History of the M.E. Church, Vol. IV - Media Sabda Org

in that vast wilderness, and had no one to instruct me. I preached, on Sabbath day, in Father Lasley's
house, and set off on Monday on my great and important enterprise. I concluded to travel five miles,
as nearly as I could guess, then stop, reconnoiter the neighborhood, and find some kind person who
would let me preach in his log-cabin, and so on till I had performed the entire round."
He found his way full of difficulties; but they readily yielded to his charming manners and
indomitable spirit. He met many northern Methodist settlers buried in the woods, for a long time
without the means of grace, and who hailed him with rapturous welcomes. Our volume could be
filled with thrilling incidents from his narrative, all of which are historical in their significance, if
not in their local importance. Soon after he had started on his route he says: "I had a long ride
through a dreary country. Late in the evening I came to a little log-cabin, standing in the woods, with
no stable or outbuildings of any kind. Seeing a woman in the door, I rode up and asked if I could stay
all night; she seemed to think not. I paused a few moments, thinking what to do. I was afraid to go
any farther, lest I should have to lie out all night. That I was afraid to do, as the weather was very
cold, and there were always a great many ravenous wolves in the barrens. My life would be in
danger, and there was nothing to encourage me to stay at this place. I knew I would have to tie my
hungry, tired horse to a tree, without any shelter or food. The woman was unwilling to let me stay.
She was not entirely alone, but had several children, and one daughter partly grown, which inclined
me to think I could stay with safety. I finally concluded to let her know who I was, and what business
I was on. I said to her, 'I am a Methodist preacher, sent by Bishop Asbury to try to form a circuit.'
This information appeared to electrify her. Her countenance changed, and her eyes fairly sparkled.
She stood some time without speaking, and then exclaimed, 'Has a Methodist preacher come at last?
Yes, brother, you shall stay all night. Mr. Carson is not at home, but we will do the best we can for
you with a glad heart.' I alighted from my horse, and went into the house. The children clustered
around me as if some near friend had come. After having gone through with the usual ceremonies,
my next concern was to take care of my horse. Their oldest daughter, a pleasant girl, provided me
with a halter, and directed me to a suitable tree where my horse could stand. I soon found I was to
have a comfortable night's rest. They furnished me with plenty of good sound corn for my horse. The
cabin, and what little furniture they had, was neat and clean. Supper was soon served up, just such
as suited me, corn fried venison, and crop-vine tea. Mrs. Carson then told me her history. She and
her husband were both raised in North Carolina. They both experienced a change of heart when
young. Her husband had been class-leader for some years before he left his native state. They had
emigrated in order to buy land for their children. They had purchased a pretty large tract on one of
the tributaries of Green River, lying about ten miles from where they then lived, and her husband was
now at work on their own land. He had cleared out a small farm, and built a tolerable large house,
which he was furnishing. By the time I came round again they would have it ready for me to preach
in. I spent the evening pleasantly, and by the time day dawned was on my way in search of another
appointment. My ride was along the dividing ridge between Green River and Salt River. In the
evening I stopped at the house of a man by the name of Honnel. He was in pretty good circumstances
for that country, had a convenient house, and very willingly opened it for preaching. I stayed all
night, and the next day preached to 'a small congregation; had some encouragement, and in the
afternoon went on my way rejoicing. Late in the evening I came to a Mr. Cooper's. He was a local
preacher; but, from the manner in which he received me, I thought he took me for an impostor. In
family prayer he officiated himself. The family were reserved, and I had nothing to say. They fed my
horse, gave me my supper, and a place to sleep. Next morning they told me I might preach. The word