The entire _Memorial_ movement proceeded upon the assumption that this inflexibility exists, and that to it must be attributed the uselessness of efforts which, under different methods, should have accomplished great results. The _Memorialists_ did not hesitate to say that, with "her fixed and invariable modes of public worship," her "canonical means and appliances," "her traditional customs and usages," she was "inadequate to do the work of the Lord," and that, in their view, it was necessary to define and act upon a system "broader and more comprehensive" than that which then existed, and "providing for as much freedom in opinion, discipline, and worship as is compatible with the essential faith and order of the gospel." [Footnote 51] The commission boldly acknowledged that "we have to labor in places where very much of our work is outside of that contemplated in the plans of our offices," [Footnote 52] and that "our methods of dealing with men should be more direct and manifold." [Footnote 53] They admitted the "necessity of that diversity in our modes of operation which has not been heretofore sufficiently appreciated," [Footnote 54] and that "we have refused or neglected to use many gifts which Christ has bestowed on his church." [Footnote 55] Different bishops declared that her ministers "must often preach the gospel where the attempt to perform the entire service would be incongruous, unsuccessful, and injurious;" [Footnote 56] that at such times the clergy were "like David in Saul's armor," [Footnote 57] and objects of compassion in the eyes of others. The late Bishop Polk, with characteristic frankness, stated: [Footnote 51: _Memorial Papers_, p. 30.] [Footnote 52: _Ibid_. p. 50.] [Footnote 53: _Ibid_. p. 53.] [Footnote 54: _Ibid_. p. 52.] [Footnote 55: _Ibid_. p. 58.] [Footnote 56: _Ibid_. p. 126.] [Footnote 57: _Ibid_. p. 160.] "I am satisfied our liturgical services as now used are to a certain extent impediments in our way. ... There are circumstances in which all the services help us. ... There are other circumstances in which the use of all the service is a manifest and felt hinderance. ... We are not as powerful a church as we might be if we had more liberty. Of this I am fully persuaded." [Footnote 58] [Footnote 58: _Ibid_. pp. 160, 161.] The missionary bishop of Oregon and Washington, out of his large experience, concludes: "There are undoubtedly great advantages resulting to the church from a general uniformity of worship; but if that uniformity be so minute and fixed as to refuse adaptation to the actual condition and wants of Christian men, or to restrain in any degree the preaching of the gospel to every creature, then it becomes a yoke of bondage and a damage to Christ's kingdom." [Footnote 59] [Footnote 59: _Memorial Papers_, p. 213.] {159} The Rev. Dr. Howe remarks: