Asbury’s Impression of Connecticut - 1791
Francis Asbury, Methodist leader.
Introduction
Nathan Bangs was a historian of America’s Methodist Episcopal Church. In his history he says evangelist Francis Asbury met resistance at every turn when he first ventured into the “land of the Puritans,” where his Arminian views differed from the prevailing Calvinism. Here are Asbury’s own observations of his first day’s ride in New England, recorded in his journal for this day, Saturday 4 June, 1791.
Quote
“We are now in Connecticut; and never out of sight of a house; and sometimes we have a view of many churches and steeples, built very neatly of wood; either for use, ornament, piety, policy or interest—or it may be some of all these. I do feel as if there had been religion in this country once; and I apprehend there is a little in form and theory left. There may have been a praying ministry and people here, but I fear they are now spiritually dead, and am persuaded that family and private prayer is very little practiced. Could these people be brought to constant, fervent prayer, the Lord would come down and work wonders among them. I find my mind fixed on God, and the work of God.”
Asbury, Francis. The Journal of the Rev. Francis Asbury, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church.