The Methodist Society of Glastonbury were most outspoken, declaring the law-- incompatible with sound policy and inconsistent with any former act of the legislature of the state; the ultimate consequence of which will prove a lasting curse to vital religion, which every candid and reflecting mind may easily foresee; and we view it as a very bold and desperate effort to effectuate a union between Church and State.... We are induced to believe that Pilate and Herod, and the chief Priests are still against us,... $12,000 to the contrary notwithstanding. Resolved-- (1) We don't want such reparation for being characterized as an illiterate set of enthusiasts devoid of character; our clergy a set of worthless ramblers, unworthy the protection of our civil laws. (2) Pity and contempt for the Legislature should be expressed for bribery. (3) We believe the money, if received, would be a lasting curse. (4) The measure was intended for politics, not religion, and was a species of Tyranny. (5) We should use our best endeavors to have the money used for state expenses. (6) Thanks should be sent to the members of the Legislature who had opposed the measure. All Methodists were further angered by the affront put upon them by the General Assembly, which, in spite of their known determination not to receive the money, appointed Methodist trustees, of whom a majority were Federalists, to receive their share of the appropriation. The trustees accepted the money, defending their action on the ground that they believed that their claim would become void if they did not draw the money, and it might then be put to a worse use. But the Methodist societies did not uphold the trustees, and "regretted the committee imposed on us by the Legislature of the state." The chairman of the committee, the Rev. Augustus Bolles, refused to serve, and the societies rejected the money. [v]