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

Frequently I would have to raise up in the bed to get my breath. I felt it even a difficulty to live. The
sensation of my whole system was as though thousands of pins were piercing me. While in the
North, I had to contend with persecution; now bodily affliction attended me. At times I felt
comfortable; but not being able to serve the circuit was a great affliction to my feelings.
Mr. Garrett lived in the bounds of this circuit. He labored extensively, and was very useful.
Several preachers were raised up under his ministry, who became connected with our society, and
some of them itinerated. He fitted up his barn for our accommodation, and it became a regular
preaching place, where quarterly meetings were occasionally held. The hospitalities of his house
were generously conferred upon us, while he was truly a nursing father to Methodist preachers. Mr.
Shadford had spent the principal part of his time for two years on this circuit. His ministry had been
owned of the Lord. Great numbers had embraced religion; some professed sanctification, and the
societies were comfortably established in the gospel of their salvation. I was in company with one
of the preachers raised up under Mr. Garrett's ministry, who I heard had professed sanctification. I
spoke to him on the subject. He said he had once professed it, but afterward concluded that he must
have been deceived. I inquired for the reason. He said his wife became sick, apparently nigh unto
death, and he could not give her up. I asked him if she did die -- I knew she was still living. He
answered no. Then, said I, you was right, as it was not the will of God she should die. I exhorted him
to hold fast faith, and make a proper use of it; for then it will be like the flaming sword in the east
of the garden, turning every way, and then will our confidence in God remain unshaken.
"Mr. Garrett attended our quarterly meeting, and rendered good service. The Spirit of the Lord
moved upon the souls of the people. My own soul was greatly refreshed. In the latter part of my time
on the circuit, I had more strength of body, and the Lord blessed me with the spirit of preaching. I
had a great attachment to the people of the circuit, and hope to meet many of them in the kingdom
of our heavenly Father. After our last quarterly meeting, I set out for the Conference to be held in
Baltimore, May 20, 1777." [12]
North Carolina first appears on the Minutes this year.
In 1773, the preachers began to preach in North Carolina. Mr. Pilmoor passing through it preached
a few times in the early part of this year; and Mr. Williams visited it in the latter end of the same
year; and in the spring of 1774 began to form societies in it. Some of the first societies formed in this
province were in Halifax county; and in this region Methodism had its greatest strength in this state
while in its infancy. The following were the principal families among the Methodists in this state,
in the beginning: The Ellises; Reuben Ellis was one of the first traveling preachers from this state.
The Yancys; Mrs. Yancy was one of the most self-denying, holy women that ever was; the Rev. John
Dickins married a Miss Yancy. Mr. Gabriel Long, with whom Jesse Lee lived before he was a
traveling preacher, was a great Christian. Near him lived Mr. Bustion, another good man. Colonel
Taylor's family, on Tar river, was a chief family in the beginning. There were Drs. Peets and King.
The Williamses were considered wealthy. There were Adams, and Ashton, Baxter, Beck, Burrows,
and Browder; Cooper, Crawford, Clenny, Clayton, Costus, Carter, and Cole; Duke, Dobb, and Doale;
Edwards, and Easter; Guthrey; Hardgrove, Howell, Hatfield, Hill, Hinton, Harriss, Hearn, and Henly;
Jones, and Jean; Kennon; Lindsay, Lock, Lee, and Leadbetter; Merrett, Martin, Madeira, Malone,