History Of Methodist Reform, Volume I - Media Sabda Org

see Asbury open a Methodist meeting by reading the Sunday Service "and clad in gown, bands, and
cassock." The natural history of these canonicals, had it been preserved, would be a matter of the
deepest interest. If the events have been properly synchronized, the Episcopal toggery must have
been manufactured for him in Baltimore before he began this, his first official tour. Whether
home-made or tailor-made, and other questions germane, could have been historically settled.
Perhaps this was not the first time the suit was worn — it is at least the first recorded instance.
Snethen naively says: "No habit could be more inconvenient for a horseman, and the want of a
vestry, or dressing-room, to the country chapels exposed the gown men not only to much difficulty,
but also to some ridicule. These trappings of Episcopacy were finally given up, and all the
heart-burnings that they occasioned have long since subsided." This was written in 1822. Linen and
silk are very compressible, however, and, bating the starched bands, Asbury managed no doubt to
stow away the Episcopal belongings in his capacious saddle-pockets. The good man struggled with
this temptation for a year or two and then succumbed to the inevitable. If the doctrine of the survival
of the fittest applies to ecclesiasticals, then the discontinuance of the millinery and the Service is
collateral evidence that Methodism and Episcopacy are not compatible. Asbury's fine pulpit presence
made the habit very becoming. He must have looked every inch a Bishop, if he was only a
Superintendent. Perhaps he parted with the stuff without a sigh. Methodism has many historical
relics. Pity it is that gown, bands, and cassock were not preserved also. Lee makes brief reference
to the custom: "The superintendents and some of the elders introduced the custom of wearing gowns
and bands, but it was opposed by many of the preachers, as well as private members, who looked
upon it as needless and superfluous. Having made a stand against it, after a few years it was given
up, and has never been introduced among us since." In like manner the Sunday Service fell into
desuetude. Its use had been confined mainly to the towns and cities, but the morning love-feast, with
its flow of soul and spiritual jubilation, crowded upon the preaching hour, compelling intermittence
of the lessons and prayers, for every Methodist had his appetite whetted by the love-feast for the
sermon, and from intermission it was not far to abandonment. No official action, however, was ever
taken by the Conference, so that the Service is legally permissible today. The Book Concern in New
York has recently republished it with additions, answering some demand for it; but it can only come
largely into use as the formal supersedes the spiritual in Methodism and the old love of aping
Episcopalians is. . . .
Asbury worked his way back to Maryland, Willis and Lee accompanying him part of the distance.
April 21 he writes: On my way I stopped at A____'s and baptized some children: the poor mother
held out a piece of gold to me. This is the pay of the priests here for such service; Lord, keep me
from the love of honor, money, and ease." Twenty-second of June he was in Annapolis, Md., and
rode to Alexandria, Va., having crossed the Potomac into Virginia some distance up the river. The
object in going to Alexandria was "to meet Dr. Coke; he did not come, however, until the next day."
They had planned a visit to General Washington, perhaps at Coke's instigation — the loyal
Englishman wished to see the loyal American general, now in the heyday of his popularity as the
"Father of his Country." "Thursday, 26th — We waited on General Washington, who received us
very politely and gave us his opinion against slavery." They return to Annapolis, thence to Baltimore,
and out to Harry Gough's for the splendid hospitality of that munificent host. They went to Abingdon
and settled for the Cokesbury College ground, and thence to Baltimore for the June Conference,
hitherto noticed. June 2, 1785 — "On Thursday the Doctor [Coke] took his leave of America for this