Memorial of Methodism in New Jersey ...

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MEMORIALS

Preface

This work consists of such important facts and incidents connected with the rise and progress of Methodism in New Jersey, within the first twenty years of its history, as could be obtained at this late day, and of sketches of most of the ministers who labored in the State during that period, and of several of the more prominent and influential laymen. I cannot claim to have gathered all, or even a considerable portion, of the facts illustrative of the work and of the laborers during those early years ; but I have attempted to do what could be done towards rescuing such as were still within reach, but which were rapidly passing down the current of time into oblivion's unfathomable depths. The ministers of that period have all passed away, and with them have perished many important reminiscences of their labors and of the early trials and triumphs of the Church. But very few of the laity who lived and prayed in those chivalric times yet finger behind their associates who have gone to heaven, and, consequently, the material for such a work was meagre. But I have gleaned

from nearly every available source such facts as would tend to

PREFACE.

throw light upon those early years of our history, and I have succeeded in rescuing many which otherwise would, in all probability, have soon been irrecoverably lost. I deeply regret that this effort was not made sooner. Had it been attempted twenty-five years ago, preachers who were prominent in the struggles of that day might have been consulted, and their recollections would have greatly enriched such a work, and been of incalculable worth to the Church. But for this, alas ! it is now too late ; yet wisdom dictates that we should make haste to gather what still remains to remind us of the labors, sacrifices, and successes of our fathers. The period immediately following that embraced in this volume is within the recollection of some yet living, and no time should be lost in gathering such reminiscences from them as may be of service in a subsequent work, by whomsoever it may be prepared. Fifty years hence such data will be invaluable.

As the period about which I have written is so remote, I have had to rely mainly upon printed documents for authority. The books and periodicals from which the larger portion of the material for this volume has been derived are, to a considerable extent, entirely beyond the reach of the general reader ; many of the more important of them having long been out of print, and could not be purchased for any price whatsoever. In addition to this I have gathered from original sources very important data, which have never appeared in print before. Such as it is, the work is sent forth with the humble hope and the ardent prayer that it may be an instrument of blessing to such as may read it.

I am greatly indebted for important favors in the preparation of the work to Rev. Drs. Whedon and Porter of Newark,

PREFACE.

Ex. Gov. Fort, New Egypt, N. J., Revs. H. B. Beegle, F. A. Morrell, and G\ R. Snyder of the New Jersey Conference, Rev. Dr. Roberts, Baltimore, Rev. John Lee, West Bloomfield, N. J., Revs. E. W. Adams and J. P. Daily of the Newark Conference, and others. I would also gratefully acknowledge my obligations to Rev. S. H. Opdyke, A.M. for kindly examining most of the work before it was stereotyped, and for valuable suggestions

Chapter I. Paqb

Rise of Methodism in New Jersey. John Early—His son, the Rev. William Early — Capt. Thomas Webb of the British army— "Wesley's opinion of him — The elder Adams' testimony concerning him — His death, Dec. 20, 1796, aetat. 72— Joseph Toy— Rev. Mr. Asbury— His unwearied and successful labors — Mr. Toy removes to Maryland — His death, Jan. 28, 1826 25

Chapter II

Progress of the work until the first Conference. Asbury at New Mills and Burlington — Foundation laid of a ^preaching house" — Benjamin Abbott — His remarkable dreams and conversion — Interview with a Presbyterian clergyman 50

Chapter III

The first Conference. Asbury in Philadelphia— Conference held in

Philadelphia in the summer of 1773 — Rules adopted by Conference —

John King and William Walters — Philip Gatch — His conversion and

earnest work — Conversion of Mrs. Abbott 65

8 CONTENTS.

Chapter IV. Pagk

The work in 1774 Conference held in Philadelphia, May 25, 1774— William Watters, the first native American Methodist preacher — His ministerial labors — Errors of Whitworth and Ebert — Persecution of Gatch— His death 82

Chapter V

Dark days in the history of New Jersey Methodism. Conference of 1775 — Daniel Ruff — Freeborn G-arrettson — William Duke — Spiritual triumphs of Abbott — His dispute with a Presbyterian minister and elders — Conference held in Baltimore, May 21, 1776 — John Cooper — Sufferings of Jerseymen during the Revolutionary war — Conference held at Deer Creek, Harford Co., Md. — Return of all the English preachers, except Asbury, to England, 1778 — Persecution and Sufferings of Asbury— Conference held at Leesburg, Ya., May 19, 1778 — Was Abbott a fanatic ? — Two Conferences ( Northern and Southern) held in 1779 — Northern Conference held in Kent Co., Del. — Case of Achsah Borden — Philip Cox — J oshua Dudley — Reflections. 97

Chapter VI

Methodism in New Mills. First Church built in New Jersey at G-reenwich, Gloucester Co. — Third church, New Mills — Jacob Heiser— -Governor Fort's remarks concerning him 142

Chapter VII

James Sterling. Marries Miss Shaw — Is converted under Asbury — Embarks his all in the Revolution — His large benevolence — Dies Jan. 6, 1818, aetat. 75 152

Chapter VIII

Dawning of brighter days. Conference meets in Baltimore, April 2£, 1780— The connection of New Jersey with Philadelphia ceases —

CONTENTS.

"William Gill — Opinion of Dr. Rush of Philadelphia in regard to him — His poverty — John James — Anecdote of Capt. Sears — Richard Garretson — George Mair — Pleasing love-feast at a Quarterly meeting — Speeches on that occasion — Letter of Uzal Ogden to George Mair.. 165

Chapter IX

The work and laborers in 1781. Conference held at Choptank, Del., April 16, 1/81 — Xew Jersey divided into two circuits, West and East — Thomas Ware — He is converted under Mr. Pedicord — Interview with Bishop Asbury, who persuades him to enter upon the work — Caleb B. Pedicord — Execution of MoHiner — Pedicord's letter to Ware — His letter to a young lady — His death — Joseph Cromwell — His lamentable fall — James 0, Cromwell — Henry Metcalf 189

Chapter X

Progress of the work in 1782. Conference held at Ellis's preaching house, Ya., April 17, 1782 — Society in Lower Penn's Xeck — Xarrow escape of Abbott — Anecdote of Catharine Casper — Case of Phiilis the slave 221

Chapter XI

Methodism in Salem. First Methodist society formed there, 1782 — Benjamin Abbott, the most distinguished hero of Methodism in Salem Co. — Society at Quinton's Bridge — "First meeting-house in Salem, 17S4— Terrible death of an actress 232

Chapter XII

Sketches of preachers. William Watters — Particulars of his conversion — Mr. Pillmore — Richard Ivy — John Tunnell — His excellence and gifts Joseph Everett — His resolute spirit — His conversion and zealous labors — His triumphant death 242

CONTENTS.

Chapter XIII. Page

Incidents and labors. Conference held at Ellis's preaching house, Va., May 6, 1783— Early Methodism in Atlantic Co. — Rev. Uzal Ogden of the Protestant Episcopal Church — His letter to Bishop Asbury — His work on "Revealed Religion." 282

Chapter XIV

Methodism in Flanders. Mary Bell the first Methodist there — David Moore, leader of its first class — His death, Dec. 15, 1827 — Reminiscences of Early Methodism in Flanders, by Rev. E. W. Adams — Old church substituted by a new one, 1857 294

Chapter XV

Sketches of Preachers. Samuel Rowe — James Thomas — Francis Spry — William Ringold — Woolman Hickson — Ogden's letters to Hickson — Methodism introduced into Brooklyn, L. I., by Hickson — John Magary 303

Chapter XVI

The ecclesiastical year 1784-5. Conference held at Ellis's preaching house, Va., April 30, 1784 — Flight of the Puritans from England to America, 1625 — Methodism now introduced into Elizabethtown, N. J. — Elias Crane— John Haggerty — Mr. Morrell — Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church of America as an independent ecclesiastical body — Thomas Coke and Asbury first Bishops — The Christmas Conference — Samuel Dudley — William Phoebus — William Partridge — John Fidler — John Hagerty — Matthew Greentree 315

Chapter XVII

Hestjlts and laborers. Three Conferences held in 1785 — Third Conference held in Baltimore, June 1 — John Walker — George Shad-

CONTEXTS.

ford, first preacher in Mount Holly — " Old Drusy" — Eli Budd — Anecdotes of Abbott — Society organized on Staten Island — Thomas S. Chew — Thomas Ware— Robert Sparks — Adam Cloud — Robert Cloud — John M'Claskey — Jacob Brush 340

Chapter XVIII

Prospects, results, and laborers. Membership of New Jersey in 1786, 1259, the result of 15 years' labor — Appointments in 1786 — Rencounter of Mr. Cloud with a Baptist clergyman — The Hutchinsons — Asbury's continued labors — Building of a Chapel at Lower Penn's Neck — CoL William M'Cullough — Asbury Church — Thomas Vasey — Robert Cann — John Simmons — Jacob Lurton — Ezekiel Cooper — Stevens's portraiture of him 358

Chapter XIX

Labors axd Laborers, 1787. Bishop Asbury's incursions into New Jersey-— Thomas Foster — Thomas Morrell — Nathaniel B. Mills — Simon Pyle — Curnelius Cook t 379

Chapter XX

The Ecclesiastical year 1788. Burlington, the first place in New Jersey in which Methodism was established — Church erected — Jesse Lee — His spirit in combating Calvinism — His doubts and distress — Enlisted in the cause by Bishop Asbury — Nearly elected a bishop in 1800 — Boehni's description of his end — Aaron Hutchinson — His poetic tendencies — John Lee — His remarkable death — Jethro Johnson — John Merrick — Two John Coopers 393

CONTENTS.

Chapter XXI. Page

The work and the laborers in 1789. Conference for New Jersey district held at Trenton, May 23, 1789— Mr. Whatcoat, afterwards bishop — Interesting anecdotes of Sylvester Hutchinson — His location — His death, Nov. 11, 1840 — His epitaph — Daniel Combs — William Jackson — Richard Swain — Testimony to his abundant labors, by his brethren^— End , 420

MEMORIALS OF

METHODISM IN NEW JERSEY

Chapter I. Eise Of Methodism IX New Jersey

When the Wesleyan reformation began to spread over New Jersey, it was exceedingly small and feeble. A Methodist in those days, was a rare phenomenon. The first of this sect, of whom we have any information, was John Early, a native of Ireland, where he was born in the year 1738. He immigrated to this country in 1764, and settled in New Jersey. Somewhere between this period and 1770, as near as can be determined by the record,* he embraced tlfe doctrines of the Gospel as presented by Methodism ; but whether there was at that time any regular Methodist society in the province cannot be affirmed. However, he lived respected and useful in the communion of the church of his choice for

* Christian Advocate and Journal, 1829, p. 160.

about sixty years, when he died at the advanced age of four score and ten.

He resided in Gloucester county, and for forty years filled the offices of class leader and steward on the circuit to which he belonged. He was a consistent Christian, a faithful friend, an obliging neighbor, a kind husband, and a fond parent — devoted to the interests and welfare of those whom Providence had committed to his care. His long life of fidelity contributed much, doubtless, to the prosperity of the cause of Christ in the region where he lived; and in the history of Methodism in the State, his example appears like a lone star shining in a clear place in the heavens, and shedding its serene effulgence upon the darkness, clouds, and tempest of a dreary and fearful night.

"While he was one of the first in New Jersey to identify himself with the people called Methodists, he also gave, at an early and trying period in the history of the denomination, a son to the itinerant ministry of the Church. That son, the Rey. William Early, remembering his Creator in the days of his youth, entered upon the arduous life of an itinerant at the age of twenty-one. In 1791, by appointment of the New York Conference, he bore the cross into the wilds of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. He prosecuted his mission there about two years, during which time he traveled extensively through

RISE OF METHODISM IN NEW JERSEY.

those provinces, encountering great difficulties, performing severe labors, and suffering persecution for Christ's sake. He was arrested and imprisoned, but when released he went on his way rejoicing in God, and preaching to the people the glorious Gospel of Christ. He traveled in New Brunswick in the winter on foot, bearing his saddle bags upon his back. When, in 1793, he left that region, he had become so reduced in his pecuniary resources that he could not command enough means to pay his passage from St. Johns to Xew York, until he sold his saddle bags and a pair of shoes. Though in his father's house in Xew Jersey there was " bread enough and to spare," yet as a stranger in a strange land, whither he had gone to carry the bread of life to the perishing, in addition to his other trials he was subjected to the stern pressure of absolute poverty.

He continued to labor within the bounds of the Philadelphia Conference, part of the time as a located minister, but chiefly in the itinerancy, until his death, which occurred on the first day of June 1821. He was the victim of pulmonary disease, and endured great affliction in his last days. Several of his brethren occasionally visited him, and generally found him happy in the love of his Saviour. In the full assurance of faith, rejoicing in hope of the glory hereafter to be revealed, he met death in triumph and departed in peace. He was a worthy son of New Jersey Methodism, whom she early gave to labor, suffer, and triumph in the missionary and itinerant field. His works follow him, and his record is on high.

But Methodism, in its ecclesiastical form, owes its origin in New Jersey, under God, to the labors of a local preacher, an officer in the British army, Captain Thomas Webb. The first Methodist society in the city of New York was formed in the latter part of the year 1766, by Philip Embury, a local preacher who had emigrated from Ireland about six years previously. The infant society was soon joined by the zealous captain, who was as brave a soldier of the cross as he was of his king. He soon proceeded to Philadelphia, and lifted the standard of Methodism in that city and formed the first class there in 1767 or 1768.* As New Jersey lies between these two cities, and its upper territory is close adjacent to the former, and its southern to the latter city, it is to be presumed that those earnest pioneers of Methodism would not long prosecute their mission without carrying their message of mercy to its inhabitants.

Accordingly we find Captain Webb preaching justification by faith in the town of Burlington, New Jersey, as early as the year 1770. It is probable, indeed, that he preached in the province at a little earlier

* Christian Advocate and Journal, 1829, p. 120.

RISE OF METHODISM IN NEW JERSEY.

period than this, but in that year he was stationed in Burlington on duty, and preached in the market house and in the court house.* On the 14th of December 1770, he formed a small class, and appointed Joseph Toy, who will shortly receive more particular notice in our narrative, its leader. Mr. Toy is, probably, entitled to the honor of being the first class-leader in Xew Jersev. As Captain "Webb laid the foundation of Methodism in Xew Jersey, it is fitting that in tracing its progress to its subsequent commanding position and influence, the memorialist should pause to pay a respectful and grateful tribute to his character.

He was a lieutenant under Gen. Wolfe at the capture of Quebec in 1759, where he received a wound in the arm, and lost his right eye. He was converted under the ministry of Rev. John Wesley, after enduring severe mental struggles in which he was led to almost despair of the divine mercy. This happy event occurred at Bath, England, about the year 1765. He joined the Methodist society, and soon commenced to exercise his gifts as a public speaker. " The congregation with which he was waiting being disappointed of their preacher, he was called upon to address them, which he did with such acceptance as soon to induct him into the office of a local preacher. Soon after this event he was appointed Bar-

* Methodist Magazine, 1826, p. 438.

30 MEMORIALS OF METHODISM EST NEW JERSEY.

rack-master in Albany, in the province of New York, whither he immediately removed with his family. Here, establishing 4 a church in his own house,' several of his neighbors desired permission to be present at his family worship, which was granted. To these he soon adopted the practice of addressing a word of exhortation ; and thus Albany became one of the first scenes for the display of Wesley an zeal and devotion, although with no immediate results. Being in New York about this time, he heard of the little society under Mr. Embury, and in the true spirit of 6 a soldier of the cross,' he was not ashamed of the great difference between their social position and his own, and sought them out."*

One day, while they were engaged in worship in a room they had rented for that purpose, near the barracks, " the most infamous part of the city," they were surprised by the appearance of a dignified figure in the midst of them, in the uniform of a British officer. At first his presence caused them some alarm, but they soon observed that he knelt in prayer with them, and paid due regard to all the proprieties of the place and the occasion. He at once made himself known to them, and "this event constituted an era in their progress."

He now opened his spiritual mission in New York, and boldly proclaimed the gospel to the people. " The nov-

*Kev. S. W. Coggeshall in Methodist Quarterly Eevievv, Oct., 1855.

KISE OF METHODISM IN NEW JERSEY.

elty of a man in regimentals, with his sword and chapeau laid at his side, preaching the gospel of peace, immediately attracted crowds to hear."* He united, in an eminent degree, the more noble characteristics of the soldier with the earnest zeal and heroic enthusiasm of the sect to which he belonged. He declared to his auditors " that all their knowledge and religion were not worth a rush, unless their sins were forgiven, and they had the witness of the Spirit with theirs that they were the children of God." This " increased the surprise and amazement of some, while others, more thoughtful and considerate, were led to seek this pearl of great price." He soon went forth into the regions beyond, proclaiming the word, and sowed the seed of Methodism on Long Island and elsewhere.

It is not known with certainty how long, at this time, he remained in this country, but in 1772, Mr. Wesley, in a letter, speaks of him as being in Dublin, Ireland, and says, "He is a man of fire, and the power of God constantly accompanies his word." In 1773, he also speaks of his preaching at the Foundry Chapel in London, and says, "I admire the wisdom of God in still raising up various preachers, according to the various tastes of men. The captain is all life and fire ; therefore, though he is not deep or regular, yet many, who would not hear a

*Rev. S. W. Coggeshall in Methodist Quarterly Review, Oct. 1855, better preacher, flock together to hear him. And many are convinced under his preaching, some justified, a few "built up in love." Ten years later he says, "Captain Webb " lately kindled a flame here," (in the neighborhood of Bath,) "and it is not yet gone out. Several persons were still rejoicing in God. I found his preaching in the street of Winchester had been blessed greatly. Many were more or less convinced of sin, and several had found peace with God. I never saw the house so crowded with serious and attentive hearers." In 1785, he bears similar testimony to his labors and usefulness.

His labors were productive of great good in this country. An incident "connected with the very existence" of Methodism in Schenectady, New York, may be properly mentioned here as an illustration of the effect produced by his ministry. " Conversing with an aged member of our church the other day," writes Rev. George Coles, in the Christian Advocate of February 10, 1827, ■ • I had the curiosity to ask him when, where, and how he was first convinced of sin, &c. He informed me that a Mr. Van Patten, a blacksmith, was the means, in the hands of God, of opening his eyes. Do you know, said I, how the blacksmith was awakened? ' Seeing a black man die happy in the Lord,' said he. Do you know, said I, how the black man came by his serious impressions ? 6 His master was a religious man and taught him the fear of the Lord.' And where did he [the master] meet with his conviction? said I. ' Hearing Captain Webb preach,' said he. It is also remarkable that this aged friend's mother was awakened under Captain Webb."

In the year 1774, he was again, as we shall see, in New Jersey, and also in Philadelphia. During the session of the Continental Congress of this year, the elder Adams heard him preach, and bears a high tribute to his ability as a public speaker. The testimony of this eminent statesman ought, we think, to go far towards deciding the question concerning the rank his mental qualifications entitled him to hold, as a preacher of the gospel. That testimony is as follows : "In the evening I went to the Methodist meeting and heard Mr. Webb, the old soldier, who first came to America in the character of a Quarter Master, under General Braddock. He is one of the most fluent, eloquent men I ever heard ; he reaches the imagination and touches the passions very well, and expresses himself with great propriety."

Captain Webb possessed a clear and happy experience of Divine things; yet it is said " that he always took care to guard weak believers against casting away their confidence, because they could not always realize the same bright testimony of their justification by faith in

Christ with which he had been so highly favored."* He was accustomed to relate his own Christian experience to illustrate and confirm the truths he proclaimed respecting experimental piety.

The death of the old veteran is said to have occurred suddenly. " Having a presentiment of his approaching dissolution, a few days before. his death he expressed his wishes to a friend respecting the place and manner of his interment, adding, 4 1 should prefer a triumphant death ; but I may die suddenly. However, I know I am happy in the Lord and shall be with him, and that is sufficient/ A little after 10 o'clock on the 20th of December, 1796, after taking his supper and praying with his family ; he went to his bed in apparent good health ; but shortly after his breathing became difficult ; he arose and sat at the foot of the bed ; but, while Mrs. Webb was standing by him, he fell back on the bed, and before any other person could be called, he sunk into the arms of death without any apparent pain, aged 72 years. "f

Thus ended the labors and the life of the hero of the first battle of Methodism in New Jersey, and the founder of one of the most commanding and powerful ecclesiastical structures in the State. His name and virtues deserve a chief place in the registry of the cause upon its

* Bang's History of the M. E. Church, Yol. 2. f Ibid.

historical records, and are worthy of being enshrined forever in the hearts of ISTew Jersey Methodists.

Joseph Toy, who, as we have seen, was appointed leader of the first class in Burlington, was born in New Jersey, April 24, 1748. His father, who was a descendant of the first settlers of the province, died when he was a child. "When young, he was placed in the boarding-school of Mr. Thomas Powell, in Burlington, where he remained until about the twentieth year of his age. "While there his mind was much impressed by a sermon delivered by a clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church, on the being and omnipresence of God. These impressions were lasting. Impelled to do something by which he might obtain deliverance from the wrath of his Maker, he strictly observed the claims of morality, expecting by his works to render himself acceptable to God. He now heard the gospel from the lips of Captain Webb, in Burlington, and was offended at first at the doctrine which he preached. He was unwilling to relinquish his self-righteousness, and be justified by faith alone. At length, deeply sensible that the justification of which he heard was necessary to his happiness, he sought it with all his heart, and after various painful exercises, he obtained a sense of the Divine favor, and rejoiced therein with joy unspeakable. From this time he felt bound to devote his all to the service and glory of God,

In a year or less from the time he was placed . in the charge of the class in Burlington, he removed to Trenton. He there found a man who had been a Methodist in Ireland. With this man and two or three more, he united, and agreeing among themselves, they met together in class. Thus was formed in 1771 the first Methodist society in the city of Trenton, the most prominent member, perhaps, of which, was the result of Captain Webb's ministry.

In the meantime, the feeble band in Burlington was cared for. The first place in New Jersey in which it appears Asbury preached, was that town. He landed in Philadelphia from a port near Bristol, England, on the 27th of October, 1771. On the 7th of November, he went to Burlington, on his way to New York, " and preached in the Court-house to a large, serious congregation." He felt there, he says, his u heart much opened." He proceeded on his journey to New York, and met with one P. Van Pelt, who had heard him preach in Philadelphia. Mr. Van Pelt resided on Staten Island, and invited him to his house, which invitation he accepted, and preached at his house, and in the evening at the house of one Justice Wright, where he had a large company to listen to the word. To Asbury therefore, is the honor

RISE OF METHODISM IX NEW JERSEY. 37 due of first sounding the trump of Methodism on that beautiful and fruitful Island. He remained laboring in New York and vicinity, until the 21st of February, 1772, when, " having a desire to see his friends on Staten Island, he set off, contrary to the persuasion of his friends in" the city. He was received and kindly entertained by Justice Wright and preached at Mr. Van Pelt's " to a few persons with much satisfaction." He was invited to preach in the house of one Mr. D., which he did, Justice Wright sending him " there on the Lord's day with several of his family." He preached twice at that gentleman's house to a large company. " Some," he says, " had not heard a sermon for half a year ; such a famine there is of the word in these parts, and a still greater one of the pure word." He returned to Justice Wright's in the evening, " and preached to a numerous congregation with comfort." He says, " Surely God sent me to these people at the first, and I trust he will continue to bless them, and pour out his Spirit upon them, and receive them at last to himself." He preached three times more on the Island, and then on his way to New York he took his stand at the Ferry, and preached " to a few people."

After preaching in Amboy, in a large upper room to many hearers, in which he "was much favoured in his own soul," and receiving evidences of respect and kindness from an innkeeper there, he started on the 27th of February for Burlington. He rode a " rough-gaited horse," by whom he was "much shaken," and finding the road very bad, and himself and horse weary, he stopped, at the invitation of a Quaker, at or near Crosswicks, on whom he called to inquire the way, and lodged in his house. He was treated with much kindness by his host, and the next day rode to Burlington, " very weary." The day following was the Sabbath, and he preached in the court-house to many hearers.

The work was now extending. New Mill,* a small village several miles from Burlington, presented its claims upon his attention and labors, and accordingly he rode over in a wagon with some friends, and "preached in a Baptist meeting-house, and was kindly received." He remained until the next day, when, finding the people were divided among themselves, he preached from the words, " This is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another." He indulged hope that his labor was not in vain. He returned in the evening to Burlington.