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

he was associated with Mr. Dickins, in the book business, in this city. He lingered on for several
years, sometimes apparently near death, and then reviving again, supported by Christian fortitude:
while the happiness of his soul beamed forth in his open, smiling countenance. In 1801 he was
settled at Pipe Creek, the original spot of Methodism. Here he remained till the early part of 1808,
when, with unshaken confidence in God, and triumphant faith in the Saviour, he left the world. The
first time that Bishop Asbury was at Pipe Creek, after his death, he walked to his grave, as he was
accustomed to do, when he could no more look upon those he ardently loved, and uttered the
following soliloquy over his sleeping remains: "Henry Willis, ah! when shall I look upon thy like
again? Rest, man of God! Thy quiet dust is not called to the labor of riding five thousand miles in
eight months -- to meet ten Conferences, from Maine to Cayuga -- to the Mississippi, to Cape Fear.
Thou wilt not labor, and plan the stations of seven hundred preachers, nor attend camp meetings, and
take part, daily, in the ministration of the Word, and consume the hours that ought to be devoted to
sleep, in writing letter upon letter."
At the Conference of 1778, Mr. Philip Gatch took a location. When he went to Virginia,
persecution did not rage to the same extent, but his health soon failed, from excessive labor and
exposure to the open air, in field preaching; so that at the Conference, in 1778, he received no
appointment; and Jan. 14, 1778, he was married to Elizabeth Smith, of Powhatan county, daughter
of Thomas Smith. She, with her father's family, was the first fruits of the reformation in Virginia.
Though he received no regular appointment after this time, he had the superintendence of some of
the circuits in the vicinity of his residence, and spent a considerable time in traveling and preaching
at large, until the stability of the work, and the cares of his family, reconciled his mind to a more
circumscribed sphere.
When the controversy arose which led to the present organization of the Church, he was one of
three who superintended the southern part of the work, and to whom the present state of things in
part is to be attributed; Reuben Ellis and John Dickins were the other two. He was the mover and
vindicator of the rule for trying members by a committee; and from his labors in the business
department, and in the pulpit, it may be said, he bore the burden and heat of the day.
Four of the preachers who entered the itinerancy this year; were preachers of note. John Major
was universally beloved and useful -- remarkable for tenderness and tears. Richard Joy stood high
as a Christian, and as a preacher. Henry Willis was unequaled, in the judgment of high authority.
James O'Kelly was a warm Southern man, and a warm, zealous preacher, that acquired great
influence in the South. He did much good, while he continued in the ranks with Asbury; and when
he withdrew, he used his influence to raise a party, and for a while he had success; but, as little trees
cannot prosper in the shade of large ones, Mr. O'Kelly's plant withered away, in the shade of the
older and stouter Methodist Episcopal tree.