—— 1808[?] — to Alexander M’caine

A statement from Alexander M’Caine makes a good introduction to this letter. M’Caine was a follower of O’Kelly. It is to be remembered that M’Caine was a severe critic and withdrew from the church.

“Previous to the year 1808, it was the right of every travelling preacher who had travelled four years from the time he was received on trial by an annual conference, and was in full connexion, to attend the General Conference; but from this period, none but those who were elected by their respective annual conferences as delegates, had a right to a seat in that body. This change proceeded from the same principle which induced Mr. Asbury, informer years to prefer a ‘council’ to a conference; because the latter was, or might be, too unmanageable for him, who wished to have everything done according to his own good pleasure. The ‘council’ was composed of but few, and these were presiding elders, who always were, and always will be, the bishop’s creatures and tools; but in a conference there might be some staunch republicans, and noble-minded ministers, such as James O’Kelly, who would disdain to prostitute their talents to subserve the ambitious views of any ecclesiastical despot. That this change in the economy of Methodism was brought about by the influence and exertions of Mr. Asbury, the following extract from one of his letters, now lying before me will prove.” (M’Caine’s Letters, 163.)

—— 1808[?]¹

[TO ALEXANDER M’CAINE]²

If our title had not been the Methodist episcopal church, and if the English translation had not rendered the Episcopi, Bishop, in the Epistles of Paul to Timothy and Titus, well contented am I to be called superintendent, not bishop! I was elected and ordained superintendent,³ as my parchment will prove. Does the Scripture say the Elder shall be the husband of one wife? by some man’s rule of reasoning, we might prove, because we have no express Scripture, but they say we are the same order, then why not the same name in Greek and English? Why not Deacons and Bishops of the same order? this all churches agree in, they are not. It is an easy matter for our brethren, members and ministers, that move in narrow circles, to talk to little purpose. Be assured, if there ever should be an equitable Delegated General Conference they will have no power to change the constitution, but to choose men to superintend the whole continent, as their predecessors have done, married or single.

FRANCIS ASBURY

Alexander M’Caine, Letters of the Organization and Early History of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 163