Page:A short account of the rise and progress of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in America.djvu/31

 sought a method to obtain associates; he therefore found a situation for sale, in Elizabeth Street, between Walker and Hester Streets, with a church on it, which he resolved upon endeavouring to get possession of, for the purpose of forming a society separate from Zion Church, and thereby have a place of worship where he might enjoy himself independent of Zion Church. With this view he consulted with William Miller, (who at this time had become an ordained Deacon in Zion Church,) and the interview terminated in an agreement between them; and when they had obtained possession of the aforesaid situation in Elizabeth Street, and had persuaded a number of the official and private members of Zion Church with enticing words to unite with them, they effected the formation of a society, which they styled the "Asbury Church." This stratagem of the enemy proved effectual, relative to forming a separate society, as our brother William Miller actively used his influence to entice as many as he could to leave Zion Church and unite with them; but it was done without any essential injury to her notwithstanding. It was thought by some observers of their movements, that the Asburians did not intend to be under the same church government as the Zioners; but being disappointed in their expectation, they found it necessary to make application to brother Phineas Cook, the Elder in charge of Zion Church at that time, requesting a consideration of their case relative to the spiritual concern of their