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

Philip Embury had several brothers; two of them died before he left New York. John Embury died
in 1764, and Peter Embury in 1765. David Embury, his brother, was a subscriber to help to build
Wesley Chapel in 1768. A number of his relatives are still to be found in New York and Brooklyn.
Mrs. Emma C. Embury, the authoress, is the wife of a descendant of his; also, Daniel Embury,
President of the Atlantic Bank in Brooklyn. "Lost Chapters of Methodism," p.134.
The little society which Messrs. Embury and Ashton raised up about the year 1770, at Ashgrove,
on account of its isolated condition was but little known. The early itinerants did not visit that region
of country. It languished for fifteen years or more, and a part of that time it could scarcely be said
that there was a Methodist society in the place; yet there were those that had been, and desired again
to be, Methodists. In the year 1786, Mr. John Baker, a Methodist from Ireland, settled at Ashgrove,
who made several efforts to bring the traveling preachers to the place; but on account of the paucity
of their number, he did not succeed until 1788, when Lemuel Smith was sent to take charge of the
society; his labors were made a blessing not only to the Ashgrove society, but to many others, that
sprung up around this central society in the northern part of New York. Between 1790 and 1793, a
Methodist meeting house was erected at Ashgrove, which was the fifth or sixth place of worship
built by the Methodists in the state.
The leading event of 1767, in reference to the interests of the infant cause of Methodism in
America, was the identification of Mr. Thomas Webb with it. He was with General Wolfe at the
taking of Quebec in 1758, where he lost his right eye, over which he afterwards wore a green shade.
We have conversed with some individuals who heard him preach, and very distinctly remembered
his appearance, particularly this green shade. About the year 1765 he obtained the comforts of
experimental religion, and soon after bore a public testimony for his Saviour, at Bath, in England,
which was the initiative of his public ministry. Soon after he was stationed at Albany in New York
as barrack master. About the month of February, 1767, Mr. Webb became acquainted with the
Methodists in New York city. This was while they were worshipping in the room near the barracks.
His appearance among them in his military costume embarrassed them until he gave evidence of his
devotion by conforming to their mode of worship. He soon began to officiate among them as a public
speaker; and many came out to hear him preach the Prince of Peace, clad as he was in the livery
[uniform -- DVM] of war.
As his wife's relations lived on Long Island, he took a house in the neighborhood of Jamaica, and
spent this year preaching in New York, and on the Island, wherever a door was opened. By the end
of the year he had about twenty-four justified, chiefly in and about Newtown. It does not appear that
he formed a society on the island, but it seems they were regarded as belonging to the New York
society.
It is said that Mr. Webb was awakened to see and feel his need of a Saviour in 1764 under the
preaching of the Rev. John Wesley in England. After a sore conflict which lasted a year or more, he
obtained an assurance of sins forgiven. Soon after, being in Bath, England, the minister who was to
preach did not attend -- this might have been providential. Mr. Webb was requested to speak to the
people -- he related his experience with great power, and it was made a blessing to many: henceforth
he lost no opportunity to bear his testimony to the truth.