Here commenced my power, namely, a power to appoint _when_, and _where_, and _how_ they should meet: and to remove those whose lives shewed, that they had no desire to _flee from the wrath to come_. And this power remained the same, whether the people meeting together were twelve, twelve hundred, or twelve thousand. 2. In a few days some of them said, “Sir, we will not _sit under you_ for nothing. We will subscribe quarterly.” I said, “I will have nothing, for I want nothing. My fellowship supplies me with all, and more than I want.” One replied, “Nay, but you want _one hundred and fifteen pounds_ to pay for the lease of the _Foundery_. And likewise a large sum of money will be wanting to put it in repair.” On this consideration I suffered them to subscribe. And when the society met, I asked, “Who will take the trouble of receiving this money, and _paying_ it where it is needful?” One said, “I will do it, and keep the account for you.” So here was the first _steward_. Afterwards I desired one or two more to help me as stewards, and in process of time a greater number. Let it be remarked, it was I _myself_, not the _people_, who chose these stewards, and appointed to each the distinct work wherein he was to help me, as long as I desired. And herein I began to exercise another sort of _power_, namely, that of appointing and removing stewards. 3. After a time a young man came, _T. Maxfield_, and said he desired to help me as a son in the gospel. Soon after came a second, _Thomas Richards_, and a third, _Thomas Westel_. These severally desired to serve me as sons, and to labour when and where I should direct. _Observe_, These likewise desired _me_, not I _them_. But I durst not refuse the assistance. And here commenced my _power_, to appoint each of these, _when_, _where_ and _how_ to labour; that is, while he chose to continue with me: for each had a power to go away when he pleased: as I had also to go away from them, or any of them, if I saw sufficient cause. The case continued the same, when the number of preachers increased. I had just the same power still, to appoint _when_, and _where_, and _how_ each should help me, and to tell any, if I saw cause, “I do not desire your help any longer.” On these terms, and no other, we joined at first: on these we continue joined. But they do me no favour in being directed by me. It is true, “My reward is with the Lord.” But at present I have nothing from it but trouble and care, and often a burden I scarce know how to bear.