OUR LEGACY FROM THE PAST - NCCUMC

18
quarter of a million miles carrying the word of God. Most of this
time he didn't even have enough food to eat, and sometimes had
no roof over his head, but on he traveled, spreading the "good
news" of Jesus Christ. Some of the time, his legs were so swollen
that he had to be lifted onto his horse and tied into the saddle to
keep from falling off. When he would reach his destination, he
would then be lifted off the saddle, standing and preaching to the
assembled crowds. (See page 26 relating to specific Journal entries
by Asbury.)
The next circuit rider preacher to specifically mention
Williamston in his JOURNAL was the Reverend James
Meacham. Meacham, a descendant of Richard Henry Lee of
Virginia, was born in Sussex County, Virginia in 1787. In his
JOURNAL he described the people of this area as being' 'kind and
good." Like Asbury, he stayed in the home of William Williams on
many of his visits, and oftentimes would preach to black and white
alike. He was very much opposed to slavery and always preached
against it if the opportunity arose to do so. His JOURNAL entry
for Monday 27, 1794reads as follows:
"I set out in the rain and rode 37 miles to William
Williams'. I think this has been a day of solid rain. I am
very poorly in body and mind, yet my trust is in the Lord
whose mercy is over all his works."
His JOURNAL entry for Friday 13, 1796,reads as follows:
"This day I preached at William's Chapel from Matthew
8:11-12to about thirty souls. The Lord gave me his sweet
presence and my soul was greatly affected while opening
the subject to the listening Souls. I then rode home
with Brother Howard who is much given up to God, being
but young in the Christian warfare. I hope God will
keep him in perfect peace and bless his dear family. He
seems to have a great concern for his whole house. His
wife is not with him in the blessed way of life, but I hope
she will soon come forward unto the Lord herself. Two of
his Black Men only are seeking for a better world. My
poor Soul leans upon the Lord. In family prayer, I felt
my heart drawn out to pray for this whole dear family. I
lay down to rest in the fear of the Lord."