History Of Methodist Reform, Volume I - Media Sabda Org

Chancery, made under this document, have given security to the property, and stability to the whole
[1]
economy of Wesleyan Methodism down to our day." When this famous Deed of Declaration
comes under review this question will be considered more fully. Suffice it to say, as a running
comment now, that there can be no dispute that this class and exclusive method of holding church
property by the founder of Methodism, and the Legal Hundred after him, had the merit of giving
security to the property, and stability to the economy. The same may be said with even more
pronounced emphasis of the tenure by which all church property is held in the Roman Catholic
Church. The entail is through the bishop of the diocese, and the archbishop and the cardinal, and
ultimately in the Pope. In its incipient stage the same process is going on in the now worldwide
Salvation Army. Under General William Booth it is known that for a period, movements of the
officers, and the rank and file under them, were by his orders after a council with those nearest him
in authority; but he quietly assumed, as the Army grew and military power concentrated, to discard
the councils, and he now issues his orders independently. The garrisons and barracks, the press plant,
and valuables of every kind are deeded to him, and it is safe to predict that after his decease serious
trouble will originate from this cause with possible disintegration. [2]
In vain do you look for New Testament precedents for thus securing property and stability.
Parallels in civil government are not wanting in the czars and emperors and kings. If it could be
shown that security of property and stability of government cannot otherwise be obtained, there
might be some color of excuse for a proceeding so violative of the methods of the primitive Church
under the Apostles and of that principle of common law that property should vest in those who have
created it. The strongest objection is yet to be mentioned: it preordains opportunity for abuse without
possibility of redress and without limit as to its flagrancy. History is full of such abuse. That Wesley
did not abuse it may be freely admitted as a fact, and something could be allowed him in "his
peculiar circumstances"; but when he "transferred it', to the Legal Hundred the moral right is
challenged and its expediency questioned. Empire follows property, as shall be farther exhibited.
Some modification was made by Wesley; for ten years after the Bristol chapel case, Stevens says:
"In 1749 the chapels had been legally settled upon trustees. A person was now appointed to examine
their deeds, and see that vacancies among their trustees were filled." He evidently means that for
local convenience trustees held the chapels formally, but it did not affect Wesley's power of entail.
The Manchester Conference, though the most important in twenty-five years, receives but scant
notice from Whitehead, and the same may be said of Moore. In the latter case it can be accounted
for from the fact that his "Life of Wesley" is almost a literal transcript of Whitehead's "Life." He
purloined whole pages, but never mentions Whitehead's name except to discredit him or to make a
point emphatic. Stevens and Tyerman furnish what facts are available. The Conference continued
four days. None of the historians gives the numbers in society at this date. It now assumed business
shape. The theological and ecclesiastical questions were mostly settled for the nonce. For the first
time a roster of the preachers and of the circuits is published, and a Plan of Appointments, with
minute rules of discipline for both the societies and the preachers. Superannuated preachers are first
named, with a plan for their relief. The certificate, or ticket of transfer of members from one society
to another, became an established custom. The phrases "brother" and "sister" were allowed
"prudently." Tobacco and drams were not to be touched by the preachers on "any pretense," and were
denounced among the people. Men and women were to sit apart, and no backs were to be put to the