The Methodist Circuit Riders were a group of preachers who traveled on horseback from town to town preaching the gospel. They were particularly known for their instigation and participation with, the Second Great Awakening. The long hours upon horseback and in all types of inclement weather made them physical and spiritual giants. The "original circuit rider", George Whitefield, is quoted as having said that these men were "on the stretch for God".1
The Circuit Riders were men who were strongly convicted of God to do what they were doing. They believed it was their call to be on the road every day out of the year preaching sometimes two and three times daily.
A paper about the Methodist Circuit Riders would not be complete without discussing Francis Asbury. When John Wesley called for young Methodists to go evangelize America, he was one of the firsts to respond. Driven by a genuine zeal and burden for souls, he spent the better part of his entire life on the saddle riding from one town to the next preaching God's word and seeing souls saved. This minister's determination and drive is evidenced in his decision to stay in America even when the Revolutionary War broke out. At that time, all Methodist minister's were called back to England. Not Francis Asbury. After praying about the decision he felt he was lead to stay with America even through the War. This is only one of many examples that could be quoted. The Methodist preachers were bold, fearless and Spirit filled. They would stop at nothing to get souls saved. It is because of their determination and drive that we have a Christian heritage in America today.
1. Peter Marshall/David Manuel. From Sea to Shining Sea. Pp. 71.
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