Wesley Corpus

(5.) What is that power? It is a power of admitting into, and excluding from, the societies under my care; of choosing and removing Stewards; of receiving or not receiving Helpers; of appointing them when, where, and how to help me, and of desiring any of them to confer with me when I see good. And as it was merely in obedience to the providence of God, and for the good of the people, that I at first accepted this power, which I never sought; so it is on the same consideration, not for profit, honour, or pleasure, that I use it at this day. (6.) But “several gentlemen are offended at your having so much power.” I did not seek any part of it. But when it was come unawares, not daring to “bury that talent,” I used it to the best of my judgment. Yet I never was fond of it. I always did, and do now, bear it as my burden;--the burden which God lays upon me, and therefore I dare not lay it down. But if you can tell me any one, or any five men, to whom I may transfer this burden, who can and will do just what I do now, I will heartily thank both them and you. (7.) But some of our Helpers say, “This is shackling free born Englishmen;” and demand a free Conference, that is, a meeting of all the Preachers, wherein all things shall be deter mined by most votes. I answer, It is possible, after my death, something of this kind may take place; but not while I live. To me the Preachers have engaged themselves to submit, to serve me as sons in the gospel; but they are not thus engaged to any man or number of men besides. To me the people in general will submit; but they will not thus submit to any other. It is nonsense, then, to call my using this power, “shack ling free-born Englishmen.” None needs to submit to it un less he will; so that there is no shackling in the case. Every Preacher and every member may leave me when he pleases. But while he chooses to stay, it is on the same terms that he joined me at first. “But this is making yourself a Pope.” This carries no face of truth.