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

the more zealous Christians are in holiness, the further will hardened sinners run into sin, until, as
in the case above, they are suddenly destroyed.
As 1776 was the year in which the Colonies declared themselves "Free and Independent States;"
and as New York and New Jersey were the chief battle grounds this year, Methodism was on the
decline here; also in Pennsylvania the martial spirit of the times was blighting to its prosperity. In
Maryland there was some increase, particularly in Kent Circuit, which returned to the following
Conference seven hundred and twenty members in society. But the Methodists had their greatest
success this year in Virginia, and in North Carolina. While it was prospering in Virginia, south of
James River, it was taking root in New Virginia, west of the Blue Ridge, in Jefferson and Berkeley
counties. The increase in the last named two states was about fifteen hundred; and the increase
throughout the entire field of operation was nearly eighteen hundred. The whole number of
Methodists reported at the following Conference was nearly seven thousand; -- and they were found
from New York to North Carolina.
The Fifth Conference was held in May, 1777, in a preaching house of Mr. John Watters', near
Deer Creek, in Harford county, Maryland. Two new circuits -- Sussex and Amelia, both taken off
from Brunswick, in Virginia, are found in the Minutes. Norfolk and Chester, that were left out the
last year, were restored. As New York was in the hands of British soldiers, no preacher was stationed
there. At this time there were fifteen circuits, and thirty-six traveling preachers, including Mr.
Asbury, whose name does not appear in the stations. As it was probable that all the English preachers
would return home on account of the war, it was judged most prudent to appoint a committee of five
of the most judicious of the preachers that would remain to superintend the work. Messrs. William
Watters, Philip Gatch, Daniel Ruff; Edward Drumgole, and William Glendenning, were the
committee. The Conference ended with a love feast and watchnight. When the preachers and people
parted, it was a scene of surpassing tenderness. Many were in deep distress, and wept as if they had
lost their firstborn, expecting to see the English preachers no more. Messrs. Asbury and Shadford
were peculiarly dear to the people.
Mr. Watters went from this Conference to Brunswick Circuit, Va., having for his colleagues
Freeborn Garrettson, and John Tunnell -- two excellent men. Within the bounds of this circuit,
Messrs. Jarratt and McRoberts had their parishes. They were the first ministers of the Church
England that Mr. Watters heard preach Christian experience. He had long desired to find some that
enjoyed the great salvation. It was in Brunswick Circuit he first met with Methodists whose
experience was in advance of his own, or of any he had known before; and who, he believed, enjoyed
the blessing of sanctification. In the fall of this year he visited Pittsylvania Circuit; and in January,
1778, went into Sussex Circuit, where he found many that he esteemed as the excellent of the earth.
In this circuit he saw the most glorious work among professors of religion that he had ever seen.
Scores professed sanctification; and the work was so deepened in his own soul, that he was ready
to believe that he was saved from all sin. After spending a quarter in this circuit among as devoted
a people as he had ever seen, he went to the Conference. Philip Gatch, and Hollis Hanson, were
appointed to Sussex Circuit, Va., in 1777.
"At this Conference I received an appointment to Sussex Circuit, in Virginia. The young man who
was appointed to the same circuit, failed to serve, but his place was supplied. This was a pleasant