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

J. Presbury's, and, after preaching there again, went home with Mr. Josiah Dallam, and preached at
his house; and the next day, at Moses Brown's.
Lord's Day, December 7. He went to the Bush Forrest Chapel, which, at that time, had no
windows or doors; the weather was very cold; his heart pitied the people, so exposed to the cold.
Putting a handkerchief over his head, he preached two sermons, giving an hour's intermission; and
such was the eagerness of the people to hear the word, that they waited all the time in the cold.
Mr. Asbury had now gone round that part of his circuit which lay on the western shore; and now,
in company with John King, he crossed the Susquehanna, to visit that part of it which lay on the
Peninsula, between Chester river and Wilmington. His circuit, which lay in six counties, would be
considered quite large at this day. Passing through Charleston and Elkton, they lodged at Robert
Thompson's, at Back Creek. From here, he went to Bird's tavern, at the (now) Summit Bridge, for
his trunk and box of books.
"He then went to Solomon Hersey's, and preached; afterwards, spoke to each one concerning the
state of his soul; this is the first statement we meet with that looks like a class meeting, held on the
Eastern Shore of Maryland. On his way to Georgetown, he found a large house on Bohemia,
belonging to Mr. Bayard, where Mr. Whitefield had preached; here, it seems, he preached. Then,
proceeding on to John Randle's, he preached to many people, rich and poor. After preaching at John
Randle's, he went twelve miles lower into the county, to the neighborhood of Hinson's Chapel, where
he had many great people to hear him. Here he was met by Mr. Read, a church minister, who wished
to know who he was, and whether he was licensed. He spoke great, swelling words, saying he had
authority over the people, and was charged with the care of their souls; and, that he (Mr. A.) could
not, and should not preach; and, if he did, he would proceed against him according to law. Mr.
Asbury informed him who he was, and that he came to preach, and would preach; and wished to
know if he had authority over the conscience of the people, or was a justice of the peace. He charged
Mr. Asbury with making a schism. Mr. A. replied that he did not draw people from the church, and
asked him if his church was open for him to preach in; and further told him, he came to help him.
Mr. Read replied that he had not hired him for an assistant, and did met want his help; he also
charged Mr. Asbury with hindering people from their work. Mr., A. wished to know if fairs and
horse races did not hinder them; and, that he came to turn sinners to God. Mr. R. wished to know
if he could not do that as well as Mr. A. After Mr. Asbury went into the house, and began to preach,
and urge the people to repent, and turn from their transgressions, Mr. R. came into the house, in a
great rage, endeavoring to prevent his preaching. After the service was over, Mr. Read went out, and
told the people they did wrong in coming to hear him; and raised other false objections but, all h is
efforts did not stop the people from hearing, nor prevent a Methodist society from being raised up,
in that place. Mr. Asbury was the first Methodist preacher in this neighborhood; his praise did not
arise from his being a pioneer, but from his skill in effecting the work begun by others, by applying
the rule and line of discipline.
After this controversy with Mr. Read, Mr. Asbury returned and preached at John Randle's. The
following Sabbath, he was preaching twice at Robert Thompson's school house,. and once at S.
Hersey's, on Bohemia. At Newcastle, he preached to many people. At Mr. Stedham's, at Wilmington,
he had but few hearers. After preaching at Mr. Tussey's, he went to Isaac Hersey's, and preached to