I find the period of the Christian church in America during the War for Independence to be fascinating for many reasons. One reason is the Methodist circuit riders who were an amazing group of ministers who were willing to go to the rural edge of known civilization in colonial America. They traveled to places most other Christian ministers would not during this era in American history. If you travel today through the countryside from Georgia to New England you will see an old Methodist church, ever wonder why there are so many in these rural areas? The early circuit riders would be the answer.
One circuit rider whom I find was an amazing historical figure and a dedicated man of God was the Rev. Francis Asbury. During the War, the Methodists were aligned with the Church of England and were in danger in the remote colonial towns. All the Methodist ministers sent to America returned to England for their safety during the war but one, Francis Asbury.
He was dedicated to the mission of spreading the gospel and ministering to the congregations in America. As a note he did not just minister to Methodists, but to all Christians in the remote rural areas. The location in Western Maryland where I grew up was first reached by Methodist circuit riders. The town I grew up in was founded by a Methodist circuit rider (Rev. William Shaw).
Francis Asbury in a journal entry in 1775 upon hearing of his fellow ministers leaving America wrote: “I received a letter from Mr. T. R., in which he informed me that himself, Mr. R., and Mr. D. had consulted, and deliberately concluded it would be best to return to England. But I can by no means agree to leave such a field for gathering souls to Christ as we have in America. It would be an eternal dishonor to the Methodists that we should all leave three thousand souls, who desire to commit themselves to our care; neither is it the part of a good shepherd to leave his flock in time of danger; therefore I am determined, by the grace of God, not to leave them, let the consequences be what it may.“[1]
We often think of the Founding Fathers of our country and the military leaders who fought for independence on the July 4th holiday, and rightly so. I encourage anyone who is a Christian to study the Christian leaders who lead our churches during this critical period in American history. Their stories are amazing and many of them helped shape the Christian denominations which resulted from the freedom gained for the new country.
Francis Asbury started a journal on his voyage to America and wrote in it often during his entire ministry. His entries during the War for Independence are amazing and give us insight into the men God used to create this Country. A country where we are free to praise and serve God in all we do.
In a journal entry on April 5, 1783, upon hearing of the peace articles which were created in November 1782, as the peace between countries was not completed until Paris in September 1783. Francis Asbury wrote of the news and how he believed it would affect the ministry.
“I heard the news that peace was confirmed between England and America. I had various exercises of mind on the occasion. It may cause great changes to take place among us; some for the better and some for the worse. It may make against the work of God. Our preachers will be far more likely to settle in the world, and our people, by getting into trade and acquiring wealth, may drink into its spirit. Believing the report to be true, I took some notice of it while I treated on Acts x, 36 at Brother Clayton’s, near Halifax, where they were firing their cannons and rejoicing in their way on the occasion…”[2]
I find it interesting Asbury meditated on Acts 10:36 when contemplating how this would change the ministry and the church for the future. I have placed that verse below. Of course, reading all of chapter 10 places this verse in perspective.
“The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)” (Acts 10:36, KJV)
When you analyze his assessment of what the future may hold for the church and knowing the rest of the story, I pray men with Asbury’s passion for the ministry and spreading the Gospel continue to be called by God, for our future.
When you study a holistic view of the American Revolution, you will witness God’s providence in it all. Have a blessed 4th of July holiday!
In Christ,
[1] Francis Asbury, The Journal of the Rev. Francis Asbury, Reproduction of Original (London, England: Forgotten Books Publishing, 2015), 76.
[2] Ibid., 169.
The Sword of the Spirit 