History of the M.E. Church, Vol. III - Media Sabda Org

made for the trial of preachers for immorality, or improper conduct, and also for heresy. "The latter,"
says Lee, "was to prevent the spread of the erroneous doctrines which had been imbibed and
propagated in public and in private by O'Kelly, who, previous to that time had taken much pains to
draw off some of our preachers into his way of thinking, and had so far succeeded in his endeavors
as to get some of them confused and bewildered in their minds about the doctrine of the Trinity. At
this conference we made the following rule, in addition to the former one, respecting the trial of
private members: 'If a member of our Church shall be clearly convicted of endeavoring to sow
dissensions in any of our Societies, by inveighing against either our doctrine or discipline, such
person so offending shall be first reproved by the senior preacher of his circuit; and if he afterward
persist in such pernicious practices be shall be expelled [from] the Society.' "
Such were the principal amendments of the Discipline made at this General Conference. In their
preface to the next edition the bishops say: "We have made some little alterations in the present
edition, yet such as affect not in any degree the essentials of our doctrines and discipline. We think
ourselves obliged frequently to view and review the whole order of our Church, always aiming at
perfection, standing on the shoulders of those who have lived before us, and taking advantage of our
former selves." [12]
But the chief subject of its deliberations was the proposition of O'Kelly, to so abridge the
episcopal prerogative that, "after the bishop appoints the preachers, at conference, to their several
circuits, if any one thinks himself injured by the appointment he shall have liberty to appeal to the
conference and state his objections; and if the conference approve his objections, the bishop shall
appoint him to another circuit." O'Kelly doubtless had prepared the way, among the preachers, for
the agitation of this radical innovation, and Asbury evidently anticipated it; for he writes, "I felt
[13]
awful at the General Conference." The motion was obviously a reflection on his administration,
but he bore it with admirable magnanimity. He adds: "At my desire they appointed a moderator, and
preparatory committee, to keep order and bring forward the business with regularity. We had heavy
debates on the first, second, and third sections of our form of discipline. My power to station the
preachers without an appeal was much debated, but finally carried by a very large majority. Perhaps
a new bishop, new conference, and new laws would have better pleased some. I have been much
grieved for others, and distressed with the burden I bear, and must hereafter bear. O my soul, enter
into rest! Ah, who am I, that the burden of the work should lie on my heart, hands, an head?" Having
secured the organization of the body, with Coke for moderator, he retired anxious and sick, but his
"soul breathing unto God, and exceedingly happy in his love." He addressed the following
characteristic letter to the conference: "Let my absence give you no pain; Dr. Coke presides. I am
happily excused from assisting to make laws by which myself am to be governed: I have only to obey
and execute. I am happy in the consideration that I never stationed a preacher through enmity, or as
a punishment. I have acted for the glory of God, the good of the people, and to promote the
usefulness of the preachers. Are you sure that if you please yourselves the people will be as fully
satisfied? They often say, 'Let us have such a preacher;' and sometimes, 'We will not have such a
preacher, we will sooner pay him to stop at home.' Perhaps I must say, 'His appeal forced him upon
you.' I am one, ye are many. I am as willing to serve you as ever. I want not to sit in any man's way.
I scorn to solicit votes. I am a very trembling, poor creature to hear praise or dispraise. Speak your
minds freely; but remember, you are only making laws for the present time. It may be that, as in
some other things, so in this, a future day may give you further light." "I am not fond of altercations,"