Page:A short account of the rise and progress of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in America.djvu/81

 from William M. Stilwell, fearing it might be an injury to them at Philadelphia. As there was no particular resolution entered into at the yearly Conference, on the case of ordination, it was thought best, at this meeting, to take up this case; and Leven Smith having informed the brethren that he understood that Bishop McKendree (who was at this time in New-York) had spoken favourably respecting our situation, a committee of five persons, viz., Abraham Thompson, Christopher Rush, Leven Smith, James Varick and James Smith was appointed, to call on the Bishop, in order to learn more correctly, whether it would be in his power to perform ordination for us during his stay in the city. His answer was that he could not do any thing contrary to the wish of his white brethren, and wished that a written instrument might be presented to him, stating the desire of the African Society. In order to meet the views of the Bishop, the committee, which was appointed to call on him, was continued, and authorized to draw up an instrument of writing to present to him, stating pointedly what was the immediate desire of our brethren, and George Collins, who was anxious to forward the work of so great importance at this time, drew up, for the committee, a few items, which were as follows: viz. We, the committee, appointed by the official members of the African Methodist Zion Church, in the city of New-York, to obtain information of the best method for ordaining the Preachers of that church, under existing circumstances, are instructed to state as follows: