JT-10-1816

1816

I now commenced teaching school, a term of three months. During which time, I preached frequently in the neighborhood--at Hottel’s school house. Squire Hottel tried to prevent me from preaching there, and disturbed the congregation; but did not accomplish his purpose.

About the last of February my school expired, and my family was received, for a time, at my father-in-law’s. I preached frequently in the neighborhood, and baptized some, and a few professed religion.

April 14th, 1816, I went on my way, directing my course to Maryland. In Martinsburg and in Shepherdstown, in Virginia. For Sharpsburg, Stone meeting house, Funkstown, Hagerstown in Maryland I preached to large congregations. Thence I returned to my father-in-law’s, on the same route, and found my family well. In this journey I was absent thirteen days, had preached sixteen times, and walked upwards of one hundred miles. I felt joyful in spreading the gospel, while many seemed to feel its power. And though I endured some difficulties, my soul triumphed in the God of my salvation.

April 29th, I directed my course towards the Northern hills. I preached at the Round hills, at brother Hawkin’s on North river, Park’s Valley, Forks of Capon, at Sandy ridge, brother Hull’s, brother T. Nesmith’s, three times in Jarrettstown and in Bucklestown; where a Methodists preacher, in his sermon ridiculed me, and though I was present, he told the people I was ignorant, superstitious, enthusiastic, &c., and that they ought not to bear me preach. The people did not take this for gospel. Thence I returned to my family. I had been absent fifteen days, preached seventeen times, suffered some necessity and persecution, and saw some joyful prospects of the work of the Lord. May 14th, I directed my course up the country, I was absent twenty-four days, preached thirty-two times, baptized three young converts, who professed religion under my ministry, and walked about one hundred and sixty miles.

Thence I preached in a number of places in Frederick and Shenandoah counties, and baptized five, who had lately professed religion, near my father-in-law’s. On the 10th of July I purchased a horse, as I had found it impracticable to convey my books, which I had printed, on foot.

July 13th, I directed my course for Philadelphia. On my way I preached at Jarrettstown, Bunkershill, Bucklestown, Martinsburg, and Shepherdstown, Va. In Sharpsburg Stone meeting house, Funkstown, and other places in Maryland. Thence in several places to Philadelphia. In the city I preached several times. The Christian brethren now have a spacious and decent brick meeting house on Christian street. Thence to the Great Valley, and from there to Delaware, near Wilmington, where I met with two of my gospel children, not known to me before. They were born of God five years ago, and are yet faithful and zealous in the cause.

Thence near Newport, Christiana, Newark, &c., and returned to Philadelphia. I preached several times, and administered the Lord’s Supper to the brethren, in Mount Zion meeting house.

Thence I returned, and arrived where my family dwelt, on the 6th of September; found my children in health, but my wife was in a sickly state. In this journey I was absent about seven weeks, had traveled about 700 miles, and preached fifty-one times. I saw some good attend my labors-- met with some severe trials--suffered persecution and distress, and was enabled to glory in tribulation.

About this time, having a notion of removing my family to the State of Ohio, my brother-in-law, Jacob Little, having the same intention, we made a sale of our property. I then went into Maryland, by special request, and preached at Antitem Iron works, and at Keedy’s meeting house, &c., and returned in five days, having preached eleven times.

About the 15th of September, Jacob Little started for the West, taking my things, which I had reserved for housekeeping, with him. I intended to follow him, with my family, when I should return from another journey.

September 29th, 1816, I started with my family, in a little carriage, for the Western parts of Virginia. I preached in Stoverstown, Woodstock, Mount Pleasant, New Market, Harrisonburg, Staunton, brother Menga’s, Pattonsburg, Cop’s, Fincastle, Salem, Montgomery Court house, Newbern, Pea creek, and at Nythe Court house, where some of the rabble stole my carriage, run it half a mile out of town, and left it standing in a man’s yard. I then went into Grayson county, and preached in different places.

Almost five years before this time, I had, while living in North Carolina, endorsed a note of seventy-five dollars, for my brother Jacob, which I thought, and had understood, had been paid long since, having passed several transfers, was here presented to me for payment. I immediately paid it. This was a hard stroke.

Thence I returned nearly on the same route, until I arrived at my father-in-law’s. In this journey I was absent about seven weeks, preached forty times, met with some hard trials, and traveled about seven hundred miles.

I now was informed that my brother Jacob had been here, and had sold my note, which he held against me, to D. Faucett, and that the man expected immediate payment! Alas! thought I, this is surely the climax of infidelity, and of injustice.

Now all my calculations and arrangements were frustrated. I went to see the owner of the note, and found that it was transferred to Col. J. Gilkeson, who was kind to me, in this case, by waiting six months for payment. I now could not go on to the West, as I intended in consequence of this debt. I had sold out, and sent to the West, my household property, and had nothing wherewith to keep house.

Previous to this, D. Hess, of Maryland, had invited me to bring my family to his house, that I might preach the more in his region; but at that time I thought it would not suit my arrangements. Now to comply with his request, was the only opening that I could see Providence had made for me.

December 2d, I arrived with my family at my friend D. Hess’s in Washington county, Maryland. We were received with affection, and treated with great hospitality and kindness. For which I hope to feel ever grateful to him and his family; and pray that they may be amply rewarded in the great day of retribution.