I abhor the thought of giving to twenty men the power to place or displace the preachers in their congregations. How would he then dare to speak an unpleasing truth? And if he did, what would become of him? This must never be the case, while I live, among the Methodists.... The point must be carried for the Methodist preachers now or never; and I alone can carry it; which I will, God being my helper.
Letter of Rev. John Wesley to Samuel Bradburn, 1782
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Many years ago one informed me at London: 'The stewards have discovered they are not your stewards, but the people's, and they are to direct, not be directed by you.' The next Sunday I let them drop, and named seven other stewards.
No contentious person shall for the future meet in any Conference. They may dispute elsewhere if they please.
Letter of Rev. John Wesley to Thomas Wride, 1785
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