_May 10._ The New York Conference commenced its session in John-street. This was the first time I ever beheld the men that composed this conference. This was Bishop M’Kendree’s first visit as superintendent, and most heartily they welcomed him. There was great love and unanimity among the brethren. On Friday Bishop M’Kendree preached an ordination sermon that was much admired. His text was 2 Cor. v, 20, “Now then we are embassadors for Christ,” etc. After the sermon Bishop Asbury ordained twelve deacons, among whom were William Swayze, a most blessed man, who did noble execution afterward in Ohio; Lewis Pease, distinguished for his zeal and eloquence; and Phineas Rice. When the case of the latter came up the conference voted that he was “too funny,” and passed the resolution that Bishop M’Kendree should reprove him. The bishop did so. Years after Mr. Rice said, that as he had never been to conference before he supposed that this was the regular process that all young ministers went through, and therefore did not feel at all unpleasant. At that time our conferences were held with closed doors, and local preachers and probationers were not permitted to be present until they were received into full membership. Five were ordained elders; ten were received on trial, among others the excellent Coles Carpenter, Robert Hibbard, who was drowned in the St. Lawrence, Isaac Puffer, who was known as the traveling concordance, and the amiable Marvin Richardson. He is the only survivor, enjoying a green old age, as straight as he was fifty years ago. He resides at Poughkeepsie, greatly esteemed. On Sabbath there was a great love-feast in the Hudson Church, now Duane. There were fourteen hundred guests at the feast. I wrote in my journal: “It was a blessed time; O my soul, never forget the gracious visitation this morning! Many cups were made to run over in loud acclamations to God and the Lamb.” Bishop Asbury preached in the morning, in John-street, from Mark x, 23, and in Hudson Church in the afternoon, from Rev. ii, 10. On Monday evening, by special request, I preached in German, in the English Lutheran Church, from Luke xix, 10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.” Great attention and great solemnity. Twice more I preached during the week in the Bowery Church, (now Forsyth-street,) and in the English Lutheran school-house.