 Section 13 of Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury, Volume 1. This is LibriVox Recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Jordan Hazel Rigg, Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury, Volume 1. Section 13. Lord's Day. The Ninth. The Lord assisted me in my public exercises both morning and night, and going to church today as usual I heard a stranger preach. But he was a workman that needed to be ashamed. Attended Mr. P. on Monday, and found him very affectionate. The elders of the French church wept over him with much tenderness. Several friends with myself conducted him across the river. Then after singing a parting hymn, he prayed very feelingly, and we took our leave of each other. I afterward went to preach in the swamp, where we had many people and a good time. Tuesday, the eleventh. Last night my soul was greatly troubled for want of a closer walk with God. Lord, how long shall I mourn and pray, and not experience all that my soul longeth for? And this day my mind is in nearly the same frame. Wednesday, the twelfth. The Lord blessed me with great peace. I am brought a letter from New Rochelle, containing an agreeable account of the work of God there. With much enlargement of heart, I preached tonight from 1 Kings 19, 11, and hope it was made a blessing to many present. Thursday, the thirteenth. My soul is not so intensely stayed on God as it might be. Oh, that he would bring me nearer to himself, and so transform me into his divine likeness. That there may be no diversity of will. But that it may be my meat and drink to promote his glory from moment to moment in all I do. I had much company in the course of this day. Friday, the fourteenth. My heart was much devoted to God, but having been here now four months, preaching or exhorting every day, and twice on the Lord's day, besides society meetings, it seemed to be too much for both the people and the preacher. We have now more unity in the society here than we have had for some time past. But we want more of the life and power of religion amongst us. Lord's Day, the sixteenth. Yesterday Satan assaulted me powerfully, but the Lord was my keeper, so that I may with great propriety adopt the language of the poet. In all my temptations he keeps me, to prove his utmost salvation, his fullness of love. This day the spirit of grace assisted me in my public exercises. Mr. S. T., once a silversmith of this city, preached a good sermon at church, though his voice was so low that he could scarce be heard. Monday, the seventeenth. Many people attended preaching in the swamp, and my soul was greatly blessed in the discharge of my duty. But oh, my heart is bowed down within me, and I feel strongly determined to be more watchful and diligent in pleasing God. Tuesday, the eighteenth. My heart was much taken up with God. I drank tea this afternoon with an old Moravian, who belonged to the fraternity in Federlane, at the time when Mr. Wesley was so intimate with them. Wednesday, the nineteenth. Captain W. informed me by letter, the house in Baltimore was so far finished that he had preached in it. With great liberty and satisfaction, I both met class and preached in the evening, and feel more encouragement to hope for the people here. Thursday, the twentieth. Notwithstanding all my grievous temptations, God is still the object of my faith, my hope, my love, my joy. Oh, that he may fill me always with filial fear, and give me grace to die to all but him. My soul abounds with sweet peace, and an exhortation which I gave this evening was made a blessing, I trust, and there were several that heard it. Friday, the twenty-first. A solemn, comfortable sense of God rested on my mind, and he has kept me from what I hate. And though Satan made some attempts upon my soul, yet the Lord gave me power to withstand him. The next day we had a refreshing time in band meeting. Lord's Day, the twenty-third. Dr. M. from D. preached today at church, on fellowship with God. He spoke well on that subject, as far as it relates to the fruits and effects of the spirit, but was deficient in respect to the witness, supposing that some may be in favour with God and not know it. Our carnal hearts are too prone to draw destructive conclusions from such a doctrine as his. Dr. O., as usual, made a mighty clutter in the pulpit about Noah's Ark. Our congregation was large, and we were not left without a blessing. Monday, the twenty-fourth. I still look to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith, and trust in him for supplies of strength and consolation. But O., when shall my attention be so fixed that nothing may divert it a single moment from its beloved object? We are informed that three of our preachers are coming over from England, and that we may look for them every day. Tuesday, the twenty-fifth. This morning my spirit wrestled with principalities and powers, but in the duty of prayer the Lord delivered me. After preaching at night from Matthew twenty-four, twelve, a man from Morristown came to me to inquire into my principles, and told me the Lord was bringing souls to himself in his neighbourhood, and that more than one hundred were converted there. Wednesday, the twenty-sixth. My soul is in peace, but longs to be more spiritual. After meeting a class and preaching in the evening, I found myself indisposed with a cold and fever. The next day my disorder continued, attended by the sore throat, so that it was with difficulty and pain I spoke to the people. Friday, the twenty-eighth. I do not sufficiently love God, nor live by faith in the suburbs of heaven. This gives me more concern than the want of health. Tis worse than death my God to love, and not my God alone. I was not able to preach, and was obliged to go to bed early, but could not sleep. On Saturday, as my disorder continued, I felt a strong desire for more patience. Mr. Jay, his wife and daughter, are all very ill, brought on chiefly through fatigue. Lord's Day, the thirtieth. I kept close house till evening, and oh, what happiness did my soul enjoy with God. So open and delightful was the intercourse between God and my soul, that it gave me grief if any person came into my room to disturb my sweet communion with the blessed Father and the Son. When my work is done, may I enter into that fullness of joy, which shall never be interrupted, in the blissful realms above. In the evening I ventured to preach from 1 Corinthians 1, 21, and spoke with a great freedom and plainness, and felt better afterward than could have been expected. Found myself something better on Monday, and met two classes. Tuesday, November 1st. My soul was in a lively frame, and sweetly inclined to live to God, and to do all his holy will. Many people appeared to feel the word, while I preached in the evening from Luke 8, 18. Wednesday, the second. My friends in this city concluded to write to Mr. R, requesting that I might continue some time longer in New York, in the country adjacent, supposing it would endanger my life to go into the low countries. But to stay or go I submit to Providence. As my legs, hands, and feet were swollen, it was thought proper to consult a physician, who sent me a certain mixture of bitters. Thursday, the third. My mind was much taken up with God, but I must lament that I am not perfectly crucified with Christ. I visited Mr. J, who appeared to be near death, and am ready to say, art thou he? Oh, how changed! The next morning, about eight o'clock, he died, being about forty-two years of age, leaving a wife and six children behind him. At present a spirit of harmony subsists amongst our leaders. But I want to see them also deeply engaged, to take the kingdom of heaven by violence. Lord's Day, the Sixth. Both my body and mind were afflicted today. In the morning I showed the congregation the danger of settling on their leaves, as all do who rest in dead formality, or trust in any past experience. In the evening I addressed the people on the heartfelt inquiry of the trembling jailer, what must I do to be saved? Monday, the Seventh. My body was weak, and my mind was much tempted. Lord's support and comfort me under every trial. I met the class of Mr. J, deceased, found much love amongst them, and by general consent appointed RS to act as their leader. I found much satisfaction in preaching the next evening, but had sore conflicts with Satan in the course of the day. Wednesday, the Ninth. My soul is strengthened with might, and filled with peace. But I see the propriety and great necessity of living every moment more and more to God. We are informed from Philadelphia that it is eight weeks since the preachers sailed from England, though they are not yet arrived. Friday, the Eleventh. My heart is grieved, and groaneth for want of more holiness. A letter from E.D. at New Rochelle informs me of a gay young woman, and one or two more, who are turning to God through Christ Jesus. They call aloud for preachers to come amongst them. On Saturday we had a blessed time in band meeting, though my mind had been somewhat depressed by finding one or two of my best friends drawn into a measure of party spirit. Lord's Day, the Thirteenth. Dr. E. at St. Paul's was on his old tedious subject of the Lord's Supper. He cannot be at any great loss in saying the same thing over and over again so frequently. Many people attended at our church in the morning, and in the evening there were about a thousand who seriously listened, while I preached from Psalm 112. Monday, the Fourteenth. I set off for New Rochelle, but by the disagreeable gate of the horse was exceedingly wearied on my arrival. Nevertheless I gave an exhortation to some serious people who were collected there. The next day my mind was troubled by turning on political subjects, which are out of my province. Alas, what a small matter may interrupt our communion with God, and even draw away our affections from Him. Though we had a profitable time, while I preached from Psalm 112, Wednesday, the Sixteenth. I went to P.B.'s where we had many people in some power. There is a very perceivable alteration in the people of these parts. They both hear and understand in some measure the things of God and can feel his awful truths. I had some conversation with a certain Mr. B., a sensible man, though he is tainted with the indolent spirit of Quakerism. Thursday, the Seventeenth. All my desire was after God, and Him alone, though my spirit was grieved by some involuntary thoughts which crowded in upon me. But in the midst of all there was a calm and settled peace. Friday, the Eighteenth. Unguarded and trifling conversation has brought on a degree of spiritual deadness. But by the grace of God I will rouse myself and endeavour to be more watchful and spiritual in all my ways, and in all things please Him whom my soul loveth far above every other object. Saturday, the Nineteenth. I set off with an intention to go to York, but at the bridge was informed that Mr. D. had come to the city. Therefore I returned to Mr. B.'s, and preached twice there the next day, as also once at Mr. D.'s, and then persuaded that the power of God attended the word at both places. We have here a small class of about thirteen persons, most of whom enjoy peace and consolation in Christ Jesus. I met them on Monday, and we were greatly comforted together. Thursday, the Twenty-Fourth. My heart is weaned from visible objects, and by grace raised to its best beloved above. But oh, I greatly long for more solid, lasting union, to be inwardly adorned with all the virtues and graces of evangelical religion. We were this day informed of the death of Mr. O., may the Lord help me to be faithful, lest I should not live out half my days. I set off the next day for New York, and met Brother S. at Kingsbridge. When we got within about ten miles of York, we found that about fifteen minutes before a man had been robbed of his money and his coat from off his back. One of the rogues pursued us, but we were too far before him. We reached our church just as Mr. D. began to preach. Monday, the Twenty-Eighth. After taking my leave of my good friends in New York the last evening, from Philippians 1, 27, Captain W. and myself set off this morning for Amboy. We met with a person who came a passenger with us from England in the character of a gentleman, by the name of Wilson. But now he calls himself Clarkson. And since then he has called himself Lavingston. He has been apprehended for passing a counterfeit bill, for which he was both imprisoned and whipped. When he saw me, he knew me, and I knew him. But he was in such perplexity that he couldn't eat no breakfast, and went off in the first wagon he could meet with. To what fears and anxiety are poor sinners exposed, and if the presence of a mortal man can strike such terror into the minds of guilty sinners, what must they feel when they stand without a covering before a heart searching and righteous God? On Tuesday we arrived at Burlington, very weary, and we were saluted with the melancholy news that two unhappy men were to be hung on the Monday following, one for bestiality and the other for abusing several young girls in the most brutish and shocking manner. Alas for the dignity of human nature. The next day I visited them and found one of them who was a papist, a little attentive. But he wanted to know if he might not trust for part and after death. The other was a young man who appeared to be quite stupid. Both Captain W. and I spoke freely and largely to them, though there was very little room to hope that we should do them any good. Here Mrs. H. gave an account of the triumphant death of her sister, whose heart the Lord touched about two years ago under my preaching. In preaching this evening I showed the people the emptiness of mere externals in religion and the absolute necessity of the inward power and graces thereof. Friday, December 2nd. My soul enjoys great peace, but longs for more of God. We visited the prisoners again and Captain W. enforced some very alarming truths upon them, though very little fruit of his labour could be seen. Mr. R. came to Burlington today and desired me to go to Philadelphia. So, after preaching in the evening from Proverb 2813, I set off the next morning for the city and found the society in the spirit of love. Lord's Day, the Fourth. I preached twice with some freedom and went to hear Mr. S., but it was the same thing over again. The next day my mind was in a sweet calm frame and I felt a strong determination to devote myself wholly to God in his service. I spoke my mind to Mr. R., but we did not agree in judgment, and it appeared to me that to make any attempt to go to Baltimore would be all in vain. Tuesday, the Sixth. Visited some of my friends in the city and wrote a letter to Mr. Wesley, which I read to Mr. R., that he might see I intended no guile or secret dealings. It is somewhat grievous that he should prevent my going to Baltimore after being acquainted with my engagements in the importunities of my friends there. However, all things shall work together for good to them that love God. The next day Mr. R. appeared to be very kind, so I hope all things will give place to love. Lord's Day, the Eleventh. Mr. R. preached a close sermon on the neglect of public worship. At church Mr. S. had the same thing over again, but the power of the Lord attended our preaching in the evening from 2 Thessalonians 1, 7, and 8. Tuesday, the Thirteenth. Yesterday my heart was fervently engaged in acts of devotion, and with some enlargement of heart I gave an exhortation at a private house near my lodging. But today my cry is, O, for more spirituality, more purity of heart, Lord, form me by the power of divine grace according to all thy righteous will, that my soul may enjoy thee in glory forever. Though concurring circumstances required me to speak this evening in a manner unprepared, I were blessed with a comfortable season. Wednesday, the Fourteenth. Mr. R. was sick, and Captain W. was busy, so I spent my time in study and devotion, and enjoyed a blessed sense of the divine presence. But what need can there be for two preachers here to preach three times a week to about sixty people? On Thursday night about sixty persons attended to hear Captain W. preach. This is indeed a very gloomy prospect, but my heart delighted in God. He is the object of my hope, and I trust he will be my portion forever. Lord's Day, the Eighteenth. My soul was happy while preaching in the morning. Mr. S. gave us an old piece at church, and Mr. R. was very furious in the evening. Monday, the Nineteenth. My body was indisposed, but my soul enjoyed health. The Lord gives me patience and fills me with His goodness. In meeting Sister T.'s class we had a mutual blessing. O, that I could all invite his saving truth to prove. Show the length and breadth and height and depth of Jesus' love. Wednesday, the Twenty-First. I began to read Neil's history of the Puritans. The Lord keeps me from all impure desire, and makes me to abound with divine peace. In prayer meeting this evening all present were greatly blessed. Friday, the Twenty-Third. Mr. Neil, in his history, is tolerably impartial, though he seems rather inclined to favour the nonconformists. But how strange that the Reformation should be carried on in such a rain as that of Henry VIII, and in time of Edward VI, while he was but a child. The good bishops, no doubt, carried the matter as far as they could, but it was not in their power to disentangle themselves and the nation from all the superstition of popery. But Queen Elizabeth and her friends bore hard for the supremacy. It seems the dispute began at Frankfurt, and Calvin was in the consultation. In the evening I preached from these words, neither give place to the devil, and believe it was good for some that they were present. Took my lodging the next day at Mr. W's. The next day, as the snow was near two feet deep, I did not go out, but had a comfortable time at home. End of Section XIII Recording by Jordan Hazelrig Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury Volume I, Section XIV Thursday, 29 My soul is happy in the love of God. He gives me grace to die daily to the world, and all the desires of the flesh. Dr. S. delivered a good discourse from Isaiah 26, 20 and 21 on the solemn occasion of a fast and preparation for the Lord's Supper. I spoke at night from John 1, 12 and 13, Monday, January 2, 1775. I see the great necessity of always beginning to glorify God with fresh vigor of soul. So prone is man to grow languid in devout exercises that without fresh and powerful exertions he will soon sink into dead formality. At Mr. B's, where we dine today, I was much grieved at the manner of Mr. R's conversation, but let it be a caution to me to be prudent and watchful. The next day my soul was greatly alive to God, and the people here are so kind to me that it fills me with astonishment and gratitude. Thursday, 5 For several days my throat has been much disordered, but it is now something better. Glory to God! He sweetly draws my heart into close and comfortable communion with himself. In reading the history of the Puritans I am surprised at the conduct of Archbishop Laud, a monster of a man indeed. Friday, 6 Find myself free through grace from all impure affections, but I am troubled on account of my disposition to trifle in conversation. Yet it is the will of God to save me from this also. May the happy hour speedily arrive when I shall be all together such as my Lord would have me to be. Saturday, 7 I had some conversation with that pious good woman, the widow of GT. She greatly lamented the condition of her son, who was in the Jersey College, a youth of about seventeen years of age, but under no deep impressions for the salvation of his soul. How grievous must this be to a pious parent? While carnal parents regard only the worldly prosperity of their children, truly religious parents are chiefly concerned about the eternal salvation of their souls. I was informed today that poor AW is living with his wife and appears to be industriously inclined. Lord's Day, 8 The Lord was pleased to bless my soul with that peace which passes understanding. A letter from my friend W.L. informed me that three of my friends were coming to conduct me, if possible, to Baltimore. But it is a doubt with me if I shall, with consent, be permitted to go. May the Lord give me wisdom, patience, and faith that in all cases I may know how to act or suffer according to his will and my duty. Thursday, 12 The conduct of Mr. Blank is such as calls for patience. He has reported that I was the cause of AWs becoming a preacher, whereas when he was appointed it was by the conference. At the time when I wanted him to travel was a year before his appointment when his heart was right with God. Moreover, at the last conference I was doubtful of him and so expressed myself both by word and letter. Friday, 13 As my throat was worse I stayed at home and took physics. Part of my time was spent in reading the history of the Puritans and I found my affections pure and fixed on their proper object. Though Satan did not fail to assault me with many temptations. Lord's Day, 15 I visited the Quaker meeting, but wondered to see so many sensible men sit to hear two or three old women talk. In the latter part of the day I was much indisposed and kept at home. But the next morning I found myself something better and earnestly longed for purity of heart and perfect resignation to all the will of God. Wednesday, 18 In the night my throat was bad, attended with a smart fever. My mind is variously exercised at different times, sometimes thinking that my affliction is judicial, other times thinking that natural causes produce natural effects. But, blessed Jesus, I must be still and know that Thou art God. From this time to Lord's Day, the 23rd, I had a putrid sore throat and two persons set up with me every night. But I found relief from purges and a mixture of nighter and fever powder. Mr. Blank keeps driving away at the people, telling them how bad they are with the wonders which he has done and intends to do. It is surprising that the people are not out of patience with him. If they did not like his friends better than him, we should soon be welcome to take a final leave of them. From the 23rd of January till the 1st of February my affliction was so severe that I was not able to write. There were several small ulcers on the inside of my throat and the pain of the gatherings was so severe that for two weeks I could not rest of nights. My friends were very kind and, expecting my death, they affectionately lamented over me. But on the 29th of January I was happily relieved by the discharge of near a pint of white matter. For a while my mind was in great heaviness, but after some severe conflicts with the powers of darkness I was calmly resigned to the will of a wise and gracious God. O Lord, how wonderful are thy works! It is my desire to know the cause of this affliction that if it is in my power I may remove it. Is it that I may know more of myself and lie in the dust or for my past unfaithfulness? But whatever may be the cause, I humbly hope that all the painful dispensations will work together for my good. In the course of this affliction I found that when my spirit was broken and brought to submit with cheerfulness to the will of God, then the disorder abated and I began to recover. Though Satan was very busy and, like Job's impious wife, suggested to my mind that I should curse God and die, nevertheless, through grace, I am more than a conqueror and can give glory to God. The gargle which I used first to scatter, if possible, the inflammation was sage tea, honey, vinegar, and mustard. Then that which was used to accelerate the gathering was mallows with a fig cut in pieces. And lastly, to strengthen the part, we used a gargle of sage tea, alum, rose leaves, and loaf sugar. On Monday the 30th some letters came from Baltimore, earnestly pressing me to go. And Mr. R. was so kind as to visit me, when all was sweetness and love. Wednesday, February 1st, I am once more able to write and fill a solemn, grateful sense of God's goodness resting on my soul. My all of body, soul, and time are his due and should be devoted without the least reserve to his service and glory. Oh, that he may give me grace sufficient. Thursday, the 2nd. I am still getting better, but not able to speak in public, though the word of the Lord is like fire within me and I am almost weary of forebearing. The next day my mind was much taken up with God and several of my friends, who were so kind as to visit me, were melted in conversation in prayer. Saturday, the 4th. My mind was filled with pure evangelical peace. I had some conversation with Captain W, an Israelite indeed, and we both concluded that it was my duty to go to Baltimore. And I feel willing to go, if it is even to die there, but at present am not permitted. I was confined to the house all the next day. But oh, how painful are these dumb sabbaths to me! However, it is my duty to submit to the providence of a wise God. Monday, the 6th. My body is but weak and my mind is somewhat distressed, lest I should be too much concerned about the Ark of the Lord and wish to take the cause out of his hand. How frail a creature is man! How little can he penetrate into the design and works of God! Tuesday, the 7th. Mr. T. R. took me in a chaise to dine with Mr. R. N. and Mr. R. A. My mind is somewhat troubled with temptations, but still I have peace. I am weak in body, and want more patience and resignation to submit to the will of God, till he is pleased to restore me. What is life? Lord, help me to be always ready to end it here. Wednesday, the 8th. From the state of my body today, I feel great expectation of being restored to health. But oh, how my soul longeth for more spiritual health! This day I wrote to Mr. R. at Baltimore to come for me. Thursday, the 9th. My body continues to recover, but I discover many weaknesses and failures in my inner man. When shall my soul be adorned as a bride for her bridegroom? When shall all within and all without be holiness to the Lord? Notwithstanding my illness, I have read Neil's history of the Puritans, consisting of four volumes, in about two months. Friday, the 10th. How great a blessing is health! Though of late it is but seldom enjoyed by me. But through mercy, my body now feels like being restored, and I am afraid of being thereby too much elated. The Lord shows me the excellency of affliction, and enables me to exercise resignation in all conditions of life. I am now reading Mosheim's ecclesiastical history, but as a writer he is too dry and speculative. Tuesday, the 14th. My heart pants to labor for God, to be once more employed in building up his spiritual house. Oh, that he may strengthen me, set me to work, and greatly bless my poor endeavours. Preaching the glorious gospel seems to be my proper employment, and when I am long detained from it, I appear to be out of my element. But hope, a blessed hope, revives, that before long I shall be of some service in the Church of Christ. Thursday, the 16th. My mind has been kept in great peace, but I am somewhat troubled on account of my defects in usefulness and spirituality. May the Lord make me more serious and more spiritual in all my internal and external actions. And though my mind was much taken up with God and Friday, yet I was too free in conversation. My earnest desire is to have full power over every thought, word, and action. I now venture to preach from Psalm 126.3. The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. R.S. wrote me a letter with his usual kindness, and informed me that Mr. D. concurred in sentiment relative to my going to Baltimore. And it is thought by many that there will be an alteration in the affairs of our Church government. Lord's Day, the 19th. Mr. R. preached his farewell sermon from Deuteronomy 30, 19. He has now been here ten months. Monday, the 20th. Most of this day was spent in private devotion and reading. I am full of humble expectation that the Lord will restore me to better health and greater usefulness. May my eye be single, aiming at nothing but the glory of God. That my whole body may be full of light. Wednesday, the 22nd. I received a letter from Miss G. at Antigua, in which she informed me that Mr. G. was going away. And as there are about three hundred members in society, she entreats me to go and labor amongst them. And as Mr. Wesley has given his consent, I feel inclined to go and take one of the young men with me. But there is one obstacle in the way, the administration of the ordinances. It is possible to get the ordination of a Presbytery, but this would be incompatible with Methodism, which would be an effectual bar in my way. It appears very strange that after so much affliction my heart should be so languid and dull. This day Mr. R. N. set off for New York. Thursday, the 23rd. Mr. R. F. and Mr. R. A. came to town. I preached in the evening from Romans 1, 16, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, etc., and showed first of what he was not ashamed, the experience, precepts, and blessings of the Gospel. To preach it in his purity, to suffer for it. Secondly, why he was not ashamed of this? Because it is the power of God to salvation from the guilt, power, and remains of sin. The power of God is displayed in preaching the simple truths of the Gospel. Thirdly, to whom it became so, to them that believe, first, the threatenings, precepts, and invitations, and then in Jesus Christ for this present salvation. Saturday, the 25th. I packed up my clothes in order to depart on Monday morning for Baltimore, and while giving a few words of exhortation in the evening, we found it a solemn feeling time. We also had a very powerful season the next evening, while I preached to a full house on the awful subject of the rich man and Lazarus. Monday, the 27th. My dear children in the Lord, PR and SO, with several other kind friends, accompanied me out of town. We stopped at Chester, where I preached from these piercing words of our Lord, thou knowest not the day of thy visitation. There are but little hopes of this place at present. Though if they do not fill up the measure of their iniquity, time to favor them may come. The Lord hasteneth before the present generation drops into eternity. As it is sometimes, since I have been accustomed to labor and fatigue, my body was exceedingly weak and weary at night. Tuesday, the 28th. Stopping at Wilmington to preach in the evening, a barber came to shave me, who once professed religion, and had been a soldier in the 23rd Regiment. But now he is a deserter, both from God and man. On our way to Susquehanna on the next day, we accidentally called on Mr. IH, whose heart was much affected while we prayed with him and his family. When we came to the ferry, we had an agreeable time, several joining us while we called on the Lord by prayer in our room. Thursday, March 2nd. We called at the house of Mr. J. D. and rested about an hour. Sister D. has treated me with all the tenderness of a mother towards a son, and may he that will not forget a cup of water given in his name abundantly reward her. We then pursued our journey to Baltimore, and my heart was greatly refreshed at the sight of my spiritual children and kind friends there, for whose welfare my soul had travailed both present and absent. The next day I had the pleasure of seeing our new house and my old friends, with some new ones added to their number. Here are all my own with increase. Lord's Day, 5th. Both in town and at the point, large numbers attended to hear the word. The power of God was present, and I had an inward witness that it was the will of God I should at that time be amongst those people. In I is come home to God, and R. M. is on his way. Monday, 6th. My mind was peaceful and calm. The next day I set out in a carriage for Mr. T's, about nine miles from town, and found a large congregation, many of whom came from Elk Ridge. On Wednesday I returned to town and was powerfully assaulted by Satan, but glory to God, he is my son and my shield. He discovers to my mind the temptations and keeps me from their power. May I ever feel my obligations and delight in giving all my strength and time to his service. Thursday, 9th. My spirit was grieved within me to see the wickedness of mankind in this town, to see how they oppose the truth of God. The power of Satan is only checked in a small degree, but when shall he be quite cast out? Before he will suffer his kingdom to be entirely overthrown, he will, no doubt, do all he can in stimulating his trusty servants to defend his cause. Preaching on Friday at W. L.'s, the wealthy Mr. C. R. was present, and who can tell but the Lord may reach his heart. Saturday, 11th. My body is somewhat unwell, but my soul is in health and peace. So I have some cause of lamentation for being too free in conversation with my friends. Lord's Day, 12th. Much of the power of God was felt at the point, and a divine energy went forth amongst the people that night in town, while I discoursed from that awakening Scripture, Romans 2, 8, 9, and 10, but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, et cetera. Christ was precious to my soul, which was filled with divine peace. I saw Brother S. and entered into a free conversation with him. His sentiments relative to Mr. R. corresponded with mine, but all these matters I can silently commit to God, who overrules both in earth and heaven. Monday, 13th. After preaching at O.C.'s about five miles from town in a comfortable frame of mind, I returned. The next day I parted with Brother S. and felt my mind depressed by temptations, but a holy flame glowed in my heart, while discoursing at night on the cloud of witnesses. Believing that some souls were benefited, I commended myself to the divine protection and slept in peace. Though it rained on Thursday evening, yet many attended whilst I enforced the apostolic injunction, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us. It is to be feared that many Christians do not lay aside every weight, which impedes their spiritual progress. If they did, they would not halt, and go on as if they were weary, but be enabled to run, and that with patience the race that is set before them. Friday, 17th. The glory of God and the salvation of men were my principal objects. I went to preach at the point, but they were training the militia so that the town seemed all in confusion. Friday, 18th. Peace and pure desires filled my soul, and Christ was the object of my love. Glory be to thee, O Lord. The next day the spirit of the Lord God was with me in preaching at the point, and with great pathos I was enabled to deliver the truth at night in town. Many of the audience felt the weight of God's word. I would be healed to the sacred touch and be saved. On Monday and Tuesday I made a small excursion into the country, and labored to bring souls to Christ at Mr. R's and Mr. T's. It seemed C.D. has not lost all the concern he felt some time ago. I afterward returned safe to town in the evening, and spent a part of the next day in reading Taylor's treatise on Holy Living. The book was made a blessing to me above seven years ago. I preached in the evening from 1 Samuel 10.6. The spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. Here I took occasion to show, Roman numeral 1, the operations of the spirit on the heart of man to convince, convict, convert, and sanctify. Roman numeral 2. The effects of these operations. Subpoint 1. A strong inclination to speak for God. This is the duty of every Christian. Subpoint 2. A great change in judgment, desire, spirit, temper, and practice. I found myself much indisposed when I returned to my lodgings, and the disorder of my body depressed my spirits. Friday 24. I ventured to Patapsco Neck, and had a full house at Captain R's, whose wife is brought by grace to the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus. Lord's Day 26. My heart was delightfully taken up with God. In the time of preaching at the point this morning, the spirit was tender, and many of the audience were much melted. I also found myself greatly drawn out in preaching at night in town. Tuesday 28. Mr. O., the Dutch minister, accompanied me to I.O.'s, where we had a blessed and refreshing season. The next day at town I met with Brother W. from Virginia, who gave me a great account of the work of God in those parts. Five or six hundred souls justified by faith, and five or six circuits formed, so that we now have fourteen circuits in America, and about twenty-two preachers are required to supply them. Thus we see how divine providence makes way for the word of truth, and the Holy Spirit attends it. May it spread in power and cover these lands. Brother W. is a very singular man, but honest in his intentions, and sincerely engaged for the prosperity of the work. I dined with Mr. O., the minister mentioned above, and spent the afternoon with him and Mr. S., another minister of the same profession. They both appear to be sincerely religious, and intend to make proposals to the German Senate this year to lay a plan for the reformation of the Dutch congregations. Friday, the thirty-first. This was a day of joy and great consolation to my soul. I clearly saw the propriety and necessity of devoting every faculty in every hour to God. Lord's Day, April 2nd. Many people attended to hear the word, and there appeared to be much feeling amongst them. I had a desire to hear from myself, Mr. Blank, the Presbyterian minister. His discourse was quite systematical and amusing, but if he had studied to pass by the consciences of his hearers, he could not have done it more effectually. Monday and Tuesday I spent comfortably in laboring on a short tour in the country, and was graciously assisted in Tuesday night at town. Wednesday, the fifth. I experienced the benefit of visiting the sick and found much satisfaction in my own soul while speaking plainly to a carnal young man. The next day Satan assaulted me with great violence, but he found my heart fixed on God. Friday, the seventh. After visiting two sick persons, I went to Brother Elles and was enabled to speak freely and feelingly to a large number of rich and poor assembled there. On Saturday I returned and found that a young man who had turned his back on the Gospel and devoted himself to sin had been suddenly snatched away by death. How awful! Does not this appear like the judicial hand of God? Does it not seem as a powerful warning to surviving sinners, especially such as answer his character? And yet it is to be feared many will not bear the rod nor regard him that appointed it. Lord's Day, the Ninth. Though my body was weak and my mind grieved by the wickedness of the wicked, yet I was enabled to speak powerfully both at the point and town. The blessing of the Lord attended us, both at Mr. Ease on Monday and at OC's on Tuesday. Here I met with Brother S. and found we were of one heart and of one mind. Lord grant that all the preachers may be thus united in sentiment and affection. Thursday, the Thirteenth. Had some conversation with Mrs. J. from Philadelphia. She appeared to be in distress about her soul and said she was convinced of her lost estate the last Lord's Day. Saturday, the Fifteenth. God is my portion and my all-sufficient good. He fills me with pure spiritual life. My heart is melted into holy love and altogether devoted to my Lord. Many came to hear the word of life in the evening and my soul was supplied with strength. End of Section 14. Recording by Jordan Hazelrig. Section 15 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 Larry Wilson. Journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury, Volume 1. Section 15. Lord's Day, 16. The Spirit of God attended our endeavors both in town and point. My heart was greatly enlarged in town especially. There is a very apparent alteration in this place. There is not so much drunkenness and neglect of the ordinances as in former times. And the people are much more inclined to attend the places of public worship. So that on the whole I entertain a lively hope that the Lord will yet raise up for himself a large society in the town of Baltimore. On Monday my frame was weak and weary. Nevertheless I had to preach once in town and once in the country about seven miles off. Wednesday, 19. Having preached at several places in the country I returned to town and find that the Lord assisted me from time to time. He frequently revives both body and soul when I am almost ready to give over. Tuesday, 20. Just before preaching at the point six men were accidentally shot in the militia exercise. I will not venture to assert that Captain collected them for exercise because it was preaching night. However I visited one of the wounded and prayed with him. Saturday, 22. I dined with Captain R who appeared to be under some small awakenings. Afterward came to town where Brother R and I met like Jacob and Nisa. And all was love and peace. In the evening Mr. R preached a good sermon on John 12, 36. While you have the light, believe in the light that ye may be the children of the light. Lord's Day, 23. Our congregations were large amongst whom were Mr. G, Mr. C, and others. In the evening Mr. R preached an alarming sermon. On Monday I visited a sick woman who soon after went into eternity. And then I went to Mr. E's where many found it beneficial to them that they were present to hear the word of the Lord. By particular invitation I lodged on Tuesday night at Captain R's and in the course of a free conversation he told me that he was brought under his first conviction at Mr. T's from Proverbs 28, 13. Saturday, 29. I have not been unassisted in the public exercises of this week and now find my soul in a peaceful frame, though not without a serious concern for the cause of the country. Lord, turn aside thy displeasure and mercifully interpose. Lord's Day, 30. I preached three times and the cup of my blessing was full. What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits? But we have alarming military accounts from Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. Surely the Lord will overrule and make all these things subservient to the spiritual welfare of his church. On Monday I visited the country and having preached at a few places returned on Tuesday night to town and found all the people all in flame with a martial spirit. Thursday, May 4. My soul longs for a perfect conformity to the image and will of God in all things. I desire nothing but him and he causeth my heart to overflow with peaceful joy. I preached at the point this evening but have more hope for the inhabitants of the town than for those of the point. O that I could learn the holy art of doing more good for precious souls. It troubles me to think of being so unprofitable. Friday, May 5. At the appointed time for preaching we had an awful storm of thunder and lightning which killed three horses. However, I began in the midst of it and spoke with liberty of spirit and confidence in God. Saturday, May 6. I was grieved to date that I did not feel myself more steadily devoted to God. In the evening I, Kay, preached a good and profitable sermon but long and loud enough. Lord's Day, 7. I preached twice and held a love-feast but heaviness is brought upon my mind by some that would once comparatively speaking have plucked out their eyes and had given them to me. But now they slight me. Cursed is the man that trusted the man and maketh flesh his arm whose heart departed from the Lord. May my heart trust in the Lord. Monday, 8. Several friends set out in company with me to the quarterly meeting. When we came to J.G.'s he did not appear to be so open as he was about a year ago. Prayer is almost neglected and both his children and servants are almost like wild, untaught Indians. Ah! What is all the substance of this world without the love and fear of God? I proceeded the next morning to meet the preachers and stewards. At ten o'clock we held our love-feast though my mind was under some exercises so that I spoke but little. However, at four o'clock I came to J.G. 41-13 with great enlargement and to a large concourse of people but was confined in the evening to the company of men who were destitute of religion and full of sin and politics. My brethren and myself were glad to have prayer in the morning and leave them. If there were no other hell than the company of wicked men I would say from such a hell Good Lord, deliver me. I did not go to J.G. fast. I preached on the occasion and the Lord made it a solemn, heart-affected time so that we did not conclude till about three o'clock. The next day I reached Bohemia but as it was late some of the congregation had departed. I therefore exhorted those that were left and then proceeded to Newcastle. Lord's Day 14 Both last night and this day I hope my skirts were clear of the blood of the people in Newcastle Town whether they reject or accept and offered salvation. After stopping to preach at Chester the next day I then went on to Philadelphia. Tuesday 16 I had some friendly and close conversation with the preachers in which we spoke plainly of our experience and doctrines. Mr. R.A. preached in the evening from Wednesday till Friday we spent in conference with great harmony If the Lord spares me I am now about bending my course toward Norfolk to preach the glad tidings of salvation to perishing sinners there. Monday 22 I had preached the last evening with some sweet enlargement. I left Philadelphia this morning and set off for Norfolk. Preached at night to a few people in Chester and was conducted the next morning in a friend's chase to Cecil Courthouse where I embarked for Norfolk. Monday 29 With a thankful heart I landed in Norfolk after having been much tossed about by contrary winds in the bay. My accommodations on board the vessel were also very indifferent so that it was a disagreeable and fatiguing passage. But in hope of that immortal crown I now the cross sustain and gladly wander up and down and smile at toil and pain. Here I found about 30 persons after their manner but they had no regular class meetings. However here are a few who are willing to observe all the rules of our society. Their present preaching house is an old shattered building which has formerly been a playhouse. Surely the Lord will not always suffer his honor to be trampled in the dust. No, I entertain a hope that we shall have a house and a people in this town. My heart is filled with holy thoughts and faithfully engaged in the work of God. On Tuesday evening about 150 souls attended to hear the word and about 50 at 5 o'clock on Wednesday morning which by the presence of the Lord was found to be a good time. I then went over to Portsmouth and found my spirit at liberty in preaching to a number of souls there. Friday June 2 The Lord is pleased to show me the danger which a preacher is in of being lifted up by pride and falling into the condemnation of the devil. How great is the danger of this! A considerable degree of ballast is highly necessary to bear frequent and sudden puffs of applause. Lord fill me with genuine humility that the strongest gusts from Satan or the world may never move me. Saturday 3 My body is weak but my soul is in sweet pacific frame. I see the need for constant watchfulness and entire devotion to God. My heart was stayed on God while preaching in the evening from Psalm 6818. Lord's Day 4 Many seem willing to hear both morning and evening at Norfolk but in the afternoon at Portsmouth the congregation though large seemed to have very little sensibility. On Monday I found myself better than could be expected after preaching three times to the society the day before. May the Lord brace up my feeble frame and by His grace I am determined to use it for His glory and the service of His church. The congregation were attentive in the evening while I enlarged on the fruits of the Spirit. Tuesday 6 I went to the far the most part of Portsmouth Parish through such a swamp as I never saw before and partook of a blessing with the people some of whom are of a simple heart. After having preached at Mr. F's in St. Bride's Parish then at Mr. Im's and Mr. R's I returned to Portsmouth on Thursday evening and found my soul in peace. I have lately read Mason on self-knowledge. This book with Frank's on the fear of man and Thomas the Kimpus are most excellent books for a Christian. Wednesday 14 I have continued laboring with different degrees of encouragement between Norfolk and Portsmouth but have not met with the success which my soul longs for. Our friend set a subscription on foot today for building a house of worship and I have raised only about 34 pounds. Had they the same spirit of liberality which they have in Baltimore they might easily accomplish it. Thursday 15 I found 13 serious souls in society about six miles from town on Suffolk Road. My poor brother O is subject to great heaviness through manifold temptations. The congregation here were small however some of them were much affected. I gave a close and pointed exhortation in the evening at Portsmouth and there was a melting of heart amongst the people. I preached again the next day and met both the classes and felt my hopes for Portsmouth began to revive. Monday 19 Yesterday's labor of preaching etc. was not too much for me and this day my soul enjoyed delightful communion with God Satan assaults but he that is for me is stronger than he that is against me. Be thou my strength be thou my way protect me through my life's short day in all my acts may wisdom guide and keep me Savior near thy side. Tuesday I preached at New Male Creek and joined two persons to be there. Went thence to North West Woods and preached at the house of Mr. A and after preaching at two or three more places I returned on Thursday to Portsmouth. Monday 26 The God of Hope fills me with joy and peace in believing about seventy souls sat under the word this evening and some of them were very deeply affected but too often it is as the morning cloud and as the early dew how irrational it is that rational beings should employ their thoughts with readiness on every trifling subject but when they can hardly be brought to think seriously on the things of eternity although the Holy Spirit awakens their sensibility and alarms their fears oh the strange perverseness the deadly depravity of man Tuesday 27 preached at five in the morning but am depressed in spirit to see such an insensibility to the things of God amongst the people surely I am now in a dry and barren land but hope it will not be so long Tuesday 29 I preached at Mr. B's a new place and a large company was collected the Lord stirred the hearts of the people under the preaching of the word at H's and on Friday I returned and preached at night in Portsmouth after I had met the classes and put them into bands the next day and set off a cranny island that found the weather excessively hot such as I had never known in England on my return some of the members appeared a little refractory in submitting to discipline but without discipline we should soon be as a rope of sand so that it must be enforced that who will be displeased Lord's Day July 2 our congregations consisted of many people from the country as well as the towns and I knew by experience that where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty Monday 3 was spent in writing to the preachers and reading and I was much contracted in my ideas while preaching at night but all my soul is taken up with God so that my desire is unto the Lord and the remembrance of his name give me thyself from every boast from every wish set free let all I am in thee be lost but give thyself to me Friday 7 the last three days I have labored at different places in the country and preached this evening in Portsmouth though I feel some concern for the souls of my fellow men yet not enough if we could but see by faith the danger to which poor unpardoned sinners are continually exposed if we could but have a realizing view of that unquenchable fire into which they must be plunged dying in the present state whether we rest day or night from using all possible endeavors to prevent their eternal damnation oh unbelief thou most destructive sin howest thou destroy the vigor of Christians endeavors as well as the souls of the unregenerate Tuesday 11 after preaching at five o'clock I went to Portsmouth met the classes and read and explained the rules telling them that the society has its proper rules and persons appointed to see them kept and that every member forfeited his right to membership if he willfully transgressed them if men see the necessity of being thus subject to order for the sake of temporary advantages how much more cheerfully should we be subject for the eternal advantages which attend the salvation of our souls Friday 14 I returned to town after a short tour mentioned several times in the country in this tour I lodged at the house of brother O mentioned some time ago a man of gloomy spirit but solid piety in his house there is a true spiritual church three souls all of one mind and sincerely intent on seeking and serving the Lord I met the classes in town and found my soul sweetly staying on the Lord though my animal spirits flagged by reason of the extreme heat friend L is opposed to our rules but no man can expect to abide with us unless he is so satisfied with our rules as to manifest a proper respect and conformity he may be as I hope he is a well-meaning man but he is sufficient in religious judgment Tuesday 20 I have now been a few days doing my master's business in the country but have taken cold and am afflicted with a severe headache so that I am almost ready to lie by however the next day I found myself something better and came to Portsmouth met the classes and preached my heart to my flesh cry out for God fulfill fulfill my large desires large as infinity give give me all my soul requires all all that is in thee Lord's Day 23 there appeared to be many wild people in the congregation the grace of God is sufficient to make them tame but the almighty dealeth with man as with a rational creature therefore we may go on in our folly like the wild asses cold till we drop into endless perdition unless we yield to the sacred touch of grace and become workers together with God Wednesday 26 I preached to a small company at Brother W's and before the congregation was dismissed an honest Christian who had been justified about 12 months before rose up and spoke a few broken words which affected the people more than all that had been said what an excellent thing is simplicity of the heart how ready is God to own and bless it it would be well for professors of some standing to inquire impartially if they have not lost their first simplicity old professors are very apt to become wise in their own esteem and fools and God's esteem I have constant inward fevers and drag a cumbersome body with me but my soul is united to Jesus though I ardently wish to feel more fervent love to my God and Savior calling it Brother O's in this little excursion I found his wife exceedingly happy in the love of God and I know not but she is sanctified holy Friday 28 at my return to town I found the people in some commotion their trading to the West Indies was prohibited however the little society seemed determined to cleave to the Lord the next day I went down the river to Mr. E's and preached perhaps to but little purpose to a company of ignorant careless people Lord's Day 30 I was greatly assisted in my public exercises both Anorfa and Portsmouth if it were in my power the will of God every soul of them should be brought to Christ but alas these are vain thoughts for the Almighty has an infinitely greater desire for their eternal welfare but the whole of the matter is this they will not come to Christ in the way he has appointed that they might have life and thus many will eternally perish in their sins Friday August 4 I spent the preceding part of this week in the country as usual and with various prospects of success but came back today met the classes which appeared to be much more engaged for heaven and preached in the evening Saturday 5 my spirit was a little dejected but blessed with the peace of God I had some conversation with Mr. S who said that the people should be kept in society if they did not meet in the class and intimated that instead of preaching the gospel I had been exposing their faults so this is part of what I have gained by my labor but I let him know that our rules were intended for use Monday 7 I received a letter from Mr. T. R. in which he informed me that himself Mr. R. and Mr. D. had consulted and deliberately concluded it would be best to return to England but I by no means would agree to leave such a field for gathering souls to Christ as we have here in America it would be an eternal dishonor to the Methodists that we should all leave 3,000 souls who desire to commit themselves to our care neither is it the part of a good shepherd to leave his flock in time of danger therefore I am determined by the grace of God not to leave them let the consequence be what it may our friends here appeared to be at the thought of being forsaken by the preachers so I wrote my sentiments both to Mr. T. R. and Mr. G. S. Tuesday 8 I set out on my little country tour and after preaching at Mr. B's Brother W's and a few other places returned on Friday to Portsmouth and preached in the evening though much indisposed this week we had such thunder and lightning as the never I knew before by going from one climate to another we may meet with things of which we had very little idea then how will it be when we change worlds instead of climates and how surprised will impenitent sinners be when they go from earth to hell that God whose power produces the thunder and lightning of which the inhabitants of some parts of the earth have very little conception is undoubtedly able to produce the unquenchable fire of which many impenitent sinners have very little belief Lord's Day 13 my own soul was enlarged in preaching but the people were too little affected on Monday I spoke both morning and evening but we were interrupted by the clamor of arms and preparations of war my business is to be more intensely devoted to God then the rougher the way the shorter our stay the tempest that rise shall gloriously hurry our souls to the skies Wednesday 16 preaching at Mr. H's about 16 miles from town I met with Mr. P from North Carolina who invited me to go and form a circuit in Curituck County where they have very little preaching but what they pay for at the rate of three pounds per sermon I accepted the invitation and appointed the 10th of September for the time to visit them a letter from brother GS which came to hand on Friday gave an account of about 200 souls brought to Christ within the space of two months Glory to God for the salvation of sinners surely I am in a dry and barren place and there is but little prospect of doing good though the spirit of holiness possesses my own heart but oh how it pants for more faith and love how it longs to be more useful in the Church of Christ Saturday 19 my body is weak but this does not concern me like the want of more grace my heart is too cool towards God I want it to feel like a holy flame I am also sometimes afraid that I shall never do any more good Lord's Day 20 I preach three times as usual and heard a sermon on the dignity of human nature, vain philosophy every imagination of the thoughts of the heart in an unrenewed man is only evil continually then what is the dignity of the depraved human nature received a letter from Mr. TR expressing a change in his attention of returning to England wrote to Mr. B's on Tuesday where many of the people were much affected under preaching Lord water the seeds sown that sooner or later it may bring forth fruit to thy glory the weather is now so hot my body is greatly enfeebled and my mind almost unfit for every exercise but I desire impatience to possess my soul I went to Mr. E's on Saturday but there was little prospect of doing them any good I took my leave of them my body was fatigued my soul was tempted and cast down but in meeting the people at night in town my spirit was refreshed section 15 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 Larry Wilson journal of the Reverend Francis Asbury volume 1 section 16 Lord's Day 27 the spirit of the Lord wrought in our congregation and some were deeply affected on Monday I set off for Mill Creek to hold our quarterly meeting we found it a peaceful comfortable time Mr. S. discovered his independent principles in objecting to our discipline he appears to want no preachers he can do as well or better than they but it is likely self-sufficiency is the spring of all this after preaching at a few other places on the way I returned to Portsmouth on Friday and on Saturday we had a most remarkable storm the wind at northeast and blew several vessels on shore and among others the mercury man of war houses were blown down docks torn up bridges carried away abundance of trees broken torn up by the roots and several tracts of land overflowed with water but a peculiar blessing is true religion who and the Lord confide and feel his sprinkled blood in storms and hurricanes abide firm as the mount of God a more awful scene than this will be unfolded when God shall judge the world by the man Christ Jesus how then will poor sinners quake and tremble when the heaven shall pass away with a great noise and the element shall melt with perfect heat O they that were wise that they understood this that they would consider their latter end Monday September 4th I was taken very ill with the fall fever and being able to take but little nourishment was much reduced however I put my trust in the Lord and committed all my concerns to him but was not able to keep my journal till the 25th instant and then felt myself but very little better Tuesday 26 Brother W. died the Lord does all things well perhaps Brother W. was in danger was entangled in worldly business and might thereby have injured the cause of God so he was taken away from the evil to come Wednesday 27 my body is still very weak and there is too much weakness in my soul which passionately longs for more spirituality and more of God in Christ Jesus come oh my God thy self reveal fill all this mighty void thou only canst my spirit fill come oh my God my God Thursday 28 I ventured to preach a funeral sermon at the burial of Brother W he has been a very useful laborious man and the Lord gave him many seals of his ministry perhaps no one in America has been an instrument of awakening so many souls as God has awakened by him Friday 29 my body recovers a little health and strength Lord help me so to use my strength for thee as never to provoke thee in thy displeasure to deprive me of either my life or my strength wrote to Mr. T. R. informing him of Brother W's death Lord's Day October 1 preached in Portsmouth for the first time since my illness and the hearts of many were touched Tuesday 3 my heart is fixed I am fasting in the Lord I sincerely desire to be entirely His to spend the remnant of my days and strength altogether for God a company of Marines have been assured Norfolk ransacked the printing office and taken the printers and press with them the inhabitants soon after embodied and got under arms the people are also repairing the fort which if put in order may sink all the ships that shall attempt to come into the harbor if it is thought expedient to watch and fight in defense of our bodies and property how much more expedient is it to watch and fight against sin and Satan in defense of our souls which are in danger of eternal damnation but small dangers at hand have a greater effect on fallen man than the greatest dangers which are thought to be at a distance but alas the one may be as near as the other Saturday 7 I took on a small excursion into the country this week and preached several times Lord's Day 8 was greatly enlarged in preaching both at Norfolk and Portsmouth and I ventured to hope some good was done but martial clamors confused the land however my soul shall rest in God during this dark and cloudy day he has his way in the whirlwind and will not fail to defend his own Ark Wednesday 11 Satan assaults me but cannot break my peace my soul is stayed on the Lord and I find great sweetness in reading the Bible in comparing spiritual things with spiritual other books have too great a tendency to draws from the best of books I therefore intend to read more in this and less in all others Friday 13 preached at Mr. F's where I always find consolation in my soul I returned to Portsmouth and found my spirit at liberty in preaching at night well may the kingdom of heaven be compared to a net which is cast into the sea and gathered all both good and bad we had collected 27 persons in our little society here when I first came but I have been obliged to reduce them to 14 and this day I put out a woman for excessive drinking here we see the necessity and advantage of discipline no doubt but Satan will use all his endeavors to thrust in some who are unsound and insincere so that they by their ungodly conduct may help to bring reproach on the spiritual church of Christ and unless the discipline of his church is enforced what sincere person would ever join a society amongst whom they saw ungodliness connived at Friday 20 having spent several days preaching in different parts of the country I returned to Portsmouth and was comforted we have a few as faithful and happy souls in this place as perhaps in any part of Virginia and unless divine justice has determined destruction on these two towns I hope the Lord will undertake for them and increase their number Lord's Day 22 a painful swelling in my face prevented my preaching this morning but it broke and gave me ease before night when I was sorted in the evening Monday 23 as I expect to go to Brunswick shortly my heart rejoices in hopes of seeing good days and many souls brought to God in those parts true gospel preachers may say with the poet the love of Christ our hearts constrain and strengthens our unwearyed hands we spend our sweat and time and pains to cultivate Immanuel's lands preaching at Mr. B's today some who had treated me with unkindness were now affected and wept much at the thoughts of parting the word went with power to the hearts of many at Mr. H's on Tuesday as it did also the next day at the widow eyes where they prevailed on me to Terry all night and preach again for them on the Thursday which I did here is a prospect of doing good and a preacher is acceptable for they have no minister in the country except one who is occasionally hired at the extravagant rate before mentioned I explained something of our discipline and method of support to Mr. P. and he seemed desirous that we should go amongst them I then went to the northwest woods and preached at the funeral of a certain Mr. M. who had desired that we should perform his last office for him many people were present who seemed serious and some of them were much affected on Friday I returned to Portsmouth in early 2028 I feel determined by the grace of God to use more private prayer and may the Lord make me more serious more watchful and more holy Lord's Day 29 there was great tenderness of heart amongst the people at Norfolk while I enlarged on these words of our Lord I will not leave you comfortless I will come unto you it was also an affecting time at Portsmouth while preaching from Fr. 3019 Monday 30 I am now bound for Brunswick some that have been displeased with my strictness and discipline were now unwilling to let me go but I fear they will not soon see me again if they should even say blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord I am deficient in many things but my conscious beareth me witness that I have been faithful to these souls both in preaching and discipline after taking leave of my friends I set out for Brunswick and having preached at Mr. B's in the way lodged at Mrs. W's Wednesday, November 1 after we had passed South Hampton Courthouse we were stopped by one who had an order from the committee to examine strangers when we had given him an account of ourselves he treated us with great kindness and invited us to dine with him which we did my body is a little fatigued but my soul is blessed with health and vigor hitherto hath the Lord helped Thursday, 2 By the good providence of God I entered Brunswick circuit at the house of Mrs. M and am now within a few miles a dear brother G.S. God is at work in this part of the country and my soul catches the Holy Fire already Friday, 3 God is my rest and my portion my soul delighted in him his elevated and flames of sacred fire both in private and public prayer let others stretch their arms like seas and grasp in all the shore grant me the visits of thy face and I desire no more Lord's Day, 5 rode about ten miles to S. W. Chapel and met brother G.S. my spirit was much united to him and our meeting was like that of Jonathan and David we had a large congregation and I was much comforted amongst them Monday, 6 I moved on towards our quarterly meeting but in Forty-Maharing River the water was so deep as almost to swim my horse in carriage on Tuesday our quarterly meeting began at which there might be 700 people what great things hath the Lord wrought for the inhabitants of Virginia great numbers of them manifest a desire to seek salvation for their souls at this meeting we admitted F. P. T. F. and J. H. Y. as traveling preachers I had great satisfaction in preaching both Tuesday and Wednesday and was much pleased with the manner and matter of the Christian's testimony and the love feast having a correspondent witness of the same in my own breast Thursday, 9 spent this day profitably and comfortably with brother G.S. happy are they who can open their minds freely to each other as we have done Friday, 10 I preached at B. J.'s and the power of the Lord was present melting the hearts of the audience and in class meeting both believers and penitents were all in tears I have now a blooming prospect to usefulness and hope both to do good and get good my heart goes out in grateful thanksgiving and praises to God Friday, 12 was much shackled in my ideas and tempted against the place and people while preaching at I.M.'s but on Monday I found an attentive feeling people at I.J.'s the preaching appeared to be very seasonable as the Baptists are creeping in amongst our societies in these parts my soul possesses more and more of the divine life and love and is strongly bound to Jesus Christ my Lord but still I hunger and thirst for the grace of God Tuesday, 14 preached at Mr. C's and Mr. B's and met with a few inquisitive people it is a just observation that those matters which are the least disputed in religion are the most essential and those who are the most fond of controverted trifles have the least real religion Satan will help us to the shell if we will be satisfied without the kernel Wednesday, 15 the congregation at Mr. H's was but small though I hope it was not labor in vain the next day there was a good prospect at Mr. F's and a class of about 50 simple faithful souls the word was blessed on Friday by a friend to S's and on Saturday I came to S wise a serious sensible man Lord's Day, 19 I began and ended the day with God I had much liberty at the chapel in discoursing on the subject matter manner and end of the Apostles preaching Monday, 20 my soul is pure and peaceful and blessed with a more solid sense of God than here to four at VW's we had a blessing both in preaching and class meeting Wednesday, 22 after preaching I met with brother I L and Mr. K who were on their way to Portsmouth not past the guards Lord help thy people to redeem their time for the days are evil I see the necessity of living to God and improving our present privileges Thursday, 23 my soul was blessed with a delightful sense of the goodness of God this morning and after I had preached at W's brother R L gave an exhortation then rode to F S's and went to bed with a fever on me and in the morning felt so much pain that I thought of not going to the courthouse however I went and found a large congregation and believe it was a profitable season thus we see the propriety of dragging a feeble body to duty as far as it can bear and if there be a willing and sincere mind God will either give a strength for a profitable performance of duty or accept of what we are able to do at this time the Lord rewarded my weak endeavors with liberty power and consolation so I kept on my way and preached the next day at B S's and on the Lord's day at I M's to about 400 souls there one person was struck with convulsive shakings after preaching at L's on Monday I met the class but had not a satisfactory confidence in the testimony of some of the members my own soul was in a comfortable frame and felt a strong desire to glorify God more than ever my mind was also strongly impressed with a desire to warm and stir up the people to work out their salvation in these dangerous and difficult times Tuesday 28 the rain detained me in the house to hold close and sweet communion with my God but the next day I found many collected at Mr. B's here Mrs. J met me and entreated me to go into their parish pursued my way on Thursday Mr. P. M's and found an unsettled society and on Friday preached to a dry congregation at Mr. P's and the next day went on to Petersburg here I was unexpectedly pleased with the sight of some of my friends from Norfolk I preached twice in Petersburg on the Lord's day and though many of the people seemed like Gallio to care for none of those things yet I hope there will be some faithful souls found there Monday December 4 I am frequently checking myself for the want of more solemnity in my conversation but still my heart is with the Lord in the heavenly lamb thrice happy I am and my heart doth rejoice at the sound of his name preached at IR's on Tuesday and rode in company with a few friends to GB's and preached in the evening we had a melting time in preaching the next day but especially in the class meeting Satan still assaults me with his temptations but the Lord is on my right hand that I may not be moved if I trust in him we must expect to be tempted as our Lord was while we are within the reach of the fallen spirits but it is our duty to keep ourselves that the wicked one touch us not and if we yield in the least degree even in desire or temper we must expect to ever for it Thursday 7 I saw brother I came whose heart seems to be yet in the work of God we had a good time today at T.A.'s both in preaching and class meeting my soul resteth in the love of God and all my powers are engaged to do his will I also found my soul devoted to God in faith and prayer the next day and after preaching at F.A.'s Saturday 9 found a few simple souls at Mr. E.'s and we were comforted together a man came to the house at night as for me gave a curse and went away Lord's Day 10 rode to friend El's and preached twice in their new house 30 feet by 24 my own heart was enlarged and many of the people were moved and melted under the word night to hear friend El who had been ill for some time departed from this veil of woe full of faith and love and joy about one o'clock on Monday morning what a noble and delightful employment is ours to be nursing immortal souls for the realms of eternal glory and now and then we have the inexpressible comfort of seeing a soul depart in peace triumphing over the power of death is there joy among the angels of God over one sinner that is passive and is there not joy among them over one soul that has finally escaped the snare of the devil there is and we will participate of their joy Lord help me in all humility and love and all purity and faithful obedience to devote all my days to thee that I may finally join all the glorious company of heaven and praise thee eternally there I left my circuit and came back to preach at friend El's funeral to see people and a great melting among them but I found myself very unwell at night through much exercise and went to bed in a high fever my mind was also dejected and tempted so that I have not had such a day these six weeks Lord give me patience that in the midst of all I may possess my soul Friday 15 I was able to preach at NN's and met with brother I.K. and his wife who were married yesterday found a happy people at Mr. T's on Monday and was greatly blessed with the people on Tuesday at Mr. B's Wednesday 20 I have now been twelve years a preacher three years in a local capacity and nine years in the traveling connection about four years and eight months in England and about four years and four months in America Thursday 21 by a mistake of brother G's I rode twelve miles to RJ's and then had to ride thirteen miles more to O's and met the people at night into section 16