552 History of Methodism 



1815 it was resolved by the Conference that every 

 preacher on trial should be annually examined at his 

 district-meeting respecting the course of theological 

 study which he might have pursued during the pre- 

 ceding year; and as this measure proved comparatively 

 ineffectual, it was further determined at a subsequent 

 Conference that the Rev. Messrs. John Gaulter, Jabez 

 Bunting, Thomas Jackson, and Richard Watson should 

 meet as a select committee and furnish a report of 

 their deliberate and united judgment on that mode 

 of ministerial education which seemed best adapted 

 to the circumstances and wants of Methodism. A re- 

 port was accordingly presented by them to the Con- 

 ference of 1823 and received with general appro- 

 bation, but difficulties arose to prevent the reduction 

 of its proposals to practice. In 1829 the Conference 

 declared: 



We unanimously agree that the time is now fully come when 

 some more systematic and effectual plan ought to be attempted for 

 affording to those preachers who have been placed, after the usual 

 examinations and recommendations, on the list of reserve, but are 

 not immediately needed for the regular supply of our circuits, such 

 means of instruction in doctrines and discipline of Methodism and 

 of general improvement as may prepare them for future usefulness. 



A Committee of Education was appointed and con- 

 tinued for successive years until in 1833 the Con- 

 ference selected twenty preachers and directed them 

 to meet in London on Wednesday, 23d October, and 

 arrange such a plan of education as they might deem 

 most expedient. They accordingly met and devoted 

 about a week to mutual consultation; examined with 

 all the caution and impartiality in their power every 

 scheme that was proposed, and agreed upon a plan. 

 At a subsequent meeting, this plan was reexamined 

 and improved; and in its revised form presented to 



