History Of Methodist Reform, Volume I - Media Sabda Org

all the Elders, who were directed to take the oversight of several circuits, were set to the right hand
of a bracket, which enclosed all the circuits and preachers of which he was to take charge. This may
be considered as the beginning of the presiding elder's office; although it was not known by that
name at that time: yet in the absence of a Superintendent, this elder had the direction of all the
preachers that were enclosed in the bracket against which his name was set." Briareus must have a
hundred hands to keep in secret touch with the humblest preacher, and yet swing away from him
while making the circuit of a continent. Besides these causes of distraction, it is in evidence that the
English missionaries of Wesley, prior to 1780, kept on harrowing Asbury at home. Dr. Coke opened
correspondence with some of the American preachers, for Lee says that, among the complaints urged
against Dr. Coke at the Conference of 1787, was one for "writing improper letters to some of our
preachers, such as were calculated to stir up strife and contention among them." James O'Kelly in
the South was discussing the situation and strengthening himself for a tussle with Asbury, who was
not idle in circumventing his unfriendly critics, while he kept himself in sympathy with a number
of the leading preachers, and the wonderful charm of his personal presence sufficed to overawe the
less influential. And all this was poured into Wesley's ear, preparing him for the decisive steps he
took, as will be seen, to constrain Asbury to uncover, and through the American Conference either
adhere to their Christmas Conference resolve of fealty to him; or do as they did, repudiate his
authority and seat Asbury untrammeled on the Episcopal throne. All these causes combined probably
had their depressing influence, so that while in some sections there were gracious revivals, the
numerical increase fell below the previous average largely.
Beverly Allen was among the notable preachers of this period, but died an apostate. He had great
success in Charleston, S. C., and elsewhere. Henry Willis is a name fragrant with spiritual memories
in the early work, as well as John Hagerty, who labored much in New Jersey. Thomas Morrell had
been a revolutionary officer, and was converted under Hagerty, who led him forth to the ministry,
which he afterward adorned. His name is conspicuous in the controversy with Hammett, to be
noticed briefly later. He lived to his ninetieth year, not dying until August 9, 1838. Robert Cloud was
also a colaborer with Morrell and widely useful. There was not a little controversy mingled with the
preaching, as Universalists and Calvinists had to be confronted and confuted by these homespun, but
brainy men of Methodist renown. The doctrine of the Trinity and the Godhead of Christ were
subjects largely traversed. Garrettson's labors have already been noticed. Watters was a prince in
Israel and left his mark in many places. Jesse Lee rapidly grew in favor. Of stalwart figure, hard
common sense, and as much culture as his environment allowed, he was a preacher of power, and
bore down all obstructions before him; not in the South only, his native heath, but in the North, and
among the educated communities, he planted Methodism. James O'Kelly, in his chosen field of
North Carolina and eastern Virginia, swayed a great influence for his quick wit, strong
understanding, fervid piety, which Asbury often felt and noted; but, cast in the mold of Strawbridge,
he was independent, self-willed, and as a presiding elder made himself felt and feared by his
subordinates. Asbury vainly endeavored to control him, and contrary to precedent left him in this
high office for ten successive years in the same territory, but it availed nothing to his subordination,
but contributed to the confidence he gathered that he was able to cope with Asbury. Presently he will
be seen wrestling with him on a vital question with the ill-timed and disastrous secession he led in
1792-93.