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

In this unhappy state she continued for some time, and it seemed that she had lost the power to
pray and believe. She moved to another part of the county, and shortly after heard that there was to
be Methodist preaching about four miles from her residence.
The day appointed came, and she walked to the place and heard the Rev. Andrew Hemphill
preach; became aroused to a sense of her dangerous state, and so deeply distressed as to be on the
verge of despair. This state of mind continued for some months, until, after seeking, reading,
mourning, and praying, she was led to the Saviour by faith, and was restored to her former happiness
again. She greatly, rejoiced at her deliverance, and has never faltered since.
With great reluctance she returned again to Bloody Run; and was the only professor of religion
in the place. Soon a Methodist preacher came along, and inquired at her house whether they wanted
the gospel in that place, and who would open a house for preaching. Her house was immediately
opened, and some neighbors collected, and Rev. Mr. Matthews preached. Such was the
commencement of Methodism in that place, which is now the center of a flourishing circuit. God
has, since that time, raised up many valuable friends of the cause there, and they now have a neat
church and a new parsonage, and a Methodist preacher living among them.
In 1816 she moved to the borough of Bedford, where she has since resided. Here she found a
small class of six Methodists, which she and her daughter Elizabeth immediately joined. All the
weight of her influence, age, and efforts, was now employed to advance the good cause, and with
marked success. The cause of Methodism has been steadily advancing to the present time. The
Church has grown up around her, and hundreds have been brought into the fold of Christ. Bedford
is a distinct charge now, with a considerable membership, a large church, twelve classes, a
flourishing Sabbath school, good parsonage, an intelligent congregation, and enjoying both temporal
and spiritual prosperity. To all this Mother Fishburn, by her counsel, example, and liberality, has
largely contributed. Few persons have ever had a stronger hold upon the universal confidence and
affection of the whole community than she. By all denominations she is regarded as a model of
diligent, steady, and consistent piety. Take her all in all, she is certainly a remarkable woman
1. For her age. The 13th of March, 1854, she will be ninety-one years old. It is seventy-five years
since she first became religious, and seventy-one since she joined the Methodists; has lived in five
different states, passed through the toils and dangers of two wars, and even at her advanced age
retains an unusual degree of mental and physical strength. She now resides with her grandson, Hon.
W. T. Dougherty, who represents this county in the state legislature now in session. There are four
generations living in the same house -- Mother Fishburn, her daughter, her grandson, and great
grandson. She has descendants of three generations now living in the West and South, who will be
gratified to see this notice of their honored mother.
2. For her Scriptural and elevated piety. There is a richness, maturity, and ripeness in her
experience, associated with so much gospel wisdom, and such an evangelical spirit, as are rarely to
be found. Religion seems to be the element and habit of her soul, and imparts its influence to all
around her. It is refreshing to hear her voice in love feast, class, and prayer meetings; and the clear
indication is, that she is all ready for her heavenly inheritance, and is patiently waiting for the
summons of her Lord.