 Section 51 of Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury, Vol. 1. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Brian Keenan. Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury, Vol. 1, Section 51. Maryland, Saturday, November 5. I crossed the Chesapeake and found some difficulty in getting my wagon over. I missed my appointment at the college and came late to Mr. Goss. Sunday, 6. Came away early and arriving in Baltimore preached at noon on Hebrews 11, 2-8, and at night on Calibs 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 carriage. I at length resolved to decline traveling in it and buying a second-hand sulky left it to be sold. I now traveled light and easy and came to Child's's Church. Being disappointed in crossing at Holland's Point, I shaped my course for Alexandria. I preached on the Sabbath evening 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 Robert O's. Our conversation turned upon slavery, the difficulties attending Emancipation, and the resentment some of the members of the Virginia legislature expressed against those who favored a general abolition. I preached in the courthouse. I took cold by coming out into the open air whist in a profuse perspiration, and this I seldom failed to do if I preached 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. Thursday, 17. The morning was very damp, and I imprudently 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, and 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 33 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 Courthouse, Hanover and Newcastle 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 chamberlain, who he thought would receive 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 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 twenty-third 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 twenty-five. This day I rode to James City. Sunday twenty-seven. I went to Chickahominy Church, where conditional notice had been given for Brother Reed. I preached on Acts five, thirty-one, and spent the evening at Mr. Weldens. 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 rode 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 subjects matter thereof under their proper heads, divisions, and sections. December four, five. 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. As exposed I took cold, which brought on a slight inflammation, and next day increased and produced a fever. Saturday seventeen. Having proceeded on I arrived at Brother Redricks in Gates's County, North Carolina, where I spoke a little. Sunday eighteen. I had more hearers at Winton than I expected. They were attentive to what I said on Joshua twenty-four, nineteen. At Wicocon the glory is departed. A few Baptist women stood at a distance and wept, whilst I administered the sacrament. 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 Roanoke at Cushy, 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 providence, were brought safely to Brother Curls, 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 Swifts Creek. Here the cost way was over-flown, and the logs most of them afloat. My horse fell, but I was preserved by his securing a four-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 Noose Ferry, having ridden about forty tedious miles. North Carolina came to Newburn, 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 twenty-one. Sailed down to Beaufort and preached in the church. The people are kind, but have very little religion. 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 twenty-four twenty-five. 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 together. Not however without danger. Bushes would strike the horses, and their capering about had well nigh overset the boat. South Carolina, January four, seventeen eighty-six. 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 barreled Brother A's horse, and we went on. We crossed Great Peedee, and Lynch's Creek, and wet my books. Coming to Black Mingo we lodged at a tavern, and were well used. Sleeping upstairs I was afraid the shingles, if not the roof of the house, would be taken away with the wind. Saturday seven. 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 ten. Road to Wapata. It was no small comfort 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 eleven. Grieved at S. Capers' we had a good time, and many hearers, considering that neither place nor weather was favourable. My soul enjoyed great peace, and I was much engaged with God that my labours might not be in vain. From Capers' I came to Cain Hoy by water. I was grieved at B.A.'s conduct. Hurt to the cause of God may follow. Friday thirteen. I came to Charleston. Being unwell, Brother Willis supplied my place. Sunday fifteen. 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 seventeen hundred. Again in November seventeen forty. And lastly the damage sustained by the late war. The city is now in a flourishing condition. Friday twenty. 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 waterbound at Wasmassaw, where I found a few who had been awakened by the instrumentality of our preachers. I was comforted in reading Mr. Zubli's account of the death of some pious Germans. And also Mrs. Fletcher's account of her husband's death. Monday twenty-three. The Wasmassaw 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. Wednesday twenty-four. 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 gamblers, and neither ate bread nor drank water with them. We left these black legs 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 Saluda. Here once lived that strange, deranged mortal, who proclaimed himself to be God. Report says that he killed three men for refusing their ascent 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 twenty-seven. I had near four hundred hearers at Parrott's Logchurch, near Broad River. We have ridden about two hundred miles in the last eight days. Sunday twenty-nine. 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 forward. Going up the stream, we crossed over on a log, our horses swimming over. Having gained the opposite bank, we continued on about twenty miles and had a trying time. I was happy, although Brother Willis was afraid we should be obliged to sleep in the woods. Monday thirty. We rode to Friend Terry's, but here we bet 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 Sealy'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 two. We made a push for the Highlands, and got as far as Brother Smith's. On Friday we aimed to get to the Horseford, but missing our way we made but twenty-five miles, reaching Hermans, who treated us kindly, and would receive nothing. This was well for us, for we had but little to give. Saturday four. 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 south branch, we providentially met with a man who was acquainted 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 five. I preached at Brother Connolly's, where there is a large society, and a revival of religion. Monday six. We rode to W. White's, and appointed preaching for the next day. Here I had about one hundred hearers. Wednesday eight. 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 Ivy, Bingham, and Williamson. Thursday the sacrament was a time of refreshing. Saturday eleven. I rode through rain and hail to Bees, and preached to a few serious people on Psalm 128, and we were blessed together. Oh, what happiness do they lose who never visit the poor in their cottages. Monday twelve. At Joseph Herndon's it was a chilly day, but there was some life among the people. Monday thirteen. There were many to hear at Kay's. My rides are a 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 fourteen. We rode through the snow to Heddy'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 nineteen. Preached at Morgan Bryant's. Next day I set off in the rain and travelled with it. We swam at Grant's Creek and reached Salisbury in the evening, wet and weary. I thought we should scarcely have preachers at the time appointed, but the bad weather did not stop their coming. We spent three days in conference and went through our business with satisfaction. Having sent our horses into the country, we could not get them when they were wanted. I therefore borrowed Brother Tunnel's horse and went on to my appointments. Wednesday March one. 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 two. I preached on this due in remembrance of me, and it was a solemn good time. Saturday four. At the widow-dix 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 promises fair for future usefulness. Tuesday seven. At Standfields 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 servants, or else the power of Satan is so strong as to depress the life and liberty of the speaker. Friday ten. 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 preaching, and a desire to see me. Oh, 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 twenty-one. 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 twenty-two. Rode to Dee's Chapel, where I was met by about fifty hearers. Spirituous lickers have greatly injured the people here. Friday twenty-four. At Conneconera Chapel, I had nearly gone through my subject when a man began to talk. His brother carried him away after fruitless endeavors to silence him. Brother Dickens spoke, and I came away in great pain to Brother Clayton's. Saturday twenty-five. I took some Hera Picra and felt better. I had our form of discipline in manuscript, which Brother Dickens has been preparing for the press. Sunday twenty-six. We had a large congregation and a solemn time at Brother Clayton's. After meeting returned to Brother Dickens's. He and his wife cleaved to God, but there is a great declension elsewhere. Tuesday twenty-eight. 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 Roanoke 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 climb. We had a gracious time at quarterly meeting, especially at the sacrament. The words of our excellent 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 one. Road 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 seven. 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 thirteen. Road through the rain to Ann Lee's. Friday fourteen. Arrived in Petersburg and had but a dull time. Sunday sixteen. Being Easterday, I preached at the Mannequin town on Colossians three, one through four, with some freedom. Monday seventeen. I directed my course northward, and on Thursday the twentieth reached Alexandria. Sunday twenty-three. 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 courthouse on First Peter three, ten, and in the evening at the Presbyterian church on Luke nineteen, forty-one, forty-two. Alexandria must grow, and if religion prospers among them, it will be blessed. I drew a plan, and set on foot a subscription for a meeting-house. Maryland Wednesday twenty-six. Arrived in Baltimore, and was occupied until the following Saturday in collecting money for the books, and inspecting the accounts of the book concern. Sunday thirty. 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 eight. Our conference began at Abingdon, where love, candor, and precision marked our deliberations. Saturday thirteen. We find that the college is now only fit for covering, and we are already in debt nearly nine hundred pounds, and money is scarce. Came to Baltimore to spend another tedious week. Tuesday nineteen. My soul is stayed upon the Lord, and all within me longs for God, even the living God. Sunday twenty-one. I preached in the new meeting-house in Light Street, on, I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. And in the evening I spoke on First Kings nine, six through nine. It was a very solemn time, a warning to our young people. Tuesday twenty-three. We had a watch night. Brother Watcote preached. It was a moving season. Wednesday thirty-one. Came to Antietam settlement, and spoke in a Dutch church. A traveling ministry would be more productive of good among these people. Their preachers and people are too fond of settling, and having things established on the regular plan. End of section fifty-one, recording by Brian Kenan. Section fifty-two of Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury, volume one. This is a LibriVox recording, all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury, volume one. Section fifty-two. Virginia, Thursday June 1st. I reached Shepherdstown with difficulty and in pain. I was blessed 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'm 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, indeed. Saturday the third. We rode twenty-eight miles along very bad roads to Melbourne's. Brother Waters preached. Sunday the fourth. 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 twenty-four, nineteen, to many black and white people. It was a solemn weighty time, all with seriousness and attention. I then went once more to Newtown. Here I preached on Tooth Timothy three, sixteen, and seventeen. I had but little freedom in speaking. I called on Mr. Otterban. We had some free conversation on the necessity of forming a church among the Dutch, holding conferences, the order of its government, et cetera. Road to Colonel Blanks, as welcome as snow and harvest. My soul is kept in peace, but my poor body is much fatigued, and I am lame with all. I came over a rough road to Johnson's and preached to a most insensible people. Monday the twelfth. The thirty-one miles spoke at wits to about fifty people, rather hard this after riding so far. I shall go elsewhere and do more good, I hope. Tuesday the thirteenth. I had an open time at Colonel Barats. 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 Allegheny would make me gloomy indeed. Sick or lame, I must try for redstone tomorrow. My mind has been deeply impressed with the necessity of getting our people to set apart the five o'clock hour holy for prayer, to establish prayer meetings, and to speak evil of no man. Thursday the fifteenth. We rode about twenty-two miles and were kindly entertained for five shillings and six pence. Saturday the seventeenth. 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 the eighteenth. We had a great day when I had done preaching, Brother M exorted it with life and power, and the power of God was felt among the people. I suppose there were nearly six hundred hearers present. Tuesday the twentieth. Being court time at Beesontown, our congregation 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 the twenty-second. Cross the Monica Gila at Redstone at Old Fort, where they were building a town. I'm now among some of my old friends that moved from Maryland to this country. Pennsylvania, Friday the twenty-third. I was much blessed and had many to hear at St. Litton's. We are now going to the frontiers in 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 in much blessed of the Lord. Saturday the twenty-fourth. The people were very still and very lifeless at lackeys. I felt the power of death when my spirits were low. This is death when religion and every comfortable accommodation are wanting. Lord, sanctify all these for my humiliation. Sunday the twenty-fifth. We had a wild company at Dees, to whom I was led to be pointed, on Isaiah fifty-five, six and seven. After preaching we ate a little bread and butter and rode fifteen miles to Dodridge's Fort. We arrived just after sunset, and I was comforted in the company of Brother Smith and others of my old friends from Maryland. Virginia, Monday the twenty-sixth. We reached in Cox's Fort on the Ohio River, on trust in the Lord and do good, so shout thou dwell in the land. Sound thirty-seven, two and three. We found it necessary 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 ourselves down to rest in peace. Sunday the twenty-seventh. I had a large congregation and divine aid. We hasted away to a little town called Washington, wicken enough at all times, but especially now at court time. We had uncomfortable lodgings. Riding hard all day and lost asleep at night never failed laying me under affliction. Thursday the twenty-ninth. I had enlargement in speaking to three or four hundred people at Robert's Chapel on Luke's Four, eighteen. Friday the thirtieth. Cation was given today for expressions of wonder by a clerical character that anyone should be able to preach who had not acquired learning. What Jesuitical stupidity was here manifested. We came to the widow Murphy's. The family are kind in the mother professes religion. We lie first and second. I spoke in the new church at Beeson Town. We had a feeling, gracious season, the sacrament was I trust to tend it with a blessing. Maryland, Monday the third. We came in haste to Simpkins and thence to Barrett's. We rode through gloomy mountains 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 the fourth. I came to Barrett'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 Friends Cove. I hesitated to go, but being unwilling to disappoint the people, I set out. It must need 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 on Luke 11, 16. I've been greatly tempted to impatience and discontent. The roads are bad. My horse is hind feet without shoes, but little to eat. To this I may add that the lodgings are unclean and uncomfortable. I rode across the mountain to Spurgeons, where I met with a number 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. I was thankful. I have in six days ridden about one hundred and fifty miles on as bad-rose as any I have seen on the continent. Maryland, Sunday, July the 9th. I rested from riding, preached on who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come. I had sweet communion with God in the woods. My soul hath rest in the Lord. Monday the 10th. Came to Oldtown and preached on 1 Timothy 1, 15, and administered the sacrament. Tuesday the 11th. I rested to look over some papers and prepare 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 Jacobson 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 sustained. Some of the hail, it was said, measured seven inches in circumference. Virginia, Thursday the 13th. 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 subject to a headache which prevents my reading or riding 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. Sunday the 16th. 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 considerably affected by the water. Thursday the 20th. I am better employed in reading Mr. Harvey and Brooks' practice of physics, more than ordinary in prayer and spoken public every other night. Sunday the 30th. I spoke plainly and closely in the playhouse on, O 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 candlelight. Saturday, August the 5th. I began to pack up in hopes of moving on Monday. Sunday the 6th. 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 Steyor, 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 spent 23 days at this place of wickedness, bath. We were 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 has entered upon with spirit. My horse was running in the pasture last week and hurt himself so that I find him utterly incapable of traveling 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'm disposed to consider it a providential call, although I should not remain or my horse able to carry me away. I sent Brother Bede to my appointments and directed him when and where to appoint for me. My hopes revive here and I trust my labor is not all in vain. Tuesday the 15th. I preached for the last time during this visit but the people showed but little affection for the word. Cape and 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 around it and on Thursday I took my departure from this unhappy place. Came to my old friend B. Boydstones. I had the happiness of seeing that tender woman, his wife who cared for the preachers as for her own soul. Full offed hath she refreshed my spirit. Her words, looks and gestures appear to be heavenly. Here I can make no stay lest I should miss my appointments in Philadelphia. And if so be late for those made in the jerseys in New York. Maryland, Sunday morning. Road 20 miles to Pipe Creek Chapel and preached to a large congregation. Monday the 21st, reached Mr. Goff's where I spent two days. The weather was very warm but for 100 miles and upwards I have had it sufficiently agreeable. Came to Abingdon. Our college is still without a cover in our managers as I expected almost out of breath. I made but little stay but hasted on to Philadelphia and arrived there on the 26th Saturday. New Jersey. Monday the 28th. I came to Trenton and then proceeded on to Brunswick. I was accidentally or rather providentially favored with a ride in the carriage. Else I know not how I should have proceeded on my journey. I reached New York on the 31st of August having traveled 350 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 exercised in mind. I spent some time in looking over my journals which I have kept for 15 years back. Some things I corrected and some I expunged perhaps if they are not published before they will be after my death to let my friends in the world see how I've 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, unwielding 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 16th. Was a very solemn season at the ordination of Brother Dickens to the eldership. I gave the charge from 1st Timothy, 3, 10 and 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 I believe. I met the society and opened my mind to them on various subjects. Tuesday the 19th. I rose with a sense of God upon my soul. I've been a little grieved with letters from blank 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 and all things. After preaching on the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, et cetera and settling some temporal matters relative to the support of the station preachers, I left the city and came to Elizabeth town. At seven o'clock I preached and had much liberty. New Jersey, Friday the 22nd. We dined at Amboy and reached Monmouth at night. Saturday the 23rd. I preached with life and love at Lennards. The people here appear very lifeless. I've lately been much tried and much blessed. Tuesday the 26th. I had many to hear at Potter's church but the people were insensible and unfeeling. Wednesday the 27th. I met with brothers P and Bud. We sailed over the bay to the sea for the benefit of the air. Thursday the 28th. Since this day week, we have ridden about 150 miles over dead sands and among a dead people in a long space between meals. Friday the 29th. I preached in a close hot place and I administered the sacrament. I was almost ready to faint. I feel fatigued and much dispirited. We lodged at Freedom Lucas's near Batscow, an honest hearted man. We shall see whether he will continue to be the same simple hearted Christian he is now when he gets possession of the estate which it is said has fallen to him in England. New Jersey Sunday October 1st. 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 the 3rd. At P. Cressy's we had a few cold hearers. The glory has strangely departed. Thursday the 5th. There are a few pious souls at Goff's but here also there is an evident declension. My soul is under deep exercise on account of the deadness of the people in my own want of fervor and holiness of heart. Friday the 6th. At Morris River Church I was warm and close on Lord are there few that be saved. The people were attentive to the word. Sunday the 8th. At New England town we had a small house and large congregation. I had liberty in preaching on by grace or ye saved through faith. Thence I proceeded to Ems where I had poor times. Next day I felt quite unwell for want of rest so annoyed were we the night before. Thursday the 12th. I was shut up and speaking on 1st Corinthians 130. At Marfa's we had many dull prayerless people. We came to the widow heirs. 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 1st Peter 318. Three times have I been here and always straightened in spirit. Saturday the 14th. Came to Sands town. 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 Watcote with whom I took sweet counsel. Pennsylvania Sunday the 15th. I had some energy in speaking and at sacrament. In the afternoon it was a feeling time on the Lord will give grace and glory. New Jersey Monday the 16th. Road to Holly where I preached on come ye blessed of my father, et cetera. 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, et cetera. These are not as zealous people for religion. Pennsylvania. We returned to the city of Philadelphia. Next day I preached and was close and pointed. Friday the 20th. I was led to treat on the sufferings of God's people as entirely distinct from those they endure and common 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 pounds. I gave them a sermon on by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye love one another. Sunday the 22nd. In the afternoon I left the city and preached in the evening at Chester. Delaware Monday the 23rd. I rode 45 miles to Dickinson's in the Delaware State. Preached at Little Creek and then rode five miles to Dover and preached in the courthouse. I bless God for peace of mind and communion with him. Sunday the 29th. I had many to hear at Dover and had power and liberty and speaking on Galatians 1.5. We also had a good sacramental time. In the afternoon I spoke on the latter part 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. Sunday, November 5th, I preached at Cambridge on we preach Christ crucified, et cetera. Little light and less heat. I was blessed in my own soul and had liberty in preaching at M. Kiehl's in the afternoon where there is some revival among the people. Thursday the 9th. I rode to Mr. Bartholomew Ennals. The nose was short and the congregation small. The word nevertheless reached some hearts. I crossed at Vienna, the dead and dark place for religion. Friday the 10th. We had more than I expected of hearers at Quantico Chapel. Thence I went to Waikamiko River in Lodge State Captain Conaway's where we met with a kind reception. 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 the 12th. According to the custom of the place I preached to accommodate them. My subject was Joshua 14, eight. Monday the 13th. I had about 50 hearers at Miles Chapel where I preached a funeral sermon on Ezekiel 36, 25. Tuesday the 14th. I crossed Pocamoke River and had some enlargement in preaching at Melvins. Virginia Thursday the 16th. Road to Paramores. The winter comes on a pace. I'm at times beset with temptation, but sin is as hateful to me as ever. Friday the 17th. The weather was cold and rainy so that there were but few people at the Whittle Bertons. Among these there were some who enjoyed and others panting after the perfect love of God. Sunday the 19th. I wrote about 20 miles through the rain to Garrett's and Chapel where about 50 whites and as many blacks met me to whom I preached with liberty. Monday the 20th. I wrote about 45 miles and on Tuesday preached at Snow Hill to about 100 people. Here I visited some prisoners under sentence of death. It was sunk down with fear and horror. Delaware Friday the 24th. My soul has peace under sore temptation. I want to live from moment to moment under a sense of God. Saturday the 25th. 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 the 27th. I wrote 30 miles to Lewistown very unwell. I preached at Shanklin'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 the 28th. I preached in the courthouse at Lewistown and I trust the word went with some weight. The congregation was large. Maryland. I attended a quarterly meeting at William Frazier's where I rested from traveling two days. The first day I spoke on fight the good fight of faith and on the second look unto me all he ends of the earth and be saved. My soul was blessed although our meeting was cold in our dwelling house crowded with a dozen preachers besides others. Sunday December the 3rd. Preached at Tuckahoe Chapel on these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal. I spoke again at widow Liders at four o'clock. Monday the 4th. I rode to the Bayside through snow and hail and met about 100 people. This we owe to the revival of religion among them. Our return thence was through heavy roads. I stopped in on my way at H. Bannings whose wife felt conviction under my preaching three years ago. Tuesday the 5th. I had a few people at Bowlingbrook and spent the evening with Colonel Burkhead who wants to know the Lord. He opened his mind to me with great freedom and tenderness. Brother White says that 500 souls have joined society in this circuit. Talbot this year and that half that number profess to have found the Lord and more than 100 to have obtained sanctification. Good news this if true. At Barrett'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 as everyone that layeth up treasure for himself and is not rich towards God. Friday the 15th. 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 let out on Hosea 14, 14 and hope it will never be forgotten. We dined and then rode to Newtown by sunset. Sunday the 17th, a day of rest to my soul. I preached and administered the sacrament in Newtown. They have a comfortable house for worship there especially in the winter. Came to Wharton Chapel and had some life and speaking to a few people. We waited at the Whittle Frisbees 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 20 miles. Maryland, Thursday the 21st, 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 the 23rd, 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 pounds. We agreed to finish two rooms and to send for Mr. Heath for our president. On Tuesday I left town and came to Annapolis about seven o'clock. Finding my appointments were not made, I determined to direct my course towards Alexandria. The Lord has been powerfully at work at Annapolis since I was here last autumn. 20 or 30 whites and some blacks have been added to the society. Virginia, I reached Alexandria and on Saturday preached in the courthouse on if we suffer, we shall also reign with him. The end of the first volume. End of section 52. End of journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury, volume one.