We had a remnant of our Connexion from Virginia, years before, but through some contention among themselves, the owner of the Church took it from them, run up a chimney in the centre of the house, and rented it out to different families to live in. He also went into the yard, kick’d over the head and foot boards of the graves, and levelled them down, and made a garden of the grave-yard. But the Lord afflicted him even unto death, and he was buried a day or two before I arrived at Frederick-town.
But God has a people everywhere; a remnant that never has bowed their knee to Baal. A Lutherian brother, (minister,) interceded in their behalf, (the Church being offered for sale,) and receiving One Hundred Dollars from the Trustees’ hands, bought it in for them, and a firm Deed being made for the Trustees, the Elder taking charge of it. So much, for Delivering Grace.
“God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His foot-steps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.”
I next started for Washington City; took passage in the stage about 1 o’clock in the afternoon, and arrived about 1 o’clock in the morning, and the clerk of the office conveyed me to a very respectable colored family, (Mr. Adam’s’) who kindly received me, and continued so to do, but I met my antagonist in that place, who strove to stop my Ministerial Mission; but Right is more than Might. Bishop Allen being a man of renown, and having Grace abounding in his heart, he sent a letter to his son-in-Law who resided in that place, to intercede for me during my stay, which he did. Truly, the way seemed somewhat dark at first. I saw revivals among the members, though the congregation was small, the Lord raised me up plenty of friends among them, for God is all in all. The Elder in charge was not to be seen until the last Sabbath I was there. He preached in the morning, but I was ashamed of his conduct towards me, through prejudice, while he was a leading man for the people. Reader, judge for thyself. But my God gave me a part and lot in this matter, saying, “Behold, I send you as Sheep among Wolves, be not afraid:—Lo! I am with you always;—even unto the end of the world.” Praise God for his endurable promises. In a few days I left for Baltimore in stage. Some part of the route was by Rail Road. Pleasant journey; arrived safe in Baltimore, engaged a colored man’s hack, which conveyed me to Mrs. A. H.’s, to whom I ever shall feel indebted; for herself and family were some of my warmest-hearted friends. Truly, I must say “the Lord remembered me in my lowest state.” The Elder and Preachers of Baltimore with one accord, gave me appointments, and we had prosperous Meetings. We had a female speaker there, who seemed very zealous. I asked permission to take her into the pulpit, which was granted, and she spoke much in the spirit of God—which was attended with power, she being a woman of God; deportment graceful, and her ideas in Scripture very correct, and they were all very much pleased with her. She was a Teacher in the Sabbath School, at which place she often took occasion to extend her usefulness in speaking for the cause of God, for which she suffered much opposition, even from her husband; although he was a Preacher of the Gospel, she encountered severe trials. Next I left Baltimore for Philadelphia, my home, and found my friends all well; and my only son also, was well, and remained with Rev. Bishop Allen, where I left him before I went away. After being absent for two years and six months, I found Bishop Allen in very ill health, but he ever had continued with unwearied interest in my son’s welfare, by sending to school, and otherwise improving him in education; by which he has made considerable improvements therefrom; which give me great reconciliation of mind; one thing lacking, which was a trade. But finally, Rev. Bishop grew nearer and nearer his time of departure,—prior to which he was much interested for the good of my son in getting a trade, but it being the winter of 1830, he concluded to keep him until spring; but the Rev. Bishop coming to the steep of time, departed this life March 26th, 1831, after seeing 72 years in a world of affliction. Immediately afterwards I placed my son with a French gentleman, with whom he stayed and learned the Cabinet-making business in this city. This is the way I have got along after getting my son to a trade. I felt myself to be like a poor pilgrim indeed; wandering through this world so wide; having to travel among strangers, and being poor and destitute; I was sorely tempted. My money was gone, my health was gone, and I measurably without a home. But I rested on the promises of God. “They that put their trust in me shall never be confounded.” Without having a dollar to help myself, I saw the Lord would verify his promise, bless his name for it.
I stopped a few weeks with my sister and Dr. Burton; boarded with her, and he seeing my debilitation of body, rendered medical assistance, which helped me much; but I was unable to labor and preach for some months. After my business of 1831 had been accomplished, I felt it my duty to visit my aged Parent, whom I had not seen for eleven years. At length I started on my journey for Cape May, West Jersey, in the following way: By Steam Boat to Salem, N. J., and preached in the African M. E. Church to a good congregation, and we had a comfortable waiting upon the Lord. Some signs followed the preaching of the Cross of Christ; the people were very kind. From thence by Stages to Greenwich, and spoke with the Elder to a very humble people; a great display of God’s power, six joined the Church, seven were baptized, and others fell to the floor and cried for mercy; thank God for it.
On Monday morning I left for Bridgeton; we having no Society there, I preached in the Court House to a large assembly of different denominations. I felt a degree of liberty in speaking, and I then stopped a few days with them, and was kindly received and entertained. I then proceeded on to Fair-field, and endeavored to labor for them at 11 o’clock, Sabbath morning, and at 3 o’clock, P. M. to crowded houses of respectable and quiet congregations, and the Lord poured out his spirit upon us and we had a solemn waiting in his presence, for which my soul rejoices even now.
I next went on to Port Elizabeth, which was very thinly inhabited, some two or three very respectable families there with only three persons belonging to Church; among them a Sqr., Brick, a man of ability. Through him the Church was opened for me, and I preached two Sermons to large congregations of respectable inhabitants of the place, in which I placed myself as in my Saviour’s hand, and staying there as clay in the hands of the Potter. I had liberty, whilst I could hear the humble groans of the people, which caused my breast to swell as with pure Seraphic joy. I bless the Lord, that the Gospel has never been left without a witness. Wisdom is justified of her children saith our Lord; if it was not so, thousands of Christians would have sunk in despair; but now and then I come across a great many whose sins were cancelled, and in whom pride was destroyed, and respecters of persons were not known. Among such, God will prosper the labors of his servants. “God knows the proud afar off, but his Saints are beloved in his sight.” I next proceeded to Goshen; there I found my aged mother, who I had not seen for eleven years, well in health and very active. But above all the rest, enjoying Religion, the love of God in the soul; which is more than the Gold of Opher; though poor, making many rich. Truly, she dropped many aged tears on account of my exposures in travelling, but I strove to compose her by the word of God, which tells us “in this world we shall have tribulation, but in him we shall have peace.” ’Tis there, the Christian’s warfare ends, and sorrow cannot come. We dropped a few tears of gratitude with uplifted hearts to Almighty God for bringing us together once more in the flesh.