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 61
The Quarterly meeting which Messrs. Coke, Whatcoat, and Vasey attended at Barratt's Chapel,
at this time, was the fifth regular fall quarterly meeting held in the chapel, at which the semiannual
change took place among the preachers laboring on the Peninsula. Most of the preachers were
present, and a large attendance of the laity. Dr. Coke preached on "Christ our wisdom, righteousness,
sanctification, and redemption."
We left Mr. Asbury at Snow Hill, where he preached the previous Sabbath. The first knowledge
that he had of Dr. Coke and Messrs. Whatcoat and Vasey's being in America, was, when he arrived
at the chapel. The doctor had scarcely finished his discourse, when Mr. Asbury came into the
congregation. They were personally unknown to each other. "At the close of the sermon a solemn
pause and a deep silence ensued, as an interval for introduction and salutation. Mr. Asbury ascended
the pulpit, and, without making himself known by words, clasped the doctor in his arms, and
accosted him with the holy salutation of primitive Christianity. The other preachers participating in
the tender sensibilities of these salutations, were melted into tears. The congregation caught the
glowing emotion, and the whole assembly, as if struck with a shock of heavenly electricity, burst into
a flood of tears." (Cooper on Asbury.)
The sacrament was administered at this meeting, and when Mr. Asbury saw Mr. Whatcoat take
the cup to the communicants, not knowing that he had been ordained in England, he was shocked.
The doctor and eleven preachers dined at the widow Barratt's. The object of his visit was made
known. The preachers conferred together, and it was agreed upon to call all the preachers together
in Baltimore, on the following Christmas, to carry out Mr. Wesley's plan. Mr. Garrettson was sent
off to call the preachers together. In about six weeks he traveled twelve hundred miles, and brought
about sixty of them together.
Before Dr. Coke left Barratt's Chapel, he baptized sixteen people. As it was Mr. Asbury's wish
that the doctor should go upon the route which he had just been over, he provided him with the
means of conveyance, and "Harry" to accompany him. He had one or two services each day. The
morning meeting began at twelve of the clock, or at noon, and lasted from three to six hours. Every
day seemed like a Sabbath day, on account of the large number of people that cam together to hear
preaching, but more especially to receive baptism and the Eucharist, which he administered h day
where there was a Methodist society. The scenery of America had its effect upon him. He observed
that most of the chapels were in groves. Coming to them he saw many horses hitched to the trees,
and vast multitudes of people assembled in the woods. To his mind such scenes were invested with
solemn grandeur. His first appointment was at Judge White's Chapel. His second, at White Brown's
Meeting house, in North West Fork. Next at Moore Chapel in Broad Creek. Saturday and Sunday,
at Quantico Chapel; here he was entertained by a widow Walters, of wealth, though no Methodist.