A Short History Of The Methodists... - Media Sabda Org

The conference saw clearly that a divisive spirit was prevailing in some parts of our connection,
and that it had been kindled by some of the disaffected traveling preachers; they therefore determined
to try and cheek it as soon as possible; being fully satisfied that some persons would do us more
harm by remaining among us, if they continued to ridicule our discipline and doctrine in the manner
they had done for some time, than they could do if they were separated from us.
At this conference we again employed John Dickins to superintend our printing business in
Philadelphia, for which he was to be allowed a house and book room, and six hundred and sixty-six
dollars and thirty-three cents per year; which was to be paid out of the profits arising from the
printing business.
The conference also agreed that there should be allowed to Cokesbury College out of the profits
arising from the printing of books among us, $4000 in the course of four years to come: $800 to be
allowed the first year, and the rest to be divided equally for the remaining three years. But the college
being burnt down, before the expiration of the four years, the whole sum was not applied to the
intended purpose.
We then had the two following questions:
Q. "What sum of money shall be allowed to distressed preachers out of the book fund, till the next
general conference?.
A. "Six hundred and sixty-six dollars and sixty-seven cents per annum.
Q. "What shall be allowed the bishop out of the book fund, for the benefit of the district schools,
till the next general conference?
A. "Sixty-four dollars per annum."
According to the regulations above stated, it was supposed that the profits arising from our book
business would at least amount to $2500 a year.
I have taken notice of many of the rules and regulations that were adopted at this general
conference, in order that it may be the better understood by such preachers and members of our
connection, as were not acquainted with our proceedings at that time.
Notwithstanding we had some close debates, and some distressing hours during that conference;
and with all, some of our preachers were so offended as to leave the conference before the business
was half finished; yet it was a comfortable time to most of us, and we were highly favoured of the
Lord with his presence and love in the last of our sitting. Our hearts were closely united together, and
we parted in great union, love and fellowship.
It was eight years from the Christmas conference, where we became a regular church, to this
general conference. In which time our form of discipline had been changed, and altered in so many
particulars; and the business of the council had thrown the connection into such confusion, that we