My dear Mother, live to God; press after holiness of heart; pray much to the Lord. You say to yourself, “If I could see my child again, I should be happy and die in peace.” Yes, if I could stay with you, but how painful to part! Probably America is my country for life.

If I ever had any ambition to greatness, that has somewhat cooled. Actually, a less public life would suit me better. People could suspect me of pride and folly if I wanted power to rule. On the whole, I have reason to praise God who has kept me from publicly dishonoring Him, His cause, the Church, and my calling. I enjoy more of His power and love in my soul; not puffed up, I have not fallen into condemnation of the devil. What great reason I have to praise God for His work in, for, and by me! A life of labor and suffering is my paradise, while love divine, transporting love, daily fills my heart.

-Letter from Asbury to his parents, 7 June 1784

Francis Asbury (1745-1815) was one of the first two bishops of the American Methodist movement. He traveled for thousands of miles on horseback, delivering sermons and helpilng with the founding of several schools. Under his leadership many answered the call to salvation, and the Methodist movement grew tremendously. Buy The Daily Asbury, edited by Dr. Donald Demaray, Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Asbury Theological Seminary, as a devotional companion here.