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

United States, except that of ordaining according to the regulations and law, already existing or
hereafter to be made in the said church, and that of presiding when present in conference, and lastly
that of traveling at large. Given under my hand the second day of May in the year 1787.
Witnesses,
THOMAS COKE."
John Tunnil,
John Hagerty,
Nelson Reed.
The preachers then agreed to forgive what was past, provided this condition should be expressed
in the minutes; which was done thus:
Q. "Who are the superintendents of our church for the United States?"
A. "Thomas Coke (when present in the states) and Francis Asbury."
At this conference it was agreed, that no married preacher should demand more money than the
allowance for himself and his wife.
In the month of April this year, Mr. Freeborn Garrettson left Nova-Scotia, and returned to the
United States; and from that time he has continued in his own native country. Mr. Wesley had given
directions for brother F. Garrettson to be ordained a superintendent for Nova Scotia; but when the
business was taken under consideration, some of the preachers insisted that if he was ordained for
that station, he should confine himself wholly to that place for which he was set apart; and not be
at liberty to return again to this part of the country. Mr. Garrettson did not feel freedom to enter into
an obligation of that kind, and chose rather to continue as he was; and therefore was not ordained.
Mr. Wesley also directed that Richard Whatcoat should be ordained a joint superintendent with
Mr. Asbury. When this business was brought before the conference, most of the preachers objected,
and would not consent to it. The reasons against it were, 1, That he was not qualified to take the
charge of the connection. 2. That they were apprehensive that if Mr. Whatcoat was ordained, Mr.
Wesley would likely recall Mr. Asbury, and he would return to England.
Dr. Coke contended that we were obliged to receive Mr. Whatcoat, because we had said in the
minutes taken at the Christmas conference, when we were first formed into a church in 1784,
"During the life of the Rev. Mr. Wesley, we acknowledge ourselves his sons in the gospel, ready in
matters belonging to church government, to obey his commands."
Many of the members of that conference argued that they were not at the conference when that
engagement was entered into, and they did not consider themselves bound by it. Other preachers who
had said they were "Ready to obey his commands," said they did not feel ready now to obey his