A History Of The Rise Of Methodism In America - Media Sabda Org

leaving the Springs he declare them the best and the worst place he had been in. The best for health,
and the worst for religion. His health was now so far restored as to enable him to go on in the regular
itinerant work.
From the Conference held in Baltimore in 1776, Mr. Freeborn Garrettson commenced his regular
career of almost unparalleled usefulness as a Methodist traveling preacher. The sore conflict of soul
through which he had passed in consenting to move in the orbit of itinerancy, together with his much
fasting, abstaining, and abundant labors, had greatly enfeebled his body. He left his bed -- rode to
Baltimore, passed through an examination before the Conference -- was admitted on trial; and for
the first time received a written license from Mr. Rankin. On leaving the preaching house, and at the
place where he went to dine, he fainted. When he came to, he was surrounded by several preachers
who looked to him more like angels than men. It seemed to him that he had been in a place that he
did not wish the leave; and asked, "Where have I been?" While the preachers were singing and
praying around him, such was his happiness! that it seemed to be the vestibule of heaven to him.
He was appointed to Frederick Circuit. None but who have felt it, know the feelings of a young
preacher as the hour approaches when a congregation expects him to preach, and he feels that he has
neither text nor sermon to meet their expectation. Such was Mr. Garrettson's feeling on several
occasions at this time. Sometimes he was tempted to hide himself; or wished that he was sick. He
even envied the condition of insects that crawled on the earth. At one time, as he was riding to his
appointment, he turned his horse three different times to go home and preach no more. He always
found that when he was thus weak he was strong -- that the greater the cross was to speak for God,
the greater was the blessing, both to himself and the people -- that these seasons of mourning,
weeping, and praying under the cross were pledges of powerful meetings; on one of these occasions
the power of God fell on the people so remarkably that the meeting lasted till nearly night, and
twenty brokenhearted sinners were added to a small society of four.
After spending half of the year on Frederick Circuit, he spent three months on Fairfax Circuit; and
the last quarter of this year he was in New Virginia, in what was afterwards Berkley Circuit. In this
region there were several small societies already formed, and many doors were open to the preachers.
At Shepherdstown he was permitted to preach in the church. The fourth time he preached in it there
was a great crowd, and a woman cried aloud for mercy. As this was new to them, many of them tried
to get out of the church; but could not for the crowd at the door. The Lord set her soul at liberty -she
clapped her hands and joyfully praised the Lord, and then sat down quietly. Most of the people
were melted into tears. The minister of the church said the doctrine that Mr. Garrettson preached
might be true, as he seemed to bring Scripture to prove it, but he knew nothing about it.
Good-natured man!
It was a very affecting time when Mr. Garrettson took leave of this people. He addressed a large
assembly for nearly three hours, and was listened to with the greatest interest while the presence of
God rested upon the audience. When he concluded the people hung around him, begging him with
their words and tears not to leave them; nor did his tears flow less freely. At last he tore himself
away, in hope of meeting them where tears are wiped from all faces.