BX 8495 .A8 A2 v. 2 Asbury, Francis, 1745-1816 Journal of Rev. Francis Asbury ft Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/journalofrevfran02asbu ^jfci OF Pfl/tf^ jouknMv18194V REV. FRANCIS ASBURY. BISHOP OF THE MKTIIOIHST KI'IS< M.IWT. ('iHUm. In QTIjrcc bolmnes. VOLUME IT. FROM JANUARY 1, 1787, TO DECEMBER 31, 1800. Nero- Dork : PUBLISHED BY LANE & SCOTT, REV. JOURNAL OF THE FRANCIS ASBURY. Virginia. — January 1, H 81. Preached at brother Moss's on 2 Chronicles xv, 12, 13, on the people's entering into covenant with God. Tuesday, 2. We rode near fifty miles on our way to West- moreland ; next day, by hard riding, we came to Pope's, in Westmoreland ; but I have not been more weary many times in my life. Saturday and Sunday. Attended the quarterly meeting in the Northern Neck : there were many simple and loving testi- monies delivered in the love-feast. Thursday, 11. Rode through the snow to Fairfield. Here a Captain R. had turned the people out of the barn in which worship was held, and threatened to take brother Paup to jail if lie did not show his authority for preaching ; after all this vapouring of the valiant Captain, when the affair was brought before the court, Captain R found it convenient to ask pardon of our brother, although he sat upon the bench in his own cause : — so the matter ended. The Lord is at work in the Neck : more than one hundred have been added to the society since conference, who are a simple, loving, tender people. We had a good time on Friday, the 12 th ; I spoke on Acts xxvi, 18. I think God has spoken by me to S s, a 4 ASBURY'S JOURNAL. [Jan., 1*787. wild man — but the Lord can tame him. 0 Lord, speak for thyself ! Sunday, 14. We had a crowd at the Presbyterian meeting- house in Lancaster, to whom I delivered a very rough dis- course : it was a close and searching time, and we had many communicants, both white and coloured. Tuesday, 16. Preached at the church on the love of Christ. I find it hard to the flesh to ride fifteen or twenty miles every day, and perform the duties of my station ; espe- cially when indisposed and suffering therefrom the bodily pain incident thereto. Lord, give me patience ! I feel uncommon affection for the people here. Wednesday, 1*7. I had a crowd of careless sinners at Mrs. Ball's, Avho is a famous heroine for Christ. A lady came by craft and took her from her own house, and with tears, threats, and entreaties, urged her to desist from receiving the preachers, and Methodist preaching ; but all in vain. She had felt the sting of death some years before, and was a most discon- solate soul ; having now found the way, she would not depart therefrom. Thursday, 1 8. Rode ten miles to the ferry ; but being un- able to cross, I returned to Mrs. B.'s : next morning I came away before day, and reached Shackford's. Saturday, 20. Preached at Douglas's — very low in body and spirit. Sunday and Monday, 21, 22. Cold times in religion in this circuit, (Gloucester,) compared with the great times we have had in Lancaster. Tuesday, 23. Came off early, and preached in Yorktown to some well-behaved women. Dined with Mr. Mitchell, and went on to dear brother Weldon's, whose heart and hands were open. Wednesday, 24. According to appointment, I attended at, Williamsburg. I had about five from the countiy, and about fifteen hearers from the town, besides a few blacks and chil- dren. I spoke with freedom on, " They made light of it." I returned through the rain, but hope to receive no harm. Feb., 1787.] ASBURY'S JOURNAL. 5 " He guards our souls, he keeps our breath, Where thickest dangers come : Go, and return ; secure from death, Till God commands thee home." Friday, 26. We waited four hours in the rain before we could cross the ferry at old Jamestown ; it was two hours after night when we came to brother Moring's. Tuesday, 30. We heM a quarterly meeting at Craney Island ; the weather prevented many from attending. I was blessed in the company of the preachers. Wednesday. 31. * enlarged on, " What shall the end be of them who obey not the Gospel of God ?" I observed to them that the Gospel had once been taken away from them ; and that they ought to lay it seriously to heart, lest it should be the case again. We had some quickening in the sacrament and at the love-feast. Thence I went through Portsmouth, and preached on, " Ye are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." Saturday, February 3. Visited my old friend Fullford : he is feeble in body, and not much at ease in his worldly pos- sessions, yet happy in God. Brother Poythress frightened me with the idea of the Great Swamp, the east end of the Dismal ; but I could not consent to ride sixty miles round : so we ventured through, and neither we nor our horses received any injury. Praise the Lord ! Our passing unharmed through such dangers and un- healthy w eather, feelingly assures me that I am kept by the immediate interposition of His providence. I preached in the new chapel. I hope not in vain. I am now surrounded with waters' and hideous swamps, near the head of Pasquotank River. Nokth Carolina. — Thursday, 8. Came on, wet and un- well, to Proby's. Went on to Nixonton, Avhere I had many to hear, and was blessed in my own soul, and, I think, spoke to the cases of some of my audience. Friday, 9. I had a long ride of nearly fifty miles to Gates 6 ASBURY'S JOURNAL. [Feb., 1787. county. We stopped at one Newby's, one of the Society of Friends, who entertained us kindly. We reached sister Gib- son's, cold and weary. The poor flesh complains, but my soul enjoys peace and sweetness. Sunday, 11. We had a large congregation and an open time at Knotty-Pine chapel. Here we have a little revival. Tuesday, 13. I had about sixty people at Wicocon: I spoke as I felt, on Jer. xiii, 11. 1 mourned over the people and left them. I came to Hardy's, where I spoke with some light on Matt, xxii, 5. I unhappily ran a splinter into my leg, which has alarmed me. I found we had to go twelve miles by water, and send the horses another way. 0 what a world of swamps, and rivers, and islands, we live in here ! I met brother B and A ; two devoted young men ; the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Virginia. At the desire of several of the brethren I preached at Washington, where many col- lected in the court-house, whom 1 addressed on my favourite text, 1 Tim. i, 15. Three miles on the water, and riding three more on roads under the water, (such is the inundated state of the country,) made our jaunt unpleasant. Thursday, 22. We set off for Newbern. Stopped at Kemp's Ferry, kept by Curtis, where we were kindly enter- tained gratis. I feel heaviness through labour and temptation, yet I am given up to God. Friday, 23. 1 arrived at Newbern. I felt the power of death as I journeyed along. We rode round the town, and could get no certain information about preaching, brother Cole being absent. We were at last taken in at Mr. Lathrop's. The place and people trere in such a state, that I judged, by my own feelings, it would be as well to leave them just as I found them — and so I did. Tuesday, 27. It was rather a dry time at the love-feast and sacrament. There was some life and melting while I enforced, "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth." We then rode to H 'a on Island Creek. I went alone Mar., 1787.] ASBURY'S JOURNAL. into the woods, and had sweet converse with God. At night we were poorly provided against the weather ; the house was unfinished ; and, to make matters worse, a horse kicked the door open, and I took a cold, and had the toothache, with a high fever. Thursday, March \. I had more hearers, and they were more attentive than I expected : I trust it was a profitable time. Rode to brother Johnson's — without the labour of slaves he manages to have abundance for man and beast. Tuesday, 6. My horse is stiff, and almost foundered, and there is an appearance of a swelling on his head. I have al- ways had hard struggles to get to Charleston. Lord, give me patience, and bear me up ! Wednesday, 7. Crossed the main fork of Black River, and came through a wild country to Colonel R 's : the colonel's wife is a tender, devoted woman. Thursday and Friday, 8, 9. Directed our course to the south : crossed Cape Fear, and reached Downing Creek. Rested a day at W 's, a kind people, but without religion. South Carolina. — Sunday, 11. Preached at Robinson's new court-house. Rode in the evening to M 's. Crossed Little Pedee ; stopped at S 's ; ate a morsel, and came on to Buck Swamp. Thursday, 15. Preached at the new church at S 's: here I heard that Doctor Coke was in Charleston. Proceeded thence to the widow Port's, where I had much ado to prevail on brother H. to stay. We rode nearly fifty miles to get to Georgetown. Here the scene was greatly changed — almost the whole town came together to hear the word of the Lord. We arrived in Charleston, and met Dr. Coke. Here we have already a spacious house prepared for us ; and the con- gregations arc crowded and solemn. Sunday, 25. I enlarged on, " I had rather be a door- keeper in the house of God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness ;" at night again on Isaiah xlv, 22. We held our conference in this city. 8 ASBURY'S JOURNAL. [Apr., 1787. Tuesday, 27. We exchanged sentiments on matters freely. Wednesday, 28. The Doctor treated on the qualifications and duties of a deacon. Thursday, 29. Our conference ended. Friday, 30. I left the city, and rode thirty miles, although my horse had been injured by over-feeding. Next day I rode forty miles through the rain, and begged a lodging with Doctor W. Sunday, April 1. We came to Santee Ferry, and there was such an overflowing of wTater in our route that we had to swim upon our horses several times : my horse performed so well that I was not wet much higher than my knees : that day we rode thirty miles, and the next day fifty miles, and came to Moore's. Here we met with brother R. Swift, who had been near death, but then was recovering : we advised him to go with us for his life. The people here begin to feel, and yield to the poAver of truth. Wednesday, 4. At Camden I preached on, " They made light of it :" thence we rode on to quarterly meeting, where I met with a midtitude of people who were desperately wicked — but God hath wrought among them: we had little rest by day or night. Friday, 6. Rode forty miles to preaching at Jackson's ; and then to brother Pace's. Saturday and Sunday, 7, 8. Attended Anson quarterly meeting, in North Carolina : the Doctor preached on, The love of Christ, and I on, " The grace of God that bringeth salva- tion ;" sacrament followed. From Saturday to Saturday, I have ridden about three hundred miles, and have preached only about half the time. O may the Lord seal and water his own word, that all this toil of man and beast be not in vain ! Tuesday, 10. The Doctor and myself preached to a few simple people at W.'s, I hope not in vain. At our next meet- ing we had many hearers. We have scarcely time to eat or sleep. North Carolina. — Thursday, 12.1 preached at Salisbury. Apr., 1787.] ASBURY'S JOURNAL. 9 Afterward rode to Muggins's, where we had many hearers, and a melting among the people. Good -Friday, 13. I was much led out at Caton's. Thence to M'Knight's chapel, where we found a living people. Saturday, 14. We hasted to C y church, where we had many people : after riding twenty-two miles, we had another meeting about six o'clock ; and about midnight got to bed. Sunday, 1 5. Rose about six o'clock, and went to Newman's church, where the Doctor and myself both preached : the peo- ple were rather wild, and we were unwell. I came to Arnat's about eight o'clock, having ridden forty miles : the Doctor went by Dick's ferry, and did not get in until near midnight. Monday, 16. Rode to Jeremiah White's, and on Tuesday, about fifty miles to Page Mann's, in Charlotte county, Virginia. Virginia. — Wednesday, 18. Rode to Rough Creek. On Thursday, the 19th, our conference began at William White's. We had much preaching, morning, noon, and night, and some souls were converted to God. Saturday, 21. I gave them a discourse on Jer. iii, 15: " And I will give you pastors according to my heart." Sunday, 22. The Doctor spoke on the qualifications of a deacon ; and I gave them a charge. Some said there were three thousand people to hear: it was a solemn, weighty time. Monday, 23. We called at Hampden and Sidney college, in Prince Edward : the outside has an unwieldy, uncommon appearance, for a seminary of learning ; what the inside is, I know not. The president, Mt. I. Smith, is a discreet man, who conducts himself well. About half past eleven o'clock Ave reached John Finney's, in Amelia, having ridden about sixty miles. I want to live more constantly in the spirit of prayer. Wednesday, 25. Preached at I. A.'s, and then rode to Man- chester, where I preached again. The Doctor preached in Richmond. Thursday, 26. Went onwards to the north. We have made it a point to pray in the families where we lodge, 10 ASBURY'S JOURNAL. [May, 11 81. whether public or private ; and generally where we stop for refreshment. Saturday, 28. At night the Doctor preached in Alex- andria ; and again on the Sabbath morning, to many hearers. We were kindly entertained on Sunday night at S. Turner's, near Bladensburg, Maryland, and on Monday reached Balti- more about noon. Maryland. — We had some warm and close debates in con- ference ; but all ended in love and peace. After much fa- tigue and trouble, our conference ended on Monday, the sixth of May. We went forward to Perry Hall. Thence we went to Cokesbury ; drew a deed for the conveyance of the pro- perty of the college, and settled our temporal matters there. Wednesday, May 9. Many attended at Elkton, and we were received by the Rudolph family with great respect. Thursday, 10. We attended at Wilmington at noon; and at Chester, at night. Friday, 11. We reached Philadelphia, where the Doctor preached that and the following evening. We spent the Sabbath in the city, and on Monday came to Trenton, where we found a lifeless people. New- Jersey. — Tuesday, 15. The Doctor preached with life in the Episcopal church at Elizabethtown, and we had a good time. New- York. — Wednesday, 16. Arrived in New-York and rested. On Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the Doctor preached with great energy and acceptance. Tuesday, 22. After long silence, I preached on, "For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest." Rode twenty miles on Long Island, to Hempstead Harbour, and preached with some liberty in the evening. I am now out of the city, and have time to reflect: my soul turns to its rest, and to its labour for souls, in which I can live more by rule. Thursday, 24. I rose veiy sick — felt solemn and devoted to God. I preached in a paper-mill on, " If any man wUJ do his will he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God." June, 1787.] ASBURYS JOURNAL. 11 I preached at Mosquito Cove, where many attended not- withstanding the rain : there was a power went with the word. Saturday, 26. Rode to : our friends had procured the Presbyterian church for me. I felt a spirit of life on these words, " Be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." I called to see my old friend and assistant, James Glaisbrook, who was the first preacher I travelled with upon a regular appointment in England. He is now a Presbyterian minister; much changed in his outward man, but I believe his sentiments are much the same as when I first knew him. The Lord be with and bless him ! Sunday, 27. I came to Harper's, where we have a little, new house, and about thirty members : I hope, and expect, in a few years, to see a circuit of six weeks formed here, and four or five hundred members in society. The people on this island, who hear the Gospel, are generally poor, and these are the kind I want, and expect to get. I have had great assistance and freedom in speaking. Monday. 28. Came to York. Preached at night on, " They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh, and they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." I found it necessary to stop brother Hickson from going to Nova Scotia : brother C is married, and I expect brother Jessop will go alone. Tuesday, 29. I delivered a close and awful discourse on, " They shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and sit down with Abra- ham, and Isaac, and Jacob," &c. 1. A Scriptural view of the kingdom of heaven. 2. The subjects or citizens thereof. 3. Sit down with Abraham, famous for faith ; Isaac, for jus- tice, truth, meditation, and walking with God ; and Jacob, mighty in prayer. I was in prayer until near midnight. O Lord, make me all life and love, patience and resignation under the troubles of the Church, and disappointment of its ministers. Sunday, June 3. I had a gracious time on 2 Cor. iv, 1-4. 12 ASBURY'S JOURNAL. [June, 1181. Ordained E. Cooper a deacon. In the afternoon my soul had peace whilst I enlarged on Matt, xviii, 15, to the end. Tuesday, 5. Preached on "No man having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of heaven." I felt freedom and power in speaking. Wednesday, 6. Met leaders and trustees, and after some explanation, settled matters relative to singing in public wor- ship. I preached at the poor-house on " Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." My soul has peace. I keep myself busy in visiting the families of the society, or the sick, or meeting class, if some other business does not call me. Sunday, 10. I had some life in preaching on Luke iv, 18, and in the afternoon on " I thank thee, 0 Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent," &c. I left the city in great union with the Lord and with the Church. My soul is variously exercised : I want the country air, and to live more in the spirit and solitude of prayer. Came to East-Chester and preached in the shell of the new church on " To-day if yc will hear his voice, harden not your hearts ;" the power of God was felt. I came to the widow Bartoe's, where I lay sick fifteen years ago, and was treated with the greatest tenderness. May the Lord reward them all a hundred fold, and convert their souls ! Tuesday, 12. I found it the same at New-Rochelle town as in time past: will it always be so? If there is no change I shall trouble them no more. In the afternoon I rode to C .'s, where I laboured many years ago, and there is some fruit remaining to this day. Wednesday, 13. We had a long and warm ride to North- Castle. Here a multitude were gathered together, to whom I spoke in an orchard on " Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and Sa viour, to give repentance unto Israel, and remission of sins." I was quite unwell, faint yet pursuing. Rode to R 's, of the society of Friends, who received us with great love. June, 1181.] ASBURY'S JOURNAL. 13 At H 's a multitude came to hear, whom I exhorted to "seek the Lord while he might be found." I was happy in being alone. I poured out my soul to God for the whole work, and the dear people and preachers of my charge. My body is weak — my soul enjoys peace. I have power over all sin, and possess a spirit of prayer and watchful- ness : I feel myself dead to all below, and desire to live only for God and souls. Friday, 15. I preached to a listening multitude at Peeks- kill ; and was alarming and close on, " By grace ye are saved through faith." I thought there were no people here of spiritual understanding ; but I was informed, to my comfort, that a number of simple-hearted people had formed them- selves into a society for prayer : perhaps these will be some of the first-fruits in this place. Saturday, 16. Rode over the mountain, and was gratified with the sight of a remarkable recess for the Americans dur- ing the last war : the names of Andre and Arnold, with which misfortune and treachery are so unhappily and intimately blended, will give celebrity to West Point, had it been less deserving of notice than its wonderful appearance really makes it. It is commanded by mountains rising behind, and appears to be impregnable : there are block houses on the east ; and on the west, stores, barracks, and fortifications. From West Point we crossed a high mountain, and came to Newburgh. Sunday, 17. In the love-feast, sacrament, and public exer- cises, we were employed nearly seven hours : there was some life in the love-feast, but the congregation appeared very little moved under preaching. Monday, 18. I presume I had nearly seven hundred hear- ers at Allen's, to whom I spoke with some power on Luke xi, 13. I baptized several adults, and some children; and came to W 's, and baptized others. Thence to Mr. Kllis's, whose wife (a Dutch lady) entertained us like a queen. I visited Colonel P , supposed to be at the point of death : after a close examination, I administered the sacrament to him. 14 ASBURY'S JOURNAL. [July, 1181. New-Jersey. — Wednesday, 20. I came to Warwick, where I suppose not less than a thousand people were collected : I was very low both in body and spirit, but felt stirred up at the sight of such a congregation, and was moved and quick- ened while I enlarged on Gal. i, 4. I baptized some and administered the sacrament to many communicants. Thursday, 21. A multitude attended at B 's, in a barn. Here God hath wrought a great work for a poor, blind, igno- rant people. Friday, 22. I preached at the stone church, after riding upwards of thirty miles : we then rode until ten o'clock in the night through a heavy rain. I was much tried in body and mind : I had nothing to eat but a little bread and milk, and that made me sick. Saturday, 23. We had a good time at Sweezy's. After administering the sacrament, we had another long ride after night. Sunday, 24. I preached in the woods to nearly a thousand people. I was much oppressed by a cold, and felt very heavy in body and soul. Like Jonah, I went and sat down alone. I had some gracious feelings in the sacrament — oth- ers also felt the quickening power of God. I baptized a number of infants and adults, by sprinkling and by immersion. I felt my body quite weary in, but my spirit not of, the work of God. Tuesday, 26. Preached at W. Wallace's to a dull, con- tracted people. Since last Monday two weeks, I have ridden about three hundred and fifty miles. Pennsylvania. — Wednesday 21. We had a warm ride through a fertile, pleasant country to Trenton ; and on Thurs- day, the 28th, to Philadelphia, Here I found T. V. had scat- tered firebrands, and thrown dirt to bespatter us. Friday and Saturday 29, 30. Taken up in writing letters, packing up books, and begging for the college. Sunday, July 1. Preached three times in the city of Phila- delphia— on Monday, 2, to a few simple-hearted souls at Radnor. July, 1181.1 ASBURY'S JOURNAL. 15 Tuesday, 3. We had a flat time at the Valley. Wednesday, 4. We had a few feeling souls at Uchland ; afterward went to Coventry Forge. Saturday, 1. I had some energy in preaching to a few peo- ple at Morganstown. Sunday, 8. Preached at Evans's, Rich Land ; a poor peo- ple for religion : I hope, nevertheless, that God will visit them. Monday, 9. Preached at I. Miller's, who has a pious wife. Friday. 13. We rode to Hagerstown ; and found it a jour- ney of about fifty miles : we and our horses were weary enough. I was sorry to hear that the people came twice to hear me last year, and the lameness of my horse caused me to disappoint them. Saturday, 14. At five o'clock in the evening the court-house was opened ; a few of the great and many of the poor attended, to whom I spoke with Divine assistance. I preached again on Sunday at eleven o'clock. I find T. V. has misrepresented us as having cast off Mr. Wesley, making this a plea for his re-ordination. Virginia.— M onday, 1C. Set out for the Springs. In the first place we missed our way ; then my baggage-horse ran back two miles : I was tried not a little. 0, how sad the re- flection, that matters trifling as these should make a person so uneasy. We reached the Springs about seven o'clock. I preached the two following days with some satisfaction. By advancing nine pounds, for nails and planks, I engaged bro- ther Eaton to have our chapel covered by the first of August. Maryland. — Friday, 20. We had a heavy ride to Old Town : we met with a kind reception ; and had a reviving season in the family. Saturday, 21. Was a day of rest to my soul and body. Preached on Cant, iv, 16. Sunday, 22. We had sacrament, attended with some power, in the evening. Tuesday, 24. There were to have been great doings at Cum- berland, but Mr. B , a minister, failed coming. I had a 16 ASBURY'S JOURNAL. [Aug., 1787. good time in Mr. Bell's mill, on, " Thou art fairer than the sons of men." We had feeling and weeping at Barratt's ; my subject, " I sleep, but my heart waketh," &c, eight or nine verses. I feel a sweetness of spirit, and much of the love of Christ. Came to Cressap's. Friday, 27. Ordained brother Phoebus deacon, and had a serious time. Sunday, 29. At Jones's, all death ! death ! death ! My mind was devoted to God. I administered the sacrament, but could find no openings. Rode to Old Town. Six years ago I preached in this place, when there was scarcely a soul that knew anything of God ; now there are sixty in membership, many of whom are happy in the knowledge of the truth. We held a love-feast, and had a quickening time. Tuesday, 31. Rode to the Springs, (Bath,) much tried in spirit. I gave myself to reading and prayer. Wednesday, August 1. Preached at Bath. Sunday, 5. Preached on Pet. iii, 9, to a large congregation, with but little liberty. Monday, 6. I began my lectures on the Prophecies by Bishop Newton, and had more hearers than I expected. The weather is very warm; many are sickly; and continued changes of comers and goers ; all this leaves but little oppor- tunity for prayer. I forbear reading on account of my eyes, lest I should not be able to read in public. Tuesday and Wednesday, 7, 8. Had very few to hear, so I gave them up : everything that is good is in low estimation at this place. I will return to my own studies : if the people are determined to go to hell, I am clear of their blood. My soul is clothed in sackcloth and covered with ashes before the Lord. Thursday, 9. I enjoy some peace. Friday, 10. I feel a calm within, and the want of more life, and more love to God, and more patience with sinners. I read my Testament. 0 ! what a weariness would life be without God, and love, and labour ! The first two weeks of Sept., 1787.] ASBURY'S JOURNAL. 17 my time at Bath have been spent in carrying on the building of the new chapel, reading Newton on the Prophecies, visit- ing, bathing, &c. My soul has been under great trials, at times, but hitherto the Lord has helped. Tuesday, 21. 0, how sweet will labour, and Christian so- ciety, and the solitary woods be to me ! Thursday, 23. I have been under great exercises, but was divinely assisted in preaching on, " The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous," <>d to the last, even when he was delirious : it made the students very solemn for a season. Sunday, 27. Preached at Gunpowder chapel in the fore- noon, and at Abingdon at three o'clock. Oct., 1789.] ASBURY'S JOURNAL. S3 Monday, 28. After a long absence I preached at Bush Forest chapel : this was one of the first houses that was built for the Methodists in the State of Maryland ; and one of the first societies was formed here. They had been dead for many years ; of late the Lord has visited this neighbourhood, and I suppose, from report, fifty souls have been converted to God. I preached at Havre de Grace with Divine illumination and authority. Thence I went to ; I was hardly welcome — perhaps I wrong him ; I shall know when I call again. Called at I. and S. Hersey's, and found the Lord had not departed from these houses ; I hope their children will all come to God. Wednesday, 30. At Wilmington I was warm in spirit. Thence I rode to Philadelphia ; where I gave a short dis- course on another man's appointment ; my subject — Jacob's wrestling with God. On Friday night I spoke on, " Who may abide the. day of his coming ?" Sunday, October 4. We were not without the presence of the Lord at our love-feast and sacrament this day. Brother Willis spoke feelingly in the afternoon. Monday, 5. We had a meeting of the principal members, in order to consult about the incorporation of our church. • New-Jeksey. — Tuesday, 6. After twenty years' preaching, they have built a very beautiful meeting-house at Burlington ; but it is low times there in religion. At New-Mills, both preachers and people appeared to feel, and the watch-night was attended with some breathings after God. Thursday, 8. We had a poor, dry meeting, at Mount-Holly : some were alarmed with fear, lest we should make a noise as we had done in Philadelphia ; some dear country friends felt the Lord powerfully, and carried home the flame. Friday, 9. I felt inward strength at Bethel, on Isa. Ixiii, 12. The power was present, but there is not as much religion amongst them as formerly. Saturday, 10. My ride to Bethel was thirty miles, and thirty miles more brought me to Deerfield ; I spoke very G2 ASBURY'S JOURNAL. [Oct., 1789. alarmingly, and to little purpose, at the Methodistico-Presby- terian church. Sunday, 11. At the Glass-House I felt myself, and the Lord made others feel — to purpose, I hope. Thence to Salem, at three o'clock : it was levelling work, storm and thunder, whilst I opened and applied Isaiah xxx, 20, 21. Monday, 12. I returned to Philadelphia, where there were five criminals hanged ; one of them professed conversion. Tuesday, 13. Was the day of election for representatives ; preaching in the evening was to little purpose, on, " Arm of the Lord, awake." " 0 Lord of life ! when shall it be ?" Delaware. — I preached at Wilmington, on the dedication of our new chapel : thus far are we come after more than twenty years' labour in this place. Thursday, 15. I preached at Dickinson's. Here we have a good house built ; and a blessed foundation of living stones fixed on the chief corner-stone. After preaching at Severson's and Duck-Creek Cross-Roads, Ave came on Saturday to Dover quarterly meeting ; here the congregation was large and serious. Sunday, 18. Preached on, " The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple." Ordained W. I. and I. B. elders. We have had encouraging intelligence of an opening in New-England : we shall send Jacob Brush to assist Jesse Lee, who has been some time visiting those parts. Reached Judge White's in the evening, and rested there on Monday. Tuesday, 20. Rode to Millfoid ; where we had a great move and noble shouting. I felt myself very unwell. We had a very comfortable love-feast next morning. 1 was taken with a sore throat, and brother Whatcoat supplied my lack of service. I was laid up four days ; a violent headache and fever attended the inflammation in my throat, with little or no perspiration. I made use of flaxseed-tea, and a very great expectoration followed. Wednesday, 28. I came to Lowry's, at the head of Nan- ticoke. 1 still feel much pain, with a fever and hoarseness. Nov., 1789.] ASBURY'S JOURNAL. G3 I must take blame to myself for riding sometimes in the night and cold evenings without an upper coat : I am grow- ing old ; and I live much in southern climes. I lodged at brother H 's, who was ill with a bilious and nervous complaint. Thursday, 29. Came to W , and was kindly enter- tained. Friday, 30. We rode in the rain — it was almost enough to kill healthy men. After steeping our feet in warm water, we came to brother Downing's. Next day we rode twenty- eight miles to Paramour's. My rest being interrupted, I rose early, and rode through the cold to the love-feast, where we had great shouting. Although very weak in body, I rode thirty miles ; a dish of tea, and a biscuit and a half, was all my food till six o'clock in the evening. Monday, November 2. I rode forty miles to Magotty Bay, and preached to a few people. The Antinomians please them and gain them — alas ! for us. 0, that the Lord would send an earthquake of his power among them ! Tuesday, 3. We had an open time at brother J 's. The school for the charity boys much occupies my mind. Our annual expenditure will amount to two hundred pounds, and the aid we get is but trifling. The poverty of the people, and the general scarcity of money, is the great source of our difficulties. The support of our preachers, who have families, absorbs our collections, so that neither do our elders nor the clarity school get much. We have the poor, but they have no monev ; and the worldly, wicked rich we do not choose to ask. I have ridden about one hundred miles from Sunday morn- ing till Tuesday night ; at the same time very unwell with a cold and influenza, which spreads in almost every family. Wednesday, 4. We had many people at Accomack court- house, and power attended the word whilst brothers E. and W. spoke. Thursday and Friday, 5, G. We held quarterly meeting 64 ASBURY'S JOURNAL. [Nov., 1789. at Downings. The first day the Lord was powerfully present, and the people were greatly agitated. On the second day at the love-feast and sacrament there was a shout, and I believe two hundred souls praised God at one time. My soul was happy among them. Maryland. — Saturday, 7. At Annamessex quarterly meeting the Lord was amongst the people on the first day. On Sunday, at the love-feast, the young were greatly filled, and the power of the Most High spread throughout. It appeared as if they would have continued till night if they had not been in some measure forced to stop that we might have public worship.' I stood near the window, and spoke on Isaiah lxiv, 1-5. There was a stir, and several sinners went away. There were very uncommon circumstances of a supernatural kind said to be observed at this meeting. The saints of the world are dreadfully displeased at this work ; which, after all, is the best evidence that it is of God. The preachers urged me to preach at Princess Anne. I did so, and many poor, afflicted people came out. I trust some will be able to say of Christ, " He is altogether lovely !" I felt uncommon power in preaching at Thomas Garrett- son's. Surely the Lord will work. At the quarterly meeting I did not speak the first day. The second, I preached on Rom. x, 14, 15. There was a little stir ; yet this is said to be the dullest, or one of the dullest places in the peninsula. Thursday, 12, was a warm day, and we had a heavy ride to the Line chapel. There were but few hearers, owing to the great affliction that prevails. The influenza, and other complaints, cany off many people ; and it is an awful time. F rid uy, 13. Came to Broad-Creek chapel, where some of the wicked had broken the windows. There had been a stir at the quarterly meeting, and a testimony borne against their revellings, and it was judged, that on this account the injury was committed on the house. My throat was sore, and my Nov., 1789.] ASBURT'S JOURNAL. 65 testimony feeble on 2 Cor. vi, 1. I rode to the head of Nanticoke, where brother Whatcoat preached a warm sermon. Saturday, 14. Preached at Brown's chapel : the general affliction hindered man}- from attending ; but we were happy together, and it was a strengthening, confirming time to many tried souls. Sunday, 15. The people were shouting the praises of God when I came. After the noise and fervour had subsided, I preached on the men of Nineveh's repenting at the preach- ing of Jonah ; and the word sunk into some hearts. Monday, 16. We had a noble shout, and the people re- joiced in the Lord. Friday, 20. Being the day of our quarterly-meeting fast, we strove to keep it as well as our feeble bodies would admit. Saturday and Sunday, 21, 22. There was a shaking among the people : some were alarmed ; some professed to be justified, and others sanctified ; whilst the wicked brought with them much of the power of Satan. I received some relief for my poor orphans. For some days past I have been kept in an humble, living, holy, conquering frame. Monday, 23. Although the north-west wind blew very strong, we crossed Choptank River, and came to Boling- broke. Here we had loud shouts and living testimonies from many of our oldest members, whilst some of our gay young Methodists were mute. Being a day of public thanks- giving, I rode to Wye, where there is a good new chapel. The rain hindered, so that we had but few hearers. Came through the rain to Tuckahoe. Friday, 27. There was a good move at Choptank Bridge. I ordained five persons to the office of deacons. Saturday, 28. Preached with some freedom at Dover. Sunday, 29. I preached at Duck Creek. Stopped, and gave them a discourse at Middletown ; and spent the even- ing with a worthy, kind friend. A number of dear old brethren accompanied me to Cokesbury, where we had an GO ASBURY'S JOURNAL. [Dec, 1789. examination of the boys, and stationed eleven on charity. Thence we hastened on to Baltimore. Thursday, December 3. Our council was seated, consisting of the following persons, viz.: Richard Ivey, from Georgia; R. Ellis, South Carolina ; E. Morris, North Carolina ; Phil. Bruce, North district of Virginia ; James O'Kelly, South dis- trict of Virginia ; L. Green, Ohio ; Nelson Reid, Western Shore of Maryland ; J. Everett, Eastern Shore ; John Dick- ens, Pennsylvania ; J? 0. Cromwell, Jersey ; and Freeborn Garrettson, New- York. All our business was done in love and unanimity. The concerns of the college were well at- tended to, as also the printing business. We formed some resolutions relative to economy and union, and others con- cerning the funds for the relief of our suffering preachers on the frontiers. We rose on the eve of Wednesday following. During our sitting we had preaching every night ; some few souls were stirred up, and others converted. The pmdmce of some had stilled the noisy ardour of our young people ; and it was difficult to rekindle the fire. I collected about twenty-eight pounds for the poor suffering preachers in the West. We spent one day in speaking our own experiences, and giving an account of the progress and state; of the work of God in our several districts ; a spirit of union pervades the whole body, producing blessed effects and fruits. Thursday, 10. This and the two following days were spent in writing, and other necessary business. I also preached at town and Point. Sunday, 13. I delivered some alarming truths at our meet- ing-house with some life. I preached at the German church in the afternoon ; and in the evening I spoke on, " The men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment against the men of this generation, and condemn it,"