History Of Methodist Reform, Volume I - Media Sabda Org

een received into full connection came together from all parts of the United States where we had
any circuits formed, with an expectation that something of great importance would take place in the
connection in consequence of that Conference. The preachers generally thought that in all probability
there would never be another Conference of that kind, at which all the preachers in connection might
attend. The work was spreading throughout the United States, and the different territories, and was
likely to increase more and more, so that it was generally thought that this Conference would adopt
some permanent regulations, which would prevent the preachers in future from coming together in
a General Conference. This persuasion brought out more of the preachers than otherwise would have
attended." The ostensible and controlling reason for the call was the Council question. The last, at
its session in 1790, had adjourned to meet at Cokesbury College, December, 1792, but the
overwhelming opposition of Coke, Lee, O'Kelly, and many of the leaders, as well as the people so
far as they dared to discuss such questions, intimidated and overslaughed Asbury so that he
abandoned the project even before the General Conference could officially pass upon it. Stevens says
it was called, "probably supposing that it would be recognized and empowered by the General
Conference." There could have been no such supposition in the case, inasmuch as the opposition had
not developed in 1790, and before 1792 it was absolutely certain that the General Conference would
decide against it, and this is the reason Coke and Asbury refused to allow it to be so much as named
in the General Conference, to the surprise of the preachers.
The committee had arranged that it should not be presented, and substituted a revision of the
Discipline as the business of the body, and, that innovations might be under control, a regulation was
proposed on the opening day of the Conference and carried, which provided that two-thirds of the
members could abolish an old law or make a new one, but that a majority might alter or amend any
existing law. A whole day was spent in such preliminary work. Stevens in his account of the
proceedings follows the order of business as it was remembered by William Colbert, one of the
members, and with it O'Kelly in the main agrees. Lee says as to the Council business, and in
confirmation of these allegations: "By this time the plan of the former council had become
exceedingly disagreeable to the greater part of our brethren, both preachers and people; and it was
expected that some of the preachers would try, at that Conference, to revive and establish it. But we
were agreeably disappointed. For soon after we met together, the bishops and the preachers in
general showed a disposition to drop the council, and all things belonging thereto. And the bishop
requested that the name of the council might not be mentioned in the Conference again. No one
attempted to bring forward that business again."
It has been found that, much to his surprise, but in line with Asbury's cajoling letter to him,
O'Kelly was named on the committee to mature business. Let him be called again as a witness. "I met
the select number that evening according to appointment, and found them engaged in revising our
old form of discipline. My thoughts were many but my words were few — they looked one at
another, and one turned toward me, and addressed me in the following manner: 'Will you pass your
word to abide by what this Conference may do?' My answer was, 'You alarm me. Tell me what you
intend to do?' They answered and said, 'we cannot tell; but we will pass our word to abide by the
decision of this Conference.' I utterly refused to pass my word. I then saw why they wanted me in
that meeting." It was diamond cut diamond. Never before did the sagacity of Asbury exhibit itself
to such advantage, as in the whole politic management of this Conference. At the very opening of
the session he modestly proposed that Dr. Coke should preside. He says, 'At my desire they