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 10
Mr. Pilmoor continued in and about New York until the middle of May, 1771. Under date of May
16, 1771, the "Old Book" charges him with three shillings for castor oil. Previously he had been paid
his salary and traveling expenses, amounting to eight pounds and eighteen shillings. See "Lost
Chapters," p. 212. The entries in the "Old Book," show that Robert Williams was also about New
York at this time. Under date of April 11, 1771, Mr. Newton paid for Mr. Williams two pounds five
shillings and six pence. See "Lost Chapters," p. 193.
It was at this time that God was preparing the way, by one of his mysterious providences, for the
introduction of Methodist preaching, and Methodism, into New Rochelle, in Westchester county,
N. Y., by his servants, Joseph Pilmoor and Robert Williams. See the following account written by
the Rev. Daniel De Vinne.
The Rev. D. De Vinne, in a history of the rise of Methodism on New Rochelle Circuit, gives the
following account of a very special providence which opened the way for the introduction of
Methodism into the town of New Rochelle.
In 1771 Mr. Pilmoor, in company with Mr. R. Williams, went from New York to New Rochelle,
for the purpose of preaching to the people. Hearing that there was a religious meeting at Mr.
Frederick Deveau's, they went to it. The wife of Mr. Deveau, who then lay very sick, had a short time
before dreamed that she was in a dismal, dark, and miry swamp, without path, light, or guide, where
she wandered, faint and weary, until she was about to give up to die, when two men came to her, one
of whom had a light, and offered to lead her out -- she followed them, and was safely brought to her
family. The imagery of the dream so deeply impressed her, that she said she could describe the very
person who led her out of the swamp. The Rev. Ichabod Lewis, a Presbyterian minister of White
Plains, conducted the meeting that night. When he was done, Mr. Pilmoor desired permission to
speak to the people before they withdrew. Mr. Lewis wished to know to what church he belonged;
and, being told, he said he did not know who the Methodists were, and demanded his credentials of
ordination; but, learning that he was not ordained, positively refused to let him speak. Mr. Pilmoor,
finding out the proprietor of the house, asked his permission; who, going to the adjoining room to
consult his sick wife, opened the door, when Mrs. Deveau saw Mr. Pilmoor standing in the other
room, and exclaimed "There is the man who led me out of the swamp, and he must preach." Mr.
Pilmoor began, and Mr. Lewis left the house; and while he was offering a full, free, and present
salvation, Mrs. Deveau was, indeed, brought out of the swamp of spiritual mire and darkness, into
the glorious light of peace and pardon; and, having enjoyed the blessed evidence of God's favor a
few days, she died triumphant in the Lord. The following Saturday Mr. Pilmoor preached with great
effect to the whole neighborhood, whom this remarkable providence had brought together.