The Methodists were at that time contemplating a settlement in Concord. The number that had espoused that faith was very limited, and without some help, they could not support a preacher; and the salary allowed to the chaplain of the prison would be a very important item in their calculations. But this could be obtained only by having a minister of their order appointed by the Legislature, which was then in session. But then Mr. R. was a Methodist. True, but he was not the man for that place; and he did not _wish_ to be, any farther than for the _prison_. _Why_ was he not the man for that place? Was he not a good preacher? had he not learning and talent adequate to the claims of the place? and was he not admitted to be pious? O yes; in all these respects he stood on no mean elevation. Why then was he not the man? Why, he had been a sinner; and though his opposers told the Lord every time they prayed, that they had been the _chief_ of sinners themselves, they yet thanked God that they were not like this _publican_, and said to him--"Stand off--we are more holy." This then is the sole reason why they set their faces against Mr. R.--HE HAD BEEN A BAD MAN. Whom then would they have? and how could they obtain him? In the Methodist Church the preachers are the property of the bishops, and they can dispose of them as they please. Accordingly the bishop was applied to, and a preacher was stationed in Concord for the coming year. This preacher was then recommended to the Legislature, and appointed chaplain of the prison, to the exclusion of the first applicant. By how mean a motive is human nature capable of being influenced? In its idolatrous devotion to self, how reckless of consequences? By this act of pious selfishness, _fifty dollars_ were gained by the Methodist Society in Concord, and a man who was peculiarly fitted for usefulness in a certain sphere, and who was trying to move in that sphere, was thrown out of all employment, and compelled to abandon a benevolent enterprise, which had twined round every fibre of his heart. Is this a fair specimen of religious conduct? Is this the meaning of that divine command which requires all men, and christians _especially_, to do as they would be done by? Is this "_not_ mentioning to the penitent sinner the sins that he hath committed?" Is this _brotherly love_? Is this the spirit of the prayer--"forgive _as_ WE _forgive_?" With such records as these in the books which will be opened in "that day for which all other days were made," who would be willing to go to judgment?