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

1780.-- On the 24th day of April, the eighth conference met in Baltimore, where the northern
preachers only attended; for the Virginia preachers had a conference appointed in that state. The
proceedings of both must be considered together, as it respects the general work.
At the conference which was held in Baltimore, and that which was held in Virginia, there were
three new circuits taken in: one in Delaware state called Sussex, and one on the eastern shore of
Maryland, called Dorset; and one in North Carolina, called Yadkin. Some of the old circuits were
left out of the minutes, and we had only twenty circuits this year, which was the same number that
we had the year preceding. We had thirty-six preachers to travel in the above number of circuits.
They admitted fourteen young preachers on trial.
At this conference it was concluded on, 1st, for all the preachers to change circuits at the end of
six months. 2d, That all the assistants should see to the settling of all our meeting houses by trustees;
and for regular deeds to be taken for the houses. 3d, That all the preachers should take a written
license from the conference, certifying that they were either assistants or helpers in connection with
the Methodists, and that these certificates should be signed by Mr. Asbury in behalf of the
conference.
It was also concluded on, that every local preacher and exhorter should have a license every
quarter (if required,) to speak in public, and that none of them should attempt to speak in public
without such license.
They also made a rule for all our preachers to rise at four o'clock in the morning, or at farthest at
five o'clock.
They also agreed for the first time to allow the wives of our traveling preachers as much money
for each quarter (if they needed it) as was allowed to the preachers.
They also advised for our quarterly meetings in future to be held on Saturdays and Sundays, where
it was convenient. Before this plan was adopted, the quarterly meetings were generally held on the
week days.
They also concluded to have a fast day in each circuit on the Friday after each quarterly meeting.
The conference disapproved of the practice of distilling spirits out of grain, and they agreed to
disown our friends who would not renounce the practice.
They concluded that the preachers should meet the black people in class; and appoint white men
to lead them, and not let them stay late at meeting, nor allow them to meet by themselves.
The conference took under consideration the subject of slavery, and required all the traveling
preachers who belonged to the Baltimore conference to promise that if they held slaves they would
set them free. They went farther, and said, that they believed that keeping of slaves was contrary to
the laws of God, of man, and of nature, and that it was hurtful to society, and contrary to the dictates