A Short History Of The Methodists... - Media Sabda Org

In the beginning of this year on Sunday the 2d of January, after commending the Americans to
God, Mr. Boardman and Mr. Pilmoor embarked at New York for England. Mr. Boardman lived
about eight years afterwards, and died in peace.
In the beginning of this year, 1774, Robert Williams began to form societies in Virginia, and made
out a plan for a six weeks circuit, which extended from Petersburgh, to the south over Roanoke
River, some distance into North Carolina. From the conference, three preachers came to that circuit,
John King, John Wade, and Isaac Rollings: these preachers were blessed among the people and were
made a blessing to them in their turn; and in the latter part of the year, there was a most remarkable
revival of religion in most parts of the circuit. Christians were much united, and much devoted to
God; and sinners were greatly alarmed, and many of them truly changed both in heart and life. The
preachers had not only large congregations to hear them in the day time, but also in the night when
meetings were appointed. Indeed, the Lord wrought wonders among us during that year.
In 1775, the third conference was held on May 17, in Philadelphia. Two preachers were sent over
from England, viz. James Dempster, and Martin Rodda: Mr. Rodda had been traveling twelve years,
and Mr. Dempster ten years. The conference took in three preachers besides the two from Europe.
It was planned at the conference, for some of the preachers to change in three, and others in six
months; the preachers saw that it would be best for themselves and for the people to have frequent
changes of gifts, and of congregations. And we still know the good effects of having strangers to
preach, and strangers to hear.
Hanover circuit in Virginia was formed this year, and preachers sent to it; but in the minutes it
was included in Brunswick circuit.
This year the preachers at the conference concluded to have a yearly collection in the classes, for
the benefit of the ensuing conference: they also concluded to have a general fast in the societies, on
the 18th of July, for the prosperity of the work of God, and for the peace of America.
At that time the revolutionary war between us and England was fast approaching; and the
Americans showed a firm and fixed determination to contend for their rights and liberty.
This year Mr. Asbury was appointed to Norfolk, and landed there on the 29th day of May, and
continued in that station about five months; and then went up to Brunswick circuit, where he arrived
on the second of November.
In the course of this year there was a gracious work of God in several places; but in none to equal
that which took place in Brunswick circuit, where George Shadford was traveling at that time. It was
quite common for sinners to be seized with a trembling and shaking, and from that to fall down on
the floor as if they were dead: and many of them have been convulsed from head to foot, while others
have retained the use of their tongues so as to pray for mercy, while they were lying helpless on the
ground or floor.