The General Conference of 1812 adjourned
on the 22nd of May; the New York Conference commenced its
session, at Albany, on the 5th of June. The war with Great
Britain was at hand, and the political agitation of the
nation had already disturbed its religious tranquility and
prosperity. The returns of members showed, not only no
increase, but a loss in the New York Conference.
Asbury's visit to Canada [during the
summer of 1811] had convinced him of the
importance of that country as a promising field for
Methodism. Nathan Bangs was the man, in his estimation, to
take change of the part of the territory which appertained
to the Lower Province, though it was not now within the
jurisdiction of his own Conference, but belonged to that of
the Genesee [since 1810]. The bishop had seen the results of
his labors there, and now solicited him with much urgency to
return to it, taking a station at Montreal, but having, at
the same time, charge of all the circuits in the province on
the north-western side of the St. Lawrence. "This," he
says," was a great cross to me. Indeed, so many difficulties
presented themselves in my way that I declined going till
after the appointments were read off; at the close of the
Conference, and I was summoned for the city of Troy. Knowing
the state of things in Canada, and feeling much for the
people, and perceiving at the same time that the men
appointed for it were entirely inadequate to its wants, I at
last told Bishop M'Kendree, that if he would allow me to
return to the States at the end of four years I would
consent to go. He accepted me, and the appointment was made.
Soon after the adjournment, news of the declaration of war
against Great Britain reached the city of New York, where I
then was with my family. This, of course, cut off all
friendly intercourse between the Canadas and the United
States. For some time I hesitated what to do, but by the
advice of friends I finally concluded to pursue my journey,
and, after taking an affection leave of my people in New
York, who had been remarkably kind to me and mine during my
residence among them, I set off and went as far as
Lansingburg. Here I haled until Bishops Asbury and M'Kendree
returned from the New England Conference. They both decided
that it was not expedient for me to proceed further. My
mission was therefore abandoned.