We have no knowledge whether Mr. Clark commenced preaching in London, but as what was called “lay-preaching” was customary by persons not in “orders” in the church, or not officially authorized by dissenters, we are of opinion our friend did engage in this manner. We are equally deficient in the particulars of his return to America, but think it was in 1789; and to his late residence on Broad river in Georgia. No family received him with more tokens of Christian affection and joy than that of Colonel Wootten. His mind was now deeply impressed with the duty of devoting his life as an instrument of salvation to his fellow creatures. It is supposed he commenced preaching in company with the regular circuit preachers soon after his arrival in Georgia. In 1791, his name appears for the first time on the Conference Minutes of the Methodist Episcopal Church, when he was received on trial and placed on Richmond circuit[22]. This was in the region of Augusta. The Conference was held in February, and he went forth, as was ever afterward his custom, like his blessed Lord, with staff in hand, and on foot to perform the work whereunto he had been called. We find his name on the Conference Minutes from 1791 to 1796, passing through the regular grades of probationary service, until ordained as deacon by bishop Asbury in the winter of 1794[23]. The circuits on which he labored, in most instances, were new ones, and in that part of Georgia which lies above Augusta and between the Savannah and Oconee rivers. TABULAR STATEMENT. +-------+--------------+--------------+--------------+ | YEAR. | CIRCUIT. | No. of White | No. of Black | | | | Members. | Members. | +-------+--------------+--------------+--------------+ | 1791 | Richmond, | 500 | 72 | | 1792 | Oconee, | 220 | 21 | | 1793 | Bush River, | 555 | 30 | | 1794 | Broad River, | 435 | 68 | | 1795 | Union, | 376 | 39 | +-------+--------------+--------------+--------------+