 Section 0 of Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury, Volume 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 Bill Schaefer. Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury, Volume 1, Section 0. Advertisement. The following is the preface which Mr. Asbury prefixed 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, 1771, 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 American continent, in the order of divine providence, as a situation in which I should frequently be exposed to censure and jealousy, I thought it highly expedient for my own satisfaction 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 constant and reasonable answer for my accusers. From the nature and design of the work, it must have in it many things both unpleasing and uninteresting to curious and critical readers, and perhaps some things exceptional even to those who enter into its spirit and read it with affection. In keeping a journal of my life, I have unavoidably labored under many embarrassments and inconveniences. My constant traveling, the want of places of retirement and conveniences to write, my frequent calls to the pulpit, my extensive epistolary correspondence and my debility, and sometimes inability of body, all been inseparable from my station in the church and so many impediments to the perfection of the account of my labors 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. This volume, now reprinted, was corrected by the author. 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. Footnote. This determination was not carried into effect except one small number which is now republished with the corrections of the author. End of footnote. As I have no certain dwelling place in America, my manuscripts have frequently been exposed to be lost and destroyed, 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 laborers, 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 Methodist Church in America, I have frequently to bear the greatest weight of their invectives. But impartial readers will not, I am persuaded, given implicit assent to the asseparations of those who may be under personal resentment against the body or individuals without duly considering the possibility of their being influenced by self-interest, jealousy or prejudice. And as I have been, under God and my brethren, the principal overseer of the work in America and have constantly traveled from the center to the circumference of the connection, I flatter myself that reasonable men will acknowledge that I have always had an opportunity of obtaining better information relative to the true state of the whole work than any other man could possibly have. Would it not then be highly injudicious to prefer a history of Methodism written by men of small and contracted information and apostates from its principles 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 characters of men, I have never knowingly deviated from the principles 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 endeavored 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 integrity of my heart and in the fear of God. My intention is, as much as possible, to remove every hindrance out of the way and to give no occasion for offense to any man. But if, after all, my attempts prove unsuccessful, 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 with the past loving kindness of the Lord and the years in which his right hand hath been bare will thus, to us, be rendered 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. Footnote. The greater part of the journal which follows was left in manuscript but revised under the author's inspection as far down as the year 1807. See the transcriber's notice and page 454, volume 3 of the following journal. End of footnote. 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. 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 important 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 authors. 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 infrequently found a confusion of dates and sometimes, as he thinks, a mistake in the names of persons and things, or especially in the author's geographical notices of the districts 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 sentence unfinished, a thing not uncommon, the transcriber has always tried to supply what was wanting, and where hurry has occasioned evident mistake as in 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 bishops. 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 abruptness 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 want 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 continuance, 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 is entirely departed from Bishop Asbury's style. On the contrary, he presumes he has been enough observant of this to satisfy most readers. In as much as the bishop himself, when he examined what had been transcribed up to 1807, altered but once, and then not much. The public may rest assured that the work is the authors, but here the transcriber must be permitted to speak in the first person. When I give this assurance, I must be understood 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 better. I once ventured to express my unavailing wishes to him that he had left out many of the uninteresting incidents and traveling notices we find in it, and had put in more of the deep reflections and acute remarks on men, books, and passing 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 reply, uttered with such feeling, would have satisfied every candid mind that it was by no ordinary effort so much had been done. F. Hollingsworth, March 28, 1821 End of Section Zero, Recording by Bill Schaefer Section One 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. Recording by Devorah Allen Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury, Volume One August 7th through December 30th, 1771 On the 7th of August, 1771, 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 to me in order to prepare me for future usefulness. At the conference it was proposed that some preacher 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. 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 4th, 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 8th, 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. Where 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 among the friends, but in time it declined. Likewise by the Presbyterians, but amongst them also it declined. The people God owns in England are the Methodists. 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 America, I will soon return to England. I know my views are up right now. May they never be otherwise. On the Lord's Day, September 15th, I preached on Act 1730. But God now commanded 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 oh, 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 is well. Oh, 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 Selen's answer to Elisha 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 22nd, I preached to the ship's company on John 3, 23, but alas they were insensible creatures. My heart has been much pained on their account. I spent my time chiefly in retirement, in prayer and in reading the appeals Mr. Durante's life, part of Mr. Norris's works, Mr. Edwards on the work of God in New England, the pilgrims' 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 here to fore. September 29th. I preach 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 Hebrews 2, 3. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? The 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 as 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 13th. Though it was very windy, I fixed my back against the Misenmast, and preached freely on those well-known words, like in Corinthians 5-20. 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? Oh I have reason to be much ashamed of many things, which I speak and do before God and men. Lord pardon my manifold defects and failures in duty. October 27th. 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. Oh 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 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 loose to speak. I feel that God is here and find plenty of all we need. November 3rd. 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 passed. Whatever I do, wherever I go, may I never sin against God, but always do those things that please Him. Philadelphia, November 4th. We held a watch night. It began 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 5th. 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 6th. I preached at Philadelphia on my last sermon before I set out for New York, on Romans 8, 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 7th. I went to Burlington on my way to York, and preached in the courthouse 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 invited me to his house on Staten Island. And as I was not engaged to be at York on any particular day, I went with him and preached in his house. Still I believe God hath sent me 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 11th, I preached again to a large company of people, with some enlargement of mind, in 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, 13th. I preached at York to a large congregation on 1 Corinthians 2-2. 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. They repute also in some a love of discipline. Though I was unwilling to go to York 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, worthy man, truly amiable and entertaining, and of a childlike temper. I purpose to be given up to God more and more, day by day. But oh, I come short. Wednesday, 14th. I preached again at York. My heart is truly enlarged, and I know the life and power of religion is here. Oh how I wish to spend all my time and talents for Him who spilled His blood for me. The Lord's Day, 18th. I found a day of rest to my soul. In the morning I was much let out with a sacred desire. Lord 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 affected 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, 20th. 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, and do what I do faithfully as to God. I expect trouble is at hand. This I expected when I left England, and I am willing to suffer, yay 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, 22nd. 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 intention, 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 helping me, the face of man, or know any man after the flesh if I beg my bread from door to door. But whosoever I please or displease I will be faithful to God, to the people, and to my own soul. Saturday, 24th. 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 courthouse, which was readily granted. On the Lord's day and 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 labored to show them the nature and necessity of repentance and the proper subjects and time for it. In the afternoon the congregation was increased, 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 commandment, 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 Ems, 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 mayors, where we lodged that night and the next day at noon set out for York. The Lord's Day December 2nd I found a day of rest to my soul and much liberty both in the morning and evening among the people. Oh that I may live to God and not to myself and keep myself free from all worldly entanglements. Saturday December 8th As Brother B was still at New York, 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 neighbors. I spoke to her freely of the willingness of Christ to save now, but unbelief still prevailed. The next morning I went to the courthouse to preach, but the noise of the children and the ill behavior of the unhappy drunken keeper caused much confusion. In the afternoon my friend M. informed me that the door of the courthouse 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. O. Y. After supper 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 religion. 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 straightened and shut up, but the Lord knoweth what he hath to do with me. Tuesday, December 10th I rode to New Rochelle and was received with great kindness by Mr. DeVoe and his family and preached there to a few. The next day also I preached to a large company and found liberty and I believed 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, 14th, I rode back to Eastchester and preached to a large company and found some satisfaction in speaking on the one thing needful. 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 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 Mernock 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 Tuesday I returned to York and found my friends in peace. Lord's Day December 22nd I preached to a large company in the evening and felt much power. I know that God was with us indeed. Ye was nigh to bless the people. On Christmas Day we had a very comfortable time. On Friday the 27th I set off with two of my friends for Staten Island. On the 28th we arrived at Justice W's where we were entertained with the best his house afforded. From thence I went 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. End of Section 1 Section 2 of the Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury Volume 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 Marianne Spiegel. Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury Volume 1 Section 2 January 1st to May 13th, 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 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 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 and I preached in the evening. On the Lord's Day I preached at Brother M'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 favoring 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's and felt much divine power in my soul and an opening among the people. I 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 Mernock and 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 believe 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's where many attended to the truth and showed a willingness to hear. On the Lord's Day I preached at D's at 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon and at 6 in the evening. Many attended but I fear few felt such deep concern as will induce them to leave their sins and leave 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 has helped me against them all. I stand a miracle of mercy. Oh, 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 few Presbyterians but they have suffered their meeting-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 2 in the afternoon at Mernock 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 has 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 endeavored 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 Rochale. 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 Rochale. 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. Tuesday the 21st I preached at my friend D's for the last time on these things that ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me do. The people seemed deeply affected under the word. In the morning of the 22nd I set out for the new city and preached there in much weakness and pain of body and in the evening I 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 23rd 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 in 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 forevermore. February 5 Still I feel myself weak. It is near fortnight 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. Yesterday was the first day of my going out. I went to Westchester 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 spirit of peace 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 in some measure been moved by the word on my former visits but they are now returned to their old ways in company. I found myself weak and 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 February 8 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 salvation of souls. At present I seem determined to consecrate my all to God body, soul, time and talents. On the Lord's Day found myself weak but brother P. being ill I preached in the morning and found life. Stated home on Monday 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 these words. Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repented. 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 retired to hold communion with God and 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 day to visit my friends in York. SS who was tender towards 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 PVPs 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 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 as he preached to himself. February 23. I preached again at Justice W's to many people and the Lord was with me. My labors increase and my strength is renewed. 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 AW'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 preaching 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 in the evening 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 favoured 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 the 27th I set off on a rough gated horse for Burlington 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 Terry all night but also treated me with great kindness. The next day I rode to town very weary and preached in the courthouse to many hearers. Monday 30 After riding to New Mills and 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 themselves I preached from these words This is his commandment 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 I 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's sake and this was a topic of our conversation. Saturday 5 This morning my mind was composed in serene. April 7 In the evening I preached to a very large audience in the church after preaching in the day to many poor mortals in the bettering house. April 8 We set out for Bohemia to find Mr. W who had been at his own discretion that he might wait upon Mr. B in order to go to York for five months. Stopping at Mrs. Withys in Chester footnote she kept the best in on the continent and always received the Methodist preachers and footnote. 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 out for Wilmington expecting to meet Mr. W there and finally 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 to the house of Mr. S a friend of the Methodist and then rode on to Newcastle and stopped at the house of Brother F but a good man. Preached there to a few people but met with opposition and found the Methodist had done no great good. The courthouse 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 comforted 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 about Baltimore but the distance which is 90 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 and was justly blamed both by my friends and myself 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 prayerless people is not an easy matter yet there's no excuse for me. Lord forgive both my secret and open faults my failings of omission and commission help me to have respect for all thy commandments and to be blameless before thee in all things. Lord's Day 11 preached today 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 oh that it may not wear off. I preached from these words the wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget 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. 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 Wilmington which I did though there were but few to hear. Wednesday 14 rode to Chester and preached in the courthouse. 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 labor was not all in vain. In the morning I visited and spoke with great freedom to four men who were under the 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 in Philadelphia with freedom and power. April 25 preached 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 shouting them out of society meeting 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 Methodists. 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, a man of dissipation was touched under brother W's preaching last night. I admire the kindness of my friends to such a poor worm as I. Oh my God! Remember them. Remember me. Thursday 30 I humbly hope the word was blessed to a large number of people who attended while I preached at the courthouse. 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 thankful. 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 Philadelphia the same night and I gave an exhortation. Tuesday May 5 Set out for Burlington again and preached to a serious people. People troubled that I am not more devoted. Oh my God! My soul groans and longs for this. May 6 My heart was much humbled but the Lord enabled me to preach with power in my soul. Thursday 7 Visited some prisoners and one of them who is to be tried for his life seemed much affected. In the evening I preached and felt my heart much united to this people. Next morning set out for Philadelphia not 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 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 Oh what a time of satisfaction and power was this for my own soul. Afterward to Mr. T's and many friends came at eight o'clock when I was enabled to preach with life. And of Section 2 Section 3 of the Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury Volume 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 Mary Ann Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury Volume 1 May 14th to September 5th 1772 Thursday 14 Went to the new church Surely the power of God is amongst this people. After preaching with great assistance I lodged at IJ'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 Peay went to Mr. W's and I went to Mr. W. R's On Friday night I was heavily afflicted and dear sister WR 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 GH who was near to eternity he had peace in his soul Some slighted me in this place with a little discipline and some drop off but my work is to please God Tuesday 19 Went about 16 miles into the country and preached at 11 o'clock with energy of soul A Presbyterian 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 spiritual strength and felt a great desire to do the will of God 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 about a few people and as there were soldiers in the town I could hardly procure a lodging Thursday 21 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 Friday 22 In the morning I rode home in great pain but after dinner went 10 miles down the river Sunday 24 We rode down to Greenwich where I preached at 10 o'clock to near 300 people collected from different parts We then rode back to Friend Pease where we dined and thence to Gloucester which made near 15 miles I preached there at 3 o'clock to about 200 people and then went up the river in a boat to Philadelphia where I preached at 7 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 hoped the poor man was humbled Wednesday 27 Went to New Mills where I preached at 4 o'clock and again at 10 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 oh how awful die he must I fear I'm prepared I prayed 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 on 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 deal of purity in my soul Tuesday 2 rose this morning between four and five and was much quickened in preaching then went to Haddonfield at noon Satan assaulted me this day 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 favored with an opening and great power after preaching there about 100 people went to Mr. T's one and a half mile off and there I also preached with life Thursday 5 at Greenwich I was weak in body but had some liberty in preaching to about 200 willing people 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 experienced 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 at the table with Mr. S and many felt the power of God though I felt but little myself we had a love feast today 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 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 very 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 13 hither to 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 afterwards 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 17 I bent my course for new mills but still grown 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 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 make it bring forth and bud that it may give sea to the sower and bread to the eater so shall my word be that goeth 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 where too 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 that Mr. W. Y was undoubtedly a good man and had been useful to thousands Thursday 25 travelling back towards Gloucester I called at Squire Pease and presented him with a petition for raising 150 pounds to discharge the debt on our preaching house at Philadelphia he promised both to give himself and to propose it to others Friday 26 returned to Philadelphia and preached at 8 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 preaching abroad in the church to a large congregation and the like my heart is still distressed for want of more religion long to be wholly given up to seek no favor 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 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 courthouse July 1 went over the ferry and preached to many people among them were some fine women who behaved with heirs of great indifference see returning to Trenton I preached at night and the next morning at 5 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 skeptical, diastical and antithiastical 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've lately been blessed with much purity of intention and fervor of spirit but greatly thirst after living more in God Saturday 4 went to Burlington in order to attend the execution of 1S 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 laboring 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 longed to be as an even rising flame of fire Tuesday 14 went to the jerseys and preached at Frentees to near 100 people though in the time of harvest and while preaching from these words you were sometime darkness but now year light in the Lord many felt the power of truth when the darkness and its properties were explained after describing true religion to about 100 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 etc I then proceeded to Gloucester which is one of the dullest places I have seen in this country the same night went to Haddonfield and on 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 accompanied me to the ferry Friday 17 returned to Philadelphia time enough for intercession and found it a good time both then and at the evening 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 behavior though I fear after all he will settle at Bohemia Wednesday, July 22 In meeting the small society of about 19 persons I gave them tickets and found it a comfortable time they are a serious people and there is some prospect 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 Wednesday morning and found the people there very affectionate 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 lodging at a tavern having 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 evening I preached with some power to a large congregation of rich and poor from these words even from the days of your fathers and 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 farewell sermon and told the people that he did not expect to see them anymore I've 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 courage discovering the unfaithfulness of some who first spoil a man and then condemn him I intend to keep such at a proper 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 Wednesday 6 felt satisfaction in life in meeting the society last night and spent this day in retirement Thursday 7 preached in York from Philippians chapter 1 verses 24 and 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 and compassion 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 these 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 the congregations are steady and we look for the power of God both in our own souls and among the people oh my God make bare thine arm after preaching in the evening of the Lord's day with some opening of heart into a full house I met the society and then set out on Monday morning for New Rochelle and preached the same night at Frendese about 30 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 blessed me with life and power in preaching at night and I afterward found my mind fixed on God and in earnest longing to be always holy in heart and life after preaching on Friday at New Rochelle from 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 Saturday 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 commit myself to God Lord's Day 17 preached in the morning and then went to preach at Newton about 12 miles distant in the evening 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 in the morning we then returned to York about 10 o'clock in this journey I found my soul comfortable and alive to God a sacred nearness to God and power to withstand temptations though in the afternoon of the next day I had caused 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 that my soul and my soul 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 oh that my soul could be more intimately and sweetly united to the Lord in the evening I preached with power but I 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 to leave the event to him Lord's Day August 24 preached morning and evening and had peace in my 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 many of them for though they seem fond of hearing yet they do not appear to be much affected on Tuesday I went to Amboy and dined with a mixed company of assemblymen, churchmen, Quakers etc 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 people on Thursday returned to York and preached in the evening 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 my soul 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 31 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 in my soul I preached also in the evening with some comfort Wednesday 3 preached at 5 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 was lively and my heart was 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 confined a faithful man end of section 3 section 4 of the journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury, volume 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 Sonda Robinson Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury volume 1 September 6 through November 14 1772 section 4 Saturday September 6 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 1. How often shall there be a public preaching? agreed that it should be on Tuesday Thursday and Friday nights besides the Lord's Day and exhortation on Saturday night 2. Shall we have morning preaching? this was agreed to 3. Shall we have the society meeting's private? this was doubted by some but I insisted on it from all rules in Mr. Wesley's last letter 4. Shall we make a weekly and quarterly collection? agreed 5. 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 6. Aught me not to be more strict with disorderly persons very little was said in answer to this 7. Shall we have the three stewards for the satisfaction of the society? the majority voted against it 8. Are we as frugal as we can be? it was thought we were 9. Will the stewards meet me once a week? agreed 10. Do we endeavour to avoid all partiality in the things of God? 11. Can we come at the balance of our accounts now or soon? it was thought we could 12. Who will stand at the door? not determined 13. Shall we meet the society on Sunday nights? this was opposed by some but I insisted upon it being the best time and at last it was agreed to for a season 14. Who shall be the collectors? this was not determined, though debated 15. Can the preacher meet the children? agreed 16. 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, sore temptation and a 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 King's Bridge on my way to York where SS 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 and 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 collections 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 Saturday 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 who were enforced quote this do in remembrance of me end quote 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 glorified in and by us now and ever at the table I was greatly affected by 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 30 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 Bloomingdale 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 with courage disregarding my fatigue if any good can be done we returned to York in the night which was very dark but he to whom the darkness 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 oh my God help me this day to I thy glory I 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 81st Psalm and in the evening we had a very full house and the Lord favored me with warmth and power while I addressed the people from Romans 6, 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 hither to the Lord hath helped me I will endeavor 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 27 years of age and have had a religious concern on my heart about 14 years though I felt something of God as early as the age of seven Thursday, 24 I preached in the morning from Psalm 86, 17 and found myself enlarged in the evening on the subject of the Good Samaritan this day my soul has felt much love towards God and my mind has been bent on doing his will Friday, 26 attending the lecture today 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 on 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 Saturday morning though it was cold we had many people at a moving time at five o'clock and a comfortable season in the evening exhortation Lord's Day 27 preaching this morning on quote building the tower and quote I had some assistance but experienced some heavy exercises of mind this day in the evening I was able to preach with power on the awful subject of the judgment attempting one to prove that the judgment will be universal two to describe the person of the judge three to describe the awful events preceding and attending that period four to point out the business of the day five 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 quote in such an hour as you think not the son of man cometh end quote Tuesday 29 at friend ease I preached with fervency from Ezekiel 33 for 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 heart the reading of Mr. Wellesley's journal has been made a blessing to me Wednesday 30 I was led to speak very closely at PB's to a congregation in which there were many old people and then returned to Mr. D's where I preached again and enforced the duty of meeting together among ourselves October 1 I set off for York and preached with 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 I preached with liberty last night my mind was troubled today but I earnestly desire to renew my covenant with God Mr. W. received a letter from Mr. Wellesley 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 society meeting to see the steward desirous to let strangers in on Monday I wrote to Mr. W. 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 frequently avoiding to speak to me absenting himself from the meeting of the leaders the appearance of dissimilation opposing 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 with morning and evening I had an opening of soul towards the people I met the society 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 society Mr. L. told me I had already preached the people away and intimated that the whole work would be destroyed by me 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 which he required a strict attention to discipline and appointed me to act as assistant he also enjoyed that Mr. W. might not print any more books without his consent I likewise 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 Friday 11 preached with power in the morning and spoke freely to a large congregation in the evening my soul is blessed with peace and love to God Monday 12 read one of Mr. Wesley sermons to the people and believe some felt it reproving them for evil speaking 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 in any other person as in myself Lord help me to be faithful and in all I do to glorify the more than ever felt assistance this evening in preaching Wednesday I went to new town 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 moved me Friday 16 I preached in the morning and felt resigned to anything having no choice but I'm 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 sensibility 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 catacysing and made it evident that in the primitive church the best and ableist 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 unable to speak plainly to a large congregation on Deuteronomy 30 19 quote 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 end quote this day we had a love fest many people spoke freely but not long this I have observed more here than in England that the people speak short but yet very full Monday 19 set off in the stage for Philadelphia the company was all quiet except one young man who frequently profane the name of the Lord is my intention to approve 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 I did not think of what he was doing afterward he seemed more careful after dining at Brunswick we came to Princeton 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 courthouse so I was obliged to preach in a school house where we had a comfortable meeting and also at five the next morning 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 Burlington 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 him and preached in the evening at Philadelphia all things considered the people here seemed to be quiet and in good order on Tuesday preached both morning and evening RS and myself set out on Wednesday for Bohemia and on our way we found a few friends from Newcastle that had not deserted the cause in this journey I called it Chester Jail and saw the prisoners who all seemed hardened to a man and among them were the wretched three that I saw escaped the gallows before two of these had behaved so badly they were now in chains Lord what is man and what am I without thy grace keep me, keep me Holy Lord let me die rather than live in sin against the I spoke freely to one of them who was a murderer Thursday 29 we reached Bohemia where we found Solomon Hershey a man hearty in the cause and of good understanding but his spirit is too warm and easily moved on Friday I visited E and RT 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 purposed 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 afternoon but it would not contain half the people so I stood at the door and the people without moved 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 rejoice in him as my all sufficient portion in the afternoon we rode in company to the bayside a few people who came straggling after the time at friend Nathaniel Jouses felt themselves affected by the power of God at friend G's the family was called together in the evening and RW gave a moving exhortation the 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 kindness and pressed me to call again I then went to Rocky Run and preached with freedom to a number of people among whom were many friends for some days past my mind has been blessed 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 Savior Wednesday 4 this evening I had a very solemn family meeting and spoke separately and pointedly to everyone 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, O Lord after breakfast Mrs. G, her brother and myself set out for Deer Creek we called at a friend's meeting and heard two men and a woman speak they all spoke to purpose we then proceeded to Mr. M's 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 SL's where we had also a comfortable time SL himself was deeply affected he had been a ranting Quaker and a rebellious man but God touched his heart and wrought a good work on him and several others here the next day we proceeded to Henry Waters next quarter and now gone with Mr. W to Virginia the Lord has done great things for these people not withstanding the weakness of the instruments and some little irregularities men who neither feared God nor regarded man, swears, liars cockfighters, card players, horse racers drunkards, etc. are now so changed as to become new men and they are filled with appraises of God this is the Lord's work and it is marvelous to 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 HW's several from Mr. M's followed me and seemed to give good attention to the things of God here I met with Nicholas Waters an ex-horter who appears to be a serious and sensible man after appointing to meet the ex-horters at my return I went to SF's and preached to many people then preached at a place about three miles on my way back and came to HW's again where we had a very comfortable time Lord's Day 8 we had a very melting time indeed while I preached to about 200 souls from Romans 6 17 18 we also had many people at RW's while I preached with liberty in my soul from 1 Corinthians 6 20 quote the kingdom of God is not in word but in power end quote this day I have been free from evil happy and joyful in my God at the widow bees there were many people both black and white rich and poor who all ex-hortered to seek the Lord while he may be found some of the young women in this family and thoughtful Tuesday 10 I enjoy peace and love in my soul and am determined through grace to love and seek nothing but God preached to many people both at CB's in the morning and IM's in the evening and was favored with much freedom Wednesday 11 many people attended preaching at Mr. S's among whom were some Baptists who went away displeased the congregation was also large at Friend S's I have read Dr. S on the non-eternity of Hell Torments I will prove the non-eternity of heavenly joys for he calls it an Ionian life now if the Ionian life of saints arise from the principle of spiritual life derived from Christ then the Ionian 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 neighborhood who oppose the work under us and perplex and trouble our young beginners alone then returning to Friend S's the word flowed freely while I preached to many people at 6 o'clock from 2 Corinthians 5 20 quote now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christ's stead be reconciled to God end quote spoke on God's 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 I was then charged while describing the character of gospel ministers Friday morning my soul was happy in God I wrote about 8 miles to meet JK many people attended the word at Mr. G's and after preaching JK 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 12 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 let's go to Richard Owings where some people came to see me with whom we sung and prayed end of section 4