"A general fast for the prosperity of the work, and for the peace of America, on Tuesday the 18th of July."

1777. In 1777 we find the following:

"Quest. 7. As the present distress is such, are the preachers resolved to take no step to detach themselves from the work of God for the ensuing year?

"Ans. We purpose, by the grace of God, not to take any step that may separate us from the brethren, or from the blessed work in which we are engaged.

"Quest. 8. Has not the preaching of funeral sermons been carried so far as to prostitute that venerable custom, and in some sort to render it contemptible?

"Ans. Yes. Therefore let all the preachers inform every society, that we will not preach any but for those who, we have reason to think, died in the fear and favour of God."

1778. In 1778 the following:

"Quest. 8. What shall the preachers be allowed for quarterage?

"Ans. Eight pounds, Virginia currency."

1779. In 1779, at the conference in Delaware, the following:

No helper to make any alteration in the circuit, or appoint preaching in any new place, without consulting the assistant.

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Every exhorter and local preacher to go by the directions of the assistants where, and only where, they shall appoint.

Quest. 8. Why was the Delaware Conference held? Ans. For the convenience of the preachers in the northern stations, that we all might have an opportunity of meeting in conference; it being unadvisable for brother Asbury and brother Ruff, with some others, to attend in Virginia; it is considered also as preparatory to the conference in Virginia. Our sentiments to be given in by brother Watters.

"Quest. 9. Ought not every travelling preacher to meet the class wherever he preaches?

"Ans. Yes; if possible.

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Quest. 10. Shall we guard against a separation from the Church, directly or indirectly?

"Ans. By all means.

"Quest. 11. What shall be done with the children? "Ans. Meet them once a fortnight, and examine the parents with regard to their conduct toward them.

"Quest. 12. Ought not brother Asbury to act as general assistant in America?

"Ans. He ought: 1st, on account of his age; 2d, because originally appointed by Mr. Wesley; 3d, being joined with Messrs. Rankin and Shadford, by express order from Mr. Wesley.

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Quest. 13. How far shall his power extend?

"Ans. On hearing every preacher for and against what is in debate, the right of determination shall rest with him, according to the Minutes."

In the same year, at the conference in Virginia, the following:

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Quest. 6. What shall be done with the preachers who were upon trial last year?

"Ans. To be continued till next conference.

"Quest. 7. Shall any preacher receive quarterage who is able to travel, and does not ?

"Ans. No.

"Quest. 8. In what light shall we view those preachers who receive money by subscription? "Ans. As excluded from the Methodist connection."

1780. In 1780 the following:

and

Quest. 7. Ought not all the assistants to see to the settling of all the preaching houses by trustees, and order the said trustees to meet once in half a year, keep a register of their proceedings; if there are any vacancies, choose new trustees for the better security of the houses, and let all the deeds be drawn in substance after that in the printed Minutes?

"Ans. Yes.

"Quest. 8. Shall all the travelling preachers take a license from every conference, importing that they are assistants or helpers in connection with us?

"Ans. Yes.

Quest. 9. Shall brother Asbury sign them in behalf of the conference?

"Ans. Yes.

"Quest. 10. Ought it to be strictly enjoined on all our local preachers and exhorters that no one presume to speak in public without taking a note every quarter, (if required,) and be examined by the assistant with respect to his life, his qualification, and reception? 66 Ans. Yes.

"Quest. 11. Ought not all our preachers to make conscience of rising at four, and if not, yet at five? (is it not a shame for a preacher to be in bed till six in the morning?)

"Ans. Undoubtedly they ought.

"Quest. 12. Shall we continue in close connection with the Church, and press our people to a closer communion with her?

"Ans. Yes.

"Quest. 13. Will this conference grant the privilege to all the friendly clergy of the Church of England, at the request or desire of the people, to preach or administer the ordinances in our preaching houses or chapels?

"Ans. Yes.

"Quest. 14. What provision shall we make for the wives of married preachers?

"Ans. They shall receive an equivalent with their husbands in quarterage, if they stand in need.

"Quest. 15. Ought not our preachers, if possible, to speak to every person, one by one, in the families where they lodge, before prayer, if time will permit, or give a family exhortation after reading a chapter?

"Ans. They ought.

Quest. 16. Ought not this conference to require

those travelling preachers who hold slaves to give promises to set them free?

"Ans. Yes.

"Quest. 17. Does this conference acknowledge that slavery is contrary to the laws of God, man, and na ture, and hurtful to society; contrary to the dictates of conscience and pure religion, and doing that which we would not others should do to us and ours? Do we pass our disapprobation on all our friends who keep slaves, and advise their freedom?

66 Ans. Yes.

Quest. 18. Shall we recommend our quarterly meetings to be held on Saturdays and Sundays when convenient?*

"Ans. Agreed.

Quest. 19. Shall not the Friday following every quarter day be appointed as a day of fasting?

"Ans. Yes.

"Quest. 20. Does this whole conference disapprove the step our brethren have taken in Virginia?

"Ans. Yes.

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Quest. 21. Do we look upon them no longer as Methodists in connection with Mr. Wesley and us till they come back?†

Ans. Agreed.

"Quest. 22. Shall brother Asbury, Garrettson, and Watters attend the Virginia Conference, and inform them of our proceedings in this, and receive their answer? "Ans. Yes.

"Quest. 23. Do we disapprove of the practice of distilling grain into liquor? Shall we disown our friends who will not renounce the practice?

"Ans. Yes.

"Quest. 24. What shall the conference do in case of brother Asbury's death or absence?

* At first, held on Tuesday.

+"This refers to a partial separation which took place in Virginia on account of the ordinances."

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"Ans. Meet once a year, and act according to the Minutes.

Quest. 25. Ought not the assistant to meet the coloured people himself, and appoint as helpers in his absence proper white persons, and not suffer them to stay late, and meet by themselves?

"Ans. Yes.

"Quest. 26. What must be the conditions of our union with our Virginia brethren ?

"Ans. To suspend all their administrations for one year, and all meet together in Baltimore."

1781. In 1781 the following:

"Quest. 1. What preachers are now determined, after mature consideration, close observation, and earnest prayer, to preach the old Methodist doctrine, and strictly enforce the Discipline, as contained in the Notes, Sermons, and Minutes published by Mr. Wesley, so far as they respect both preachers and people, according to the knowledge we have of them, and the ability God shall give; and firmly resolved to discountenance a separation among either preachers or people?

"Ans." [Here follow the names of thirty-nine preachers.]

"Quest. 2. Why was conference begun at Choptank?

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Ans. To examine those who could not go to Baltimore, and to provide supplies for the circuits where the Lord is more immediately pouring out his Spirit.

"Quest. 3. Is there any precedent for this in the economy of Methodism?

"Ans. Yes: Mr. Wesley generally holds a conference in Ireland for the same purposes.

"Quest. 4. Should we take the preachers into full connection after one year's trial; or would it not be better, after considering how young they are in age, grace, and gifts, to try them two years, unless it be one