1843 METHODIST CAMP-MEETING. Early Circuit and Camp-Meeting Preacher Despairs of Methodist Hierarchy.

An excellent 1843 ALS by F. W. Conable, prominent Methodist Camp Meeting Preacher, Circuit Rider, and author of the significant historical work, History of the Genesee Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church [1876].

A fascinating little snapshot of Methodism during the height of the camp meeting movement. Conable despairs that his role as a clergy person and speaker has separated him from the communion and spiritual fellowship he once enjoyed at the camp meetings. Now, he remembers the early days of his Christianity with fondness . . . perhaps an early example of clergy burn out, or the unfortunate downside of ecclesiastical systems that involve hierarchy, etc. 

In full:

Granger, August 21, 1843.

Dear Sister, I left the meeting in Caneadea with deep regret, on several accounts. Not being prepared to preach at the time, and choosing the wrong text for the occasion, I had a hard and unsatisfactory time in preaching, and then I had to leave without an opportunity of conversing with brethren and Sisters, with whom I had once enjoyed delightful seasons of prayer and social converse. But so it is with Methodist preachers - they are often obliged to tear themselves from the society of those who are made nigh them by friendship's ties and Jesus' blood. When I saw you, with strong emotions I remembered when I first believed. And when I saw your father in Angelica [tho' he did not see me) I thought - in that man's house I was converted. Praise the Lord, I have been converted! And still I feel determined to fight on. Yesterd, I preached three times, and rode seventeen miles in the rain. Texts - I Cor. 3.11 to 15 - I Thess. 14 to 23. and Philippians 4.6,7 - I have but one more Sabbath to spend on this circuit; then to Conference - then no body knows where. I left Potter Mission, Penn in May last, and came on to this (Angelica) circuit.

In June Brother Bronson went to heaven, and then the charge came upon me. Mrs. Conable is tolerably well; I wish you could see her, perhaps you may sometime or other. - How does your soul prosper? Do you rejoice in the Lord? Does he support you in trouble? This he is always ready to do. Trust in him. This is it - holiness and peace here, and holiness and heaven hereafter! O, may they be ours to feel and enjoy forever. Amen!

My love to Brother Sumner - I hope he will enjoy much love and peace. My love to those of your father's family - Please receive this from your brother in Christ.

F. W. Conable"

Worn with tears, etc. as shown.