  12.  I  renewed  my  covenant  with  God.  0  that 
every  thought,  word,  and  act,  were  love  ! 

Friday,  13.  I  rode  to  Wells's  :  there  were  many  to  hear 
for  the  time  and  place.  I  spoke  on  Rev.  xxii,  11-15,  with  a 
degree  of  liberty.    Met  the  class ;  the  people  were  affec- 


Aug.,  1779.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


tionatc.  I  am  kept  from  a  wandering  mind,  in  a  holy  exer- 
cise. I  am  afraid  of  the  foot  of  pride.  I  hope  the  Lord  will 
keep  me  faithful  in  all  his  ways,  for  I  want  only  to  please 
God.    I  preached  at  Sturgis's,  to  a  small  congregation. 

Saturday,  14.  I  rested ;  have  but  little  time  for  private 
exercises. 

Sunday  morning,  15.  Read  the  law  delivered  by  Moses, 
and  our  Lord's  sermon  on  the  mount ;  preached  at  nine 
o'clock  at  Boyer's ;  then  went  to  the  church  at  Dover ;  and 
preached  in  the  woods  at  three  o'clock  on  Acts  xvii,  30.  I 
was  plain  and  faithful ;  but  the  people  will,  and  will  not.  Our 
own  people  do  not  keep  so  close  to  God  as  they  ought ;  this 
injures  the  work. 

Monday,  16.  I  went  to  Hilliard's,  and  the  people  attended 
very  well.  One  is  brought  under  deep  distress,  who  some 
months  back  persecuted  and  kept  back  his  wife.  I  said  at 
that  time,  perhaps  he  will  be  glad  to  come  himself ;  and  so 
it  is ;  thank  the  Lord  for  this.  I  preached  from  Psalm 
cxlv,  18-20.  I  had  liberty  and  clear  views  in  speaking; 
and  believe  the  word  went  to  the  hearts  of  the  hearers.  I 
rode  twenty  miles  to-day,  and  if  brother  Cromwell  does  not 
come  I  must  take  the  circuit.  I  bless  God  for  health  while 
many  are  sick  around  me.  May  I  do  the  will  of  God,  and 
live  and  love  !  then,  come  life  or  death,  all  will  be  well. 

Tuesday,  17.  I  spent  part  of  the  day  with  Mr.  M  w 

very  comfortably,  and  find  him  a  teachable  man  in  his  station. 
I  met  brother  Allfree,  and  heard  of  the  violent  proceedings 
of  some  men  at  Lewis's,  who  were  encouraged  by  persons 

who  ought  to  know  better  ;  but  what  are  W  gs,  T  y's, 

Presbyterians,  Churchmen,  or  Methodists,  if  they  have  not 
the  Spirit  of  Christ  ?  All  of  one  spirit.  I  rest  contented,  be- 
lieving this  will  work  for  good.  God  can  and  will  vindicate 
his  own  cause. 

Wednesday,  18.  My  spirits  were  flagged  with  a  tedious  ride 
to  widow  Howard's  ;  but  found  it  was  no  time  to  give  way  to 
dejection.  I  preached  with  difficulty,  to  a  large  congregation, 
on  Isaiah  lv,  6,  7. 

14* 


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[Aug.,  1119. 


Thursday,  19.  Rode  to  Scotten's  through  heavy  rain, 
preached  to  a  crowded  audience. 

Friday,  20.  Went  to  Forest-Chapel,  and  spoke  to  a  large 
congregation.  I  returned  to  brother  Shaw's,  and  wrote  to 
brothers  Cox  and  Ruff.  I  am  grieved  at  the  imprudence  of 
some  people  ;  but  why  should  I  be  grieved  ? — the  work  is  the 
Lord's.  May  I  be  faithful  in  all  my  ways,  and  attend  to  my 
own  calling. 

Sunday,  22.  I  went  to  a  Presbyterian  meeting,  and  heard 
a  good  sermon,  on  the  epistle  to  the  Church  at  Laodicea,  truly 
applicable  to  the  unfeeling  people,  who  are  so  full  of  politics 
that  they  seem  to  have  turned  all  religion  out  of  doors.  It  is 
time  for  the  watchmen  to  cry  aloud  !  I  went  to  the  Draw- 
Bridge,  and  preached  to  about  three  hundred  people.  The 
work  of  the  Lord  goes  on,  and  every  denomination  of  Chris- 
tians appear  to  be  stirred  up.  Well,  if  Christ  is  preached  we 
will  rejoice. 

Monday,  23.  I  arose  with  a  sense  of  God  upon  my  heart. 
Preached  on  Col.  i,  9-12,  but  not  with  much  enlargement; 
in  class,  I  found  the  people  lively  ;  thus  hath  the  Lord 
wrought  for  us  according  to  his  power. 

Tuesday,  24.  My  soul  is  humbled.  0,  that  I  may  feel 
Divine  love  every  moment,  that  my  spirit  may  be  holiness 
to  the  Lord!  I  preached  from  Psalm  vii,  11-13,  at  A. 
Perdin's,  near  Satan's  synagogue,  had  many  to  hear ;  I  did 
not  spare  them.  Afterward  I  visited  a  distressed  soul  under 
deep  depression. 

Wednesday,  25.  I  went  to  Shaw's,  and  preached  from 
Luke  xiii,  24-20.  Had  some  opening,  and  the  people  ap- 
peared to  hear,  and  understand  what  was  said. 

Thursday,  26.  Rode  to  Wells's,  and  spoke  close,  but  with 
little  liberty,  to  a  serious,  but  not  very  lively  people,  on  Matt, 
xi,  4-6  ;  brothers  Wyatt  and  Allfree  both  spoke  after  me. 
This  morning,  I  ended  the  reading  of  my  Bible  through,  in 
about  four  months.  It  is  hard  work  for  me  to  find  time  for 
this  ;  but  all  I  read  and  write,  I  owe  to  early  rising.  If  I 
were  not  to  rise  always  by  five,  and  sometimes  at  four  o'clock, 


Sept.,  1779.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


323 


I  should  have  no  time  only  to  eat  my  breakfast,  pray  in  the 
family,  and  get  ready  for  my  journey — as  I  must  travel  every 
day. 

Friday,  27.  I  rode  to  Stokely's,  and  spoke  pointedly  on 
Hosea  x,  12.  I  met  brother  Wren  in  Dover,  and  we  travelled 
together  three  days. 

Sunday,  29.  Preached  at  Boyer's,  on  Luke  vii,  22,  23. 
Some  awakenings ;  but  my  spirits  were  dejected  by  false  re- 
ports. 0,  what  a  shame  to  grieve  at  those  things  !  What  is 
our  honour  ?  Blessed  are  ye  when  men  shall  say  all  manner 
of  evil  of  you  falsely  for  my  sake,  saith  the  Lord.  O,  how 
ought  I  to  be  humbled,  that  such  trifles  affect  me  !  But  I 
speculate  too  much,  and  reason  upon  the  dark  side.  I 
preached  at  Dover,  at  three  o'clock,  from  Psalm  ix,  17. 
I  spoke  very  plainly,  and  brother  Wren  spoke  better  than 
ever  I  heard  him  before. 

Monday,  30.  I  rode  to  Hilliard's ;  there  were  about  forty 
people,  and  a  little  melting  among  them  ;  the  members  of  so- 
ciety are  slack.  I  rode  to  L.  Allfree's  the  same  afternoon. 
Brother  Wren  says,  I  should  not  ride  the  circuit,  and  go 
where  I  am  most  wanted.  I  think  it  would  be  better  for  me, 
and  for  the  work  of  God. 

Tuesday,  31.  I  preached  at  brother  Allfree's,  on  Luke  xiii, 
24-27 ;  and  had  but  little  liberty ;  but  the  people  were 
melted,  and  stirred  up.  There  is  an  evil  here:  I  believe 
some  were  improperly  taken  into  society  who  never  had  any 
deep  conviction ;  I  am  afraid  of  them.  Some  are  fallen  into 
sin,  others  have  been  on  the  verge.  In  the  afternoon  I 
preached  at  Mr.  Wild's,  on  Acts  xiii,  26:  "To  you  is  the 
word  of  this  salvation  sent."  The  poor  old  man  is  mourning 
after  God,  and  was  comforted  a  little.  I  had  great  sweet- 
ness in  speaking,  and  liberty  of  soul ;  but  at  times  I  am  under 
some  gloomy  fears  for  the  cause  of  God. 

Wednesday,  September  1,  1779.  I  went  to  the  widow 
Howard's,  and  was  enlarged  on  Psalm  vii,  11-13.  I 
thought  some  felt  the  word ;  but  O  !  how  great  the  work  to 
bring  sinners  to  God !  It  is  the  work  of  Omnipotence !  Alas, 


324 


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[Sept.,  1119. 


how  his  poor  dust  labours  and  toils  in  Tain,  without  him !  I 
returned  to  Allfree's,  and  employed  my  spare  moments  in 
taking  notes  from  Newton's  third  volume. 

Thursday,  2.  I  was  closely  taken  up  in  writing ;  but  met 
the  society :  they  appeared  to  be  humbled,  and  resolved  to  set 
out  anew.  I  pressed  them  to  have  prayer-meetings,  and 
they  appointed  one  before  they  parted. 

Friday,  3.  I  went  to  Poplar-Neck,  and  preached  on  Isaiah 
lv,  6,  1 ;  then  rode  that  night  twenty  miles  to  Dover,  and  was 
comforted  in  society-meeting. 

Saturday,  4.  I  changed  my  purpose,  and  instead  of  going 
to  Williams's,  went  to  Thomas  White's.    Preached  at  nio-ht. 

o 

Sunday,  5.  I  rode  to  Williams's  and  preached  at  eleven 
o'clock,  on  Matt,  xxi,  44  ;  then  rode  to  the  Draw-Bridge, 
where  about  three  hundred  people  were  waiting.  I  preached 
on  Mai.  iv,  1,  2  ;  and  hope  it  reached  some  hearts. 

Monday,  6.  Preached  at  Caleb  Furby's,  on  Rom.  vi,  17,  18. 
I  spoke  strong  words,  and  argumentative,  on  the  subject  of 
salvation  from  all  sin,  and  answered  some  objections  against 
the  doctrine.  I  then  met  the  society,  and  gave  a  pointed  ex- 
hortation, to  stir  them  up.  I  have  been  straitened  in  speaking, 
and  sorely  tempted  ;  but  the  Lord  will  help  me,  and  has  blest 
me  to  the  people.  I  have  had  little  time  for  anything  but 
travelling :  preaching  is  but  half  my  work,  and  ought  not  to 
take  up  all  my  time. 

Wednesday,  8.  I  preached  at  Shaw's,  to  about  two  hundred 
attentive  people,  from  Rom.  vi,  20-23.  I  hope  the  Lord's 
work  goes  on. 

Thursday,  9.  I  was  unwell,  and  was  relieved  by  Joshua 
Dudley,  who  took  the  circuit.  I  have  more  time  now  for 
writing,  and  am  kept  humble,  to  think  of  the  respect  the  peo- 
ple pay  to  such  a  poor  creature.  Lord,  what  am  I,  that  thou 
hast  brought  me  so  far  on  my  way  ?  Though  unwell,  I  com- 
pleted my  notes  from  Newton's  third  volume  on  the  prophe- 
cies :  I  cannot  be  idle. 

Friday,  10.  I  have  been  employed  in  writing  letters  to  the 
preachers.    Lord,  help  me  to  speak  and  write  to  thy  glory, 


Sept.,  1779.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


325 


and  the  good  of  the  people  I  have  the  charge  of.  I  began 
reading  Comber  on  Ordination.  Much  pomp  was  annexed 
to  the  clerical  order,  though  plausible  in  its  way.  I  believe 
the  Episcopal  mode  of  Ordination  to  be  more  proper  than  that 
of  Presbyters ;  but  I  wish  there  were  primitive  qualifications 
in  all  who  handle  sacred  things. 

Sunday,  12.  I  preached  to  the  people,  who  came  to  church, 
at  Mr.  Bassett's  door,  on  Gal.  ii,  19.  In  the  afternoon,  in  the 
woods,  to  the  most  people  I  ever  saw  here,  and  had  liberty  ; 
some  living  emotions  appeared  amongst  the  people :  we  re- 
vive again !  I  had  a  very  different  feeling  to  what  I  had  the 
last  time  I  was  here.    I  hope  we  shall  yet  grow  in  Dover. 

Monday,  13.  I  rode  to  Choptank,  through  heavy  rain.  I 
purpose  for  Talbot  to-morrow.  I  had  pleasing  views  of  a  life 
devoted  to  God,  and  felt  determined  to  set  out  anew  to  do  the 
will  of  the  Lord.  I  spent  the  afternoon  in  reading  Mark's 
Gospel,  making  some  notes,  and  planning  my  future  business. 

Tuesday,  14.  I  went  to  see  brother  Hartley,  under  his  con- 
finement, who  was  in  jail  for  preaching,  and  found  him  deter- 
mined to  marry.  He  thought  it  was  his  duty  before  God. 
I  could  only  advise  a  delay  till  he  was  released  from  imprison- 
ment. Persuaded  him  to  give  bail  at  court,  if  not  released, 
as  I  thought  he  would  have  no  trial.  All  that  the  opposers 
wanted,  was  to  prevent  his  preaching  in  the  county.  We 
thought  his  imprisonment  was  illegal,  as  he  had  taken  the 
oath  in  the  Delaware  State. 

Thursday,  16.  We  rode  thirty  miles  yesterday.  I  am  un- 
well and  much  dejected,  and  lament  the  want  of  more  grace. 
I  rode  to  R.  Williams's,  and  met  brother  Peddicord,  who 
copied  some  letters  for  me ;  we  settled  a  plan  for  our  next 
quarterly  meeting.  I  preached  on  Friday,  at  the  widow 
Bready's,  and  met  a  person  with  whom  I  laboured  ten  months 
ago  to  convince  her  of  sin.  Preaching  is  now  at  her  mother's 
house,  and  a  class  of  twenty  members.  I  preached  on  Rom. 
iii,  19-21  ;  and  brother  Peddicord  exhorted. 

Saturday,  18.  I  returned  to  Choptank.  Glory  be  to  God  ! 
this  mortal  shall  put  on  immortality.    Brother  Peddicord 


326 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.        [Sept.,  Hid. 


informs  me,  that  the  B  ts  oppose  stoutly,  and  also  the 

devil,  and  a  certain  W  f,  his  agent,  near  Lewistown. 

Brother  Dudley  being  detained  by  his  father  being  sick, 
brother  Cooper  is  come  in  his  place. 

Sunday,  19.  I  went  to  a  people  whom  I  tried  near  two 
years  ago  in  vain.  Now  God  is  at  work  among  them — 
several  are  under  awakenings :  our  people  going  to  church, 
and  Mr.  M  w's  corning  down,  has  removed  their  prejudi- 
ces. I  had  great  liberty  there,  on  Acts  ii,  27-29.  At  White's, 
on  Gal.  ii,  17-19,  I  had  great  breathings,  and  not  a  desire 
or  thought  that  tended  to  evil. 

Monday,  20.  I  read  thirteen  chapters  in  Revelation,  which 
was  part  of  what  should  have  been  read  yesterday,  but  I  had 
not  time.  I  read  also  about  one  hundred  pages  in  Comber 
on  the  Consecrating  Bishops ;  it  is  very  well  if  properly  at- 
tended to.  Read  fifty  pages  in  Salmon's  Grammar.  It  is 
plain  to  me  the  devil  will  let  us  read  always,  if  we  will  not 
pray  ;  but  prayer  is  the  sword  of  the  preacher,  the  life  of  the 
Christian,  the  terror  of  hell,  and  the  devil's  plague. 

Tuesday,  21.  I  read  a  few  chapters  in  the  New  Testament, 
and  about  seventy  pages  in  Salmon's  Grammar ;  wrote  a  let- 
ter to  my  dear  friend  Mr.  G  h :  spent  the  afternoon  in 

visiting  our  friends. 

Wednesday,  22.  I  am  going  up  into  Kent,  and  then  to 
Lewistown ;  have  hard  trials,  inward  and  outward.  I  spent 
this  day  in  riding,  and  I  met  brother  Peddicord  sick  of  a 
fever. 

Thursday,  23.  I  called  at  the  widow  Beauchamp's,  who 
was  sick,  but  happy  in  the  Lord.  She  said,  "  I  was  with  my 
Saviour  all  night."  She  has  been  a  constant  church- woman ; 
lately  brought  to  seek  justification  by  faith,  and  is  happy  in 
God.  I  rode  to  Mispillion,  to  be  near  Williams's,  on  my  way 
to  Lewistown  ;  was  happy  this  day. 

Friday,  24.  Rode  to  Lewistown.  Am  ashamed  before 
God,  under  a  sense  of  what  he  has  done  for  me,  and  how 
unfaithful  and  unfruitful  I  am  in  everything.  I  rode  thirty 
miles,  and  on  my  way  called  to  hear  Mr.  T  ,  an  Episcopal 


OCT.,  llttod  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  32Y 

minister.  He  took  care  to  tell  the  people,  they  were  not  to 
be  converted  by  thunder  and  lightning,  like  enthusiasts,  to 
know  the  time  and  place.  In  short,  I  could  not  tell  what  he 
would  be  at ;  but  he  was  legal  to  all  intents  and  purposes.  I 
went  to  Abraham  Harris's :  the  people  were  met,  and  brother 
Allfree  preached ;  afterward  I  delivered  a  discourse  on  Acts 
xiii,  26,  to  an  attentive  congregation,  and  found  my  mind  at 
liberty. 

Saturday,  25.  Rode  to  Mr.  Shankland's  near  Lewistown, 
the  son  of  a  New-light. 

Sunday,  26.  Went  to  town,  preached  in  the  court-house 
twice — first  on  2  Cor.  iv,  2,  3.  Afternoon,  on  Psalm  vii, 
11-13.  I  was  alarming,  as  the  people  appeared  to  me  to  be 
careless.  By  the  intercession  of  the  friends,  I  preached  at 
nine  o'clock  from  Mark  viii,  34,  and  following  verses,  to  about 
forty  or  fifty  people. 

Tuesday,  28.  I  preached  to  about  fifty  or  sixty  people,  on 
Acts  xxvi,  18.  I  know  not  when  I  was  more  searching, 
though  but  little  moving  among  the  people.  I  was  told  that 
Mr.  W.  proclaimed  a  fast,  to  let  the  people  know  what  the 
Methodists  were,  and  told  them  we  could  not  be  sent  and  or- 
dained of  God — that  we  must  be  sent  of  the  devil.  I  doubt 
not  but  souls  will  be  brought  to  God  here.  I  rode  to  Shock- 
ley's  on  Wednesday,  and  preached  on  Luke  xiii,  24-26,  to 
about  fifty  people ;  had  great  life.  The  work  of  God  deep- 
ens here,  though  it  is  but  low  with  some.  I  have  rode  about 
a  hundred  miles  since  this  day  week,  and  preached  six  times 
to  not  more  than  six  hundred  people. 

Thursday,  30.  Lord,  keep  me  this  day.  I  rose  early,  and 
preached  at  Gibson's  to  about  sixty  people,  on  Luke  xii,  32. 
Some  melting  appeared  amongst  them.  I  spent  the  evening 
with  Mr.  Thorn,  an  Episcopal  minister. 

Friday,  October  1, 1*779.  I  preached  at  the  widow  Bready's, 
to  about  fifty  people,  on  1  Pet.  ii,  25.  A  great  melting  among 
the  hearers.  There  is  a  good  work :  here  three  or  four  were 
weeping  for  pardoning  love ;  they  were  greatly  affected. 
The  work  declines  at  Williams's,  but  revives  here.    The  Lord 


328 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Oct.,  1779 


doth  provoke  them  to  jealousy  for  their  slothfulness  and  di- 
visions ;  but  I  hope  they  will  revive  again. 

Sunday,  3.  I  preached  on  2  Cor.  ii,  11,  with  some  vigour; 
about  two  hundred  to  hear.    After  this,  I  went  to  church. 

Mr.  N  1  preached  a  good  sermon  on  these  words,  "  I  am 

determined  not  to  know  anything  among  you,  save  Jesus 
Christ  and  him  crucified."  I  rode  with  haste  to  the  Draw- 
bridge, and  spoke  on  2  Pet.  i,  20,  21,  to  about  two  hundred 
people.    The  Lord  was  with  us  of  a  truth. 

Monday,  4.  I  preached  at  Furby's,  on  Heb.  iv,  15,  16; 
afterward  gave  an  exhortation  to  the  society  ;  and  found  great 
fervour  among  the  people. 

Tuesday,  5.  I  preached  at  Perdin's,  on  Acts  xvii,  11  ;  met 
the  society;  told  the  people  the  whole  of  our  intention,  and 
answered  all  the  objections  to  the  preachers  and  rules  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  serious  ;  joined  three  in  society,  one  a  young 
lad,  about  thirteen,  broken-hearted. 

Wednesday,  6.  I  rode  to  T.  White's.  I  met  the  people 
at  E.  White's  ;  they  appeared  to  be  stirred  up,  when  I  told 
them  that  they  were  some  of  the  first-fruits  of  the  Spirit  in 
these  parts,  and  that  God  was  reviving  his  work  a  little  dis- 
tance off. 

Thursday,  7.  I  prayed  frequently  ;  read  the  first  epistle 
to  the  Corinthians.  I  am  kept  watchful,  and  have  some  holy 
breathings  after  God.  I  received  a  letter  from  brother  Ruff : 
he  savs  the  work  deepens  in  the  Jerseys ;  it  spreads  in  this 
(Delaware)  State,  also  in  Talbot,  in  Maryland. 

Friday,  8.  Brother  M'Clure  came  over.  We  settled  a  plan 
for  the  next  half  year,  in  Maryland,  Delaware,  Pennsylvania, 
and  Jersey.  Our  difficulties  are  great :  we  have  not  a  suf- 
ficient number  of  proper  preachers  ;  some  who  are  gifted 
cannot  go  into  all  the  States,  on  account  of  the  oaths  ;  others 
are  under  bail,  and  cannot  move  far.  I  have  not  spent  this 
day  as  I  ought ;  perhaps  not  one  in  my  whole  life.  I  read 
eleven  chapters  in  the  second  of  Corinthians,  in  course.  Bro- 
ther Hartley  being  bailed  from  Talbot  jail,  after  near  three 
months'  imprisonment,  came  to  take  Kent  in  my  absence  :  he 


Oct.,  1779.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


329 


preached  on  :  "  Persecuted,  but  not  forsaken  ;  cast  down,  but 
not  destroyed." 

Saturday,  9.  I  went  to  the  Forks,  and  lodged  at  White 
Brown's. 

Sunday,  10.  The  people  had  not  proper  notice  at 
Twyford's.  I  preached  on  1  Peter  i,  8.  In  the  after- 
noon I  preached  at  Senior  Turpin's,  on  Romans  vi,  17,  18. 
About  two  hundred  were  at  both  places ;  some  moving  at 
the  latter. 

Monday,  11.  I  rose  at  five  o'clock,  and  returned  to  my 
stud}r.  I  want  nothing  but  devotion  to  God,  and  to  employ 
each  moment  for  him.  This  day  I  preached  at  John  Can- 
non's, near  the  chapel,  to  about  three  hundred  people,  on 
Acts  xvii,  11.  They  did  not  understand  much,  and  felt  less. 
I  had  a  smart  contest  with  a  man  upwards  of  seventy  years 
of  age,  deaf  to  Scripture,  sense,  or  reason,  yet  one  that  has 
been  sorely  afflicted  ;  but  age,  like  the  word,  if  it  does  not 
soften,  hardens.  I  returned  to  White  Brown's  :  a  few  met 
me  ;  I  prayed  and  gave  an  exhortation.  God  was  with  us. 
These  I  call  my  children.  I  find  my  soul  feels  the  good 
effects  of  prayer.  0  !  what  can  stand  before  faith  and 
prayer  ? 

Tuesday,  12.  We  are  about  to  lay  a  plan  to  build  a  chapel 
at  Brown's.  I  preached  the  funeral  sermon  of  one  Smith  ; 
it  was  thought  he  had  a  work  of  grace  on  his  heart  before  he 
died.  There  were  about  one  hundred  people.  I  spoke  loud 
and  long,  on  Matt,  xxiv,  44.  I  hope  some  felt,  and  will  re- 
member it. 

Wednesday,  13.  I  preached  at  Joseph  Turpin's,  to  about 
one  hundred  people,  on  Luke  xiii,  23-27.  There  was  a  move 
amongst  the  people.  I  met  the  class,  and  they  were  serious. 
I  had  a  fever ;  went  over  to  H.  K.'s  ;  returned  at  night,  and 
made  a  plan  for  the  house  in  the  Fork.  Next  morning  I  set 
off  at  nine  o'clock,  called  on  the  way  to  appoint  preaching  at 
a  new  place.  I  met  with  an  old  man  who  had  strange  no- 
tions about  the  Methodists'  rejecting  the  ordinances,  and 
pulling  down  the  Church  ;  whom  I  endeavoured  to  set  right. 


330 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1779. 


I  came  to  Joseph  Moore's  about  one  o'clock,  and  found  my- 
self better  after  my  ride.  I  am  kept,  through  grace,  and 
find  daily  growth  therein,  and  am  resolved  to  spend  an  hour 
in  devotion  before  I  leave  the  room  each  morning.  I  am 
more  than  ever  pressed  with  the  weight  of  my  work,  and  the 
worth  of  souls.  Ah  !  what  is  preaching,  without  living  to 
God  ?  It  is  a  daily  unction  we  want,  that  the  word  may  be 
like  a  hammer  and  fire  from  our  mouths,  to  break  hearts,  and 
kindle  life  and  fire. 

Friday,  15.  I  spoke  on  1  Pet.  i,  7-4,  to  about  thirty  peo- 
ple. It  was  a  blessing  to  the  people.  I  was  a  little  unwell ; 
did  not,  could  not,  employ  my  time  as  I  wished.  I  live  in 
hopes  God  will  make  me  a  blessing  in  this  journey,  after 
trials  and  disappointments.  I  read  the  epistles  to  the  Philip- 
pians  and  Colossians,  in  the  order  of  reading  the  Bible 
through. 

Saturday,  16.  I  went  to  Joshua  Moore's,  and  met  the  so- 
ciety. There  were  about  thirty  people.  I  exhorted  for  near 
an  hour,  and  spoke  closely  to  the  people,  who  are  apt  to  jar 
about  professions  ;  they  are  too  stiff  on  both  sides. 

Sunday,  17.  I  preached  at  George  Moore's,  to  about  two 
hundred  people,  on  2  Thess.  i,  7-10.  I  was  assisted  to  be 
very  alarming,  and  hope  not  all  in  vain :  in  the  afternoon  I 
preached  at  Joshua  Moore's,  on  Rom.  vi,  20-23  ;  some  felt 
who  were  not  at  the  morning  sermon. 

Monday,  18.  I  rose  at  five  o'clock  :  Lord,  help  me  under 
all  my  trials !  I  addressed  the  throne  of  grace  fervently,  but 
cannot  be  what  I  want  to  be,  at  all  times,  and  in  everything. 
Lord,  think  upon  me  for  good  !  I  was  guided  by  my  own 
experience,  being  much  tempted,  to  speak  on  Heb.  iv,  14-16, 
and  found  it  was  blessed  to  the  serious  part  of  my  congre- 
gation. Here  were  about  four  hundred  people.  I  found 
several  had  been  greatly  tempted,  and  ready  to  despair,  as 
if  there  was  no  sacrifice  for  sin ;  but,  blessed  be  God,  we  have 
a  High  Priest.  My  reading  was  only  the  first  epistle  to  the 
Thessalonians.  Days  are  short,  and  travelling  every  day,  I 
do  very  little. 


Oct.,  1779.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL, 


331 


Tuesday,  19.  I  prayed  often,  read  the  second  epistle  to 
the  Thessalonians,  first  and  second  epistles  to  Timothy,  by 
half  after  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning.  I  am  kept  in  peace 
and  uprightness  of  heart,  desire,  and  action.  0,  that  eveiy 
moment  were  devoted  to  God  !  that  I  could  do  more  to  his 
glory !  I  rode  to  Bradley's,  and  preached  to  about  eighty 
people  ;  was  led  out,  in  speaking  on  1  John  i,  7,  8,  to  a  quiet, 
unfeeling  people.  I  then  drew  a  subscription  for  building  a 
chapel  here.    My  mind  is  in  peace  :  praise  God  ! 

Wednesday,  20.   I  set  out  for  Nanticoke,  and  found  the 

family  unwilling  to  part  with  me.    Mr.  T  y  preached  at 

the  church  at  Broad-Creek.  I  had  to  meet  the  people  at  a 
new  place ;  found  about  eighty  or  a  hundred,  rather  wild, 
who  looked  with  amazing  wonder.    I  was  exceedingly  severe, 

from  Isa.  lv,  6,  7.    Was  invited  to  dine  with  Mrs.  A  d, 

who  seemed  serious  ;  I  came  to  Joseph  Turpin's,  just  at 
night,  and  spoke  with  a  man  under  deep  concern  for  his 
soul,  and  hope  it  will  turn  to  good  account  in  the  end.  I  had 
a  subscription  bill,  and  plan,  drawn  for  a  preaching-house  in 
the  Fork. 

Thursday,  21.  I  preached  at  Turpin's,  on  1  Cor.  i,  20-25  ; 
but  few  people,  and  they,  too,  unfeeling.  I  lodged  at  H. 
K  n's. 

Friday,  22.  Preached  at  White  Brown's,  on  Eph.  ii,  19-22. 
I  had  some  liberty,  but  it  is  a  day  of  small  things.  We  ob- 
tained some  subscribers,  and  laid  out  an  acre  of  ground  for 
the  purpose  of  erecting  our  preaching-house.  I  am  kept  by 
much  prayer  and  grace.  I  had  the  curiosity  to  read  Graham's 
Journey  through  England.  He  gives  a  large  account  of  the 
churches,  and  noblemen's  seats ;  but  not  so  accurate  on  the 
face  of  the  country,  and  distance  of  places. 

Saturday,  23.  I  preached  with  some  enlargement  at  Tho- 
mas Lay  ton's,  on  Heb.  xii,  4,  to  about  a  hundred  people  :  the 
work  of  God  increases  here. 

Sunday,  24.  Cloudy  and  rain.  This  day  was  appointed 
for  Mrs.  Jessop's  funeral.  There  were  about  three  hundred 
people ;  we  had  the  use  of  the  barn.    I  spoke  with  great 


332 


ASBUItY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Oct.,  1110. 


opening,  on  Hcb.  ix,  27  ;  was  much  assisted  in  showing  to  my 
hearers;  first,  What  it  is  to  die;  second,  The  judgment, 
with  the  certain  consequences  of  both ;  third,  The  appoint- 
ment for  all  men  once  to  die ;  and  controverted  the  argument 
against  being  saved  from  sin,  drawn  from  death — that  it  is 
not  a  punishment  to  the  righteous ;  that  their  constitutions 
being  subject  to  decay,  makes  it  necessary,  and  in  imitation 
of  Christ,  to  suffer  as  he  did  in  death,  without  sin.  I  went 
home  with  D.  Polk. 

Monday,  25.  I  preached  at  William  Laws's,  on  Luke  vi, 
last  three  verses.  There  were  about  a  hundred  persons  :  the 
work  goes  on.  I  went  to  see  J.  L.,  jun.,  sick,  and  perhaps 
near  his  end. 

Tuesday,  26.  Rode  to  the  widow  Mastin's,  and  preached 
to  about  seventy  people,  on  Rom.  xi,  12.  Brother  Peddicord, 
and  brother  Debrular,  met  with  me ;  after  more  than  a  fort- 
night's trip.  I  am  preparing  for  quarter-meeting,  expecting 
it  will  be  a  great  time  of  the  Lord's  power  :  souls  are  brought 
in  every  day.  The  death  of  Mr.  Dickenson  was  something 
remarkable :  full  of  the  world,  and  judge  of  Caroline 
court ;  he  went  to  bed  well,  was  taken  in  an  hour  after,  and 
soon  took  his  departure  out  of  this  to  the  unseen  world.  He 
was  often  heard  to  speak  against  the  Methodists  ;  he  knows 
now  the  truth  of  these  things  we  controvert. 

Wednesday,  27.  I  was  in  close  employment,  bringing  up 
my  journal,  and  reading  the  Bible  and  Testament. 

Thursday,  28.  I  was  helping  to  make  the  arbour  to  preach 
under,  and  prayed  frequently  that  God  might  be  with  us ; 
was  not  so  spiritual  as  I  wished.  I  read  2  Peter,  and  so  to 
the  end  of  my  Bible.  I  rose  at  three  o'clock,  and  spent  an 
hour  in  prayer  and  retirement,  and  gave  myself  to  reading. 
I  do  not  find  the  same  life  when  at  study,  as  when  riding 
and  preaching  every  day  ;  though  I  become  tired  of  both  too 
much. 

Friday,  29.  I  visited  the  sick,  and  spent  some  time  in  re- 
tirement. 

Saturday,  30.  I  preached  a  sacramental  sermon  from  1  Cor. 


Nov.,  mo.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


333 


xi,  28-30  ;  was  directed  to  the  awful  consequence  of  an  un- 
worthy, and  the  blessings  of  a  proper,  receiving  it. 

Sunday,  31.  We  all  went  to  church,  preachers  and  people, 
and  received  the  sacrament.  Messrs.  Thorn,  O'Neal,  and 
M'Gaw,  were  present.  Mr.  O'Neal  preached  an  affecting 
passion  sermon  ;  after  the  Lord's  supper,  Mr.  M'Gaw  preached 
an  excellent  sermon.  At  night  I  preached  in  the  barn,  on 
"  He  that  saith  he  abideth  in  him,  ought  himself  also  so  to 
walk,  even  as  he  walked." 

Monday,  November  1,  1779.  Our  quarter-meeting  began  in 
Edward  White's  barn.  The  three  clergymen  attended  with 
great  friendship.  I  preached  on  Isaiah  Ixvi,  6,  7,  and  had 
much  liberty  :  there  were  about  a  thousand  or  twelve  hun- 
dred people,  and  the  greater  part  were  serious ;  brother 
Garrettson  and  brother  Ruff  exhorted. 

Tuesday,  2.  I  preached  again  on  1  Thessalonians  ii,  13, 
with  more  power  and  application  to  the  people  :  we  held  our 
love-feast  in  the  morning  ;  preaching  at  twelve  o'clock  ;  bro- 
thers Hartly  and  M'Clure  exhorted.  There  were  as  many 
people,  or  rather  more  than  yesterday  ;  the  barn  and  treading- 
floor  filled.  We  had  a  close  conversation  with  the  clergy, 
who  informed  themselves  of  our  rules,  and  were  willing  to 
give  us  all  the  assistance  they  could  by  word  and  deed. 

Wednesday,  3.  We  parted  in  much  affection  and  great 
•  We  appointed  to  meet  at  Mr.  Thorn's,  Monday  three 
weeks.  The  Lord  hath  done  great  tilings  for  us  among  the 
people :  may  he  make  and  keep  us  humble !  I  am  unwell 
with  so  much  exercise.  The  weather  favoured  us  much ; 
after  a  little  rain,  it  cleared  away  a  fine,  pure,  healthy  day, 
only  cool ;  all  went  well ;  there  was  great  harmony  among 
us,  though  men  of  different  political  principles  ;  we  sup- 
pressed these,  and  all  was  love.  There  was  an  extraordinary 
deliverance  this  morning ;  brother  Edward  White's  boy, 
about  six  years  old,  fell  into  the  well ;  was  prevented  by  his 
sister  from  falling  head  foremost,  but  no  more ;  young  as  he 
was  he  held  the  bucket:  went  down  as  far  as  the  bucket 
would  go,  came  up,  let  go  the  bucket,  took  hold  of  the  sides 


334 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Nov.,  1779. 


of  the  well,  and  saved  himself;  his  father  went  down  and 
brought  him  up :  all  these  things  demand  notice  and  thanks- 
giving. 

Thursday,  4.  I  rose  early:  prayed  several  times  before  I 
left  the  room,  and  wrote  to  the  stewards  in  Philadelphia. 
Most  of  my  time  to-day  was  taken  up  in  writing  :  I  am  kept 
in  peace  with  God :  I  am  watchful. 

I  here  give  a  short  and  extraordinary  account  of  the  case 
of  Achsah  Borden.  From  her  childhood  she  was  attentive 
to  reading  her  Bible,  and  ofttimes  had  serious  thoughts  of 
eternity :  one  day,  reading  and  meditating,  an  uncommon 
light  and  comfort  flowed  into  her  heart.  Her  soul  cried  out, 
"  Sweet  Jesus !"  and  was  convinced  Christ  was  her  Saviour  ; 
her  friends  observing  for  a  season  that  she  was  very  serious, 
feared  a  melancholy  ;  which  to  prevent,  they  gathered  their 
friends  and  neighbours,  with  music  and  dancing,  thinking  to 
rouse  her  (as  they  said)  from  her  stupidity,  or  charm  off  her 
religious  frenzy.  Through  various  temptations  she  was  pre- 
vailed upon  to  go  into  company,  of  course,  into  sin  :  she  lost 
her  comfort,  and  afterward  fell  into  deep  distress:  she  had 
heard  of  the  Methodists,  and  was  anxious  to  go  to  them  that 
they  might  pray  for  her.  Those  with  whom  she  was,  paid 
no  regard  to  her  importunity,  but  locked  her  up  in  a  room, 
and  ordered  all  the  knives  to  be  taken  away.  She  knew 
their  meaning,  but  says  she  was  under  no  temptation  to  de- 
stroy or  lay  violent  hands  upon  herself.  Soon  after  this  her 
speech  failed  her,  so  that  she  only  spoke  half  sentences,  and 
would  be  stopped  by  inability  ;  but  by  grasping  anything  hard 
in  her  hand,  she  could  speak  with  difficulty  and  delibera- 
tion ;  but  soon  lost  this  power,  and  a  dumb  spirit  took  per- 
fect possession  of  her  :  she  said,  then  it  was  impressed  on  her 
mind,  "  The  effectual  and  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man 
availeth  much."  She  heard  the  Methodists  were  a  people 
that  prayed  much,  and  still  retained  her  desire  to  go 
amongst  them,  and  by  signs  made  it  known  to  her  friends. 
And  after  about  one  year's  silence,  her  mother  was  prevailed 
upon  to  go  with  her  to  New  Mills,  New- Jersey,  (about  thir- 


Nov.,  1779.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


335 


teen  miles  distant,)  where  there  was  a  society  and  meeting- 
house :  they  knew  no  Methodists,  nor  could  get  any  one  to 
tell  them  where  to  find  any,  notwithstanding  they  were  now 
in  the  midst  of  them.    Satan  hindered :  inquiry  was  made 

among  the  B  ts,  who  knew  the  Methodists,  of  whom  we 

might  have  expected  better  things.  They  returned  home, 
and  after  another  year's  waiting  in  silence,  by  signs  her  mo- 
ther was  persuaded  to  come  to  New  Mills  again :  they  fell 

in  with  the  B  ts  again  ;  but  turning  from  them,  with 

much  difficulty,  and  some  hours'  wandering,  they  found  one 
to  direct  them.  They  went  where  a  number  were  met  for 
prayer ;  the  brethren  saw  into  her  case,  believing  it  was  a 
dumb  spirit,  and  that  God  would  cast  him  out.  Prayer 
was  made  part  of  three  days :  the  third  day  at  evening  she 
cried  for  mercy,  soon  spoke  and  praised  God,  from  a  sense 
of  comforting,  pardoning  love.  During  the  two  years  of 
her  silence,  she  would  not  work  at  all,  nor  do  the  smallest 
thing. 

Friday,  5.  Set  apart  for  fasting  and  prayer :  though 
tempted  at  times,  I  shall  not  be  overcome :  I  had  rather  die 
than  sin  against  God.  I  read  about  one  hundred  octavo 
pages,  then  applied  to  the  Bible  for  tlie  exercises  of  the  re- 
maining part  of  the  day  :  I  began  the  reading  of  my  Bible 
through  again :  read  a  few  chapters  in  Genesis,  visited  the 
sick  in  the  neighbourhood,  but  ate  nothing  till  six  o'clock  at 
night ;  had  various  struggles,  but  the  grace  of  God  is  suffi- 
cient for  me  at  all  times  :  glory  be  to  J esus  ! 

Saturday,  6.  I  set  out  for  Boyer's,  called  at  Joseph  Per- 
din's,  who  was  convinced  about  two  years  ago  by  my  preach- 
ing, but  through  fear  and  want  of  resolution  was  kept  back : 
he  said  my  preaching  always  came  home  to  him ;  now  he 
has  found  peace. 

Sunday,  7.  I  preached  at  Boyer's,  on  Luke  vi,  and  last 
verse  ;  then  rode  to  town,  and  heard  a  most  excellent  ser- 
mon, on  "Follow  peace  with  all  men,  and  holiness."  The 
sermon  was  close,  and  much  to  the  purpose.  I  preached  on 
1  Corinthians  i,  19-23,  very  close,  and  endeavoured  to  tear 


336 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.,  1 779. 


away  their  props  and  false  dependencies.  I  lodged  at  Mr. 
M'Gaw's. 

Monday,  8.  I  rode  to  Hilliard's,  where,  with  much  com- 
fort, I  preached  to  about  forty  people,  and  had  the  most 
liberty  I  ever  felt  here  before.  I  read  a  part  of  the  Confes- 
sion of  Faith ;  some  good,  and  other  very  strong  things  in  it. 
I  thought  the  case  of  Robert  Turner  worth  notice :  he  came 
from  the  Jerseys  into  this  peninsula,  and  was  useful  in 
preaching.  Lewis  All  free  was  convinced  by  him,  who  had 
been  an  extravagant  sinner,  and  afterward  became  a  useful 
preacher.  The  said  Turner  went  home  to  his  family,  to  settle 
his  affairs,  and  intended  to  travel  after  a  few  weeks ;  brother 
Ruff,  from  a  great  call,  pressed  him  to  go  into  the  circuit 
before  the  time  he  intended  ;  Ruff  said,  "  Suppose  you  had 
but  a  fortnight  to  live,  would  you  not  go  ?"  Turner  an- 
swered he  would.  By  the  time  RufF  came  round,  about  a 
fortnight,  Turner  died  with  the  small-pox ! 

Tuesday,  9.  I  spent  my  time  in  reading  a  part  of  the  Con- 
fession of  Faith  and  Catechism,  and  transcribing  a  few  sec- 
tions ;  I  read  two  chapters,  and  preached  on  the  Epistle  to 
the  Laodiceans ;  I  was  assisted  in  speaking,  and  inwardly 
mourned  over  the  people.  Though  very  severely  tried  at 
times,  I  have  great  feelings  in  prayer,  and  sweet  consolation. 
I  find  the  Lord  revives  my  soul,  and  I  am  greatly  assisted  ; 
I  preached  at  Allfree's  to  about  thirty  people.  I  hav«  been 
greatly  led  out  every  time  I  have  spoken  on  this  visit. 

Wednesday,  10.  I  rose  with  a  sense  of  the  Divine  pre- 
sence, in  wrestling  prayer ;  I  find  peace,  though  not  without 
some  darts  from  Satan :  I  read  three  chapters  in  the  Bible ; 
rode  to  the  widow  Howard's,  and  preached  on  Isaiah  liii,  1. 
I  spoke  as  plain  as  I  could,  but  I  fear  to  little  purpose ;  rode 
to  friend  Heathers's,  and  found  more  love  to  these  people 
than  formerly. 

Thursday,  11.  I  preached  to  about  forty  people,  at  Hil- 
liard's, thirty  at  Allfree's,  and  forty  at  Howard's ;  I  had 
liberty  in  speaking  on  the  faithful  and  wise  servant,  at  the 
Forest  chapel. 


Nov.,  1779.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


337 


Friday,  12.  I  spoke  on  Galatians  vi,  16-18,  and  was 
pointed,  but  there  was  no  great  moving  among  the  people : 
I  dwelt  upon  the  life  and  power  of  religion :  if  they  under- 
stood me,  I  fear  they  did  not  feel  the  word.  I  kept  this  day 
in  fasting,  till  near  four  o'clock,  then  took  a  cup  of  milk 
and  bread :  I  have  read  the  Confession  of  Faith  and  the 
Assembly's  Catechism :  they  are  calculated  to  convert 
the  judgment,  and  make  the  people  systematical  Chris- 
tians. 

Saturday,  13.  I  went  to  Wells's,  and  had  about  forty 
hearers.  I  spoke  on  Zechariah,  eighth  chapter  and  last 
verse :  "  We  will  go  with  you :  for  we  have  heard  that  God 
is  with  you."  Brother  Garrettson  preached  at  Shaw's  at 
night.  1  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Jarratt,  who  is  greatly 
alarmed,  but  it  is  too  late :  he  should  have  begun  his  oppo- 
sition before.  Our  zealous  dissenting  brethren  are  for  turning 
all  out  of  the  society  who  will  not  submit  to  their  adminis- 
tration. I  find  the  spirit  of  separation  grows  among  them, 
and  fear  that  it  will  generate  malevolence,  and  evil  speaking : 
after  all  my  labour,  to  unite  the  Protestant  Episcopal  minis- 
try to  us,  they  say,  "We  don't  want  your  unconverted 
ministers  ;  the  people  will  not  receive  them."  I  expect  to 
turn  out  shortly  among  them,  and  fear  a  separation  will  be 
unavoidable :  I  am  determined,  if  we  cannot  save  all,  to  save 
a  part ;  but  for  the  divisions  of  Reuben  there  will  be  great 
heart  searchings  ! 

Sunday,  14.  I  preached  at  the  chapel,  to  about  four  hun- 
dred serious  people,  from  John  iv,  48  :  I  spoke  for  near  two 
hours  ;  perhaps  it  is  the  last  time.  I  preached  at  Shaw's  in 
the  afternoon,  on  Numbers  x,  29,  and  following  verses,  to 
about  three  hundred  people,  and  had  much  sweetness :  surely 
there  will  be  a  work  here.  I  have  been  pressed  to  go  to 
Virginia :  time  and  circumstances  must  shortly  determine 
whether  I  go  to  the  north  or  south. 

Monday,  15.  I  rode  twelve  miles,  to  Stephen  Black's,  and 
preached  on  John  xii,  48,  to  about  sixty  people.  I  had 
some  opening,  and  met  the  class.    I  am  kept  in  peace, 


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[Nov,  1779. 


though  under  reasoning  about  what  is  right  and  wrong ;  but 
I  am  determined  to  be  on  the  sure  side. 

Tuesday,  16.  Rode  to  Oalehan's,  and  had  about  fifty 
people  :  spoke  on  "  The  kingdom  of  God  is  not  in  word  but 
in  power."    I  then  returned  to  Thomas  White's. 

Wednesday,  17.  I  rode  to  Stradley's  :  had  about  sixty 
people  to  hear :  met  the  society  of  about  twenty-two  mem- 
bers, all  serious,  and  under  good  impressions.  I  was  surpri- 
sed to  find  them  so  clear  in  their  ideas  of  religion,  and  was 
blest  among  them :  returned  to  Thomas  White's,  met  the 
people,  gave  a  warm,  searching  exhortation.  I  am  troubled 
about  our  separating  brethren,  in  Virginia:  I  have  read 
through  the  Book  of  Genesis  ;  and  again  have  read  the 
Confession  of  Faith,  the  Assembly's  Catechism,  Directory 
of  Church  Government,  and  Form  for  the  Public  Worship : 
now  I  understand  it  better  than  I  like  it.  I  purposed  to 
rise  at  four  o'clock,  as  often  as  I  can,  and  spend  two  hours 
in  prayer  and  meditation ;  two  hours  in  reading,  and  one  in 
recreating  and  conversation ;  and  in  the  evening,  to  take  my 
room  at  eight,  pray  and  meditate  an  hour,  and  go  to  bed  at 
nine  o'clock  :  all  this  I  purpose  to  do,  when  not  travelling  ; 
but  to  rise  at  four  o'clock  every  morning. 

Thursday,  18.  Spent  the  day  in  reading  and  prayer,  but 
was  sorely  tempted  ;  wrote  letters  to  W.  Lynch,  Waters,  and 
the  venerable  Otterbine. 

Friday,  19.  I  kept  a  day  of  fasting  and  humiliation. 

Saturday,  20.  Ended  the  reading  of  Salmon's  Grammar, 
more  than  six  hundred  pages. 

Sunday,  21.  Preached  on  John  v,  44,  to  the  end  of  the 
chapter,  and  was  clear  and  pointed  :  the  people  are  stirred  up, 
but  there  are  disorders  among  them,  occasioned  by  their  un- 
faithfulness.   Met  the  society,  and  afterward  the  Africans. 

Monday,  22.  Rose  between  four  and  five,  spent  an  hour  in 
prayer  and  meditation,  read  a  few  chapters  in  the  Bible  before 
it  was  day-light:  I  want  to  be  all  devoted  to  God;  every 
moment  given  up  to  Christ.  Rode  to  Maxfield's,  and  preached 
to  about  three  hundred  people ;  spoke  on  "  Lord,  are  there 


Nov.,  1119.2  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


339 


few  that  be  saved  ?"  First,  showed,  What  we  are  to  be  saved 
from.  2.  How  we  are  saved.  3.  Why  there  are  few.  No 
open  sinner  can  be  in  a  state  of  salvation  ;  no  formalist,  violent 
sectarian,  having  only  opinions  and  modes  of  religion ;  no 
hypocrites  or  backsliders  ;  no,  nor  those  who  are  only  seekers. 
I  came  back,  was  much  tried,  prayed  to  the  Lord  for  peace, 
and  opened  my  Bible  on  these  words ;  "  So  the  service  was 
prepared,  and  the  priests  stood  in  their  places,  and  the  Levites 
in  their  courses,  according  to  the  king's  commandment." 

Tuesday,  23.  Rode  to  Layton's,  and  preached  to  about 
thirty  people,  from  "  Through  much  tribulation  we  must  en- 
ter into  the  kingdom  of  God."  Spoke  as  my  own  experience 
led  me ;  then  returned  to  Edward  White's,  and  lectured  on 
Moses  meeting  his  father-in-law,  Exodus  xviii.  There  were 
not  many  people,  but  they  were  happy. 

Wednesday,  24.  Rode  to  the  widow  Jump's,  and  preached 
to  about  thirty  souls,  on  "Why  sayest  thou,  0  Jacob,  and 
speakest  thou,  0  Israel,"  &c.  There  is  a  declension  here ; 
but  I  follow  my  own  feelings.  A  great  sweetness  has  attend- 
ed me  this  day,  although  I  drank  of  the  wormwood  and  the 
gall  in  the  morning.  When  I  get  out  into  the  work,  I  am 
always  happy. 

Thursday,  25.  Rose  at  four  o'clock,  and  had  a  sweet  time 
in  meditation  and  prayer,  from  four  to  six ;  purpose  to  spend 
two  hours  in  the  morning,  and  one  at  night,  in  these  blessed 
exercises.  Began  this  morning  to  read  books  on  the  practice 
of  physic  :  I  want  to  help  the  bodies  and  souls  of  men. 

Friday,  26.  Preached  at  William  Laws's  to  about  a  hun- 
dred people ;  spoke  on  Numbers  x,  29.  While  meeting  the 
class,  some  appeared  greatly  affected  :  this  evening  I  read  in 
the  Bible,  and  some  books  on  phj^sic :  also  exhorted ;  for  the 
people  press  upon  us  to  hear  the  word. 

Saturday,  27.  Was  kept  in  a  calm  after  the  devil  had  been 
tearing  my  soul  like  a  lion ;  but  he  hath  left  me  for  a  sea- 
son. I  looked  into  Rutherford's  Letters,  and  they  were  blest 
to  me :  also  looked  into  Doddridge's  Rise  and  Progress  of 
Religion,  and  that  was  also  blessed  to  me.    My  soul  is  waiting 


340 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1770. 


on  the  Lord  for  full  Christian  perfection.  I  poured  out  my 
soul  to  the  Lord  for  this,  and  for  my  brethren  in  all  parts  of 
the  world,  that  the  power  of  religion  may  continue  with  us, 
as  a  people.  I  tremble  to  think  of  the  cloud  of  the  Divine 
presence  departing  from  us ;  if  this  should  be,  I  hope  not  to 
live  to  see  it ;  and  with  Mr.  Wesley,  desire  that  God  may  ra- 
ther scatter  the  people  to  the  ends  of  the  earth ;  I  had  rather 
they  should  not  be,  than  to  be  a  dead  society : — Amen,  says 
poor  William  Spencer. 

Sunday,  28.  Preached  at  the  widow  Bready's  before  church, 
on  Hebrews  x,  12,  and  following  verses ;  had  some  liberty  in 
speaking :  afterward  went  to  church,  received  the  sacrament, 
and  returned  to  Bready's,  and  heard  J.  Cromwell,  an  original 
indeed — no  man's  copy.    Spent  a  day  with  Mr.  Thorn. 

Tuesday,  30.  I  intended  to  go  to  Choptank,  but  Mr.  M  

was  coming  down  to  preach  a  funeral  sermon,  and  desired  me 
to  stay.  We  spent  an  evening  at  the  w^idow  Bready's  together, 
and  had  some  talk  about  erecting  a  Kingswood  school  in 
America. 

Wednesday,  December,  1,  1*779.  Rode  twelve  miles  to  Car- 
den's,  and  preached  to  about  one  hundred  serious  people,  and 
I  hope  there  will  be  good  done :  met  Mr.  Airey,  from  Dor- 
chester county,  wTho  was  convinced  by  reading  the  writings 
of  old  Mr.  Perkins.  Mr.  Airey  solicits  preaching  in  that 
county.  I  have  taken  cold  by  some  means,  it  has  brought  on 
an  inflammation  in  my  throat. 

Thursday,  2.  There  fell  a  very  heavy  rain,  that  prevented 
my  going  to  Johnny-cake  Landing. 

Sunday,  26.  Preached  at  Andrew  Perdin's  to  a  large  con- 
gregation :  spoke  with  great  power  from  "  His  name  shall  be 
called  Jesus."  Afterward  preached  at  Jonathan  Sipple's, 
on  John  ii,  8 ;  there  was  some  moving  among  the  people. 

Monday,  21.  Visited  the  sick,  Cranmer,  a  faithful  soul,  and 
Ruth  Smith,  wearing  away  fast  with  a  consumption,  but  prais- 
ing God,  and  continually  preaching  Christ. 

Tuesday,  28.  A  stormy,  rainy  day:  went  to  Lewis's,  but 
none  came.    I  must  spend  the  whole  night  in  prayer,  after 


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341 


the  example  of  my  Lord ;  for  temptation  is  to  try  me ;  perhaps 
for  my  good,  as  I  have  many  things  to  lift  me  up.  Brother 
Hartley  is  now  married,  and  begins  to  care  for  his  wife.  I 
have  spent  but  little  time  to-day  in  reading  or  writing.  There 
is  a  prospect  of  a  work  of  religion  in  this  State,  if  the  preachers 
are  faithful ;  but  I  fear  none  more  than  myself ;  yet  sure  I 
am  that  I  want  to  be  the  Lord's.  The  hard,  cold  weather  is 
broke  at  last.  People  suffer  much  more  in  winter  by  cold, 
and  in  summer  by  heat,  here  than  in  England.  I  find  the 
care  of  a  wife  begins  to  humble  my  young  friend,  and  makes 
him  veiy  teachable :  I  have  thought  he  always  carried  great 
sail ;  but  he  will  have  ballast  now. 

Wednesday,  29.  Preached  at  D.  Dehad way's,  to  about  two 
hundred  people,  and  spoke  livingly  from  2  Cor.  vi,  17,  18. 
I  was  led  out  greatly.  Preached  at  night  at  Joseph  Perdin's, 
from  1  Cor.  xv,  58,  and  had  much  liberty.  One  of  the  devil's 
camps,  a  tavern,  is  broken  up  here ;  for  most  of  then'  neigh- 
bours have  forsaken  them. 

Thursday,  30.  Rode  to  Stradley's,  and  preached  on  Luke 
iv,  17,  18.  I  had  life,  and  there  were  more  people  than  I 
expected.  I  came  to  Thomas  White's,  and  went  to  see  James 
Patterson,  very  ill ;  he  appears  to  decline  swiftly. 

Friday,  31.  I  went  to  Carden's ;  a  dreadful  road,  eight 
miles  through  the  woods,  and  very  cold.  I  spoke  with  great 
warmth  on  1  John  iii,  4,  5.  Always,  when  most  tried  I  have 
the  greatest  liberty. 

Saturday,  January  1,  1780.  I  preached  at  Edward  White's 
on  Luke  iii,  6-9,  with  great  liberty  ;  not  in  much  order,  but 
useful  to  the  people.  Went  to  see  I.  Peterkins ;  he  is  con- 
tinually praying  now  death  is  before  him.  Lord,  hear  and 
answer  his  prayer !  Now  commences  the  new  year ;  these  two 
years  past  have  been  trying  years  to  me,  and  I  doubt  not  but 
this  will  be  so  likewise ;  only,  my  God,  keep  me  through  the 
water  and  fire,  and  let  me  rather  die  than  live  to  sin  against 
thee ! 

Sunday,  2.  Rode  to  Carden's,  eight  miles  through  the 
swamp,  by  ten  o'clock,  and  preached  at  eleven  to  about  two 


342 


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[Jan.,  1780. 


hundred  people,  from,  "To-day,  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice, 
harden  not  your  hearts."  I  had  the  presence  of  God,  and 
spoke  more  than  an  hour.  I  believe  good  was  done.  We 
came  back  safe  through  the  snow  and  ice  :  preached  at  bro- 
ther White's  a  little  after  two  o'clock,  on  Deut.  xxix,  10-13, 
upon  renewing  their  covenant :  addressed  the  family  at  night. 
It  was  a  dreary  night  of  rain,  wind,  snow,  and  frost.  I  have 
been  much  tried  and  much  blest.  "  It  is  through  much  tribu- 
lation we  must  enter  the  kingdom." 

Monday,  3.  Exceeding  cold  weather:  thank  the  Lord  for 
a  house  and  home,  and  all  necessary  things. 

Tuesday,  4.  Read  a  chapter  in  the  Bible,  read  the  Good 
Steward,  a  Sermon  upon  the  Reformation  of  Manners,  and 
Mr.  Wesley's  Sermon  on  Mr.  Whitefield's  death :  was  closely 
employed :  prayed  three  times  in  the  family,  and  attended 
private  prayer  my  usual  times.  I  long  to  be  holy  and  to 
make  the  best  use  of  a  short  life.  How  much  skill  is  required 
to  be  a  doctor !  What  diseases  the  human  body  is  subject  to  ! 
What  regimen  and  care  are  necessary !  How  many  diseases 
hath  the  soul !  What  skill  ought  a  preacher  to  have  to  know 
the  causes  and  cures ! — it  will  require  all  his  time  and  study  : 
the  consequences  of  miscarriages  are  greater  in  the  soul  than 
the  body. 

Wednesday,  5.  Prayed  and  read  closely  till  three  o'clock  in 
Mr.  Wesley's  fourth  volume  of  Methodized  Works.  I  have 
my  trials,  and  believe  it  is  because  I  am  not  so  extensively  in 
the  work  as  I  hope  to  be  shortly. 

Thursday,  6.  I  did  not  travel ;  but  read  my  Testament, 
and  some  of  Young's  poetry,  which  is  very  sublime:  was 
much  taken  up  in  prayer.  I  want  to  be  employed  in  travel- 
ling and  preaching,  if  the  weather  would  permit.  Europeans 
cannot  judge  of  the  inclemency  of  our  climate  but  by  expe- 
rience. I  have  hard  struggles;  but,  glory  be  to  God,  his 
grace  is  sufficient. 

Friday,  7.  The  ice  on  the  ground,  and  the  coldness  of  the 
weather,  prevents  my  travelling.  This  was  a  day  of  fasting : 
I  ate  nothing  till  after  three  o'clock,  and  then  only  a  bowl  of 


Jan.,  17 80. J  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


343 


milk :  amidst  all  my  exercises,  I  feel  as  though  I  advanced  in 
the  Divine  life ;  am  thankful  that  I  am  so  well  provided  for, 
when,  no  doubt,  thousands  are  suffering  the  want  of  food,  firing, 
house-room,  and  clothing.  0 !  may  I  act  worthy  of  these 
favours  !   At  four  o'clock  began  reading  Mr.  Fletcher's  Checks. 

Saturday,  8.  I  spent  in  reading  and  prayer. 

Sunday,  9.  Preached  on  2  Cor.  xiii,  5  :  "  Examine  your- 
selves whether  ye  be  in  the  faith ;"  and  was  as  pointed  as  I 
could  be.    Lord,  make  it  a  blessing  to  souls  ! 

Monday,  10.  Spent  part  of  the  day  in  examining  the  list 
of  Mr.  Wesley's  books ;  employed  some  time  in  prayer,  but 
not  so  much  as  I  had  appointed. 

Tuesday,  11.  I  read  the  Checks;  went  to  view  a  spot  of 
land  for  building  a  preaching-house  upon,  formed  a  subscrip- 
tion paper,  and  obtained  subscribers  for  about  £80. 

Wednesday,  12.  Was  principally  employed  in  assorting  the 
books  for  sale. 

Thursday,  13.  Finished  reading  the  First  Check:  the 
style  and  spirit  in  which  Mr.  Fletcher  writes,  at  once  bespeak 
the  scholar,  the  logician,  and  divine. 

Friday,  14.  A  day  of  fasting,  prayer,  writing,  and  visiting 
the  society :  was  kept  in  peace,  but  did  not  spend  so  much 
time  in  prayer  as  I  wished  to  do. 

Saturday,  15.  I  am  going  into  Sussex :  my  mind  is  serene, 
raised  to  God  and  heaven,  and  longing  for  the  salvation  of  souls 
as  much  as  ever.  I  rode  to  Johnstown  :  the  roads  are  spread 
with  sheets  of  ice ;  but  my  horse,  rough  shod,  went  safe. 

Sunday,  16.  Read  my  selections,  and  part  of  the  Revela- 
tion, and  preached  at  Alexander  Law's,  to  about  a  hundred 
and  fifty  people,  an  argumentative  sermon,  from  John  iv,  48. 
There  were  some  opposers  to-day.  I  met  the  family,  and 
spoke  to  the  Africans. 

Monday,  1*7.  Spoke  from  1  Timothy  i,  15,  with  great  en- 
largement, to  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  people  ;  and  Tues- 
day at  Sharp's,  on  1  John  i,  8,  9.  I  had  much  light  and 
liberty  while  speaking.  I  lodged  at  Mr.  Rawlston's,  a  candid, 
conversable  Presbyterian  elder. 


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Wednesday  19.  Preached  on  Mark  viii,  34-36,  at  William 
Law's,  to  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  people  ;  met  the  society. 
I  was  led  out  upon  the  subject,  and  believe  many  felt  it. 
The  Presbyterians  appeared  to  be  very  attentive :  truth  will 
bear  a  strict  scrutiny. 

Thursday,  20.  Preached  at  Spencer  Hitche's  to  about 
thirty  people,  on  Titus  i,  15,  16.  I  was  searching,  and  the 
weather  very  piercing :  afterward  went  to  Mr.  Daniel  Polk's. 

Friday,  21.  Rode  to  White  Brown's.  This  week  past  I 
have  been  in  much  haste,  but  have  read  a  little  every  day, 
and  finished  the  book  of  Joshua.  O,  for  more  holiness  of 
heart !  I  cannot  rise  so  early  as  I  would,  it  is  so  extremely 
cold  these  days  and  nights.  I  long  to  be  more  spiritual.  I 
am  glad  to  hear  that  brother  Cromwell's  labours  are  blest  in 
the  Fork,  to  the  stirring  up  and  awakening  of  several.  Glory 
be  to  God !  May  I  rejoice  more  heartily  in  the  success  of 
others,  and  yet  be  moved  to  emulation,  to  live  holier,  to  la- 
bour more,  and  preach  with  greater  fervour ! 

Sunday,  23.  About  three  hundred  people  flocked  together 
ivpon  short  notice,  to  whom  I  preached  on  Matt,  i,  21  :  "Thou 
shalt  call  his  name  Jesus :"  was  very  plain,  but  not  methodi- 
cal :  met  the  society ;  the  strangers  who  stayed,  fled  when  I 
had  nearly  done,  for  fear  I  should  speak  to  them.  In  the  af- 
ternoon I  had  a  long  conference  with  a  Nicholite,  who  wanted 
to  find  out  who  were  right — they  or  we  ;  a  man  of  no  great 
argument,  and  I  fear  but  little  religion  :  this  makes  these  peo- 
ple so  troublesome  to  us. 

Monday,  24.  Preached  a  funeral  sermon  for  Solomon  Tur- 
pin,  to  near  three  hundred  people,  from  Gen.  1,  24.  Was 
much  assisted,  and  spoke,  including  the  funeral  service  and 
exhortations  in  all,  three  hours  :  the  people  stayed  with  great 
patience  and  seriousness,  except  a  few  wild  young  men.  The 
work  revives,  and  truth  will  spread. 

Tuesday,  25.  Preached  to  about  thirty  people  at  J.  T.'s,  on 
Psalm  xxvii,  10, — the  "  orphan's  hope."  I  had  not  great  en- 
largement, but  the  few  present,  old  and  young,  were  in  some 
degree  affected.    Satan  has  tried  me,  but  cannot  prevail.  I 


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345 


read  but  little :  the  weather  is  so  severe  I  cannot  keep  from 
the  fire ;  the  rooms  are  cold  and  unfinished,  and  families  are 
in  the  way.  I  kept  my  times  for  prayer ;  but  not  so  long  or 
so  feeling  as  I  desire. 

Wednesday,  26.  Preached  a  funeral  for  one  Sizer  ;  though 
it  was  a  cold  day,  I  had  about  one  hundred  people :  spoke 
from  Psalm  xc,  12.  The  house  being  uncomfortable,  and  the 
people  cold,  I  had  not  the  satisfaction  I  wished  for,  but  hope 
there  was  some  good  done ;  cold  as  it  was,  I  read  the  burial 
service,  and  made  some  observations  upon  it  that  ought  to 
impress  our  minds.  I  returned  to  J ohn  Flowers's,  spent  some 
time  in  conversation  and  prayer,  and  then  came  to  R.  Tur- 
pin's.  There  are  three  serious  girls,  left  by  their  father  in 
possession  of  a  good  plantation :  they  are  young,  but  if  they 
are  faithful,  God  will  stand  by  them :  Rebecca  is  a  pattern 
of  piety,  and  a  stay  to  all  the  rest.  I  could  not  but  advise 
them  to  keep  house.  Lord,  help  me  to  improve !  What  is 
man !  I  am  much  troubled  at  times.  I  must  travel ;  I  al- 
ways find  a  blessing  in  it :  God  has  given  me  health,  the  best 
convenience,  and  some  gifts;  and  I  have  some  particular 
business  that  others  cannot  so  well  do.  Lord,  pardon  my 
past  sloth  fulness ! 

Thursday,  27.  The  weather  was  very  cold,  and  the  wind 
so  exceedingly  high,  it  was  hardly  safe  to  travel :  as  I  had  no 
appointment  I  stopt  for  one  day,  and  read  my  Bible  in  course, 
through  Judges ;  read  a  part  of  Fothergill's  Journal ;  in- 
structed Thomas  Garrettson  a  little  in  English. 

Friday,  28.  A  fine  day  for  travelling:  yesterday  was  so 
cold,  it  was  hardly  possible  to  travel  without  getting  one's 
limbs  frozen.  I  rose  soon  after  five  o'clock,  prayed  four  times 
before  I  left  my  room,  and  twice  in  the  family.  I  then  set 
out  for  Isaac  Moore's  below  Broad-creek,  met  with  some  diffi- 
culty in  the  way  from  the  ice,  but  came  there  safe.  Was 
variously  exercised  with  thoughts,  and  had  hard  fightings. 
After  riding  twenty -five  miles  I  took  a  little  food,  this  being  a 
day  of  abstinence  and  prayer  with  me. 

Saturday,  29.  Rose  at  five  o'clock,  prayed  five  times  in 
15* 


346 


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[Feb.,  1780. 


private,  once  in  the  family,  and  transcribed  into  my  collection 
a  piece  for  the  preachers,  from  Baxter's  Works.  Read  a  few- 
chapters  in  the  Old  and  one  in  the  New  Testament.  My  soul 
is  more  at  rest  from  the  tempter  when  I  am  busily  employed. 
Very  cold  weather  yet ;  we  are  under  great  disadvantages  in 
large  families,  people  want  much  to  talk  ;  no  glass  in  the  win- 
dows ;  some  places  not  a  room  to  sit  in  with  any  solitude. 
Went  to  visit  a  young  woman,  near  her  end,  in  a  dropsy :  she 
was  in  some  doubt  about  her  acceptance  with  God,  though  a 
professor.  I  came  in  to  her  comfort — surely  it  is  a  serious 
thing  to  die ! 

Sunday  30.  Preached  on  John,  Second  Epistle,  8th  verse: 
had  many  to  hear,  and  I  spoke  with  zeal. 

Monday,  31.  Rose  at  five  o'clock,  and  prayed  six  times, 
and  hope  God  will  be  with  and  bless  us,  and  make  it  a  time 
of  power ;  but  0  !  I  pass  through  the  fire  day  after  day. 
Lord  let  me  rather  die  than  live  to  dishonour  thee !  I 
preached  on  Psalm  cxiii,  1  ;  had  many  to  hear,  but  not  great 
liberty  in  speaking.  Joseph  Cromwell  came  in  and  gave  an 
exhortation :  the  people  were  very  serious.  In  the  evening 
we  divided  the  circuit,  and  settled  the  preachers'  stations — 
John  Cooper  for  Sussex  and  Somerset ;  Hartley  and  Black  for 
Kent  and  part  of  Sussex. 

Tuesday,  February  1,  1*780.  At  nine  o'clock  we  had  a 
love-feast — a  time  of  great  tenderness ;  after  some  time 
brother  Cromwell  spoke,  his  words  went  through  me,  as  they 
have  every  time  I  have  heard  him — he  is  the  only  man  I  have 
heard  in  America  with  whose  speaking  I  am  never  tired ;  I 
always  admire  his  unaffected  simplicity ;  he  is  a  prodigy — a 
man  that  cannot  write  or  read  well,  yet,  according  to  what  I 
have  heard,  he  is  much  like  the  English  John  Brown,  or  the 
Irish  John  Smith,  or  Beveridge's  Shepherd's  Boy :  I  fear  he 
will  not  stand  or  live  long.  The  power  of  God  attends  him 
more  or  less  in  every  place,  he  hardly  ever  opens  his  mouth 
in  vain ;  some  are  generally  cut  to  the  heart,  yet  he  himself  is 
in  the  fire  of  temptation  daily.  Lord,  keep  him  every  mo- 
ment.   I  preached  on  1  Thess.  i,  5,  and  was  much  led  out ; 


Feb.,  1780.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


34*7 


there  were  about  five  hundred  people. '  This  meeting  will  be 
attended  with  a  great  blessing — rich  and  poor  approved  the 
doctrine.  I  heard  of  the  sudden  death  of  my  dear  friend 
Jonathan  Scipple.  About  eighteen  months  ago  he  was 
brought  home  to  God,  from  an  open  sinner,  to  be  a  happy, 
faithful  man.  He  is  soon  taken  away  from  the  evil  to  come ; 
he  was  loved,  and  is  much  lamented :  in  extreme  pain,  but 
full  of  patience,  and  rejoicing  in  God,  he  made  a  blessed  end. 
All  hail,  happy  soul !  Soon  taken  thy  flight  to  rest !  This 
is  clear  gains  indeed — late  brought  in,  soon  taken  away ;  my 
mind  moves  with  mixed  passions  of  joy  and  grief.  Freeborn 
Garrettson  spoke  in  his  usual  plainness,  as  to  matter  and 
manner,  but  it  moved  the  people  greatly. 

Wednesday,  2.  I  preached  a  funeral  sermon  over  a  young 
woman  by  the  name  of  Amelia  Dodwell :  I  had  hope  in  her 
death.  I  spoke  on  Eccles.  ix,  10,  with  great  fervour  and  clear 
views ;  brother  Cromwell  exhorted :  I  spoke  at  the  grave ; 
the  people  were  serious.  Strangers  attended,  that  did  not, 
would  not,  before  quarter-meeting.  These  people  were  drawn, 
and  friends  refreshed  ;  life  begets  life.  I  have  been  humbled 
in  spirit,  but,  blessed  be  God,  all  things  go  well  in  my  own 
heart.  Freeborn  Garrettson  had  a  desire  to  go  to  Dorset; 
I  consented  to  his  going,  and  the  Lord  go  with  him. 

Thursday,  3.  Rode  to  Mr.  Freeny's,  about  ten  miles,  and 
preached  to  about  one  hundred  people.  I  spoke  upon  "  To- 
day, if  ye  will  hear  his  voice,"  &c.  Brother  Cromwell  ex- 
horted, and  some  were  moved. 

Friday,  4.  Rode  to  Jonathan  Boyer's,  and  preached  to 
about  eighty  people  :  the  Baptists  followed  us  about.  Here 
we  met  with  a  woman  in  deep  distress  ;  we  both  spoke  to  her, 
and,  I  hope,  sent  her  away  comforted.  I  had  to-day  a  pro- 
vidential escape :  my  horse  started,  turned  round  in  the  woods, 
hardly  escaped  running  me  on  the  trees ;  which,  if  he  had, 
would  have  overset  me,  and  might  have  broken  the  carriage 
and  my  limbs,  the  ground  being  so  hard ;  but,  thanks  be  to 
God,  I  received  no  hurt.  I  spoke  at  Boyer's  from  these 
words,  "  Will  ye  be  also  his  disciples  ?" 


348 


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[Feb.,  If 80. 


Saturday,  5.  Came  lo  Morgan  Williams's,  and  was  received 
kindly  for  the  first  time.  I  found  one  of  my  countrymen  un- 
der deep  distress,  a  backslider,  and  a  man  of  sense ;  if  restored 
it  may  be  he  will  be  a  preacher.  He  is  afraid  it  Is  impossible 
he  should  be  restored.  I  showed  him  the  meaning  of  Heb. 
6th  chap.,  that  it  must  be  one  who  denied  the  work  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  and  opposed  as  the  Jews  did,  and  in  enmity  to 
crucify  Christ,  which  he  never  did. 

Sunday,  6.  Spoke  on  Hosea  xiii,  9.  There  were  more 
people  than  the  house  could  hold,  and  they  were  very  atten- 
tive. The  people  seem  quite  ripe  in  the  Fork  for  the  Gospel. 
I  rode  to  Choptank,  near  thirty  miles. 

Monday,  7.  I  went  to  see  the  old  people,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Peterkin,  rejoicing  in  God,  and  willing  to  die.  Made  an  ad- 
dition to  my  book  to  the  preachers.  I  have  done  but  little 
of  account,  but  visiting  the  sick,  and  praying  with  them. 

Tuesday,  8.  I  added  to  my  book,  and  kept  my  times  of 
prayer ;  I  abridged  from  Mr.  Law.  My  mind  was  well  taken 
up  with  God. 

Wednesday,  9.  Have  peace,  but  long  to  be  more  employed 
in  the  public  work.  I  hear  the  work  spreads  in  Bolingbroke 
and  Talbot.  So  the  Lord  leads  us  on  through  many  liinder- 
ances.  Perhaps  there  never  was  such  a  work  carried  on  by 
such  simple  men,  of  such  small  abilities,  and  no  learning.  The 
Lord  shows  his  own  power,  and  makes  bare  his  own  right 
arm !  Brother  Garrettson  set  off  for  Dorset  to  preach  the 
Gospel.  We  committed  the  remains  of  Mrs.  Peterkin  to  the 
dust  at  Thomas  White's ;  she  died  in  full  triumph  of  faith ; 
many  people  were  present,  and  we  gave  exhortations  suited 
to  the  occasion. 

Thursday,  10.  I  read  a  little  in  the  morning,  and  visited 
the  sick.  Was  blessed  in  talking  with  J.  White's  family.  I 
must  spend  whole  nights  in  prayer ;  I  have  been  in  peace, 
but  want  more  love.  Brother  Hartley  has  obtained  a  dis- 
charge from  Talbot  jail,  after  much  labour  and  pains  ;  the 
grand  jury  returned  the  bill  of  indictment,  Ignoramus.  Thus 
God  makes  way  for  us  in  all  trials.    Prayed  for  an  hour  after 


Feb.,  1780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


349 


I  took  my  room  ;  I  took  my  bed  about  ten  o'clock.  Had  not 
prayed  in  the  day  so  much  as  -I  should.  O,  my  God,  keep 
me  in  the  spirit  of  prayer ! 

Saturday,  12.  Visited  my  friends,  and  prayed  from  house 
to  house  ;  met  the  class,  and  was  much  blessed.  Spent  some 
time  in  prayer ;  but  Satan  hath  many  devices. 

Sunday,  13.  I  rode  eight  miles,  and  preached  to  about  two 
hundred  people,  who  seemed  dead  and  unfeeling.  Spoke  on 
Romans  v,  19,  20,  and  laboured  hard  to  make  them  under- 
stand, but  fear  they  did  not.  At  three  o'clock  preached  on 
1  Tim.  iii,  5,  with  some  life  ;  we  had  but  few  people,  and 
most  of  them  strangers. 

Monday,  14.  The  work  of  God  revives,  but  the  people 
are  not  so  faithful  as  they  ought  to  be. 

Tuesday,  15.  A  rainy  morning  :  I  had  to  go  to  Slaughter's  ; 
and  on  my  way  called  at  John  Case's,  prayed,  and  went  on  to 
the  place  of  preaching.  There  were  about  one  hundred  very 
attentive,  poor,  ignorant  people.  Spoke  on  Acts  xiii,  26,  with 
great  liberty.  It  was  through  great  tribulation  I  went ;  I  am 
tried  as  by  fire.  I  called  at  Diall's,  and  spoke  to  him  about 
his  soul ;  went  to  see  old  Mrs.  Cox,  a  great  professor  of  re- 
ligion, but  now  going  out  of  her  senses  on  account  of  the  loose 
behaviour  of  one  of  her  children  ;  which  makes  me  fear  she 
was  upon  a  self-righteous  foundation.  She  is  now  in  a  de- 
lirium, insensible  of  anything.  Spoke  rousingly  to  her,  but 
could  not  wake  her  at  all.  Went  from  thence  to  Mr.  Peter- 
kin's  :  he  is  sick,  but  has  no  deep  sense  of  religion. 

Wednesday,  16.  A  bright,  blessed  morning,  but  I  am  in 
heaviness  through  manifold  temptations  ;  but  trust  the  Lord 
will  keep  me.  Have  read  in  the  intervals  of  these  two  days 
twelve  of  Mr.  Wesley's  Sermons  ;  and  cannot  read  them  with- 
out conviction  and  great  instruction.  God  is  with  me  :  he  is 
preparing  me  for  great  labours,  and  I  hope  yet  to  endure  to 
the  end  ;  but  must  be  more  sanctified  : 

"  Lord,  hasten  the  hour,  thy  kingdom  bring  in, 
And  give  me  the  power  to  live  without  sin." 

Keep  me  holy  and  constant  in  thy  work,  always  industrious, 


350 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1780. 


that  Satan  may  have  no  fair  occasion  to  tempt.  I  lectured 
at  Edward  White's  on  John  xiv,  19-21,  and  had  great  liberty, 
love,  and  life  ;  and  the  people  likewise.  After  all  my  trials, 
God  blesses  me.  Satan  is  a  liar,  and  Christ  is  true,  and  will 
never  leave  nor  forsake  me. 

Thursday,  17.  I  am  going  to  preach  a  funeral  sermon  for 
Zach.  Nichols,  a  schoolmaster,  a  reading  Churchman,  an 
Englishman,  and  wish  I  could  say  assuredly,  a  Christian.  I 
found  great  liberty  in  preaching  from  Matt,  xxiv,  44  ;  read 
and  explained  the  funeral  service  ;  there  was  a  great  melting 
among  the  people,  and  I  hope  not  in  vain. 

Saturday,  19.  I  rode  through  bad  roads  to  Williams's ; 
and  was  in  peace  and  prayer.  Stepped  into  Johnson's,  took 
dinner,  and  had  some  close  conversation  with  him  ;  he  is  a 
mild,  conversable  man.  I  came  in  late ;  the  people  were  met ; 
exhorted,  and  felt  some  life  among  the  people. 

Sunday,  20.  Was  solemn  in  prayer.  Spoke  on  James  i, 
22-24.  I  was  assisted  to  be  close,  moving,  and  argumenta- 
tive ;  but  have  in  general  hard  labour.  Here  they  are  an 
unsettled  people,  and  weak  of  understanding ;  preached  in 
the  afternoon  at  the  widow  Bready's,  from  James  i,  8 :  "A 
double-minded  man  is  unstable  in  all  his  ways."  This  text 
was  pressed  upon  me  to  speak  from,  while  at  Williams's,  and 
and  I  could  not  get  over  it.  In  the  afternoon  I  found  there- 
was  a  cause  ;  the  Nicolites  had  been  working  upon  several 
of  our  friends,  and  had  shook  them  with  their  craft.  These 
are  a  people  who  sprung  from  one  Nicols,  a  visionary,  but  I 
hope  a  good  man  :  he  held  Quaker  principles,  but  the  Friends 
would  not  receive  him.  A  certain  James  Harris  is  at  present 
their  leader ;  they  clothe  in  white,  take  everything  from 
nature,  and  condemn  all  other  societies  that  do  not  conform 
to  the  outward :  If  a  man  were  to  speak  like  an  archangel ; 
if  he  sung,  prayed,  and  wore  a  black,  or  a  coloured  coat,  he 
would  not  be  received  by  these  people.  They  were  almost 
asleep  when  the  Methodists  came,  but  now  are  awake  and 
working  with  simple,  awakened  people.  They  love,  like  some 
other  denominations,  to  fish  in  troubled  water.    They  oppose 


Feb.,  1780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


351 


family  prayer  as  much  as  any  sinners  in  the  country  ;  and 
have  much  to  say  against  our  speakers :  profess  what  they 
will,  there  is  nothing  in  names. 

Monday,  21.  I  am  kept  in  peace.  Preached  twice  yester- 
day, and  met  the  society.  J.  Hartley  is  sick.  I  see  there  is 
no  way  like  prayer  for  the  life  of  my  own  soul.  Some  lazy, 
backsliding  people  among  us,  are  gone  after  the  Nicolites :  let 
them  go,  for  they  were  become  as  salt  that  had  lost  its  savour ; 
we  want  no  such  people.  I  preached  at  the  Draw-Bridge  to 
about  two  hundred  people  ;  spoke  on  "Ye  cannot  serve  God 

and  mammon" — was  clear  and  searching.    Mr.   ,  who 

has  been  a  man  much  in  pursuit  of  the  world,  and  who  was 
condemned  by  our  friends  in  his  conduct,  rose  up  after  I  had 
done,  and  said,  he  was  the  man  pointed  at,  and  desired  an- 
other hearing. 

Tuesday,  22.  Rode  to  Andrew  Perdin's,  had  about  sixty 
people,  and  spoke  on  Luke  xi,  28 :  "  Blessed  are  they  that 
hear  the  word  of  God,  and  keep  it" — met  the  class.  John 
Beauchamp  and  Dr.  Bowness,  both  professed  sanctification : 
I  hope  it  is  so.  The  society  is  much  increased  :  but  all  is  not 
gold  that  shines. 

Wednesday,  23.  I  rode  to  Shaw's,  it  came  up  cold  and 
snowed  ;  had  about  fifty  people  ;  a  solid  society,  tender,  and 
in  a  measure  faithful.  I  have  been  much  in  haste  these  two 
days,  had  but  little  time  for  prayer  and  private  duties  ;  but 
I  take  mornings  and  nights,  and  am  resolved,  that  if  not  in 
the  day,  I  will  have  it  at  night  and  morning.  I  was  tried  in 
getting  off;  called  at  two  of  the  friends'  houses,  and  had 
prayer  ;  and  had  my  trials  also.  Spoke  at  Shaw's,  on  1  John 
iii,  10  ;  felt  warm  in  spirit,  although  I  suffered  on  the  road 
with  cold  ;  have  read  but  little,  but  am  labouring  for  souls. 

Thursday,  24.  Rode  ten  miles  out  and  ten  miles  in,  to 
Joseph  Wyatt's  ;  about  two  hundred  people :  a  very  cold 
day;  spoke  on  Titus  ii,  11,  to  the  end;  was  much  led  out, 
and  kept  in  peace  all  day. 

Friday,  25.  A  day  of  fasting  and  rest;  sorely  tempted  : 
this  made  me  think,  that  had  I  gone  to  preach,  or  to  town 


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[Feb.,  1*780. 


and  met  class,  it  would  not  have  been  the  case  :  so  I  must  for 
the  future  be  more  employed,  for  this  is  the  will  of  God  con- 
cerning me.  This  morning  I  read  the  Testament ;  and  had  a 
good  time  in  general  this  week,  but  0  !  the  workings  of  heart 
I  labour  under !  Have  spent  much  time  in  prayer  night  and 
morning  :  I  am  much  led  out  at  such  times. 

Saturday,  26.  Rode  to  Boyer's,  and  met  society  ;  most  of 
the  hearers  present  met  in  class.  Spoke  as  searching  as  pos- 
sible ;  and  gave  an  exhortation  :  the  people  were  much  stirred 
up.    At  night  I  was  greatly  engaged  in  prayer. 

Sunday,  27.  Spoke  from  Luke  xi,  24-27.  There  were 
many  people,  and  a  good  time.  I  showed  how  the  devil  is 
cast  out,  and  how  he  returns :  then  rode  to  Dover,  and  came 
in  just  as  church  was  ended.  I  preached  with  great  labour  on 
Acts  xxiv,  25.  Some  had  eaten  and  drank  more  than  enough, 
and  were  fit  to  go  to  sleep ;  but  the  greater  part  were  atten- 
tive. But  0  !  what  a  continual  burden  have  I  to  come  and 
preach  here  !  Went  home  with  lawyer  Basset,  a  very  con- 
versant and  affectionate  man,  who,  from  his  own  acknow- 
ledgments, appears  to  be  sick  of  sin.  His  wife  is  under  great 
distress  ;  a  gloom  of  dejection  sits  upon  her  soul ;  she  prayeth 
much,  and  the  enemy  takes  an  advantage  of  her  low  state. 

Monday.  28.  I  rode  to  Shaw's,  spoke  at  three  o'clock,  on 
Acts  xxviii,  28.  I  was  blessed  with  a  calm,  sweet  frame, 
and  had  great  ease  and  freedom  in  my  soul  and  subject ;  an 
attentive  congregation.  I  feel  a  peculiar  love  to  these  people  ; 
and  expect  if  Mr.  Basset  ever  comes  to  God,  he  is  to  preach. 
I  have  been  kept  in  peace,  and  am  ready  to  think  sometimes 
God  has  saved  me  from  all  sin,  properly  so  called.  Satan  made 
one  sudden  stroke  at  me,  but  I  looked  to  God.  Last  Sunday 
morning  I  was  drawn  out  in  prayer,  and  felt  the  effect  in  a 
particular  manner  in  preaching  at  Boyer's  :  the  word  went 
like  fire  ;  a  little  of  it  in  the  evening,  but  there  is  so  much 
pride,  and  so  much  of  unbelief  in  the  Dover  people,  that  a 
man  needs  the  faith  and  power  of  Stephen  to  bear  up  and 
speak  to  them. 

Tuesday,  29.  Rode  to  Scotten's,  had  about  fifty  people; 


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353 


they  were  disappointed  in  expecting  me  the  day  before,  and 
I  was  misinformed.  I  spoke  with  liberty  on  1  Tim.  i,  5. 
The  roads  were  bad  beyond  my  expectation.  I  rode  on 
horseback  ;  returned  to  Shaw's,  took  dinner,  heard  of  Freeborn 
Garrettson's  being  put  in  jail  in  Dorset.  So  Satan  has 
stretched  his  chain ;  but  this  shall  work  for  good.  Spent  a 
night  with  Mr.  M'Gaw ;  had  great  satisfaction  in  conversing 
witli  him  relative  to  his  having  a  closer  connexion  with  us. 

Wednesday,  March  1,  1780.  Rode  twelve  miles  to  the 
chapel ;  four  or  five  miles  the  roads  were  so  bad  that  I  was 
obliged  to  get  out  of  the  carriage  and  walk ;  I  came  late, 
and  much  fatigued.  Spoke  on  Matt,  v,  16  :  "  Let  your  light 
so  shine  before  men  ;"  spoke  freely,  and  was  blessed ;  the 
work  revives  here,  and  over  in  Queen  Ann's  county,  a  few 
miles  distant  from  this.  Through  bad  roads  with  difficulty 
I  rode  to  Fatadd's  mills — stayed  that  night — could  not  get 
to  Choptank. 

Thursday,  2.  Heard  of  Mr.  Peterkin's  death,  he  died  last 
night ;  I  came  to  his  house,  and  went  to  Thomas  White's  ; 
find  it  is  a  fact  that  brother  Garrettson  was  put  into  jail  last 
Sunday. 

Friday,  3.  Rose  between  four  and  five  o'clock,  and  prayed 
some  time  ;  have  begun  reading  Robertson's  History  of  Scot- 
land, in  two  vols.  Went  to  Stradley's,  spoke  on  Rev.  iii,  20, 
with  liberty ;  met  class,  came  back,  and  spoke  a  few  words 
to  the  people,  who  were  met  to  put  the  remains  of  James 
Peterkin  in  the  ground  :  at  the  repeated  solicitations  of  Mrs. 
M.  White,  I  attended  those  old  people  in  life  and  death. 

Saturday,  4.  I  wrote  to  Peddicord  and  Cromwell ;  and 
have  appointed  Joshua  Dudley  for  Dorset :  he  is  qualified 
by  law.  Rested  and  read  Robertson's  first  volume.  0  ! 
what  treachery  and  policy  attendeth  courts !  and  how  does 
court  policy,  without  design,  give  way  to  a  reformation  !  this 
has  been  the  case  in  England  and  Scotland. 

Sunday,  5.  I  went  to  church  and  heard  Mr.  Neal  preach 
a  good  sermon  on,  "  0 !  that  they  were  wise."  I  preached 
at  Edward  White's,  on  Micah  vi,  6-8.    The  subject  was  <k> 


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[Mar.,  1*780. 


laboured  for  the  congregation,  yet  searching,  and  the  people 
were  solemn. 

Monday,  6.  I  was  kept  close  in  reading  the  first  volume 
of  the  History  of  Scotland,  and  was  kept  in  quiet.  In  the 
morning  I  wrote  to  brother  Garrettson  to  comfort  him  under 
his  imprisonment. 

Tuesday,  V.  A  rainy  day,  but  went  to  my  appointment : 
there  were  a  few  people  ;  I  spoke  on  Eph.  i,  8,  9,  and  had 
great  liberty.  I  think  a  certain  person  here,  that  has  been  a 
high  churchwoman,  will  yet  be  a  Methodist.  Called  at  Vin- 
cent Dorothy's,  took  dinner,  talked  and  prayed  with  the  fa- 
mily.   I  am  to  preach  at  his  house. 

Wednesday,  8.  I  rose  at  five,  and  began  reading  in  Mr. 
Wesley's  Notes  on  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles.  This  day  I 
visited  the  widow  Cox,  who  has  nearly  lost  her  reason.  She 
was  pleased  to  see  me,  and  showed  some  tenderness  and  in- 
tervals of  reason,  though  I  had  but  little  satisfaction  with  her. 
Lectured  on  Jer.  iii,  15-19,  and  was  blest.  Came  back  to 
Thomas  White's. 

Thursday,  9.  I  am  under  a  gloomy  heaviness  through 
manifold  temptations.  Read  Mr.  Wesley's  Notes  on  the 
Epistle  to  the  Romans.  Some  of  his  sentiments  I  have 
adopted,  and  thought  them  my  own  ;  perhaps  they  are  not, 
for  I  may  have  taken  them  first  from  him.  Prayed  often, 
and  shut  myself  up.  I  find  meditating  on  past  unfaithfulness 
humiliating ;  but  I  must  go  on  :  pondering  my  ways  so  much 
dejects  and  weakens  my  faith.  Lord,  keep  me  ;  keep  me, 
gracious  Lord,  and  never  let  me  go !  I  met  class  at  night, 
though  none  but  the  Whites'  families.  It  was  made  a  bless- 
ing, and  made  me  examine  my  own  heart. 

Friday,  10.  I  rose  between  four  and  five  o'clock,  spent 
some  time  in  private  prayer  and  with  the  families ;  read 
Mr.  Wesley's  Notes  on  1  Corinthians,  and  ended  the  reading 
of  the  second  book  of  Kings,  in  my  reading  in  course  the 
Bible  through.  To-morrow  I  am  to  go  down  into  the  North- 
West  Fork,  where,  I  am  told,  the  Lord  revives  his  work.  In 
the  evening  was  unwell,  and  went  to  bed  early. 


Mar.,  1780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


355 


Saturday,  11.  Rose  under  some  exercise  of  soul,  set  off 
for  the  Fork  about  eleven  o'clock,  stopped  at  brother  Goze- 
ley's,  fed  my  horse,  and  heard  of  the  severity  used  to  brother 
Garrettson  in  Cambridge  jail,  and  that  they  would  not  let  the 
people  come  to  speak  with  him.  All  this  shall  work  for 
good,  and  we  will  rejoice  that  we  are  counted  worthy  to  suf- 
fer for  righteousness'  sake.  Found  it  bad  travelling  ;  when 
I  came  into  by-roads,  my  horse  nearly  overset ;  but  with 
difficulty  came  to  White  Brown's,  and  was  blest  in  praying 
with  and  speaking  to  the  family. 

Sunday,  12.  Rode  to  Turpin's  ;  and  fear  something  is  the 
matter  here.  I  cannot  preach  with  freedom,  and  am  not 
happy.  Spoke  on  Ezek.  xviii,  19,  in  light  and  liberty,  and 
as  searching  as  I  well  could. 

Monday,  13.  Received  a  letter  from  brother  Garrettson : 
his  enemies  are  softened  towards  him.  I  think  the  Lord  will 
deliver  me  yet  from  all  evil.  I  heard  Cromwell  was  put  in 
jail,  but  did  not  credit  it.  I  labour  to  be  more  spiritual,  and 
to  be  holy  in  heart  and  life.  I  rode  to  John  Cannon's,  and 
spoke  on  John  i,  8,  9  ;  had  liberty.  There  were  about  a  hun- 
dred people,  and  some  little  stir.  One  of  the  sons  has  a  re- 
ligious frenzy ;  he  was  panic  struck,  and  prayed  some  hours  : 
he  kneeled  down  in  time  of  preaching ;  he  may  be  sincere, 
and  come  to  something.  Rode  to  Morgan  Williams's  ;  met 
brother  Lowrey,  now  rejoicing  in  God,  his  backslidings  heal- 
ed, and  his  soul  restored.  Received  another  letter  from  bro- 
ther Garrettson,  wherein  he  informs  me  the  people  want  to 
get  rid  of  him,  and  that  they  are  not  so  cruel  to  him  as  for- 
merly, nor  to  the  people  who  visit  him. 

Tuesday,  14.  Rose  in  peace,  spent  near  an  hour  in  retire- 
ment, and  was  blessed.  Read  some  chapters  in  the  Bible. 
My  soul  is  kept  in  peace  ;  glory  be  to  God  !  I  wrote  to 
Philip  Rogers,  and  spent  my  time  till  noon  in  reading, 
writing,  and  prayer. 

Wednesday,  15.  Brother  Garrettson  expects  to  come  out 
of  jail  by  the  favour  of  the  governor  and  council  of  Mary- 
land, in  spite  of  his  foes  :  so  the  Lord  works  for  us.  In 


35G 


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[Mat*.,  1780. 


Somerset  they  are  using  some  of  Bishop  Warburton's  Works 
against  Mr.  Wesley  and  Mr.  Whitefield.  I  was  much  blest 
in  speaking  at  Spencer  Hitche's,  on  Titus  iii,  2-8,  to  nearly 
two  hundred  serious  people  ;  their  prejudices  wear  off :  it  is 
to  be  observed,  bad  as  these  people  were,  they  never  perse- 
cuted us,  as  they  have  done  at  some  other  places ;  it  cannot 
be  for  our  being  falsely  reported  to  be  tories,  for  in  Somerset 
some  of  our  greatest  enemies  are  of  that  stamp. 

Thursday,  16.  I  have  peace  ;  rose  at  five  o'clock,  read  the 
Scriptures,  ended  the  first  Book  of  Chronicles.  Last  night  I 
gave  an  exhortation ;  a  young  girl  wept  enough  to  break  her 
heart.  I  hope  she  will  seek  the  Lord.  I  am  kept  in  faith, 
and  feel  my  heart  much  melted  and  moved  to  poor  opposers, 
and  can  pray  for  them  as  I  do  for  myself. 

Friday,  1*7.  Rose  at  five  o'clock,  prayed,  and  read  awhile 
in  an  old  author,  who  warmly  attacks  Popery  in  its  capital 
errors,  and  in  a  strong,  argumentative  manner ;  but  is  full  of 
Greek  and  Latin  quotations.  I  rode  to  Johnstown,  and  from 
thence  to  William  Law's  ;  met  Freeborn  Garrettson,  who 
came  out  of  jail  by  order  of  the  governor  and  council  of 
Maryland,  who  had  sent  to  the  governor  of  Delaware  to 
know  if  F.  Garrettson  were  not  a  fugitive,  and  had  received 
satisfactory  information.  Brother  Garrettson  preached  on 
Matthew  xxv,  10  :  "And  they  that  were  ready  went  in  with 
him  to  the  marriage,  and  the  door  was  shut."  I  spoke  a 
few  words  after  him.  1.  That  the  way  some  kept  off  con- 
viction was,  by  neglect  of  prayer.  2.  Some  not  uniform 
in  prayer.  3.  Others  never  intended  to  give  up  all  sin. 
4.  Others  rest  in  present  attainments,  and  take  pride  in  what 
God  hath  done  for  them,  and  fall  away :  and  closed  with  an 
application  suited  to  the  cases  and  consciences  of  the  people. 

Saturday,  18.  Rose  at  four  o'clock,  and  spent  some  time 
in  prayer.  Brother  Garrettson  took  my  place  and  appoint- 
ments :  we  drew  some  outlines  for  our  conference  while  to- 
gether. I  preached  at  John  Lewis's,  on  John  viii,  31-37, 
and  had  great  liberty,  and  more  people  than  I  expected,  as 
it  rained. 


Mar.,  1780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


357 


Sunday,  19.  Preached  at  Alexander  Law's,  and  spoke 
searchingly ;  the  people  were  attentive  ;  some  Presbyterians 
brought  to  think  very  seriously.  I  rode  to  William  Law's, 
and  spoke  on  2  Thess.  i,  7-13,  had  living  liberty,  and  I  hope 
not  in  vain. 

Monday,  20.  Rose  early,  wrote  an  hour,  and  then  rode 
twenty-four  miles  to  Caleb  Furby's  to  preach ;  was  late,  but 
came  before  Caleb  Boyer  had  done  meeting  the  class.  Spoke 
on  John  iii,  24,  and  felt  quickenings.  Went  home  with 
Waitman  Scipple ;  he  and  Philip  Barratt  determined  to  go 
about  the  chapel,  and  to  set  it  near  the  drawbridge. 

Tuesday,  21.  Rode  to  Perdin's,  and  had  many  people; 
spoke  on  Malachi  iii,  16-18.  Had  much  power  in  speaking: 
then  rode  to  Choptank,  to  the  funeral  of  James  Peterkin  and 
Elizabeth  his  wife,  at  Thomas  White's. 

W ednesday,  22.  Mr.  M'Gaw  preached  the  funeral  sermon 
of  J.  and  Elizabeth  Peterkin,  in  Mr.  White's  barn :  there 
were  about  four  hundred  people  ;  I  only  stood  as  clerk.  Jo- 
seph Cromwell  gave  an  exhortation,  pretty  long  and  rough  : 
Mr.  Neal  gave  an  exhortation.  Mr.  M'Gaw  and  myself  re- 
turned to  the  baptizing  the  children.  I  have  been  collecting 
all  the  minutes  of  our  conferences  in  America,  to  assist  me 
in  a  brief  history  of  the  Methodists  ;  and  an  account  of  our 
principles. 

Thursday,  23.  Rose  early  :  have  some  trials  among  my 
friends  ;  but  it  is  all  well,  God  is  with  me.  Company  is  not 
agreeable  at  all  times  ;  but  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done,  if 

o 

he  calls  me  to  it. 

Good-Friday,  24.  A  cloudy  day ;  it  began  raining  when 
I  was  a  few  miles  on  my  way  ;  I  could  not  turn  back ;  about 
eleven  o'clock  it  cleared  away.  I  came  to  the  chapel,  there 
were  about  forty  people.  Spoke  on  Isaiah  liii,  10,  then  rode  to 
brother  Shaw's,  and  was  much  blest,  as  I  always  am  in  this 
family.  I  have  deep  and  sore  trials :  the  remembrance  of 
them  depresses  my  soul. 

Saturday,  25.  Have  peace  of  soul,  but  am  not  enough 
given  up  to  God.    I  purpose  to  be  more  devoted  to  God  in 


358 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1*780. 


prayer  and  meditation  :  rode  to  Boyer's,  and  met  the  society  : 
the  people  appear  to  be  more  alive  to  God  than  when  I  was 
here  last ;  preached  on  2  Tim.  ii,  18, 19,  and  had  much  light 
and  liberty. 

Sunday,  26.  Rode  to  church,  where  we  had  a  smooth, 
sensible  discourse  on  1  Peter  i,  3.  I  attended  the  com- 
munion— communicants  increase  daily,  for  people  get  awak- 
ened by  us  ;  when  this  is  the  case,  they  go  to  the  Lord's 
supper.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached ;  many  flocked  to 
hear,  it  being  Easter  Sunday.  Spoke  plainer  than  ever  on 
Acts  xvii,  18  ;  had  enlargement  of  heart  ;  the  church  minis- 
ter was  present. 

Monday,  27.  Called  at  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Gaw's  ;  spent  an 
hour,  changed  books  and  sentiments,  and  came  off  to  Mrs. 
Beauchamp's,  then  to  Perdin's,  there  were  near  two  hundred 
people;  spoke  on  1  Peter  i,  7-12 ;  was  blest,  and  felt  some 
things  I  spoke  ;  nothing  but  hard  trials  could  make  me 
speak  so. 

Tuesday,  28.  I  rode  to  Stradley's,  and  spoke  on  1  Peter 
iii,  18,  with  great  opening — entered  deep  into  the  nature  of 
Christ's  sufferings,  and  some  sublime  truths  of  the  Gospel. 

Wednesday,  29.  Spent  what  time  I  had  to  spare  in  tran- 
scribing from  Robert  Walker  a  part  of  one  of  his  sermons  to 
the  preachers,  and  put  it  in  my  selections.  I  went  to  preach 
at  Vincent  Dorothy's,  and  spoke  on  Luke  xxiv,  25,  26.  Made 
a  faithful  discharge  of  truth  to  the  people ;  they  were  atten- 
tive. I  have  been  very  much  exercised  in  mind  ;  the  time 
for  leaving  this  place  draws  nigh.  Never  was  confinement  in 
one  State,  Delaware,  so  trying  to  me.  Lord,  help  me,  I  am 
weak  !  At  night  I  went  to  Edward  White's,  and  gave  an 
exhortation ;  was  greatly  troubled  in  mind. 

Thursday,  30.  I  am  going  to  Sussex,  on  my  way  to  the 
quarter-meeting  at  the  Fork.  I  fear  there  will  be  great  com- 
motions this  summer ;  God  only  knows  what  the  end  of  these 
things  will  be ;  but  "  Blessed  are  those  people  that  are  found 
watching."  I  lost  my  way  and  wandered  into  the  swamp, 
and  feared  I  must  He  in  the  woods,  but  came  to  a  friend's 


Am.,  1780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


359 


house,  and  then  pushed  on  and  reached  Mr.  Polk's  about 
seven  o'clock.  Read  a  wonderful  book  against  Methodists,  but 
it  will  do  no  great  harm. 

Friday,  31.  Waked  before  three  o'clock,  though  I  did  not 
go  to  bed  till  after  ten  o'clock — was  weather-bound,  and  read 
the  second  volume  of  Robertson's  History  of  Scotland.  The 
fate  of  unfortunate  Mary  Queen  of  Scots,  was  affecting ;  and 
the  admired  Queen  Elizabeth  does  not  appear  to  advantage  in 
the  Scotch  history.  Prayed  an  hour  this  morning,  and  re- 
tired twice ;  used  abstinence,  though  not  so  severe  as  I  com- 
monly use  on  Fridays. 

Saturday,  April  1, 1780.  Rose  about  half-past  three  o'clock, 
and  set  out  for  Broad-creek — was  kept  in  peace  all  the  way ; 
when  in  temptation,  I  pray,  and  it  flies.  Came  in  about  three 
o'clock ;  and  found  that  the  spirit  of  lying  and  fury  reigned ! 
I  received  a  satisfactory  letter  from  William  Moore ;  he  hopes 
a  reconciliation  will  take  place  in  Virginia,  if  healing  measures 
are  adopted. 

Sunday,  2.  Rose  about  six  o'clock ;  I  lay  in  a  dark  room, 
and  was  a  little  unwell :  I  am  kept  near  to  God,  but  under 
some  dejection ;  I  believe  it  was  because  the  people  of  this 
house  are  not  right  toward  God.  Spoke  to-day  on  Acts 
xxviii,  22  :  "As  for  this  sect,  we  know  that  everywhere  it  is 
spoken  against."  Spoke  long  and  freely,  but  the  people 
were  not  greatly  moved.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  at  George 
Moore's,  on  1  Peter  iv,  18:  If  the  righteous  are  scarcely 
saved,"  &c. ;  and  a  blessing  followed. 

Monday,  3.  Rose  at  five  o'clock,  spent  some  time  in  prayer, 
and  my  reading  in  course  to  the  twenty-third  Psalm.  Preached 
at  Thomas  Jones's  to  about  sixty  careless,  ignorant  people ; 
had  very  little  comfort;  spoke  from  2  Tim.  ii,  19.  Read  in 
the  afternoon  the  Appendix  to  the  History  of  Scotland.  I  am 
in  heaviness  through  the  deadness  of  the  people,  and  the  lies 
of  the  wicked  about  us — of  which  there  appear  to  be  enough  ; 
and  it  does  seem  now  as  if  they  could  freely  shed  our  blood : 
Lord,  give  me  faith  and  patience  !  The  present  state  of  things 
is,  Report,  say  they,  and  we  will  report  it ;  nothing  can  come 


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[Apr.,  1780. 


amiss ;  all  is  fish  that  comes  to  the  net :  the  wicked  will  say- 
any  thing  ;  yes,  all  manner  of  evil  against  us. 

Tuesday,  4.  There  came  on  rain,  but  I  went  to  Gitting 
Bradley's ;  there  were  about  forty  people,  though  it  rained 
rapidly.  Spoke  on  Rev.  iii,  20,  and  was  much  blessed ;  then 
returned  to  George  Moore's. 

Wednesday,  5.  A  snowy  morning.  Rode  to  Leven  Bacon's: 
there  were  about  thirty  people ;  I  was  led  out  to  speak  close 
to  them,  and  some  felt  it  to  the  heart. 

Thursday,  6.  Rode  to  Mr.  Freeny's.  I  preached  from 
2  Chron.  vii,  14,  and  was  led,  though  with  labour,  to  deliver 
my  soul  to  them.  Set  off  to  go  seven  miles,  through  a  dreary 
road  and  deep  swamps,  to  Callaway's ;  came  in  about  seven 
o'clock,  and  found  liberty  as  soon  as  I  came.  God  has  a  peo- 
ple in  these  rude  wastes :  I  expect  to  go,  after  preaching,  to 
the  sea-side. 

Friday,  7.  About  three  days  ago  I  was  moved  to  pray  for 
good  weather,  when  I  saw  what  a  condition  we  should  be  in : 
there  is  a  change  in  the  weather.  I  have  peace  this  morning, 
and  my  heart  is  lifted  up  to  God  in  thankfulness.  An  ap- 
pearance of  good  weather:  blessed  be  God!  though,  when 
the  weather  was  so  uncomfortable,  I  was  tempted  to  murmur. 
Lord,  pardon  me  in  this  also  !  Surely,  what  the  Lord  does  is 
right,  whether  he  does  it  against  a  single  person  or  to  a  whole 
nation.  Preached  at  Callaway's,  on  2  Peter  iii,  18,  and  was 
blessed.  There  were  about  fifty  souls — an  attentive,  feeling 
people.  After  preaching,  I  rode  thirty  miles  to  the  sea-side : 
there  met  brother  Garrettson,  confident  that  God  had,  in  a 
vision  of  the  night,  sanctified  him. 

Saturday,  8.  Went  to  the  sea  and  bathed,  though  cold : 
and  then  rode  about  nine  miles  from  Evans's  to  Gray's.  Our 
quarterly  meeting  began :  I  preached  on  Rom.  v,  6,  7,  and 
had  liberty.  The  Baptists  show  their  enmity,  and  go  from 
house  to  house  persuading  weak  people  to  be  dipped,  and  not 
to  hear  the  Methodists  ;  and  they  bring  their  preachers  in  our 
absence. 

Sunday,  9.  I  have  peace :  it  has  been  very  rainy ;  but 


Apr.,  1780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


361 


clear  this  morning.  We  had  a  great  day :  preached  on 
1  John  v,  19:  "We  know  that  we  are  of  God,  and  the 
whole  world  lieth  in  wickedness."  Brother  Garrettson  ex- 
horted, there  was  some  melting ;  John  Cooper  spoke  to  pur- 
pose ;  Joseph  Cromwell  brought  up  the  rear  with  great  suc- 
cess.   The  people  were  serious. 

Monday,  10.  I  have  peace  of  soul ;  but  too  much  talk  like 
trifling ;  the  devil  throws  his  firebrands,  but  grace  is  sufficient. 

1  appointed  brother  Wyatt  to  keep  the  ground  against  the 
Baptists,  and  to  supply  our  places  here  instead  of  the  travel- 
ing preachers  that  are  going  to  conference :  for  John's  people 
intend  to  come  a  fishing  about,  when  we  are  gone.  We  had 
a  love-feast  at  eight  o'clock ;  many  spoke  in  a  very  feeling 
manner.    God  was  with  us  at  eleven  o'clock — I  preached  on 

2  Cor.  iv,  12.  Brother  Cromwell  and  brother  Garrettson  ex- 
horted :  the  people  were  moved  at  what  was  said,  though  sim- 
ple, and  the  same  things  he  frequently  says ;  but  he  is  a  man 
of  God,  and  their  spiritual  father. 

Tuesday,  11.  We  rode  fifty  miles  to  Choptank. 

Wednesday,  12.  I  was  employed  in  writing  a  short  history 
of  the  Methodists ;  also  in  preparing  my  papers  for  confer- 
ence.   I  am  going  from  my  home,  Thomas  White's. 

Thursday,  13.  I  set  off  for  Richard  Shaw's,  in  Kent; 
and  came  in  about  five  o'clock,  and  kept  a  watch-even- 
ing. I  spoke  on  1  Cor.  xvi,  13,  14.  Caleb  Peddicord 
exhorted. 

Friday,  14.  A  day  of  fasting.  I  was  employed  in  prepar- 
ing my  paper  for  conference ;  Caleb  Peddicord  is  my  scribe. 
I  am  under  some  apprehensions  that  trouble  is  near.  Thomas 
M'Clure  is  confined  sick  in  Philadelphia.  Henry  Kennedy 
and  William  Adams  are  dead :  so  the  Lord  cuts  off  the  watch- 
men of  Israel.  But  sure  I  am  that  it  is  better  to  die  early, 
than  to  live,  though  late,  to  dishonour  God. 

Saturday,  15.  I  spent  the  afternoon  with  Mr.  M'Gaw. 

Sunday,  16.  Rode  twelve  miles,  and  preached  at  the 
chapel,  on  Psalms  cxxii,  6-8.  Had  some  life  among  the  peo- 
ple, but  I  fear  they  did  not  properly  understand  me. 

10 


362 


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[Apr.,  1*780. 


Preached  at  Richard  Shaw's,  my  farewell  sermon,  on  Acts 
xxi,  32.  The  people  were  solemn,  but  not  deeply  affected 
wTith  a  sense  of  the  worth  of  their  souls. 

Monday,  17.  Our  quarter-meeting  began.  Our  little  chapel 
with  galleries,  held  about  seven  hundred ;  but  there  were  I 
judge  near  one  thousand  people.  I  preached  on  Phil,  i,  27  : 
"  Only  let  your  conversation  be  as  it  becometh  the  Gospel  of 
Christ." 

Tuesday,  18.  After  love-feast,  Mr.  M'Gaw  read  prayers, 
and  Mr.  Neal  preached  a  good  sermon,  on  "  Feed  my  sheep  ;" 
brother  Garrettson  and  myself  exhorted.  The  power  of  God 
was  present  in  the  love-feast :  many  spoke  in  our  meeting 
with  light,  life,  and  liberty. 

Wednesday,  19.  I  left  Mr.  Emery's,  where  we  were  very 
kindly  entertained  in  the  dreary  forest ;  they  live  well ;  these 
people  were  brought  off  their  prejudices  by  Mr.  M'Gaw's 
preaching  in  the  chapel ;  they  and  their  family-connexions 
promise  fair.  Brother  Garrettson  spoke  on,  "  Ye-now  have 
sorrow."  But  he  could  not  move  the  people  here  as  at  the 
sea-side :  they  are  cooler,  and  he  is  not  their  spiritual  father. 

Thursday,  20.  Set  off  for  Baltimore,  and  called  at  Mr. 
M'Gaw's ;  we  parted  in  much  affection.  Called  at  Mr.  Bas- 
set's, and  had  a  warm  conversation  with  Warner  Mifflin.  We 
prayed,  and  Mrs.  Basset  made  a  confession  of  finding  peace. 
We  rode  to  Solomon  Symons's. 

Friday,  21.  We  rode  to  Robert  Thomson's,  Maryland,  Ce- 
cil County ;  dined,  prayed,  and  spoke  close  to  him,  who  had 
fainted  in  his  mind,  being  now  left  alone.  We  came  to  Sus- 
quehanna River  a  little  before  sun-set,  and  passed  over  in 
the  night ;  rode  six  miles  in  the  dark,  and  a  bad  road ;  but 
Providence  has  preserved  me  hitherto.  I  had  a  very  tender 
feeling  for  the  people  I  left  behind ;  this  makes  me  think  I 
must  return. 

Saturday,  22.  I  could  not  pray  for  our  friends  we  left  be- 
hind without  weeping.  We  rode  to  Mr.  Gough's,  Baltimore 
County ;  my  friends  appeared  very  joyful  to  see  me  ;  brother 
Glendenning  had  his  objections  to  make,  and  pleaded  some  in 


Am.,  1*780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


363 


favour  of  the  Virginia  brethren,  who  had  made  a  division.* 
We  prayed  after  dinner,  and  God  was  with  us :  I  had  cause 
to  talk  more  than  I  desired. 

Sunday,  23.  Lord  give  me  wisdom  that  is  profitable  to  di- 
rect. This  is  a  dumb  Sabbath  :  I  have  no  freedom  to  preach  ; 
there  are  strange  changes ;  what  has  taken  place  with  our 
brethren  seems  parallel  with  the  commotions  of  the  south- 
ward ;  and  the  same  spirit.  I  am  kept  in  peace,  through 
grace,  and  am  casting  my  care  upon  the  Lord.  If  I  cannot 
keep  up  old  Methodism  in  any  other  place,  I  can  in  the  penin- 
sula: that  must  be  my  last  retreat.  Spent  some  time  in 
private,  and  prepared  some  conditions  for  a  partial  reconcilia- 
tion, in  hopes  to  bring  on  a  real  one  in  Virginia.  Brother 
Garrettson  preached  in  the  afternoon,  on  these  words,  "  Dis- 
allowed indeed  of  men,  but  chosen  of  God,  and  precious:" 
he  was  short  and  profitable ;  I  prayed  with  my  heart  full. 
Met  brother  Selby,  whom  I  have  not  seen  for  near  six 
years,  one  of  my  old  friends  from  New- York,  driven  about  by 
the  commotions  of  the  present  times :  he  with  great  joy  fell 
upon  my  neck  and  wept.  I  am  more  moved  than  ever  before, 
with  leaving  and  meeting  my  friends ;  these  are  humbling 
times,  and  make  the  Christians  love  one  another  :  I  found  the 
spirits  of  the  preachers  much  melted  and  softened.  I  hope 
things  will  be  made  easy. 

Monday,  24.  We  made  a  plan  for  the  appointment  of  the 
preachers.  Received  three  epistles  from  the  Jerseys,  solicit- 
ing three  or  four  preachers,  with  good  tidings  of  the  work  of 
God  reviving  in  those  parts.  The  petitioners  I  shall  hear  with 
respect.  I  am  kept  in  peace ;  praise  the  Lord,  0  my  soul ! 
Rode  to  Baltimore,  and  my  friends  were  much  rejoiced  to  see 
me ;  but  silence  broke  my  heart.  The  act  against  non-jurors 
reduced  me  to  silence,  because  the  oath  of  fidelity  required 

°  See  what  a  poor  unsettled  creature  this  Glendenning  ever  was. 
This  was  long  before  he  went  into  his  mighty  trances,  visions,  &c, 
that  he  talks  so  much  about.  No  wonder  that  a  person  of  his  selfish 
temper  should  behave  as  he  has  done  to  his  brethren  the  Methodists. 

W.  S. 


364 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Aim:.,  1*780. 


by  the  act  of  the  State  of  Maryland,  was  preposterously  rigid. 
I  became  a  citizen  of  Delaware,  and  was  regularly  returned. 
I  was  at  this  time  under  recommendation  of  the  governor  of 
Delaware  as  taxable. 

Tuesday,  25.  Our  conference  met  in  peace  and  love.  We 
settled  all  our  northern  stations ;  then  we  began  in  much  de- 
bate about  the  letter  sent  from  Virginia.  We  first  concluded 
to  renounce  them ;  then  I  offered  conditions  of  union. 

I.  That  they  should  ordain  no  more. 

II.  That  they  should  come  no  farther  than  Hanover  circuit. 

III.  We  would  have  our  delegates  in  their  conference. 

IV.  That  they  should  not  presume  to  administer  the  ordi- 
nances where  there  is  a  decent  Episcopal  minister. 

V.  To  have  a  union  conference. 

These  would  not  do,  as  we  found  upon  long  debate,  and 
we  came  back  to  our  determinations ;  although  it  was  like 
death  to  think  of  parting.  At  last  a  thought  struck  my  mind  ; 
to  propose  a  suspension  of  the  ordinances  for  one  year,  and 
so  cancel  all  our  grievances,  and  be  one.  It  was  agreed  on 
both  sides,  and  Philip  Gatch  and  Reuben  Ellis,  who  had  been 
very  stiff,  came  into  it,  and  thought  it  would  do. 

Wednesday,  20.  Preached  on  Acts  vi,  4,  with  liberty. 

Thursday,  27.  Read  the  advice  to  preachers.  At  twelve 
o'clock  we  had  a  melting  love-feast;  preachers  and  people 
wept  like  children.  At  night  I  preached  on  Acts  ii,  48,  with 
great  liberty,  to  about  six  hundred  people.  Joseph  Cromwell 
and  Freeborn  Garrettson  spoke.  At  the  recommendation  of 
the  conference  William  Watters  too  ;  these  three  volunteered, 
and  were  to  be  my  spokesmen.  Myself  and  brother  Garett- 
son  are  going  to  the  Virginia  Conference,  to  bring  about  peace 
and  union.  I  am  kept  in  peace,  through  much  business  ;  lit- 
tle sleep,  cold  weather  and  damp.  Lord,  return,  and  visit 
us ! 

Friday,  28.  I  have  peace,  and  am  going  to  brother  Lynch 's 
this  day.  I  had  a  melting  sense  of  Divine  love  upon  my  heart 
after  dinner :  this  family  professeth  sanctification ;  whether 
this  be  so  in  the  fullest  sense  I  know  not ;  but  this  I  know, 


May,  1780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


365 


that  they  are  much  more  spiritual  than  ever  I  knew  them :  so 
far  it  is  well,  and  we  go  upon  safe  ground. 

Saturday,  29.  Rode  to  Mr.  Gough's ;  this  is  a  good  house 
to  do  business  at. 

Sunday,  30.  I  went  to  the  Fork  preaching-house ;  an  Epis- 
copalian minister  preaching  just  by.  Spoke  on  Psalm  lxxviii, 
4-8.  It  was  not  made  a  great  blessing  to  the  people :  I  was 
much  tried  to  know  if  the  subject  was  proper,  and  I  think  it 
was ;  I  could  not  make  choice  of  any  other.    Spoke  at  Mr. 

G  's,  on  1  Peter  i,  5-10 ;  had  only  the  family  to  preach 

to.  This  is  not  like  Kent  (in  Delaware)  for  life  and  congrega- 
tions. There  were  many  of  us,  and  much  talking  prevented 
my  reading,  writing,  and  praying. 

Monday,  May  1,  1*780.  I  am  going  to  Virginia;  am  kept, 
but  not  so  much  employed  for  God  as  I  ought  to  be.  Preach- 
ed at  Baltimore  on  John  v,  19.  A  rainy  night,  but  many 
came  to  hear. 

Tuesday,  2.  I  rode  to  John  Worthington's,  and  spoke  at 
night ;  God  was  present.  I  once  had  an  opportunity  of  see- 
ing Charles  Scott,  apparently  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost;  but 
what  is  he  now !  He  died  in  a  drunken  revery. 

Wednesday,  3.  I  rode  to  Georgetown,  from  thence  to  Wil- 
liam Adams's  in  Virginia ;  came  in  late  and  fatigued. 

Thursday,  4.  Prepared  some  papers  for  Virginia  Confe- 
rence. I  go  with  a  heavy  heart ;  and  fear  the  violence  of  a 
party  of  positive  men :  Lord,  give  me  wisdom.  I  preached 
at  the  chapel  in  Fairfax ;  and  met  Mr.  Griffith,  an  Episcopal 
minister,  who  was  friendly ;  and  we  spent  the  afternoon  toge- 
ther. 

Friday,  5.  Set  out  in  company  with  brother  Garrettson, 
rode  near  forty  miles,  lodged  at  Garratt's  tavern,  where  we 
were  well  entertained.  Brother  Garrettson  talked  to  the 
landlord  on  the  subject  of  religion,  and  prayed  with  him  at 
night  and  in  the  morning,  though  he  would  not  consent  to 
call  his  family  together.  We  rode  on  to  Mr.  Arnold's,  about 
thirty  miles,  the  roads  good.  Brother  Garrettson  will  let  no 
person  escape  a  religious  lecture  that  comes  in  his  way.  Sure 


36G 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[May,  1780. 


he  is  faithful,  but  what  am  I  ?  We  found  the  plague  was  be- 
gun ;  the  good  man  Arnold  was  warm  for  the  ordinances. 
I  spoke  on  "  Strive  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate."  There 
were  about  forty  people,  but  dead  enough. 

Sunday ;  1.  We  rode  eighteen  miles  to  Brown's  tavern.  I 
preached  on  Isa.  lv,  6,  V.  On  entering  into  Virginia,  I  have 
prepared  some  papers  for  the  conference,  and  expect  trouble, 
but  grace  is  almighty ;  hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  me. 

Monday,  8.  We  rode  to  Granger's,  fifteen  miles ;  stopped 
and  fed  our  horses.  These  people  are  full  of  the  ordinances  ; 
we  talked  and  prayed  with  them  ;  then  rode  on  to  the  Mana- 
kin-town  ferry,  much  fatigued  with  the  ride :  went  to  friend 
Smith's,  where  all  the  preachers  were  met :  I  conducted  my- 
self with  cheerful  freedom,  but  found  there  was  a  separation 
in  heart  and  practice.  I  spoke  with  my  countryman,  John 
Dickins,  and  found  him  opposed  to  our  continuance  in  union 
with  the  Episcopal  Church  ;  Brother  Watters  and  Garrettson 
tried  their  men,  and  found  them  inflexible. 

Tuesday,  9.  The  conference  was  called :  brother  Watters, 
Garrettson,  and  myself  stood  back,  and  being  afterward  joined 
by  brother  Dromgoole,  we  were  desired  to  come  in,  and  I  was 
permitted  to  speak ;  I  read  Mr.  Wesley's  thoughts  against  a 
separation ;  showed  my  private  letters  of  instructions  from  Mr. 
Wesley  ;  set  before  them  the  sentiments  of  the  Delaware  and 
Baltimore  conferences ;  read  our  epistles,  and  read  my  letter 
to  brother  Gatch,  and  Dickins's  letter  in  answer.  After  some 
time  spent  this  way,  it  was  proposed  to  me,  if  I  would  get 
the  circuits  supplied,  they  would  desist ;  but  that  I  could  not 
do.  We  went  to  preaching ;  I  spoke  on  Ruth  ii,  4,  and  spoke 
as  though  nothing  had  been  the  matter  among  the  preachers 
or  people ;  and  we  were  greatly  pleased  and  comforted ; 
there  was  some  moving  among  the  people.  In  the  afternoon 
we  met ;  the  preachers  appeared  to  me  to  be  farther  off; 
there  had  been,  I  thought,  some  talking  out  of  doors.  When 
we — Asburv,  Garrettson,  Watters,  and  Dromgoole — could  not 
come  to  a  conclusion  with  them,  we  withdrew,  and  left  them 
to  deliberate  on  the  conditions  I  offered,  which  was,  to  suspend 


May,  1780.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


367 


the  measures  they  had  taken  for  one  year.  After  an  hour's 
conference,  we  were  called  to  receive  their  answer,  which  was, 
they  could  not  submit  to  the  terms  of  union.  I  then  prepared 
to  leave  the  house,  to  go  to  a  near  neighbour's  to  lodge,  under 
the  heaviest  cloud  I  ever  felt  in  America :  0  !  what  I  felt ! — 
nor  I  alone ! — but  the  agents  on  both  sides !  they  wept  like 
children,  but  kept  their  opinions. 

Wednesday,  10.  I  returned  to  take  leave  of  conference,  and 
to  go  off  immediately  to  the  North  ;  but  found  they  were 
brought  to  an  agreement  while  I  had  been  praying,  as  with  a 
broken  heart,  in  the  house  we  went  to  lodge  at ;  and  brother 
Watters  and  Garrettson  had  been  praying  up  stairs  where  the 
conference  sat.  We  heard  what  they  had  to  say ;  surely  the 
hand  of  God  has  been  greatly  seen  in  all  this :  there  might 
have  been  twenty  promising  preachers,  and  three  thousand 
people,  seriously  affected  by  this  separation ;  but  the  Lord 
would  not  suffer  this ;  we  then  had  preaching  by  brother 
Watters  on,  "  Come  thou  with  us,  and  we  will  do  thee  good  ;" 
afterward  we  had  a  love-feast;  preachers  and  people  wept, 
prayed,  and  talked,  so  that  the  spirit  of  dissension  was  power- 
fully weakened,  and  I  hoped  it  would  never  take  place  again. 

Thursday,  11.  I  rode  to  Petersburg,  thirty-five  miles, 
through  much  fatigue  and  want  of  rest ;  found  myself  indis- 
posed with  the  headache.  With  difficulty  I  spoke  at  brother 
Harding's,  on,  "  We  know  that  we  are  of  God ;"  but  was  so 
unwell  I  could  scarcely  speak  at  all.  Though  having  pre- 
vailed with  God  and  man,  I  yet  halt  on  my  thigh. 

Friday,  12.  I  am  a  little  better;  rest  this  day  to  write  to 
Mr.  Wesley.  In  Petersburg,  our  friends  who  had  a  little  re- 
ligion before  these  times,  have  declined ;  I  fear  their  hearts 
are  worldly.  Some  who  had  religion  before  these  times  have 
lost  it ;  and  many  who  had  none,  have  gained  much  ;  like 
some  who  had  no  fortunes,  have  gained  great  ones  ;  and  many 
of  those  who  had  great  fortunes,  are  in  a  fair  way  to  lose  them, 
if  these  times  hold  long. 

Saturday,  13.  Went  to  Nathaniel  Lee's,  and  preached  to 
about  fifty  people,  on  Eph.  v,  8,  and  had  freedom ;  the  con- 


368  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1*780. 


gregation  small,  owing  to  a  muster  and  cock-fighting  not  far 
off.  I  then  rode  to  Wood  Tucker's,  a  great  friend  to  the  old 
plan  of  Methodism  ;  and  was  kept  in  peace. 

Sunday,  14.  Rode  to  George  Booth's ;  he  is  a  curious  ge- 
nius for  a  mechanic.  We  had  a  great  house,  and  about  three 
hundred  people;  I  spoke  on  1  Cor.  ii,  14,  plain,  warm  and 
searching  ;  but  they  seemed  in  general  careless  :  I  fear  there 
is  but  little  solid,  pure  religion  here. 

Monday,  lb.  Was  much  exercised  ;  Lord!  keep  me  every 
moment.  As  this  is  rest-day,  I  intend  to  employ  my  time  in 
reading  and  writing  principally ;  but  my  spirit  is  restless  va- 
rious ways ;  and  I  think  I  ought  always  to  be  employed.  I 
am  for  attending  my  twelve  times  of  prayer,  and  resisting  the 
devil  steadfastly  in  the  faith.  I  am  much  humbled  before  the 
Lord  ;  a  blessing  I  want,  and  will  not  cease  crying  to  the  Lord 
for  it.  I  read  Dr.  Chandler's  Appeal  to  the  Public ;  I  think 
upon  the  whole  he  is  right.  Why  might  not  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  have  as  much  indulgence  in  America  as 
any  other  society  of  people  ? 

Tuesday,  16.  Spent  near  an  hour  in  private  prayer,  and 
twice  in  the  family  ;  then  went  to  Notaway  church,  where  Mr. 
Jarratt  gave  an  excellent  sermon  on,  "A  man  shall  be  a 
hiding-place."  He  was  rather  shackled  with  his  notes.  We 
then  had  sacrament ;  afterward  I  returned  to  George  Booth's, 
spent  the  evening  with  Mr.  Jarratt,  and  found  him  as  friendly 
as  ever.    He  labours,  but  the  people  give  him  little  or  nothing. 

Wednesday,  17.  Rode  to  the  Widow  Heath's ;  about  seventy 
people  wrere  waiting  for  me ;  it  was  twenty  miles,  my  horse 
lame,  and  the  road  rough ;  the  enemy  tried  me  just  before  I 
came  to  the  house,  as  he  generally  does,  if  the  distance  is  more 
than  I  expect ;  I  spoke  on  Luke  xiii,  23,  and  was  pointed, 
and  had  liberty ;  God  moved  upon  the  hearts  of  the  people ; 
met  the  society,  about  fifteen  pious  people  ;  most  were  blessed, 
and  they  seem  all  on  stretch  for  holiness ;  spent  my  after- 
noon in  reading  and  study.  There  seems  to  be  some  call  for 
me  in  every  part  of  the  work :  I  have  travelled  at  this  time 
from  north  to  south  to  keep  peace  and  union :  and  O !  if  a 


May,  1780.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


369 


rent  and  separation  had  taken  place,  what  work,  what  hurt  to 
thousands  of  souls !  It  is  now  stopped,  and  if  it  had  not,  it 
might  have  been  my  fault ;  it  may  have  been  my  fault  that 
it  took  place ;  but  I  felt  a  timidity  that  I  could  not  get  over ; 
preachers  and  people  making  the  trial,  they  see  the  conse- 
quences, and  I  hope  will  do  so  no  more.  They  have  suffered 
for  their  forwardness.    May  we  all  be  more  prudent ! 

Thursday,  18.  When  I  came  to  Andrews's  the  people  had 
no  notices  I  was  much  tried  on  the  way,  my  horse  lame  and 
the  road  rough ;  but  I  lifted  up  my  heart  to  God.  The 
family  sent  out  and  called  in  about  sixty  people,  black  and 
white.  Spoke  on  Rev.  xxii,  13-18.  I  had  liberty,  and  felt  a 
moving  in  my  own  soul.  Two  women  were  cut  to  the  heart 
and  were  in  an  agony  of  soul  for  holiness  :  I  prayed  with 
them  twice,  while  the  people  stayed,  and  afterward  spoke  to 
them ;  they  both,  notwithstanding  their  agony,  had  a  clear 
sense  of  the  blessing  they  stood  in  need  of,  and  believed  God  " 
had  purified  their  hearts  ;  I  saw  them  both  happily  breathing 
a  Divine  calm  and  heavenly  sweetness.  I  see  clearly  that  to 
press  the  people  to  holiness,  is  the  proper  method  to  take 
them  from  contending  for  ordinances,  or  any  less  conse- 
quential things.  I  read  and  transcribed  some  of  Potter's 
Church  Government ;  and  must  prefer  the  Episcopal  mode  of 
Church  Government  to  the  Presbyterian.  If  the  modern 
bishops  were  as  the  ancient  ones,  all  would  be  right ;  and 
there  wants  nothing  but  the  spirit  of  the  thing. 

Friday,  19.  A  very  warm  day.  I  rode  over  Black- Water 
to  Beddingfields,  and  spoke  with  liberty  to  about  one  hundred 
people,  on  Acts  xxvi,  19  ;  when  I  came  to  treat  on  sanctifica- 
tion,  I  melted  into  tenderness,  and  the  people  also  ;  met  class, 
and  had  a  blessed  tenderness  among  the  people.  Kept  a  fast- 
day  till  four  o'clock,  then  ate  no  meat.  It  is  a  day  of  peace 
and  purity,  but  I  might  have  been  more  in  prayer.  I  called 
to  see  Capt.  Nicholas ;  his  wife  is  confined  to  her  bed ;  but 
she  was  blessed  :  thank  the  Lord. 

Saturday,  20.  I  rode  to  Bartlett's,  ten  miles,  and  preached 
to  about  thirty  insensible  people  :  afterward  rode  to  Warren's, 

16* 


370 


ASB  [TRY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1780. 


who  was  in  distress,  being  of  a  melancholy  cast,  which  is  a 
family  disorder.  He  is  a  man  of  understanding  ;  and  in  time 
past  followed  the  Quakers.  He  was  in  bed  in  perfect  health  : 
I  raised  him  up,  and  after  prayer  he  appeared  better.  The 
people  are  young,  and  have  no  deep  sense  of  religion  here ; 
but  they  must  have  a  trial. 

Sunday,  21.  I  have  peace  of  mind,  but  fear  we  shall  have 
few  hearers  tb-day  :  it  is  not  far  from  the  rich  and  great 
upon  James  River.  I  read  and  transcribed  some  of  Potter's 
Church  Government,  till  ten  o'clock  ;  was  assisted  in  speaking 
to  about  two  hundred  people,  who  appeared  very  ignorant 
and  unfeeling.  After  awhile,  I  gave  them  another  sermon, 
not  very  acceptable  to  me,  and  perhaps  less  so  to  them : 
however,  I  am  clear — they  are  warned.  We  then  set  out  at 
four  o'clock,  rode  sixteen  miles  over  high  hills,  and  deep  val- 
leys, in  the  dark ;  but  came  safe  :  went  to  bed  at  eleven 
o'clock,  and  was  up  at  five  o'clock.  It  is  well  if  this  will  do 
long :  I  am  always  on  the  wing,  but  it  is  for  God. 
\  Monday,  22.  I  laboured  with  brother  Hill ;  I  showed  him 
the  evil  of  a  separation,  which  he  seems  to  be  afraid  of.  Our 
\  people's  leaving  the  Episcopal  Church  has  occasioned  the 
;  people  of  that  Church  to  withdraw  from  our  preaching.  I 
preached  on  Rom.  viii,  7-9,  and  had  an  opening;  the  people 
{appeared  pleased,  and  some  wept,  and  I  hope  were  profited. 
I  advised  our  friends  to  attend  the  Episcopal  Church,  that 
prejudice  might  be  removed  ;  then  their  people  will  attend 
us  :  if  I  could  stay,  some  would  attend.  We  suffer  much  by 
young  preachers  and  young  people ;  yet  they  would  do  their 
duty  if  they  knew  it ;  but  those  that  knew  a  little  of  our  dis- 
cipline, and  have  been  first  in  the  work,  came  into  the  notion 
of  ordinances,  and  neglected  the  direction  in  the  Minutes. 

Tuesday,  23.  I  went  to  the  great  preaching-house,  in 
Nansemond  :  it  has  been  a  store-house,  now  turned  into  a 
preaching-house  :  there  were  about  three  hundred  people : 
I  saw  but  one  trifler  among  them ;  and  he  arose  and  went  out, 
when  I  came  about  the  consciences  of  the  sinners.  I  spoke 
on  1  Pet.  iv,  18  ;  had  uncommon  freedom  ;  they  appear  to  be 


May,  1780.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


an  affectionate,  good  people  ;  they  collected  me  money,  but 
I  took  none  ;  a  man  offered  me  a  silver  dollar,  but  I  could 
not  take  it,  lest  they  should  say  I  came  for  money.  There  is 
a  general  prospect  of  a  work  ;  the  minister,  Mr.  Burgess,  is  a 
very  respectable  man,  and  preaches,  the  people  say,  plain, 
good  sermons.  No  doubt  the  introduction  of  the  ordinances 
by  us  would  be  offensive  where  there  is  a  clergyman  so  wor- 
thy. I  had  a  meeting  at  night  at  Pinner's  ;  the  society  came. 
I  exhorted  them  to  holiness,  and  relative  duties,  and  spoke  of 
Satan's  temptations ;  there  was  a  great  melting.  I  read 
between  preaching  and  the  evening  meeting,  Bishop  Burnett's 
plain  and  honest  Account  of  the  Earl  of  Rochester :  it  was 
a  great  thing  to  see  such  a  man  brought  to  God  ! — a  check 
to  infidels,  a  confirmation  of  truth.  I  was  melted  and  filled 
with  God.  0,  how  the  Lord  blesses  me  among  these  people  ! 
I  have  laboured  to  get  our  friends  well  affected  to  the  Epis- 
copal Church  ;  what  could  I  do  better,  when  we  had  not  the 
ordinances  among  us  ? 

Wednesday,  24.  I  have  peace,  and  power,  and  love  to  God. 
This  was  appointed  for  a  rest-day,  but  one  of  my  old  friends 
gave  out  for  preaching.  While  I  have  my  health,  and  God 
is  with  me,  I  shall  never  say  it  is  enough.  There  is  a  pros- 
pect of  a  good  work  in  Nansemond,  Virginia ;  near  one  hun- 
dred people  joined,  in  the  neighbourhood.  Rode  to  Philips's, 
six  miles,  and  preached  to  about  one  hundred  people.  After 
preaching,  rode  on  to  the  widow  Lane's,  twenty-five  miles  ; 
rode  over  Black- Water,  through  Southampton,  and  with  hard 
riding  (and  some  part  bad  roads)  reached  there  about  nine 
o'clock  ;  where  I  slept  in  peace,  and  arose  early.  0,  for  faith 
to  be  saved  from  all  sin  !  At  twelve  o'clock  went  to  preach, 
and  God  was  with  us  of  a  truth,  while  I  spoke  upon  1  Pet. 
i,  7-12 ;  afterward  met  the  society,  and  gave  the  people  liberty 
to  speak  ;  many  of  them  spoke,  and  there  were  great  meltings 
among  them :  one  woman  testified  sanctification.  I  was 
blessed,  and  felt  more  spiritual ;  I  can  speak  with  a  full  heart 
till  tears  flow  :  the  people  are  more  moved  by  my  easy  speak- 
ing than  ever  before.    Blessed  be  the  Lord ! 


372 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1780. 


Sunday,  28.  Yesterday  I  rode  to  William  Graves's,  spoke 
on  Heb.  iv,  13-15,  and  had  some  life.  There  were  about 
thirty  people  to  hear :  met  the  class,  then  rode  to  Robert 
Jones's,  twenty-five  miles.  Have  peace  this  morning,  but 
not  so  tender  as  I  would  always  wish  to  be.  I  read  a 
pamphlet  written  by  Mr.  Jarratt,  in  answer  to  the  Baptists,  in 
a  dialogue ;  and  I  think  it  is  well  written,  and  ought  to  be 
published.  I  have  had  my  mind  tried  about  approaching 
troubles  ;  but  I  ought  rather  to  mind  my  own  business,  and 
trust  all  to  God.  Spoke  at  Robert  Jones's,  on  Rev.  xxi,  5-8. 
Some  feared  the  soldiers  would  come  to  press  our  horses  ; 
but  I  had  faith  to  believe  they  would  not ;  and  was  led  out 
much  in  speaking.  Some  wild  young  men  kept  talking,  till  I 
came  to  that  part  fitted  for  them,  then  they  listened.  I  met 
the  class  ;  they  were  stirred  up,  thirsting  for  full  sanctification. 
I  felt  a  tenderness  for  brother  Hartley's  sister,  who  wept  for 
his  absence.  Bless  the  Lord,  who  gives  me  to  weep  with 
them  that  weep  !  But  0  !  what  must  my  dear  parents  feel 
for  my  absence  !  Ah  !  surely  nothing  in  this  world  should 
keep  me  from  them,  but  the  care  of  souls  ;  and  nothing  else 
could  excuse  me  before  God.  I  read  my  select  Scriptures, 
the  Law,  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount,  and  the  Revelation  ;  and 
prayed  often  :  God  was  with  me.  Preached  at  Mabry's ; 
they  have  built  a  new  house  :  there  was  a  woman  sat  by  the 
desk,  and  cried,  "  Glory  and  praise  !  I  drink  of  the  water  of 
life  freely  ;  I  am  at  the  fountain ;  my  flesh  praises  God,  I 
never  heard  such  singing  in  my  life."  I  spoke  with  great 
power  from  Thess.  i,  6-9,  and  then  met  society.  This  day 
has  been  a  high  day.  Was  led  out  to  speak  to  saints  and 
sinners  ;  the  people  spoke  in  society  ;  God  was  with  us  ; 
some  expressed  their  joy  in  the  union.  I  rode  to  Booth's  ; 
and  am  kept  in  peace  and  love,  and  have  great  consolation  in 
public  and  private. 

Monday,  29.  Read  Mr.  Wesley's  second  volume  of  Ser- 
mons ;  rode  to  Wood  Tucker's  ;  spoke  on  Heb.  xii,  1-4.  Then 
met  society,  or  rather  gave  them  an  exhortation  ;  the  people 
of  the  world  were  by,  and  God  was  with  us.   I  hope  what 


June,  1780.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  373 

was  spoken  was  blessed  to  saint  and  sinner.  I  am  kept  by 
grace,  though  I  have  been  in  temptation. 

Tuesday,  30.  I  arose  at  five  o'clock,  with  peace  of  mind, 
and  was  employed  in  writing  letters  to  my  friends  in  the 
Peninsula.  Then  rode  to  George  Smith's,  preached  on 
1  Peter  iv,  17,  to  about  sixty  people:  spent  some  time  in 
speaking ;  but  had  not  as  much  liberty  as  at  some  other 
times.  Spoke  to  the  class  ;  the  people  spoke  afterward  of 
the  goodness  of  God.  Afterward  I  rode  to  Bushell's  ;  some 
were  gone  home  for  fear  of  the  horse-press.  Captain  Bushell 
is  dead,  and  the  work  dies  with  him.  Before  I  had  done 
prayer,  there  came  up  soldiers  and  horses ;  the  people  were 
affrighted,  but  there  was  no  need :  the  officers  came  in,  and 
sat  down ;  one  soon  tired  ;  the  other  could  not  stay  it  out. 
I  spoke  from  1  Peter  v,  10,  and  addressed  myself  according 
to  my  audience  ;  the  people  were  greatly  alarmed  ;  I  was 
tempted  to  go  back  to  the  north,  there  is  such  a  commotion 
in  the  country  ;  the  troops  are  going  to  Camden,  South  Ca- 
rolina. But  I  must  go  on,  and  not  faint  in  the  way.  I  have 
been  very  well  off ;  but  am  following  trouble.  What  matters 
it,  where  I  go,  what  comes  upon  me,  if  God  is  with  me  ;  or 
where  I  live  or  where  I  die,  if  holy  and  ready  ! 

Wednesday,  31.  I  find  some  left  the  society  here,  at  the 
time  of  the  division  ;  and  between  one  thing  and  another,  it  is 
bad  times  here,  and  a  sorrowful  day  with  me. 

Thursday,  June  1,  1780.  Rode  to  Mr.  Jarratt's,  and  was 
kindly  entertained.  Preached  in  the  barn  to  about  seventy 
people  ;  but  not  so  lively  as  when  I  was  here  four  years  ago  ; 
spoke  on  1  John  iii,  23,  had  much  free  conversation  among 
the  people  ;  Mr.  Jarratt  is  as  kind  as  formerly. 

Friday,  2.  Went  to  White- Oak  ;  and  spoke  on  Titus  iii, 
2-5,  and  was  blessed  :  then  met  the  society  and  spoke  to  the 
people.  Mr.  Jarratt  wept,  and  all  the  people,  at  the  joy  of 
union. 

Saturday,  3.  Rode  to  Gillum  Booth's,  had  about  sixty 
people,  and  I  spoke  on  Matt,  vii,  21-23.  Here  Captain  Ben- 
son came  twelve  miles  to  see  me ;  poor  man,  I  wept  over 


374 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1780. 


him,  and  exhorted  him  to  seek  the  Lord  ;  which,  if  he  does 
not,  I  fear  he  will  never  come  back  ;  but  his  family  are  pray- 
ing- for  him  :  I  felt  an  uncommon  love  for  him,  and  a  hope 
God  will  bless  and  keep  him  alive  in  the  day  of  battle.  1810. 
Now  General  Benson  is  living  in  Talbot,  Maryland. 

Sunday,  4.  I  rode  twelve  miles  to  Mrs.  Merritt's  meeting- 
house :  there  were  about  three  hundred  people,  white  and 
black.  Spoke  on  Rom.  ii,  7-9  ;  after  sermon  I  spoke  to  the 
society,  some  of  them  are  happy  souls  ;  but  there  is  a  slack- 
ness in  meeting  :  the  rules  of  the  society  have  not  been  kept 
up  here.  I  spoke  to  some  select  friends  about  slave-keeping, 
but  they  could  not  bear  it :  this  I  know,  God  will  plead  the 
cause  of  the  oppressed,  though  it  gives  offence  to  say  so 
here.  0  Lord,  banish  the  infernal  spirit  of  slavery  from  thy 
dear  Zion. 

Monday,  5.  I  have  peace ;  though  I  am  grieved  at  some 
things :  it  will  be  long,  I  fear,  before  the  good  Virginia 
brethren  will  be  brought  into  close  discipline  ;  though  there 
are  many  gracious  people. 

Tuesday,  6.  Have  peace  of  mind :  preached  at  Walker's 
barn  on  Heb.  iii,  2.  Met  some  faithful  people  in  society. 
Have  been  reading  Knox's  first  volume  of  Sermons  ;  they  are 
sublime,  though  not  deep  :  I  approve  the  spirit  and  principles 
of  the  man ;  he  appears  to  be  of  the  spirit  of  Mr.  M'Gaw ; 
he  gives  some  favourable  hints  of  restoration  ;  that  natural 
evil  should  purge  out  moral  evil ;  but  gave  it  not  as  his  own 
opinion,  but  as  that  of  others.  In  another  place  he  says, 
"  Perhaps  the  heathen  world  shall  have  an  after-trial ;"  if  in 
time,  it  is  true.  So  it  sometimes  is,  that  if  a  man  is  a  rigid 
Calvinist,  and  turns,  he  must  go  quite  round  ;  but  general 
redemption  and  conditional  salvation  is  the  plan.  I  keep  up 
prayer  in  public  or  private  twelve  times  a  day ;  and  am  exer- 
cised not  a  little.  Lord,  keep  me  through  the  approaching 
troubles  of  the  continent !  I  preached  at  Benjamin  John- 
son's ;  had  many  to  hear,  and  some  of  the  rich.  Went  as 
near  the  conscience  as  I  could  get ;  spoke  on  Luke  xiii, 
23-25,  then  met  society,  and  had  a  melting  time  :  the  people 


June,  1*780.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


375 


spoke  their  experiences,  and  joyed  in  the  union,  and  to  see 
my  face. 

Wednesday,  7.  Rode  to  Rose- Creek ;  here  my  old  friend 
William  White  would  not  come  to  hear  me.  Spoke  on  Rom. 
xiii,  11-13  ;  was  much  assisted  ;  all  the  friends  were  moved  ; 
but  sinners  are  callous  !  God  was  with  us.  Thus  the  Lord 
made  us  to  rejoice  ;  and  although  there  has  been  a  falling  off, 
I  hope  God  will  revive  the  people  and  his  work  in  this  place. 
Rode  home  with  friend  Rivers  ;  and  think  I  am  more  given 
up  than  ever  I  was  in  my  life ;  I  see  the  need  of  living  near 
to  God,  to  be  able  to  preach  the  travails  of  God's  people,  to 
get  freedom  and  love  to  bear  with  sinners,  and  to  deal  faith- 
fully. 1  am  labouring  for  God,  and  my  soul  is  pressing  after 
full  salvation. 

Thursday,  8.  In  my  way  I  called  to  see  friend  Marks  and 
family  ;  he  is  worn  down  with  family  troubles  :  also  called  to 
see  Mrs.  Clayburn  at  B.  court-house  ;  she  is  under  some  de- 
spondency from  weakness  of  body.  Spoke  at  Mark  Crow- 
der's  on  1  Peter  i,  5-10.  The  word  was  blest  to  believers. 
In  society  some  spoke  of  the  goodness  of  God.  In  the  af- 
ternoon, I  rode  through  a  steep,  dangerous  place,  into  the 
river ;  but  though  it  was  frightful,  I  came  safe  over  to 
Wharton's.  Edward  Dromgoole  is  a  good  preacher,  but  en- 
tangled with  a  family.  We  spoke  of  a  plan  for  building 
houses  in  every  circuit  for  preachers'  wives,  and  the  society 
to  supply  their  families  with  bread  and  meat ;  so  the  preach- 
ers should  travel  from  place  to  place,  as  when  single  :  for 
unless  something  of  the  kind  be  done,  we  shall  have  no 
preachers  but  young  ones,  in  a  few  years ;  they  will  marry 
and  stop. 

Friday,  9.  Preached  at  Woolsey's  barn,  on  Jude  20-22. 
James  Morris  exhorted,  and  the  people  were  moved  very 
much.  I  rode  to  friend  Owen's,  had  the  comfort  to  see  my 
Portsmouth  friends,  and  was  pleased  to  find  their  faces  Zion- 
ward. 

Saturday,  10.  Preached  to  about  sixty  people,  was  blest 
in  speaking ;  rode  on  to  my  old  friend,  Samuel  Yeorgan's — 


376  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  1780. 

as  kind  as  ever,  but  a  dissenter  in  heart.  I  spoke  at  the 
chapel  with  great  power,  on  Isaiah  iii,  10,  11.  Here  I  was 
taken  sick,  a  smart  fever,  I  coidd  get  no  farther ;  was  very- 
bad  on  Monday,  Tuesday,  and  Wednesday.  Providence 
dark  ;  my  spirits  much  dejected. 

Wednesday,  14.  Cannot  read,  write,  think,  pray,  or  speak 
much,  I  have  such  pain ;  but  I  trust  in  the  Lord.  It  is  no 
matter  where  I  die,  if  in  the  Lord ;  I  commend  all  to  him : 
the  more  I  suffer,  the  better  it  will  be  in  the  end,  if  it  is  for 
souls  I  labour  and  suffer. 

Thursday,  15.  I  am  better  in  health;  but  have  the  tooth- 
ache violently,  and  am  forced  to  use  tobacco,  that  I  had  laid 
aside  ;  but  putting  this  in  my  tooth,  I  found  some  relief. 
Lord,  give  me  patience  !  I  am  never  so  holy  as  when  tra- 
velling and  preaching  :  I  hope  to  set  out  again  to-morrow. 
Lord,  give  me  patience  under  all  my  suffering,  and  a  happy 
issue  out  of  all,  in  thine  own  time !  Have  read  as  far  as 
Isaiah,  in  going  through  my  Bible  ;  have  but  little  time.  I 
see  the  need  of  returning  to  my  twelve  times  of  prayer ;  I 
have  been  hindered  and  interrupted  by  pains  and  fevers. 
Pain  is  trying  ;  but  I  am  kept  from  murmuring  hitherto. 
Satan  has  tried  me,  and  I  have  had  some  dejection  of  spirit. 
Lord,  keep  me  every  moment ! 

Friday,  16.  I  crossed  Roanoak,  (North  Carolina,)  felt  a 
little  better,  though  weak.  We  rode  near  thirty  miles,  was 
like  to  faint  in  the  carriage ;  but  at  brother  Edward's  felt 
refreshed,  and  ease  from  pain ;  slept  well ;  blessed  be  God ! 

Saturday,  17.  I  am  in  peace,  and  much  blest  always 
when  travelling.  Preached  at  Jones's  barn  to  about  one 
hundred  people;  spoke  on  Heb.  iv,  11-15;  was  weak,  but 
spoke  long.  A  few  felt  and  understood.  The  unawakened 
appeared  unmoved  ;  my  discourse  was  not  for  them.  I  think 
my  immediate  call  is  to  the  people  of  God  :  others  seem  in 
a  hardened  state  ;  they  have  heard  much,  obeyed  little. 
Went  to  Mrs.  Yaney's,  an  afflicted,  distressed  woman,  sunk 
into  rigid  mortification,  thinking  she  ought  to  fast  excessively. 

Sunday,  18.  I  rode  fifteen  miles  to  brother  Bustion's,  and 


June,  1*780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


preached  to  about  five  hundred  people ;  was  much  led  out 
on  Isaiah  lv,  6,  7.  The  people  were  solemnly  attentive  :  I 
was  tempted  to  think  I  had  done  well ;  but  I  opposed  the 
devil  and  overcame  him.  Brother  Dickins  spoke  on  charity 
very  sensibly,  but  his  voice  is  gone ;  he  reasons  too  much  ; 
is  a  man  of  great  piety,  great  skill  in  learning,  drinks  in 
Greek  and  Latin  swiftly  ;  yet  prays  much,  and  walks  close 
with  God.  He  is  a  gloomy  countryman  of  mine,  and  very 
diffident  of  himself.  My  health  is  recovered;  thank  the 
Lord.  Thus  he  makes  my  strength  sufficient  for  my  day  ; 
glory  to  God  ! 

Monday,  19.  Rose  about  five  o'clock,  was  a  little  disturb- 
ed in  my  rest  with  company.  Brother  Dickins  drew  the 
subscription  for  a  Kingswood  school  in  America ;  this  was 
what  came,  out  a  college  in  the  subscription  printed  by  Dr. 
Coke.  Gabriel  Long  and  brother  Bustion  were  the  first  sub- 
scribers, which  I  hope  will  be  for  the  glory  of  God  and  good 
of  thousands.  We  set  off  in  the  rain,  rode  over  Fishing- 
Creek  to  Davis's,  ten  miles  ;  I  spoke  on  1  Thess.  i,  8,  9,  had 
some  light,  but  the  people  were  very  little  moved  ;  rode 
twelve  miles  to  Gabriel  Long's,  through  the  woods.  I  hope 
John  Dickins  will  ever  after  this  be  a  friend  to  me  and  Me- 
thodism. My  health  is  greatly  restored ;  am  blest  among 
my  friends. 

Tuesday,  20.  After  an  hour  spent  in  prayer,  private  and 
in  the  family,  I  read  a  few  chapters  in  the  Bible  ;  began  read- 
ing Watts's  first  volume  of  Sermons  ;  was  pleased  and  profit- 
ed. Preached  at  noon  to  fifty  people,  on  Titus  ii,  11-14,  had 
some  liberty  among  the  people ;  they  were  very  little  affect- 
ed— but  the  faithful,  for  whom  I  principally  spoke,  were 
tender ;  then  rode  over  to  Joseph  John  Williams's,  a  rich 
man  of  this  world,  and  I  hope  sincere.  I  am  kept  through 
mercy. 

Wednesday,  21.  I  had  to  ride  alone  better  than  twelve 
miles  to  Mr.  Duke's ;  when  I  came  there,  found  about  thirty 
people,  and  they  quite  ignorant.  After  preaching  I  took 
dinner,  and  in  talking  found  three  or  four  of  them  tenderly 


378 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[June,  1780. 


serious  ;  gave  them  advice :  the  man  and  his  wife  have  had 
conviction,  and  have  sinned  it  away.  They  say  it  was  the 
disputes  of  the  Baptists  that  turned  them  aside.  I  then 
rode  home  with  a  Mr.  Green,  a  Presbyterian ;  and  was  much 
blest  in  reading  Watts's  first  volume  of  Sermons. 

Thursday,  22.  I  rode  to  Jenkins's,  and  spoke  plainly  to 
about  eighty  people,  and  found  the  word  wras  fitted  to  their 
cases ;  met  class  ;  it  was  a  day  of  peace  to  me  ;  the  Lord 
was  wTith  me  at  this  poor,  but  good  man's  house.  I  was  kept 
by  the  power  of  God ;  my  soul  is  breathing  after  the  Lord 
at  all  times.  There  is  a  hardness  over  the  people  here  : 
they  have  had  the  Gospel  preached  by  Presbyterians,  Bap- 
tists, and  Methodists ;  the  two  former  appear  to  be  too  much 
in  the  spirit  of  the  world  ;  there  is  life  amongst  some  of  the 
Methodists,  and  they  will  grow  because  they  preach  growing 
doctrines.  I  heard  of  Mr.  Hart,  from  Charleston,  passing 
north,  and  one  of  the  countess  of  Huntingdon's  men  turning 
Baptist.  They  have  soon  turned  about ;  but  they  may  follow 
Mr.  Whitefield  in  Calvinism. 

Friday,  23.  I  have  peace,  the  Lord  is  my  portion ;  this 
was  a  day  of  fasting ;  I  rode  fifteen  miles,  preached,  prayed, 
and  sung  near  two  hours ;  ate  a  little  about  four  o'clock,  and 
preached  at  Nutbush-creek  chapel,  (a  little  log-house,  about 
twenty-five  feet  long  and  twenty  wide,)  to  about  one  hundred 
and  fifty  people  ;  here  I  found  a  broken  society.  Rode  home 
with  Dr.  King  ;  his  wife  was  in  society.  I  slept  in  peace, 
and  rose  about  five  o'clock  :  my  heart  is  with  God  !  Glory 
be  to  thee,  0  Lord  !  I  had  too  mean  an  opinion  of  Caro- 
lina ;  it  is  a  much  better  country,  and  the  people  live  much 
better  than  I  expected  from  the  information  given  me. 

Saturday,  24.  Though  the  weather  was  extremely  hot,  I, 
yet  weak  in  body,  rode  to  Col.  Edmund  Taylor's  ;  and  at  the 
school-house  spoke  to  about  seventy  people,  on  1  Peter 
iv,  18.  Afterward  was  kindly  entertained  at  Col.  Taylor's: 
they  were  for  ordinances  here,  though  not  heated. 

Sunday,  25.  Rode  six  miles  to  the  Tabernacle;  about 
four  hundred  people,  rich  and  poor,  attended ;  had  very 


June,  1780.1 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


379 


little  liberty  in  speaking — the  people  very  insensible.  I  think 
these  people  must  be  awakened  by  judgments,  for  it  appears 
the  Gospel  will  not  do  it.  I  spoke  near  two  hours  to  little 
purpose ;  held  a  love-feast ;  all  the  friends  were  stirred  up. 
Then  rode  eight  miles,  lodged  over  Nutbush-creek  at  brother 
Reeves's.  I  am  kept  in  peace,  but  felt  much  ashamed  for  my 
unfaithfulness. 

Monday,  26.  Rose  early ;  my  legs  are  so  inflamed  I  cannot 
tell  what  to  do  ;  but  we  must  bear  all  things  :  I  read  Watts's 
first  volume  of  Sermons  last  week,  and  transcribed  a  little  of 
it.  I  preached  at  Turner's  ;  he  has  lost  the  use  of  his  limbs. 
I  advised  him  to  use  the  cold  bath,  or  electricity ;  either  might 
help  him.  I  had  liberty  in  the  word  ;  the  hearers  were  stir- 
red up ;  many  came  to  hear  who  do  not,  will  not,  attend  the 
other  preachers.  Now  the  end  of  this  may  be  good ;  for  if 
they  get  their  hearts  affected,  they  will  come  to  hear  others, 
and  by  constant  travelling  I  may  do  good.  I  had  in  both 
meetings  eighty  or  ninety  people ;  the  circuit  preachers  have 
but  about  twenty.  The  Baptists  appear  to  be  very  dead ; 
their  own  people  will  not  attend  only  on  Sabbath  days.  The 
people  are  taken  away,  and  times  are  so  difficult  that  they 
appear  to  be  under  a  judicial  hardness,  having  heard  so  much 
and  felt  so  little. 

Tuesday,  27.  Preached  at  William  Price's,  many  came  to 
hear.  Lord,  set  home  thy  word  to  their  hearts !  Rode  to 
Haw-tree,  many  came  to  hear;  my  text  was,  1  Peter  i,. 
5-13.  I  had  great  freedom,  and  held  a  love-feast,  the  peo- 
ple were  affected.  There  is  the  most  religion  here  of  any 
place  in  the  circuit,  and  yet  nothing  great :  I  was  much  re- 
freshed, rode  through  the  woods,  a  blind  path,  to  a  friend's. 
I  am  always  upon  the  run,  though  kept  in  peace ;  was 
grieved  to  see  the  distress  of  the  people — some  taken  out  to 
war,  others  expecting  it  every  day.  Lord,  help  thy  people ! 
There  are  many  things  that  are  painful  to  me,  but  cannot  yet 
be  removed,  especially  slave-keeping  and  its  attendant  circum- 
stances. The  Lord  will  certainly  hear  the  cries  of  the  op- 
pressed, naked,  starving  creatures.    0,  my  God!  think  on 


380 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1780. 


this  land.  Amen.  I  am  in  peace,  but  have  hard  labour  ;  I 
hope  it  will  be  for  good :  I  expect  to  meet  trouble,  but  the 
Lord  can  keep  me  in  the  greatest  danger  as  in  apparent  safety. 

Wednesday,  28.  Rode  to  Todd's,  six  miles:  I  am  dejected 
to  see  so  little  religion.  I  am  comforted  when  I  pray  much, 
and  find  deliverances.  I  am  badly  situated :  and  cannot  go 
out  into  the  woods ;  have  no  place  of  retirement  at  some 
houses.  I  preached  at  Todd's,  to  about  seventy  people,  but 
very  insensible ;  met  class,  talked  a  little,  and  then  gave  the 
people  liberty  to  speak  of  the  goodness  of  God.  I  laboured 
in  public  ;  and  hope  some  will  take  it  home  :  spoke  from  Luke 
vi,  46,  many  came  to  hear.  I  have  read  John  Clagget  against 
Chubb :  he  writes  well  for  a  layman  ;  but  I  suspect  he  would 
write  as  much  against  us,  whom  he  deems  Arminians.  Chubb 
is  quite  wrong ;  Clagget  is  no  ways  smooth  and  entertaining, 
though  he  has  truth  and  argument  on  his  side.  I  found 
here  two  old  English  folks — an  old  man  near  sixty,  in  society  ; 
an  old  woman  eighty-nine  years  old,  Nodder  by  name,  and 
can  walk,  read,  sing,  and  pray,  who  was  converted  to  God 
about  a  year  ago.  0,  my  God  !  when  shall  I  be  established 
in  purity  ? 

Thursday,  29.  Read  several  chapters  in  Isaiah.  I  have 
thought  if  I  had  two  horses,  and  Harry  (a  coloured  man)  to 
go  with,  and  drive  one,  and  meet  the  black  people,  and  to 
spend  about  six  months  in  Virginia  and  the  Carolinas,  it  would 
be  attended  with  a  blessing.  I  rode  to  widow  Pegram's,  had 
about  sixty  people,  it  being  a  muster-day ;  but  these  were 
happy  souls.  As  soon  as  we  began  to  sing,  the  power  of  God 
came  over  us ;  I  spoke  from  1  Peter  v,  G-8,  then  rode  to 
Capt.  Burrows's :  the  people  in  many  places  are  but  children 
in  understanding ;  we  have  many  things  to  say,  but  they  can- 
not bear  them  now.  I  am  much  blessed  in  my  own  soul.  I 
began  to  form  a  plan  for  myself  and  all  the  preachers  for  next 
year,  if  we  live.  I  am  still  seeking  full  and  final  salvation.  I 
preached  at  Burrows's ;  but  fear  there  is  very  little  religion 
in  this  place  :  I  was  uncomfortable.  The  congregation  about 
sixty  people,  but  they  were  very  dead ;  their  minds  and 


July,  1780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


381 


mouths  full  of  the  world.  I  came  off  to  the  widow  Ellis's, 
and  found  the  Lord  was  here.  There  has  been  a  heavy  rain 
these  two  nights  past ;  if  it  continues,  it  will  destroy  the  full, 
ripe  crops  of  wheat. 

Friday,  30.  Slept  in  peace  last  night;  rose  with  a  deep 
sense  of  God :  met  with  Henry  Jones,  a  serious  young  man, 
and  believe  he  is  called  to  the  work  of  the  ministry ;  I  advised 
him  to  go  with  me. 

Saturday,  July  1,  1Y80.  My  soul  pants  after  God  more 
and  more.  0,  that  I  were  filled  with  strong,  constant,  humble, 
suffering  love !  I  preached  at  the  widow  Ellis's,  on  Heb.  x, 
21-24.  I  was  fervent,  had  liberty,  and  spoke  as  searchingly 
as  I  could  to  saints  and  sinners.  Here  Edward  Dromgoole 
met  me  ;  and  I  appointed  James  Mallory  for  Norfolk  circuit, 
as  there  have  been  a  few  people  kept  together,  notwithstanding 
the  absence  of  the  preachers. 

Sunday,  2.  I  rode  to  Lindsey's,  a  rough  road ;  had  about 
seventy  people ;  and  spoke  on  2  Cor.  iv,  4-6.  Now  I  have 
done  in  this  circuit ;  the  Lord  has  blessed  me  in  body  and  soul. 
To-morrow  I  am  going  to  Tar-River.  Edward  Dromgoole  is 
hearty  in  good  old  Methodism ;  we  have  had  great  union ;  I 
hope  he  will  check  the  spirit  of  some  of  the  divisive  men.  I 
wrote  to  R.  Ellis ;  read  my  select  Scriptures.  God  is  with 
us  :  it  may  be  trials  are  coming,  but  no  matter ;  why  should  I 
fear  ? — the  Lord  liveth,  and  he  is  my  rock. 

Monday,  3.  Very  rainy  night,  with  thunder  and  lightning. 
I  am  grieved  to  see  slavery,  and  the  manner  of  keeping  these 
poor  people.  I  set  out  for  Tar-River :  after  riding  about  five 
miles  I  was  told  I  could  not  cross  Bear  Swamp ;  but  by  the 
guidance  of  a  Baptist  friend,  came  through  that  and  two  very 
deep  creeks.  Afterward  I  left  my  guide  :  we  had  travelled  a 
few  miles  together,  and  talked  in  a  friendly  manner.  Rode 
three  miles  farther,  and  was  stopped  by  what  was  called 
Bens-Creek ;  the  bridge  was  gone,  and  a  man  said  it  was  ten 
feet  deep  :  I  then  made  for  Falcom's  bridge,  on  little  Fishing- 
Creek  ;  but  the  low  ground  was  covered,  and  no  bridge  to  be 
seen  :  lodged  at  Mr.  Falcom's,  was  known,  and  kindly  enter- 


382 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[July,  1780. 


tained.  I  laboured  to  make  Mrs.  Falcom  sensible  of  her  dan- 
ger, and  hope  not  in  vain ;  prayed  evening  and  morning  in  the 
family. 

Tuesday,  4.  I  rode  by  Miller's  cross  roads  to  Great  Fishing 
Creek,  a  rough  way — but  got  safe  along,  and  was  comforted 
in  mind ;  crossed  Great  Fishing  Creek ;  stopped  at  Sandy 
Creek,  where  I  found  a  kind  old  man,  brother  Howell ;  lodged 
with  him  and  spent  my  time  peaceably. 

Wednesday,  5.  Set  out  to  Green  Hills;  but  with  difficulty 
I  got  along  ;  but  this  was  not  all,  for  in  going  the  distance  of 
four  miles  I  rode  eight,  and  was  tried  to  purpose  ;  on  account 
of  the  waters,  I  have  ridden  about  thirty  miles  out  of  my  way ; 
and  am  now  twenty-six  miles  from  the  place  of  preaching  to- 
morrow. Have  been  happy  till  to-day  ;  but  when  lost,  I  be- 
gan to  feel  like  fretting  against  persons  and  things.  0,  my 
God  !  pardon  me  in  this.  I  was  very  kindly  entertained,  and 
blessed  with  fellowship  at  Green  Hills  ;  but  never  met  with  so 
many  difficulties  as  I  have  met  with  in  this  circuit :  I  hope  for 
the  greater  blessings ;  am  kept  by  grace,  and  enjoy  health 
in  this  hot  weather,  though  so  far  to  the  south ;  have  peace 
of  soul,  bless  the  Lord. 

Thursday,  6.  Rode  twenty-six  miles ;  exceeding  hot,  and 
my  horse  suffered  greatly.  When  I  came  to  the  place  about 
seventy  people  were  met,  singing  and  praying.  I  spoke  on 
Heb.  iv,  13-16,  had  not  much  strength  of  soul  or  body. 
The  people  appeared  inattentive  and  their  minds  full  of  the 
present  troubles. 

Friday,  7.  A  day  of  fasting,  till  near  three  o'clock ;  I  was 
weak,  and  lodging  on  the  floor  was  uncomfortable. 

Saturday,  8.  Rode  to  Cypress  chapel;  had  liberty  in 
speaking  on  1  John  i,  8,  9,  to  about  one  hundred  people. 
Here  James  0 'Kelly  met  me ;  he  spoke,  and  appeared  to  be 
a  warm-hearted,  good  man ;  but  he  was  troubled  with  the 
people  about  these  times.  At  Ross's  I  spoke  on  Rev.  xxii, 
10-19.  I  had  an  opening;  and  one  Lindsay,  an  exhorter, 
spoke  ;  an  honest,  zealous  man :  he  has  lost  his  little  property 
by  these  times.    I  have  ridden  near  one  hundred  miles 


July,  1780.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


383 


this  week;  and  as  severe,  constant  hot  weather  as  I  ever 
knew. 

Sunday,  9.  Preached  at  Green  Hills  to  about  four  hundred 
souls,  on  1  Thess.  ii,  4.  The  subject  was  new,  the  people 
dead.  I  had  not  much  liberty.  James  O'Kelly  spoke  on, 
"Have  ye  understood  all  these  tilings?"  He  raised  high, 
and  was  very  affecting,  but  to  little  purpose.  There  are  evils 
here ;  the  meeting  not  solemn ;  the  women  appeared  to  be 
full  of  dress,  the  men  full  of  news.  These  people  are  Gospel 
slighters.  I  fear  some  heavy  stroke  will  come  on  them. 
James  O'Kelly  and  myself  enjoyed  and  comforted  each  other : 
this  dear  man  rose  at  midnight,  and  prayed  very  devoutly  for 
me  and  himself.  He  cries,  give  me  children  or  I  die ;  but  I 
believe  no  preaching  or  preacher  will  do  much  good  at  pre- 
sent. I  was  condemned  for  telling  humorous  anecdotes,  and 
knew  not  whether  it  was  guilt  or  fear,  lest  my  friends  should 
think  I  go  beyond  the  bounds  of  prudent  liberty.  It  is 
dreadful,  when  a  preacher  is  put  to  it  to  vindicate  himself. 

Monday,  10.  Through  heat  and  for  want  of  retirement,  I 
suffer  loss ;  but  bless  God  for  health  and  faith.  I  made  my 
journey  to  Roger  Jones's.  About  sixty  people ;  God  was 
with  us ;  the  people  spoke  of  the  goodness  of  the  Lord. 

Tuesday,  11.  Had  a  heavy  night ;  rose  up,  and  laid  myself 
down  on  the  floor  upon  my  nightgown ;  slept  in  pain  ;  rose 
at  four  o'clock;  prayed  in  private  and  in  the  family  ;  then  set 
off  at  six  o'clock  ;  had  hilly  roads  ;  and  after  riding  five  or  six 
hours,  came  to  my  appointment ;  had  very  little  freedom  in 
speaking  to  about  one  hundred  people :  here  I  met  with  W. 
Partridge.  The  Lord  keeps  me  in  health  :  I  cast  all  my  care 
upon  him. 

Wednesday,  12.  I  rode  to  Cooper's  upon  Tar  River,  had 
about  one  hundred  and  twenty  people ;  I  was  under  discour- 
agement before  I  began,  but  the  Lord  helped  me.  These  peo- 
ple have  heard  Baptists  and  Presbyterians,  but  I  fear  to  little 
purpose.  God  assisted  me  to  deliver  my  own  soul.  I  rode 
to  a  friend's,  and  had  great  difficulty  on  the  way ;  but  I  am 
kept  from  murmuring :  while  labouring  for  other  souls,  my 


384 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1780. 


own  is  blessed — have  felt  nothing  contrary  to  love  for  some 
days  past. 

Thursday,  13.  Rode  to  the  chapel:  had  an  insensible 
people,  full  of  the  spirit  of  the  world.  I  laboured  hard  to 
preach  on  Luke  xiii,  23-25.  Then  rode  to  Captain  Pope's; 
I  am  distressed  with  the  troubles  of  the  times  ;  and  hear  there 
are  great  commotions.  I  went  to  the  preaching-house,  and 
poured  out  my  soul  to  God  for  some  time  in  the  evening — 
my  heart  found  rest,  and  felt  power  to  trust  God  with  my 
life  and  my  all.    0  !  why  doth  my  cowardly  flesh  complain  ? 

Friday,  14.  God  was  with  me  ;  I  was  comforted  with  bro- 
ther Pope,  a  lame,  wise,  and  pious  man  ;  he  has  built  a  preach- 
ing-house almost  himself.  Who  can  tell  what  a  man  may  do 
under  divine  assistance  ?  He  makes  a  few  cards,  teaches  a 
few  children,  and  says  he  lives  as  well  as  ever  he  did  in  his 
life.  I  was  much  comforted  at  the  preaching-house  this  morn- 
ing. I  suffered  much  for  want  of  a  place  of  retirement ;  I 
cannot  go  into  the  woods,  there  are  so  many  ticks,  chiegoes, 
and  such  insects  at  this  season  upon  the  ground ;  retired  at 
six  o'clock  to  the  chapel ;  it  has  been  a  bethel  to  me :  my 
day  of  fasting  and  humiliation  has  been  blest  to  my  soul. 

Saturday,  15.  After  spending  some  time  in  the  chapel  alone, 
I  set  out  to  Paschal 's,  about  six  o'clock ;  I  came  in  before 
twelve,  I  spoke  very  close  and  plain  on  Acts  xxvi,  1 8,  to  about 
thirty  people,  and  had  but  little  faith  for  them.  Rode  on  to 
B.  Hartfield's,  about  twenty  miles,  much  fatigued  with  the 
badness  of  the  road. 

Sunday,  16.  I  rose  unwell,  and  somewhat  dejected.  Lord, 
keep  me  from  the  power  of  wicked  men,  devils,  and  sin. 
Sometimes  I  think,  will  that  Infinite  Being  we  call  God,  who 
commands  kingdoms,  continents,  and  worlds,  take  care  of  such 
a  worm  as  I  ?  Then  I  consider,  he  is  Infinite,  and  cannot 
be  hurried  so  as  to  forget  any  person.  He  can  keep  me  as 
securely  as  if  there  were  none  but  myself  in  the  world.  Lord, 
give  me  faith  to  trust  in  thee  every  moment,  even  in  my 
greatest  dangers !  I  spoke  on  2  Thess.  i,  6-9.  I  had  great 
light ;  but  the  people  seemed  hardened.    I  fear  judgment  will 


July,  1*780.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


385 


overtake  them  before  they  will  be  awakened ;  I  never  felt 
more  engaged,  and  hardly  a  person  moved  !  I  read  my  select 
Scriptures,  and  had  my  soul  much  taken  up  with  God ;  the 
few  people  in  society  seemed  tender  at  brother  Hartfield's. 

Monday,  17.  I  set  out  about  five  o'clock,  and  rode  to 
Crawford's  upon  Neuse  River,  about  twenty  miles,  alone  ;  was 
tried  at  times,  but  had  some  sense  of  God ;  was  not  so  free 
from  my  temptations,  but  kept  from  sinning  or  yielding  in 
heart :  there  were  many  people.  I  spoke  with  liberty  on  1  Pet. 
iv,  18.  There  was  a  melting  among  the  people;  but  they 
are  rich,  and  are  not  cured  of  the  love  of  money. 

Tuesday,  18.  Rode  to  Kimborough's,  sixteen  miles,  crossed 
Neuse  River.  Many  Baptists  to  hear ;  they  were  serious,  and 
I  spoke  feelingly,  and  aimed  at  their  hearts,  from  Romans  viii, 
24-26.  I  met  brother  Poythress,  much  cast  down  ;  the  peo- 
ple are  lifeless  in  religion ;  but,  bless  the  Lord,  I  have  had  a 
good  entrance,  and  a  comfortable  sense  of  the  divine  pre- 
sence. After  dinner,  I  was  alone  in  the  woods  an  hour,  had 
sweet  meltings,  came  back  and  wrote  these  lines  for  future  con- 
solation. 

Wednesday,  19.  I  rode  to  Abraham  Hill's,  and  had  great 
liberty  in  speaking  from  Heb.  iv,  10,  &c,  then  brother  Poy- 
thress spoke ;  and  we  had  a  refreshing  shower  according  to 
prayer :  we  afterward  spent  some  time  in  reading,  out  of  what 
I  had  written  and  abridged,  upon  the  art  of  speaking  and 
preaching.  I  find  the  spirit  of  separation  on  account  of  the 
ordinances,  is  very  high  among  preachers  and  people ;  but  I 
hope  it  will  be  checked. 

Thursday,  20.  Rode  twelve  miles  to  Tignal  Jones's;  hilly, 
rocky  roads ;  about  eighty  people  to  hear.  While  I  was 
speaking  General  Hugine  came  in,  and  heard  part  of  my  ser- 
mon ;  he  is  a  polite,  well-behaved,  conversable  gentleman ; 
we  dined  together.  After  dinner,  I  set  out  on  my  journey  ; 
we  came  to  a  desperate  creek  called  North-East,  in  Chatham 
county,  where  the  bridge  was  carried  away  by  the  freshet ; 
we  had  to  go  through  among  rocks,  holes,  and  logs ;  I  was 
affrighted ;  yea,  it  was  wonderful  that  the  carriage  did  not 


386 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1780. 


overset :  brother  Poytbress  said  the  horse  was  down  twice, 
and  covered  all  but  his  head  ;  however,  the  water  kept  up  the 
carnage,  and  we  came  safe  through  all  our  difficulties,  to  bro- 
ther Merritt's.  Hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped — body,  soul, 
horse,  and  carriage ;  there  is  a  providence  attending  animate 
and  inanimate  creation.  Here  I  met  brother  Allen — a  pro- 
mising young  man,  but  a  little  of  a  Dissenter. 

Saturday,  22.  We  set  out  for  Crump's,  over  rocks,  hills, 
creeks,  and  pathless  woods  and  low  land ;  and  myself  in  the 
carriage.  The  young  man  with  me  was  heartless  before  we 
had  travelled  a  mile ;  but  when  he  saw  how  I  could  bush  it, 
and  sometimes  force  my  way  through  a  thicket,  and  make  the 
young  saplings  bend  before  me,  and  twist  and  turn  out  of  the 
way,  or  path,  for  there  was  no  proper  road,  he  took  courage ; 
with  great  difficulty  we  came  in  about  two  o'clock,  after  travel- 
ling eight  or  nine  hours ;  the  people  looking  almost  as  wild 
as  the  deer  in  the  woods ;  I  preached  on  Titus  ii,  10-12. 

Sunday,  23.  We  passed  Haw  River,  wide,  but  shallow,  bad 
going  down  and  coming  up ;  they  took  the  carriage  over  by 
hand ;  then  we  had  to  travel  the  pathless  woods  and  rocks 
again :  after  much  trouble,  and  fear,  and  dejection,  we  came 
to  Taylor's  preaching-house,  where  they  were  pressing  horses, 
as  we  expected ;  but  I  came  off  safe,  and  spoke  on  2  Peter 
i,  5-12.  I  had  some  liberty,  but  the  people's  minds  were  in 
confusion  ;  poor  souls,  well  they  might,  when  there  were  such 
works  carried  on.  The  time  to  favour  this  people,  I  fear,  is 
past ;  and  they  seem  hardened,  and  no  preaching  affects  them, 
at  least  not  mine ;  they  are  exceedingly  ignorant  withal. 
There  are  a  few  serious  people,  but  much  distressed  one  way 
or  another.  I  have  travelled  thirty  miles,  and  could  not 
avoid  travelling  on  Sunday,  for  I  had  not  where  to  stay  ;  rode 
to  brother  Beck's,  and  was  much  fatigued  :  found  brother  Beck 
sick  ;  he  has  a  gracious  wife. 

Monday,  24.  Cool,  like  the  fall ;  I  am  kept  in  peace ;  rose 
with  a  sense  of  God's  presence ;  have  only  time  to  pray  and 
write  my  journal ;  always  upon  the  wing,  as  the  rides  are  so 
long,  and  bad  roads ;  it  takes  me  many  hours,  as  in  general 


July,  1780.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


337 


I  walk  my  horse.  I  crossed  Rocky  River  about  ten  miles 
from  Haw  River  :  it  was  rocky,  sure  enough  ;  it  is  in  Chatham 
county,  North  Carolina.  I  can  see  little  else  but  cabins  in 
these  parts,  built  with  poles :  and  such  a  country  as  no  man 
ever  saw  for  a  carriage.  I  narrowly  escaped  being  overset ; 
was  much  affrighted,  but  Providence  keeps  me,  and  I  trust 
will.  I  crossed  Deep  River  in  a  flat  boat,  and  the  poor  ferry- 
man sinner  swore  because  I  had  not  a  silver  shilling  to  give 
him.  I  rode  to  friend  Hinton's,  borrowed  a  saddle,  and  rode 
near  six  miles  to  get  three,  as  we  were  lost ;  when  we  came 
to  the  place  there  were  about  sixty  people.  I  was  at  some 
loss  whom  to  preach  to,  saints  or  sinners  ;  but  found  sinners  as 
unfeeling  as  those  who  are  out  of  the  reach  of  mercy.  I  spoke 
on  1  Peter  v,  9—12.  I  was  glad  to  get  away,  for  some  were 
drunk,  and  had-  their  guns  in  meeting.  I  expect  to  see  some 
of  these  people  again,  and  believe  they  will  be  humbled  in 
time,  but  I  fear  not  by  the  Gospel,  which  they  have  slighted, 
but  by  judgments.  We  came  back  and  found  a  serious  family  : 
was  blest  in  a  family  meeting  ;  the  Lord  filled  our  hearts  with 
his  love.  I  had  a  fever  in  the  night ;  rose  refreshed  in  the 
morning. 

Tuesday,  25.  Was  engaged  in  private  and  family  prayer 
for  divine  protection;  for  I  dwell  as  among  briars,  thorns, 
and  scorpions :  the  people  are  poor,  and  cruel  one  to  another : 
some  families  are  ready  to  starve  for  want  of  bread,  while 
others  have  corn  and  rye  distilled  into  poisonous  whiskey ; 
and  a  Baptist  preacher  has  been  guilty  of  the  same ;  but  it 
is  no  wonder  that  those  who  have  no  compassion  for  the  non- 
elect  souls  of  people,  should  have  none  for  their  bodies. 
These  people  have  had  some  religion ;  but  if  any  seeth  his 
brother  need,  and  shutteth  up  his  bowels  of  compassion,  so  as 
neither  to  give  nor  sell,  "  how  dwelleth  the  love  of  God  in 
that  man  ?"  These  are  poor  Christians.  We  left  our  worthy 
friend  Hinton's,  a  kind  family,  who  parted  with  us  in  tears :  I 
hope  to  see  this  place  again  (I  have  seen  it  many  times)  with 
a  change  for  the  better.  We  forded  Deep  River,  rode  to 
White's,  within  ten  miles  of  the  camp,  into  a  settlement  of 


388 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1780. 


people  from  Pennsylvania,  some  were  Quakers.  I  preached 
at  White's  to  about  twenty  people ;  was  very  unwell  by  a 
disorder  in  my  bowels ;  then  rode  sixteen  miles  to  R.  Kennon's  ; 
it  was  rainy,  and  we  rode  two  miles  in  the  dark  through  the 
woods,  but  came  safe  about  ten  o'clock,  fatigued,  and  under 
a  temptation  to  stop  ;  but  reading  Paul  to  Timothy,  where  he 
says,  "  I  charge  thee  before  God,"  &c,  I  resolved  to  go  on ; 
and  though  but  little  time  and  opportunity  for  retirement,  not 
any  for  reading  or  gaining  knowledge,  yet  saving  souls  is  bet- 
ter. But  people  are  so  distracted  with  the  times,  they  are 
afraid  to  leave  their  houses,  or  ride  their  horses.  I  acknow- 
ledge the  providence  and  immediate  hand  of  God  in  my  jour- 
ney ;  though  it  be  not  of  general  benefit,  I  shall  gain  a  general 
knowledge  of  the  preachers  and  people,  and  strengthen  our 
union. 

Wednesday,  26.  I  preached  at  Harris's  to  about  one  hun- 
dred people  with  some  opening;  it  was  well  I  did  not  give 
way  and  rest  to-day. 

Thursday,  27.  Rose  in  some  consolation,  and  read  a  few 
chapters  in  the  Testament.  I  acknowledge  the  goodness  of 
God  in  preserving  my  health,  life,  and  horse,  from  these  peo- 
ple ;  they  are  very  vile,  and  if  there  is  any  mischief  done  it  is 
laid  to  the  soldiers  :  people  rob,  steal,  and  murder  one  another 
with  impunity.  Rode  twelve  miles  to  West's,  about  one  hun- 
dred people ;  some  faithful  Baptists.  I  spoke  with  Thomas 
Brown,  a  preacher,  who,  with  twelve  more,  is  separated  from 
the  separate  Baptists  on  account  of  their  slackness  in  discipline  : 
I  had  fellowship  with  the  man  ;  we  spent  some  time  together. 
I  told  him  the  danger  of  being  alone ;  and  advised  them  to 
meet  in  a  class,  one  with  another.  My  trials  are  great ;  riding 
twenty  miles  a  day,  or  more  ;  rocky  roads,  poor  entertainment, 
uncomfortable  lodging ;  little  rest  night  or  day ;  but  thanks 
be  to  God,  he  keeps  me  :  the  more  I  do  and  suffer,  the  greater 
the  crown. 

Friday,  28.  Rode  twelve  miles  to  the  chapel,  and  preached 
to  one  hundred  people,  on  1  Peter  iv,  18,  with  some  life ;  but 
the  people  were  unfeeling.    I  had  an  exceeding  rough  road, 


Aug.,  1780.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


089 


through  woods,  over  rocks,  through  creeks,  &c.  I  expect 
fewer  trials  every  day,  and  frequently  find  more  ;  I  will  there- 
fore expect  greater.  I  rode  seven  miles  to  Mr.  Trice's  ;  was 
kindly  entertained  ;  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  and  conversing 
with  brother  Bailey,  from  Ireland,  a  good  and  sensible  man : 
I  slept  well,  and  am  better.    I  praise  God  for  health. 

Saturday,  29.  Rode  to  Roades's,  and  preached  to  about 
two  hundred  people,  on  Titus  iii,  2-8.  I  had  some  light: 
brother  Bailey  and  Allen  spoke ;  I  hope  it  will  revive  the  work. 
I  then  went  on  to  Alston's. 

Sunday,  30.  Preached  at  Neuse  preaching-house  to  about 
four  hundred  people — had  not  much  liberty.  These  people 
have  had  an  abundance  of  preaching  from  the  Baptist  and 
Methodists,  till  they  are  hardened.  I  am  kept  in  peace, 
power,  and  love  to  God,  and  from  eveiy  moral  evil.  In  the 
evening  a  heavy  rain  came  on.  I  lodged  at  Mr.  Allen's. 
There  are  many  trials  in  my  way,  but  the  Lord  hath  brought 
me  on — to  him  be  all  glory  now  and  ever !  I  have  lately 
passed  through  Cumberland,  Chatham,  Orange,  and  Wake 
counties,  in  North  Carolina:  brother  Bailey  has  agreed  to 
give  up  all  business  and  travel  wuth  me,  and  go  to  labour  in 
the  north.  B.  Allen  and  E.  Bailey  spoke  at  Neuse  after 
me.  I  hope  some  good  was  done,  and  the  work  will  revive. 
The  people  in  these  parts  have  been  hurt  with  Calvinism ; 
our  first  preachers  moved  their  passions,  and  they  hastily  and 
improperly  joined  ;  and  afterward  they  dropped  off  from  so- 
ciety, and  there  was  a  great  falling  away.  The  ordinance- 
places  seem  very  barren. 

Monday,  31.  A  very  rainy  day.  I  rested  at  Mr.  Allen's, 
read  in  the  New  Testament,  and  prayed  in  the  family  four 
times. 

Tuesday,  August  1,  1780.  We  were  discouraged  by  the 
rivers,  but  set  out  late  to  Clenny's,  crossed  Eno  with  diffi- 
culty— the  water  ran  over  the  foot-board  of  my  carriage.  Af- 
ter that,  I  rode  a  stony,  hilly  way  about  twelve  miles,  came 
in  by  the  time  Edward  Bailey  had^preached  an  alarming  ser- 
mon on  "  Seek  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found."    Then  I 


390 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Aug.,  1780. 


preached  from  Heb.  ii,  1-3.  Afterward  Beverly  Allen  spoke, 
and  prayed  mightily.  This  is  a  settlement  of  Irish  Pennsyl- 
vanians.  Through  all  my  troubles  I  am  kept  in  peace,  faith, 
and  love ;  we  were  blest  in  family  prayer,  speaking  to  them, 
and  praying  for  them.  I  am  this  day  to  go  towards  Hillsbo- 
rough with  reluctance — but  at  God's  command  I  go,  and  from 
no  other  motive ;  I  feel  no  temper  or  desire  but  to  do  the 
will  of  God. 

Wednesday,  2.  Rode  seven  miles  to  Hillsborough,  and 
preached  in  the  house  of  Mr.  Cortney,  a  tavern,  to  about  two 
hundred  people,  on  Hosea  x,  12  :  "It  is  time  to  seek  the 
Lord."  They  were  decent,  and  behaved  well ;  I  was  much 
animated,  and  spoke  loud  and  long.  Before  I  set  off  this 
morning,  I  felt  dejected,  but  on  the  way  it  vanished.  I  felt 
faith  to  believe  we  should  have  a  peaceable,  profitable  meet- 
ing, and  trust  it  was  so  :  they  have  had  a  warning.  Edward 
Bailey  and  brother  Allen  gave  exhortations.  I  came  back  to 
hold  a  watch-night,  without  eating  or  drinking — though  im- 
portuned to  take  refreshment ;  hitherto  the  Lord  has  helped 
me  through  continual  fatigue  and  rough  roads :  little  rest  for 
man  or  horse,  but  souls  are  perishing — time  is  flying — and 
eternity  comes  nearer  every  hour. 

Thursday,  3.  We  set  off  for  Pittsylvania,  and  travelled 
twenty-five  miles  to  John  Lee's ;  came  in  about  eight  o'clock. 
God  is  at  work,  and  I  hope  I  shall  be  blessed  here  more  than 
in  the  three  circuits  past.  I  felt  a  solemn,  melting  sense  of 
God  upon  my  heart  in  family  prayer.  I  had  a  sensible  feel- 
ing for  my  northern  friends,  when  I  heard  of  the  fighting  in 
the  Jerseys ;  I  fear  they  will  be  distressed.  I  am  kept  in 
peace. 

Friday,  4.  I  was  never  more  devoted  to  God — it  makes 
me  think  I  am  in  my  duty.  I  was  tempted  and  tried  in  Dela- 
ware to  prepare  me  for,  and  drive  me  to,  this  work ;  and  be- 
lieve if  I  had  not  started  I  should  have  suffered  great  loss  in 
my  soul.  I  admire  the  hand  of  God  in  disposing  of  me,  and 
wonder  and  own  his  providence. 

Saturday,  5.  Our  quarterly  meeting  began  at  Henley's 


Aug.,  1780.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


391 


preaching-house.  I  preached  on  Coloss.  i,  2*7-29,  then  bro- 
ther Bailey,  Ivey,  and  Morris  spoke,  there  was  some  reviving 
among  the  people.  We  lodged  at  John  Lee's — my  mind 
was  much  drawn  out;  we  retired  to  an  old  log-shop,  and 
prayed  frequently,  and  found  our  hearts  sweetly  united 
together. 

Sunday,  6.  We  had  a  great  meeting,  love-feast  at  ten — 
very  warm  weather ;  a  log- house,  covered  with  long  shingles  ; 
the  sun  beating  through.  At  one  o'clock  preaching  began,  I 
spoke  on  Eph.  iii,  16-18,  to  about  five  hundred  people;  was 
blest,  and  the  word  went  with  power.  Some  were  moved, 
some  hardened,  yet  I  hope  good  was  done  and  the  work  will 
revive. 

Monday,  7.  Exceeding  hot  weather;  I  rose  with  a  com- 
fortable sense  of  the  Divine  presence  on  my  heart ;  we  prayed 
alone  in  the  woods ;  I  pleaded  in  private ;  great  labours  are 
before  me :  the  Lord  keeps  me.  At  ten  I  preached  in  Lee's 
chapel,  in  C  us  well  county,  to  about  sixty  people,  on  Matt, 
vii,  21:  "Not  every  one  that  saith,  Lord,  Lord,  &c."  I 
possessed  clearness  of  ideas,  liberty  of  speech,  and  the  people 
serious :  the  preachers  are  under  great  difficulties  here  for 
want  of  places  of  study ;  most  places  but  one  room,  or  if  a 
chamber,  they  cannot  live  there,  it  is  so  hot.  I  found  the  peo- 
ple much  united  to  me,  and  appeared  to  think  too  highly  of 
me.  Lord,  keep  me  from  pride,  and  all  high  thoughts  of 
myself ;  but  daily  travelling  and  other  labours  will  humble 
me.  There  is  a  good  work  of  God  here  ;  but  some  of  the 
Baptists  rage  because  we  have  what  they  lost ;  but  while  we 
keep  close  to  God,  and  preach  the  power  of  religion,  they  can 
do  us  no  harm.    (True  !) 

Tuesday,  8.  I  rode  to  Baxter's,  sixteen  miles  ;  about  eighty 
people,  many  came  that  never  attended  at  other  times.  My 
text  was  1  John  i,  8,  9.  I  had  great  liberty,  but  was  tried  in 
getting  there ;  we  crossed  the  Line  Creek.  After  preaching, 
rode  six  miles,  but  was  an  hour  too  late.  About  eight  o'clock, 
came  to  a  cabin,  an  earthen  floor,  and  damp  bed.  I  was 
very  weary  and  had  a  pain  in  my  head ;  but  the  people  were 


392 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1780. 


kind  :  I  knew  not  how  to  lie  down.  Edward  Bailey  lay  down, 
and  slept  well. 

Wednesday,  9.  I  rode  sixteen  miles  to  White's,  came  in 
about  three  o'clock ;  no  preaching  appointed.  I  had  time  to 
write,  and  plan  for  another  trip  through  Carolina.  I  have 
had  little  time  or  place  for  prayer  till  I  came  here  :  the  roads 
are  so  bad,  I  have  my  carriage  to  refit  almost  every  week. 
This  is  Caswell  County  ;  the  poor  people  have  been  much  put 
to  it,  the  year  past,  for  bread ;  the  present  year  they  have 
exceeding  fine  growing  corn  :  Lord,  remember  the  poor ! 

Thursday,  10.  I  rode  for  the  state  of  Virginia;  we  were 
lost,  stopped  at  Dickinson's,  and  took  dinner ;  then  rode  on  to 
Sylvester  Adams's,  several  creeks  to  cross,  and  bad  roads  to 
travel.  Edward  Bailey  led  my  horse  down  a  steep  hill,  and 
the  carriage  overset,  the  horse  struggled,  but  kept  his  feet : 
one  shaft  broke  which  we  strapped  up  ;  and  rode  on  near  thirty 
miles :  we  found  the  Rawlinses  there.  Abraham  is  incurable  : 
I  have  a  mind  to  try  Isaac  again,  having  a  hope  that  he  is 
humbled  :  Lord,  direct  me  what  to  do  in  this  matter.  I  made 
proposals  to  him,  but  he  rejected  them :  I  fear  he  is  also  in- 
curable, being  too  lazy  to  ride  a  circuit. 

Saturday,  12.  I  went  down  Dan  River  two  miles,  and 
preached  to  about  eighty  people  on  James  iv,  8-11.  Edward 
Bailey  spoke  very  zealously  after  me ;  it  is  very  hot,  myself 
weak  and  distressed ;  have  no  place  for  retirement  but  the 
woods,  and  the  heat  dispirits  me  :  there  is  a  great  difference 
between  this  and  the  northern  part  of  the  continent.  I  am 
kept  in  faith,  and  seek  the  glory  of  God. 

Sunday,  13.  I  rode  to  Watson's  preaching-house,  a  round, 
long  building  after  the  plan  of  this  part  of  the  country.  There 
were  about  five  hundred  people ;  I  spoke  on  the  parable  of 
the  sower,  a  lengthy  discourse.  Edward  Bailey  preached 
much  to  the  purpose  about  Christian  discipline  and  fellowship, 
from  those  words :  "  Where  two  or  three  are  gathered  to- 
gether, in  my  name,"  &c.    There  was  a  moving. 

Monday,  14.  I  brought  Isaac  Rawlins  to  some  acknow- 
ledgment, and  appointed  him  to  ride  Pittsylvania,  New- 


Aug.,  1780.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


Hope,  and  Tar  River,  till  conference.  His  greatest  admirers 
saw  his  obstinacy,  and  would  have  disowned  him  if  he  had 
not  submitted  ;  for  they  began  to  tire  with  his  lounging  about. 
I  hope  this  will  be  a  warning  to  him,  and  will  make  him  take 
more  care,  and  submit  to  order.  I  preached  at  Colonel  Wil- 
son's to  about  two  hundred  people.  I  spoke  on  Heb.  xii,  1-4. 

Tuesday,  15.  I  rode  thirty  miles  to  Mr.  Martin's,  the 
roads  and  creeks  are  rendered  bad  for  travelling  by  the  late 
freshets. 

Wednesday,  16.  I  preached  at  Dowby's  store  to  about 
three  hundred  people,  some  gay  ones.  I  spoke  on  1  John  ii, 
13-17,  the  people  were  attentive:  Edward  Bailey  thundered 
away  on  "  Is  there  not  a  cause?"  I  have  been  very  unwell, 
and  travelling  down  Dan  River  and  among  the  creeks,  am  in 
danger  of  the  fever  and  ague.  We  were  obliged  to  swim  the 
horses  over  Birche's  Creek,  and  bring  the  carriage  over  the 
shattered  bridge. 

Thursday,  17.  I  stopped  at  friend  Baker's,  being  very 
unwell.  Brother  Bailey  went  to  a  chapel  ten  miles  from  this. 
I  want  to  write,  and  to  recover  strength,  or  I  shall  run  myself 
down.  I  am  kept  in  peace,  humility  and  watchfulness.  I 
have  been  unwell  for  this  week  past ;  this  has  made  it  an  ad- 
ditional burden  to  travel,  and  the  sun  is  so  violent,  that  it 
appears  to  me  I  could  not  stand  it,  were  it  not  for  the  top- 
carriage.  I  thought  it  would  be  well  for  me  to  have  a  person 
with  me  always,  and  I  think  Cromwell  is  the  man.  If  I 
should  preach  a  systematical,  dry  sermon,  he  would  pay  the 
sinners  off.  I  was  kept  in  peace,  my  body  some  little  re- 
cruited. I  rested  comfortable,  retired  often  to  prayer,  that 
God  would  go  with  me  to  the  next  circuit.  I  suppose,  upon 
a  calculation,  I  have  ridden  better  than  a  thousand  miles  since 
February  last,  when  I  was  at  quarterly  meeting  at  the  seaside 
in  Delaware. 

Friday,  18.  Felt  unwell,  something  like  an  ague  ;  this  be- 
ing an  unhealthy  spot  amongst  the  rivers.  I  rode  twelve 
miles  to  Boyd's  church;  about  sixty  people ;  they  had  but 
little  notice.    I  asked  the  people  if  they  chose  to  have  the 


394 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1780. 


service  read ;  they  did,  and  I  read  as  far  as  the  first  lesson, 
not  having  time  to  read  all :  then  spoke  on  2  Chron.  vii,  14, 
in  great  plainness ;  the  people  did  not  feel.  I  prevailed  on 
our  preachers  to  use  that  church  once  a  fortnight. 

Saturday,  19.  I  am  unwell  in  body,  but  my  mind  is  hap- 
py :  this  is  a  comfortable  house  to  be  at,  (Mr.  Griffin's,)  I 
shall  have  half  a  day's  rest.  I  preached  on  Acts  xiii,  16, 
about  eighty  people,  very  wild  and  unfeeling.  I  rode  to  bro- 
ther Parish's,  ten  miles,  crossed  Shoko  Creek  at  the  Fish-trap, 
a  very  bad  ford,  occasioned  by  the  late  freshet  that  rose  near 
forty  feet. 

Sunday,  20.  I  could  not  read,  write,  think,  or  converse 
much.  At  twelve  o'clock  I  preached  to  about  five  hundred 
souls;  an  unawakened  people,  but  the  Lord  assisted  me 
greatly,  from  Luke  iii,  23-25.  Some  solemnity  and  quick- 
ening :  brother  Bailey  exhorted.  I  cannot  get  clear  of  a  cold, 
and  a  slow  fever.  I  praise  God  for  cooler  weather,  it  is  what 
I  have  prayed  for,  and  God  has  sent  it :  for  the  heat  is  one 
cause  of  my  being  unwell. 

Monday,  21.  We  rode  to  Carter's,  five  miles:  I  Avas  un- 
well, and  Edward  Bailey  preached  on  "  We  preach  not  our- 
selves." We  rode  on,  and  crossed  Dan  and  Stanton  rivers  at 
Sir  Peyton's  ferry  ;  there  is  a  short  canal  cut  from  one  river 
to  the  other.  I  rode  through  the  woods  to  our  friend 
Crowden's,  about  ten  miles  from  Carter's  ;  came  in  about 
sunset. 

Tuesday,  22.  I  am  some  little  better  in  health  ;  my  spirit 
is  refreshed  at  kind  entertainment,  and  a  loving  family,  old 
Methodists  of  a  right  spirit.  I  hear  the  work  revives  in  this 
circuit ;  bless  the  Lord  !  I  shall  have  better  entertainment, 
and  better  roads  ;  but  above  all,  better  people  :  I  thankfully 
acknowledge  the  goodness  of  God  in  all  my  travels.  May 
He,  who  alone  is  able  to  keep  my  soul  and  body,  be  ever 
with  me  !  I  preached  at  Dr.  Crowden's  to  about  three  hun- 
dred people,  on  Titus  iii,  2.  Had  liberty  and  life,  though 
unwell.  After  preaching  set  out  on  the  way,  about  thirteen 
miles,  came  in  about  eight  o'clock :  the  people  seemed  not 


Aug.,  1/80.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


395 


greatly  pleased  to  see  us.  I  slept  some  little,  rose  early  for 
the  quarterly  meeting  at  Colonel  Bedford's ;  rode  about  ten 
miles  to  breakfast ;  met  Henry  Willis  and  Moses  Parks,  rather 
stiff  for  ordinances.  I  spoke  on  Habakkuk  iii,  2  ;  spoke  freely 
to  them.  I  was  a  little  grieved.  Brother  Parks  preached  a 
sermon  on  the  "  Grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  &c.  He 
was  much  out  of  his  harness  ;  I  thought  they  were  but  chil- 
dren, and  that  I  ought  to  bear  with,  and  take  care  of  them. 
I  retired  into  the  barn,  prayed,  and  felt  the  Lord  near.  Next 
day,  at  nine  o'clock,  love-feast :  we  had  much  prayer,  some 
singing  and  speaking  ;  at  last  brother  Parks  prayed,  and  some 
of  the  honest-hearted  people  broke  out  into  a  shout.  At 
twelve  o'clock  I  preached  under  an  arbour  near  the  church, 
to  about  three  hundred  people,  on  John  iii,  17,  18  ;  was  as- 
sisted at  first,  but  was  not  close  or  clear  in  the  application. 
Thomas  Morris  gave  a  good  exhortation ;  Edward  Bailey 
spoke  very  fervently.  God  blessed  him  ;  his  greatest  gift  is 
exhortation.  So  all  ended  in  peace.  This  day  there  came 
an  account  that  the  southern  army  was  defeated,  and  all 
taken  to  a  man,  except  Gen.  Gates,  which  cannot  be  all  true. 
I  am  kept  in  resignation  and  faith,  and  praying  that  God  may 
bless  my  labours,  and  bring  peace  and  union  among  the  Me- 
thodists in  Virginia.  I  received  comforting  letters  from  Mr. 
White  and  Mr.  Gough :  all  these  comfort  me  in  the  house  of 
my  pilgrimage.  Mr.  White  informs  me  of  Thomas  Haskins, 
a  young  man  that  was  convinced,  who  has  a  good  education, 
has  been  reading  the  law  three  years  ;  now  he  must  read  and 
preach  the  gospel. 

Friday,  25.  I  rode  to  Page  Mann's,  sixteen  miles,  was 
much  assisted  in  speaking  on  Heb.  iv,  11-13,  to  about  three 
hundred  people,  who  appeared  serious  and  somewhat  moved. 

Saturday,  26.  Rode  to  Robinson's,  a  smith,  who  braced  up 
my  carriage  ;  we  rode  on  to  Little-Falling  River,  and  then  to 
the  New-Store,  where  was  a  company  stationed.  The  captain 
wanted  our  certificates  ;  Bailey  disputed  with  him — I  showed 
him  mine.  We  rode  on  to  Great-Falling  River :  I  stopped 
at  one  Vincent  Glass's  ;  the  man  was  kind,  our  entertainment 


396 


ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Sept.,  1780. 


plain ;  I  did  not  sleep  well.  We  talked  with  our  host,  he 
had  catched  some  notions  from  the  Baptists  and  Presbyterians : 
though  he  was  going  another  way,  he  changed  his  purpose 
and  came  with  us  ;  we  rode  twelve  miles,  over  hills  and 
creeks,  and  through  woods.  About  eleven  o'clock  I  spoke 
on  Isaiah  xxxv,  6,  V,  to  about  five  hundred  people,  wild 
enough :  this  is  a  running  life.  The  devil  roars,  and  men 
threaten ;  but  God  is  with  us.  I  laboured  to  come  at  the 
consciences  of  the  people,  but  could  not.  I  keep  my  health 
to  a  wonder ;  but  I  want  time  for  retirement ;  we  had  near 
thirty  miles  from  Page  Mann's  to  Staples's.  I  can  hardly 
get  time  and  place  to  note  down  anything.  I  spent  some 
time  at  the  quarter-meeting  in  the  barn,  alone.  O,  how  good 
did  that  feel ! 

Monday,  28.  Rode  sixteen  miles  to  Fore's,  about  one  hun- 
dred people  ;  some  serious  souls.  Spoke  to  the  society — 
about  thirty  members. 

Tuesday,  29.  Rode  to  friend  Martin's ;  came  in  about  ten 
o'clock,  preached  from  2  Corinthians  iv,  1-4,  to  about  five 
hundred  hearers,  some  Baptists,  some  Methodists,  some  old 
Churchmen,  some  independent  people,  who  have  joined  with 

one  Mr.  R  ts  to  be  Independent  Presbyterians.    I  see 

very  little  religion  among  the  people  in  these  parts  ;  some 
professors  came  to  see  what  was  going  on. 

Wednesday,  30.  Rode  thirty  miles  to  Billups's  barn  ;  about 
one  hundred  and  thirty  people,  rich  and  unfeeling :  I  could 
not  get  in  till  two  o'clock,  spoke  freely  from  Heb.  x,  12-16. 
I  lodged  at  Col.  Billups's. 

Thursday,  31.  Rode  to  Tucker's,  spoke  on  Peter  iv,  18, 
had  great  light ;  met  brother  Parks,  found  him  more  teach- 
able :  we  have  hot  weather. 

Friday,  September  1,  1*780.  A  day  of  fasting.  I  was 
kindly  entertained  by  the  people,  who  refitted  our  clothing. 
Rode  to  Brown's,  eighteen  miles,  came  in  about  ten  o'clock ; 
spoke  on  1  Peter  v,  6-10,  with  some  freedom,  though  very 
unwell  by  fasting  and  riding. 

Saturday,  2.  Rode  fourteen  miles  to  my  old  friend  John- 


Sept.,  1780.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


397 


son's,  spoke  from  1  Peter  iii,  17,  18,  to  about  one  hundred 
people ;  felt  life  ;  some  of  the  people  were  moved  ;  then  met 
society ;  some  of  them  felt  and  spoke  of  the  goodness  of  God, 
and  were  put  in  mind  of  old  times,  and  old  preaching.  Brother 
Johnson  is  a  solid,  true  Methodist ;  he  laments  the  falling 
away  that  I  told  him  of.  I  am  a  true  prophet  of  evil  tidings, 
as  it  suits  my  cast  of  mind. 

Sunday,  3.  This  day  nine  years  past  I  sailed  from  Bristol, 
Old  England.  Ah !  what  troubles  have  I  passed  through  ! 
What  sickness  !  What  temptations  !  But  I  think,  though  I 
am  grown  more  aged,  I  have  a  better  constitution,  and  more 
gifts  ;  and  I  think  much  more  grace.  I  can  bear  disappoint- 
ments and  contradiction  with  greater  ease.  Trials  are  before 
me,  very  great  ones,  but  God  hath  helped  me  hitherto.  I 
can  with  greater  confidence  trust  him  !  and,  indeed,  what 
have  any  of  us  to  trust  in  for  futurity,  except  the  living  God  ? 

Virginia. — Monday,  September  A,  1780.  This  being  a  day 
of  rest,  affords  me  an  opportunity  of  reading  and  writing.  I 
enjoy  a  serene  mind. 

Tuesday,  5.  I  rode  to  Easlin's  preaching-house;  where  I 
spoke  to  about  one  hundred  people.  Some  few  warm  hearts, 
I  thought,  among  many  more  cold.  I  spoke  on  Heb.  xiii,  6  ; 
and  had  much  liberty.  At  night  met  the  people  at  B.  Clark's, 
and  exhorted  them  closely  to  relative  duties.  A  poor  sinner 
who  was  drunk,  had  prepared  a  bottle  of  spirits  for  the  dis- 
turbance of  the  congregation  ;  his  horse  threw  him,  and  the  fall 
had  nearly  killed  him.    I  had  had  a  foreboding  of  mischief. 

Wednesday,  6.  At  Morgan's,  to  about  one  hundred  peo- 
ple ;  I  spoke  in  great  plainness  of  speech  on  2  Cor.  iv,  2,  3  ; 
preaching  has  not  been  accompanied  with  success  here ;  the 
audience  were,  however,  generally  attentive.  I  met  with 
F.  H.,  he  is  gone  from  the  Methodists.  I  dealt  very  plainly 
with  him  ;  he  was,  in  his  way,  very  affectionate  to  me ;  but 
what  is  that  to  me  ? 

Thursday,  7.  At  Malone's  spoke  to  about  one  hundred 
souls,  on  Matt,  xxiv,  12,  13.  We  had  a  love-feast,  some  speak- 
ing.   After  meeting  we  had  some  friendly  contention  with 


398 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  1780. 


A.  Y.  and  W.  about  the  ordinances  :  so  far  as  this  was  a 
loss  of  precious  time,  so  far  Satan  prevailed,  and  I  am  sorry. 

Friday,  8.  My  mind  is  calm  ;  I  have  had  close  communion 
with  God.  My  hours  of  retirement  have  been  kept.  When 
I  can  get  a  barn  or  a  preaching-house  I  am  happy.  Though 
I  have  talked  much,  I  have  kept  my  temper.  I  feel  nothing 
but  love  ;  and  no  contradiction  I  meet  with  makes  me  angry. 
I  have  a  natural  affection  for  my  own  countrymen  ;  yet  I  can 
hear  them  called  cruel  people,  and  calmly  listen  to  threaten- 
ings  of  slaughter  against  them.  Were  a  people  spreading 
desolation  with  fire  and  sword  in  England,  I,  as  an  inhabitant, 
whether  the  invaders  were  right  or  wrong,  would  probably 
feel  as  the  Americans  now  do,  and  use  the  same  harsh  ex- 
pressions :  thus  I  reason,  and  cannot  therefore  condemn — but 
the  grace  of  God  is  sufficient  to  set  us  all  above  the  world, 
and  all  things  here. 

Saturday  9.  Rode  to  Edward  Pegram's  ;  about  seventy 
people  there.  I  was  under  great  dejection ;  and  spoke  with 
very  little  life  on  Heb.  xiii,  6. 

Sunday,  10.  At  Bushell's  chapel  I  spoke  to  about  four 
hundred  people  on  the  parable  of  the  sower ;  and  although 
my  fever  came  on  before  I  began,  I  was  greatly  assisted.  I 
spoke  long,  and  was  ready  to  weep  over  them.  After  the 
meeting  I  rode  seventeen  miles,  and  came  to  Capt.  Smith's. 
I  have  travelled  since  Friday  morning  about  sixty  miles.  I 
went  to  bed,  and  had  a  strong  fever  on  me  all  night,  it  was 
an  intermittent.  Monday,  very  weak,  but  happy  !  Received 
letters  from  Jesse  Hollings worth,  from  White,  and  from  Ped- 
dicord. 

There  is  a  great  work  of  God  in  Delaware  ;  but  a  drought, 
and  very  awful  distresses  in  the  land ;  I  mourn  with  them, 
and  I  rejoice  with  them. 

Monday,  11.  Though  unwell,  I  spoke  on  Heb.  hi,  12-14. 
I  first  stood  up  and  prayed,  but  was  obliged,  through  illness, 
to  commit  my  labours  to  Edward  Bailey,  who  spoke  afterward : 
resuming  my  station,  I  preached  with  liberty. 

Tuesday,  12.  I  visited  my  friends.    These  kind  people 


Sept.,  1780.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  399 

have  made  me  a  dress  of  Virginia  cloth,  which  I  much  needed, 
as  my  dress  approached  to  raggedness.  I  saw  L.  Cole,  a 
serious,  good  man,  under  a  strong  bias  to  ordinances,  because 
he  opened  his  book  on,  "  They  shall  not  profit  my  people 

with  this  he  was  affected.    I  saw  brother  D  e,  brother 

M  s,  all  loving,  and  showed  me  more  respect  than  is  due 

to  me. 

Wednesday,  13.  A  little  better  in  health.  Have  read  the 
first  volume  of  Keysler's  Travels  through  Switzerland.  I  am 
much  unfitted  for  business  by  this  tertian.  Prayer,  both  in 
public  and  in  private,  has  not  been  neglected. 

Thursday,  14.  Rode  to  Mr.  Jarratt's,  and  was  kindly  re- 
ceived.   I  am  very  unwell. 

Friday,  15.  Preached  with  freedom  at  the  barn,  on  Rom. 

rjiii,  11. 
Saturday,  16.  Wrote  to  Mr.  Wesley,  at  the  desire  of  the 
Virginia  Conference ;  who  had  consented  to  suspend  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  ordinances  for  one  year.*  I  want  to  be 
more  devoted.  I  had  liberty  in  speaking.  God  was  with  us. 
I  am  but  feeble  in  body,  and  not  so  fervent  in  spirit  as  I  de- 
sire to  be. 

Sunday,  17.  I  had  some  close  talk  with  Mr.  Jarratt:  he 
seems  willing  to  help  what  he  can,. and  to  come  to  the  con- 
ference. My  health  is  much  restored.  Rode  to  White's 
chapel — a  miserable  place  it  is ;  unfinished,  and  one  part  lying 


0  The  answer  to  this  letter  was  made  through  Dr.  Coke,  Richard 
Whatcoat,  and  Thomas  Vasey,  in  1784,  who  all  came  to  America  pro- 
perly ordained.  And  here  I  will  take  occasion  to  correct  a  mistake 
into  which  Dr.  Whitehead  has  fallen  in  his  Life  of  Mr.  Wesley.  It  is 
in  that  work  stated,  that  had  Mr.  Wesley  obtained  the  consent  of  the 
American  preachers  and  people,  he  might  have  sent  ministers  regu- 
larly ordained,  to  the  society  in  that  part  of  the  world :  the  truth  is, 
that  the  American  Methodists,  both  ministers  and  people,  wished  to 
have  such  ministers  among  them,  that  they  might  partake,  like 
other  Christian  societies,  of  the  ordinances  of  the  Church  of  God; 
and  when  ministers  did  thus  come  they  received  them  generiilly  and 
joyfully.  I  will  further  presume,  that  Mr.  Wesley  received  few  let- 
ters from  America  in  which  that  subject  was  not  pressed  upon  him. 


400 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Sept.,  1780. 


open  to  the  sun.  A  company  of  young  men  diverted  them- 
selves under  the  trees,  laughing  and  mocking  while  I  dis- 
coursed with  great  plainness  to  about  five  hundred  people  on 
Heb.  iv,  2,  3.  I  was  determined,  if  possible,  they  should 
hear.  Rode  on  about  twelve  miles  to  Lewis  Featherstone's,  a 
good  man. 

Monday,  18.  Peace!  I  preached  on  Psalm  i,  with  some 
liberty,  to  a  few  faithful  souls. 

Tuesday,  19.  Rode  to  Green's,  sixteen  miles.  What  with 
opposers,  the  bad  times,  and  a  worse  devil,  there  has  been  a 
great  falling  away  here.  I  spoke  on  Gal.  v,  16,  17,  and  was 
close  and  home,  enforcing  the  power  of  religion  to  my  hear- 
ers, among  whom  were  some  people  warm  for  the  new  way. 

Wednesday,  20.  I  came  to  Richard  Walters's — sixteen 
miles.  Spoke  on  Coloss.  i,  26-28.  Had  light,  and  spoke 
long.  Brother  Bailey  also  spoke.  Brother  James  Foster,  a 
feeling,  good  soul,  worn  out  in  the  Lord's  work,  met  me  here  ; 
I  felt  much  love  and  tenderness  for  him :  he  concluded  by 
prayer.  My  manner  is,  to  pray  in  the  morning  for  the  pros- 
perity of  the  work  in  every  circuit :  in  the  afternoon  for  all 
the  travelling  preachers,  for  our  union,  and  the  spirituality  of 
each.    I  am  greatly  blessed  in  my  soul  by  day  and  by  night. 

Thursday,  21.  Travelled  over  rough  roads  sixteen  miles,  to 
Foster's.  I  spoke  on  2  Peter  iii,  16,  17.  I  preached  with 
some  life.  The  people  are  kind,  and  appear  loving ;  but 
there  is  a  great  falling  away ;  the  devil  has  not  been  idle,  and 
opposers  have  preached  to  them  water,  more  than  holiness ; 
and  have  thus  brought  confusion  among  the  Methodists. 

Friday,  22.  I  am  weak,  and  not  able  to  fast  altogether,  I 
eat  sparingly.  Rode  twenty-seven  miles,  and  came  to  a  good 
house  ;  yesterday  it  was  very  warm  for  the  season.  I  feel  the 
weight  of  the  work,  the  greatness  of  my  charge,  and  resolve 
to  be  more  given  up  to  God  than  ever.  From  brother 
Foster's  conversation,  I  am  led  to  hope  our  breaches  will  be 
healed. 

Saturday,  23.  I  preached  at  Hayes's,  to  about  five  hun- 
dred people.     They  were  gay  and  careless ;  I  spoke  with 


Sept.,  1780.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


401 


fervency,  but  they  were  unmoved.  We  rode  on  to  John 
Finney's,  a  serious  man  and  a  preacher. 

Sunday,  24.  I  spoke  long  and  in  much  plainness  on  the 
latter  part  of  the  eighth  chapter  of  Mark,  to  about  seven 
hundred  people ;  some  of  the  gay  sort  among  them,  and  hope 
there  was  good  done.  I  have  enjoyed  great  fellowship  with 
brother  Foster ;  he  was  once  for  the  new,  he  is  now  for  the 
good  old  way. 

Monday,  25.  Rode  to  Stoney  Hill  preaching-house ;  spoke 
.to  about  fifty  serious,  feeling  people.  Trials  and  blessings 
accompany  me.  After  dinner  retired  to  Benjamin  Tucker's. 
I  was  much  blessed  in  private,  while  pleading  for  wisdom  to 
go  before  the  people,  and  for  a  spirit  of  supplication  in  my  ac- 
customed morning  and  evening  prayers  for  all  the  preachers 
and  circuits  in  America.  I  begin  at  the  north  and  go  to  the 
south  in  order.  He  that  faithfully  cares  for  others,  others 
will  care  for  him  :  above  all,  the  Lord,  who  is  not  unrighteous 
to  forget  the  work  of  faith  and  labour  of  love  we  show  to- 
wards the  saints,  He  will  care  for  him. 

Wednesday,  27.  Rode  to  George  Pegram's ;  preached  to 
about  eighteen,  great  and  small,  on  2  Peter  hi,  17,  18.  I 
rode  on  to  Mr.  Yearbury's  ;  he  lives  well ;  is  kind  and  decent 
in  behaviour :  delivered  a  family  lecture.  Rode  ten  miles  to 
Petersburg.  A  heavy  rain  induced  us  to  put  off  preaching 
until  two  o'clock:  spoke  on  Rev.  iii,  10 ;  was  led  out — upon 
the  whole  blessed ;  there  were  some  old  friends  from  the 
country  present. 

Thursday,  28.  Rode  twelve  miles  to  Mr.  Patrick's.  *  Some 
soldiers  and  officers  came  to  hear  the  word.  Rode  on  twelve 
miles  to  Baker's,  and  was  kindly  received.  Brother  Davis 
went  with  me.  I  spoke  on  1  John  i,  8,  9  ;  had  some  liberty. 
I  sometimes  feel  gloomy :  trying  circumstances  prevent  me 
from  making  an  exertion ;  yet  if  I  would  try  to  force  myself 
on  such  occasions  it  might  be  well. 

Friday,  29.  I  have  a  sense  of  God  upon  my  heart;  al- 
though little  rest,  and  much  tempted.  I  was  greatly  led 
out  in  preaching  at  Baker's ;  both  parents  and  children  wept 


402 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1780. 


in  silent  tears,  while  I  spoke  on  Gen.  xviii,  19.  Rode  that 
evening  to  the  Manakintown,  where  a  watch-night  was  held 
by  brothers  Finney,  Bailey,  and  Foster.  I  spoke  to  our 
brethren  upon  a  firm  and  lasting  union ;  it  was  opposed,  arid 
with  tears ;  tears  and  feelings  will  not  induce  me  to  give  up  my 
charge.  It  began  to  be  a  doubt  with  me  whether  I  should 
leave  Virginia  until  conference.  I  sent  certain  proposals  by 
brother  Finney  to  the  preachers  at  their  quarterly  meetings. 

Sunday,  October  1.  I  preached  at  the  Manakintown  to 
about  five  hundred  people ;  I  was  led  out  and  spoke  plainly. 

Monday,  2.  Rode  to  Maxey's,  twelve  miles.  Preached 
from  Luke  xiii,  23-25,  and  had  some  liberty. 

Tuesday,  3.  Rode  twenty  miles,  crossed  James  River,  and 
lodged  at  Tucker  Woodson's.  I  spoke  and  prayed  with  an 
old  Presbyterian,  who  was  once  pleased  with  our  preachers. 

Wednesday,  4.  We  had  not  ridden  far  before  it  began  to  rain 
again.  Edward  Bailey  was  so  unwell  I  feared  for  him,  and  stop- 
ped at  a  tavern ;  it  was  Duke's,  in  Goochland,  about  twelve 
miles  from  our  last  stage.  Here  my  companion  was  confined 
to  his  bed.  I  dried  our  clothes,  and  talked  with  the  woman 
of  the  house,  who  had  been  under  conviction  by  hearing  our 
preachers  in  Carolina,  but  now  unhappily  in  a  way  of  life 
unfriendly  to  religion :  we  brought  them  to  prayer, — forced 
prayer. 

Thursday,  5.  Set  off  without  any  breakfast.  Passed  on- 
ward to  Lindsey's  tavern,  inquiring  the  way  to  the  Broken 
Backed  Church ;  we  could  not  get  any  positive  directions 
until  we  came  within  eight  miles  of  it,  and  found  it  to  be  on 
this  side  of  the  fork  of  James  River,  about  twenty  miles  distant 
from  Duke's.  We  met  about  sixty  people,  after  riding  nearly 
as  many  miles.  I  spoke  on  Gen.  xviii,  19  ;  very  little  moving. 
O,  how  different  was  it  from  the  effect  produced  on  Tuesday 
last,  when  discoursing  on  the  same  text!  We  crossed  the 
North  River  in  a  canoe,  and  the  carriage  was  brought  over  in 
the  same  way :  were  kindly  received  at  Roger  Thomson's ; 
and  here  it  was  the  Broken  Backed  Conference  was  held,  in 
which  the  subject  of  the  ordinances  was  brought  into  consi- 


Oct.,  1  780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


403 


deration.  I  have  been  much  tried  in  this  journey  by  the 
lodging,  people,  and  weather.  O  that  I  could  bear  all  things ! 
My  companion  is  sick  and  much  dispirited,  and  I  myself  am 
very  unwell.  I  expect  some  of  this  circuit  is  very  inaccessi- 
ble. 0  why  should  I  take  all  this  labour  in  vain,  if  it  be  yet 
in  vain  ?  my  work  and  my  reward  are  with  the  Lord.  Every 
morning  and  evening  I  pray  for  all  the  preachers  and  circuits  ; 
and  as  I  am  so  led  out  to  pray  for  them,  I  hope  they  will  all 
be  united  once  more  as  they  have  been. 

Friday,  6.  We  went  forwards;  the  Fork  Church  seven 
miles  distant.  Brother  Bailey  was  taken  sick  upon  the  road : 
I  left  him  about  two  miles  below  the  church,  went  on  and 
preached  on  Rom.  viii.  Returning  to  brother  B.,  I  found  him  very 
ill  with  a  fever :  he  rode  twelve  miles  in  the  carriage  to  brother 
Hopkins's,  in  Amherst.    Riding  on  horseback  fatigued  me. 

Saturday,  7.  Rode  to  Martin's ;  I  spoke  on  Joshua's  reso- 
lution, with  some  pleasure,  to  about  eighty  people.  Contin- 
ued on  seven  miles  up  into  the  mountains,  to  Mr.  Haines's — 
the  ways  bad  enough.  Brother  Bailey  travelling  so  far 
without  eating  anything,  came  in  very  sick. 

Sunday,  8.  Rode  thirteen  miles  to  the  Sugar  Loaf  Moun- 
tains. Edward  Bailey,  after  riding  a  few  miles,  was  taken 
with  a  second  fit,  and  very  ill ;  I  left  him  in  the  carriage  and 
proceeded  on.  About  five  hundred  people  had  assembled, 
to  whom  I  spoke  on  2  Cor.  iv,  2-4.  Returning  after  preach- 
ing to  brother  Bailey,  I  found  him  with  all  the  symptoms  of 
a  severe  bilious  attack,  and  like  a  dead  man  in  appearance  ; 
he  passed  the  night  in  great  distress — prayer  was  made  for 
him ;  through  mercy  his  fit  went  off.  I  took  brother  Bailey 
to  help  me ;  his  affliction  has  given  me  much  trouble.  Greatly 
distressed  for  him  as  I  have  been,  I  am  much  consoled  in 
being  able  to  leave  him  with  Doctor  Hopkins,  who  is  a  kind, 
skilful,  sensible  man. 

Monday,  9.  Set  out  alone  for  Mumpin's.  After  riding 
about  twenty-five  miles  night  overtook  me  at  Wallace's  mill ; 
it  was  some  time  before  I  could  find  my  way,  which  I  dis- 
covered to  be  under  the  trunk  head  race  of  the  mill ;  here 


404 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Oct.,  1*780. 


the  top  of  the  carriage  being  too  high,  set  fast :  I  took  the 
horse  out,  and  with  much  trouble  came  clear  without  break- 
age of  any  kind.  The  people  of  the  house  were  Presbyte- 
rians ;  they  gave  me  lodging.  I  prayed  night  and  morning 
with  them. 

Tuesday,  10.  Rode  over  the  mountains  ten  miles,  came  to 
the  new  preaching-house;  spoke  on  2  Cor.  v,  17—19 ;  was 
much  blessed.  Here  I  saw  Robert  Wagden,  a  soldier,  and 
James  Signal,  Englishmen,  captured  with  Burgoyne.  The 
first  I  saw  in  York  seven  years  ago ;  since  then  he  fell,  and 
was  restored  at  the  barracks  in  Albemarle  when  a  prisoner. 
I  spent  the  night  with  them  comfortably.  Two  soldiers  in 
the  neighbourhood  have  occasioned  scandal  among  the  Bap- 
tists. Soldiers,  I  think,  should  be  in  society  with  one  another, 
and  exhort  and  preach  among  themselves. 

Wednesday,  11.  I  rode  to  Fretwell's,  twenty  miles:  was 
troubled  in  getting  the  carriage  into  the  flat  at  the  river-side. 
I  spoke  to  about  fort}'-  people  on  Acts  xiii,  2G.  I  rode  to  Mr. 
Grymes's,  a  comfortable  house :  arriving  about  eight  o'clock, 
I  was  blessed  and  consoled  for  all  my  toils. 

Thursday,  12.  I  have  peace  and  love,  although  unwell: 
I  intend  to  spend  this  day  in  retirement.  I  preached  at  Mr. 
Grymes's  at  twelve  o'clock  to  about  thirty  people,  white  and 
black,  on  2  Peter  iii,  17,  18.  I  had  great  liberty  and  clear 
ideas.  Though  employed  thus,  I  have  had  a  little  time  for 
retirement  and  writing.  I  am  happy ;  but  I  see  the  great 
need  of  doing,  being,  and  suffering,  what  I  preach  to  others. 
I  have  travelled  so  much  that  it  seems  like  confinement  to 
rest  one  day ;  I  hope  I  shall  travel  as  long  as  I  live ;  travel- 
ling is  my  health,  life,  and  all,  for  soul  and  body.  I  am  not 
well,  but  I  am  kept  upright  in  heart ;  and  am  much  concerned 
for  a  union  with  the  preachers.  I  am  alternately  in  hope  and 
despair  about  it. 

Friday,  13.  Rode  to  Bohannon's,  passing  the  Rapid  Dan 
River.  About  two  o'clock  I  arrived,  after  some  difficulties, 
and  found  Henry  Fry  preaching  to  about  eighty  people.  I 
spoke  after  him  on  Luke  xiii,  23-25 :  was  fervent ;  but  the 


Oct.,  1780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


405 


people  thought  I  must  speak  like  thunder  to  be  a  great 
preacher.  I  shall  not  throw  myself  into  an  unnatural  heat  or 
overstrained  exertions.  I  rode  home  about  ten  miles  with 
brother  Fry ;  he  is  a  serious  man.  My  carriage  broke,  and 
his  overseer  mended  it  very  well ;  meantime  I  rested,  and  read 
at  times  the  Valley  of  Lilies  of  a  Kempis ;  it  is  much  in  the 
style  of  his  Pattern  or  Imitation.  I  wonder  Mr.  Wesley  has 
never  abridged  this  work. 

Sunday,  15.  I  rode  to  Roberts's,  under  the  mountains, 
about  ten  miles.  Spoke  to  about  five  hundred  people ;  I  was 
zealous,  but  the  people  languid.  A  certain  kind  of  preaching, 
of  which  these  people  have  lately  heard  much,  leaves  the 
most  stupid  souls,  to  my  mind,  that  I  find  anywhere.  I  have 
been  much  tempted  ;  but  I  am  stirred  up  to  pray  much ;  so 
I  make  a  necessity  of  a  calamity :  I  remember  all  the  preachers 
and  societies  twice  a  day.  We  had  to  ride  back  to  Henry 
Fry's  in  the  rain. 

Monday,  16.  I  have  peace.  Rose  at  five  o'clock,  spent 
nearly  an  hour  in  retirement ;  had  all  the  circuits  and  preachers 
on  my  mind ;  I  was  led  to  plead  with  God  for  a  union  :  I 
have  peace  with,  and  love  to  all  mankind.  I  rode  twenty 
miles  yesterday.  Brother  M'Clure  came  in  from  the  north, 
on  his  way  to  see  his  parents  in  the  west.  I  preached  at 
Henry  Fry's  on  Gal.  v,  16-18,  had  life  in  speaking.  Spent 
some  time  with  the  family. 

Tuesday,  17.  Rode  ten  miles,  preached  at  Stockdale's  to 
about  thirty  people.  Rode  on  fifteen  miles ;  put  in  at  Rag- 
land's  ;  a  Baptist  spoke  to  the  family.  Next  morning  rode 
eighteen  miles  to  the  Broken  Backed  church ;  got  in  a  little 
after  twelve  o'clock.  Preached  on  Zeph.  i,  12.  Here  I  re- 
ceived the  melancholy  tidings  of  the  death  of  my  companion 
and  friend,  Edward  Bailey:  it  was  very  distressing  to  me; 
riding  together  so  long  had  created  a  great  sympathy  between 
us.  He  died  on  Tuesday  last,  about  five  o'clock,  in  full  con- 
fidence;  he  spoke  to  the  last,  and  bore  a  testimony  to  the 
goodness  of  God.  He  would  sometimes  get  upon  his  knees 
in  the  bed,  weak  as  he  was,  and  pray.    It  troubles  me  to  re- 


406 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1780. 


fleet  that  he  was  neglected  so  long ;  yet  it  was  unavoidable. 
The  doctor  supposed  a  mortification  took  place  in  his  bowels, 
inflamed  by  the  corrosive  nature  of  the  bile.  It  was  a  sorrow- 
ful quarterly  meeting  to  me :  few  people ;  they  lifeless,  and 
my  dear  friend  dead  !   I  spoke  to  the  preachers  about  a  union. 

Thursday,  19.  I  preached  on  John  hi,  16,  17,  to  a  very 
unfeeling  people  ;  friends  parted  in  much  love.  On  Friday 
I  rode  sixteen  miles  to  John  Lasley's ;  lectured  on  2  Pet.  i, 
4-9,  to  some  inanimate  souls. 

Saturday,  21.  I  set  out  as  soon  as  it  was  light,  and  came 
about  three  o'clock  to  the  widow  Granger's,  and  Ground- 
Squirrel  Bridge ;  a  distance  of  forty  miles.  I  travel  very 
heavily  now.  I  have  lost  my  poor  Bailey  ;  so  suddenly  called 
away !  Lord,  humble  me,  and  make  me  more  watchful !  He 
desired  me  to  see  into  his  temporal  matters,  for  his  poor  sister, 
and  wife,  and  children.  I  have  reason  to  praise  God  that  I 
have  health  under  such  fatigue.  I  said  I  should  have  trouble, 
before  I  went  into  Fluvanna ;  yet  I  little  thought  my  friend 
would  die  there.  If  my  affections  were  naturally  tender,  I 
should  be  bathed  in  tears,  for  I  have  great  cause  to  weep ; 
but  the  Lord  hath  ordered  it :  it  may  be  that  I  suffer  more 
than  those  who  weep  away  distress.  I  was  ready  to  say, 
"  None  shall  ride  with  me  hereafter."  Satan  works  upon  my 
gloomy  mind  greatly.    I  was  comforted  in  meeting  B.  and 

B  ,  R.  B  ,  T.  C  ;  a  solemn  meeting.    We  have 

lost  three  useful  preachers  within  one  year.  The  Lord  cuts 
Israel  short. 

Sunday,  22.  I  spoke  long  and  freely  on  the  parable  of  the 
sower  to  four  hundred  people ;  but  it  appears  as  if  sinners 
were  Gospel-proof. 

Monday,  23.  I  rode  twelve  miles  to  Friend  Ellis's ;  spoke 
to  about. sixty  people,  on  2  Cor.  iv,  16-18.  John  Tunnell 
speke  after  me.  I  wrote  to  the  preachers  jointly  and  severally 
about  a  union. 

Tuesday,  24.  Rode  to  Mr.  Meredy's,  thirty-five  miles.  We 
were  entangled  in  the  wray  ;  came  in  late,  leaving  the  carriage 
in  the  woods.    I  was  unwell  by  long  fasting,  although  among 


Oct.,  1780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


407 


very  kind  people.  We  heard  a  rumour  of  the  British  landing 
up  James  River :  I  was  afraid  they  would  interrupt  me  in  the 
circuit  appointments. 

Wednesday,  25.  I  am  unwell,  but  happy  in  God  ;  that  is, 
I  feel  a  solemn  determination  to  labour  more  for  God,  because 
others  desert  the  work.  I  preached  with  great  liberty  at 
Tally's ;  there  were  some  young  preachers  present ;  they 
shook  whilst  I  showed  the  call  to  the  ministry ;  how  they 
ought  to  evidence  it,  by  having  the  same  end  in  view  our 
Lord  had  ;  "  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  the  poor ;  to  bind  up 
the  broken-hearted,  and  to  set  at  liberty  them  that  are  bound  ;" 
to  imitate  the  prophetic  and  priestly  office  of  Christ, — thus 
to  set  up  Christ  among  the  people,  or  to  conclude  they  had 
not  the  call.  I  met  the  society;  some  spoke,  and  the  Lord 
blessed  us.  At  night  the  alarm  was  made  for  the  seventh  di- 
vision of  the  militia.  The  rumour  was,  that  there  were  five 
thousand  of  the  British  troops ;  that  they  had  torn  two  coun- 
ties to  pieces,  and  had  been  within  six  miles  of  Williamsburg. 
As  my  appointments  lay  down  that  way,  I  put  off  to  the 
north  across  the  river. 

Thursday,  26.  I  set  off ;  rode  across  Hanover  to  the  court- 
house, crossed  Pamunkey  a  little  below,  and  proceeded  on  to 
Collins's,  thirty-seven  miles. 

Friday,  27.  Rode  on  to  Fredericksburg :  my  horse  failed 
through  fatigue,  bad  feed,  and  not  enough  of  it.  I  stopped 
and  fed  by  the  way  ;  mistaking  my  road,  I  met  a  serious  man, 
and  spoke  to  him  about  his  soul ;  it  may  be,  the  losing  my 
way  was  ordered  by  Providence.  Came  to  Garratt's,  at  Staf- 
ford court-house  :  fell  in  with  a  Presbyterian,  an  acquaintance 
of  Mr.  Pillmore  ;  I  spoke  freely  to  him,  and  had  prayer ;  two 
young  men  from  Winchester  joined  us.  Saturday  morning, 
after  paying  eight  continental  dollars  for  my  horse,  and  my 
supper  and  bed,  I  rode  on  to  Dumfries,  about  twelve  miles. 
Rode  on  four  miles  farther,  fed  my  horse,  and  got  a  cup  of 
boiled  milk  for  myself:  here  my  paper-money  failed,  and  I 
was  obliged  to  pay  in  silver.  Rode  on,  carrying  my  corn,  and 
fed  upon  the  road.    Missing  my  way  to  William  Adams's, 


408 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.,  1780. 


when  on  the  south  side  of  Colchester,  I  went  down  the  state 
road  within  two  miles  of  Alexandria,  making  my  journey  near 
fifty  miles :  my  horse  was  much  fatigued,  and  myself  in  a 
fever  with  hard  riding :  I  was  blessed  in  the  family  I  put  up 
with.    O,  how  sweet  is  rest !  But  0,  for  eternal  rest ! 

Sunday,  29.  I  am  happy  in  the  review  of  my  labours  ;  in 
the  reflection  that  my  heart  is  in  the  work  of  God. ;  and  that 
it  is  not  in  vain.  I  rejoice  in  the  prospect  of  returning  home 
to  Delaware. 

Maryland. — Monday,  30.  Crossed  Georgetown  ferry ; 
stopped  at  Baggarley's.  Rode  on  in  great  peace,  and  came 
to  John  Worthington's  about  five  o'clock,  after  a  ride  of  thirty 
miles.  I  was  kindly  entertained.  I  called  at  Mr.  Thomas 
Doisey's  ;  kind  people.  I  breakfasted  with  them.  I  put  for- 
ward to  Baltimore :  when  within  about  two  miles  there  came 
up  an  autumnal  storm  ;  there  was  fear  of  the  trees  falling, 
and  that  the  wind  would  overset  the  carriage.  I  came  in  safe, 
stopped  an  hour,  and  proceeded  on  to  Mr.  Gough's,  and  ar- 
rived between  eight  and  nine  o'clock.  There  has  been  some 
snow  to-day,  and  the  night  is  cold.  I  have  spent  my  stock 
of  money,  three  guineas  and  two  half  johannas,  given  me  by 
Mr.  Gough  and  Mrs.  Chamier;  two  guineas  and  a  half,  and 
a  half-crown  went  in  Virginia.  Rode  on  about  twelve  miles 
to  dinner,  eight  miles  afterward  to  Swan  Creek,  being  kept  in 
peace.  Here  I  met  that  man  of  God  and  prisoner  of  Christ, 
Charles  Scott ;  he  is  like  a  flame  of  fire ;  he  has  good  sense, 
good  utterance,  and  professes  the  sanctifying  grace  of  God : 
a  useful  man ;  dealing  faithfully  with  the  societies.  I  gave 
him  some  Virginia  cloth  to  make  him  a  suit  of  clothes.  0, 
how  sweetly  were  we  united  to  each  other  !* 

Thursday,  November  2.  I  set  out  for  Susquehanna  ferry. 
I  passed  over  in  a  calm,  and  gained  Robert  Thompson's  about 
three  o'clock.    The  old  man  is  stirred  up. 

Delaware, — Friday,  3.  Set  off  for  my  favourite  Dover. 
(I  believe  Little  Pipe  Creek  now,  1813.)  Mr.  T.  and  B.  are 

°  He  died  an  apostate — was  in  the  habit  of  speaking  maliciously 
of  his  former  friends ;  he  became  horribly  wicked. 


Nov.,  1780.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


409 


the  offspring  of  very  pious  parents.  I  hope  God  has  touched 
their  hearts.  I  stopped  awhile  at  Dr.  Ridgeley's,  to  deliver  a 
message  to  him  from  Colonel  Dorsey  of  Elk-Ilidge,  in  Mary- 
land. While  tarrying  after  dinner,  Dr.  M'Gaw  came  in.  I 
went  home  with  the  Doctor,  and  was  kindly  received.  The 
Doctor's  intentions  were  not  to  go  to  the  quarterly  meeting ; 
but  having  this  opportunity,  I  went  and  took  him  along.  It 
was  one  o'clock  before  we  arrived ;  about  three  hundred  peo- 
ple had  been  waiting  for  us.  Mr.  M'Gaw  preached  an  excel- 
lent sermon  on  "Who  shall  ascend  the  hill  of  the  Lord?" 
Brothers  Hartley  and  Glendenning  exhorted.  We  all  stayed 
at  Mr.  Barratt's ;  Mr.  M'Gaw  prayed  with  much  affection : 
we  parted  in  great  love. 

Sunday,  5.  We  had  between  one  and  two  thousand  peo- 
ple ;  our  house  forty-two  by  forty-eight,  was  crowded  above 
and  below,  and  numbers  still  remained  outside  :  our  love-feast 
lasted  about  two  hours ;  some  spoke  of  the  sanctifying  grace 
of  God.  I  preached  on  John  hi,  16-18 ;  a  heavy  house  to 
preach  in :  brothers  Peddicord  and  Cromwell  exhorted. 

Monday,  G.  I  preached  to  about  four  hundred  people  on 
2  Chron.  viii,  18,  and  had  liberty :  I  spoke  of  the  necessity 
of  getting  and  keeping  the  power  of  religion ;  William  Glen- 
denning exhorted  afterward ;  then  we  parted.  I  see  the  foot- 
steps of  Providence  in  my  coming  back.  The  people  regretted 
my  absence,  and  the  preachers  would  have  been  at  variance 
one  with  another.  William  Glendenning  plead  hard  to  come 
to  Dover ;  but  I  did  not  think  him  so  fit  as  Thomas  Chew. 
Brother  G.  is  a  good  little  man,  and  though  his  utterance  is 
less  strongly  marked  with  the  Scotch  than  formerly,  it  is  not 
yet  good.  The  British  had  almost  thrown  themselves  in  my 
way  on  my  return  through  Virginia ;  I  wished  not  to  fall  into 
their  hands  :  they  left  it  soon  after  I  came  away.  Here  there 
has  been  good  done  in  my  absence  ;  among  believers  we  have 
been  very  solemn;  and  the  work  of  God  has  been  deep 
among  the  brethren  ;  not  so  in  Virginia ;  the  preachers  there 
do  not  know  how  to  preach  sanctification  for  want  of  experi- 
ence.   I  stationed  the  preachers  thus:  Thomas  Chew,  and 

18 


410 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Nov.,  mo. 


the  two  Cromwells,  for  Kent ;  for  Dover,  Peddicord  and  Law  ; 
Roe  and  J.  White,  for  Sussex  ;  William  Glendenning,  Stephen 

Black,  Joseph  Wryatt,  for  Kent  in  M  y ;  and  Hartley  and 

Everett,  for  Dorset. 

Tuesday,  7.  I  was  closely  engaged  in  reading  a  volume  of 
Mr.  Wesley's  Journal  of  above  three  hundred  pages  ;  ended 
it  on  Wednesday  morning.  I  felt  dejection  of  spirits  for  want 
of  public  exercise  :  I  have  had  so  much  of  this,  that  within 
this  six  months,  I  have  travelled,  according  to  my  computa- 
tion, two  thousand  six  hundred  and  seventy-one  miles ;  yet 
am  uneasy  when  still.  I  proposed  meeting  the  children  when 
I  came  again :  I  appointed  a  place  for  them  to  sit,  and  de- 
sired the  parents  to  send  a  note  with  each,  letting  me  know 
the  temper,  and  those  vices  to  which  the  child  might  be  most 
subject.  I  long  to  spend  a  few  minutes  every  hour  in  prayer. 
I  see  great  need  of  living  near  to  God — the  people  are  so 
affectionate.    Lord,  humble  me  ! 

Wednesday,  8.  Rode  to  Perdin's,  calling  at  Caleb  Furby's 
and  Daniel  James's  ;  at  Perdin's  lectured  on  1  Thess.  iii,  6. 
Engaged  the  friends  to  subscribe  seven  hundred  weight  of 
pork  towards  the  meeting-house  at  Barratt's.  I  called  at 
Combs's,  and  had  preaching  there,  although  the  master  of  the 
house  differs  from  us  in  some  points.  While  we  are  busy, 
others  are  not  entirely  quiet ;  others,  less  in  the  habit  of 
teaching  by  stated  speaking,  can  yet  disseminate  their  books. 

Thursday,  9.  I  came  to  my  old  lodgings  at  Thomas  White's 
— met  the  preachers.  We  spoke  further  about  the  work  of 
God. 

Friday,  10.  This  day  I  arranged  my  papers  containing  a 
brief  account  of  the  beginning  and  progress  of  our  divisions : 
it  was  transcribed  into  a  book  by  Caleb  Peddicord. 

Saturday,  11.  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Gough,  Mr.  Lynch,  and  Mr. 
Skinner.  To-day  the  quarterly  meeting  begins  at  Caroline. 
I  am  kept  in  faith  and  love  to  God  and  all  mankind.  William 
Glendenning  has  handed  me  a  book  written  by  Jeremiah 
Burroughs,  in  the  time  of  the  commonwealth,  upon  heart- 
divisions,  and  the  evil  of  the  times :  in  this  work  I  promise 


Nov.,  1*780. J  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


411 


myself  good  arguments  against  our  separating  brethren.  The 
Lord  does  greatly  carry  on  his  Avork ;  some  little  wild-fire  ; 
a  few  disorderly  walkers.  Read  a  volume  of  Mr.  Wesley's 
Journal. 

Sunday,  12.  I  preached  at  E.  White's  on  1  John  iv,  14-18. 
I  spoke  on  perfection  strongly  and  clearly  :  some  strangers 
attended.  The  work  goes  on  here ;  but  although  I  want  rest 
it  is  no  place  for  me  to  stay  ;  there  is  too  much  company. 
The  quarterly  meeting  for  Kent  in  Maryland  was  large  and 
powerful:  there  were  twelve  preachers  present.  I  am  kept 
in  peace  of  soul ;  expecting  my  ministering  brethren,  that  we 
may  consult  about  the  work  of  God.  Samuel  Roe  is  going 
to  Sussex — one  that  has  happily  escaped  the  separating  spirit 
and  party  in  Virginia,  and  the  snares  laid  for  his  feet ; — and 
so  also  did  poor  William  Spencer  of  late  years.  Eternal  thanks 
to  God ! 

Monday,  13.  I  read  Mr.  Wesley's  Journal.  In  the  after- 
noon the  preachers  came  to  consult  further  about  the  station- 
ing. They  all  agreed  to  my  first  appointment,  except  one 
brother ;  he  was  unwilling  to  go  back  to  Baltimore,  although 
we  had  no  one  so  well  qualified  :  on  Monday  evening  and 
Tuesday  we  met  and  conferred,  when  the  judgment  of  the 
preachers  prevailed  against  F.  Garrettson.  We  were  blest  in 
prayer  with  each  other.  Our  appointments  were  as  follows : 
Kent  in  Maryland,  Glendenning,  S.  Black,  Joseph  Wyatt ; 
Kent  in  Delaware,  Thomas  Chew,  Joseph  and  James  Crom- 
well ;  Sussex,  S.  Roe,  J.  Martin,  J.  White ;  Dorset,  Peddi- 
cord. 

Tuesday,  14.  We  parted  in  peace,  united  in  heart  and  in 
judgment,  and  abounding  in  love.    Glory  be  to  God  ! 

Wednesday,  15.  I  ended  the  reading  of  a  volume  of  Mr. 
Wesley's  Journal,  giving  an  account  of  the  rent  made  by  Mr. 
Maxwell  and  Mr.  Bell.  I  read  a  part  of  what  I  had  tran- 
scribed upon  the  art  of  preaching.  At  night  I  met  the  society, 
and  found  them  more  and  more  spiritual — questioned  closely — 
permitted  some  to  speak :  it  was  a  solemn  time.  Thursday 
morning  we  made  our  plans. 


412 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Nov.,  1780. 


Thursday,  16.  I  examined  Joseph  Everett,  as  to  his  call 
and  qualifications,  his  circumstances,  and  his  knowing  and 
loving  the  Methodist  doctrine :  he  gave  full  satisfaction ;  we, 
however,  left  the  matter  in  suspense  until  Caleb  Peddieord 
goes  down,  and  we  shall  know  from  him  what  call  there  is  in 
Dorset. 

Friday,  11.  A  day  of  fasting.  We  all  parted  after  much 
business.  S.  Roe  went  to  Sussex ;  the  two  Cromwells  for 
the  circuit,  (Kent,  in  Delaware ;)  Peddieord  to  Dorset ;  my- 
self to  go  through  Kent  and  Sussex, — then  to  the  Jerseys, 
Philadelphia,  and  Chester.  I  wrote  to  Watters,  Dudley,  and 
Debrular.  Friday,  set  out  for  Murder-Kill,  stopping  at 
Combs's  that  night.  I  spoke  freely  to  the  man  upon  his 
mysticism,  and  to  the  family  about  their  souls. 

Saturday,  18.  Rode  on  to  the  chapel ;  Joseph  Cromwell  met 
the  people  in  class ;  I  gave  an  exhortation,  took  down  the 
names  of  the  children,  and  spoke  to  some  of  them :  I  desired 
the  preachers  to  meet  the  children  when  they  came  along ; — 
an  important  but  much-neglected  duty — to  the  shame  of 
ministers  be  it  spoken. 

Sunday,  19.  We  met  at  the  chapel;  my  text,  Psalm 
lxxviii,  4-7  ;  the  people  came  in  late ;  I  was  incommoded,  but 
at  last  felt  liberty ;  the  serious  parents  were  much  affected : 
Joseph  Cromwell  exhorted.  I  met  the  society,  and  gave  a 
close  exhortation.  Settled  the  rules  of  the  house,  and  ap- 
pointed stewards. 

Monday,  20.  I  went  to  Perdin's;  spoke  from  1  Samuel 
xii,  23-25.  I  had  a  cloud  over  me  all  the  time  I  was  speak- 
ing ;  was  severely  tried.    I  was  humbled  and  solemn. 

Tuesday,  21.  Rode  to  young  Logwood's;  spoke  to  about 
one  hundred  people  from  1  Chron.  xiv,  11.  Was  much  blest. 
Joseph  Cromwell  spoke  much  to  purpose.  I  trust  there  will 
be  a  good  work  in  this  place.  Rode  to  Richard  Shaw's.  I 
was  kept  in  much  confidence  in  prayer — my  soul  was  mueh 
drawn  out  after  these  people.  My  text  here  from  Phil,  it,  8. 
I  had  not  much  liberty.  I  met  the  society,  exhorting  them, 
and  pressing  them  to  close  communion  with  each  other,  and 


Nov.,  1780.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  413 

reminding  them  of  their  obligations  to  us;  they  appeared 
deeply  sensible  of  it  with  cries  and  tears;  brother  Joseph 
Cromwell  exhorted.    My  mind  is  kept  very  serene. 

Thursday,  23.  I  am  much  given  up  to  God.  Joseph 
Cromwell  parted  from  me  to  go  into  his  circuit.  Mr.  Cole- 
man came  up  with  me  from  Virginia,  either  to  take  charge 
of  Dover  school,  or  to  preach ;  he  expressed  great  satisfaction 
in  the  people  of  these  parts.  I  went  to  see  Mr.  Logwood  : 
I  have  been  waiting  some  time  for  his  coming  to  the  Lord ; 
he  hath  long  stood  it  out,  but  I  believe  he  is  now  deeply  en- 
gaged, and  so  are  almost  all  the  adults  of  his  family.  I  met 
a  man  who  took  occasion  to  abuse  me  as  ringleader  of  sedition 
with  many  hard  sayings  : — he  was  in  his  cups :  I  pitied,  for- 
gave, and  prayed  for  him. 

Friday,  24.  I  rode  ten  miles  to  Mr.  Boyer's,  and  preached 
on  Phil,  iii,  4.  Had  liberty,  and  the  people  were  affected  : 
Mr.  Coleman  exhorted.  I  spoke  to  the  society,  addressing 
them  with  respect  to  the  rules  and  their  loose  walk.  An- 
swered a  very  affectionate  letter  from  John  Finney,  relative  to 
the  union  in  Virginia. 

Saturday,  25.  We  rode  to  Mr.  M'Gaw's,  and  had  some 
talk  with  him  about  his  undertaking  a  plan  for  the  education 
of  youth,  John  Coleman  being  proposed  as  his  assistant. 

Sunday,  26.  I  rode  to  Shaw's,  preached  with  liberty  to 
about  one  hundred  people,  from  1  Chron.  xxviii,  9.  In  the 
afternoon  again,  at  Dover,  preached  on  Eph.  iii,  11.  Had 
some  liberty,  and  spoke  searchingly  ;  but  this  people  will,  and 
they  will  not ;  they  will  in  appearance  be  religious,  but  not 
in  heart. 

Monday,  27.  I  rode  down  to  Jones's,  and  preached  from 
Prov.  i,  24-26.  I  had  life,  and  some  appearance  of  effect 
produced.  In  the  afternoon  Mr.  M'Gaw  preached  an  excel- 
lent sermon  on,  "When  Christ  who  is  our  life  shall  appear, 
then  shall  we  also  appear  with  him  in  glory." 

Tuesday,  28.  I  preached  at  Jos.  Wyatt's  on  these  words : 
"  If  any  man  be  in  Christ  he  is  a  new  creature ;"  had  not 
much  liberty.    I  met  the  society :  many  spake  of  the  good- 


414  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1780. 

ness  of  God.  I  went  to  looVe  with  Mr.  Smith,  a  strong 
Churchman.    I  am  kept  in  faith. 

Thursday,  30.  I  have  peace  of  mind  and  the  love  of  God. 
I  preached  at  Liverson's,  on  Prov.  xxviii,  13,  14;  had  Divine 
help.  I  found  some  simple-hearted  people  here,  but  very 
ignorant  of  true  religion.  I  met  class,  and  reproved  two  dis- 
orderly walkers :  I  hope  they  will  reform.  I  rode  to  Mr. 
Cook's,  who  desired  my  company :  I  talked  and  prayed  with 
him,  and  proceeded  on  to  the  Cross  Roads.  I  here  met  many 
of  my  friends,  among  about  three  hundred  attentive  people,  to 
whom  I  spoke  upon  Matt,  iii,  7-10.  I  hope  good  will  be 
done  here.  I  rode  to  Blackstown,  where  I  met  about  one 
hundred  and  thirty  people,  and  spoke  on  "  Take  heed  to  your- 
selves :"  some  of  them  were  greatly  engaged.  Lewis  Allfree 
has  been  made  a  blessing  to  these  people ;  their  number  is 
increased,  and  they  purpose  building  a  chapel. 

Friday,  December  1.  I  rode  to  Scotten's.  Here  they  have 
been  disappointed  in  preaching,  having  had  but  two  sermons 
this  last  quarter ;  the  consequence  was  that  they  did  not  at- 
tend :  they  are  not  as  steady  as  they  should  be.  The  day  I 
rode  to  Shaw's  being  damp,  I  caught  cold.  I  have  suffered 
loss  in  my  mind. 

Saturday,  2.  Rode  to  Fatad's,  and  although  it  snowed, 
there  came  together  about  thirty  people :  preaching  was  a 
blessing  to  them. 

Sunday,  3.  Rode  to  the  chapel :  the  weather  was  so  bad 
that  not  more  than  thirty  people  attended ;  having  a  sore 
throat  I  spoke  with  difficulty.  After  meeting  I  went  to  Mr. 
Emery's.  Monday,  I  was  bled.  I  rode  to  Black's,  but  found 
myself  unfit  to  speak.  Leaving  Mr.  Coleman  I  went  on  to 
Black's,  fearing  my  throat  would  be  worse :  I  was  afflicted. 
A  useful  letter  from  my  trusty  friend,  Robert  Furness,  came 
to  me ;  I  have  also  received  one  from  Peddicord,  giving  an 
account  of  the  work  in  Dorset. 

Wednesday,  6.  Rode  twelve  miles  to  Jarratt's,  to  preach 
the  funeral  of  Edward  Collins:  for  about  eighteen  months 
past  he  has  attended  our  preaching;  was  convinced  of  sin, 


Dec,  1780.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


415 


but  liad  never  joined  us  ;  in  death  was  blest  with  the  peace  of 
God,  departing  in  the  faith.  I  spoke  on  these  words,  of  Eccles. 
ix,  10:  "Whatsoever  thy  hand  findeth  to  do,  do  it  witli  thy 
might."  I  was  ill  able  to  speak  on  account  of  my  throat ; 
but  was  blessed :  the  people,  among  whom  were  some  strangers, 
hearkened  diligently.  I  have  been  in  greater  heaviness  lately, 
than  for  some  months  past.    My  soul  is  much  humbled. 

Thursday,  7.  This  is  a  day  appointed  for  prayer  and  thanks- 
giving by  the  government:  I  intend  to  improve  it  for  the 
Church  and  States.  0  what  cause  of  thankfulness  have  we 
that  there  has  not  been  a  famine  of  bread  and  water,  and  the 
word  of  God  ;  that  every  place  has  not  been  deluged  in  blood  ! 
and  what  cause  to  praise  God,  that  hundreds  have  been 
brought  to  the  Lord,  year  after  year,  in  these  times  of  trouble  ! 

Friday,  8.  Was  under  dejection.  Read  thirty  chapters  of 
Isaiah.  Rode  to  Dill's — had  about  forty  people :  was  much 
led  out  to  speak  to  the  poor.  Fasted,  and  intended  to  spend 
great  part  of  the  night  in  prayer,  but  I  felt  weak  through 
want  of  rest.  I  spent  better  than  an  hour  in  fervent  prayer 
and  was  much  blest,  having  my  soul  divinely  filled  with  love 
when  I  lay  down.  Rose  about  five  o'clock  in  better  health : 
passed  some  time  in  fervent  prayer  for  the  whole  work — the 
preachers  and  people.  Thomas  Haskins  is  a  young  man  of 
learning,  and  has  been  studying  the  law :  like  William  Spencer, 
he  has  given  it  up  for  grace  and  divinity.  GJory  be  to  God ! 
I  believe  the  Lord  has  called  Thomas  Haskins  for  a  preacher ; 
he  was  convinced  in  Dover  some  months  ago. 

Saturday,  9.  I  praise  my  God  ;  I  have  great  peace  of  soul. 

Sunday,  10.  I  went  to  Mr.  Thome's  church  and  heard  Mr. 
Thorne :  he  preached  a  good  sermon  on  the  passion  of  our 
Lord,  on,  "  Whom  having  not  seen,  ye  love ;"  the  people 
seemed  very  solemn.  I  preached  at  Edward  White's — was 
much  assisted  in  speaking  on,  "  Happy  art  thou,  0  Israel !" 
These  people  do  grow  in  grace  :  four  or  five  of  them  profess 
sanctification — this  I  know,  that  they  are  very  spiritual. 

Monday,  11.  I  have  faith,  and  am  kept  in  life  and  the 
spirit  of  prayer. 


416 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1780. 


Tuesday,  12.  I  rode  to  K  and  performed  the  funeral 

rite  over  a  child — in  exhortation  I  endeavoured  to  enforce  the 
necessity  of  a  strict  and  pious  education;  the  people  were 
much  moved,  and  I  felt  some  hope,  that  notwithstanding  we 
have  been  greatly  discouraged  here  in  times  past,  this  swamp 
will  bring  forth  some  fruit  of  three  years'  labour. 

Wednesday,  13.  I  visited  S.  White,  she  is  near  her  end; 
possessing  calm  and  solid  peace,  and  sweetly  resigned  to  the 
will  of  God.  Preached  at  T.  Layton's :  called  to  warn  my 
brethren  against  the  poisonous  and  false  principles  of  opposing 
sectarists.  I  was  doing  only  what  it  was  my  bounden  duty 
to  do,  and,  indeed,  acting  on  the  defensive. 

Saturday,  16.  My  soul  is  kept  in  constant  peace  and  love  to 
God. 

Sunday,  17.  Preached  at  J.  T.'s  on  "  0  that  there  were  such 
a  heart  in  them,"  &c,  Deut.  v,  29 ;  the  congregation  was 
larger,  and  there  was  more  of  the  power  of  God  among  them, 
than  I  have  ever  known  at  this  place. 

Tuesday,  19.  Rose  at  five — my  soul  stayed  upon  God. 
Preached  at  M.  W.'s  on  the  prayer  of  Jabez,  to  a  small,  in- 
attentive congregation. 

Wednesday,  20.  I  preached  to  a  faithful  people  at  T.  Lay- 
ton's,  on  Matt,  iii,  9,  10.  The  Methodists,  blessed  be  God  ! 
do  grow  as  well  as  the  wicked  ;  their  little  stock  increases  ;  I 
am  pleased  with  their  temporal,  and  rejoice  in  their  spiritual 
prosperity. 

Saturday,  23.  I  attended  the  funeral  of  E.  T. ;  a  man  that 
had  been  convinced  of  sin  many  years  ago,  but  had  lost  his 
convictions :  about  a  twelvemonth  past  God  made  use  of  the 
Methodists  to  reach  his  heart  again ;  he  sought  the  Lord ; 
joined  our  society,  and  at  the  last  quarterly  meeting  appeared 
to  be  a  very  happy  man.  He  was  poor — persecuted  by  his  wife, 
children,  and  family :  he  was  so  hardly  treated  that  scarcely 
could  he  live  with  them :  he  was  sensible  of  his  death,  and 
died  in  peace. 

Sunday,  24.  I  received  a  letter  from  F.  Garrettson,  and 
another  from  T.  S.  C,  who  promise  me  their  filial  obedience 


Jan.,  1781.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


417 


in  the  Gospel :  on  the  same  day  a  letter  from  W.  G  g, 

who  is  well  satisfied  with  his  station,  and  mentions  a  letter 
from  R.  L.  Cole,  who  says,  the  jarring  string  is  broken,  and 
those  who  were  friends  at  first  are  friends  at  last,  in  Virginia. 
I  rejoiced  for  the  consolation,  and  many  more  will  rejoice 
with  me. 

Tuesday,  26.  I  preached  to  an  unaffected  people  at  J.  E.'s, 
on  Matt,  iii,  17.  My  soul  is  stayed  upon  God,  and  kept  in 
peace.  I  rise  early  and  spend  my  usual  time  in  prayer,  and 
remember  my  dear  friends  before  God. 

Thursday,  28.  Wrote  to  C.  T.  to  take  S.  Roe's  place,  while 
he  goes  down  to  the  eastern  shore  of  Virginia;  I  believe  God 
has  a  work  for  us  to  do  there. 

Friday,  29.  I  rode  to  I.  B.'s,  where  there  had  been  a 
work  breaking  out;  but  so  harassed  are  the  people  by  op- 
posers  and  their  contrary  principles,  that  I  fear  no  lasting 
good  will  be  done.  "  A  double-minded  man  is  unstable  in 
all  his  ways."  From  B.'s  I  went  to  Moore's,  and  met  with  a 
people  I  had  not  seen  for  more  than  nine  months  :  we  mutu- 
ally rejoiced  to  see  each  other.  Blessed  be  God,  my  soul  is 
kept  in  peace. 

Broad- Creek,  Saturday,  30.  While  I  was  preaching,  I  was 
seized  with  a  putrid  sore  throat;  the  attack  was  violent. 
Sabbath  day,  I  took  physic,  and  applied  two  blisters  that 
drew  kindly  ;  afterward  put  one  on  the  back  of  my  neck,  and 
another  behind  the  ear ;  had  some  blood  taken  from  the  arm, 
and  some  from  the  tongue  ;  and  it  pleased  kind  Providence 
to  relieve  me  sooner  than  I  expected.  I  desire  to  give  thanks 
to  God  for  patience  and  resignation. 

January  1-4,  1781.  Pain!  Pain!  Pain!    5th,  found  my- 
self considerably  amended,  so  that  I  sat  up  and  did  a  little  . 
business. 

Sunday,  7.  The  weather  was  rainy,  so  I  stayed  in  the 
house  :  this  is  the  second  dumb  Sabbath  I  have  had ;  to  this 
I  could  not  submit  were  I  not  infirm. 

Wednesday,  10.  I  rose  with  a  sense  of  God  upon  my  heart. 
I  preached  to  many  people  at  G.  Moore's,  on  the  great  sal- 

18* 


418 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1781. 


vation  :  my  hearers  appeared  to  be  very  stupid.  The  family 
where  I  lodged  was  a  prayerless  family ;  and  if  ministers  (so 
called)  can  themselves  visit  without  calling  the  household  to- 
gether for  that  purpose,  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  there 
are  so  many  without  family  prayer :  lying  in  bed  till  sunrise, 
and  drinking  a  dram  after  they  are  up,  are,  perhaps,  the  cir- 
cumstances most  prominently  remembered  of  their  clerical 
guests. 

Thursday,  11.  Preached  in  Quaker-Town:  from  thence, 
being  invited  and  pressed  by  Mr.  T.  Rodney,  I  went  to  Lewis- 
town  ;  found  the  court-house  crowded,  to  whom  I  preached 
on  2  Cor.  v,  13-15. 

Lord's  day,  14.  Being  rainy,  we  had  only  about  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  serious  people  at  the  place  appointed.  The 
people  here  are  much  more  gentle  than  they  were  a  twelve- 
month past.  We  have  a  society  of  more  than  twenty  mem- 
bers, some  of  whom  have  found  the  Lord ;  but  I  think,  for 
ignorance  of  God  and  religion,  the  wilds  and  swamps  of  Dela- 
ware exceed  most  parts  of  America  with  which  I  have  had 
any  acquaintance ;  however,  God  is  able  of  these  stones  to 
raise  up  children  unto  Abraham. 

Monday,  15.  Rose  early;  spent  my  usual  time  in  retire- 
ment. Preached  to  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  people  at 
S.'s ;  I  find  their  prejudices  abated,  although  the  work  on 
their  hearts  is  not  deep.  My  soul  enjoys  peace ;  I  was  led 
out  in  prayer  for  the  whole  work  of  God,  the  circuits  and  the 
preachers;  this  I  do  every  morning  as  my  first  work.  I 
have  a  sense  of  God  on  my  heart,  and  am  sensible  of  the 
danger  of  falling ;  and  what  good  or  harm  may  I  do,  as  I  am 
faithful  or  unfaithful ! 

I  have  been  in  heaviness,  but  I  trust  I  am  kept  from  sin. 
Indeed,  I  believe  Satan  is  doing  all  he  can  to  discredit  the 
work  of  God  that  is  earned  on  through  our  instrumentality, 
because  he  envies  our  success.  It  appears  to  be  high  market 
day  among  every  denomination  of  people  ;  availing  themselves 
of  the  work,  they  are  labouring  to  detach  those  who  would  be 
members  from  our  society. 


Jan.,  1781.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


419 


Thursday,  18.  I  called  on  the  widow  F.,  who  had  lately- 
lost  her  husband.  He  was  a  constant  hearer  of  us,  and  as 
constantly  resisted  the  doctrine  he  heard,  and  could  not  bear 
the  chapel  so  near  him  :  he  sickened  and  died  in  a  short  space ; 
was  delirious  most  of  the  time  he  was  ill.  What  was  remark- 
able, and  awfully  so,  was,  that  his  little  son,  of  whom  he  was 
passionately  fond,  and  on  whom  he  frequently  called,  in  his 
delirium,  to  go  with  him,  went  and  hanged  himself  about  the 
time  his  father  died  :  they  went  into  eternity  nearly  together, 
and  were  laid  out  and  buried  at  the  same  time.  This  awful 
circumstance  was  the  means  of  awakening  a  stubborn  son,  who 
is  now  seeking  the  Lord.  How  wonderful  are  the  ways  of 
God  !  He  takes  away  a  child  to  awaken  a  father,  or  removes 
a  father  to  convince  a  child. 

Friday,  19.  I  conversed  with  T.  C,  whom  I  visited  under 
affliction  about  a  year  ago  :  he  then  had  an  humble  confidence 
of  his  acceptance  with  God,  and  a  firm  persuasion  that  God 
would  save  him  from  all  sin.  In  the  course  of  his  sickness  he 
became  somewhat  delirious,  and^ielded  to  a  suggestion  that 
it  was  all  delusion:  he  began  to  set  in  order  his  temporal 
affairs ;  but  in  about  eight  days  there  was  a  change  in  his  dis- 
order of  body  and  mind ;  his  confidence  in  God  returned ;  he 
professed  that  God  had  saved  him  from  all  sin,  and  he  ap- 
pears to  be  always  alive  to  God. 

Sunday,  21.  Mr.  M'Gaw  preached  at  Banit's  chapel,  and 
was  assisted  by  Mr.  Thorne  in  the  administration  of  the  Lord's 
supper :  it  was  a  gracious  time,  and  I  hope  it  was  not  re- 
ceived in  vain. 

Monday,  22.  On  my  way  to  P  's  I  came  on  a  race 

ground,  where  the  sons  of  Belial  had  been  practising  my 
horse ;  he  ran  away  with  me  when  he  came  to  the  end  of  the 
paths,  but  stopped,  and  I  received  no  harm.  I  lifted  my  heart 
to  God ;  and  by  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  he  stopped  near  a 
point  of  woods,  which,  had  he  entered,  I  might  probably  have 
lost  my  life  :  my  heart  was  deeply  humbled  before  the  Lord, 
who  preserved  me  from  such  imminent  danger. 

Monday,  29.  I  learn  that  about  six  or  seven  years  ago 


420 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Feb.,  1781. 


B.  S.  was  deeply  awakened,  and  became  a  member  of  the 
Methodist  society  :  some  time  after  this  he  lost  his  convictions, 
and  ran  into  sin.  Last  Christmas  he  was  sitting  up  with  a 
sick  person,  where  were  present  two  women  who  had  lately 
been  awakened  through  the  instrumentality  of  L.  A. :  they 
asked  him  what  he  thought  of  the  Methodists ;  he,  contrary 
to  his  better  knowledge,  answered,  "  they  are  all  hypocrites  :" 
they  asked  him  what  he  thought  of  L.  A.  and  I. ;  D.  he  spake 
against  them  as  well  the  rest.  "  How  then,  (rejoined  they,) 
can  they  pray  and  exhort  as  they  do,  if  they  are  such  men  as 
you  say  ;"  he  told  them  he  could  pray  like  a  minister  himself, 
when  he  was  in  society.  Next  day  he  set  off  to  go  home, 
which  he  never  reached :  he  was  taken  ill ;  was  bereft  of  his 
senses,  and  so  he  died. 

Dover. — Sunday,  February  4.  I  preached,  and  had  some 
of  the  Council  and  members  of  Assembly  to  hear  me.  I 
spoke  plainly ;  intending  my  discourse  as  a  vindication  of  the 
doctrine  of  the  Methodists. 

Monday,  5.  On  my  waj^o  quarterly  meeting,  held  at  the 
Valley  preaching-house,  I  called  on  his  Excellency,  Governor 
Rodney,  to  sign  my  certificate,  which  he  did  with  great  readi- 
ness and  politeness.  At  the  meeting  we  found  some  faithful 
souls,  and  the  work  revives  among  them :  they  were  greatly 
led  out  to  speak  in  the  love-feast,  six  or  seven  standing  up  as 
witnesses  of  a  present  salvation  from  all  sin. 

Pennsylvania. — Saturday,  10.  My  soul  enjoys  peace,  and 
I  rejoice  to  hear  that  the  work  of  God  is  deepening  and  widening 
in  the  Jerseys.  My  old  friends  here  in  Philadelphia,  appear 
loving  to  me ;  but  they  are  not  united  as  they  ought  to  be. 

Tuesday,  13.  After  casting  in  my  mite,  by  saying  and  do- 
ing what  I  could  in  Philadelphia,  I  left  my  kind  friends,  and 
set  off  for  New-Jersey. 

New- Jersey. —  "Wednesday,  14.  I  met  with  and  heard  B. 
Abbott — his  words  came  with  great  power.  Over  in  Chester, 
he  informs  me,  twenty  were  renewed  in  love,  and  eight  on 
this  side ;  the  people  fall  to  the  ground  under  him,  and  sink 
into  a  passive  state,  helpless,  stiff,  motionless.    He  tried  to  at- 


Mar.,  1781.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


421 


tech  himself  to  two  other  sects,  but  had  such  struggles  within 
that  lie  was  forced  back — the  Lord  would  not  let  him  be  any- 
thing but  a  Methojdist :  such  is  his  account.  He  is  a  man  of 
uncommon  zeal,  and  (although  his  language  has  somewhat  of 
incorrectness)  of  good  utterance.  Here,  I  find,  remains  the 
fruit  of  the  labours  of  that  (now)  miserable  man,  A.  Whit- 
worth.  How  awful  the  thought,  that  God  should  own  a  man 
and  make  him  a  blessing  to  many  souls,  and  then  lay  him 
aside  like  a  broken  instrument !  Yet  so  it  was,  because  of  his 
sin.    May  others  take  warning  by  his  fall ! 

Thursday,  15.  I  have  found  the  Lord  with  me  in  an  extra- 
ordinary manner,  ever  since  I  left  Delaware.    Brother  I  s 

tells  me  there  is  daily  a  great  turning  to  God  in  new  places, 
and  that  the  work  of  sanctification  goes  on  in  our  old  societies. 

Tuesday,  20.  Rode  to  Penny-Hill :  was  much  pleased  with 
the  simplicity  of  our  old  German  mother  K.  She  says  she 
lived  in  blindness  fifty  years,  and  was  at  length  brought  to 
God  by  the  means  of  Methodism  :  she  is  now  rejoicing  in  the 
perfect  love  of  God ;  her  children  are  coming  home  to  the 
Lord ;  while  she  is  preaching  in  her  way  to  all  she  comes  up 
with. 

Friday,  March  2.  My  soul  enjoys  peace ;  and  I  have  a  lit- 
tle respite  from  the  haste  I  have  been  in  for  some  time  past ; 
nevertheless  I  have  read  the  first  and  second  volumes  of  Rol- 
lin's  Ancient  History  (containing  about  three  hundred  pages 
each)  in  about  two  weeks.  We  may  justly  admire  the  policy 
and  the  temperance  of  the  Persians  ;  and  it  is  very  satisfactory 
to  find  a  more  particular  account  corroborating  the  Scripture 
history  of  the  fulfilment  of  the  prophecies  concerning  that 
great  man  Cyrus,  called  of  God. 

Pennsylvania. — Saturday,  3.  Rode  to  Philadelphia, 
where  I  preached  but  twice:  I  met  the  society,  which  was 
made  a  blessing  to  some ;  and  I  am  persuaded  that  my  stay 
would  be  a  means  of  the  prosperity  of  the  society  here ;  but 
it  is  possible  I  may  be  more  useful  where  I  am  going. 

Tuesday,  6.  Read  the  fourth  volume  of  Rollin's  Ancient 
Histoiy :  it  contains  the  memorable  life  of  Socrates,  who  was 


422 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1781. 


certainly  a  wise  man ;  but,  as  the  worthy  historian  remarks, 
there  were  many  blemishes  in  his  character. 

Saturday,  10.  Rode  to  French  Creek,  and  was  kindly  en- 
tertained by  my  much-respected  friends  Mrs.  G.  Grace,  and 
her  daughter  Mrs.  Potts,  and  her  granddaughter  Martha  Potts, 
afterward  Mrs.  Haskins,  who  lived,  and  have  since  died  in  the 
Lord.  0  may  the  unfeigned  faith  which  was  in  them  be  also 
in  their  children  and  their  grandchildren ! 

Sunday,  11.  Preached  to  a  small  congregation.  One  of 
my  hearers  seemed  desirous  I  should  form  an  independent 
church. 

Wednesday,  14.  Rode  twelve  miles  into  the  forest  to  preach 
to  the  remnant  of  poor  Demours's  flock.  I.  Demours,  as  well 
as  S.  Howe,  died  a  martyr  to  labour  and  loud  speaking ;  they 
were  both  disciples  of  good  Mr.  Evans.  He  preached  the 
last  day  of  his  life ;  afterwards,  his  people  melted  away  for 
want  of  preaching  and  discipline ;  we  have  been  sent  for,  and 
owned  and  blessed  among  them.  I  have  heard  of  a  great 
work  among  the  Germans  towards  Lancaster.  Certain  op- 
posing sectarians  hunt  our  preachers  like  partridges  upon  the 
mountains ;  they  are  trying  to  stop,  but  are  going,  I  apprehend, 
the  readiest  way  to  establish  us.  God  will  stand  by  his  peo- 
ple— blessed  be  his  name !    My  soul  is  kept  in  peace. 

Friday,  16.  I  preached  at  the  Valley  preaching-house: 
and  here  I  set  my  seal  to  what  J.  C.  had  done  in  expelling  a 
member  who  had  long  been  troublesome  to  the  society. 

Monday,  19.  A  letter  from  C.  B.  P.  informs  me  that  the 
work  of  the  Lord  prospers  in  Dorset :  glorious  news  this,  at 
which  my  heart  is  greatly  cheered. 

Dover. — Saturday,  24.  I  was  much  led  out  in  speaking 
of  Peter's  fall  at  my  favourite  place.  I  am  greatly  comforted 
with  the  good  news  of  Zion's  prosperity.  Upon  a  review  of 
my  travels  I  find  that,  from  the  first  of  last  May  to  this  pre- 
sent date,  I  have  travelled  nearly  or  quite  four  thousand  miles. 

Tuesday,  27.  I  resolve  to  spend  an  hour  in  enlarged  prayer 
as  soon  as  I  rise  in  the  morning ;  to  retire  again  at  eleven,  at 
five,  and  at  eight  o'clock,  when  in  my  power. 


May,  1781.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


423 


Wednesday,  28.  My  soul  is  comfortable.  I  daily  find  my- 
self greatly  humbled. 

Delaware. —  Tuesday,  April  10.  I  preached  the  funeral 
sermon  of  J.  B.,  a  Free-mason, — a  great  sinner,  and  an  enemy 
to  the  Methodists — persecuting  his  wife  and  children  for 
coming  to  hear  them.  When  sick  he  sent  for  the  Methodists 
to  pray  for  him,  and  promised  to  come  and  hear  them  if 
spared. 

Wednesday,  11.  Since  I  have  been  here  I  am  greatly  kept 
from  the  fear  of  men,  and  unholy  desires  to  please  them ;  I 
feel  as  free  in  speaking  to  masters  as  to  their  servants.  I  trust 
the  Lord  will  humble  and  save  those  people. 

Saturday,  14.  Our  quarterly  meeting  began  at  the  Forest 
chapel — the  congregation  was  large :  I  spoke  first,  and  was 

followed  by  brothers  C  ,  R  ,  C,  and  L. ;  the  people 

were  quickened  and  appeared  much  alive  to  God.  The  next 
day,  being  Easter-Sunday,  our  love-feast  began  at  nine,  and 
public  preaching  at  eleven  o'clock.  After  meeting  we  rode 
about  twenty  miles  to  brother  White's,  where  about  twenty 
preachers  met  together  to  hold  a  conference.  Thence  I  attend- 
ed Kent  quarterly  meeting,  on  the  East  shore  of  Maryland. 

Maryland. — Friday,  20.  Crossed  the  Chesapeake,  and 
came  to  Mr.  Gough's.  Saturday  I  rode  to  Baltimore,  and 
preached  on  the  Sabbath  day. 

Tuesday,  24.  Our  conference  began  in  Baltimore,  where 
several  of  the  preachers  attended  from  Virginia  and  North 
Carolina.  All  but  one  agreed  to  return  to  the  old  plan,  and 
give  up  the  administration  of  the  ordinances :  our  troubles 
now  seem  over  from  that  quarter ;  and  there  appears  to  be  a 
considerable  change  in  the  preachers  from  North  to  South : 
all  was  conducted  in  peace  and  love. 

Monday,  30.  I  am  relieved  in  mind  relative  to  my  visiting 
Virginia,  and  my  soul  is  kept  in  peace,  whilst  I  feel  power  to 
trust  the  Lord  with  my  all. 

Tuesday,  May  1.  Wrote  to  my  father  and  Mr.  Wesley. 

Monday,  1.  I  employed  this  day  in  visiting  my  friends. 

Tuesday,  8.  I  was  preparing  to  set  off  to  Virginia,  but  my 


424 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[May,  1781. 


horse  failed.  I  hardly  know  how  to  proceed ;  Providence 
seems  dark :  I  doubt  if  I  can  ride  on  horseback,  and  yet  I  am 
unwilling  to  give  up  my  visit  to  the  South. 

Thursday,  10.  I  set  off  in  the  hope  that  the  Lord  will  bless 
and  keep  me  for  his  own  cause  and  glory. 

Saturday,  12.  Reached  Mr.  Adams's  about  eight  o'clock 
at  night :  I  always  come  to  this  house  weary,  but  generally 
get  my  body  and  soul  refreshed.  I  missed  my  watch,  but 
found  it  again  at  the  door  where  I  had  alighted ;  my  horse 
had  trodden  it  and  bruised  the  case,  and  not  broken  the 
crystal,  without  otherwise  injuring  it. 

Sunday,  13.  Preached  at  the  chapel;  afterward  Harry,  a 
black  man,  spoke  on  the  barren  fig-tree.  This  circumstance 
was  new,  and  the  white  people  looked  on  with  attention. 

Thursday,  17.  I  had  uncommon  liberty  in  preaching  in  the 
court-house  in  Leesburg.  I  see  the  need  of  a  preacher's  be- 
ing well  acquainted  with  his  Bible,  and  yet  not  to  think  so; 
the  word  of  God  is  one  grand  dispensatory  of  soul-diseases  in 
every  case  of  spiritual  malady.  I  bless  the  Lord  for  health 
and  peace :  my  soul  was  much  drawn  after  God,  and  melted 
in  family  and  private  prayer. 

Virginia. — May  21,  1781.  I  preached  in  the  afternoon  at 
P.  H.'s,  and  had  liberty  in  urging  purity  of  heart.  Harry 
spoke  to  the  negroes,  some  of  whom  came  a  great  distance  to 
hear  him :  certain  sectarians  are  greatly  displeased  with  him, 
because  he  tells  them  they  may  fall  from  grace,  and  that  they 
must  be  holy. 

Tuesday,  22.  We  set  off  for  Rectortown,  being  informed  it 
was  about  twenty-two  miles ;  we  found  it  nearer  thirty.  I 
reached  there,  weary  and  dispirited,  about  half  past  two 
o'clock  ;  I  spoke  for  an  hour  with  great  assistance,  both  loud 
and  clear,  to  an  apparently  unconcerned  people.  I  have  been 
kept  back  by  the  rain,  the  waters,  &c,  so  as  not  to  reach  John 
Hite's  until  Saturday  evening. 

Sunday,  27.  Had  about  two  hundred  people  to  hear.  The 
society  here  are  not  united  in  love  ;  there  is  a  consequent  fall- 
ing away  among  them. 


June,  lTSl.1 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


425 


Monday,  28.  I  found  my  heart  deeply  engaged  with  God 
on  my  way  to  J.  Hite's ;  0  what  fellowship  have  I  with  God 
as  I  ride  along  !  my  soul  is  filled  with  love,  and  I  witness  that 
the  Lord  can  keep  me  alive  in  the  day  of  famine. 

Tuesday,  29.  Felt  solemn  and  much  tempted.  The  Lord 
help  his  poor  servant  from  day  to  day,  from  hour  to  hour, 
and  from  moment  to  moment !  Alas,  what  a  dearth  of  religion 
is  here  !  My  God,  help  us  to  go  on  under  these  difficulties  ! 
Hero  brother  C.  was  once  taken  up  by  T.  H.,  a  man  of  pro- 
perty :  he  lived  about  one  year  afterward  and  languished  out 
his  life  ;  it  may  be  he  sinned  the  sin  unto  death  ;  but  there  was- 
hope  in  his  end.  He  spoke  to  all  around  him,  exhorting  them 
to  repent.  Whether  he  was  judicially  visited  I  know  not ; 
but  I  do  not  recollect  an  instance  of  one  preacher  that  has 
been  thus  treated,  that  something  distressing  has  not  followed 
his  persecutors  ;  it  may  not  be  for  the  preacher's  holiness,  but 
rather  the  cause  of  God  which  the  Eternal  vindicates. 

I  have  had  great  conflicts  of  mind  for  some  time  past.  I 
believe  Satan  has  been  hard  at  work,  and  has  painted  every 
possible  danger  he  can  to  my  imagination. 

Thursday,  31.  My  soul  enjoyed  peace:  I  was  blessed  in 
reading  the  thirty- seventh  Psalm ;  and  was  also  comforted  in 
reading  a  few  pages  of  Bishop  Hopkins,  on  the  words  "  Count 
it  all  joy  when  ye  fall  into  divers  temptations." 

Saturday,  June  2.  Preached  at  Martinsburg  :  afterward  re- 
turned to  Brother  Bruce's ;  he  is  a  lily  among  the  thorns. 

Sunday,  3.  Preached  to  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  serious 
people,  and  was  blest  in  meeting  class. 

Monday,  4.  I  preached  to  a  few  lifeless  people  at  Stroud's. 
I  find  myself  given  to  God  in  prayer,  and  am  not  peculiarly 
exercised  ;  yet  my  spirits  feel  depression. 

Tuesday,  5.  Had  a  rough  ride  over  hills  and  dales  to  Guest's. 
Here  brother  Pigman  met  me,  and  gave  an  agreeable  account 
of  the  work  on  the  south  branch  of  Potomac.  I  am  kept  in 
peace  ;  and  greatly  pleased  I  am  to  get  into  the  woods,  where, 
although  alone,  I  have  blessed  company,  and  sometimes  think, 
Who  so  happy  as  myself  ? 


426 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1 781. 


Wednesday,  6.  We  had  twelve  miles  to  R.'s,  along  a  bushy, 
hilly  road.  A  poor  woman  with  a  little  horse,  without  a  sad- 
dle, outwent  us  up  and  down  the  hills,  and  when  she  came  to 
the  place  appointed,  the  Lord  met  with  and  blessed  her  soul. 

Thursday,  7.  I  set  out  for  the  south  branch  of  Potomac — 
a  country  of  mountains  and  natural  curiosities.  Blessed  be 
God  for  health  and  peace !  The  enemy  strives  against  me ; 
but  I  look  to  God  from  hour  to  hour.  We  found  some  diffi- 
culty in  crossing  Great  Capon  River ;  three  men  very  kindly 
carried  us  over  in  a  canoe,  and  afterward  rode  our  horses  over 
the  stream,  without  fee  or  reward  :  about  five  o'clock  we 
reached  W.  R.'s ;  I  laid  me  down  to  rest  on  a  chest,  and 
using  my  clothes  for  covering,  slept  pretty  well ;  here  I  found 
need  of  patience. 

Friday ,'  8.  Not  being  able  to  cross  the  South  Branch,  we 
had  to  bear  away  through  the  mountains,  and  to  go  up  one 
of  about  two  hundred  yards,  elevation ;  in  some  places  the 
breaks  in  the  slate  served  for  steps,  in  other  parts  of  the  as- 
cent there  were  none :  we  at  length  reached  the  place  ap- 
pointed, and  preached  to  about  twenty,  as  I  think,  prayerless 
people,  on  Isaiah  lv,  6,  7.    I  hope  some  felt  the  word. 

Sunday,  10.  I  preached  at  eleven  o'clock  to  about  two 
hundred  people  with  a  degree  of  freedom.  I  then  rode  to  R. 
Williams's.  On  my  way  I  had  a  view  of  a  hanging  rock  that 
appears  like  a  castle  wall,  about  three  hundred  feet  high,  and 
looks  as  if  it  had  been  built  with  square  slate  stones ;  at  first 
glance  a  traveller  would  be  ready  to  fear  it  would  fall  on  him. 
1  had  about  three  hundred  people ;  but  there  were  so  many 
wicked  whisky  drinkers,  who  brought  with  them  so  much  of 
the  power  of  the  devil,  that  I  had  but  little  satisfaction  in 
preaching. 

Monday,  11.  I  rose  at  five  o'clock,  with  a  determination  to 
live  nearer  to  God.  Here  are  a  few  believers  groaning  for 
full  redemption,  but  many  more  are  dying  through  contro- 
versy and  for  the  want  of  urgent  exhortation  to  purity  of  heart : 
it  is  hard  for  those  to  preach  this  doctrine  who  have  not  ex- 
perimentally attained  it,  or  who  are  not  striving  with  all  their 


June,  1781.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


427 


hearts  to  possess  it.  From  Williams's  I  crossed  the  South 
Branch  and  went  to  Patterson- Creek.  I  came  to  a  Dutch 
settlement :  the  people  love  preaching,  but  do  not  understand 
class-meeting,  because  they  are  not  enough  conversant  with 
the  English  tongue ;  and  we  cannot  all  do  as  J.  Hagerty  and 
H.  Wydner,  who  speak  both  languages ;  could  we  get  a  Dutch 
preacher  or  two  to  travel  with  us,  I  am  persuaded  we  should 
have  a  good  work  among  the  Dutch.  I  love  these  people ; 
they  are  kind  in  their  way. 

We  have  many  trials  and  threatenings  ;  but  God  is  with  us. 
I  have  lately  been  reading  Fletcher's  Checks,  and  they  have 
been  greatly  blessed  to  me  :  however  he  may  be  now  treated, 
and  his  works  held  in  light  estimation,  ages  to  come  will  bless 
God  for  his  writings,  as  I  have  done  for  those  of  Baxter  and 
other  ancient  divines. 

I  am  now  in  a  land  of  valleys  and  mountains,  about  ten  or 
fifteen  miles  from  the  foot  of  the  Alleghany — a  mountain  that, 
at  this  part  of  it,  is  two  days'  journey  across ;  thither  some  of 
our  preachers  are  going  to  seek  the  outcasts  of  the  people. 
Blessed  be  God,  I  am  kept  in  constant  peace  and  love,  and 
am  not  so  subject  to  dejection  as  in  times  past. 

Sunday,  17.  My  soul  enjoyed  great  peace  in  family  and 
private  prayer.  There  is  much  talk  about  some  of  our 
preachers  being  taken  up ;  I  have  no  fears  from  that  quarter. 

Monday,  18.  I  was  led  to  wonder  at  myself  when  I  con- 
sidered the  fatigue  I  went  through ;  travelling  in  the  rain ; 
sleeping  without  beds,  &c,  and  in  the  midst  of  all  I  am  kept 
in  health  :  this  confirms  me  in  the  persuasion  that  I  am  about 
the  work  I  am  called  to,  and  the  Lord  gives  me  strength  ac- 
cording to  my  day.  So  let  thy  work  spread,  blessed  Jesus, 
and  let  not  thy  servants  labour  in  vain ! 

Wednesday,  20.  We  had  hard  work  crossing  the  Fork 
Mountain,  being  sometimes  obliged  to  walk  where  it  was  too 
steep  to  ride.  I  was  much  blessed  in  speaking  to  about  ninety 
Dutch  folks,  who  appeared  to  feel  the  word.  Here  is  a  spring 
remarkable  for  its  depth,  and  the  quantity  of  water  it  discharges 
sufficient  for  a  mill  within  two  hundred  yards  from  the  source, 


428 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [July,  1781. 


which  sometimes  in  freshets  throws  its  mass  of  waters  con- 
siderably above  the  ordinary  level  of  the  surface. 

It  does  not  appear  that  I  do  any  great  good  ;  yet  I  am  con- 
stantly happy  and  measurably  holy:  I  bless  the  Lord  for 
this. 

Thursday,  21.  Last  evening  I  rode  a  mile  and  a  half  to  see 
some  of  the  greatest  natural  curiosities  my  eyes  ever  beheld : 
they  were  two  caves,  about  two  hundred  yards  from  each 
other;  their  entrances  were,  as  in  similar  cases,  narrow  and 
descending,  gradually  widening  towards  the  interior,  and  open- 
ing into  lofty  chambers,  supported,  to  appearance,  by  basaltic 
pillars.    In  one  of  these  I  sung, 

"  Still  out  of  the  deepest  abyss." 

The  sound  was  wonderful.  There  were  stalactites  resembling 
the  pipes  of  an  organ,  which,  when  our  old  guide,  father  Ells- 
worth, struck  with  a  stick,  emitted  a  melodious  sound,  with 
variations  according  to  their  size  ;  walls,  like  our  old  churches  ; 
resemblances  to  the  towers  adjoining  their  belfries ;  and  the 
natural  gallery,  which  we  ascended  with  difficulty :  all  to  me 
was  new,  solemn,  and  awfully  grand.  There  were  parts 
which  we  did  not  explore  ;  so  deep,  so  damp,  and  near  night. 
I  came  away  filled  with  wonder,  with  humble  praise,  and 
adoration. 

In  journeying  through  this  mountainous  district  I  have  been 
greatly  blessed,  my  soul  enjoying  constant  peace.  I  find  a 
few  humble,  happy  souls  in  my  course  ;  and  although  present 
appearances  are  gloomy,  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  there  will  be 
a  glorious  Gospel-day  in  this  and  every  other  part  of  America. 

There  are  but  two  men  in  the  society  at  Lost  River  able  to 
bear  arms ;  they  were  both  drafted  to  go  into  the  army :  I 
gave  them  what  comfort  I  could,  and  prayed  for  them. 

Saturday,  30.  I  got  alone  into  a  barn  to  read  and  pray. 
The  people  here  appear  unengaged :  the  preaching  of  uncon- 
ditional election,  and  its  usual  attendant,  Antinomianism,  seems 
to  have  hardened  their  hearts. 

Sunday,  July  1.  More  people  attended  preaching  than  I 


July,  1781.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


expected:  I  bad  some  liberty  in  speaking,  but  no  great  fer- 
vour; neitber  seemed  there  much  effect  produced.  I  retired 
to  read  and  pray  in  the  woods,  the  houses  being  small,  and 
the  families  large. 

Friday,  13.  For  some  days  past  my  congregations  have 
not  been  very  large,  which  is  in  part  owing  to  the  harvest- 
home.  I  fasted  from  yesterday  noon  until  four  o'clock  to-day  ; 
though  much  tempted,  I  have  been  blest.  I  have  kept  close 
to-day,  and  have  read  two  hundred  pages  of  Baxter's  Saints' 
Rest ;  surely  this  is  a  most  valuable  book — a  book  I  should 
like  to  read  once  a  quarter. 

Monday,  16.  We  set  out  through  the  mountains  for  quar- 
terly meeting.  It  was  a  very  warm  day,  and  part  of  our  com- 
pany stopped  after  thirty  miles'  travelling ;  brother  William 
Partridge  and  myself  kept  on  until  night  overtook  us  in  the 
mountain,  among  rocks,  and  woods,  and  dangers  on  all  sides 
surrounding  us :  we  concluded  it  most  safe  to  secure  our 
horses  and  quietly  await  the  return  of  day ;  so  we  lay  down 
and  slept  among  the  rocks,  although  much  annoyed  by  the 
gnats.  Next  day  I  met  with  several  preachers,  with  whom  I 
spent  some  time  in  conversation  about  the  work  of  God.  At 
twelve  o'clock  the  people  at  Pen-ill's  met,  and  we  all  exhorted. 

Friday,  20.  I  had  some  liberty  on  2  Cor.  vi,  2.  I  have 
been  obliged  to  sleep  on  the  floor  every  night  since  I  slept  in 
the  mountains.  Yesterday  I  rode  twenty-seven  miles,  and 
to-day  thirty. 

Saturday,  21.1  adore  the  goodness  of  God  that  I  am  kept 
in  health ;  and  I  may  wonder  at  myself  that  it  is  thus,  when 
I  consider  how  rough  the  fare  is  in  this  roughest  of  circuits. 
I  feel  thankful  to  God  for  sending  such  plenty  for  man  and 
beast,  and  for  the  fine  season  to  gather  it,  which,  consider- 
ing how  many  men  are  called  away  to  the  armies,  is  a  great 
mercy. 

Tuesday,  24.  I  had  some  leisure  for  reading  my  Bible, 
which  I  have  had  little  time  for  of  late.  I  thank  the  Lord  for 
peace,  power,  love,  and  a  fervent  spirit. 

Monday,  30.  Attended  a  quarterly  meeting  at  Leesburg. 


430 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1781. 


I  gave  a  brief  account  of  the  Methodists,  who  and  what  they 
were,  and  repelled  some  charges  brought  against  them  here. 
At  twelve  o'clock  brother  Ellis  preached  a  solid,  good  sermon 
on,  "  He  that  hath  this  hope  in  him  purifieth  himself  as  he  is 
pure." 

Maryland. —  Tuesday,  August  7.  Our  quarterly  meeting 
began  at  Charles  Penn's,  near  Seneca.  On  Wednesday,  many 
gave  testimony  to  the  goodness  of  God  in  the  love-feast.  I 
preached  a  long  sermon  to  many  people  assembled  in  a  barn : 
the  weather  was  very  warm  and  trying  to  me ;  but  if  good  is 
done,  all  is  well.  I  hear  the  work  of  the  Lord  greatly  revives 
and  spreads  in  Dorset :  there  is  some  opposition,  but  God  is 
with  the  young  preachers,  who  speak  like  old  men.  It  ap- 
pears as  if  the  whole  peninsula  would  be  Christianized :  go 
on,  gracious  Lord, 

u  And  let  thy  word  o'er  all  prevail." 

I  am  kept  by  the  power  of  God,  and  filled  with  comfort  under 
all  my  trials. 

Sunday,  12.  Was  a  damp,  unwholesome  day.  At  Micah 
Dorsey's,  Elkridge,  I  was  seized  with  all  the  symptoms  of  an 
inflammatory  sore  throat :  I  bled,  took  medicine,  and  applied 
blisters ;  but  the  disease  was  too  violent  to  yield  at  once ; 
veiy  high  fever  followed,  and  I  suffered  more  than  I  can  well 
express  ;  I  made  use  of  poultice  with  better  success ;  the 
gathering  broke,  and  I  found  some  relief.  I  praise  God  that 
his  providence  cast  my  lot  among  so  kind  a  people ;  food, 
lodging,  a  physician,  Dr.  Pew,  and  whatever  else  was  neces- 
sary, was  not  withheld.  I  am  sensible  I  am  not  so  humble 
as  I  should  be ;  and  it  may  be  I  am  in  danger  of  forming  im- 
proper estimates  of  my  importance,  among  preachers  and 
people  :  were  this  disposition  indulged,  God  might  justly  cut 
me  off. 

Monday,  20.  I  set  out  on  my  way  in  great  weakness  of 
body ;  but  I  could  not  be  satisfied  to  be  at  rest  while  able  to 
travel :  I  stopped  awhile  at  Dr.  Pew's,  and  came  in  the  even- 
ing to  my  old  friend  Thomas  Cromwell's. 


Sept.,  1781.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


431 


Sunday,  26.  I  had  a  warm  ride  of  fifteen  miles  to  G.'s, 
where  I  spoke  with  liberty  to  the  poor,  simple-hearted  people. 
My  body  is  weak,  but  my  mind  is  kept  in  peace :  I  desire  to 
trust  to  God  with  body  and  soul.  It  is  now  near  four  years 
since  I  was  in  these  parts ;  in  times  past  I  laboured  much  here. 

Preached  at  Fell's  Point  on  Deut.  xxxiii,  29,  with  a  good 
degree  of  freedom ;  and  in  town  at  half  past  five  o'clock :  I 
trust  the  people  felt,  and  I  hope  they  will  remember  it. 
Spent  Wednesday  and  Thursday  in  writing.  I  still  find  my 
soul  kept  in  peace,  and  I  daily  feel  a  deeper  sense  of  God  and 
a  greater  concern  for  the  prosperity  of  his  work ;  yet  I  have 
no  distressing  thought  about  it,  being  able  to  trust  God  with 
his  own  cause. 

Friday,  31.  I  received  a  packet  of  letters  from  the  Penin- 
sula, by  which  I  learn  that  the  work  of  God  still  prospers 
there;  that  persecution,  as  a  necessary  consequence,  rages 
with  great  violence ;  and  that  two  or  three  of  the  preachers 
are  unable  to  preach  through  weakness  of  body. 

Monday,  September  3.  I  visited  the  Bush  chapel.  The 
people  here  once  left  us  to  follow  another:  time  was  when 
the  labours  of  their  leader  were  made  a  blessing  to  them  ;  but 
pride  is  a  busy  sin.  He  is  now  no  more :  upon  the  whole,  I 
am  inclined  to  think  the  Lord  took  him  away  in  judgment, 
because  he  was  in  a  way  to  do  hurt  to  his  cause ;  and  that 
he  saved  him  in  mercy,  because  from  his  death-bed  conver- 
sation he  appears  to  have  had  hope  in  his  end. 

Wednesday,  5.  I  preached  to  about  three  hundred  people 
at  Deer-Creek  with  a  good  degree  of  freedom ;  and  rejoiced 
to  find  that  my  old  friends  continued  faithful. 

Sunday,  9.  After  riding  twenty  miles,  I  preached  at  Jones's 
on  the  Manor,  to  about  six  hundred  people,  with  great  liberty ; 
the  audience  were  still  and  attentive.  Mr.  Gough  spoke 
after  me. 

Monday,  10.  I  learn  that  the  Lord  is  reviving  his  work  on 
the  eastern  shore,  more  or  less,  in  every  circuit.  The  wicked 
persecute,  and  Satan  rages  in  Dorset ;  but  God  will  carry  on 
his  own  work  and  maintain  his  own  cause. 


432 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Oct.,  1*781. 


Tuesday,  11.  My  soul  enjoys  great  nearness  to  God  in  pri- 
vate, and  more  fervour  of  spirit  than  I  have  known  for  some 
years ;  I  also  feel  a  greater  care  for  the  circuit  preachers,  and 
for  the  work  of  God  in  general.  I  spent  part  of  my  time  in 
marking  Baxter's  Cure  for  Church  Divisions  through.  I  have 
little  leisure  for  anything  but  prayer ;  seldom  more  than  two 
hours  in  the  day,  and  that  space  I  wish  to  spend  in  retired 
meditation  and  prayer  :  riding,  preacliing,  class-meeting,  leaves 
but  little  for  reading  or  writing,  and  not  always  enough  for 
prayer :  something  might  be  gained  could  I  pore  over  a  book 
on  horseback,  as  Mr.  Wesley  does  in  England ;  but  this  our 
roads  forbid. 

Saturday,  22.  Spoke  in  a  barn — a  cold  place,  and  cold 
people.  Here  I  met  with  T.  Stephens,  who  heard  me,  and 
Mr.  M.,  of  Stroud,  in  England :  his  wife  was  then  a  member 
with  us  :  he  has  rambled  until  the  Lord  has  also  found  him  out. 

Pennsylvania. —  Tuesday,  25.  Rode  to  York.  I  was  met 
by  Mr.  Ranckle,  who  was  once  a  Methodist,  but  now  a 
German  Presbyterian  minister.  Mr.  R.  and  Mr.  Wagner  ap- 
pear as  if  they  wished  to  be  friendly ;  but  they  fear  us,  lest 
we  should  get  the  good  will  of  the  people,  and  we  should  join 
them  to  our  societies. 

Sunday,  30.  Under  great  weakness  of  body. 

Wednesday,  October  3.  I  began  to,  amend.  I  am  kindly 
and  comfortably  entertained  by  Mrs.  Grace,  an  old  disciple  ; 
first  awakened  by  Mr.  Whitefield,  afterward  convinced  by 
reading  Mr.  Wesley's  sermon  on  Falling  from  Grace  ;  and 
now  a  fast  friend  and  member  of  our  society. 

Sunday,  7.  Preached  at  the  Valley  preaching-house,  on 
the  "  great  salvation,"  to  an  attentive  people,  with  some  ani- 
mation. From  thence  we  roue  to  Benson's  preaching- house, 
where  there  was  a  great  gathering  of  people,  like  a  quarterly 
meeting. 

It  is  with  difficulty  I  observe  my  morning  and  evening 
hour  of  retirement ;  I  am,  however,  kept  in  constant  peace. 

Tuesday,  9.  I  preached  at  E.  Jones's  to  about  a  hundred 
people.    Here  I  met  with  J.  R  s,  mischievous  and  disap- 


Oct.,  1781.]  ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL. 


433 


pointed :  having  separated  himself,  he  charges  us  with  cast- 
ing him  off,  and  spares  not  his  secret  abuse  on  conference  and 
preachers :  fallen,  deceitful,  self-deceiving  man,  I  leave  thee 
to  God  and  thy  own  conscience. 

Friday,  12.  Came  to  Philadelphia — found  the  people  serious, 
loving,  and  lively.  The  society  here  appears  to  be  in  a  better 
state  than  they  have  been  in  since  the  Biitish  army  was  here. 

Sunday,  14.  I  had  some  comfortable  sensations  in  speaking 
on  John  iii,  14.  Our  congregations  are  large,  and  I  hope  for 
a  revival  of  the  work  amongst  us.  I  heard  two  good  sermons 
at  St.  George's.  I  gave  them  a  plain  discourse  at  night  at 
St.  George's,  on  1  John  i,  8,  9. 

Tuesday,  16.  I  enjoy  peace ;  but  I  soon  grow  tired  of  the 
city.  There  is  a  deepening  of  the  work  in  some  souls ;  but  I 
fear  the  religion  of  others  evaporates  in  talk. 

[Thursday,  18.  I  left  the  city  of  Philadelphia.  In  the 
evening  I  visited  a  German  woman  in  distress  for  her  soul. 
We  spent  an  hour  in  prayer,  and  God  set  her  at  liberty. 
Next  day  I  returned  to  the  city ;  and  on  Sabbath  day,  the 
21st,  we  had  a  love-feast.  I  attended  the  Episcopal  church 
twice.  Our  own  house  was  crowded.  The  work  of  God  ap- 
pears still  to  revive  amongst  us  ;  and  I  trust  the  society  in- 
creases in  grace  as  well  as  in  numbers.  Among  too  many  of 
the  citizens  the  spirit  of  politics  has,  in  whole  or  in  part,  eaten 
out  the  spirit  of  religion.  We  have  come  to  a  conclusion  to 
print  the  four  volumes  of  Mr.  Wesley's  Sermons. 

Thursday,  25.  Attended  the  quarterly  meeting  at  Cloud's 
chapel.  I  found  myself  sweetly  united  to  preachers  and  peo- 
ple. James  Barton,  a  public  speaker  among  Friends,  bore 
his  testimony  that  God  was  amongst  us. 

Saturday,  2*7.  My  intervals  of  time  are  employed  in  mark- 
ing Baxter's  "  Cure  for  Church  Divisions,"  for  abridgment, 
which  may  some  day  see  the  light.  My  soul  is  drawn  out  to 
God  to  know  whether  I  ought  to  go  to  Virginia  this  winter, 
in  order,  if  possible,  to  prevent  the  spreading  of  the  fire  of 
division :  I  do  not  look  for  impulses  or  revelations — the  voice 
of  my  brethren  and  concurrent  circumstances  will  determine 

19 


434 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1781. 


me.  in  this  matter.  Harry  seems  to  be  unwilling  to  go  with 
me :  I  fear  his  speaking  so  much  to  white  people  in  the  city, 
has  been,  or  will  be,  injurious  ;  he  has  been  flattered,  and  may 
be  ruined. 

Delaware. —  Wilmington,  Sunday,  28.  I  made  an  appli- 
cation to  a  discourse  delivered  by  another.  At  Newcastle 
many  attended  the  word,  while  I  enlarged  on  Matt,  vii,  7. 

Saturday,  November  3.  We  had  twelve  preachers,  and 
about  one  thousand  people  at  quarterly  meeting.  This  even- 
ing our  quarterly-meeting  conference  began.  We  scrutinized 
and  dealt  with  fidelity  one  with  the  other.  Nothing  would 
satisfy  the  preachers  but  my  consenting  to  go  to  Virginia. 
There  appear,  at  times,  to  be  great  movings  among  the  peo- 
ple; but  there  seems  to  be  a  slackness  of  discipline  among 
the  preachers  and  them  ;  this  evil  must  be  cured,  or  the  work 
will  be  injured. 

Monday,  12.  For  some  days  past  I  have  been  engaged  in 
troublesome  business. 

Saturday,  17.  I  am  agitated  in  my  mind:  I  want  to  be 
gone,  for  I  am  persuaded  my  call  for  the  present  is  to  the 
south.  I  have  often  observed,  as  others  doubtless  have,  who 
have  been  similarly  circumstanced,  that  the  peace  of  mind 
which  the  preparations  for  a  journey  necessarily  disturb,  re- 
turns to  the  traveller  on  his  way. 

Thursday,  22.  I  set  out  for  Virginia  :  my  horse  gave  me 
the  slip,  so  that  I  got  no  farther  than  Dover  by  Sunday. 

Saturday,  December  1.  I  have  attended  my  appointments 
on  the  way,  and  am  now  as  far  as  my  old  friend  Mr.  Robert 
Thompson's,  in  Bohemia.  My  mind  has  been  kept  in  peace 
ever  since  I  left  brother  White's  :  I  felt  the  pain  of  parting 
with  him  at  Dover ;  he  has  the  most  real  affection  for  me  of 
any  man  I  ever  met  with.  The  Lord  show  kindness  to  him 
and  his,  for  all  their  kindness  shown  to  me ! 

Maryland. — Sunday,  2.  I  preached  at  R.  Thompson's ;  and 
in  the  evening  visited  his  brother,  E.  Thompson,  who  was 
very  sick. 

Monday,  3.  Crossed  the  Susquehanna,  and  came  to  I.  D.'s. 


Jan.,  1782.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


435 


Thursday,  6.  Came  to  Baltimore.  Here  I  received  letters 
from  Virginia,  by  which  I  learn  that  affairs  are  not  so  bad  in 
Virginia  as  I  feared :  a  few  of  the  local  preachers  have  made 
some  stir,  and  the  travelling  preachers  have  withdrawn  from 
them  and  their  adherents.  I  have  spent  some  time  in  Balti- 
more with  satisfaction,  and  could  freely  stay  longer ;  but  there 
may  be  danger  in  these  trading  towns,  and  my  way  south 
seems  to  be  open. 

Monday,  17.  Set  out  for  Virginia. 

Virginia. —  Wednesday,  19.  Preached  in  Leesburg.  From 
thence  I  travelled  and  preached  through  Hanover  and  Glou- 
cester circuits.  I  find  the  spirit  of  party  among  some  of  the 
people :  the  local  preachers  tell  them  of  the  ordinances,  and 
they  catch  at  them  like  fish  at  a  bait ;  but  when  they  are 
informed  that  they  will  have  to  give  up  the  travelling 
preachers,  I  apprehend  they  will  not  be  so  fond  of  their  new 
plan ;  and  if  I  judge  right,  the  last  struggle  of  a  yielding 
party  will  be  made  at  the  approaching  conference  to  be  held 
at  the  Manakintown. 

Saturday,  29.  Rode  to  Stedham's,  in  Gloucester  circuit. 
This  man  was  once  famous  for  racing  :  he  is  now  a  servant  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  The  old  man  wept  when  I  described 
the  tenderness  of  a  soul  when  first  united  to  Christ :  he  was 
awakened  by  the  instrumentality  of  Mr.  Jarratt ;  and  I  am 
persuaded  there  have  been  more  souls  convinced  by  his 
ministry,  than  by  that  of  any  other  man  in  Virginia. 

Tuesday,  January  1,  1782.  Having  preached  several 
times  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Old  Church,  to  very  un- 
feeling congregations,  I  rode  to  Dudley's  ferry,  in  order  to 
cross  York  River,  but  was  disappointed,  the  boat  being  on 
the  opposite  side.  We  returned  to  the  widow  C.'s,  being 
unwilling  to  stay  at  the  tavern,  and  had  a  congregation  of 
sixty  or  seventy  people :  we  then  rode  about  five  miles  to  a 
ferry,  and  passed  over  immediately.  Arrived  at  the  other 
side,  we  found  the  small-pox  and  camp-fever  raging,  and 
heard  of  several  poor  creatures,  white  and  black,  that  had 
died  on  the  road.    Ah  !  we  little  know  what  belongs  to  war, 


436 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Jan.,  1*782. 


with  all  its  train  of  evils ;  churches  converted  into  hospitals 
and  barracks,  houses  pillaged  or  burnt, — which  last  has  been 
the  sad  fate  of  the  palace  at  Williamsburg. 

I  met  with  five  or  six  faithful  souls  on  our  fast-day,  and 
the  Lord  was  present  with  us.  There  is  considerable  distress 
amongst  our  societies,  caused  by  some  of  the  local  preachers, 
who  are  not  satisfied  unless  they  administer  the  ordinances 
without  order  or  ordination,  and  the  whole  circuit  appears  to 
be  more  or  less  tinctured  with  their  spirit. 

Tuesday,  8.  I  rode  to  Mr.  Jarratt's,  and  found  him,  as 
usual,  quite  friendly. 

Wednesday,  9.  I  rested  with  Mr.  Jarratt. 

Thursday,  10.   Brothers  M.  and  F.  met  me  at  White-Oak 

chapel,  where  A.  C  ,  one  of  our  young  preachers,  was 

baptized  by  Mr.  Jarratt.  We  spent  the  evening  comfortably. 
I  find  the  party-men  among  our  societies  grow  weak,  and  I 
am  persuaded  this  division  will  cause  the  sincere,  among 
preachers  and  people,  to  cleave  closer  to  doctrine  and  discipline, 
and  may  be  the  means  of  purging  our  societies  of  those  who 
are  corrupt  in  their  principles. 

Saturday,  12.  I  preached  at  Captain  Smith's  :  the  matter 
was  good,  but  I  had  not  much  liberty  in  speaking.  I  feel 
that  talking  about  anything  but  the  things  of  God  is  improper 
for  me,  and  out  of  my  line.  I  am  not  so  full  and  flaming 
with  the  love  of  God  as  I  was  some  time  ago :  I  feel  re- 
solved, through  grace,  to  keep  near  to  God  at  all  times.  0 
how  many  things  are  lawful  in  themselves  that  yet  are  not 
expedient,  and  damp  the  pure  life  of  God  in  the  soul !  I 
have  these  words  often  in  my  mind,  "  The  children  which 
thou  shalt  have  after  thou  hast  lost  the  other,  shall  say  again 
in  thine  ears,  The  place  is  too  strait  for  me  ;  give  place  to  me 
that  I  may  dwell." 

Tuesday,  15.  Preached  at  Ellis's  chapel  to  a  simple,  loving 
people. 

Wednesday,  16.  I  preached  at  the  widow  King's.  About 
eighteen  months  ago  I  preached  in  this  neighbourhood,  and 
then  thought  the  people  dead  with  a  witness,  all  except 


Jan.,  1782.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


437 


one  poor  old  Englishman :  now  there  are  a  few  faithful 
souls. 

Sunday,  20.  I  preached  at  the  great  preaching-house  in 
Nansemond  with  uncommon  openings  in  my  mind.  About 
twenty  months  past  I  preached  here,  and  was  then  in  hopes 
of  a  revival ;  but  evil-speaking  and  other  things  have  pre- 
vented. How  do  unskilful  surgeons  often  put  their  patients 
to  pain  without  profit ! 

Tuesday,  22.  I  preached  at  brother  Moss's ;  a  place  the 
circuit-preachers  had  quitted,  because  there  were  no  hearers  : 
this  good  purpose  my  travelling  answers — to  get  a  few  to 
hear  me  who  will  not  come  to  hear  others. 

Wednesday,  23.  At  Lane's  chapel  I  enlarged  on  2  Cor. 
vii,  1,  and  found  it  was  what  the  brethren  wanted :  they  are 
a  loving  people,  and  may  rank  with  any  of  our  north-country 
Methodists.    My  soul  is  refreshed ;  and  I  bless  the  Lord  for 

what  he  has  done  for  this  society.    My  friend  W  ,  who 

was  fond  of  our  preaching,  and  rode  thirty  miles  with  me  in 
my  last  visit  here,  is  gone  into  Quietism,  and  would  not  come 
to  hear  :  how  changeable  a  creature  is  man  !  This  was  a  day 
of  fasting  and  humiliation  with  me.  In  describing  the  filthi- 
ness  of  the  flesh,  I  treated  on  those  sins  that  are  in  the  flesh, 
and  committed  by  the  members  of  the  body;  the  filthiness 
of  the  spirit,  those  sins  to  which  devils  are  subject — such  as 
pride,  envy,  self-will,  bitterness,  &c. :  to  cleanse  ourselves 
from  these,  every  mean  of  self-denial  and  spiritual  mortifica- 
tion is  necessary ;  it  must  be  sought  by  faith,  and  expected 
as  a  present  salvation. 

Thursday,  24.  God  is  with  me,  and  has  all  my  heart :  I 
am  not  sensible  of  anything  contrary  to  humble,  thankful, 
constant  love  to  God  ;  pitying  love  to  poor  sinners ;  and 
melting,  sympathetic  love  for  the  dear  ministers  and  people 
of  God,  wherever  I  meet  them.  I  found  great  fellowship 
with  the  pious  family  of  Davis,  especially  with  Henry 
Davis,  who,  I  trust,  is  "an  Israelite  indeed,  in  whom  there 
is  no  guile." 

I  had  about  fifty  hearers  at  ,  among  whom  were  some 


438 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Feb.,  1782. 


high  Calvinists :  Mr.  M.  took  my  text  to  preach  from,  "  The 
grace  of  God  that  bringeth  salvation,  hath  appeared  unto  all 
men." 

Friday,  25.  I  had  a  comfortable  meeting  with  my  old 
friends  at  R.  Jones's,  and  trust  the  word  was  felt  among  the 
people. 

Saturday,  26.  I  had  a  large  congregation  at  Richardson's, 
where  the  Lord  has  lately  been  at  work.  I  met  a  class,  and 
found  many  earnest  seekers  of  salvation  :  the  poor  mourners 
came  again  at  night,  to  whom  I  applied  Hezekiah's  expe- 
rience, at  which  all  appeared  deeply  affected ;  they  wept, 
talked  together,  and  seemed  loath  to  leave  the  place. 

Sunday,  2V.  I  had  a  large,  solemn  congregation  at  Mabry's 
chapel.  I  trust  the  work  revives  in  the  souls  of  these  people. 
I  lodged  with  my  old  friend,  I.  Mabry,  who  gave  me  the  fol- 
lowing account  of  the  death  of  his  daughter,  F.  Mabry,  who 
for  some  years  past  appeared  to  live  the  life  of  faith.  In 
August  last  she  was  taken  ill :  when  at  the  point  of  death, 
the  Lord  cut  short  his  work  in  her  soul,  cleansing  her  heart ; 
she  testified  what  God  had  done  for  her  with  great  power, 
her  language  surprising  all  who  were  present ;  she  appeared 
to  be  kept  alive  one  whole  day  almost  miraculously :  her 
father  said,  he  thought  the  power  of  God  was  so  strongly  upon 
her,  that  she  could  not  die. 

Tuesday,  29.  I  rode  to  Roses  Creek ;  this  is  the  coldest 

day  I  have  yet  felt  in  Virginia.    Mr.  ,  who  had  lately 

lost  his  wife,  desired  me  to  preach  in  his  house,  which  I  did 

to  about  fifty  people.    I  spent  the  evening  with  F.  G  n, 

and  E.  M  n,  at  T.  Rivers's. 

Wednesday,  30.  I  saw  brother  E.  Dromgoole ;  he  is  very 
weak  in  body,  but  steady  to  old  Methodism ;  I  feel  a  great 
desire  that  he  may  travel  again. 

Thursday,  31.  I  preached  at  Wolsey's  barn,  on  "Where 
is  the  blessedness  ye  spake  of  ?"  From  thence  rode  to  0. 
M  y  rick's. 

North  Carolina. — Friday,  February  1.  Brother  S.  Year- 
gan  gave  me  an  account  of  a  light  his  former  wife  saw,  whilst 


Feb.,  1782.]  ASBURYS  JOURNAL. 


439 


at  prayer  one  day  in  a  little  thicket  below  the  house  ;  she 
said  the  light  shone  all  around  her,  "  above  the  brightness  of 
the  sun."  This  remarkable  circumstance  she  had  resolved 
not  to  communicate  even  to  her  husband :  on  more  mature 
reflection,  however,  she  thought  it  most  proper  to  tell  him ; 
he  observed  to  her,  "  Perhaps  you  will  die  soon, — are  you 
willing  ?"  "  Yes,"  was  her  reply  ;  but  at  the  same  time  ex- 
pressed her  fears  of  a  long  illness,  "  which,"  said  she,  "  will 
burden  the  family :"  within  two  weeks  from  this  she  died.  She 
was  my  kind  nurse  the  last  time  I  was  in  Virginia  ;  and  she  is 
the  third  woman  of  my  former  kind  friends,  that  I  have  heard 
of,  who  has  died  in  the  Lord  during  my  absence.  Blessed 
be  the  Lord  for  the  great  things  he  has  done !  After  preach- 
ing to  a  few  small  congregations,  on 

Thursday,  *7,  I  rode  sixteen  miles,  and  preached  to  a  large 
assemblage  of  people  at  I.  T.'s,  on  the  "  great  salvation." 
Though  I  am  often  in  haste,  and  straitened  for  want  of  time, 
I  have  gone  through  Mr.  Wesley's  third  volume  once,  and  am 
going  through  it  again.  I  make  it  a  rule  to  spend  an  hour, 
morning  and  evening,  in  meditation,  and  in  prayer  for  all  the 
circuits,  societies,  and  preachers.  I  expect  to  see  the  work 
of  God  revive  in  these  parts,  so  soon  as  the  spirit  of  disputa- 
tion is  cast  out.  Blessed  be  God,  I  enjoy  good  health  of 
body  and  peace  of  mind  !  I  find  no  preaching  does  good,  but 
that  which  properly  presses  the  use  of  the  means,  and  urges 
holiness  of  heart ;  these  points  I  am  determined  to  keep  close 
to  in  all  my  sermons. 

Virginia. — Saturday,  9.  "We  rode  twenty-five  miles  up 
Maherrin,  and  missing  our  way,  did  not  reach  the  place  until 
three  o'clock :  the  people,  meantime,  had  waited  for  us,  and 
I  spoke  to  them  on  Luke  xix,  10  ;  I  trust  not  in  vain.  In 
this  country  I  have  to  lodge  half  my  nights  in  lofts,  where 
light  may  be  seen  through  a  hundred  places ;  and  it  may  be, 
the  cold  wind  at  the  same  time  blowing  through  as  many : 
but  through  mercy  I  am  kept  from  murmuring,  and  bear  it 
with  thankfulness,  expecting  ere  long  to  have  better  entertain- 
ment— a  heavenly  and  eternal  rest. 


440 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Feb.,  1782. 


Monday,  11.  I  rode  to  J.  Martin's,  Briery-Creek,  and 
preached  to  nearly  one  hundred  people  from  Acts  xxvi,  18. 
After  preaching  I  had  some  conversation  with  Mr.  M'Roberts, 
who  was  formerly  a  clergyman  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  but 
he  is  now  set  out  on  an  Independent  plan :  although  he  has 
his  peculiarities,  I  admire  his  candour  as  a  Christian  ;  his  plan 
may  fail,  and  his  zeal  may  cool — if  indeed  that  is  not  already 
observable.  Mr.  M.  charged  Mr.  Wesley  with  inconsistency 
in  some  things,  and  disapproved  of  his  sending  what  preach- 
ers he  thought  fit  to  any  place  or  people.  I  observed,  in  re- 
ply, that  Mr.  Wesley  did  nothing  without  consulting  the 
preachers  ;  that  he  was  no  spiritual  tyrant.  Mr.  M.  took  care 
to  let  me  know  that  he  did  not  believe  that  any  one  could 
finally  fall  from  grace :  I  felt  great  love  to  the  man,  and  was 
pained  that  we  had  to  agree  to  disagree. 

Tuesday,  12.  We  rode  to  solid  Robert  Martin's,  on  Appo- 
mattox River.  Brother  Martin  appears  to  be  a  man  of  piety 
— a  professor  of  sanctification.  He  informed  me  of  the  re- 
markable conversion  of  Captain  Wood,  an  officer  of  the  conti- 
nental line :  he  was  taken  at  the  capture  of  Charlestown  by 
the  British ;  obtaining  a  parole,  he  returned  home  to  Prince 
Edward, — here  it  was  that  he  was  convinced  of  sin.  While 
labouring  under  deep  distress  of  soul  he  made  frequent  at- 
tempts to  destroy  himself,  and  would  suffer  no  one  to  come 
near  him  but  brother  M. ;  at  length  the  Lord  set  him  at  liberty ; 
and  he  is  now  a  serious  man,  and  appears  to  be  much  devoted 
to  God. 

Wednesday,  13.  I  preached  at  S.  Jones's,  and  was  much 
led  out  on  Rom.  xiii,  11.  I  enjoy  peace  from  morning  to 
night:  was  it  only  for  what  I  feel  that  I  travelled  and 
preached,  my  labours  to  myself  would  not  be  lost,  but  I  shall 
do  good  ;  God  will  not  suffer  the  word  he  gives  me  to  fall  to  the 
ground  ;  it  will  be  blessed  to  preachers  and  people.  Bless  the 
Lord,  0  my  soul,  and  all  that  is  within  me,  forever  and  ever ! 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  16,  17.  Preached  at  Col.  Bedford's, 
in  Charlotte  county  :  many  appeared  to  be  quickened  and  re- 
stored to  the  grace  of  God. 


Feb.,  1782.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


441 


Monday,  18.  Preached  with  pleasure  and  delight  at  Mr. 
Almond's  on  the  "Almost  Christian."  While  brother  Ellis 
was  exhorting,  the  congregation  was  alarmed  with  the  cry  of 
fire,  which  had  kindled  in  a  house  adjoining :  willing  hearts 
and  ready  hands  sufficed  to  save  the  furniture  and  almost 
every  article  of  value  from  the  destructive  flames ;  but  the 
house  that  first  took  fire,  and  the  dwelling-house,  with  a  con- 
necting piazza,  were  consumed.  We  left  this  scene  of  awful 
solemnity  and  alarm,  and  rode  to  brother  Crowder's  for  our 
dinners,  which  we  needed,  having  ridden  twenty-five  miles 
since  we  took  any  refreshment. 

Tuesday,  19.  I  preached  to  a  mixed  multitude,  with  great 
comfort,  on  Colos.  i,  27,  28,  and  hope  the  people  will  remem- 
ber it.  I  praise  the  Lord  for  uninterrupted  communion  with 
him. 

North  Carolina. —  Wednesday,  20.  I  crossed  the  Dan  and 
Stanton  rivers,  and  came  to  C  s,  poor  and  worthy  peo- 
ple :  the  woman  professes  sanctification,  and  the  man  appears 
to  be  much  given  up  to  God.  I  had  uncommon  enlargement 
of  spirit  in  speaking  on  Mark  xi,  24. 

Thursday,  21.  I  am  filled  with  love  from  day  to  day.  0 
bless  the  Lord  for  the  constant  communion  I  enjoy  with  him ! 
Sanctification  is  the  doctrine  which  is  most  wanted  to  be 
preached  among  the  people  here,  whom  the  more  I  know 
the  more  I  love :  Antinomians  are  labouring  to  spread  their 
tenets  among  them ;  but  they  will  give  way,  as  holiness  of 
heart  and  life  is  pointedly  enforced  and  pressed  home  upon 
their  consciences.    This  is  the  best  antidote  to  the  poison. 

Sunday,  24.  I  always  find  the  Lord  present  when  I  go  to 
the  throne  of  grace.  0  that  the  Lord  may  keep  me  from 
moment  to  moment !  I  received  a  letter  from  J.  W.,  a  faith- 
ful youth  that  bids  fair  to  make  a  great  man  of  God,  and  a 
useful  preacher  of  the  Gospel.  I  began  to  fear  I  should 
have  no  one  to  travel  with  me,  and  pilot  me  in  this  strange 
land,  when  providentially  brother  J.  C.  met  me.  I  find  my 
greatest  trials  to  arise  from  "  taking  thought :"  it  is  by  this 
Satan  trys  to  come  in :  it  is  my  constitutional  weakness  to  be 

19* 


442 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1*782. 


gloomy  and  dejected  ;  the  work  of  God  puts  life  into  me — 
and  why  despond  ?  the  land  is  before  us,  and  nothing  can 
hurt  us  but  divisions  among  ourselves. 

Virginia. — I  preached  the  funeral  sermon  of  Philip  Adams, 
one  of  our  preachers.  He  died  last  March.  This  duty 
I  performed  the  more  cheerfully  believing  that  such  would 
have  been  his  choice  had  I  been  within  reach  at  the  time  of 
his  death.  My  subject  was  1  Kings  xiii,  30.  P.  A.  was  a 
man  of  grace,  and  his  gifts  increased ;  he  was  steady,  and 
closely  attached  to  the  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Metho- 
dists :  he  died  happy  in  the  Lord,  and  I  doubt  not  but  that 
he  has  gone  where  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and  the 
weary  are  at  rest. 

North  Carolina. — Sunday,  March  3.  I  preached  the  fune- 
ral sermon  of  Mrs.  Harrison,  the  wife  of  T.  Harrison,  on  Dan 
River.  Although  there  was  snow  on  the  ground,  many  peo- 
ple attended ;  to  whom  I  spoke  on  1  Cor.  xv,  57,  58.  Mr. 
H.  appears  to  be  deeply  distressed  at  the  loss  of  his  wife ;  I 
hope  it  will  terminate  in  a  concern  for  his  own  soul.  He  of- 
fered me  a  large  reward  for  my  services — money  is  not  my 
object.  I  have  great  affection  for  C.  Kennon,  one  of  the  most 
sensible  Calvinists  in  these  parts :  he  acknowledges  he  found 
his  religion  among  the  Methodists ;  his  system  he  borrowed 
from  Witsius.  Fletcher  has  cured  him  of  the  disease  of  dis- 
putation ;  he  reads  him  with  delight  even  while  he  is  pros- 
trating the  pillars  against  which  he  leans. 

Tuesday,  5.  I  enjoy  great  peace :  my  soul  resteth  in  God 
from  day  to  day,  and  from  moment  to  moment. 

Saturday,  9.  I  have  had  hard  work,  but  the  Lord  supports 
me,  and  daily  keeps  me  in  his  love ;  this  bears  up  my  spirit 
under  all  the  usage  and  fatigues  I  undergo.  Notice  is  taken 
here  of  a  preacher's  words  and  actions ;  we  must  therefore  be 
cautious,  and  not  lay  a  stumbling-block  before  the  weak :  it 
is  my  duty  to  labour  for  God  and  souls  without  a  complain- 
ing word. 

Tuesday,  12.  I  have  been  much  tried  this  day  two  various 
ways ;  I  feel  myself  greatly  humbled.    This  morning  I  poured 


Apr.,  1*782.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


443 


out  my  soul  to  God  in  the  granary,  and  was  refreshed  in  my 
spirit.  When  we  came  to  New  Hope  Creek  we  could  not  ford 
it ;  so  I  crossed  on  a  log.  Hitherto  the  Lord  has  helped  me. 
I  would  not  live  always ;  neither  would,  of  choice,  know  what 
is  before  me. 

Sunday,  17.  I  preached  with  great  liberty  to  a  solemn, 
attentive  people.  I  met  society,  and  the  people  spoke  freely. 
I  am  willing  to  travel  and  preach  as  long  as  I  live ;  and  I 
hope  I  shall  not  live  long  after  I  am  unable  to  travel. 

I  obtained  the  promise  of  brothers  P.  Bruce  and  0 'Kelly 
to  join  heartily  in  our  connexion.  I  feel  much  led  out  in 
spirit  for  the  preachers  who  are  to  meet  in  conference,  that 
we  may  all  be  united  together  in  love  and  peace,  and  firm 
resolves  to  carry  on  the  work  which  God  hath  called 
us  to. 

Sunday,  24.  At  Kimbrough  I  preached  to  a  large  congre- 
gation, but  I  am  afraid  the  word  preached  will  not  profit 
them.  I  spoke  warmly  for  about  an  hour ;  there  came  on  a 
rain,  and  the  people  appeared  to  be  more  afraid  of  their  sad- 
dles being  wet  than  their  souls  being  lost. 

Wednesday,  27.  I  preached  to  about  one  hundred  people  at 
the  Tabernacle,  on  Deut.  xxxiii,  29.  I  trust  there  is  more  of 
the  life  of  God  here  now  than  when  I  was  here  last. 

Thursday,  28.  I  have  felt  much  this  day  from  the  coldness 
of  the  weather — but  no  matter.  Brother  Ogburn  met  me 
again :  I  am  generally  blest  with  the  preachers ;  when  one 
leaves  me  another  meets  me,  and  my  soul  enjoys  God  as  a 
satisfying  portion. 

Sunday,  April  7.  I  preached  at  Roanoak  chapel  on,  "  I 
have  somewhat  against  thee,  because  thou  hast  left  thy  first 
love,"  &c. ;  it  may  be  for  the  last  time.  I  hasted  on  to  preach 
a  funeral  sermon  at  brother  John  Seward's,  at  the  interment 
of  a  young  woman  who  had  been  a  member  of  our  society 
about  five  years ;  she  died  suddenly,  and  I  trust  rests  from 
her  labours. 

Friday,  12.  I  preached  at  the  widow  F  s,  on  "Work 

out  your  own  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling."    We  rode 


444 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1782. 


to  J.  Keese's  to  be  ready  for  quarterly  meeting,  to  be  held 
next  day  at  White  Oak  chapel. 

Saturday,  13.  We  met  Mr.  Jarratt,  but  he  had  such  a 
cold  he  refused  to  preach.  I  spoke  on  "the  children  thou 
shalt  have  after  thou  hast  lost  thy  others,"  &c.  We  had  a 
love-feast  at  four  o'clock  in  the  evening :  it  was  truly  a  gra- 
cious season — many  spoke  freely  and  feelingly  of  the  goodness 
of  God. 

Sunday,  14.  I  preached  at  the  chapel ;  and  we  then  went 
to  church.  I  read  the  lessons  of  Mr.  Jarratt,  who  preached 
a  great  sermon  on  union  and  love,  from  the  123d  Psalm :  we 
received  the  sacrament,  and  afterward  went  home  with  Mr. 
Jarratt,  that  we  might  accompany  him  to  our  conference.  I 
have  been  much  tried,  inwardly  and  outwardly.  I  have  been 
deeply  and  solemnly  engaged  in  public,  in  families,  and  more 
especially  in  private,  for  a  blessing  on  the  people,  and  for 
union  and  strength  among  the  preachers  at  our  approaching 
conference. 

Tuesday,  16.  We  set  out;  and  on  the  next  day  (17th) 
reached  Ellis's,  at  whose  house  we  held  a  conference.  The 
people  flocked  together  for  preaching :  Mr.  Jarrat  gave  us  a 
profitable  discourse  on  the  14th  chapter  of  Hosea.  In  the 
evening  the  preachers  met  in  conference  :  as  there  had  been 
much  distress  felt  by  those  of  them  of  Virginia,  relative  to  the 
administration  of  the  ordinances,  I  proposed  to  such  as  were 
so  disposed,  to  enter  into  a  written  agreement  to  cleave  to  the 
old  plan  in  which  we  had  been  so  greatly  blessed,  that  we 
might  have  the  greater  confidence  in  each  other,  and  know  on 
whom  to  depend :  this  instrument  was  signed  by  the  greater 
part  of  the  preachers  without  hesitation.  Next  morning  I 
preached  on  Phil,  ii,  1-5.  I  had  liberty,  and  it  pleased  God 
to  set  it  home :  one  of  the  preachers,  James  Haw,  who  had 
his  difficulties,  was  delivered  from  them  all ;  and  with  the  ex- 
ception of  one,  all  the  signatures  of  the  preachers  present 
were  obtained.  We  received  seven  into  connexion,  and  four 
remained  on  trial.  At  noon,  Mr.  Jarrat  spoke  on  the  union 
of  the  attributes. 


May,  1782.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


445 


Friday,  19.  We  amicably  settled  our  business  and  closed 
our  conference.  Mr.  Jarratt  preached  on,  "  A  man  shall  be 
as  a  hiding-place  from  the  wind,  and  a  covert  from  the  tem- 
pest," &c.  We  had  a  love-feast — the  power  of  God  was 
manifested  in  a  most  extraordinary  manner — preachers  and 
people  wept,  believed,  loved,  and  obeyed. 

Saturday,  2CK  We  rode  upwards  of  thirty  miles  to  Captain 
Smith's,  without  eating  or  drinking. 

Sunday,  21.  Held  quarterly  meeting  at  Boisseau's  chapel : 
the  glory  is  strangely  departed  here.  I  preached  with 
liberty  on,  "  They  that  sow  in  tears,  shall  reap  in  joy :"  from 
thence  I  hasted  to  Mr.  Jarratt's  barn,  where  the  people  were 
waiting,  to  whom  I  enlarged  on  James  iv,  7-10.  Mr.  Jarratt 
seemed  all  life,  and  determined  to  spend  himself  in  the  work 
of  God,  and  visit  what  circuits  he  could. 

I  am  persuaded  the  separation  of  some  from  our  original 
plan  about  the  ordinances  will,  upon  the  whole,  have  a  ten- 
dency to  unite  the  body  together,  and  to  make  preachers  and 
people  abide  wherein  they  are  called :  I  feel  abundant  cause 
to  praise  God  for  what  he  has  done. 

Monday,  22.  I  rode  thirty  miles  to  brother  Finney's,  in 
Amelia,  without  any  refreshment.  I  have  constant  peace,  and 
my  soul  enjoys  more  calm  than  heretofore  ;  some  pain,  indeed, 
was  felt  in  parting  with  my  Virginia  brethren,  as  though  I 
had  left  something  valuable  behind  me. 

Thursday,  25.  I  rode  forty-three  miles  in  order  to  reach 
Fluvannah  circuit;  and  next  day  preached  at  the  Broken 
Backed  Church. 

Tuesday,  30.  Rode  to  Doctor  Hopkins's  and  preached  with 
liberty  from  Psalm  cxlv,  17-19.  I  hope  our  meeting  was 
not  in  vain.  Lord,  preach  thy  word,  by  thy  holy  Spirit — let 
me  not  travel  and  spend  my  strength  for  naught — and  thine 
shall  be  the  glory  ! 

Lord's  day,  May  5.  I  preached  with  freedom  on  the  parable 
of  the  sower,  at  brother  H.  Fry's,  in  Culpepper  county — he 
professeth  sanctification.  I  find  many  of  the  people  and  some 
of  the  local  preachers  quite  warm  about  the  ordinances,  on 


446 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  1782. 


which  subject  there  is  much  disputation:  blessed  be  God!  in 
the  midst  of  it  all  I  have  quiet  and  patience,  and  hope  shortly 
to  get  into  a  more  peaceable  clime — my  face  is  to  the  north. 

Friday,  10.  I  preached  at  Culpepper  court-house — the 
people  were  serious  and  attentive.  Here  I  heard  the  good 
news  that  Britain  had  acknowledged  the  Independence  for 
which  America  has  been  contending — may  it  be  so !  The 
Lord  does  what  to  him  seemeth  good. 

Wednesday,  15.  Our  quarterly  meeting  began  in  Fairfax 
circuit.  I  preached  with  but  little  consolation  to  my  own 
soul :  next  day  there  was  some  move  in  the  love-feast — one 
sinner  brought  under  conviction,  and  one  backslider  reclaimed. 

Friday,  17.  I  set  out  with  brother  G  ,  who  has  given 

up  his  separating  plan ;  the  Lord  has  conquered  him,  and  I 
hope  that  all  who  are  worthy  will  return. 

Maryland. — Monday,  20.  A  few  of  us  began  conference 
in  Baltimore  ;  next  day  we  had  a  full  meeting  :  the  preachers 
all  signed  the  agreement  proposed  at  the  Virginia  Conference, 
and  there  was  a  unanimous  resolve  to  adhere  to  the  old 
Methodist  plan.  We  spent  most  of  the  day  in  examining  the 
preachers.  We  had  regular  claily  preaching :  Monday,  brother 
Ellis  preached:  on  Tuesday,  I  spoke  on  1  Tim.  iv,  12. 

Wednesday,  22.  We  had  many  things  before  us.  Our 
printing  plan  was  suspended  for  the  present  for  want  of  funds. 

Friday,  24.  Was  set  apart  for  fasting  and  prayer:  we  had 
a  love-feast,  the  Lord  was  present ;  and  all  was  well.  The 
preachers  in  general  were  satisfied.  I  found  myself  burdened 
with  labours  and  cares.  We  have  now  fifty-nine  travelling 
preachers;  and  eleven  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty- 
five  in  society.  Our  young  men  are  serious,  and  their  gifts 
are  enlarged. 

Saturday,  25.  Rode  to  brother  Lynch's,  to  get  quiet  and 
rest  after  so  much  haste,  and  bustle,  and  business.  I  want 
to  be  retired,  to  answer  my  letters.  I  feel  a  great  necessity 
of  being  more  than  ever  given  up  to  God :  I  hope  he  will  yet 
do  great  things  for  us  this  year. 

Saturday,  June  1.  I  spent  a  considerable  part  of  this  week 


June,  1782.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


at  Mr.  Gough's,  in  answering  letters,  in  reading  and  retire- 
ment :  I  now  return  to  Baltimore  under  a  deep  sense  of  the 
goodness  of  God. 

Monday,  3.  Set  out  for  Calvert — preached  on  the  way  at 
West  River.  I  spoke  to  about  one  hundred  poor  people, 
whom  I  exhorted  to  seek  that  they  might  find.  After  dinner 
I  retired  and  sat  down  on  a  log  beside  the  water  for  nearly 
two  hours,  and  had  sweet  communion  with  God.  It  is  not 
the  place,  nor  the  posture  of  the  body,  that  constitutes  the 
real  worshipper ;  yet  at  proper  times  and  convenient  places, 
it  is  good  to  kneel  before  the  Lord  our  Maker.  We  came  to 
Herring  Bay,  and  thence  went  to  a  place  formerly  called  Hell- 
Corner,  and  thus  named  because  of  the  desperate  wickedness 
of  the  people;  yet  even  here  hath  God  brought  many  poor 
souls  to  the  knowledge  of  himself. 

Thursday,  6.  Rose  at  four  o'clock,  and  spent  an  hour  in 
private.  Rode  through  the  heat  sixteen  miles  to  Childs's 
barn — where  I  spoke  on  2  Cor.  iv,  16  ;  and  where  God  has 
already  wrought  on  the  hearts  of  many,  bringing  them  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  truth. 

Friday,  7.  We  have  a  pleasant  rain  after  great  heat  and 
drought ;  for  which  we  have  cause  to  praise  God. 

Saturday,  8.  There  was  an  extraordinaiy  hail  near  this 
place  a  few  days  ago. 

Sunday,  9.  Rose  in  peace.  My  soul  is  solidly  given  up  to 
God,  although  I  am  sorely  tempted. 

Friday,  14.  I  had  many  of  the  rich  to  hear,  to  whom  I 
spoke  on  John  vii,  17.    In  the  course  of  my  preaching  I  was 

led  to  strike  at  Deism :  I  learned  afterward  that  Doctor  , 

a  professed  Deist,  was  present.  I  love  these  poor  people,  and 
I  believe  some  of  them  love  me :  I  hope  the  time  to  favour 
them  will  yet  come. 

Virginia. — Saturday,  22.  I  preached  at  Leesburg ;  and 
again  on  Sunday  afternoon ;  I  fear  to  little  purpose.  God 
be  merciful  to  these  people  !  I  must  now  retire — my  morn- 
ing and  evening  hour  is  as  my  daily  bread.  v 

Wednesday,  26.  Rode  to  S  's  under  the  Blue  Ridge — 


448 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1782. 


neither  the  place  comfortable  nor  the  people  lively — I  believe 
but  few  of  the  hearers  understood  me. 

I  have  read  the  lives  of  Mr.  Gilpin  and  Mr.  Latimer,  and 

took  good  heed  of  the  life  of  Mr.  B  .    I  admire  their 

spirit,  writing,  and  speaking;  there  is  something  in  them  all 
so  Methodistical. 

I  find  it  difficult  to  get  time,  strength,  and  place  for  retire- 
ment; nevertheless,  I  do  not  neglect  it.    From  S  's  we 

crossed  the  ridge  to  Hite's,  where  we  rested  and  were  com- 
forted. 

"We  crossed  the  mountain  at  the  Gap,  near  my  bed  where 
I  slept  last  summer,  and  riding  up  the  North  River  made  our 
journey  near  twenty  miles  :  when  we  came  there,  we  found 

that  the  people  had  gone  to  bury  our  old  friend  S  ,  so 

that  we  had  seven  miles  farther  to  go :  arriving,  we  found 
them  handing  about  their  stink-pots  of  mulled  whisky.  We 
have,  not  unfrequently,  to  lodge  in  the  same  room  with  the 
family,  the  houses  having  but  the  one  room,  so  that  necessity 
compels  us  to  seek  retirement  in  the  woods  ;  this,  with  the 
nightly  disagreeables  of  bugs  to  annoy  us,  shows  the  necessity 
of  crying  to  the  Lord  for  patience  :  in  the  midst  of  all,  I  thank 
God,  I  enjoy  peace  of  mind.  0  how  many  thousands  of  poor 
souls  have  we  to  seek  out  in  the  wilds  of  America,  who  are 
but  one  remove  from  the  Indians  in  the  comforts  of  civilized 
society,  and  considering  that  they  have  the  Bible  in  their 
hands,  comparatively  worse  in  their  morals  than  the  savages 
themselves  :  the  want  of  religion  among  them,  arises,  I  appre- 
hend, from  the  badness  of  their  own  hearts,  and  from  their 
hearing  corrupt  doctrines. 

Saturday,  July  6.  We  crossed  the  great  mountain,  and 
being  obliged  to  walk  down  its  opposite  side,  I  was  much 
fatigued :  arriving  at  the  widow  George's,  I  preached  on, 
"  My  spirit  shall  not  always  strive  with  man :"  I  had  been 
sorely  tried  in  body  and  mind — I  now  spoke  with  delight. 

Sunday,  7.  In  recrossing  the  mountain,  on  my  way  to 
Mill-Creek,  I  was  obliged  to  walk  up  and  down  its  sides, 
and  was  greatly  tired.    I  delivered  a  short  discourse,  with 


July,  1782.]  ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL. 


449 


pleasure,  to  about  three  hundred  people  ;  afterward  brother 
Hagerty  spoke  to  them  :  it  rained  before  and  after  preaching, 
but  held  up  while  we  worshipped  by  the  side  of  the  stream, 
for  want  of  a  house.  After  preaching,  we  rode  to  the  Branch ; 
making  a  Sabbath-day's  journey  of  nearly  forty  miles. 

Monday,  8.  I  am  sick  and  weary — ah !  how  few  are  there 
who  would  not  choose  strangling  rather  than  life  and  the 
labours  we  undergo,  and  the  hardships  and  privations  we  are 
compelled  to  submit  to !  Blessed  be  God,  we  have  hope 
beyond  the  grave ! 

Thursday,  11.  At  Patterson- Creek  I  struck  at  the  root  of 
Antinomianism,  while  speaking  at  Jones's ;  certain  sectarians 
were  not  well  pleased  at  this :  once  in  Christ  and  always 
safe — this  is  a  favourite  morsel  to  some. 

Friday,  12.  Rode  to  the  north  Branch,  crossed  the  JSTobbly 
Mountain ;  at  its  foot  we  stopped,  ate  a  little  bread,  drank  fine 
water,  prayed,  and  then  went  forward  to  Cressaps.  I  was 
pretty  plain  on  Isaiah  lv,  6,  7.  Here  Colonel  Barrett  met 
me,  and  conducted  me  two  miles  up  the  Alleghany  :  we  were 
riding  until  near  ten  o'clock,  the  road  was  dreary,  and  the 
night  was  dark :  I  wanted  rest  and  found  it.  We  had  nearly 
two  hundred  people  to  hear  in  this  newly-settled  country — 
they  were  attentive ;  and  I  hope  God  will  do  something  for 
them.  After  preaching  on  John  vii,  17,  we  set  out  on  our 
return :  I  was  much  fatigued,  and  it  rained  hard ;  my  poor 
horse  too,  was  so  weak  from  the  want  of  proper  food,  that  he 
fell  down  with  me  twice ;  this  hurt  my  feelings  exceedingly — 
more  than  any  circumstance  I  met  with  in  all  my  journey. 

Sunday,  14.  Was  rainy — however,  it  cleared  away  time 
enough  to  get  to  Williams's,  on  the  south  Branch.  Brother 
Hagerty  preached  an  excellent  discourse  on,  "  He  would  have 
all  men  to  be  saved,  and  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth  ;" 
after  which,  I  spoke  about  forty  minutes  on  Prov.  i,  23-25. 
I  am  not  so  pious  as  I  want  to  be  ;  I  pray  much,  but  I  do  not 
watch  and  pray  enough :  in  the  course  of  the  labours  of  the 
day  I  purpose  to  do  it  more.  Since  Thursday  we  have  ridden 
sixty  miles  along  incredibly  bad  roads,  and  our  fare  was  not 


450 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[July,  1782. 


excellent.  0  what  pay  would  induce  a  man  to  go  through  wet 
and  dry,  and  fatigue  and  suffering,  as  we  do  ? — souls  are  our  hire. 

Tuesday,  16.  We  proceeded  along  to  great  and  little  Capon, 
over  rough  and  stony  roads. 

Wednesday,  17.  We  went  on  through  devious  roads  and 
arrived  at  Guess's :  here  I  set  on  a  scheme  to  prevent  my 
horse  from  falling  lame,  that  had  ysterday  lost  a  shoe ;  it 
was  to  bind  round  his  foot  a  piece  of  the  neck  of  a  bull's  hide ; 
my  contrivance  answered  the  purpose  well. 

Thursday,  18.  I  preached  at  Stephen  Harland's,  under  the 
spreading  trees,  on  David's  charge  to  Solomon.  Thence  rode 
on  to  Boydstone's,  where  we  stayed  one  day,  which  afforded 
us  the  first  leisure  time  since  Monday  morning,  we  have  had 
to  sit  down  and  write.  I  am  at  times  greatly  concerned,  that 
there  are  no  visible  movings  and  instantaneous  conversions 
among  the  people. 

Saturday,  20.  Preached  at  Shepherdstown,  to  about  two 
hundred  people :  from  thence,  crossing  the  Potomac,  came  to 
Wood's. 

Maryland. — Sunday,  21.  I  preached  to  a  large  congrega- 
tion of  poor  sinners,  who  appeared  hard  and  ignorant.  We 
went  forward  to  Fredericktown,  where  I  arrived  much 
fatigued  and  unwell ;  yet  I  preached  in  the  court-house  at  six 
o'clock,  on  Luke  xix,  41,  42. 

Saturday,  27.  Being  unwell,  I  declined  going  to  Baltimore, 
and  went  to  Perry  Hall,  where  I  found  my  dear  friend  Tho- 
mas White.  On  the  Sabbath  day  we  read  prayers  in  the 
family,  and  I  preached  in  the  afternoon  on  2  Chron.  xxxii,  24, 25. 

Monday,  29.  Closely  employed  in  answering  letters  from 
various  parts.  I  find  it  hard  to  keep  the  power  of  religion ; 
yet  I  feel  that  my  soul  is  stayed  upon  God.  I  want  to  be 
moving  on ;  if  I  rest  a  few  days  I  am  tried  :  blessed  be  God, 
who  thus  embitters  inactive  quiescence  to  me.  I  am  impelled 
forward  by  my  desires  of  comfort  for  myself,  and  sincere 
wishes  to  be  useful  to  the  Church,  and  to  the  world  of  sinners. 

Thursday,  August  1.  Preached  at  the  Fork  preaching- 
house  to  about  one  hundred  people. 


Sept.,  1782.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


451 


Pennsylvania. — Monday,  12.  Rode  to  Little  York,  and 
dined  with  Mr.  Otterbine  and  Mr.  Magner.  I  had  many 
hearers  in  the  German  school  house.  This  is  a  day  which  I 
ought  to  remember  with  gratitude :  I  borrowed  a  young  mare ; 
and  as  I  rode  along  with  my  hands  in  my  pockets,  she  blun- 
dered and  fell ;  in  the  scuffle  I  had  thoughts  of  throwing  my- 
self off,  but  did  not;  after  some  time  she  recovered,  and  I 
praised  the  Lord  who  had  preserved  me  in  such  imminent 
danger. 

Monday,  19.  I  see  God  will  work  among  Menonists,  Dun- 
kers,  Presbyterians,  Lutherans,  Episcopalians,  Dutch,  English, 
no  matter ;  the  cause  belongs  to  God. 

Sunday,  25.  Rode  ten  miles  to  Benson's  preaching-house, 
where  there  were,  I  suppose,  nearly  four  hundred  hearers  col- 
lected ;  after  preaching  here,  at  ten  o  clock,  I  rode  six  miles 
farther,  and  preached  to  about  five  hundred  people  at  the 
Valley  preaching-house. 

Tuesday,  27.  After  preaching  to  a  small  congregation  of 
unengaged  hearers,  we  rode  to  Philadelphia.  What  a  noisy, 
disagreeable  place  !  0  for  something  of  that  simplicity  which 
dwelt  among  the  dwellers  in  tents !  But  the  souls  of  the  peo- 
ple are  precious. 

Sunday,  September  1.  We  had  a  solemn,  melting  season  at 
the  love-feast  in  the  morning,  most  of  the  society  present ;  we 
afterward  went  to  St.  Paul's,  heard  a  sermon  preached  by  Mr. 
M'Gaw,  and  received  the  sacrament. 

Monday,  2.  Met  the  leaders  and  stewards  to  look  into  the 
temporal  affairs  of  the  society.  After  dinner  we  rode  to  Bur- 
lington, nineteen  miles,  and  preached  on  "  My  Spirit  shall  not 
always  strive  with  man." 

Jersey. —  Tuesday,  3.  Rode  to  Trenton  ;  the  town  in  a  great 
bustle  with  the  court,  and  the  French  troops.  My  subject 
was  the  Syrophenician  woman:  the  congregation  was  large 
and  serious.  Ah,  poor  Gospel-hardened  Trenton !  But  a  few 
have  been  converted  of  late. 

Thursday,  5.  I  spoke  with  plainness  to  a  multitude  of  peo- 
ple at  Egbert's ;  some,  probably,  came  to  see  us  taken  up  by 


452 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Sept.,  1782. 


the  magistracy.  At  night  a  drunken  man  applied  to  have  his 
wife's  name  blotted  from  the  class  paper ;  anon  came  two 
more  to  demand  our  passes :  we  were  threatened  with  des- 
perate work  in  the  morning,  an  attack  on  the  road ;  we  saw 
neither  harm  nor  them. 

In  Germantown  there  came  a  gentleman  of  the  committee 
and  examined  our  passes ;  he  treated  us  with  great  politeness, 
and  told  us  what  the  law  required :  brother  Tunnill's  pass  was 
pronounced  valid ;  but  mine  was  not,  because  I  had  not  the 
signatures  of  the  proper  authorities  in  the  counties  through 
which  I  had  travelled :  I  pleaded  ignorance  of  the  necessity 
of  this.  Here  appeared  to  be  the  secret — the  mob  had  been 
after  brother  Everett  with  clubs,  and,  it  was  supposed,  under 
the  connivance  of  their  superiors ;  they  found,  however,  that 
he  was  qualified  according  to  law  :  the  work  of  God  prospers, 
and,  it  is  possible,  this  is  the  real  cause  of  offence  to  unfriendly 
ministers. 

Saturday,  *J.  Rested  from  public  labours,  and  spent  some 
time  in  reading  and  writing. 

Sunday,  8.  Preached  to  a  very  gay  congregation,  consist- 
ing of  four  or  five  hundred  people  :  there  appears  to  be  a  pros- 
pect of  good  among  them.  The  priests  of  all  denominations, 
Dutch  and  English,  appear  to  be  much  alarmed  at  our  success  ; 
some  oppose  openly,  others  more  secretly;  the  Episcopal 
ministers  are  the  most  quiet ;  and  some  of  these  are  friendly. 

Saturday,  14.  I  came  to  New-Mills  after  preaching  at 

H  's  and  Penny-Hill.    I  passed  through  Monmouth  and 

Upper  and  Lower  Freehold :  here  lived  that  old  saint  of 
God,  William  Tennent,  who  went  to  his  reward  a  few  years 
ago. 

Pennsylvania. — Monday,  16.  After  preaching  at  Mount 
Holly  to  a  crowded  congregation,  I  rode,  very  unwell  and 
under  deep  exercises  of  mind,  to  Philadelphia — twenty  miles. 
I  have  preached  seventeen  times,  and  ridden  above  two  hun- 
dred miles  in  the  last  two  weeks.  I  think  God  will  do  great 
things  in  the  Jerseys :  the  prospect  is  pleasing,  east  and  west. 

Saturday,  21.  I  received  two  letters  from  Virginia  which 


Oct.,  1782.] 


ASBUllY'S  JOURNAL. 


453 


gave  me  great  consolation ;  the  divisions  there  are  much 
abated ;  the  work  revives :  the  preachers  are  in  health  and 
well  received. 

Sunday,  22.  After  preaching  on  the  Christian  graces,  I 

visited  Mr.  M.  W  ,  who  opened  himself  to  me  on  matters 

of  religion  with  freedom.  I  went  to  St.  Paul's ;  and  to  my 
great  surprise,  in  comes  my  old  friend  Barton.  He  was 
brought  up  a  Churchman,  and  was  awakened  without  human 
means  :  observing  that  ministers  and  members  in  that  Church 
were  dead  and  careless,  and  finding  some  living  testimonies 
among  Friends,  he  was  induced  to  join  them,  and  thus  ad- 
hered, for  twenty  years,  becoming  a  public  speaker  among 
them.  He  is  now  jealous  for  the  Lord's  ordinances ;  he  says 
he  could  never  fully  give  them  up,  and  must  now  come  to 
the  Methodists. 

Monday,  23.  I  began  begging  for  the  society,  that  we 
might,  if  possible,  relieve  our  preaching-house  from  the  in- 
cumbrance of  ground-rent.    I  soon  got  about  £270  subscribed. 

Tuesday,  24.  I  think  the  Pennsylvanians  are,  in  general,  as 
ignorant  of  real  religion  as  any  people  I  have  been  amongst : 
when  the  power  is  lost  where  the  forms  were  never  cherished, 
the  downright  ignorance  of  the  heathen,  who  have  only  heard 
of  Christ,  is  the  necessary  consequence. 

Delaware. — Saturday,  28.  Preached  in  Thoroughfare 
Neck  (twenty  miles)  and  then  returned  to  Wyatt's,  and  preach- 
ed with  liberty ;  thence  I  hastened  on  to  Dover,  and  at  six 
o'clock  delivered  my  third  discourse,  making  a  journey  of  forty 
miles :  we  know  not  what  we  can  do  until  we  try. 

Sunday,  October  6.  I  preached  in  White's  new  chapel  for 
the  first  time :  it  is  one  of  the  neatest  country  chapels  the 
Methodists  have  on  the  whole  continent.  My  subject  was 
Haggai  ii,  9  :  "In  this  place  will  I  give  peace." 

Tuesday,  22.  I  have  had  large  congregations  in  several 
counties  of  the  States  of  Delaware  and  Maryland,  and  have 
been  humbled  before  the  Lord  that  so  many  people  should 
come  to  hear  such  a  poor  worm  as  I  am ;  if  any  good  has 
been  done  by  my  poor  labours,  to  God  the  Lord  be  all  the 


454 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1782. 


glory.  I  am  this  day  in  Dorset  circuit,  and  have  preached  for 
the  first  time  to  about  three  hundred  hearers. 

Saturday,  26.  Quarterly  meeting  at  Thomas  Avry's;  the 
first  day  had  about  five  hundred  people,  (though  rainy,)  and 
I  had  life,  and  light,  and  liberty  in  speaking  to  them. 

Lord's  day,  27.  We  met  at  seven  o'clock ;  the  people  spoke 
with  great  life  and  simplicity :  at  noon  it  was  supposed  there 
were  not  less  than  twelve  hundred  people,  to  whom  I  spoke 
with  Divine  aid  from  the  latter  part  of  the  eighth  chapter  of 
Mark's  Gospel.  Attended  quarterly  meeting  at  Barratt's 
chapel.  I  was  greatly  afflicted  in  mind ;  I  could  not  accom- 
plish my  plan,  to  send  preachers  to  the  backwoods,  where 
they  are  greatly  wanting.  I  have  been  counselled  not  to 
leave  the  peninsula ;  this  advice  I  shall  not  follow. 

Saturday,  November  1G.  I  haw  ween  employed  in  making 
large  extracts  from  Baxter  and  Burroughs  on  Church  Divisions  : 
I  think  every  minister  and  Christian  ought  to  read  these  works. 

Monday,  December  2.  My  soul  is  kept  in  constant  peace, 
and  shall  make  her  boast  in  the  Lord  under  all  her  trials. 

Virginia. — Sunday,  8.  Preached  to  a  wild,  hardened  peo- 
ple at  the  Old  Church,  in  King  and  Queen  county.  In  the 
evening  spoke  at  Stedman's.  My  spirit  has  been  clothed  in 
sackcloth  since  my  coming  into  this  state ;  my  hopes  begin  to 
revive. 

Wednesday,  11.  I  rode  to  Williamsburg — formerly  the  seat 
of  government,  but  now  removed  to  Richmond ;  thus  the 
worldly  glory  is  departed  from  it ;  as  to  Divine  glory  it  never 
had  any.  I  preached  in  James  City  court-house.  The  place 
has  suffered  and  is  suffering :  the  palace,  the  barracks,  and 
some  good  dwelling-houses  burnt.  The  capitol  is  no  great 
building,  and  is  going  to  ruin ;  the  exterior  of  the  college  not 
splendid,  and  but  few  students  ;  the  Bedlam-house  is  desolate, 
but  whether  because  none  are  insane,  or  all  are  equally  mad, 
it  might,  perhaps,  be  difficult  to  tell. 

Sunday,  22.  We  had  a  solemn  time  at  the  great  preaching- 
house  in  Nansemond  county. 

Tuesday,  24.  I  rode  through  Suffolk.    Alas!  for  these 


Feb.,  1783.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


455 


Oliverian  times — most  of  the  houses  here,  except  the  church, 
are  destroyed,  or  more  or  less  injured. 

New- Year's  day,  1*783.  I  have  passed  through  Gates, 
Hartford,  Bertie,  and  Northampton  counties,  in  North  Caro- 
lina :  I  am  now  in  Southampton  county,  in  Virginia,  and  have 
this  day  preached  in  St.  Paul's. 

Monday,  6.  After  preaching  at  H.  C.'s  we  rode  twenty 
miles  to  Greaves's,  where  I  met  with  Mr.  Jarratt :  on  Tuesday 
he  preached  for  me  at  R.  Jones's ;  I  exhorted ;  the  meeting 
was  lively. 

Tuesday,  14.  Wolsey's  barn ;  cold  day;  cold  house;  cold 
people :  there  has  been  preaching  here  for  seven  years  past, 
yet  the  society  declines. 

Friday,  24.  At  brother  Holmes's,  in  Mecklenburg  county. 
My  soul  mourns  for  the  deadness  of  the  people  in  our  old 
circuits.    We  have  great  calls  to  South  Carolina  and  Georgia. 

Monday,  27.  I  preached,  and  the  people  seemed  attentive ; 
at  present  there  is  a  good  prospect  of  success. 

Saturday,  February  1.  Our  quarterly  meeting  began  in 
Mecklenburg  circuit.  I  hope  God  will  favour  us,  and  revive 
his  work  here. 

Sunday,  2.  I  was  very  unwell.  Brother  held  a  love- 
feast  :  at  noon  I  was  much  led  out  on  Mark  viii,  4.  I  am 
quite  dissipated  with  company,  and  greatly  desire  retire- 
ment. 

Tuesday,  4.  I  offended  some  at  Col.  Bedford's — they  could 
not  bear  the  thoughts  of  a  possibility  of  falling  from  grace. 

Friday,  7.  Being  unable  to  reach  the  quarterly  meeting  at 
Henley's,  I  consented  to  preach  at  brother  Crowder's ;  God 
is  my  hope  and  my  help  at  all  times.  My  soul  is  kept  in  peace  ; 
and  0  that  I  could  yet  sink  deeper  into  God  from  day  to 
day! 

Sunday,  9.  Rose  with  a  sense  of  the  Divine  presence.  I 
am  greatly  blessed  in  reading  the  latter  part  of  Jeremiah's 
Lamentations,  and  Ezekiel's  prophecy.  I  discover  how  the 
prophets,  who  spoke  in  different  ages  and  places  of  the  king- 
dom of  God,  accord  in  sentiment  and  language :  so  it  is  now 


456 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1783. 


with  the  preachers  of  the  Gospel.  I  had  great  comfort 
in  preaching  at  noon;  and  so  I  always  have  after  severe 
trials. 

Monday,  10.  Being  disappointed  in  crossing  Roanoak  on 
Saturday,  we  tried  again  this  morning,  and  getting  into  Pitt- 
sylvania circuit,  after  riding  about  forty  miles,  reached 
brother  Martin's ;  I  felt  weaiy,  more  than  I  have  done  for 
months  past. 

Thursday,  13.  Rode  twenty-five  miles,  but  my  horse  fail- 
ing, (bad  fare,  and  no  fodder  for  him,)  we  did  not  get  in  until 
two  o'clock;  the  people,  however,  had  waited:  I  was  much 
led  out  in  speaking,  although  very  unwell  from  fasting,  walk- 
ing, and  the  exercise  of  my  mind. 

North  Carolina. — Monday,  17.  We  proceeded  to  the 
Yadkin  circuit.  Is  is  well  we  are  on  this  side  the  Dan  River, 
the  late  rains  might  else  have  prevented  our  going  on  for  a. 
season.  On  our  route  we  passed  through  Salem,  a  Moravian 
town,  well  built  after  the  German  manner :  every  one  ap- 
peared to  be  in  business.  We  lodged  at  Mr.  Thomson's,  a 
settler  on  the  Moravian  lands,  which  is  a  tract  of  sixteen  miles 
square :  neither  was  the  cabin  comfortable,  or  our  host 
pleasing. 

Sunday,  March  2.  Came  to  Short's ;  and  preached  to  a 
number  of  people,  who  appeared  solemn,  while  I  enforced 
"  My  Spirit  shall  not  always  strive  with  man."  We  rode  on 
to  L  's,  lodged  in  a  cabin ;  but  the  bed  was  clean. 

Monday,  3.  Cold  as  it  was,  we  rode  from  Guilford  to  Cas- 
well county,  a  distance  of  twenty  miles,  and  met  with  a  con- 
siderable congregation,  among  whom  were  a  few  warm- 
hearted people :  I  hope  the  Lord  will  work  here.  Here  was 
a  cabin  with  one  room,  a  barn,  and  stables.  I  have  little 
time  to  write  or  place  to  read :  the  barn  is  my  closet  for 
prayer. 

Friday,  7.  I  had  a  large  congregation  at  Hillsborough; 
and  there  was  more  attention  and  solemnity  observable  than 
formerly.  I  visited  three  young  men  who  are  to  die  shortly ; 
they  wept  while  I  talked  and  prayed  with  them.    I  walked 


Mar.,  1783.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


to  the  church :  it  was  once  an  elegant  building,  and  still 
makes  a  good  appearance  at  a  distance,  but  within  it  is  in 
ruins.  The  calamities  and  destructive  waste  of  war  have 
been  severely  felt  in  these  parts. 

Tuesday,  11.  Preached  at  Wims's  to  about  thirty  people — 
one  or  two  faithful  souls  among  them.  The  son  of  Mr.  Wims 
has  been  cured  of  a  confirmed  dropsy,  by  the  recipe  of  Mr. 
P.,  of  Brunswick,  Virginia,  who  has  thought  proper  to  keep 
his  remedy  secret.  Would  it  be  a  wonder  if  God  should  ren- 
der it  unsuccessful,  or  that  some  judicial  dispensation  should 
light  on  those  who  will  not  make  generally  known  a  discovery 
so  useful  ?  0  what  a  distressed  people  have  they  been  in 
these  parts  during  the  late  contest !  to  the  fightings  without, 
Were  added  all  the  horrors  of  a  civil  war  within.  Poor 

brother  B  1  was  twice  robbed,  and  escaped  with  his 

life. 

Saturday,  15.  Preached  to  some  Calvinistic  professors,  and 
sinners.  The  people  are  very  careless,  and  professors  are  un- 
faithful :  what  have  I  suffered  on  account  of  these  things  ! 

Rode  twenty-eight  miles  to  H  's ;  0  how  this  family  is 

changed  for  the  worse !  Black  and  white  now  wicked.  We 
got  our  horses  and  took  our  leave  about  an  hour  by  sun,  and 
came  to  sister  Kembrough's,  where  we  found  the  family  at 
prayer.  We  were  wonderfully  directed  along  a  road  I  had 
never  but  once  before  trod  :  here  my  soul  is  blessed,  my  bur- 
den is  gone. 

Saturday,  22.  I  preached  to  a  poor,  unfeeling  people,  at  a 
place  the  circuit  preachers  had  left.  We  were  fortunate 
enough  to  eat  about  eleven  o'clock ;  we  got  nothing  more 
until  about  that  hour  next  day  ;   we  pushed  on  to  get  to 

M  's,  arrived  there  at  eight  o'clock  at  night,  there  was  no 

fodder,  no  supper,  no  prayer.  Next  morning  we  started  at 
sunrise,  and  with  difficulty  getting  over  the  river,  came  to 
Winstead's  about  ten  o'clock :  here  we  breakfasted. 

Sunday,  23.  I  have  peace.    I  was  close  and  fervent  in 

speaking  at  the  widow  T  's.     Hard  times — we  can 

scarcely  get  food  for  man  or  beast. 

20 


453 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1783. 


Wednesday,  26.  I  spoke  at  G.  Hill's,  to  a  proud  and 
prayerless  people,  many  of  whom  were  backsliders. 

Friday,  28.  By  getting  my  feet  damp,  I  have  taken  cold, 
and  have  had  a  return  of  my  old  complaint ;  an  inflammation 
in  my  mouth  and  throat :  I  could  not  eat  flesh,  and  have  lit- 
tle else  to  eat. 

Saturday,  29.  My  throat  growing  worse,  I  was  bled  in  the 
arm  and  tongue,  which  gave  me  some  relief. 

Monday,  3 1 .  Preached  at  TVs  and  P.'s,  with  some  fervency : 
the  work  revives.  While  I  am  enabled  to  praise  God  for 
health  and  peace,  I  lament  that  I  am  too  apt  to  catch  the 
spirit  of  the  people  I  am  among :  I  want  to  be  more  habitu- 
ally serious. 

Saturday,  April  5.  I  heard  the  news  that  peace  was  con- 
firmed between  England  and  America.  I  had  various  exercises 
of  mind  on  the  occasion :  it  may  cause  great  changes  to  take 
place  amongst  us;  some  for  the  better,  and  some  for  the 
worse.  It  may  make  against  the  work  of  God:  our  preach- 
ers will  be  far  more  likely  to  settle  in  the  world ;  and  our 
people,  by  getting  into  trade,  and  acquiring  wealth,  may  drink 
into  its  spirit.  Believing  the  report  to  be  true,  I  took  some 
notice  of  it  while  I  treated  on  Acts  x,  36,  at  brother  Clayton's, 
near  Halifax,  where  they  wrere  firing  their  cannons,  and  re- 
joicing in  their  way,  on  the  occasion.  This  day  I  prevailed 
with  brother  Dickens  to  go  to  New- York,  where  I  expect 
him  to  be  far  more  useful  than  in  his  present  station. 

Virginia.  —  Thursday,  17.  Quarterly  meeting  at  White- 
Oak  chapel ;  next  day  (Good  Friday)  Mr.  Jarratt  preached 
and  administered  the  sacrament.  After  I  had  preached  on 
Peter  iii,  18,  I.  Cromwell  spake  very  pointedly  at  C.'s,  an 
apostate :  he  came  with  great  assurance  to  the  door,  as  if  he 
had  a  mind  to  say  or  do  something;  but  I.  C.  called  him 
"factor  for  the  devil,  full  of  all  subtilty" — and  maintained 
his  ground. 

Monday,  21.  Set  out  for  Buckingham,  to  visit  some  who 
have  been  separated  from  us  on  account  of  ordinances,  and 
my  spirit  was  refreshed  among  them.    Preached  at  brother 


June,  1*783.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


B.'s,  to  a  kind  and  tender  people.  Brother  A.  of  this  neigh- 
bourhood, had  a  child  of  ten  years  of  age,  that  found  the 
Lord  in  a  gust  of  thunder  and  lightning,  and  straightway 
preached  to  all  the  family :  at  the  same  time,  a  poor  back- 
slider was  cut  to  the  heart ;  he  thought  himself  to  be  dying, 
and  cried  out  against  the  doctrine  of  not  falling  from  grace  as 
the  means  of  his  fall,  and  warned  those  about  him  of  those 
destructive  principles. 

After  long  rides  through  Fluvanna  and  Orange  circuits,  I 
came  to  Petersburg  on  Monday,  the  fifth  of  May  ;  and  the 
next  day  to  Ellis's  chapel. 

Wednesday,  7.  Our  conference  began  at  this  place.  Some 
young  labourers  were  taken  in  to  assist  in  spreading  the  Gos- 
pel, which  greatly  prospers  in  the  north.  We  all  agreed  in 
the  spirit  of  African  liberty,  and  strong  testimonies  were 
borne  in  its  favour  in  our  love-feast ;  our  affairs  were  conducted 
in  love.    From  Petersburg  I  proceeded  northward. 

Thursday,  22.  I  enlarged  on  the  fourteenth  chapter  of 
Hosea,  at  Adams's  church ;  and  fear  the  subject  was  nearly 
descriptive  of  the  state  of  the  people. 

Maryland. — On  my  way  to  Baltimore,  I  dined  at  Colonel 
Dorsey's.  Here  I  gave  an  exhortation:  after  reading  the 
burial  service  over  a  child,  I  proceeded  on  to  Baltimore. 

Sunday,  25.  Preached  at  town,  and  Point;  and  was  as- 
sisted to  be  searching. 

Tuesday,  21.  We  began  our  conference  with  what  preach- 
ers were  present.  On  Wednesday,  we  had  a  full  assembly, 
which  lasted  until  Friday.  We  had  a  love-feast,  and  parted 
in  peace. 

Monday,  June  2.  Preached  at  Cromwell's,  on  my  way  to 
Calvert ;  thence  rode  on  through  dust  and  heat  to  W.'s ;  I 
found  my  old  friends  tender ;  here  was  a  young  woman  in 
deep  distress  of  mind,  occasioned  by  the  flight  of  a  whip-poor- 
will  close  to  her,  which  strangely  led  her  to  fear  her  end  was 
nigh. 

Rode  to  Mrs.  Heneliss's — a  few  poor  people  and  negroes, 
and  the  minister,  Mr.  Gates,  from  Annapolis,  attended :  I 


460 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1783. 


was  as  close  as  I  could  well  be.  Mr.  G.  and  myself  had 
some  talk  on  religion ;  he  is  a  polite  man. 

I  went  alone  to  the  silent  woods,  and  my  soul  was  much 
melted  in  prayer;  entreating  the  Lord  to  go  with  me  and 
preserve  me  through  all  my  weary  journeys. 

I  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  a  letter  (with  a  sermon) 
from  Mr.  Ogden,  a  man  of  piety,  who,  I  trust,  will  be  of  great 
service  to  the  Methodist  societies,  and  the  cause  of  God  in 
general. 

Friday,  6.  I  rode  to  Childs's  ;  was  close  and  pointed.  Poor 

C  was  very  kind.    I  admire  the  piety,  prudence,  and 

good  sense  of  the  Misses  Childs  :  since  they  have  experienced 
religion,  none  of  the  great  will  employ  them ;  their  patrons, 
alarmed  at  the  deep  and  gracious  impressions  apparent  on  the 
young  minds  of  some  of  the  scholars,  withdraw  their  children 
at  once. 

Sunday,  8.  I  have  been  well  exercised,  although  I  am  not 
so  weary  as  I  expected  :  I  have  preached  three  times,  and 
the  weather  is  very  warm.  I  believe  the  more  we  do,  the 
more  we  shall  be  enabled  to  do  for  God  and  for  our  souls. 

I  visited  sister  R  y,  sick  of  the  putrid  fever :  I  prayed 

with  her,  and  trusted  God  with  my  safety  from  infection.  I 
went  to  I.  Worthington's ;  but  I  beheld  such  cruelty  to  a 
negro  that  I  could  not  feel  free  to  stay  ;  I  called  for  my 
horse,  delivered  my  own  soul,  and  departed. 

Sunday,  15.  Rode  to  Bennett's  chapel ;  a  pretty  octagon 
house,  built  of  logs  :  there  was  an  insensible,  but  attentive 
people  :  I  hope  the  time  to  favour  them  will  come. 

I  had  a  comfortable  time  at  I.  Wilson's  ;  they  were  kind 
beyond  measure.  I  visited  the  old  gentleman,  hoping  he  had 
done  with  disputation :  the  subject  of  slavery  being  intro- 
duced, he  acknowledged  the  wrong  done  the  blacks  by  taking 
them  from  their  own  country,  but  defended  the  right  of 
holding  them  :  our  talk  had  well-nigh  occasioned  too  much 
warmth. 

Virginia. —  Wednesday,  18.  After  preaching  at  Shepherds- 
town,  I  rode  to  BoydstowTn,  and  rested  one  day. 


Aug.,  1783.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


461 


Saturday,  21.  Preached  to  a  few  people  in  Winchester. 
For  several  days  past  I  have  had  to  ride  the  whole  day,  and 
to  preach  without  eating,  until  five  or  six  o'clock  in  the  even- 
ing, except  a  little  biscuit ;  this  is  hard  work  for  man  and 
horse :  this,  however,  is  not  the  worst — religion  is  greatly 
wanting  in  these  parts.  The  inhabitants  are  much  divided  ; 
made  up,  as  they  are,  of  different  nations,  and  speaking  dif- 
ferent languages,  they  agree  in  scarcely  anything,  except  it 
be  to  sin  against  God. 

July,  13.  Preached  at  I.  Hite's  at  ten,  at  W.  H  's 

at  twelve,  and  at  W  's  at  four  o'clock :  all  these  were 

funeral  discourses.  Rachel  S  y  was  a  professor  of  reli- 
gion :  she  dreamed  that  within  three  weeks  she  should  die  of 
the  smallpox  ;  she  thought  she  heard  something  strike  on  the 
top  of  the  house  like  the  nailing  up  of  a  coffin  ;  she  took  it  as 
a  warning,  went  to  prayer,  was  exceedingly  happy,  sickened, 
and  died  triumphantly. 

Friday,  25.  The  weather  has  been  uncommonly  warm ;  I 
felt  weak,  yet  spoke  closely  to  a  few  people ;  thence  I  rode 
to  Paup's,  where  I  fell  sick,  and  became  unfit  for  service.  I 
went  alone  into  the  fields  and  poured  out  my  soul  to  God. 

Pennsylvania. — Saturday  and  Sunday,  26,  27.  Our 
quarterly  meeting  was  held  at  Worley's,  near  Little  York : 
many  spoke  in  our  love-feast  with  great  simplicity,  and  my 
spirit  was  refreshed  among  them. 

Thursday,  31.  Preached  at  Martin  Boehm's  to  many 
people. 

Saturday,  August  2.  Indisposed  and  dejected.  This  is  a 
barren  land  of  religion,  yet  fruitful  for  everything  else. 

Monday,  4.  Rose  early  to  pour  out  my  soul  to  God.  I 
want  to  live  to  him,  and  for  him  ;  to  be  holy  in  heart,  in  life, 
and  in  conversation :  this  is  my  mark,  my  prize,  my  all — to 
be,  in  my  measure,  like  God. 

Tuesday,  5.  I  preached  on  "  It  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall 
into  the  hands  of  the  living  God." 

Having  lately  heard  of  the  death  of  Isaac  Rawlings,  and 
having  had  an  intimate  acquaintance  with  him  for  some  years, 


462 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Aug.,  1783. 


I  will  here  notice  some  of  the  circumstances  of  his  life.  He 
was  born  and  brought  up  in  Patapsco  Neck  ;  and  when  grown 
up  was  uncommonly  wicked.  The  Methodists,  about  this 
time,  coming  into  those  parts,  he  professed  conviction  and 
conversion  through  their  instrumentality :  some  time  after 
this  he  began  to  speak  in  public  ;  roughly,  but  I  believed  in 
sincerity.  I  took  notice  of  him,  and  appointed  him  to  travel 
on  the  eastern  shore  ;  there  he  did  some  good  and  some  harm  : 
I  then  sent  him  to  Pennsylvania ;  it  was  the  same  thing 
there.  Eight  years  ago  he  was  sent  to  Virginia :  the  first 
year  he  did  much  good  ;  refusing,  however,  to  take  his  ap- 
pointment from  conference,  he  stayed  about  Brunswick, 
causing  disaffection  among  the  people,  whence  sprung  dis- 
order :  thence  we  removed  him  to  Pittsylvania,  where  he  was 
also  useful ;  here  he  would  not  long  remain,  but  went  off  to 
James  City.  After  a  considerable  time  we  received  him 
again,  although  contrary  to  the  advice  of  some  who  knew  him 
better.  About  two  years  past  he  was  appointed  to  Pennsyl- 
vania :  this  appears  to  have  placed  him  where  he  wished  to 
be,  and  he  presently  set  about  making  a  party,  enjoining  se- 
crecy upon  his  followers  ;  after  one  quarter  he  left  us,  and  set 
up  for  himself ;  and  he  and  his  few  adherents  took  from  us 
the  Forest  chapel.  He  began  now  to  be  forsaken  ;  and  being 
too  lazy  to  ride  a  circuit,  took  to  baptizing  and  begging,  by 
way  of  subscription.  There  were  many  reports  about  him, 
which  decency  forbids  to  mention ;  which,  nevertheless,  were 
probably  true.  From  these  scandalous  imputations  on  his 
character,  he  felt,  it  seems,  the  necessity  of  defending  himself ; 
and  being  at  the  Yellow  Springs,  he  was  for  some  hours  em- 
ployed in  having  his  defence  written :  he  did  at  times  drink 
freely,  but  whether  he  was  in  liquor  while  there,  I  know  not ; 
so  it  was,  that  setting  off  on  a  mettlesome  horse,  he  had  not 
ridden  many  yards  before  he  was  thrown  to  the  ground,  and 
died  on  the  spot.  I  had  said,  "  I  think  he  cannot  stay  long," 
because  he  did  pervert  the  right  ways  of  the  Lord.  To  the 
Lord  I  leave  him,  desiring  that  his  sad  example  may  be  a 
warning  to  me  and  all  preachers  of  the  Gospel. 


Aug.,  1783.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


463 


Saturday,  9.  Our  quarterly  meeting  beg-in  in  Philadelphia 
circuit,  and  was  well  attended  ;  our  love-feast  was  spiritual, 
and  many  spoke  feelingly  of  the  goodness  of  God.  From 
the  quarterly  meeting  I  went  to  Hoffman's,  in  the  Valley, 
where  they  are  building  us  a  new  stone  chapel :  I  spoke  to 
them  on  2  Chron.  xv,  17. 

Wednesday,  13.  Preached  at  F.'s  on  my  way,  and  in  the 
evening  reached  the  city  of  Philadelphia  in  lowness  of  spirits. 

Saturday,  16.  Visited  the  sick,  and  was  a  little  refreshed. 
I  have  constant  peace  with  God,  and  my  heart  is  dead  to 
every  unlawful  pursuit.  The  city  is  all  in  motion — stores 
full  of  goods,  great  trade  going  on ;  all  things  prosper  but 
religion. 

Sunday,  17.  Was  a  melting  time  to  me  and  many  others 
at  our  love-feast.  Brother  J.  B.  felt  the  power  of  God  as 
soon  as  he  came :  he  had  been  engaged  some  days  before ; 
and  so  had  I.  0  that  all  in  the  house  had  been  so  predis- 
posed, surely  it  would  have  been  a  great  time  of  the  Lord's 
power  !  I  preached  on  2  Thess.  i,  6-8,  striking  a  side-blow 
at  the  Universalist  system ;  I  made  one  of  our  sisters  sick  for 
a  day. 

Friday,  22.  I  have  ridden  about  one  hundred  miles  since  I 
left  Philadelphia,  and  preached  nine  times  :  the  weather  is 
very  warm,  and  the  poor  flesh  complains;  yet  I  bless  God 
for  health  to  drag  along  while  so  many  are  seriously  afflicted. 
My  dear  old  friend,  Mrs.  Maddox,  aged  one  hundred  and  two 
last.  May,  went  into  eternity  about  a  month  ago. 

Monday,  25.  Set  out  for  New- York  :  arrived  there,  I  found 
brother  Dickens  preaching. 

New- York. —  Wednesday,  27.  I  was  close  and  searching; 
a  few  felt  it — a  little  of  the  good  old  spirit  yet  prevails  among 
these  people.  We  had  preaching  generally  morning  and 
evening,  and  I  trust  the  seed  sown  will  not  all  be  lost. 

Sunday,  31.  In  the  evening  I  thought  it  necessary  to  put 
them  on  an  examination  whether  they  were  Christians  or  not. 
I  spoke  on  2  Cor.  xiii,  15.  I  was  very  much  led  out ;  a  power 
went  forth,  and  I  hope  some  real  good  was  done. 


464 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  1783. 


Monday,  September  1.  Left  the  city,  and  spent  some 
time  at  Mr.  W.'s  in  reading  the  additional  works  of  Mr. 
Fletcher. 

Wednesday,  3.  My  soul  is  serene.  I  find  it  expedient  to 
spend  an  hour  in  prayer  for  myself  alone  ;  and  an  hour  each 
morning  and  evening  for  all  the  preachers  and  people. 

New- Jersey. —  Thursday,  11.  At  Mount  Holly  I  had  more 
people  than  I  expected.  On  Friday,  I  rode  a  long,  barren 
way,  to  the  Forks  of  Egg  Harbour. 

Sunday  14.  I  injured  myself  by  speaking  too  long  and 
too  loud.  I  rode  seven  miles,  got  wet,  had  poor  lodgings, 
with  plenty  of  mosquitoes ;  next  day,  poorly  as  I  was,  I  had 
to  ride  seventeen  miles,  and  spoke  while  I  had  a  high  fever 
on  me.  I  laid  me  down  on  a  plank — hard  lodging  this  for  a 
sick  man. 

Tuesday,  16.  Rode  fifteen  miles;  could  hardly  preach: 
my  subjects  yesterday  and  to-day  were,  Paul  to  Titus  ii,  2-12, 
and  1  Peter  iv,  18. 

Sunday,  21.  I  had  a  wild  chase — first,  to  New-England- 
town  ;  but  their  minister  had  warned  the  people  against 
hearing  us :  thence  to  Cohansey ;  here  Mr.  Vantull  had  ap- 
pointed to  preach  at  the  same  hour,  although  my  appoint- 
ment had  been  given  out  some  time  before  ;  arriving,  however, 
before  him,  I  preached  in  the  court-house — and  cleared  out ; 
those  who  remained,  met  with  hard  blows. 

Monday,  22.  In  the  evening  at  Salem  ;  a  number  of  Friends 
attended,  and  were  serious.  Here  a  few  of  our  scattered 
people  have  attempted  to  build  a  house  of  worship,  but  found 
themselves  too  weak  to  accomplish  it :  they  applied  to  some 
of  the  people,  called  Quakers,  for  assistance,  who  subscribed 
liberally  ;  the  matter  was  talked  over,  as  I  am  informed,  at 
their  quarterly  meeting  ;  when  it  was  objected,  "  that  we 
spoke  for  hire  ;"  it  was  answered,  "  No— it  was  only  for  a 
passing  support," — so  there  was  consent  given  that  Friends 
who  were  free  to  do  it,  might  give. 

Delaware.— Passed  through  Philadelphia,  and  came  on 
Saturday,  the  twenty-seventh,  to  Dover,  where  I  preached  at 


Oct.,  1783.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


465 


nine  o'clock  on  the  Sabbath  day,  and  at  Barratt's  chapel  at 
three  o'clock. 

Thursday,  October  2.  I  preached  at  Queen  Anne's,  where 
a  considerable  number  attended,  and  where  many  profess  re- 
ligion. 

Friday,  3.  Preached  at  A.'s,  in  Kent  county,  to  a  large 
company,  and  was  much  assisted.  Of  late  I  have  been  greatly 
subject  to  dejection  and  gloominess  of  mind,  which  I  have 
been  ready  to  attribute  to  excessive  exercise,  and  the  drinking 
of  tea  and  coffee :  I  mean  to  quit  the  use  of  these  for  a  season, 
and  see  what  effect  this  will  produce. 

Maryland. — Saturday,  11.  I  found  some  faithful  people 
at  brother  Hartley's,  in  Talbot.  Here  I  met  with  brother  G., 
and  heard  him  speak  with  pleasure  :  we  spent  the  evening  to- 
gether at  Mr.  Benson's  in  reading,  conversation,  and  prayer. 

Sunday  12.  We  had  about  five  hundred  people  at  the  Bay 
side.  I  find  the  prejudices  of  the  people  in  Talbot  grow 
weaker  ;  and  there  is  some  revival  of  religion  among  them. 
I  preached  on  Heb.  iii,  12-14.  One  that  was  formerly  full 
of  pride  and  contempt  for  religion,  ran  to  the  bed  while  I  was 
speaking,  and  lay  there  till  after  sermon.  She  went  home  sick  ; 
I  trust  of  a  wounded  conscience.  I  crossed  the  ferry  to  Cam- 
bridge. 

Wednesday,  15.  Met  brothers  Wyatt  and  Cole,  at  I.  M'K's, 
and  our  spirits  were  refreshed  together.  I  am  happy,  though 
often  something  unwell.  I  have  great  liberty  in  preaching  and 
in  prayer.  I  feel  nothing  contrary  to  love  to  God  and  all 
mankind.    Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul ! 

Tliursday,  23.  I  enjoy  much  peace  with  God,  although  I 
am  left  to  serve  alone.  But  God  is  with  me.  0  healthful 
sickness,  blessed  pain,  if  the  Lord  supports  !  I  am  now  beside 
the  Chesapeake  Bay ;  here  Calvert  and  Dorset  lie  opposite  to 
each  other ;  eight  years  ago,  when  going  down  the  bay,  little 
thought  I  of  the  great  things  God  was  about  to  do  for  both 
shores. 

Saturday,  25.  Our  quarterly  meeting  began  at  Kane's  barn. 
Our  love-feast  was  large,  powerful,  and  lively ;  we  had  very 
20* 


466 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.,  1783. 


sensible  tokens  of  the  goodness  of  God.  Here  is  a  blessed 
work  of  God  among  a  people  who  were  once  brutish  and 
wicked. 

Tuesday,  28.  I  had  to  hasten  away  to  Phoebus's,  sixteen 
miles,  to  perform  the  funeral  rites  of  W.  Wright,  a  native  of 
Ireland.  He  began  to  preach  about  three  years  ago :  last 
conference  he  was  received  as  a  travelling  preacher,  and  ap- 
pointed to  Annamessex  circuit,  where  he  laboured  very  faith- 
fully. From  the  best  accounts  we  are  waranted  in  believing 
that  he  died  happy  in  God.  We  had  a  solemn  time  at  our 
meeting,  and  I  hope  the  impressions  made  will  be  lasting.  I 
want  to  feel  and  live  the  holiness  I  preach  to  others  ;  and  this 
I  might  do,  were  I  more  diligent  in  watchfulness  and  prayer : — 
God  will  always  help  those  who  do  all  they  can  to  help  them- 
selves. 

Sunday,  November  2.  There  were  few  at  Captain  Downing's 
when  I  began  to  speak,  but  before  I  had  done  preaching  we 
had  a  considerable  company  ;  thence  we  returned  to  Melvin's, 
where  I  enforced  Luke  xi,  13,  to  a  few  people.  The  word 
was  made  a  blessing  to  the  woman  of  the  house,  who  went 
with  us  weeping  to  quarterly  meeting.  Our  love-feast  was  in 
life  and  power,  although  there  were  not  so  many  and  clear 
testimonies  as  in  Dorset. 

Riding  leisurely  to  brother  Farley's,  I  missed  my  road,  and 
stopped  at  a  poor  man's  house ;  so  poor  that  the  furniture 
within  was  not,  perhaps,  worth  twenty  shillings ;  the  woman 
listened  to  me  with  great  attention  while  I  spoke  to  her  about 
her  soul :  after  praying  with  her  and  her  children,  I  pursued 
my  journey.  I  bless  God  I  have  seen  so  much  of  rough  and 
smooth,  that  neither  makes  any  impression  on  me ;  I  know 
how  to  be  abased  and  how  to  abound. 

Delaware. — I  spoke  at  Mr.  Bassett's,  in  Dover,  to  many 
people ;  thence  rode  on  to  the  Cross-roads.  Here  a  design 
had  been  formed  to  prevent  my  preaching ;  and  Mr.  Bishop 
came,  as  I  was  told,  to  advise  me  to  forbid  resistance ;  had 
he  and  another  honestly  discouraged  those  who  had  got  to- 
gether to  interrupt  preaching  on  a  former  occasion,  resistance 


Dec,  1783.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


4G7 


and  forbearance  would  have  been  equally  unnecessary.  I  rode 
on  through  the  rain  and  darkness  to  Mr.  Thompson's. 

Sunday,  23.  Preached  on  Romans  ii,  8-10,  with  some  open- 
ings. 

Tuesday,  25.  I  visited  some  families,  and  my  soul  was 
grieved  at  the  backslidings  of  some  of  my  old  friends.  0  may 
the  Lord  reach  their  hearts ! 

Made  a  short  stay  in  Baltimore,  and  preached  at  Elk-Ridge 
on  my  way  to  Virginia.    When  we  reached  the  Potomac, 

brother  P  s  was  unwilling  to  cross ;  so  we  stayed  at  the 

public  house  without  fire,  candle,  or  supper;  and  the  host 
drunk.  Next  morning  we  crossed  the  river,  and  were  kindly 
received  at  brother  Bushby's. 

Virginia. — Friday,  28.  Preached  to  a  large  congregation 
in  the  court-house  at  Alexandria.  On  my  way  to  Fredericks- 
burg I  fell  in  with  some  gentlemen,  and  conversed  with  them 
on  the  subject  of  religion ;  they  sought  refuge  in  God's  fore- 
knowledge, and  thence  drew  their  proofs  that  their  Creator 
would  not  eternally  damn  them. 

Sunday,  30.  Came  to  Collins's,  in  Caroline  county,  in  time 
to  escape  the  rain  ;  but  the  people  had  no  notice  of  my  coming. 
I  enjoy  peace  of  soul.  I  seek  nothing  but  God ;  and  I  feel 
uncommon  tenderness  for  the  people. 

Thursday,  December  4.  I  preached  to  about  thirty  people 
at  old  father  Stedman's,  in  King  and  Queen  county,  Glou- 
cester circuit :  myself  and  the  people  were  blessed  in  waiting 
on  God. 

Sunday,  7.  I  went  to  Williamsburg,  and  found  the  people 
waiting :  the  key  of  the  court-house  being  lost,  or  mislaid,  I 
stood  without,  and  was  assisted  on  Acts  xvii,  30,  31.  I  feel 
some  faith  that  God  will  call  out  a  people  in  this  place. 

Thursday,  11.  Went  down  to  James  River  in  hopes  of  get- 
ting an  early  passage  across,  but  was  detained  till  twelve 
o'clock.  I  spoke  and  prayed  at  Mrs.  E.'s  :  since  I  last  prayed 
in  her  house,  one  of  her  children,  a  son,  has  died  of  a  con- 
sumption ;  he  would  not  allow  himself  to  speak  of  worldly 
affairs  on  the  Sabbath  day  ;  we  have  good  cause  to  believe  he 


468 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1784. 


died  in  the  Lord ;  and  doubtless  there  are  hundreds  whom 
we  know  not  of,  that  thus  go  to  God  and  rest  from  their  labours. 

After  being  detained  by  a  storm  on  Craney  Island,  on 

Thursday,  December  18,  set  out,  through  a  dripping  rain, 
for  Portsmouth  ;  and  reached  there  about  one  o'clock. 

Saturday,  20.  I  spent  the  evening  at  Colonel  Williams's, 
in  Currituck  county,  North  Carolina,  in  company  with  brothers 
Ivy,  Baldwin,  and  Morris.  The  work  revives;  many  are 
brought  to  God ;  and  I  am  comforted. 

Sunday,  21.  I  suppose  we  had  five  hundred  people  at 
Coenjock  chapel.  Monday  at  White's,  and  Tuesday  at  Win- 
field  court-house,  I  presume  we  had  six  or  seven  hundred  peo- 
ple, inattentive  and  wild  enough :  I  had  little  faith,  and  less 
liberty.  From  this  neighbourhood  I  went  to  Nixonton,  where 
numbers  also  attended ;  but  I  spoke  with  little  comfort  to 
myself.    Spirituous  liquor  is,  and  will  be,  a  curse  to  this  people. 

Wednesday,  24.  Set  out  in  the  rain  to  Hartford  town ;  I 
spoke  in  a  tavern ;  the  people  seemed  wild  and  wicked  alto- 
gether. I  journeyed  on  through  the  damp  weather,  and 
reached  Pettigrew's  about  six  o'clock. 

Here  I  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Wesley,  in  which  he 
directs  me  to  act  as  general  assistant ;  and  to  receive  no  preach- 
ers from  Europe  that  are  not  recommended  by  him,  nor  any 
in  America,  who  will  not  submit  to  me,  and  to  the  minutes  of 
the  conference. 

I  preached  in  Edenton,  to  a  gay,  inattentive  people :  I  was 
much  pleased  with  Mr.  Pettigrew ;  I  heard  him  preach,  and 
received  the  Lord's  supper  at  his  hands.  Thence  I  crossed 
the  Chowan  river,  and  preached,  journeying  through  Bertie, 
Hertford,  and  Northampton  counties,  to  considerable  congre- 
gations. 

Friday,  January  2, 1*784.  Rode  to  Doctor  P  's.  After 

preaching  here,  I  saw  Henry  Metcalf,  who  travels  through  this 
circuit,  a  man  of  a  sorrowful  spirit,  and  under  constant  heavi- 
ness. 

Monday,  5.  A  few  met  me  at  Northampton  court-house ; 
after  preaching  we  rode  on  through  the  rain,  to  brother 


Feb.,  1784.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


469 


Anthony  Moore's,  where  I  was  warm,  dry,  and  comfort- 
able. 

North  Carolina. — I  have  read  two  volumes  of  Sermons 
written  by  Mr.  Knox,  of  the  West-Indies.  I  am  much  pleased 
with  his  defence  of  revealed  religion  ;  and,  indeed,  through  the 
whole  work  there  is  something  sublime  and  spiritual ;  so 
catholic  too,  and  free  from  peculiar  doctrines :  I  esteem  him 
as  one  of  the  best  writers  amongst  the  Presbyterians  I  have 
yet  met  with. 

Sunday,  11.  I  had  five  hearers,  beside  the  family  ;  we  then 
rode  through  rain  and  snow  to  brother  Seward's. 

Monday,  12.  On  my  way  to  I.  Malone's  my  horse  fell  on 
the  ice,  and  caught  my  leg  under  him :  I  had  some  bread  in 
my  great-coat  side- pocket  that  was  under  me  in  my  fall,  which 
made  it  worse,  and  I  hurt  my  knee  too :  I  had  presence  of 
mind,  and  prayed  as  I  fell.  The  snow  being  deep  saved 
me  much  from  damage.  I  lament  the  love  of  the  world, 
covetousness,  and  other  evils  that  lie  heavy  on  the  Church 
of  God. 

Tuesday,  13.  I  preached. 

Thursday,  15.  After  preaching  at  Easter's,  I  rode  to  Tig- 
nall  Jones's :  his  wife  has  waded  through  deep  waters.  I 
have  spent  some  time  in  Mecklenburg  circuit ;  but  such  has 
been  the  weather  that  I  have  had  but  few  hearers.  We  tried 
to  cross  Stanton-River  at  Owen's  ferry,  but  could  not  for  the 
ice ;  we  then  had  a  long  cold  ride  to  Coles's  ferry,  and  here 
we  got  over.  We  lodged  where  we  had  nothing  to  eat  or 
drink  but  a  little  toast  and  water :  I  went  shaking  to  bed  as 
if  I  had  an  ague  on  me.  After  riding  some  miles  to  Halifax 
court-house,  about  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning  I  had  some  cof- 
fee for  my  breakfast. 

Saturday,  31.  Preached  at  a  church,  and  held  a  love-feast. 
My  toe,  which  has  been  inflamed  for  some  time  past,  is  now 
very  troublesome.  Sister  Martin's  kindness  has  been  a  plas- 
ter for  all  my  sores. 

Thursday,  February  5.  Rode  to  Guilford  quarterly  meet- 
ing ;  thence,  twenty-five  miles,  to  Short's ;  and  thence  to  Ma- 


410 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  1*784. 


deira's ;  here  my  toe  became  so  bad,  I  was  obliged  to  halt. 
I  applied  different  poultices  to  take  out  the  inflammation. 

Wednesday,  11.  I  feel  much  better,  and  hope  shortly  to  be 
able  to  go  on  the  Lord's  work  again ;  this  is  my  life,  my  all. 
During  my  confinement  I  have  been  reading  the  sacred  text. 

Lord's  day,  15.  Lord,  my  soul  thirsteth  for  holiness  in 
myself  and  others.  I  found  my  heart  led  out  in  prayer  for 
those  I  cannot  preach  to.  The  Lord  is  my  witness,  that  if 
my  whole  body,  yea,  every  hair  of  my  head,  could  labour 
and  suffer,  they  should  freely  be  given  up  for  God  and 
souls.  During  my  heavy  affliction  I  could  scarcely  have 
met  with  a  greater  disappointment  than  my  being  unable  to 
go  to  the  Yadkin  :  but  it  might  not  be  to  any  great  purpose  ; 
and  Providence  has  hindered.  By  the  help  of  a  stick,  I  can 
now  visit  the  barn  and  stable.  The  more  I  pray,  Satan 
tempts  the  more — but  this  is  according  to  custom.  I  hope 
to  live  the  life  of  love  and  holiness  below,  triumphing  over 
all  my  foes. 

Wednesday,  18.  Being  sent  for,  I  went  to  Mr.  B  's,  on 

Dan  River.  I  have  been  engaged  in  reading  Baxter's  Saints' 
Rest ;  and  my  soul  was  often  drawn  to  God  in  secret  prayer. 

Sunday,  22.  Preached  at  the  funeral  of  Absalom  Bost- 
wick's  daughter. 

Monday,  23.  Preached  twice :  began  to  fear  I  should 
stop  again — my  foot  swelled,  and  my  toe  inflamed. 

Tuesday,  24.  Rode  forty  miles — next  day  preached  to 
fifteen  people. 

Thursday,  26.  Rode  to  Hillsborough.  The  snow  was 
deep — 'the  street  dirty — my  horsed  sick — the  people  drinking 
and  swearing.  I  endeavoured  to  preach  on  "A  man's  gain- 
ing the  whole  world,"  &c. 

Friday,  27.  Brothers  Allen  and  J.  Cromwell  were  with 
me :  we  took  sweet  counsel  together,  and  refreshed  each 
other's  bowels  in  the  Lord. 

Thursday,  March  4.  Preached  at  Browder's,  and  then 
hasted  to  the  widow  Kembrough's.  Here  I  was  wonderfully 
entertained  with  a  late  publication  by  Silas  Mercer,  a  Baptist 


Apr,  1784.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


471 


preacher,  in  which  he  has  anathematized  the  whole  race  of 
kings  from  Saul  to  George  III.  His  is  republicanism  run 
mad.  Why  afraid  of  religious  establishments  in  these  days 
of  enlightened  liberty  ?  Silas  has  beaten  the  Pope,  who 
only  on  certain  occasions,  and  for  certain  reasons,  absolves 
subjects  from  allegiance  to  their  sovereigns ;  and  if  the  na- 
tions of  Europe  believed  the  sweeping  doctrines  of  Silas, 
they  would  be  right  to  decapitate  every  crowned  head,  and 
destroy  every  existing  form  of  Church  government.  If 
plunging-baptism  is  the  only  true  ordinance,  and  there  can 
be  no  true  Church  without  it,  it  is  not  quite  clear  that  ever 
Christ  had  a  Church  until  the  Baptists  plunged  for  it. 

Sunday,  7.  Although  the  day  was  unfavourable,  many 
attended  at  Pope's  chapel,  where  I  was  wonderfully  assisted, 
and  enabled  to  be  close  on  2  Cor.  xiii,  5 — a  favourite  subject. 
We  had  a  short,  simple,  living  love-feast. 

Monday,  8.  I  enlarged  on  Isa.  lv,  6,  7,  at  P  's  chapel. 

This  neighbourhood  has  been  poisoned  by  preaching  Antino- 
mianism  ;  but  I  hope  it  will  yet  come  to  something. 

Thursday,  11.   After  preaching  at  S  %  we  rode  to 

Long's.  I  have  had  great  times  in  Tar  River  circuit ;  the 
congregations  have  been  large  and  living,  more  so  than  in  any 
circuit  I  have  passed  through  since  I  crossed  the  Potomac. 

Wednesday,  17.  I  preached  at  Jones's  chapel — a  better 
house  than  I  expected  to  have  seen  built  by  the  Methodists 

in  North  Carolina.    We  then  rode  fifteen  miles  to  W  's, 

where  we  were  kindly  received,  and  comfortably  entertained. 

Thursday,  April  1.  After  passing  through  Brunswick 
circuit,  I  preached  at  Mr.  Jarratt's  barn.  Mr.  J.  was  very 
kind,  and  the  people  very  attentive. 

Virginia. — Sunday,  4.  Preached  at  Finney's  old  place, 
where  I  suppose  there  might  be  some  that  had  hardly  heard 
preaching  since  I  was  here  last  year :  thence  I  rode  through 
Powhatan,  Cumberland,  and  Buckingham  counties,  where 
there  is  poor  encouragement  for  religion.  0  my  Lord,  arise 
for  thine  own  glory,  visit  the  people  in  mercy,  and  make 
known  thy  power  in  the  salvation  of  poor  sinners ! 


472 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Apr.,  1784. 


We  crossed  James  river  in  a  canoe  ;  our  horses  by  wading 
and  swimming  got  over.  I  found  some  people  of  feeling  at 
T.  Key's,  to  whom  I  preached  on  John  iii,  19;  thence  we 
rode  the  river  seventeen  miles  along  a  very  rude,  uneasy 
path,  to  preach  to  fifteen  people.  After  getting  a  little  cold 
bacon,  we  rode  on  to  C  's,  where  we  fared  better. 

Sunday,  11.  Preached  at  G  's  church  to  perhaps  five 

hundred  people.  From  the  church  we  rode  on  to  Dr.  Hop- 
kins's. I  could  not  see  ;  feeling  the  hills  and  dales,  we  pushed 
on  about  thirty  miles.  We  got  in,  cold  and  fatigued,  about 
eleven  o'clock.  A  drunken  man  we  fell  in  with  conducted 
us  four  or  five  miles.  The  labour  of  the  day  has  been  per- 
formed with  little  refreshment  for  either  man  or  horse.  Since 
yesterday  week  at  noon,  I  have  ridden  one  hundred  and  fifty- 
four  miles  in  this  rough  country.  Arriving,  through  the 
woods,  at  Martin  Key's,  I  found  a  happy  change  since  I  was 
here  last  year — bless  the  Lord  !  I  will  take  it  as  an  answer 
to  prayer.  Now,  the  whole  family  are  called  together  for 
worship — the  man  is  seeking,  the  woman  has  found  the  Lord, 
and  the  children  are  serious. 

Saturday,  17.  Quarterly  meeting  at  brother  Fry's:  a 
living  power  went  through  the  people  in  our  love-feast.  It 
was  supposed  the  congregation  consisted  of  nearly,  or  quite, 
seven  hundred  people.  I  hope  the  word  was  sealed  to  some 
hearts.  I  do  not  love,  live,  or  labour  as  I  desire.  O,  my 
soul !  stir  up  thyself  to  take  hold  of  the  Lord  by  diligence 
and  faith  every  moment. 

Sunday,  25.  I  preached  at  the  Manakintown  on  the  Epis- 
tle to  the  Church  at  Smyrna. 

Monday,  26.  Rode  on  to  Walthel's,  and  thence  to  Peters- 
burg, where  we  found  a  house-full  at  six  o'clock.  On  Tues- 
day we  reached  Mabry's  chapel  at  quarterly  meeting,  just  as 
preaching  was  over. 

Thursday,  29.  Rode  to  Ellis'  chapel,  in  Sussex  county, 
where  we  held  our  conference  the  two  ensuing  days.  Brother 
O'Kelley  gave  us  a  good  sermon:  "I  keep  under  my  body, 
and  bring  it  into  subjection,"  <fec.     Mr.  Jarratt  gave  us  a 


June,  1784.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


473 


good  discourse  on  1  Tim.  i,  4.  Our  business  was  conducted 
with  uncommon  love  and  unity. 

From  this  conference  I  proceeded  on  and  crossed  James 
River  on  my  way  to  the  north,  and  was  led  to  cry  to  God  to 
go  with  us  and  meet  us  there. 

Thursday,  May  20.  Reached  Baltimore  about  seven 
o'clock.  I  have  ridden  about  fifty  miles  to-day.  In  crossing 
the  Potomac,  when  about  midway,  we  turned  back  to  meet 
the  stage,  and  I  found  Dr.  Lusby.  I  learned  by  letter  that 
my  father  and  mother  are  yet  alive. 

Tuesday,  25.  Our  conference  began,  all  in  peace.  Wil- 
liam Glendenning  had  been  devising  a  plan  to  lay  mp  p  si  rip, 
or  at  least  to  abridge  my  powers.  Mr.  Wuu1c)i?a  letkuL^sk. 
tied  the  point,  and  all  was  happy.  The  conference  rose  on 
Friday  morning. 

I  find  the  spirit  and  conversation  of  those  I  am  among  steal 
upon  me.  My  soul  is  in  travail  to  be  holy  in  all  manner  of 
conversation  and  godliness. 

It  is  amazing  to  behold  how  the  ice,  coming  down  the 
Potomac,  has  swept  the  banks,  cutting  through  large  trees, 
removing  rocks  of  incredible  size,  and  smoothing  the  river 
banks,  as  though  many  hundreds  of  men  had  been  employed 
for  that  purpose. 

I  was  solemn  and  blessed  at  Sharpsburg.  A  poor  Irish 
woman,  who  had  treated  the  Methodists  ill,  was  convicted,  and 
sent  for  me  to  pray  with  her.  God  grant  that  the  impres- 
sions made  may  be  lasting !  From  Sharpsburg  I  hastened  on 
to  Shepherdstown,  where  the  Lord  set  home  his  word.  Came 
to  sister  Boydstone's,  one  of  the  kindest  women  in  Virginia. 
Here  all  things  were  comfortable.  I  was  sleepy,  weary,  and 
feeble,  but  my  body  and  soul  were  refreshed ;  thanks  be  to 
God  for  every  friend !  I  covenanted  with  God  to  be  more 
in  prayer  ;  my  soul  is  humbled  before  the  Lord. 

Thursday,  June  17.  Lord,  strengthen  my  resolution  to  be 
thine  in  heart  more  and  more.  Make,  and  keep  me  always 
watching  unto  prayer  ! 

I  preached  at  Martinsburg  to  a  hundred  people  or  more, 


474 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[June,  1784. 


and  was  led  out  while  I  enlarged  on,  "What  is  the  Almighty 
that  we  should  serve  him,"  <fec.  Thence  to  Stroud's  at 
seven  o'elock,  and  spoke  with  great  plainness;  the  people 
stared  upon  us.  Next  morning  we  had  all  the  workmen  to 
prayer.  The  mother  and  two  daughters  appeared  tender, 
and  wept  when  we  took  our  leave  of  them.  Who  knows 
what  God  may  do  for  them  ? 

Sunday,  20.  I  attempted  to  preach  at  Newtown.  I  raged 
and  threatened  the  people,  and  was  afraid  it  was  spleen.  I 
found,  however,  that  Mr.  Otterbine,  a  worthy  German  mi- 
nister, had  done  the  same  a  little  time  before. 

Friday,  25.  We  had  -  hard  work  in  crossing  a  mountain 
six  miles  over,  and  it  was  still  worse  the  next  day  in  crossing 
the  greater  mountain.  I  found  it  very  warm  work,  though 
stripped.  We  struggled  along  nevertheless,  and  met  with 
about  four  hundred  people  at  Strayder's,  to  whom  I  spoke 
on  2  Cor.  xiii,  5, — I  hope  not  in  vain.  While  I  was  at 
prayer,  a  large  limb  fell  from  a  sycamore-tree  in  the  midst 
of  the  people,  yet  not  one  received  the  least  injury ;  some 
thought  it  was  a  trick  of  the  devil ;  and  so  indeed  it  might 
have  been.  Perhaps  he  wanted  to  kill  another,  who  spoke 
after  me  with  great  power. 

Sunday,  27.  At   I  was  much  tried  in  spirit,  yet  I 

was  enabled  to  speak  pure,  living  truth,  on  Titus  iii,  2-5,  at 
three  o'clock.  I  was  assisted  to  speak  feeling  words  to  some 
souls  at  Vanmetu's,  though  in  pain  and  weariness.  Thence 
I  hasted  to  preach  at  six  o'clock  at  Hoffman's,  a  third  time 
this  day,  where  I  enlarged  on  Job  xxi,  15.  About  ten 
o'clock  at  night  I  came  to  brother  Dew's,  very  weary,  and 
lodged  there.  I  hope  this  day's  labour  will  be  useful  to  my 
own  soul  and  the  souls  of  others. 

Virginia. — Monday,  28.  Preached  twice — speaker  and 
hearers  too  dull.    Alas  ! 

Tuesday,  29.  Although  my  body  is  weak,  my  soul  is  filled 
with  love  to  God.    He  is  my  portion. 

Wednesday,  30,  I  had  freedom  of  spirit  and  utterance, 
at  J.  Cressap's,  to  a  large  congregation ;   and  although 


July,  1784.] 


ASRURY'S  JOURNAL. 


475 


still  weak  in  body,  I  preached  again  at  Barratt's  in  the 
evening. 

Thursday,  July  1.  We  began  to  ascend  the  Alleghany,  di- 
recting our  course  towards  Redstone.  We  passed  the  Little 
Meadows,  keeping  the  route  of  Braddock's  road  for  about 
twenty-two  miles,  along  a  rough  pathway  :  arriving  at  a 
small  house,  and  halting  for  the  night,  we  had,  literally,  to 
lie  as  thick  as  three  in  a  bed.  My  soul  has  peace.  For 
three  days  I  had  a  fever ;  the  excessive  labour  I  have  under- 
gone may  have  nourished  it.  When  I  rose  yesterday  morn- 
ing I  was  very  unwell.  After  riding  about  seven  miles,  I 
was  taken  with  a  trembling  and  profuse  perspiration.  I  ate 
something,  and  felt  better,  and  my  fever  is  now  abated.  My 
soul  has  been  blessed  in  an  uncommon  degree  ;  and  thou,  my 
soul,  bless  the  Lord ;  and  O  that  he  may  be  pleased  to 
make  me  a  blessing  to  the  people  in  this  part  of  the  world ! 

Friday,  2.  I  was  amongst  a  dull,  kind  people:  I  spoke 
closely,  and  perhaps  laboured  much  in  vain ;  here  are  some 
of  Looster's  disciples :  this  man  set  up  prayer-meetings,  and 
preached  for  twenty- five  pounds  per  annum ;  he  left  his  peo- 
ple because  they  would  not  increase  his  salary. 

Sunday,  4.  At  Cheat  River  we  had  a  mixed  congregation 
of  sinners,  Presbyterians,  Baptists,  and  it  may  be,  of  saints :  I 
had  liberty,  and  gave  it  to  them  as  the  Lord  gave  it  to  me — 
plain  enough.  After  me  brother  Bougham  spoke  with  life  and 
power.  I  think  God  will  bring  a  people  to  himself  in  this 
place.  Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord  for  a  plentiful  rain 
after  a  long  drought ! 

Three  thick — on  the  floor — such  is  our  lodging — but  no 
matter :  God  is  with  us  : — 

"  Labour  is  rest,  and  pain  is  sweet, 
Whilst  thou,  my  God  !  art  here." 

Pennsylvania. —  Wednesday,  7.  We  had  nearly  seven  hun- 
dred people  at  Beeson  Town :  they  were,  in  general,  serious 
and  attentive. 

Thursday,  8.  I  preached  at  D  's,  to  a  wild  people,  on 


47G 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1784. 


Acts  xiii,  26.  Since  last  Friday  we  have  ridden  one  hundred 
and  sixty  or  more  miles,  on  rough  roads,  through  a  rough 
country,  and  with  rough  fare :  I  trust  our  labour  will  not  all 
be  lost.  - 

Tuesday,  13.  I  preached  to  many  people  at  Old  Town, 
where  they  abound  in  intemperance. 

Wednesday,  14.  I  preached  at  Bath — I  was  shut  up. 

Maryland. — Sunday,  18.  I  preached  in  the  new  market- 
house  at  Fredericktown ;  many  attended  both  from  town  and 
country. 

Wednesday,  21.  We  had  many  to  hear  at  Winchester ;  they 
appeared  to  be  orderly  and  solemn,  and  I  hope  it  will  appear 
that  some  were  convicted. 

Sunday,  25.  I  preached  at  Reisterstown  on,  "  Take  heed 
that  the  light  which  is  in  you  be  not  darkness." 

Tuesday,  27.  We  had  about  thirty  people,  and  a  poor  time 
at  Rock  chapel.  We  came  to  Squire  M  's ;  a  kind,  in- 
quiring man,  who  received  and  entertained  us  hospitably. 

Saturday,  31.  I  praise  God  for  health  of  body,  peace  of 
mind,  and  a  desire  to  be  holiness  to  the  Lord :  I  am  led  into 
a  deep  and  sweet  union  with  God. 

My  mind  was  solemn  at  the  love-feast,  and  the  people  ap- 
peared to  be  stirred  up :  I  was  very  searching  on  Luke  xviii, 
1 1,  and  there  was  some  move.  Thence  I  hasted  to  Worley's, 
where  I  found  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  people  waiting  for 
me.  I  want  to  be  very  spiritual ;  seeing  that  it  is  by  con- 
tinual prayer  alone  this  state  is  to  be  attained,  I  will  endea- 
vour to  watch  thereunto  with  all  perseverance. 

Richard  Williams,  on  the  north  branch  of  the  Potomac, 
was  taken  prisoner  by  the  Indians.  It  may  be  satisfactory  to 
many  to  record  in  this  journal  his  own  account  of  the  wonder- 
ful deliverances  he  experienced,  and  the  extraordinary  combi- 
nations of  providences  by  which  he  was  restored  to  his 
family. 

A  few  days  before  Brad  dock's  defeat,  nineteen  Indians  be- 
set the  house,  killed  his  father,  his  mother,  and  one  of  his 
brother's  sons  :  Williams  and  his  child  they  secured  as  piison- 


July,  1784.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


411 


ers,  and  took  them  away  to  Fort  Pitt,  (now  Pittsburg,)  tying 
his  hands  to  a  tree  every  night  to  prevent  his  escape ;  the 
child  he  fed  with  wild  cherries  or  sawice  berries ;  but  it  was 
taken  from  him  at  the  fort.  On  the  day  of  Braddock's  defeat, 
he  was  taken  across  the  Ohio  River,  and  guarded  to  Detroit, 
where  he  found  the  garrison  reduced  to  the  extremity  of  eat- 
ing horseflesh.  After  staying  some  time  at  Detroit,  he  made 
his  escape,  taking  with  him  a  Frenchman's  gun  and  ammuni- 
tion ;  and  pushed  homeward,  first  by  curve  lines,  and  then  in 
a  more  straight  direction. 

The  Indians  pursued  and  headed  him,  which  obliged  him 
to  alter  his  course  :  wading  through  a  deep  stream,  the  water 
went  over  his  head,  and  wet  his  powder.  For  three  days  he 
travelled  on,  until,  being  pressed  by  hunger,  he  stopped  to  dry 
his  wet  powder,  but  on  examination  he  found  it  all  dissolved 
away :  his  next  shift  was  to  dig  sarsaparilla  for  sustenance. 
He  went  on,  and  by  good  fortune  found  a  fish  which  a  bird 
had  dropped,  and  eat  that.  Continuing  on,  he  came  to 
a  large  river,  where  he  saw  two  canoe  loads  of  Indians 
pass ;  from  these  he  hid  himself :  the  Indians  being  out  of 
sight,  he  made  a  raft  of  two  logs,  and  by  this  contrivance 
gained  the  opposite  shore.  After  this,  he  was  three  days 
without  eating  or  drinking,  and  reduced  to  extreme  suffering : 
he  saw  an  Indian,  and  escaped  him,  and  came  to  a  stream  of 
water  of  which  he  drank,  and  soon  after  a  plum  tree,  some 
of  the  fruit  of  which  he  took  along  with  him.  The  day  fol- 
lowing he  fared  something  better,  having  found  part  of  a  fawn, 
which  he  roasted,  picking  the  bones  and  the  marrow,  and 
carefully  preserving  the  meat  for  future  need.  After  the 
venison  was  all  eaten,  on  each  succeeding  day,  for  three  days, 
he  found  a  squirrel.  He  afterward  caught  and  eat  a  pole-cat : 
at  another  time  he  saw  a  hawk  fly  up,  and  going  to  the  spot 
he  found  a  wild  turkey.  Travelling  on,  he  came  to  the  Ohio 
and  waded  it :  near  this  place  an  Indian  threw  a  tomahawk  at 
him ;  he  tried  to  escape,  by  climbing  up  a  wild-cherry  tree, 
but  found  himself  too  weak,  and  he  fell  into  the  hands  of  two 
Frenchmen  and  five  Indians,  and  thus  found  himself  once 


478 


ASBUHY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1784. 


more  in  the  power  of  his  enemies.  With  these  he  feigned 
derangement ;  they,  however,  took  him  along  with  them  to 
Fort  Pitt.  On  the  way  he  tired,  and  they  threatened  to  kill 
him ;  he  told  them  he  was  willing  to  die.  Arriving  at  the 
fort,  an  Indian  charged  him  with  being  a  prisoner  from  De- 
troit :  he  was  forthwith  put  under  a  guard,  and  a  council  held 
in  the  French  language,  to  determine  what  was  to  be  done 
with  him.  The  sentence  of  the  general  was,  that  he  should 
be  shot :  to  this  some  objected,  saying  that  his  spirit  would 
haunt  them  if  he  was  killed  there,  and  advised  his  beintf  taken 
to  the  island  and  buried  in  the  sand.  He  was  told  that  he 
should  eat  no  more  meat  there,  that  the  crickets  should  eat 
him.  He  behaved  himself  as  though  he  understood  nothing 
they  said,  yet  he  knew  the  general  purport  of  their  conversa- 
tion, although  they  spoke  in  French.  He  relates,  that  one 
morning  before  day,  while  in  the  fort,  he  fell  into  a  trance : 
he  beheld  spirits  for  his  conductors,  and  lightning  also: 
the  guards  being  both  asleep,  he  climbed  up  the  high  wall,  and 
clambering  over  the  spike  palisades,  got  out  safe.  Having 
still  to  pass  the  sentinels,  and  not  knowing  where  they  were 
placed,  he  was  discovered  just  as  the  cock  crew  for  day ;  the 
sentinels  mistook  him  for  a  comrade,  and  let  him  pass.  At 
this  time  he  felt  a  conviction  that  his  wife  prayed  for  him, 
and  this  was  communicated  in  an  unusual  manner :  and  she, 
during  his  absence,  had  great  comfort,  and  an  assurance  that 
she  should  see  her  husband  again.  Escaping  thus  he  made 
the  best  of  his  way  without  interruption  until  the  evening, 
when  he  heard  a  gun  fire  some  distance  behind  him ;  pre- 
sently another — these  were  his  pursuers,  who  had  found  his 
track  in  the  woods :  he  strove  to  run,  but  he  was  too  weak. 
Another  gun  yet  nigher  to  him  went  off:  he  made  what  way 
his  strength  would  allow,  and  when  he  came  to  places  where 
he  left  no  track,  he  made  zigzag  courses  to  deceive  them,  and 
give  him  time  to  get  ahead  ;  but  there  were  so  many  of  them, 
they  would  still  discover  his  track  again.  Thus  he  struggled 
on  until  seven  guns  were  fired,  the  last  of  which  he  supposes 
to  have  been  within  two  or  three  hundred  yards  from  him ; 


July.,  1784.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


479 


now  his  heart  began  to  fail,  and  he  thought  he  was  gone,  yet 
he  resolved  to  labour  onward  as  lonor  as  he  had  life.  At  the 
firing  of  the  last  gun,  his  pursuers  crossed  his  track  and  got 
ahead  of  him ;  taking  advantage  of  this  circumstance,  he 
turned  out  of  the  path,  letting  the  Indians  who  were  behind 
tread  in  the  footsteps  of  those  before.  Following  the  direc- 
tion now  taken,  he  had  not  gone  far  until  he  came  to  a  path 
which  led  to  a  settlement  of  the  whites  ;  this  he  did  not  long 
keep,  but  going  round  the  head  of  the  ravine,  laid  himself 
down,  concluding  that,  if  his  track  was  again  discovered,  he 
would  be  favoured  by  the  darkness.  The  Indians  did  get  his 
track  twice,  but  never  overtook  him.  He  went  on  in  the 
dark  as  well  as  he  could,  sometimes  feeling  the  bushes  with 
his  hands  :  among  the  rocks  he  often  fell  down  from  weak- 
ness; having  gained  smoother  ground,  he  stopped  and  lay 
down  until  day. 

His  enemies,  it  seems,  had  not  given  up  the  pursuit.  He 
had  not  long  left  his  hard  lodgings  when  he  heard  the  report 
of  two  guns ;  but  coming  to  a  hill  where  no  mark  of  a  foot- 
step could  be  traced,  he  steered  his  course  for  Bedford,  and 
came  on  a  trading  path  in  which  he  kept.  Five  days  he 
lived  on  acorns ;  afterward  he  found  some  wild  cherries ;  but 
lo !  while  he  was  eating,  up  comes  an  Indian.  The  Indian 
asked  him  where  he  was  going  ;  he  said,  "  To  the  Delaware  :" 
the  Indian  then  took  him  by  the  hand  and  gave  a  whoop, 
when  presently  others  joined  him.  By  these  he  was  kept  a 
prisoner  for  some  time  :  he  appeared  bold ;  was  active  in 
cooking,  and  by  his  cleverness  got  the  favour  of  the  captain, 
who  praised  him,  and  said,  he  could  do  everything  like  an  In- 
dian. He  had  more  than  he  needed  to  eat:  the  captain,  how- 
ever, was  very  careful  to  secure  him  every  night,  by  making 
him  lie  down  in  one  comer ;  here  he  drew  a  cord  over  some 
hoop- poles  and  tied  deer's  hoofs  to  the  end,  so  that  if  Wil- 
liams pulled  open  the  poles  they  would  rattle  and  the  deer's 
hoofs  would  strike  the  captain's  face.  With  these  Indians 
Williams  stayed  a  long  time  :  they  went  to  war  and  left  him  to 
provide  deer  for  the  squaws.    At  last  he  found  an  opportu- 


480 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1784. 


nity  of  escaping,  which  he  improved,  and  arrived  safe  at  his 
own  home.  He  is  now  a  faithful  man — his  Avife  a  pious  wo- 
man ;  and  they  have  preaching  at  the  house. 

Our  quarterly  meeting  in  Philadelphia  circuit  began  the 
21st  of  July.  I  addressed  the  congregation  on  the  Epistle  to 
the  Church  of  Sardis.  We  had  a  gracious  time  on  Sunday 
the  1st  of  August.  At  four  o'clock  I  preached  again,  in  the 
Valley  church,  on  Isaiah  lxvi,  1:  "  Heaven  is  my  throne,  and 
the  earth  my  footstool." 

Monday,  August  2.  After  preaching  at  brother  H.'s,  on 
Luke  xi,  13,  I  went  to  the  city  and  preached  to  many  people, 
on  1  Peter  iii,  15. 

Friday,  6.  I  was  blessed  in  preaching  on  "  Blessed  are 
they  that  mourn,  for  they  shall  be  comforted."  I  was  weak 
and  faint  from  the  extreme  warmth  of  the  weather. 

Sunday,  15.  I  was  very  weak,  and  had  to  lie  down  on  the 
floor ;  however,  although  faint,  I  was  enabled  to  speak  to 
nearly  a  thousand  people  in  Philadelphia. 

New- Jersey. — Monday,  16.  Went  to  Burlington. 

Tuesday,  17.  Went  to  Trenton:  although  unwell  and 
greatly  oppressed  by  heat,  I  preached  at  both  these  places. 

Tuesday,  24.  I  rode  to  Mr.  Ogden's.  Next  day  I  spoke, 
but  with  little  freedom,  to  an  attentive  yet  unfeeling  audience, 
in  Sussex  court-house.  My  host,  who  appears  to  be  a  man 
of  liberal  sentiments,  entertained  me  kindly. 

I  preached  at  New-Market  Plains  to  about  one  hundred 
hearers.  I  spoke  freely  in  vindication  of  Methodism :  it  was 
strange  ;  for  I  knew  not,  until  afterward,  that  there  were 
present  those  who  come  at  no  other  time. 

New- York. — Friday,  27.  We  had  a  trying  journey  to  New- 
York  ;  the  weather  being  excessively  warm.    I  found  my  old 

friends  C.  and  W.  L  at  Newark,  who  appeared  pleased 

to  see  me.  We  took  the  stage,  and  reached  York  about  eight 
o'clock.  At  York  we  found  the  people  alive  to  God  :  there 
are  about  one  hundred  in  society,  and,  with  those  in  Phila- 
delphia, to  my  mind,  appear  more  like  Methodists  than  I  have 
ever  yet  seen  them.    My  first  discourse  was  for  the  benefit 


Sept.,  1784.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


481 


of  poor  stragglers,  who  have  not  yet  returned  to  the  fold  : 
the  subject  chosen  was  Rev.  iii,  1-4. 

Sunday,  29.  In  the  evening  I  preached  for  the  benefit  of 
poor  sinners,  on  Job  xxi,  15. 

Monday,  30.  My  soul  is  alive  to  God  :  I  visited,  prayed, 
read,  wrote,  met  the  classes,  and  in  the  evening  preached.  I 
have  found  great  consolation  and  fellowship  in  the  classes. 

Monday,  September  6.  I  took  leave  of  my  dear  friends  in 
New- York :  they  showed  their  love  in  deed  and  in  truth, 
liberally  supplying  me  with  what  was  necessary.  On  Tues- 
day brother  Hagerty  met  me,  and  we  rejoiced  together. 

New- Jersey. — Sunday,  12.  Preached  at  Penny-Hill,  and 
afterward  at  New-Mills.  I  have  been  kept  in  peace,  but 
find  my  adversary  is  not  dead ;  neither  am  I  out  of  the 
body,  or  what  I  may  be,  or  must  be,  before  I  see  the  king- 
dom of  God.  0  my  soul,  keep  near  to  God,  and  always 
watch  and  pray  ! 

Monday,  13.  I  was  weak  and  feverish — sorely  tempted, 
and  much  comforted.  I  walked  over  to  John  Budds's,  a  son 
of  affliction  :  we  spoke  of  the  dealings  of  God  with  our  own 
souls — not  in  vain  :  we  prayed,  and  parted  in  love.  Two 
things  seem  to  dim  my  prospects  of  heaven,  in  point  of  quali- 
fication,— First,  I  do  not  speak  enough  for  God  ;  and,  Se- 
condly, I  am  not  totally  devoted  to  him.  Lord,  help  me  to 
come  up  to  my  duty  ! 

Sunday,  19.  I  spoke  at  P.  C.'s ;  and  at  Godfrey's  in  the 
evening.  I  cannot  sufficiently  praise  God  for  health,  while 
others  are  sick  in  almost  every  house.  I  have  felt  great  near- 
ness to  God  for  a  few  days  past. 

Tuesday,  21.  I  was  tried  when  I  missed  my  way,  but  I 
was  blessed  in  speaking  to  the  people.  It  is  a  great  time  of 
sickness  with  the  ague  and  fever. 

Thursday,  23.  I  found  a  dearth  at  Haddonfield.  A  poor 
sot  came  in  and  muttered  awhile  :  after  meeting  he  acknow- 
ledged he  was  a  sinner,  and  seemed  sorry  for  his  conduct, 
drunk  as  he  was. 

Saturday,  25.  I  was  weary  and  faint  as  I  journeyed  to- 
21 


482 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Oct.,  1784. 


wards  Philadelphia.  After  preaching  twice  in  the  day,  I  was 
refreshed  by  a  glass  of  wine  and  a  piece  of  bread. 

Delaware. — Saturday,  October  2.  I  preached  in  our  new 
chapel  at  Dover,  in  the  state  of  Delaware,  on  faith,  hope, 
charity.  At  Barrats's  I  believe  I  was  alarming,  on  Isaiah  iii, 
10,  11.    I  was  moved  in  the  evening  towards  the  boys  to 

school  at  C  :   I  spoke  till  they  wept  aloud.    0  my 

God  !  their  parents  fear  thee — bring  them  home,  with  them, 
to  thyself. 

Maryland. —  Thursday,  7.  I  rode  in  the  afternoon  to 
Queen  Annes,  visited  arid  prayed  with  B.  Ellis  in  affliction, 
and  was  persuaded  God  would  spare  him.  Poor  F.  is  over- 
taken by  the  adversary  ;  and  R.  is  gone  astray.  Alas,  how 
are  the  mighty  fallen  ! 

Friday,  8.  Came  to  Angiers.  Here  they  had  the  flux  ; 
but  I  did  not  feel  free  to  leave  the  house,  until  I  had  de- 
livered my  message  :  my  testimony  was  low,  but  serious  and 
weighty. 

Wednesday,  13.  At  Hopper's,  the  congregation  was  large 
indeed.  I  was  greatly  at  liberty  ;  and  I  hope  the  seed  was 
not  all  lost.  Here  I  met  with  brother  Garrettson — all  love 
and  peace. 

Thursday,  14.  I  rode  twenty  miles  to  visit  Kent  Island  for 
the  first  time.  Here  we  had  an  unusual  collection  of  people, 
and  surely  all  was  not  in  vain.  We  had  a  good  time  at  New- 
comb's  :  the  word  of  God  has  greatly  triumphed  over  the 
prejudices  of  rich  and  poor.  We  went  on  to  Cambridge. 
Here  George,  a  poor  negro  in  our  society,  we  found  under 
sentence  of  death  for  theft  committed  before  he  became  a 
Methodist ;  he  appeared  to  be  much  given  up  to  God :  he 
was  reprieved  under  the  gallows  :  a  merchant,  who  cursed 
the  negro  for  praying,  died  in  horror.  I  pity  the  poor  slaves. 
0  that  God  would  look  down  in  mercy,  and  take  their  cause 
in  hand  ! 

Wednesday,  20.  I  was  distressed  by  the  levity  of  some 
spirits.  We  had  a  long  ride  to  Taylor's  Island  ;  we  had  a 
profitable  season  there :  and  next  day  going  twenty-four  miles 


Nov.,  1784.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


483 


to  Todd's,  I  found  a  warm  people  indeed.  I  injured  myself 
by  speaking  too  loud. 

Saturday,  23.  Rode  thirty  miles  to  Mr.  Airy's,  preaching 
by  the  way.  We  had  a  great  time — multitudes  attended. 
Dorset  is  now  in  peace,  and  the  furies  are  still. 

Sunday,  24.  This  day  has  been  so  much  taken  up,  that  I 
had  no  time  to  spare.  My  mind  is  with  the  Lord,  and  every 
day  is  a  Sabbath  with  me.  Here  B.  T.,  who  was  a  great 
Churchman,  after  hearing  F.  G.  a  second  time,  was  seized 
with  conviction  on  his  way  home,  and  fell  down  in  the  road, 
aud  spent  great  part  of  the  night  crying  to  God  for  mercy. 
It  was  suggested  to  him  that  his  house  was  on  fire ;  his 
answer  was,  "  It  is  better  for  me  to  lose  my  house  than 
my  soul." 

Virginia.  —  Sunday,  31.  We  rose  early,  and  rode 
twenty  miles  to  Downing's.  I  lectured  at  Burton's  in  the 
evening. 

Monday,  November  1.  After  riding  twenty  miles  to  Col. 
Paramore's,  I  preached  with  liberty.  The  family  is  kind  ; 
the  father,  mother,  son,  and  niece  have  tender  impressions. 
The  people  hereabout  are  gay,  blind  in  spiritual  matters,  well- 
featured,  and  hospitable,  and  good  livers. 

Tuesday,  2.  After  preaching  at  Garrettson  chapel,  I  rode 
to  Col.  Burton's,  and  was  kindly  received. 

Friday,  5.  I  came  back  to  Col.  Burton's.  Since  I  went 
from  this  house,  I  have  ridden  about  one  hundred  miles,  spent 
five  hours  in  delivering  five  public  discourses,  and  ten  hours 
in  family  and  public  prayer,  and  read  two  hundred  pages  in 
Young's  Works.  I  have  enjoyed  great  peace,  and  hope  to 
see  a  great  and  glorious  work. 

The  Presbyterians  came  down  here  about  thirty  years  ago ; 
many  were  moved,  and  some  advances  were  made  towards  a 
reformation.  A  house  was  built  for  public  worship.  About 
six  years  past  the  Baptists  visited  these  parts,  and  there  was 
some  stir  among  the  people.  I  think  the  Methodists  are  most 
likely  to  have  permanent  success,  because  the  inhabitants  are 
generally  Episcopalians.    We  preached  some  time  before  any 


484 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Nov.,  1784. 


regular  circuit  was  formed,  or  any  people  had  joined  us  ;  now 
brother  "Willis  is  stationed  here,  and  there  are  one  hundred  in 
society. 

The  land  here  is  low  and  level,  and  is  refreshed  with  line 
breezes  from  the  sea ;  there  is  an  abundance  in  the  produc- 
tions of  the  earth  and  of  the  waters  ;  the  people  are  generous, 
social,  and  polished  in  their  manners. 

Saturday,  6.  Came  to  Downing's,  and  had  a  large  congre- 
gation for  the  time  and  place.  I  see  a  difficulty  in  saying 
anything  of  any  denomination  of  people — it  is  so  much  like 
evil  speaking  to  mention  their  faults  behind  their  backs  « I 
will  avoid  it,  and  endeavour  to  prevent  others  doing  it  in  my 
presence. 

Maryland. — Sunday,  7.  I  rode  twelve  miles  to  Snow-Hill. 
Here  the  judge  himself  opened  the  court-house,  and  a  large 
congregation  of  people  of  different  denominations  attended  : 
the  subject  was  the  certainty,  universality,  and  justice  of 
Grod's  proceeding  at  the  day  of  judgment. 

Sunday, 44.  I  came  to  Barratt's  chapel :  here,  to  my  great 
joy,  I  met  these  dear  men  of  God,  Dr.  Coke,  and  Richard 
Whatcoat ;  we  were  greatly  comforted  together.  The  Doctor 
preached  on  "  Christ  our  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctifi  cation, 
and  redemption."  Having  had  no  opportunity  of  conversing 
with  them  before  public  worship,  I  was  greatly  surprised  to 
see  brother  Whatcoat  assist  by  taking  the  cup  in  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  sacrament.  I  was  shocked  when  first 
informed  of  the  intention  of  these  my  brethren  in  coming  to 
this  country  :  it  may  be  of  God.  My  answer  then  was,  if 
the  preachers  unanimously  choose  me,  I  shall  not  act  in  the 
capacity  I  have  hitherto  done  by  Mr.  Wesley's  appointment. 
The  design  of  organizing  the  Methodists  into  an  Independent 
Episcopal  Church,  was  opened  to  the  preachers  present,  and 
it  was  agreed  to  call  a  general  conference,  to  meet  at  Balti- 
more the  ensuing  Christmas  ;  as  also  that  brother  Garrettson 
go  off  to  Virginia  to  give  notice  thereof  to  our  brethren  in 
the  south. 

Delaware. — I  was  very  desirous  the  Doctor  should  go 


Nov.,  1784.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


4  85 


upon  the  track  I  had  just  been  over,  which  he  accordingly 
did.  I  came  to  Dover,  and  preached  on  Eph.  v,  6  ;  was  close, 
and,  I  hope,  profitable. 

Maryland. —  Tuesday,  16.  Rode  to  Bohemia,  where  I  met 
with  Thomas  Vasey,  who  came  over  with  the  Doctor  and  R. 
Whatcoat.  My  soul  is  deeply  engaged  with  God  to  know  his 
will  in  this  new  business. 

Wednesday,  17.  Rode  to  quarterly  meeting  at  Deer-Creek ; 
thence,  by  Mr.  Gough's,  to  Baltimore.  I  preached  in  the 
evening  to  a  solemn  people,  on,  "  0  wicked  man,  thou  shalt 
surely  die :"  about  the  ending  of  the  sermon  the  floor  of  the 
house  gave  way,  but  no  injury  followed. 

Tuesday,  23.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  Frederick  quarterly 
meeting,  where  brother  Vasey  preached  on,  "  The  Lord  is  my 
Shepherd  ;  I  shall  not  want."  Our  love-feast  was  attended 
with  the  power  and  presence  of  God.  Leaving  Frederick,  I 
went  to  Calvert  quarterly  meeting.  Brother  Poythress  and 
myself  had  much  talk  about  the  new  plan.  At  our  quarterly 
meeting  we  had  a  good  time ;  the  love-feast  was  in  great 
life  and  power.  I  admire  the  work  of  God  among  the  coloured 
people  in  these  parts. 

Friday,  26.  I  observed  this  day  as  a  day  of  fasting  and 
prayer,  that  I  might  know  the  will  of  God  in  the  matter  that 
is  shortly  to  come  before  our  conference ;  the  preachers  and 
people  seem  to  be  much  pleased  with  the  projected  plan ;  I 
myself  am  led  to  think  it  is  of  the  Lord.  I  am  not  tickled 
with  the  honour  to  be  gained — I  see  danger  in  the  way.  My 
soul  waits  upon  God.  0  that  he  may  lead  us  in  the  way  we 
should  go  !  Part  of  my  time  is,  and  must  necessarily  be, 
taken  up  with  preparing  for  the  conference. 

Tuesday,  30.  I  preached  with  enlargement  to  rich  and  poor, 
on,  "  That  we  may  have  boldness  in  the  day  of  judgment." 
The  Lord  has  done  great  things  for  these  people.    The  Rev. 

M.  W  s  and  myself  had  an  interesting  conversation  on 

the  subject  of  the  Episcopal  mode  of  Church-government.  I 
spent  the  evening  with  D.  Weems,  and  spoke  to  the  black 
people. 


48G 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1784. 


Saturday,  December  4.  Rode  to  Baltimore,  and  preached 
on  Mark  xiv,  29,  30,  with  freedom.  I  spent  some  time  in 
town,  and  was  greatly  grieved  at  the  barrenness  of  the  peo- 
ple ;  they  appear  to  be  swallowed  up  with  the  cares  of  the 
world. 

Sunday,  12.  At  the  Point  my  heart  was  made  to  feel  for 
the  people,  while  I  enlarged  on,  "  Blessed  are  the  pure  in 
heart,"  &c.  I  was  close  and  fervent  in  town  at  four  o'clock. 
A  young  man  pushed  the  door  open  while  we  were  meeting 
the  society ;  he  was  carried  before  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and 
committed  to  jail,  but  he  was  bailed  out. 

Tuesday,  14.  I  met  Dr.  Coke  at  Abingdon,  Mr.  Richard 
Dallam  kindly  taking  him  there  in  his  coach ;  he  preached 
on,  "  He  that  hath  the  Son  hath  life."  We  talked  of  our  con- 
cerns in  great  love. 

Wednesday,  15.  My  soul  was  much  blest  at  the  com- 
munion, where  I  believe  all  were  more  or  less  engaged  with 
God.  I  feel  it  necessary  daily  to  give  up  my  own  will.  The 
Dr.  preached  a  great  sermon  on,  "  He  that  loveth  father  or 
mother  more  than  me,"  &c. 

Saturday,  18.  Spent  the  day  at  Perry-Hall,  partly  in  pre- 
paring for  conference.  My  intervals  of  time  I  passed  in  read- 
ing the  third  volume  of  the  British  Arminian  Magazine.  Con- 
tinued  at  Perry-Hall  until  Friday,  the  twenty -fourth.  We 
then  rode  to  Baltimore,  where  we  met  a  few  preachers  :  it  was 
agreed  to  form  ourselves  into  an  Episcopal  Church,  and  to 
have  superintendents,  elders,  and  deacons.  When  the  con- 
ference was  seated,  Dr.  Coke  and  myself  were  unanimously 
elected  to  the  superintendency  of  the  Church,  and  my  or- 
dination followed,  after  being  previously  ordained  deacon  and 
elder,  as  by  the  following  certificate  may  be  seen. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  That  I,  Thomas  Coke, 
Doctor  of  Civil  Law;  late  of  Jesus  College,  in  the  University 
of  Oxford,  Presbyter  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  Super- 
intendent of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  America ; 
under  the  protection  of  Almighty  God,  and  with  a  single  eye 
to  his  glory ;  by  the  imposition  of  my  hands,  and  prayer, 


Jan.,  1785.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


(being  assisted  by  two  ordained  elders,)  did  on  the  twenty-fifth 
day  of  this  month,  December,  set  apart  Francis  Asbury  for 
the  office  of  a  deacon  in  the  aforesaid  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  And  also  on  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  the  said  month, 
did  by  the  imposition  of  my  hands,  and  prayer,  (being  assisted 
by  the  said  elders,)  set  apart  the  said  Francis  Asbury  for  the 
office  of  elder  in  the  said  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  And 
on  this  twenty-seventh  day  of  the  said  month,  being  the  day 
of  the  date  hereof,  have,  by  the  imposition  of  my  hands,  and 
prayer,  (being  assisted  by  the  said  elders,)  set  apart  the  said 
Francis  Asbury  for  the  office  of  a  superintendent  in  the  said 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  a  man  whom  I  judge  to  be  well 
qualified  for  that  great  work.  And  I  do  hereby  recommend 
him  to  all  whom  it  may  concern,  as  a  fit  person  to  preside 
over  the  flock  of  Christ.  In  testimony  whereof  I  have  here- 
unto set  my  hand  and  seal  this  twenty-seventh  day  of  De- 
cember, in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1784.        Thomas  Coke. 

Twelve  elders  were  elected,  and  solemnly  set  apart  to  serve 
our  societies  in  the  United  States,  one  for  Antigua,  and  two 
for  Nova-Scotia.  We  spent  the  whole  week  in  conference, 
debating  freely,  and  determining  all  things  by  a  majority  of 
votes.  The  Doctor  preached  every  day  at  noon,  and  some 
one  of  the  other  preachers  morning  and  evening.  We  were 
in  great  haste,  and  did  much  business  in  a  little  time. 

Monday,  January  3,  1785.  The  conference  is  risen,  and  I 
have  now  a  little  time  for  rest.  In  the  evening  I  preached 
on  Ephes.  iii,  8,  being  the  first  sermon  after  my  ordination :  my 
mind  was  unsettled,  and  I  was  but  low  in  my  own  testimony. 

Tuesday,  4.  I  was  engaged  preparing  for  my  journey 
southward.  Rode  fifty  miles  through  frost  and  snow  to  Fair- 
fax, Virginia,  and  got  in  about  seven  o'clock. 

Virginia. —  Thursday,  6.  We  had  an  exceeding  cold  ride 
to  Prince-William — little  less  than  forty  miles,  and  were  nearly 
two  hours  after  night  in  getting  to  brother  Hale's. 

Friday,  7.  A  calm  day.  I  had  brother  Hickson  for  my 
companion.    We  passed  Fauquier  court-house ;  came  to  the 


488 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1785. 


north  branch  of  Rappahannock,  which  we  found  about  waist 
high,  and  frozen  from  side  to  side ;  we  pushed  the  ice  out  of 
the  track  which  a  wagon,  well  for  us,  had  made,  and  got  over 
safe.  Pursuing  our  journey,  we  came  to  a  little  ordinary 
kept  by  one  Whitehead :  here  were  some  wagoners  at  cards 
in  the  front  room ;  this  did  not  prevent  our  having  prayers 
in  the  one  adjoining :  we  slept  in  peace,  and  had  only  nine 
shillings  and  six-pence  to  pay  in  the  morning. 

Saturday,  8.  Rode  to  brother  Fry's  to  dinner,  where  I  met 
with  brother  Willis,  who  had  stopped  there  on  his  way  to  the 
conference. 

Sunday,  9.  We  read  prayers,  preached,  ordained  brother 
Willis  deacon,  and  baptized  some  children.  I  feel  nothing 
but  love.  I  am  sometimes  afraid  of  being  led  to  think  some- 
thing more  of  myself  in  my  new  station  than  formerly. 

Tuesday,  11.  In  the  morning  I  discovered  that  my  horse 
was  very  lame  ;  after  some  time  he  grew  better.  The  adver- 
sary tries  to  get  me  into  a  fretful  spirit — our  journey  was  at- 
tended with  some  difficulties ;  but  I  do  not  murmur.  I  had 
dreaded  the  ice  in  James  River,  but  we  crossed  with  the 
greatest  ease.  We  directed  our  course  to  Stanton  River ; 
and  here  we  waited  some  time  at  Hunt's  landing.  Mr.  Hunt 
was  so  kind  as  to  insist  on  our  staying  with  him  ;  and  we  were 
tired  enough  to  want  rest.  I  lectured  in  his  family  night  and 
morning. 

Saturday,  15.  Preached  and  administered  the  sacrament  at 
Royster's  church  ;  then  rode  to  brother  Phelps's,  where  I  was 
pointed,  on  Rev.  xvii,  14. 

Sunday,  16.  Although  there  was  only  a  probability  of  my 
coming,  a  few  people  met  at  Doby's  store,  where  I  preached 
with  some  life,  on  John  iii,  19-21. 

Tuesday,  18.  Brother  Willis  was  ordained  elder  at  Carter's 
church :  the  Lord  was  with  us  in  this,  the  sacrament,  and  the 
love-feast ;  and  all  was  in  life. 

North  Carolina. —  Thursday,  20.  My  horse  was  lame. 
I  rode  with  patience  to  A.  Arnet's,  and  was  blest:  we  re- 
joiced in  the  Lord  together. 


Feb.,  1785.J 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


489 


Friday,  21.  After  preaching  at  Thompson's,  and  baptizing 
some  children,  we  set  out  for  Short's.  Travelling  onward  we 
came  to  a  creek :  it  was  so  dark  by  this  time  that  we  could 
not  find  the  ford  ;  we  rode  back  a  mile,  and  engaged  a  young- 
man  who  undertook  to  be  our  guide,  but  he  himself  was 
scarcely  able  to  keep  the  way.  We  rode  with  great  pain  to 
Waggoner's  chapel,  and  after  pushing  on  through  deep 
streams,  I  had  only  nine  hearers  ;  this  was  owing  to  the 
carelessness  of  the  person  who  should  have  published  the 
notice  of  our  coming. 

Sunday,  23.  I  had  about  one  hundred  hearers ;  to  whom 
I  spoke  on  Josh,  xxiv,  15.  We  lodged  with  F.  C,  who  was 
very  kind,  although  he  could  afford  but  one  bed  for  three. 
The  horses  fared  well.  Next  morning  we  set  off,  and  came 
to  Old  Town  instead  of  Salem :  by  the  evening,  we  reached 
brother  Hill's,  on  the  Yadkin  circuit.  Thus  far  the  Lord  has 
led  me  on ;  and  I  still  hope  to  get  along  according  to  ap- 
pointment. 

Friday,  28.  My  horse  being  unfit  to  travel,  I  borrowed 
another,  and  went  on  seventeen  miles  to  Fisher's  River,  where 
I  met  with  a  few  poor  people.  Thence  we  rode  through  the 
barren  mountains,  and  crossed  the  frequent  rivers  in  our 

course,  and  came  to  W  's :  next  day  I  preached  at 

Heady 's,  and  rode  on  to  Hindorn's  in  Wilkes  county :  here 
we  were  kindly  entertained,  although  there'  were  few  people 
to  preach  to.  Nothing  could  have  better  pleased  our  old 
Church  folks  than  the  late  step  we  have  taken  in  administer- 
ing the  ordinances  ;  to  the  catholic  Presbyterians  it  also  gives 
satisfaction ;  but  the  Baptists  are  discontented. 

Thursday,  February  3.  Rode  twenty  miles  to  Wither- 
spoon's :  here  was  a  large  assemblage  of  people ;  some  to 
pay  and  receive  taxes  ;  some  to  drink ;  and  some  to  hear  me 
preach :  I  gave  them  a  rough  talk  on  Rev.  ii,  5-8.  From 
this  place  we  rode  to  Allen's.  The  people  here  are  famous 
for  talking  about  religion :  and  here  and  there  is  a  horse  thief. 

Sunday,  6.  Yesterday  some  were  prevented  from  offering 
their  children  to  God  in  baptism,  by  a  zealous  Baptist :  to- 

21* 


490 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1785. 


day  brother  Willis  spoke  on  the  right  of  infants  to  baptism  ; 
our  opposer  soon  took  his  leave. 

Monday,  7.  I  preached  at  Elsberry's,  and  rode  thirty-one 
miles  to  Morgan  Bryan's.  The  weather  has  been  cold  and 
uncomfortable.  I  have  ridden  on  the  horse  I  borrowed,  nearly 
three  hundred  miles  in  about  nine  days. 

Tuesday,  8.  I  observed  this  as  a  day  of  abstinence.  I 
preached  and  administered  the  sacrament ;  held  a  love-feast — 
our  friends  were  greatly  comforted.  Here  I  plunged  four 
adults,  at  their  own  request,  they  being  persuaded  that  this 
was  the  most  proper  mode  of  baptizing. 

Thursday,  10.  Rode  to  Salisbury,  where,  as  it  was  court- 
time,  I  had  but  few  hearers  ;  and  some  of  these  made  their 
escape  when  I  began  to  insist  on  the  necessity  of  holiness — a 
subject  this  which  the  Antinomians  do  not  like  to  hear  pressed 
too  closely. 

Tuesday,  15.  I  gave  up  my  horse,  and  borrowed  one  of 
Mr.  Randal.    I  fear  my  horse  will  lose  his  eyes.    I  visited 

B  ;  one  who  has  departed  from  God ;  he  appeared  to  be 

sensible  of,  and  lamented  it ;  yet,  he  said,  he  had  not  power 
to  pray  and  seek. 

South  Carolina. —  Thursday,  17.  We  set  off  for  Charles- 
ton, South  Carolina.    When  at  the  Cheraw  Hills,  we  thought 

of  going  to  's,  but  he  was  not  at  home.    A  family  which 

had  moved  from  Virginia  sent  after  me  with  an  invitation  to 
come  and  dine  ;  I  accepted  their  kindness,  and  arriving,  found 
that  they  had  been  Methodists :  after  spending  some  time  in 
the  church  in  prayer,  we  prepared  to  pursue  our  journey,  but 
being  pressed  to  stay  until  the  morrow,  we  remained  with 
them.  Came  to  the  Long-Blutf  court  house — found  few  peo- 
ple :  thence  journeying  on,  we  arrived  at  I.  Kimbro's,  and 
were  kindly  entertained. 

Tuesday,  22.  I  heard  of  that  impostor,  T — y— t,  who  was 
fleecing  the  people  of  one  hundred  guineas  per  annum :  were 
he  a  good  man,  I  doubt  if  they  would  supply  him  thus.  The 
greatest  consolation  I  had  was  whilst  alone  in  the  woods. 
I  was  comfortable  in  brother  Lee's  company. 


Feb.,  1*785.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


491 


Wednesday,  23.  We  crossed  Lynch's  Creek,  Blackmingo, 
and  Black  River,  and  arrived  at  Georgetown,  where  we  met 
with  a  kind  reception.  I  felt  my  mind  solemn,  and  devoted 
to  God,  but  was  in  great  doubt  of  success.  If  God  has  not 
called  us  by  his  providence  into  these  parts,  I  desire  and  pray 
that  we  may  have  no  countenance  from  the  people ;  although 
we  have  ridden  four  or  five  hundred  miles,  and  spent  our 
money. 

Thursday,  24.  I  preached  in  Georgetown  on  1  Cor.  ii,  14, 
to  a  serious  people.  A  Mr.  Wayne,  a  nephew  of  the  cele- 
brated General  Wayne,  introduced  himself  to  us,  with  whom 
we  took  breakfast ;  on  parting,  he  showed  us  the  way  to  the 
ferry,  and  paid  our  ferriage.  I  found  the  Lord  had  brought 
him  through  deep  exercises  of  soul.  We  travelled  on  through 
a  barren  country,  in  all  respects,  towards  Charleston.  We 
came  that  evening  to  Scott's,  where  the  people  seemed  to  be 
merry ;  they  soon  became  mute :  we  talked  and  prayed  with 
them  :  in  the  morning,  when  we  took  our  leave  of  them,  they 
would  receive  nothing.  We  met  brother  Willis  ;  he  had  gone 
along  before  us,  and  had  made  an  acquaintance  with  Mr.  Wells, 
a  respectable  merchant  of  the  city,  to  whom  he  had  carried 
letters  of  introduction,  from  Mr.  Wayne,  of  Georgetown :  I 
jogged  on,  dejected  in  spirit,  and  came  to  Mr.  Wells's.  We 
obtained  the  use  of  an  old  meeting-house  belonging  to  the 
General  Baptists,  in  which  they  had  ceased  to  preach :  bro- 
ther Willis  preached  at  noon — brother  Lee  morning  and  even- 
ing. I  first  went  to  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  then  to  the 
Independent  meeting-house :  at  this  last  I  heard  a  good 
discourse. 

Monday,  28.  The  Calvinists,  who  are  the  only  people  in 
Charleston  who  appear  to  have  any  sense  of  religion,  seem 
to  be  alarmed.  Yesterday  morning,  and  again  at  noon,  the 
congregations  were  small ;  at  night  we  were  crowded.  There 
is  a  great  defltrth  of  religion  here ;  some  say,  never  more  so 
than  at  this  time. 

The  people  were  a  little  moved  while  brother  Lee  preached 
to  them  on  Sabbath  evening.    My  first  sermon  was  on  Wed- 


492  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1*785. 

nesday,  the  second  of  March,  on  2  Cor.  v,  20.  I  had  but  little 
enlargement.  I  preached  again  the  next  day  on  Eccles.  xi,  9  ; 
the  people  were  solemn  and  attentive.  I  find  there  are  here 
who  oppose  us — I  leave  the  Lord  to  look  to  his  own  cause. 
I  told  my  hearers  that  I  expected  to  stay  in  the  city  but 
seven  days  ;  that  I  should  preach  every  night,  if  they  would 
favour  me  with  their  company,  and  that  I  should  speak  on 
subjects  of  primary  importance  to  their  souls,  and  explain  the 
essential  doctrines  taught  and  held  by  the  Methodists. 

Friday,  March  4.  I  gave  them  a  discourse  on  the  nature 
of  conviction  for  sin,  from  John  xvi,  8  ;  many  serious  people 
attended,  and  some  appeared  to  feel. 

Saturday,  5.  I  spoke  on  the  nature  and  necessity  of  repent- 
ance.   The  ministers,  who  had  before  this  held  meeting 

at  the  same  hour  with  us,  and  had  represented  our  principles 
in  an  unfavourable  light,  and  striven  to  prepossess  the  people's 
minds  against  our  doctrines — even  these  ministers  came  to 
hear.  This  afternoon  Mr.  Wells  began  to  feel  conviction  ;  my 
soul  praised  the  Lord  for  this  fruit  of  our  labours — this  answer 
to  our  prayers. 

Sunday,  6.  I  had  but  few  hearers  this  morning ;  these 
few  appeared  to  have  feeling  hearts  :  in  the  evening  I  preached 
to  a  large,  wild  company,  on  Acts  xvii,  30,  31.  My  soul  is 
in  deep  travail  for  Mr.  Wells — I  hope  God  will  set  him  at 
liberty.  The  sore  throat  and  scarlet  fever  prevail  in  this  city, 
yet  are  the  inhabitants  vain  and  wicked  to  a  proverb.  I  bless 
God  for  health. 

Wednesday,  9.  I  had  a  good  time  on  Matt,  vii,  V.  In  the 
evening  the  clouds  about  Mr.  Wells  began  to  disperse ;  in  the 
morning  he  could  rejoice  in  the  Lord.  How  great  is  the 
work  of  God — once  a  sinner,  yesterday  a  seeker,  and  now  His 
adopted  child  !  Now  we  know  that  God  hath  brought  us 
here,  and  have  a  hope  that  there  will  be  a  glorious  work 
among  the  people — at  least  among  the  Africans. 

Thursday,  10.  This  day  I  delivered  my  last  discourse  on 
1  Pet.  iii,  15.  I  loved  and  pitied  the  people,  and  left  some 
under  gracious  impressions.    We  took  our  leave ;  and  had 


Mar.,  1785.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


493 


the  satisfaction  of  observing  that  Mrs.  Wells  appeared  to  be 
very  sensibly  affected. 

We  had  rough  crossing,  in  going  over  the  Bay  to  Hadrell's 

Point.    I  baptized  two  children  at  Mr.  S  's,  for  which  I 

was  offered  a  great  reward — but  it  was  by  persons  who  did 
not  know  that  neither  my  own  feelings  nor  the  constitution  of 
our  Church  permitted  me  to  receive  any  compensation  for 
such  services. 

We  reached  Georgetown  time  enough  to  give  notice  for 
preaching  in  the  evening. 

Sunday,  13.  The  people  generally  attended  and  were  seri- 
ous.   We  found  Mrs.  Wayne  under  deep  distress  of  soul. 

From  Georgetown  we  came  by  Kingstree  and  got  to  Mr. 
Durant's,  who,  I  had  heard,  was  a  Methodist :  we  found  him, 
in  sentiment,  one  of  Mr.  Hervy's  disciples,  but  not  in  the  en- 
joyment of  religion :  I  delivered  my  own  soul  before  I  took 
my  leave  of  him. 

Hearing  of  brother  Daniel  at  Town  Creek,  I  resolved  to 
make  a  push  for  his  house ;  it  was  forty  miles  distant,  and  I 
did  not  start  until  nine  o'clock.  I  dined  at  Lockwood's  Folly, 
and  got  in  about  seven  o'clock.  0,  how  happy  was  I  to  be 
received,  and  my  dear  friends  to  receive  me !  I  have  been 
out  for  six  weeks,  and  ridden  near  five  hundred  miles  among 
strangers  to  me,  to  God,  and  to  the  power  of  religion.  How 
could  I  live  in  the  world  if  there  were  no  Christians  in  it ! 

North  Carolina. — Saturday,  19.  After  preaching  at 
Town  Creek,  I  rode  in  the  evening  to  Wilmington ;  night 
came  on  before  we  reached  there,  and  from  the  badness  of 

the  causeway,  I  ran  some  risk ;  we  went  to  ,  but  he  was 

not  prepared  to  receive  us ;  afterward  to   ,  where  we 

had  merry,  singing,  drunken  raftsmen ;  to  their  merriment  I 
soon  put  a  stop.    I  felt  the  power  of  the  devil  here. 

Sunday,  20.  The  bell  went  round  to  give  notice,  and  I 
preached  to  a  large  congregation.  When  I  had  done,  behold, 
F.  Hill  came  into  the  room  powdered  off,  with  a  number  of 
fine  ladies  and  gentlemen.  As  I  could  not  get  my  horse  and 
bags,  I  heard  him  out:  I  verily  believe  his  sermon  was  his 


494 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1*785. 


own,  it  was  so  much  like  his  conversation.  I  came  away- 
well  satisfied  that  I  had  delivered  my  own  soul. 

Monday,  21.  On  my  way  I  stopped  at  A  's  and  bap- 
tized some  children:  the  poor  mother  held  out  a  piece  of 
gold  to  me.  This  is  the  pay  of  the  priests  here  for  such  ser- 
vice :  Lord,  keep  me  from  the  love  of  honour,  money,  and 
ease. 

Wednesday,  23.  I  had  a  few  hearers  at  the  Lake  chapel. 
There  has  been  much  injury  done  here  to  the  cause  of  reli- 
gion by  some  who  promised  much  in  this  way,  and  performed 
little.  I  lodged  near  the  Wacamaw  Lake,  which  is  seven 
miles  in  circumference,  fed  by  several  streams  running  through 
the  adjacent  marshes,  and  surrounded  nearly  on  all  sides  by 
a  sandy  beach  :  this  is  a  desert  country ;  has  few  inhabitants, 
and  fewer  still  who  have  any  deep  sense  of  religion. 

Tuesday,  29.  Rode  to  Elizabethtown,  crossing  the  north- 
east branch  of  Cape  Fear  River.  I  called  at  S  's  and  of- 
fered baptism  to  his  sick  wife,  which  she  declined  accepting ; 
after  I  came  away  she  was  distressed  at  her  refusal,  and  sent 
her  son  four  miles  after  me  ;  myself  and  my  horse  were  both 
weary,  but  I  returned  and  had  a  solemn  time. 

Wednesday,  April  6.  I  preached  at  Swansbury  in  sight  of 
the  sea.  Here  are  a  wicked  people  indeed ;  nevertheless,  a 
few  have  joined  society. 

Monday,  11.  Preached  in  the  court-house  at  Kingston.  I 
was  entertained  very  kindly  by  Governor  Caswel. 

Tuesday,  19.  Preached  at  the  Cypress  chapel,  and  had 
many  people  to  hear.  I  met  Doctor  Coke  at  G.  Hill's  that 
evening :  here  we  held  our  conference  in  great  peace. 

Monday,  25.  I  rode  to  Doctor  Peets :  this  man  has  given 
up  family  and  private  prayer,  and  yet  is  in  distress  about 
his  soul. 

Tuesday,  26.  I  preached  at  Bridge  Creek  chapel.  I  was 
very  ill,  and  was  tempted  to  think  the  Lord  was  about  to  lay 
me  aside,  or  take  me  away,  and  detain  Doctor  Coke  in 
America. 

Virginia. — Saturday,  30.  I  am  much  better  in  health — 


May,  1785.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


495 


my  sickness  was  made  a  blessing  to  me.  Rode  to  W.  Ma- 
son's, where  we  are  to  meet  in  conference.  I  found  the 
minds  of  the  people  greatly  agitated  with  our  rules  against 
slavery,  and  a  proposed  petition  to  the  general  assembly  for 

the  emancipation  of  the  blacks.    Colonel  and  Doctor 

Coke  disputed  on  the  subject,  and  the  Colonel  used  some 
threats :  next  day,  brother  O'Kelly  let  fly  at  them,  and  they 
were  made  angry  enough  ;  we,  however,  came  off  with  whole 
bones,  and  our  business  in  conference  was  finished  in  peace. 

Thursday,  May  5.  At  R.  Jones's,  I  found  a  blessing  in  my 
labours.  Spent  the  evening  with  W.  Graves ;  I  am  weak  in 
body,  but  I  have  a  constant  sense  of  the  presence  of  God. 
Rode  to  Lane's  chapel,  where  I  found  a  serious,  loving 
people. 

Sunday,  8.  Rode  to  Ellis's  chapel — read  prayers  and 
preached.  It  appears  to  be  low  times  here.  I  was  happy 
with  brothers  Nichols  and  Spratley  in  the  evening. 

Monday,  9.  Set  off  for  James  City,  came  to  James  River, 
and  missing  the  house  where  the  ferrymen  stay,  I  was  de- 
tained some  time  before  I  found  them. 

Tuesday,  10.  Had  a  large  congregation  at  Chickahominy 
church :  I  administered  the  sacrament  to  a  number  of  com- 
municants, and  we  had  a  very  gracious  season. 

Thursday,  12.  Rode  to  York,  lately  the  seat  of  war.  Here 
Lord  Cornwallis  surrendered  to  the  combined  armies  of  Ame- 
rica and  France.  The  inhabitants  are  dissolute  and  careless. 
I  preached  to  a  few  serious  women  at  one  o'clock ;  and,  at  the 
desire  of  the  ladies,  again  at  four  o'clock.  I  came  to  Mrs. 
Rowe's :  the  son  was  once  on  our  side ;  he  has  left  us,  and 
now  we  have  the  mother.    I  lodged  in  the  poor-house. 

Saturday,  14.  I  directed  my  course  for  Urbanna.  I  was 
apprehensive  of  a  gust,  while  crossing  the  Rappahannock  ;  but 
I  reached  the  other  side  in  safety,  lodging  with  Colonel  Gor- 
don and  Captain  0  wings.  I  waited  on  Colonel  Carter,  a  Bap- 
tist ;  a  man  of  a  most  excellent  spirit :  we  had  much  free  con- 
versation on  the  subjects  of  religion,  Churches,  and  slavery. 

We  crossed  the  Potomac  at  Hooe's  ferry,  and  found  the 


496 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[June,  1785. 


people  vulgarly  wicked,  drinking  and  swearing :  we  paid  a 
dollar  for  our  ferriage,  and  left  them.  Perhaps  the  providence 
of  God  led  me  this  way,  that  I  might  see  and  learn  to  pity 
the  state  of  the  people  in  the  northern  Neck  of  Virginia  ;  and 
those  also  of  Charles  and  St.  Mary's  counties  in  Maryland — I 
have  been  sensibly  affected  with  their  situation. 

Maryland. —  Thursday,  19.  Preached  at  Childs's,  and  at 
Weems's ;  at  which  last  place  they  are  building  a  chapel.  I 
hasted  on  to  Annapolis ;  but  through  neglect,  the  people  had 
no  notice  of  my  coming.    Brother  Gill  was  here  a  few  weeks 

past,  when  one  S  ,  a  barber,  came  to  mock ;  and,  it  is 

said,  stood  up  to  preach,  and  said  his  sins  were  forgiven :  he 
was  soon  seized  with  sickness,  and  made  a  sudden  exit ;  here 
we  will  leave  him. 

Sunday,  22.  Notwithstanding  it  rained,  many  attended,  of 
both  rich  and  poor :  but  in  the  afternoon,  the  wind,  or  the 
rain,  kept  the  gentry  away ;  many  of  the  common  people 
heard  gladly.  From  Annapolis,  we  rode  to  Alexandria,  to 
meet  Dr.  Coke ;  he  did  not  come,  however,  until  the  next 
day. 

Thursday,  26.  We  waited  on  General  Washington,  who 
received  us  very  politely,  and  gave  us  his  opinion  against 
slavery. 

Friday,  27.  We  returned  to  Annapolis.  The  Doctor 
preached  at  six  o'clock,  to  a  crowded  congregation :  thence, 
passing  through  Baltimore,  we  came  to  Mr.  Gough's. 

Monday,  30.  We  went  to  Abingdon,  to  settle  our  college 
business  ;  and  took  a  bond  for  the  conveyance  of  the  ground  : 
we  then  returned,  and  fixed  our  plan  for  the  approaching  con- 
ference. 

Wednesday,  June  1.  Our  conference  began.  I  was  unwell 
during  the  session,  a  blister  running,  applied  for  a  pain  in  my 
breast.  On  Thursday  the  Doctor  took  his  leave  of  America 
for  this  visit.  We  parted  with  heavy  hearts.  On  Friday 
we  rested  from  our  labours,  and  had  a  love-feast. 

Saturday,  4.  I  spent  three  hours  profitably,  in  reading  the 
printed  minutes  of  the  conference. 


July,  1785.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


497 


I  left  Baltimore  at  three  o'clock  to  take  a  little  breath  after 
such  a  press  of  business. 

Sunday,  5.  I  rode  to  Abingdon,  to  preach  the  foundation 
sermon  of  Cokesbury  College :  I  stood  on  the  ground  where 
the  building  is  to  be  erected,  warm  as  it  was,  and  spoke  from 
Psalm  lxxviii,  4-8.  I  had  liberty  in  speaking,  and  faith  to 
believe  the  work  would  go  on. 

Monday,  6.  From  Abingdon  I  returned  to  Perry-Hall, 
and  there  continued  until  Friday. 

Saturday,  11.  Preached  in  Baltimore,  on  "Ye  know  not 
what  manner  of  spirit  ye  are  of."  In  the  town  I  spoke  three 
times,  and  at  the  Point  once. 

Friday,  17.  Preached  at  the  Garrettson  church  to  a  dull, 
backsliding  people. 

Friday,  24.  I  crossed  the  mountains  to  Sharpsburg,  and 
preached  to  some  honest  Germans.  Came  on  to  Shepherds- 
town. 

Tuesday,  28.  Rode  to  the  Springs  called  Bath  ;  now  under 
great  improvement.  I  preached  in  the  play-house,  and  lodged 
under  the  same  roof  with  the  actors.  Some  folks,  who  would 
not  hear  me  in  their  own  neighbourhood,  made  now  a  part  of 
my  audience,  both  night  and  morning.  Leaving  Bath  I  came 
to  brother  Dew's  (on  the  South  branch  of  the  Potomac)  very 
unwell. 

Sunday,  July  3.  The  day  was  rainy  :  nevertheless  I  preach- 
ed, administered  the  sacrament,  and  baptized  some  children. 

Saturday,  9.  Rode  to  Dewit's,  where  I  had  many  to  hear, 
and  some  to  have  their  children  baptized. 

Sunday,  10.  My  congregation  was  large.    Hard  labour  has 

almost  overdone  me.    I  rode  to  S  s's,  where  I  found  some 

life  among  the  people.  A  long,  dreary  ride,  brought  us  to 
Morgantown :  I  preached  and  baptized,  and  was  much  spent. 

Thursday,  14.  I  was  taken  with  an  inflammation  in  my 
throat :  I  preached  at  Col.  Martin's :  afterward  I  went  on,  in 
the  night,  and  very  unwell,  to  Seaton's. 

Friday,  15.  I  had  a  high  fever ;  I  however  bore  up  to  ride 
eight  miles,  and  preached  and  baptized. 


498 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1785. 


Saturday,  16.  Rode  to  Litton's,  but  could  not  preach. 

Tuesday,  19.  Came  to  Besontown ;  gave  an  exhortation, 
and  rode  on  to  . 

Thursday,  21.  Went  to  Mr.  Jacob's,  Old  Town;  he  and 
his  wife  appear  to  be  much  engaged. 

Sunday,  24.  As  an  appointment  was  made  for  me  to-day, 
I  read  prayers  and  preached  with  some  pain,  and  to  little  pur- 
pose. 

Monday,  Tuesday,  Wednesday.  Very  unwell,  with  a  relapse 
of  an  inflammatory  complaint  in  the  throat ;  for  some  time  I 
could  get  no  relief ;  hone}',  a  remedy  so  excellent  in  such 
cases,  was  not  to  be  had :  meantime  I  ate  with  pain,  and  was 
called  to  the  exercise  of  patience. 

Virginia. —  Thursday,  28.  Being  in  a  good  degree  re- 
covered, I  felt  thankful.  My  spirit  is  grieved  at  so  much 
vanity  as  is  seen  here  at  Bath,  by  the  many  poor  careless  sin- 
ners around  me.    The  living  is  expensive,  four  dollars  per 

week.    Capt.   is  here,  raised  almost  from  the  grave :  I 

feel  tenderly  for  him ;  I  hope  God  will  convert  his  soul. 

Sunday,  31.  Mr.  Keith  gave  us  a  sermon;  very  legal  and 
to  little  purpose.  In  the  afternoon  I  gave  them  my  last  dis- 
course on  Rom.  i,  16. 

Maryland. — Monday,  August  1.  Rode  thirty  miles  :  I  was 
almost  spent ;  I  ate  a  little,  and  was  glad  to  get  to  bed. 

Tuesday,  2.  I  felt  better :  the  weather  is  very  warm. 

Wednesday,  3.  I  rode  fifty  miles :  I  felt  weary,  but  better 
in  health. 

Thursday,  4.  Reached  Baltimore.  Our  friends  here  have 
bought  a  lot,  and  are  building  a  new  chapel  thereon,  seventy 
by  forty-six  feet :  it  is  well  fixed  for  entrances  and  light. 

Sunday,  7.  From  preaching  so  frequently  in  the  evenings, 
and  consequent  exposure  to  night  air,  I  have  suffered  a  re- 
lapse, and  the  inflammation  of  my  throat  has  returned  :  to 
this  was  added  a  bilious  lax ;  so  that  I  was  laid  up  at  Mr. 
Gough's  until  Saturday,  the  20th  inst.  During  my  stay,  Mrs. 
Charaier  has  departed  this  life,  and  is  gone,  I  trust,  to  Abra- 
ham's bosom.    It  has  been  a  school  of  affliction  to  me ;  but 


Sept.,  1785.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


499 


I  am  thankful  that  in  my  sufferings,  I  had  a  skilful  physician, 
and  constant  attendance  from  my  kind  nurses,  and  1  was  in  a 
house  where  prayer  was  wont  to  be  made.  I  have  been 
taught  the  necessity  of  walking  more  holily  and  humbly  with 
God ;  to  pray  more  fervently,  and  to  preach  more  faithfully. 

Sunday,  21.  I  was  just  able  to  perform  the  funeral  rites 
of  Mrs.  Chamier.  I  preached  to  about  one  thousand  people, 
and  had  a  very  serious  time. 

Tuesday,  23.  I  set  off,  very  weak,  for  Philadelphia,  and 
reached  there  on  Thursday  the  25th. 

Pennsylvania. — Sunday,  28.  Preached  a  sacramental  ser- 
mon on  Rom.  viii,  32.  Our  congregation  was  large  in  the 
evening,  to  whom  I  enlarged  on  Joshua  xxiv,  19. 

New- York. —  Wednesday,  31.  Reached  New- York;  and 
preached  the  three  following  days,  although  weak  in  body, 
and  languid  in  spirit. 

Sunday,  September  4.  Notwithstanding  I  was  very  unwell, 
I  preached  thrice,  read  prayers  twice,  and  held  a  love-feast : 
my  flesh  went  heavily  along.  Our  society  here  has  increased 
in  number  and  grace ;  our  congregations  also  grow  larger. 
I  feel  deeper  desires  to  be  given  up  to  God.  My  friends  here 
have  been  liberal  indeed  in  supplying  my  temporal  needs ; 
may  they  be  abundantly  rewarded  in  spirituals ! 

Wednesday,  7.  After  preaching,  this  morning,  I  left  the 
city :  overstaying  the  hour,  the  stage  left  us,  and  we  found 
ourselves  under  the  necessity  of  walking  six  miles ;  I  dined 
with  Mr.  Ogden,  and  preached  in  Elizabethtown,  in  the  un- 
finished church  belonging  to  the  Presbyterians. 

New-Jeesey. — Friday,  9.  Heard  Mr.  Woodall  preach  a 
funeral  discourse,  on,  "  Lord,  thou  hast  made  my  days  as  a 
handbreadth."    In  my  judgment  he  spoke  well. 

Saturday,  10.  I  had  liberty  in  preaching  to  the  people  at  Mon- 
mouth, on  Josh,  xxiv,  17,  and  felt  much  for  the  souls  present. 

Saturday,  17.  Quarterly  meeting  at  Morris's  River:  our 
house  was  not  quite  covered,  and  it  was  falling  weather ;  the 
people,  nevertheless,  stayed  to  hear  me  preach ;  afterward 
brother  A.  and  brother  L.  spoke  to  them. 


500 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Oct.,  1*785. 


Sunday,  18.  Wc  had  a  great  time  ;  the  people  spoke  freely 
of  the  dealings  of  God  with  their  souls. 

Wednesday,  21.  Rode  to  brother  F.'s.  I  received  my 
wagon  for  forty-four  pounds.  Will  it  not  bring  me  into 
trouble  in  travelling,  and  in  getting  horses  ? 

Saturday,  24.  Preached  at  Salem  and  at  Stow-Creek,  with 
some  consolation :  many  attended,  although  it  rained,  and  we 
had  a  comfortable  time  at  sacrament.  I  plunged  H.  T.  and 
S.  M.  in  Salem  Creek :  this  unusual  baptismal  ceremony, 
might,  perhaps,  have  made  our  congregation  larger  than  it 
would  otherwise  have  been.  Lord,  help  me  to  keep  on,  under 
all  my  troubles  of  body  and  mind !  From  Salem  we  pro- 
ceeded on  thirty  miles  through  a  great  storm ;  we  were  glad 
to  stop  at  Gloucester,  where  we  had  a  room  to  ourselves,  en- 
joying our  Christian  privileges,  and  were  comfortable.  Next 
morning  wc  came  on  to  Cooper's  ferry,  and  although  the  wind 
blew  violently  in  the  morning,  when  we  came  to  the  ferry  all 
was  calm.  We  breakfasted  in  Philadelphia  early  enough  for 
church. 

Pennsylvania. — Monday,  26.  Set  out  for  the  south  ;  and 
arrived  at  Chester.  Next  clay  preached  at  Mattson's  ;  arriving 
at  Wilmington,  I  preached  there  on  James  i,  27. 

Delaware. — Friday,  30.  At  Blackstone's  chapel.  I  felt 
the  necessity  of  watching  against  the  spirit  of  politics,  and  of 
being  more  in  the  spirit  of  prayer:  the  people's  minds  are 
agitated  with  the  approaching  election  of  delegates  to  the 
assembly. 

October  1.  Came  to  Dover.  I  had  the  court-house  full  of 
people,  but  I  was  not  in  possession  of  liberty  of  mind  or 
strength  of  body  to  preach.    The  election  is  not  yet  over. 

Monday,  3.  We  had  a  gracious  season  at  the  sacrament 
at  Purdon's.  That  evening  I  rode  to  brother  White's,  and 
was  closely  occupied  with  temporals. 

Maryland. — Saturday,  8.  We  had  an  open  time,  and  the 
souls  of  the  people  were  stirred  up  at  Angiers  ;  the  Lord  was 
also  with  us  at  Worton  chapel  in  the  afternoon. 

Sunday,  9.  I  preached  at  Kent  Old  Chapel,  on,  "  Ye  have 


Nov.,  1785.]  ASBUllY'S  JOURNAL. 


501 


said  it  is  vain  to  serve  God  :" — in  the  afternoon  and  at  night 
in  Chestertown.  I  always  have  an  enlargement  in  preaching 
in  this  very  wicked  place  :  the  people  to-day  were  very  serious 
and  attentive. 

Monday,  10.  Came  to  B.'s  ;  there  was  a  spirit  of  life 
among  the  people,  and  my  own  soul  felt  comfortably.  Some 
of  our  principal  members  here  are  men  who  have  not  been 
successful ;  had  they  prospered  in  their  pursuits,  perhaps  they 
never  would  have  sought  the  Lord  :  being  now  in  possession 
of  religion,  there  is  the  less  of  danger  in  prosperity  ;  I  there- 
fore counselled  them  to  go  to  the  western  country,  where  the 
means  of  rearing  a  family,  and  advancing  in  the  world,  were 
more  within  the  reach  of  the  inhabitants. 

October,  24.  Set  off  from  brother  White's,  for  Dorset  cir- 
cuit. I  preached  at  brother  Frazier's  in  the  evening.  After 
visiting  the  societies  in  this  quarter,  I  came  on  Saturday  to 
Caroline  quarterly  meeting,  at  the  widow  Haskins's ;  here  we 
had  a  gracious  season. 

Rode  to  Dover  quarterly  meeting.  Our  brethren  preached 
and  exhorted,  and  I  administered  the  sacrament. 

Wednesday,  26.  I  preached  on  Caleb's,  following  the  Lord 
fully.  I  left  Dover,  and  felt  some  pain  in  parting  with  my 
friends. 

Maryland. — Saturday,  November  5.  I  crossed  the  Chesa- 
peake, and  found  some  difficulty  in  getting  my  wagon  over  :  I 
missed  my  appointment  at  the  college,  and  came  late  to  Mr. 
Gough's. 

Sunday,  6.  Came  away  early,  and  arriving  in  Baltimore, 
preached  at  noon,  on  Heb.  xi,  2-8  ;  and  at  night,  on  Caleb's 
fully  following  the  Lord.  I  found  the  means  of  conveyance 
by  my  carriage,  or  Jersey  wagon,  would  not  do. 

Tuesday,  8.  I  preached  at  Annapolis  to  a  multitude  of 
people,  part  of  whom  were  serious. 

Wednesday,  9.  I  was  under  considerable  exercise  of  mind 
about  my  carnage  ;  I  at  length  resolved  to  decline  travelling 
in  it,  and  buying  a  second-hand  sulky,  left  it  to  be  sold.  I 
now  travelled  light  and  easy,  and  came  to  Childs's  church. 


502 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Nov.,  1785. 


Being  disappointed  in  crossing  at  Holland's  Point,  I  shaped 
my  course  for  Alexandria.  I  preached  on  the  Sabbath  even- 
ing on  my  way,  to  an  attentive  congregation,  and  reached 
town  on  Monday,  14. 

Virginia. —  Tuesday,  15.  I  dined  with  Dr.  Samuel  Smith 
and  Mr.  M'K  ,  at  General  Roberdeau's.  Our  conversa- 
tion turned  upon  slavery  ;  the  difficulties  attending  emanci- 
pation, and  the  resentment  some  of  the  members  of  the  Vir- 
ginia legislature  expressed  against  those  who  favoured  a 
general  abolition.  I  preached  in  the  court-house.  I  took  cold 
by  coming  out  into  the  open  air  whilst  in  a  profuse  perspira- 
tion ;  and  this  I  seldom  fail  to  do,  if  I  preach  to  a  large 
congregation  in  a  close,  warm  place.    In  the  afternoon  I  set 

out,  and  spent  the  evening  with  brother  Foster,  at  Mr.  V  's : 

it  rained,  and  the  house  was  like  a  sieve — they  could  not 
even  keep  the  beds  from  the  wet. 

Uiursday,  17.  The  morning  was  very  damp,  and  I  impru- 
dently set  out  an  hour  before  day  ;  I  thus  increased  the  cold 
I  had  caught  in  Alexandria,  and  brought  on  a  regular  attack 
of  my  old  complaint — an  inflammation  in  the  throat.  The 
day  was  very  cold,  and  we  suffered  much  :  we  stopped  at  a 
very  indifferent  house,  where  there  were  no  beds  fit  for  use, 
and  no  candles  :  we  had  to  wait  about  two  hours  for  some 
boiled  milk.  My  fever  and  inflammation  increasing,  I  rode  on 
thirty-three  miles,  to  Collins's,  in  Caroline  county,  where  I 
became  indisposed  indeed. 

Saturday,  19.  I  could  not  think  it  safe  to  stop  here;  I 
went  on,  passing  by  Hanover  court-house,  Hanover  and  New- 
castle towns,  anxious  to  get  into  a  good  lodging  and  amongst 
kind  people.  I  called  at  one  tolerable  house  ;  plain  people 
they  were,  but  ill  as  I  was  I  could  not  stay  here.  Journeying 
on,  I  came  to  a  petty  ordinary,  where  the  host  recommended 
me  to  a  widow  Chamberlayne,  who,  he  thought,  would  re- 
ceive me  and  use  me  well :  it  was  growing  late,  and  it  was 
cold  ;  and  it  was  still  five  miles  to  her  house  ;  on,  however,  I 
went;  the  Lord  opened  the  heart  of  this  widow,  and  she 
kindly  received  me  under  her  roof:  I  found  her  to  be  a 


Dec,  1785.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


503 


motherly  woman,  and  to  have  some  skill  in  my  complaint. 
I  was  doubtful  whether  it  were  best  to  bleed  or  blister  ;  my 
throat  inflamed  and  ulcerated.  In  this  situation  I  continued 
with  little  amendment,  until  on  Wednesday  morning  the  23d, 
one  ulcer  broke  ;  and  on  Thursday  the  other.  I  was  now  in 
a  fair  way  for  recovery ;  but  having  taken  cold  by  frequent 
bathing  my  feet,  a  violent  pain  and  swelling  settled  in  the 
joint  of  my  great  toe,  to  which  I  applied  a  bath  and  poultice 
of  bitter  herbs.  My  spirits  have  not  failed.  I  find  myself 
humbled  before  the  Lord  ;  and  hope  that  this  affliction  will  be 
for  his  glory  and  my  good. 

Friday,  25.  This  day  I  rode  to  James  City. 

Sunday,  27.  I  went  to  Chickahominy  church,  where  con- 
ditional notice  had  been  given  for  brother  Reed  :  I  preached 
on  Acts  v,  31,  and  spent  the  evening  at  Mr.  Welden's.  My 
foot  continuing  in  such  a  state  as  to  prevent  my  going  to  my 
appointments,  I  was  led  to  reflect  on  this  dark  providence. 
Unwilling  to  be  idle,  I  wrote  to  the  preachers  to  do  what  they 
could  in  collecting  money  to  carry  on  the  building  of  our 
college.  For  some  time  past,  I  had  not  been  quite  satisfied 
with  the  order  and  arrangement  of  our  form  of  discipline  ; 
and  persuaded  that  it  might  be  improved  without  difficulty, 
we  accordingly  set  about  it,  and  during  my  confinement  in 
James  City,  completed  the  work,  arranging  the  subject- 
matter  thereof  under  their  proper  heads,  divisions,  and 
sections. 

December  4,  5.  I  felt  somewhat  better,  and  had  a  great 
desire  to  go  on  my  way.  We  set  out  and  came  to  the  river  ; 
after  long  waiting  we  got  over,  but  with  difficulty — the  high 
wind  meeting  the  tide,  made  so  rough  a  sea  that  the  water 
came  with  great  violence  into  the  boat,  as  we  beat  out  of  the 
creek's  mouth  to  get  into  the  river :  thus  exposed,  I  took 
cold,  which  brought  on  a  slight  inflammation,  and  next  day 
increased,  and  produced  a  fever. 

Saturday,  17.  Having  proceeded  on,  I  arrived  at  brother 
Reddrick's,  in  Gates's  county,  North  Carolina,  where  I  spoke 
a  little. 


504 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1785. 


Sunday,  18.  I  had  more  hearers  at  Winton  than  I  ex- 
pected ;  they  were  attentive  to  what  I  said  on  Joshua 
xxiv,  19. 

At  Wicocon  the  glory  is  departed.  A  few  Baptist  women 
stood  at  a  distance  and  wept,  whilst  I  administered  the  sacra- 
ment :  they  dared  not  come  to  the  table,  lest  they  should  be 
discovered  by  their  own  people. 

On  Thursday  last  we  made  an  attempt  to  cross  the  Roan- 
oak  at  Cushi,  but  could  not  get  a  flat ;  we  then  made  for 
Oliver's  ferry,  and  having  no  knowledge  of  the  way,  I  waded 
through  Rock- West  twice,  and  wet  my  books.  The  river  was 
rising  rapidly,  and  we  had  still  six  miles  to  Long-Ferry :  I 
was  very  unwell,  and  my  spirits  greatly  sunk.  After  getting 
over,  our  difficulties  did  not  cease  ;  we  had  to  wade  several 
deep  and  dangerous  swamps  :  we,  at  length,  by  kind  Provi- 
dence, were  brought  safely  to  brother  Currell's,  where  we 
met  brother  Morris.  The  two  following  days  we  went  on  in 
the  same  manner,  both  horses  and  riders  sometimes  in  danger 
as  they  worried  through  the  swampy  wilds. 

A  solitary  day  this  ! — plenty  of  water,  if  nothing  else.  We 
employed  a  black  man  to  ride  our  horses,  and  we  took  to  a 
canoe  ;  being  remounted,  and  journeying  on,  we  came  to  a 
stream  that  was  impassable — we  found  ourselves  under  the 
necessity  of  going  round  by  Martinsburg,  and  thus  got  into 
the  road,  and  now  pushed  forward  with  spirit,  until  we  came 
to  Swift's  Creek ;  here  the  causeway  was  overflown,  and  the 
logs  most  of  them  afloat ;  my  horse  fell,  but  I  was  preserved 
by  his  securing  a  fore-foot  hold  on  the  timber  after  falling : 
thus  we  toiled  over  our  swampy  routes  and  crazy  bridges,  till 
seven  o'clock ;  and  about  that  time  arrived  at  Neuse-Ferry, 
having  ridden  about  forty  tedious  miles. 

North  Carolina. — Came  to  Newbern.  Found  brothers 
A.  and  B.  in  the  church  ;  I  preached  at  three  o'clock,  on,  "The 
world  by  wisdom  knew  not  God."  The  assembly  was  in 
session,  and  some  of  the  members  were  friendly. 

Wednesday,  21.  Sailed  down  to  Beaufort,  and  preached  in 
the  church  :  the  people  are  kind,  but  have  very  little  religion. 


Jan.,  1786.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


505 


On  the  same  evening  I  pushed  down  to  the  Straits,  and  the 
next  day  preached  at  the  Straits  chapel ;  thence  I  returned 
to  town,  and  preached  again ;  after  which  we  sailed  back  to 
Colonel  Bell's,  whence  we  first  started. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  24,  25.  We  held  quarterly  meeting 
at  Swansbury  ;  many  people — little  religion. 

We  came  to  Ford's  ferry  on  Drowning  creek.  The  waters 
had  risen,  and  extended  far  outwards  from  the  banks  of  the 
stream ;  here  we  were  brought  to  a  full  stop  :  providentially, 
we  found  a  man  there  who  was  waiting  for  his  brother  to 
fetch  him  over ;  the  brother  came,  and  we  all  crossed  over  to- 
gether ;  not,  however,  without  danger — bushes  would  strike 
the  horses,  and  their  capering  about  had  well-nigh  overset 
the  boat. 

South  Carolina. — January  4,  1786.  I  rode  my  sore- 
backed  horse  about  thirty  miles  to  Dunham's,  in  Britain-Neck. 
Dunham  is  in  despair:  this,  perhaps,  is  constitutional — or  it 
may  be  owing  to  his  circumstances ;  the  awakening  of  God's 
Spirit,  or  the  combination  of  all  these  may  have  produced  this 

effect.    I  borrowed  brother  A  's  horse,  and  we  went  on. 

We  crossed  Great  Pedee,  and  Lynch's  creek,  and  wet  my 
books :  coming  to  Blackmingo,  we  lodged  at  a  tavern,  and 
were  well  used.  Sleeping  up  stairs,  I  was  afraid  the  shingles, 
if  not  the  roof  of  the  house,  would  be  taken  away  with  the 
wind. 

Saturday,  7.  I  preached  at  Georgetown  twice  to  about 
eighty  people  each  time;  this  is  a  poor  place  for  religion. 
Here  I  was  met  by  brother  H.  Willis. 

Tuesday,  10.  Rode  to  Wappataw.  It  was  no  small  com- 
fort to  me  to  see  a  very  good  frame  prepared  for  the  erection 
of  a  meeting-house  for  us,  on  that  very  road  along  which,  last 
year,  we  had  gone  pensive  and  distressed,  without  a  friend  to 
entertain  us. 

Wednesday,  11.  Preached  at  S.  Capers's — we  had  a  good 
time,  and  many  hearers,  considering  that  neither  place  or 
weather  was  favourable :  my  soul  enjoyed  great  peace,  and  I 
was  much  engaged  with  God  that  my  labours  might  not  be 

22 


506 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1786. 


in  vain.  From  Capers's  I  came  to  Cain-Hoy  by  water.  I 
was  grieved  at  B.  A.'s  conduct;  hurt  to  the  cause  of  God 
may  follow. 

Friday,  13.  I  came  to  Charleston:  being  unwell,  brother 
Willis  supplied  my  place. 

Sunday,  15.  We  had  a  solemn  time  in  the  day,  and  a  full 
house  and  good  time  in  the  evening.  My  heart  was  much 
taken  up  with  God.  Our  congregations  are  large,  and  our 
people  are  encouraged  to  undertake  the  building  of  a  meeting- 
house this  year.  Charleston  has  suffered  much — a  fire  about 
1700 — again  in  November,  1740 — and  lastly,  the  damage  sus- 
tained by  the  late  war :  the  city  is  now  in  a  flourishing  con- 
dition. 

Friday,  20.  I  left  the  city,  and  found  the  road  so  bad  that 
I  was  thankful  I  had  left  my  carriage,  and  had  a  saddle  and 
a  good  pair  of  boots.  We  were  water  bound  at  Wasmesaw, 
where  I  found  a  few  who  had  been  awakened  by  the  instru- 
mentality of  our  preachers.  I  was  comforted  in  reading  Mr. 
Zublee's  account  of  the  death  of  some  pious  Germans  ;  and 
also  Mrs.  Fletcher's  account  of  her  husband's  death. 

Monday,  23.  The  Wasmesaw  being  still  impassable,  we 
directed  our  course  up  the  low  lands  through  the  wild  woods, 
until  we  came  to  Mr.  Winter's,  an  able  planter,  who  would 
have  us  to  dine  with  him  and  stay  the  night.  His  wife's 
mother  being  ill,  and  desiring  the  sacrament,  we  went  to  her 
apartment,  and  there  had  a  melting,  solemn  time :  in  this 
worthy  family  we  had  prayer  night  and  morning. 

Tuesday,  24.  We  made  an  early  start.  We  stopped  at  a 
tavern  for  breakfast;  the  landlord  had  seen  and  heard  me 
preach  three  years  before  in  Virginia,  and  would  receive  no 
pay.  That  evening  we  came  to  Mrs.  B.'s.  We  rode  fifty 
miles  to  the  Congaree :  we  lodged  where  there  were  a  set  of 

o  o 

gamblers  :  I  neither  ate  bread  nor  drank  water  with  them. 
We  left  these  blacklegs  early  next  morning,  and  after  riding 
nine  miles,  came  to  a  fire,  where,  stopping  and  broiling  our 
bacon,  we  had  a  high  breakfast.  At  Weaver's  ferry  we 
crossed  the  Seleuda.    Here  once  lived  that  strange,  deranged 


Feb.,  1786.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


507 


mortal,  who  proclaimed  himself  to  be  God :  report  says,  that 
he  killed  three  men  for  refusing  their  assent  to  his  godship  : 
he  gave  out  his  wife  to  be  the  Virgin  Mary,  and  his  son  Jesus 
Christ ;  and  when  hanged  at  Charleston,  promised  to  rise  the 
third  day. 

Friday,  27.  I  had  near  four  hundred  hearers  at  Parrott's 
log  church,  near  Broad  River.  We  have  ridden  about  two 
hundred  miles  in  the  last  eight  days. 

Sunday,  29.  Having,  by  appointment,  to  preach  on  Sandy 
River,  we  set  off  in  the  rain  which  had  been  falling  all  the 
night  before  :  the  first  little  stream  we  attempted  to  cross  had 
well-nigh  swept  brother  M'Daniel  away.  We  rode  on  to 
Little  Sandy,  but  found  it  too  much  swollen  for  us  to  ford  ; 
going  up  the  stream,  we  crossed  over  on  a  log,  our  horses 
swimming  over;  having  gained  the  opposite  bank,  we  con- 
tinued on  about  twenty  miles,  and  had  a  trying  time :  I  was 
happy,  although  brother  AVillis  was  afraid  we  should  be 
obliged  to  sleep  in  the  woods. 

Monday,  30.  We  rode  to  friend  Terry's ;  but  here  we  met 
with  our  old  difficulties,  and  were  compelled  to  go  up  higher. 
Coming  to  Great  Sandy,  we  crossed  the  river  at  Walker's 
mill ;  and  here  we  were  in  danger  of  losing  both  our  horses ; 
the  water  came  with  such  rapidity  from  the  dam  that  it  swept 
them  down  the  stream  under  a  log :  we  at  length  came  to 
father  Seally's :  here  we  stayed  to  refit,  and  had  everything 
comfortable.  I  preached  on  Wednesday,  after  which  I  had 
one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  to  ride  to  White's,  Mulberry- 
Fields,  near  the  mouth  of  John's  River. 

North  Carolina. —  Thursday,  February  2.  We  made  a 
push  for  the  Highlands,  and  got  as  far  as  brother  Smith's. 
On  Friday  we  aimed  to  get  to  the  Horse-Ford ;  but  missing 
our  way,  we  made  but  twenty-five  miles,  reaching  Herman's, 
who  treated  us  kindly,  and  would  receive  nothing — this  was 
well  for  us,  for  we  had  but  little  to  give. 

Saturday,  4.  Was  a  very  rainy  day ;  however,  we  pushed 
on,  and  rode  this  day  about  fifty  miles.  We  crossed  the 
north  branch  of  the  Catawba  River,  and  arriving  late  at  the 


508 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Feb.,  1786. 


south  branch,  we  providentially  met  with  a  man  who  was  ac- 
quainted with  the  ford  and  piloted  us  safe  over ;  it  was  dark, 
and  the  river  mild  :  through  a  heavy  day's  journey  we  came, 
wet  and  weary,  to  Mr.  Moore's. 

Sunday,  5.  I  preached  at  brother  Connelly's,  where  there 
is  a  large  society,  and  a  revival  of  religion. 

Monday,  6.  We  rode  to  W.  White's,  and  appointed  preach- 
ing for  the  next  day ;  here  I  had  about  one  hundred  hearers. 

Wednesday,  8.  We  rode  forty  computed,  and,  perhaps,  in 
truth,  fifty  miles,  to  quarterly  meeting  at  Gordon's,  at  the 
Mulberry  Fields,  on  the  Yadkin  River:  here  we  met  with 
brothers  Iv.ey,  Bingham,  and  Williamson.  Thursday,  the 
sacrament  was  a  time  of  refreshing. 

Saturday,  11.  I  rode  through  rain  and  hail  to  B  's,  and 

preached  to  a  few  serious  people  on  Psalm  cxxviii,  and  we 
were  blessed  together.  O,  what  happiness  do  they  lose  who 
never  visit  the  poor  in  their  cottages ! 

Sunday,  12.  At  Joseph  Herndon's  it  was  a  chilly  day,  but 
there  was  some  life  among  the  people. 

Monday,  13.  There  were  many  to  hear  at  K  's. 

My  rides  are  little  short  of  twenty  miles  a  day  in  this 
mountainous  country,  besides  my  public  labours :  my  soul 
has  peace,  but  this  body  is  heavy  and  afflicted  with  pain. 

Tuesday,  14.  We  rode  through  the  snow  to  Heady 's, 
where,  to  my  surprise,  I  found  that  the  poor  people  had  built 
a  good  house  of  logs ;  and  not  satisfied  with  this,  they  must 
needs  collect  a  little  money  for  me,  if  I  would  receive  it. 

Sunday,  19.  Preached  at  Morgan  Bryan's.  Next  day  I  set 
off  in  the  rain,  and  travelled  with  it :  we  swam  Grant's  creek, 
and  reached  Salisbury  in  the  evening,  wet  and  weary.  I 
thought  we  should  scarcely  have  preachers  at  the  time  ap- 
pointed, but  the  bad  weather  did  not  stop  their  coming.  We 
spent  three  days  in  conference,  and  went  through  our  busi- 
ness with  satisfaction.  Having  sent  our  horses  into  the  country, 
we  could  not  get  them  when  they  were  wanted ;  I  therefore 
borrowed  brother  Tunnell's  horse,  and  went  on  to  my  ap- 
pointments. 


Mar.,  1Y8GJ 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


509 


Wednesday,  March  1.  I  found  many  waiting  at  Newman's 
church,  Rockingham  county,  to  whom  I  enlarged  on,  "  Christ 
our  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemption." 
Provisions  here  are  scarce:  some  of  our  friends  from  the 
Delaware  are  suffering.  I  arrived  in  the  night  at  A.  Arnett's : 
my  being  in  a  poor  cottage  did  not  prevent  my  being  happy, 
for  God  was  with  me. 

Thursday,  2.  I  preached  on,  "  This  do  in  remembrance  of 
me ;"  and  it  was  a  solemn,  good  time. 

Saturday,  4.  At  the  widow  Dick's  the  preachers  fell  in 

with  each  other :  there  were  F  ,  E  ,  L.,  and  H. ;  the 

latter  is  a  smooth-tongued  pretty  speaker,  a  youth  that  pro- 
mises fair  for  future  usefulness. 

Tuesday,  7.  At  Stanfield's  I  had  many  hearers,  and  more 
liberty  in  speaking  than  I  have  had  for  some  time  past.  It  is 
hard  to  get  and  preserve  the  spirit  of  preaching :  it  seems  as 
if  God,  at  times  and  places,  withholds  his  Spirit  from  his  ser- 
vants ;  or  else  the  power  of  Satan  is  so  strong  as  to  depress 
the  life  and  liberty  of  the  speaker. 

Friday,  10.  I  rode  once  more  to  Hillsborough,  where  I  met 
with  a  cool  reception :  I  am  now  satisfied  never  to  visit  that 
place  again  until  they  have  a  society  formed,  constant  preach- 
ing, and  a  desire  to  see  me.  0,  what  a  county  this  is !  We 
can  but  just  get  food  for  our  horses.  I  am  grieved,  indeed, 
for  the  sufferings,  the  sins,  and  the  follies  of  the  people. 

Tuesday,  21.  Came  to  Whitaker's.  chapel,  near  Fishing 
Creek,  where  I  spoke,  with  but  little  consolation  to  myself,  to 
about  seventy  souls.  I  feel  my  body  unwell ;  but  my  soul 
is  stayed  in  cheerful  dependence  upon  God. 

Wednesday,  22.  Rode  to  D.'s  chapel,  where  I  was  met  by 
about  fifty  hearers :  spirituous  liquors  have  greatly  injured  the 
people  here. 

Friday,  24.  At  Conniconnara  chapel,  I  had  nearly  gone 
through  my  subject,  when  a  man  began  to  talk ;  his  brother 
carried  him  away,  after  fruitless  endeavours  to  silence  him. 
Brother  Dickens  spoke,  and  I  came  away  in  great  pain  to 
brother  Clayton's. 


510 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1786. 


Saturday,  25.  I  took  some  Hiera  Picra,  and  felt  better. 
Read  our  Form  of  Discipline,  in  manuscript,  which  brother 
Dickens  has  been  preparing  for  the  press. 

Sunday,  26.  We  had  a  large  congregation,  and  a  solemn 
time  at  brother  Clayton's.  After  meeting  returned  to  brother 
Dickens's.  He  and  his  wife  cleave  to  God ;  but  there  is  a 
great  declension  elsewhere. 

Tuesday,  28.  I  called  on  sister  B  ,  at  whose  house  I 

preached  when  she  lived  near  Portsmouth,  Virginia.  I  found 
her  at  the  point  of  death,  her  soul  filled  with  the  peace  and 
love  of  God.  I  came  on  to  Roanoak  chapel,  where  I  was  led 
to  be  sharp  while  I  treated  on  the  form  of  godliness  without 
the  power. 

Virginia. — I  found  the  Lord  was  working  among  the 
people  at  Young's,  in  Mecklenburg,  and  felt  myself  to  be 
in  a  warmer  clime.  We  had  a  gracious  time  at  quarterly 
meeting,  especially  at  the  sacrament :  the  words  of  our  excel- 
lent sister  Jones,  both  in  speaking  and  in  prayer,  were  sweetly 
and  powerfully  felt.  The  second  day  was  great,  both  in 
preaching  and  love-feast :  my  soul  was  melted ;  I  have  not 
witnessed  such  a  meeting  in  the  South. 

Saturday,  April  1.  Rode  through  the  rain  twenty-four 
miles  to  the  widow  Bedford's,  where  but  a  few,  besides  the 
society,  came.  I  met  the  married  men  and  women  apart,  and 
there  were  tenderness  and  tears,  greatly  felt,  and  copiously 
shed,  among  them. 

Friday,  7.  I  preached  at  Merritt's  chapel,  with  but  little 
life.  I  rode  down  to  Mason's  that  night,  much  weakened 
through  abstinence.  A  deep  dejection  seized  my  spirits,  so 
that  I  could  hardly  bear  up.  On  the  Sabbath  day  I  preached 
at  Moss's,  to  a  large  congregation.  We  went  forwards  towards 
Lane's  church  :  here  our  conference  was  held — some  spirits 
were  tried  before  it  ended.  Here  ten  young  men  offered 
themselves  on  probation. 

Thursday,  13.  Rode  through  the  rain  to  N.  Lee's. 

Friday,  14.  Arrived  in  Petersburg,  and  had  but  a  dull 
time. 


May,  1786.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


511 


Sunday,  16.  Being  Easter-day,  I  preached  at  the  Mana- 
kintown  on  Coloss.  iii,  1-4,  with  some  freedom. 

Monday,  1*7.  I  directed  my  course  northward,  and  on 
Thursday  the  twentieth  reached  Alexandria. 

Sunday,  23.  Hail,  glorious  Lord !  After  deep  exercises  of 
body  and  mind,  I  feel  a  solemn  sense  of  God  on  my  heart.  I 
preached  by  day  in  the  court-house,  on  1  Pet.  iii,  10  ;  and  in 
the  evening  at  the  Presbyterian  church,  on  Luke  xix,  41,  42. 
Alexandria  must  grow :  and  if  religion  prospers  among  them, 
it  will  be  blessed.  I  drew  a  plan,  and  set  on  foot  a  subscrip- 
tion for  a  meeting-house. 

Maryland. —  Wednesday,  26.  Arrived  in  Baltimore,  and 
and  was  occupied  until  the  following  Saturday  in  collecting 
money  for  the  books,  and  inspecting  the  accounts  of  the  Book- 
Concern. 

Sunday,  30.  I  preached  three  times,  and  made  a  collection 
to  defray  the  expenses  of  sending  missionaries  to  the  western 
settlements ;  I  spoke  twice  on  the  same  subject  through  the 
course  of  the  week. 

Monday,  May  8.  Our  conference  began  at  Abingdon, 
where  love,  candour,  and  precision,  marked  our  deliberations. 

Saturday,  13.  We  find  that  the  college  is  now  only  fit  for 
covering,  and  we  are  already  in  debt  nearly  £900,  and 
money  is  scarce.  Came  to  Baltimore  to  spend  another  tedi- 
ous week. 

Friday,  19.  My  soul  is  stayed  upon  the  Lord;  and  all 
within  me  longs  for  God — even  the  living  God. 

Sunday,  21.  I  preached  in  the  new  meeting-house  in  Light- 
street,  on  "  I  had  rather  be  a  door-keeper  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wickedness."  And  in  the 
evening  I  spoke  on  1  Kings  ix,  6-9  ;  it  was  a  very  solemn 
time,  a  warning  to  our  young  people. 

Tuesday,  23.  We  had  a  watch-night,  brother  Whatcoat 
preached  ;  it  was  a  moving  season. 

Wednesday,  31.  Came  to  Antietum  settlement,  and  spoke 
in  a  Dutch  church  :  a  travelling  ministry  would  be  more  pro- 
ductive of  good  among  these  people;  their  preachers  and 


512 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  IT 86. 


people  are  too  fond  of  settling,  and  having  things  established 
on  the  regular  plan. 

Virginia. —  Thursday,  June! .  I  reached  Shepherdstown 
-with  difficulty,  and  in  pain.  I  was  blest,  and  delivered  my 
own  soul.  The  people  here  are  displeased  with  me  because 
I  do  not  send  them  brother  Vasey.  Riding  through  so  much 
wet  and  damp  weather  has  caused  the  inflammation  of  my 
foot,  and  I  am  afraid  of  being  stopped :  this  is  a  great  trial  to 
me ;  Lord,  give  me  a  perfect  resignation !  We  have  had  rain 
for  eighteen  days  successively,  and  I  have  ridden  about  two 
hundred  miles  in  eight  or  nine  days ;  a  most  trying  time  in- 
deed. 

Saturday,  3.  We  rode  twenty- eight  miles  along  very  bad 
roads  to  Melbourn's.    Brother  Watters  preached. 

Sunday,  4.  The  Lutheran  minister  began  a  few  minutes 
before  I  got  into  Winchester:  I  rode  leisurely  through  the 
town,  and  preached  under  some  spreading  trees  on  a  hill,  on 
Joshua  xxiv,  19,  to  many  white  and  black  people.  It  was  a 
solemn,  weighty  time ;  all  was  seriousness  and  attention.  I 
then  went  once  more  to  Newtown  ;  here  I  preached  on  2  Tim. 
iii,  16,  17.  I  had  but  little  freedom  in  speaking.  I  called 
on  Mr.  Otterbine:  we  had  some  free  conversation  on  the 
necessity  of  forming  a  church  among  the  Dutch,  holding  con- 
ferences, the  order  of  its  government,  &c. 

Rode  to  Col.  's,  as  welcome  as  snow  in  harvest.  My 

soul  is  kept  in  peace ;  but  my  poor  body  is  much  fatigued, 
and  I  am  lame  withal.  I  came  over  a  rough  road  to  John- 
son's, and  preached  to  a  most  insensible  people. 

Monday,  12.  Rode  thirty-one  miles;  spoke  at  Dewitt's  to 
about  fifty  people ;  rather  hard  this,  after  riding  so  far :  I 
shall  go  elsewhere,  and  do  more  good,  I  hope. 

Tuesday,  13.  I  had  an  open  time  at  Col.  Barratt's.  My 
lameness  discourages  me.  Praise  the  Lord !  there  Is  a  little 
religion  on  the  Maryland  side  of  the  Potomac,  and  this  is 
some  comfort,  without  which  this  Alleghany  would  make  me 
gloomy  indeed.  Sick  or  lame,  I  must  try  for  Redstone  to- 
morrow.   My  mind  has  been  deeply  impressed  with  the  ne- 


June,  1*786.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


513 


cessity  of  getting  our  people  to  set  apart  the  five  o'clock  hour 
wholly  for  prayer ;  to  establish  prayer  meetings,  and  to  speak 
evil  of  no  man.  Jr^^>~r 

Thursday,  15.  We  rode  about  twenty-two  miles,  and 
were  kindly  entertained  for  five  shillings  and  sixpence. 

Saturday,  17.  We  had  a  heavy  ride  to  Morgantown.  I 
was  to  have  been  there  at  four  o'clock,  but  missing  my  way, 
I  made  it  six. 

Sunday,  18.  We  had  a  great  day.  When  I  had  done 
preaching  brother  M.  exhorted  with  life  and  power,  and  the 
power  of  God  was  felt  among  the  people.  I  suppose  there 
were  nearly  six  hundred  hearers  present. 

Tuesday,  20.  Being  court  time  at  Besontown,  our  congre- 
gation was  large  ;  perhaps  not  less  than  six  hundred  people. 
My  foot  continues  swelled  and  uneasy  ;  but  I  desire  to  praise 
the  Lord  under  every  affliction. 

Thursday,  22.  Crossed  the  Monongahela  at  Redstone  at 
Old  Fort,  where  they  are  building  a  town.  I  am  now 
among  some  of  my  old  friends  that  moved  from  Maryland  to 
this  country. 

Pennsylvania. — Friday,  23.  I  was  much  blessed,  and 
had  many  to  hear  at  S.  Litton's.  We  are  now  going  to  the 
frontiers,  and  may  take  a  peep  into  the  Indian  land.  This 
is  a  fruitful  district,  and  I  hope  it  will  prosper  in  religion.  I 
have  lately  been  sorely  assaulted  by  Satan,  and  much  blessed 
of  the  Lord. 

Saturday,  24.  The  people  were  veiy  still,  and  very  lifeless 
at  Lackey's.  I  felt  the  power  of  death,  and  my  spirits  were 
low.  This  is  death — when  religion  and  every  comfortable 
accommodation  are  wanting.  Lord,  sanctify  all  these  for  my 
humiliation ! 

Sunday,  25.  We  had  a  wild   company  at  D  's,  to 

whom  I  was  led  to  be  pointed,  on  Isaiah  lv,  6,  7.  After 
preaching  we  ate  a  little  bread  and  butter,  and  rode  fifteen 
miles  to  Doddridge's  Fort.  We  arrived  just  at  sunset,  and 
I  was  comforted  in  the  company  of  brother  Smith,  and 
others  of  my  old  friends  from  Maryland. 


514 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1V86. 


Virginia. — Monday,  26.  Preached  in  Coxe's  Fort  on  the 
Ohio  river,  on  "  Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good,  so  shalt  thou 
dwell  in  the  land."  Psalm  xxxvii,  2,  3.  We  found  it  neces- 
sary to  return,  they  said  twelve,  but  I  thought  fifteen  miles. 
We  were  lost  in  the  woods,  and  it  rained  all  the  way.  We, 
however,  came  in  about  eight  o'clock,  and  about  ten  laid  our- 
selves down  to  rest  in  peace. 

Tuesday,  27.  I  had  a  large  congregation,  and  Divine  aid. 
We  hasted  away  to  a  little  town  called  Washington — wicked 
enough  at  all  times,  but  especially  now  at  court  time.  We 
had  uncomfortable  lodgings.  Riding  hard  all  day,  and  loss 
of  sleep  at  night,  never  fail  laying  me  under  affliction. 

Thursday,  29.  I  had  enlargement  in  speaking  to  three  or 
four  hundred  people,  at  Roberts's  chapel,  on  Luke  iv,  18. 

Friday,  30.  Occasion  was  given  to-day  for  expressions  of 
wonder  by  a  clerical  character,  that  any  one  should  be  able 
to  preach  who  had  not  acquired  learning.  What  Jesuitical 
stupidity  was  here  manifested  !  We  came  to  the  widow  Mur- 
phy's.   The  family  are  kind,  and  the  mother  professes  religion. 

July  1  and  2.  I  spoke  in  the  new  church  at  Besontown. 
We  had  a  feeling,  gracious  season.  The  sacrament  was,  I 
trust,  attended  with  a  blessing. 

Maryland. — Monday,  3.  We  came  in  haste  to  Simkins's, 
and  thence  to  Barrett's.  We  rode  through  gloomy  moun- 
tains, and  over  rough  roads  for  two  hours  in  the  dark,  where 
both  man  and  horse  were  in  danger ;  but  the  Lord  was  our 
preserver,  and  no  accident  happened  to  us. 

Tuesday,  4.  I  came  to  Barratt's,  where  God  spoke  to  the 
hearts  of  a  few  souls,  who  were  not  a  little  moved.  Here  I 
was  almost  ready  to  drop  for  want  of  sleep. 

I  found  an  appointment  had  been  made  for  me  at  Friend's 
Cove.  I  hesitated  to  go,  but  being  unwilling  to  disappoint 
the  people,  I  set  out,  and  must  needs  stray  two  miles  out  of 
my  way  to  see  a  curious  spring,  which  ebbs  and  flows,  but 
not  regularly.  What  with  rocks  and  logs  in  our  route,  the 
way  was  so  rough,  it  was  a  mercy  that  ourselves  and  our 
horses  escaped  unhurt.    I  came  to  the  Cove,  and  preached 


July,  178G.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


515 


on  Luke  xi,  13.  I  have  been  greatly  tempted  to  impatience 
and  discontent.  The  roads  are  bad  ;  my  horse's  hind  feet 
without  shoes;  and  but  little  to  eat.  To  this  I  may  add, 
that  the  lodgings  are  unclean  and  uncomfortable.  I  rode 
across  the  mountain  to  Spurgin's,  where  I  met  with  a  num- 
ber of  serious  souls.  I  do  not  repent  coming  fifteen  miles.  I 
preached  on,  "  That  we  may  have  boldness  in  the  day  of 
judgment."  I  rode  twenty-two  miles  to  Foster's,  along  a 
blind  path,  and  came  in  about  nine  o'clock,  and  was  thank- 
ful. I  have,  in  six  days,  ridden  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles,  on  as  bad  roads  as  any  I  have  seen  on  the  continent. 

Maryland.  —  Sunday,  July  9.  I  rested  from  riding. 
Preached  on,  "  Who  hath  warned  you  to  flee  from  the  wrath 
to  come  V*  I  had  sweet  communion  with  God  in  the  woods. 
My  soul  hath  rest  in  the  Lord. 

Monday,  10.  Came  to  Old  Town,  and  preached  on  1  Tim. 
i,  15 ;  and  administered  the  sacrament. 

Tuesday,  11.  I  rested  to  look  over  some  papers  and  pre- 
pare some  parchments.  Spent  nearly  a  third  of  the  day  in 
prayer,  that  the  Lord  would  go  with  me  to  the  Springs.  O 
what  hath  God  wrought  for  brother  Jacobs  and  his  wife 
since  I  lodged  with  them  four  years  ago !  I  believe  from 
that  day  the  Lord  heard  our  prayers  for  them. 

There  has  been  a  remarkable  storm  of  hail  at  and  about 
the  warm  springs,  by  which  great  damage  has  been  sustain- 
ed. Some  of  the  hail,  it  was  said,  measured  seven  inches  in 
circumference. 

Virginia. —  Thursday,  13.  I  came  to  Bath;  the  water 
made  me  sick.  I  took  some  pills,  and  drank  chicken- broth, 
and  mended.  I  am  ill  in  body,  and  dispirited.  I  am  sub- 
ject to  a  headache,  which  prevents  my  reading  or  writing 
much,  and  have  no  friends  here  ;  but  I  desire  to  trust  the 
Lord  with  all  my  concerns.  Having  no  appointments  for 
three  weeks  to  come,  I  have  concluded  to  stay  here  awhile  ; 
and  I  am  the  more  inclined  so  to  do,  as  I  am  apprehensive 
my  stomach  wants  all  the  healing  efficacy  of  the  waters  to 
restore  it  to  its  proper  tone. 


516 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Aug.,  1786. 


Sunday,  16.  I  had  some  Divine  assistance  in  speaking  to 
the  people  under  the  trees,  on  "Lovers  of  pleasure  more 
than  lovers  of  God."  In  the  afternoon  I  enlarged  on, 
"  Having  the  form  of  godliness,  but  denying  the  power 
thereof." 

Monday,  Tuesday,  and  Wednesday.  Quite  weak,  and  con- 
siderably affected  by  the  water. 

Thursday,  20.  I  am  better.  Employed  in  reading  Mr. 
Harvey,  and  Brooks's  Practice  of  Physic.  More  than  or- 
dinary in  prayer,  and  spoke  in  public  every  other  night. 

Sunday,  30.  I  spoke  plainly  and  closely  in  the  playhouse, 
on  "  0  !  wicked  man,  thou  shalt  surely  die."  The  people 
were  serious.  I  cannot  get  the  people  to  attend  preaching 
except  on  the  Sabbath.  This  evil  is  to  be  remedied  only,  I 
presume,  by  our  getting  a  preaching-house,  and  preaching 
therein  by  candle-light. 

Saturday,  August  5.  I  began  to  pack  up,  in  hopes  of 
moving  on  Monday. 

Sunday,  6.  I  had  a  serious,  little  congregation  in  the 
country.    Returned  to  town,  and  preached  at  four  o'clock. 

A  pleasing  thought  passed  through  my  mind :  it  was  this, 
that  I  was  saved  from  the  remains  of  sin.  As  yet,  I  have 
felt  no  returns  thereof.  I  was  solemnly  impressed  with  the 
account  of  the  death  of  poor  Styor,  a  German,  who  dropped 
down  suddenly,  and  died.  He  was  a  man  of  piety,  and  had 
a  gift  to  preach ;  had  a  noble  spirit,  and  sound  judgment.  I 
have  spent  twenty-three  days  at  this  place  of  wickedness, 
(Bath.)  We  are  trying  what  can  be  done  towards  building 
a  house  for  worship  :  we  collected  something  on  the  Sabbath 
for  that  purpose,  and  it  appears  the  business  is  entered  upon 
with  spirit.  My  horse  was  running  in  the  pasture  last  week, 
and  hurt  himself,  so  that  I  find  him  utterly  incapable  of 
travelling,  and  that  I  am  compelled  to  linger  here  another 
week.  This,  as  it  Is,  I  am  willing  to  do,  for  the  sake  of  the 
people,  the  cause  of  God,  and  my  health  ;  and  I  am  disposed 
to  consider  it  a  providential  call,  although  I  should  not  re- 
main, were  my  horse  able  to  carry  me  away.    I  sent  brother 


Aug.,1786.J  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


517 


B.  to  my  appointments,  and  directed  him  when  and  where 
to  appoint  for  me.  My  hopes  revive  here,  and  I  trust  my 
labour  is  not  all  in  vain. 

Tuesday,  15.  I  preached  for  the  last  time  during  this  visit, 
but  the  people  showed  but  little  affection  for  the  word. 

Capon  River  being  full,  I  crossed  in  a  canoe,  and  found 
my  horse  better.  The  cut  was  a  deep  one,  but  we  applied 
a  piece  of  bacon  to  the  wound,  bound  some  leather  round  it, 
and  on  Thursday  I  took  my  departure  from  this  unhappy 
place. 

Came  to  my  old  friend,  B.  Boydstone's.  I  had  the  hap- 
piness of  seeing  that  tender  woman,  his  wife,  who  careth  for 
the  preachers  as  for  her  own  soul ;  full  oft  hath  she  refresh- 
ed my  spirit :  her  words,  looks,  and  gestures,  appear  to  be 
heavenly.  Here  I  could  make  no  stay,  lest  I  should  miss 
my  appointments  in  Philadelphia ;  and  if  so,  be  too  late  for 
those  made  in  the  Jerseys  and  New- York. 

Maryland. — Sunday  morning.  Rode  twenty  miles  to 
Pipe-Creek  chapel,  and  preached  to  a  large  congregation. 

Monday,  21.  Reached  Mr.  Gough's,  where  I  spent  two 
days.  The  weather  was  very  warm  ;  but  for  one  hundred 
miles  and  upwards  I  have  had  it  sufficiently  agreeable. 

Came  to  Abingdon.  Our  college  is  still  without  a  cover, 
and  our  managers,  as  I  expected,  almost  out  of  breath.  I 
made  but  little  stay,  but  hasted  on  to  Philadelphia,  and  ar- 
rived there  on  the  twenty-sixth,  Saturday. 

New-Jersey. — Monday,  28.  I  came  to  Trenton ;  and 
thence  proceeded  on  to  Brunswick.  I  was  accidentally,  or 
rather  providentially,  favoured  with  a  ride  in  a  carriage ; 
else  I  know  not  hoAv  I  should  have  proceeded  on  my  jour- 
ney. I  reached  New- York  on  the  thirty-first  of  August, 
having  travelled  three  hundred  and  fifty  miles  since  I  left 
Bath,  in  Virginia. 

New-York. — I  was  taken  ill,  and  was  confined  about 
eight  days,  during  which  time  I  was  variously  tried  and  ex- 
ercised in  mind.  I  spent  some  time  in  looking  over  my 
journals,  which  I  have  kept  for  fifteen  years  back.  Some 


518 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Sept.,  1786. 


things  I  corrected,  and  some  I  expunged.  Perhaps,  if  they 
are  not  published  before,  they  will  be  after  my  death,  to 
let  my  friends  and  the  world  see  how  I  have  employed  my 
time  in  America.  I  feel  the  worth  of  souls,  and  the  weight 
of  the  pastoral  charge,  and  that  the  conscientious  discharge 
of  its  important  duties  requires  something  more  than  human 
learning,  unwieldy  salaries,  or  clerical  titles  of  D.  D.,  or 
even  bishop.  The  eyes  of  all — both  preachers  and  people, 
will  be  opened  in  time. 

Saturday,  September  16.  It  was  a  very  solemn  season  at 
the  ordination  of  brother  Dickens  to  the  eldership.  I  gave 
the  charge  from  1  Tim.  hi,  10,  14.  In  the  afternoon  I 
preached  to  the  people  from  these  words,  "  Pray  for  us ;" 
and  in  the  evening  from  "  The  world  by  wisdom  knew  not 
God  :  it  pleased  God,  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching,  to 
save  them  that  believe."  I  met  the  society,  and  opened  my 
mind  to  them  on  various  subjects. 

Tuesday,  19.  I  rose  with  a  sense  of  God  upon  my  soul. 

I  have  been  a  little  grieved  with  letters  from  :  but  it 

is  in  vain  to  look  for  more  than  man  in  the  best  of  men. 
My  witness  is  on  high  ;  and  I  shall  have  respect  to  my 
Great  Shepherd  in  all  things.  After  preaching  on  "  The 
grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,"  &c, 
and  settling  some  temporal  matters  relative  to  the  support 
of  the  stationed  preachers,  I  left  the  city  and  came  to 
Elizabethtown.  At  seven  o'clock  I  preached,  and  had  much 
liberty. 

New- Jersey. — Friday,  22.  We  dined  at  Amboy,  and 
reached  Monmouth  at  night. 

Saturday,  23.  I  preached  with  life  and  love  at  Leonard's. 
The  people  here  appear  very  lifeless.  I  have  lately  been 
much  tried  and  much  blessed. 

Tuesday,  26.  I  had  many  to  hear  at  Potter's  church,  but 
the  people  were  insensible  and  unfeeling. 

Wednesday,  27.   I  met  with  brothers  P  s  and  Budd. 

We  sailed  over  the  bay  to  the  sea,  for  the  benefit  of 
the  air. 


Oct.,  1786.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


519 


Thursday,  28.  Since  this  day  week  we  have  ridden  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  over  dead  sands,  and  among  a 
dead  people,  and  a  long  space  between  meals. 

Friday,  29.  I  preached  in .  a  close,  hot  place,  and  ad- 
ministered the  sacrament.  I  was  almost  ready  to  faint.  I  feel 
fatigued  and  much  dispirited.  We  lodged  at  Freedom  Lu- 
cas's, near  Batskow,  an  honest-hearted  man.  We  shall  see 
whether  he  will  continue  to  be  the  same  simple-hearted 
Christian  he  now  is,  when  he  gets  possession  of  the  estate 
which,  it  is  said,  has  fallen  to  him  in  England. 

New- Jersey. — Sunday,  October  1.  We  had  a  very  large 
congregation ;  to  whom  I  enforced,  "  Look  unto  me,  all  ye 
ends  of  the  earth,  and  be  saved." 

Cape-May. — We  stopped  at  the  Cape.  I  find  there  is  a 
great  dearth  of  religion  in  these  parts;  and  my  spirit  is 
clothed  in  sackcloth  before  the  Lord. 

Tuesday,  3.  At  P.  Cresey's  we  had  a  few  cold  hearers — 
the  glory  is  strangely  departed. 

Thursday,  5.  There  are  a  few  pious  souls  at  Gougli's  ; 
but  here  also  there  is  an  evident  declension.  My  soul  is 
under  deep  exercise  on  account  of  the  deadness  of  the 
people,  and  my  own  want  of  fervour  and  holiness  of  heart. 

Friday,  6.  At  Morris-River  church,  I  was  warm  and 
close  on,  "  Lord,  arg  there  few  that  be  saved  ?"  The  people 
were  attentive  to  the  word. 

Sunday,  8.  At  New-England  Town  we  had  a  small  house 
and  large  congregation.  I  had  liberty  in  preaching  on,  "  By 
grace  are  ye  saved  through  faith."  Thence  I  proceeded  to 
M  's,  where  I  had  poor  times.  Next  day  I  felt  quite  un- 
well for  want  of  rest,  so  annoyed  were  we  the  night  before. 

Thursday,  12.  I  was  shut  up  in  speaking  on  1  Cor.  i,  30. 
At  Marfrey's  we  had  many  dull,  prayerless  people.  We 
came  to  the  widow  Airs's  ;  the  mother  and  daughters  are 
serious,  and  the  son  thoughtful.  The  weather  is  oppressively 
warm,  and  I  feel  weary  and  faint.  I  was  much  shut  up  at 
Bethel,  on  1  Peter  iii,  18.  Three  times  have  I  been  here, 
and  always  straitened  in  spirit. 


520 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1780. 


Saturday,  14.  Came  to  Sandstown :  the  weather  very 
warm,  and  the  people  dull:  I  administered  the  sacrament, 
and  rode  away  to  Cooper's  ferry,  where  we  left  our  horses 
and  crossed  to  the  city,  (Philadelphia  :)  here  I  found  brother 
Whatcoat,  with  whom  I  took  sweet  counsel. 

Pennsylvania. — Sunday,  15.  I  had  some  energy  in  speak- 
ing, and  at  sacrament.  In  the  afternoon  it  was  a  feeling  time, 
on  "  The  Lord  will  give  grace  and  glory." 

New- Jersey. — Monday,  16.  Rode  to  Holly,  where  I 
preached  on  "  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,"  &c. ;  and 
then  at  New-Mills,  on  "  Suffering  affliction  with  the  people  of 
God." 

At  Burlington  I  enlarged  on,  "  Neither  is  there  salvation 
in  any  other,"  &c. :  these  are  not  a  zealous  people  for  re- 
ligion. 

Pennsylvania. —  Wednesday,  18.  We  returned  to  the  city 
of  Philadelphia.  Next  day  I  preached,  and  was  close  and 
pointed. 

Friday,  20.  I  was  led  to  treat  on  the  sufferings  of  God's 
people ;  as  entirely  distinct  from  those  they  endure  in  com- 
mon with  other  men,  and  certainly  unavoidable  by  all  who 
are  really  alive  to  God.  I  found  it  necessary  to  change  some 
official  men ;  and  to  take  proper  steps  in  preparing  to  defray 
our  church  debt,  which  is  now  £500.  I^gave  them  a  sermon 
on  "  By  this  shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if 
ye  love  one  another." 

Sunday,  22.  In  the  afternoon  I  left  the  city,  and  preached 
in  the  evening  at  Chester. 

Delaware. — Monday,  23.  I  rode  forty-five  miles  to  Dick- 
enson's, in  the  Delaware  State.  Preached  at  Little-Creek, 
and  then  rode  five  miles  to  Dover,  and  preached  in  the  court- 
house. I  bless  God  for  peace  of  mind,  and  communion  with 
him. 

Sunday,  29.  I  had  many  to  hear  at  Dover,  and  had  power 
and  liberty  in  speaking  on  Gal.  i,  5 :  we  also  had  a  good  sa- 
cramental time.    In  the  afternoon  I  spoke  on  the  latter  part 


Nov.,  1*786.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  521 

of  my  text — how  and  what  it  is  to  suffer  according  to  the  will 
of  God.  Thence  to  Thomas  White's,  where  I  was  closely 
employed.  jt+^r 

Sunday,  November  5.  I  preached  at  Cambridge,  on  "  We 
preach  Christ  crucified,"  &c. ;  little  light,  and  less  heat. 
I  was  blessed  in  my  own  soul,  and  had  liberty  in  preaching 
at  M'Keels's  in  the  afternoon,  where  there  is  some  revival 
among  the  people. 

Thursday,  9.  I  rode  to  Mr.  Bartholomew  Ennalls's;  the 
notice  was  short,  and  the  congregation  small;  the  word, 
nevertheless,  reached  some  hearts.  I  crossed  at  Vienna,  a 
dead  and  dark  place  for  religion. 

Friday,  10.  We  had  more  than  I  expected  of  hearers  at 
Quantico  chapel.  Thence  I  went  to  Wycomico  River,  and 
lodged  at  Captain  Conoway's,  where  we  met  with  a  kind  re- 
ception. I  feel  the  need  of  being  more  than  ever  given  up 
to  God.  I  preached  in  Curtis's  chapel :  our  love-feast  was 
lively :  several  holy  women  spoke  of  the  perfect  love  of 
God. 

Sunday  12.  According  to  the  custom  of  the  place,  I 
preached  to  accommodate  them ;  my  subject  was  Joshua 
xiv,  8. 

Monday,  13.  I  had  about  fifty  hearers  at  Myles's  chapel, 
where  I  preached  a  funeral  sermon  on  Ezek.  xxxvi,  25. 

Tuesday,  14.  I  crossed  Pocomoke  River,  and  had  some 
enlargement  in  preaching  at  Melvin's. 

Virginia. —  Thursday,  16.  Rode  to  Paramore's.  The  win- 
ter comes  on  apace.  I  am  at  times  beset  with  temptation ; 
but  sin  is  as  hateful  to  me  as  ever. 

Friday,  IV.  The  weather  was  cold  and  rainy,  so  that  there 
were  but  few  people  at  the  widow  Burton's  ;  among  these 
there  were  some  who  enjoyed,  and  others  panting  after,  the 
perfect  love  of  God. 

Sunday,  19.  I  rode  about  twenty  miles  through  the  rain 
to  Garrettson  chapel,  where  about  fifty  whites,  and  as  many 
blacks  met  me,  to  whom  I  preached  with  liberty. 


522 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1*786. 


Monday,  20.  I  rode  about  forty-five  miles  ;  and  on  Tues- 
day preached  at  Snow-Hill  to  about  one  hundred  people. 
Here  I  visited  some  prisoners  under  sentence  of  death  ;  they 
were  sunk  down  with  fear  and  horror. 

Delaware. — Friday,  24.  My  soul  has  peace  under  sore 
temptation.  I  want  to  live  from  moment  to  moment  under  a 
sense  of  God. 

Saturday,  25.  We  had  a  cold,  long  ride  to  the  sound.  On 
Sunday  we  had  an  open  house,  and  the  weather  was  very 
cold  ;  but  my  preaching  was  not  all  in  vain  :  I  spoke  from 
these  words,  "  I  will  give  them  a  heart  of  flesh." 

Monday,  27.  I  rode  thirty  miles  to  Lewistown,  very  un- 
well. I  preached  at  Shankland's,  and  the  people  were  serious, 
but  I  was  compelled  to  cease  from  speaking  by  a  violent  pain 
in  my  head,  accompanied  by  a  fever. 

Tuesday,  28.  I  preached  in  the  court-house  at  Lewistown, 
and  I  trust  the  word  went  with  some  weight;  the  congre- 
gation was  large. 

Maryland. — I  attended  a  quarterly  meeting  at  William 
Frazier's,  where  I  rested  from  travelling  two  days :  the  first 
day  I  spoke  on  "  Fight  the  good  fight  of  faith  ;"  and  on  the 
second,  "  Look  unto  me,  all  ye  ends  of  the  earth,  and  be 
saved."  My  soul  was  blessed,  although  our  meeting  was 
cold  ;  and  our  dwelling-house  crowded  with  a  dozen  preachers, 
besides  others. 

Sunday,  December  3.  Preached  at  Tuckahoe  chapel,  on 
"  These  shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment,  but  the 
righteous  into  life  eternal."  I  spoke  again  at  widow  Lyder's 
at  four  o'clock. 

Monday,  4.  I  rode  to  the  bay-side  through  snow  and  hail, 
and  met  about  one  hundred  people  :  this  we  owe  to  the  re- 
vival of  religion  among  them.  Our  return  thence  was  through 
heavy  roads.  I  stopped  in  my  way  at  H.  Banning's,  whose 
wife  felt  conviction  under  my  preaching  three  years  ago. 

Tuesday,  5.  I  had  a  few  people  at  Bolingbrook,  and  spent 
the  evening  with  Colonel  Burckhead,  who  wTants  to  know  the 


Dec,  178C] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


523 


Lord ;  he  opened  his  mind  to  me  with  great  freedom  and 
tenderness.  Brother  White  says  that  five  hundred  souls 
have  joined  society  in  this  circuit  (Talbot)  this  year  ;  that 
half  that  number  profess  to  have  found  the  Lord ;  and  more 
than  one  hundred  to  have  obtained  sanctification  :  good  news 
this,  if  true. 

At  Barratt's  chapel  there  was  some  move  during  the  course 
of  the  quarterly  meeting,  especially  at  the  love-feast.    I  rode 
in  the  evening  to  Dover,  and  preached  on  "  So  is  every  one 
that  layeth  up  treasure  for  himself,  and  is  not  rich  towards 
*    God."  . 

Friday,  15.  We  had  a  heavy  ride  to  Queen  Anne's  chapel. 
I  did  not  arrive  there  until  near  two  o'clock.  My  soul  melted 
for  backsliders.  I  was  much  led  out  on  Hos.  xiv,  14  ;  and 
hope  it  will  never  be  forgotten.  We  dined,  and  then  rode  to 
Newtown  by  sunset. 

Sunday,  17.  A  day  of  rest  to  my  soul.  I  preached  and 
administered  the  sacrament  in  Newtown.  They  have  a  com- 
fortable house  for  worship  here,  especially  in  the  winter. 
Came  to  Worton  chapel,  and  had  some  life  in  speaking  to  a 
few  people. 

We  waited  at  the  widow  Frisby's  for  a  boat  to  cross  the 
Chesapeake  bay  ;  but  none  was  to  be  had.  We  rode  round 
the  head  of  Elk  River,  and  crossed  the  Susquehanna :  we 
came  in,  after  riding  that  evening  in  the  rain  and  snow,  with 
the  wind  in  our  faces,  about  twenty  miles. 

Maryland. —  Thursday,  21.  Reached  the  college  ;  and  on 
Friday  went  to  Baltimore,  where  I  was  in  great  haste  to  settle 
the  business  of  the  book  concern,  and  of  the  college. 

Saturday,  23.  We  called  a  meeting  of  the  trustees,  formed 
our  constitution,  and  elected  new  members.  I  preached  twice 
on  the  Sabbath,  and  ordained  Woolman  Hickson  and  Joseph 
Cromwell  to  the  eldership.  I  met  the  trustees  and  adjusted 
the  accounts.  We  find  we  have  expended  upwards  of  £2,000  ; 
we  agreed  to  finish  two  rooms,  and  to  send  for  Mr.  Heath  for 
our  president.    On  Tuesday  I  left  town,  and  came  to  An- 


524 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1786. 


napolis  about  seven  o'clock.  Finding  my  appointments  were 
not  made,  I  determined  to  direct  my  course  towards  Alexan- 
dria. The  Lord  has  been  powerfully  at  work  at  Annapolis 
since  I  was  here  last  autumn ;  twenty  or  thirty  whites  and 
some  blacks  have  been  added  to  the  society. 

Virginia. — I  reached  Alexandria,  and  on  Saturday 
preached  in  the  court-house,  on,  ' '  If  we  suffer,  we  shall  also 
reign  with  him." 


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was  not  owing  to  any  natural  oratory  that  he  possessed,  but  mainly  to  the 
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chiefly  of  a  hortatory  character  ;  and  he  particularly  excelled  in  that  most 
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trating his  subjects  by  facts  and  picturesque  descriptions,  of  which  the  pres- 
ent volume  is  a  marked  example. — Zion's  Herald. 

A  beautifully  ornamented  little  volume,  intended  as  a  marriage  gift.— Tribune. 

A  little  volume  of  practical  advice  and  suggestions  to  the  married.  It  is  marked 
by  a  religious  spirit,  aDd  good  common  seuse. — Recorder. 

Attention  is  particularly  requested  to  the  new  Classified  and  Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Books, 
Tracts,  Ac,  published  lor  "the  .Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  which  can  be  readily  obtained  from 
the  Agents,  Messrs.  Lane  &  Scott,  No.  200  Mulberry-street,  New-York,  or  from  Messrs.  Swonn- 
atedt  &  Power,  comer  of  Main  and  Eighth-streeU>,  Cincinnati. 


WORKS  PUBLISHED  BY  LANE  &  SCOTT, 
200  Mulberry-street,  New- York. 


Watson's  (Richard)  Institutes. 

Theological  Institutes ;  or,  a  View  of  the  Evidences,  Doctrines,  Morals, 
and  Institutions  of  Christianity.  By  Richard  Watson.  Seventh 
thousand.  With  a  Copious  Analysis,  by  J.  M'Clintock,  D.  D.,  and  a 
full  Index  to  the  whole  work.    A  new  edition,  revised. 


8vo.,  2  vols.,  pp.  1323.  Sheep  $4  50 

  Plain  calf   5  00 

  Calf  gilt   5  50 

  Calf  extra   6  25 


A  few  copies  of  the  last  edition,  without  the  Analysis  and  full  Index, 
may  be  had  at  $4  00. 
This  work  forms  part  of  the  course  of  study  adopted  by  the  last  General 
Conference. 

The  Analysis,  heretofore  published  as  a  separate  work,  is  now  printed  in  oc- 
tavo form,  and  bound  up  with  the  Institutes.  The  want  of  a  sufficient 
Index  has  long  been  felt ;  and  the  Publishers  now  offer  one  that  will,  they 
hope,  be  found  amply  sufficient.  In  this  new  form,  this  great  work  of  Rich- 
ard Watson  will  be  better  adapted,  it  is  hoped,  both  for  students  and  general 
readers,  than  ever  before. 

While  Mr.  Wesley's  Works  constitute  a  treasury  of  theological  information, 
the  value  of  which  it  would  not  be  easy  to  overrate,  and  which,  in  the 
affectionate  estimation  of  the  societies  founded  by  him,  will  never  be  sus- 
pended, there  was  still  wanted  an  original  work  containing  a  complete 
course  of  systematic  theology,  based  on  those  views  of  Scripture  which  Mr. 
Wesley  was  led  to  take,  and  by  preaching  which  he  became  the  instrument 
of  perhaps  the  most  important  revival  of  religion  that  has  occurred  since 
the  days  of  the  apostles.  Such  a  work  Mr.  Watson  has  supplied,  and  we 
feel  justified  in  saying  there  is  no  other  from  which  the  persons  for  whose 
benefit  it  is  designed  may  derive  so  much  valuable  information.  It  is  a 
noble  monument  of  sanctified  genius.— Wesleyan  Methodist  Magazine. 

Carvosso,  (William,)  Life  of. 

The  Great  Efficacy  of  Simple  Faith  in  the  Atonement  of  Christ,  exem- 
plified in  a  Memoir  of  Mr.  William  Carvosso,  sixty  years  a  Leader  in 
the  Wesleyan  Methodist  Connexion.  Written  by  Himself,  and 
edited  by  his  Son.    Fifty-first  thousand. 

18mo.,  pp.  351.  Muslin  or  sheep   $0  45 

The  popularity  of  this  little  volume  may  be  inferred  from  the  fact  that,  with- 
in a  few  years,  fifty  thousand  copies  have  been  sold  in  this  country  alone. 
The  life  of  Carvosso  is  an  evidence  of  the  great  efficacy  of  simple  faith  in 
the  atonement  of  Christ.  It  shows  us  that  without  splendid  talents,  or 
much  learning,  a  man  may  please  God,  and  save  souls. — Literary  Register 

Diary  and  Almanac  for  1851. 

A  Pocket  Diary  for  1851,  containing  an  Almanac,  and  Blank  Pages  for 
General  Memoranda,  and  space  for  Records  for  Every  Day  in  the 
Year. 

24mo.,  pp.  192.  Roan,  tucks   $0  30 

 Do.      gilt  edges   0  40 

We  hail  its  appearance  with  great  pleasure,  and  we  commend  it  as  one  of  the 
neatest  and  most  convenient  pocket  diaries  that  has  been  published. —  West- 
ern Christian  Advocate. 


WORKS  PUBLISHED  BY  LANE  &  SCOTT, 
200  Mulberry-street,  New-York. 


Fletcher  s  Letters. 

Letters  of  the  Rev.  John  Fletcher,  Vicar  of  Madeley.  Originally 
edited  by  Rev.  Melville  Hoene,  Curate  of  Madeley.  With  a  Por- 
trait of  Mr.  Fletcher.    Third  thousand. 

12mo.,  pp.  334.  Muslin   $0  65 

Such  sweetness  and  devotion  of  love ;  such  heavenly  unction,  and  so  full 
of  Christ — they  are  among  the  most  affecting  and  engaging  of  devotional 
writings,  and  deserve  a  place  with  the  letters  of  Doddridge,  Cowper,  and 
Newton. — New -York  Evangelist. 

These  letters  are  full  of  the  spirit  of  piety.  No  man  can  read  them,  who  has 
a  spark  of  religion  in  his  heart,  without  feeling  his  love  enkindled  to  a  name. 
— Methodist  Protestant. 

Fletcher's  Letters  are  a  transcript  of  his  mind— a  visible  embodiment  of  his 
spirit,  and  cannot  be  too  strongly  studied,  or  too  deeply  imbibed. — Pitts- 
burgh Christian  Advocate. 

These  eminently  sweet  and  spiritual  epistles  have  long  been  out  of  print  in 
a  separate  form,  and  the  agents  have  performed  a  good  service  to  the 
Church  in  the  issue  of  this  beautiful  edition.  Every  Sabbath-school  library 
should  be  graced  with  this  treasury  of  purity  and  piety. — Ziorts  Herald. 


Clarke's  Sacred  Literature. 

A  Concise  View  of  the  Succession  of  Sacred  Literature,  in  a  Chronolo- 
gical Arrangement  of  Authors  and  their  Works,  from  the  Invention 
of  Alphabetical  Characters  to  A.  D.  395.   By  Adam  Clarke,  LL.  D. 
12mo.,  pp.  420.  Muslin  or  sheep  SO  70 

The  work  commences  with  the  giving  of  the  law  on  Mount  Sinai.  It  con- 
tains the  date  and  argument  of  "every  book  of  Scripture,  and  of  all  the  wri- 
tings of  the  Jews  and  Christian  Fathers  that  are  extant,  down  to  the  year 
395 ;  and  in  some  instances  the  analysis  of  the  different  works  is  copious 
and  extensive. 

This  work  contains  much  important  information  relative  to  Biblical  and  ec- 
clesiastical literature. — T.  Habtwell  Horne. 

We  know  not  in  what  manner  we  could  render  a  more  valuable  service  to 
the  student  who  is  directing  his  attention  to  this  branch  of  knowledge,  than 
to  recommend  him  to  avail  himself  of  the  guidance  which  the  interesting 
work  before  us  supplies. — Eclectic  Review. 

An  undertaking  which  none  but  a  master-spirit  would  presume  to  touch, 
and  one  which  none  but  the  hand  of  a  master  could  ever  satisfactorily  exe 
cute. — Imperial  Magazine. 

Luther,  Life  of. 

The  Life  of  Martin  Luther.  To  which  is  prefixed  an  Expository  Essay 
on  the  Lutheran  Reformation.  Ry  Geo.  Cueitt.  With  an  Appendix, 
containing  a  Chronological  Table  of  the  principal  Events  occurring 
during  the  period  of  Luther's  Life.    With  a  Portrait,    tiucth  thousand. 

12mo.,  pp.  340.  Muslin  or  sheep   £0  65 

The  subject  of  this  book  is,  for  its  real  grandeur,  unrivalled  among  the  sub- 
jects of  merely  human  history.  It  has  so  often  been  touched  by  the  great- 
est masters  that  it  requires  uncommon  courage  to  approach  it,  and  uncom- 
mon talents  to  present  it  in  its  real  greatness,  and  to  surround  it  with  its 
native  splendours  ;  Mr.  Cubitt,  however,  has  not  degraded  his  theme.  This 
book  is  a  spirited  performance,  and  reflects  honour  upon  the  head  and  heart 
of  the  author. 


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