I do not think Mr. Lee meant to censure the bishop,[32] but others have, and I am thankful we have the bishop’s explanations and his admirable defense. One who has recently written says, “It was a question painfully revolved in the mind of Mr. Asbury whether or not he ought to have thus concealed himself from his enemies. It is certain that in this he was not imitating the Saviour, who went forth to meet Judas and his band in the garden; neither was he following the example of the apostles, who went forward in their work, although forbidden by the Jewish Council; nor did he exhibit the courage of Wesley in the days of mob violence in England, nor yet that of Abbott, Garrettson, and Hartley, who dared to meet their worst foes. It seems that his prudence prevailed over his faith.”[33] Does my friend Lednum mean to accuse Francis Asbury of cowardice? If he does, the bishop’s explanation is a defense against all attacks until the end of time. We left New London on Wednesday, June 27, and went to Hebron, riding six hours in the rain. The bishop seldom stopped for rain, even if it came in torrents. He preached in the evening. The next day we rode to East Glastenbury, and put up with Jeremiah Stocking. He was one of the oldest and most distinguished local preachers in New England. His ministry extended over a period of sixty years. He was the first to open his doors in that part of the country to receive the Methodist preachers; he was the father of the Methodist society in the town. He died in holy joy March 23, 1853, aged eighty-five, his wife and eight children following on in the path made smooth by his feet and wet by his tears. Brother Stocking wrote many interesting articles while Dr. Bond was editor, entitled “Sketches of my Life,” and dated “Pilgrim’s Tent, on the Banks of Jordan.”