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Rh much darkness in the land, and enemies were numerous: though, even then, the Church had some friends. They concluded to elect nine trustees, and to unite them with the Bishop or Elders in charge, the trustees to be subject to the Bishop or Elders, particularly in spiritual matters. That was well enough at that time: but now see how different things are. We want fine churches, and have them we must, at all hazards; also large congregations and a plenty of learning. Now, I ask you, if those nine trustees are elected for nine years to do justice to the people in all things, and they often do wrong, and if, when a charge is entered, he that is placed at their head will not proceed against them, but the discipline, the constitution, itinerant principles, and the resolutions of the Conference are all forgotten, and those nine men and their head will do as they please with the means, and manage the affairs of two thousand people without regard to justice or right, and there is no remedy for all this—if, I say, such be the condition of things among us, must there not be something done in order to insure the prosperity of the Church?

Again, the Scriptures say, "Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty:" but there is no liberty here; for, if a man expresses his opinion