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

A HISTORY
OF THE
RISE OF METHODISM IN AMERICA
by
John Lednum
CHAPTER 45
For the last three years the iron heel of war had been treading down Methodism in New Jersey.
At the Conference held in Baltimore in 1780, Mr. Asbury received three epistles from the brethren
of Jersey, soliciting three or four preachers to be sent to them, with good tidings of great prospects
of the work of God reviving among them. Accordingly three preachers -- to wit, William Gill, John
James, and Richard Garrettson, were sent to serve the state. It appears that the work of God did
greatly prosper in Jersey this year; the number of Methodists increasing from 196 to 512; and
Methodism was never reduced as low in Jersey after 1780, as it was before that time. Up to this time
what few Methodists were found in this state were in Salem, Gloucester, Burlington, and Mercer
counties, while they were almost unknown in Cumberland, Cape May, and Monmouth counties. It
was during this year that Methodism was introduced into the last named three counties, and planted
on the Atlantic coasts of this state.
Of Mr. John James, the Rev. Thomas Ware gives the following account of his labors this year in
Cumberland and Cape May counties, where he was a pioneer: -- "He threw the reins on the neck of
his horse and let him take his own course; and on coming to a house he would inform the family that
he had come to warn them and their neighbors to prepare to meet God, desiring them to give notice
that on such a day one would be there to deliver a message from God to them; and if they allowed
him he would sing and pray with them before he left them. Some families were much affected, and
felt bound to do as he desired them. Others refused to open their houses to him or invite their
neighbors. Those who made appointments for him, found him punctual in attending them. This
course soon caused alarm and excitement in many places some thought him a messenger from the
invisible world, and some said he is mad. One evening he came to the house of Captain Sears, and
requested lodgings. The Captain was in the yard surrounded by noisy barking dogs, which made it
difficult for him to understand the nature of the favor asked. In a fit of passion he began to swear at
the dogs, for which the preacher reproved him. When he could be heard he renewed his request to
stay all night. The Captain looking at him, paused some time and replied, I hate to let you stay the
worst of any man I ever saw; but as I never refused a stranger a night's lodging in my life, you may
alight.
Soon after entering the house he requested a private room and retired. Curious to know for what
he had retired, the family found means to ascertain, when it was found that he was on his knees.
After continuing a long time in secret, he came into the parlor and found supper ready. The Captain
seating himself (at the table invited his guest to partake with him; who, coming to the table, said,
"With your permission, Captain, I will ask the blessing of God upon our food before we partake of
it," -- to which the Captain assented. During the evening the preacher had occasion to reprove his
host several times for profaneness. In a few days the Captain attended a military parade. His men,
having heard that the man who had made so much noise in that region had spent a night with him,