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DOCTRINES, INSTITUTIONS AND USAGES OF TlIK MKTHODIST CHURCH. »"'>l t .%'. - V ETHODISM is a magnificent fact. While one of the js> youngest she has become one of the strongest of Protestant Churches. Her success has been phenomenal, and that success grows greater as the years go by. In the multitudes that throng her sanctuaries, in the wealth that is consecrated to her service, in the intellectual ability of thous- ands of her children, and in the unquestioned piety and zeal of her rapidly increasing membership she has few equals and no superiors. Her representatives are found in almost every land, in almost every language they are telling the story of the Cross, and men of every colour, class and condition are being helped heavenward by their ministrations. vShe is sufficiently conservative to retain whatever has been proved to be good and useful, while sufficiently progressive to adapt herself to the ever- changing circumstances of society. More and more is she making herself to be felt outside the distinctively ecclesiastical sphere, and public men now recogni/e her as a power to he reckoned with. No abatement of zeal, no weakening offeree, no lessening of the spirit of enterprise, no signs of being satis- fied with what has already been achieved, are anywhere to be seen. Her prospects were never brighter, never did such peace and (juiet prevail, never were her pec[)le more united and hope- ful, and never were her doctrines so well understood or more faithfully preached. And while various forms ( f church polity obtain in various parts of the widespread territory in which she is operating, in her institutions, usages, and doctrines she is the same everywhere a something unitjue and exceptional in the history and experience of a great denomination. ^mm THK l)(K IklXJ'.S, INSll'ir riON'S \M» rSACKS U|) to the year i 1'sa(;i;.>. TV^ ()y luv. H(u.\ Cinosi. The Holy (Ihost, |)n)(ecd- ing from the l-'athcr and Son, is of one suhstancc, majesty, and t^lory with the l-atlier and the Son, \ery and eternal (lod. \'. ThK SuFFKIKNCV Oh IHK Hol.V St K I I'i T R ES FOR Saiaa'I io\. The Holy Seriptiires contain all things necessary to salvation ; so that whatsoev^.T is not read therein, nor may he |)roved thereby, is not to he re(|uired of any man that it should he delivered as an article of faith, or he thought re(juisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scripture we do understand those canonical hooks of the ' )ld and New Testament of whose authority was never any douht ii"! the Church, '{"he names of the canonical hooks are (lenesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numhers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, The I 'irst Book of Samuel, The Second Book of Samuel, 'J'he First Book of Kings, The Second Book of Kings, The First Book of Chronicles, The Second Book of Chronicles, The Book of ICzra, The Book of Nehemiah, The Book of Esther, The Book of J oh. The Psalms, The Proverhs, Ecclesiastes, or the I'reacher, C'anticles or .Songs of Solomon, Four Prophets the greater, 'I'welve Prophets the less. All the hooks of the New Testament, as they are com- monly received, we do receive and account canonical. W. Of rHK Oi.D 'I'KSTAMExr. 'I'he Old Testament is not contr ut to the New : for hoth in the Old and New Testa- ment everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between Cod and Man. Wherefore they are not to he heard who feign that the old fathers did look only for transitory j)romises. Although the law given from (iod by Moses, as touching ceremonies and rites, doth not bind Christ- ians, nor ought the civil precepts thereof of necessity to he re- ceived in any commonwealth ; )et, nothwithstanding, no Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the com- mandments which are called moral. ■•*, f. ' K m 4 %• r , OK THK MKIHODIST llllRCfl. •i y 0' 0- <<■ • il ♦ 1 i ir •. ■If ' ■■ , \'II. Oi" OkKiiNAi, OK IJik'i'H Sin. Original siti staiul- eth not in the following of Adam, -as the I'elagians dovainly talk.) but it is the ('orrui)tion of the nature of every man, that natur- ally is engendered of the offspring of Adam, whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and of his own nature inelined to evil, and that continually. \III. Of FkI'.k Wii.i,. 'I'he condition of man after the fall of Adam is such that he cannot turn and j)re|)a;e himself, by his own natural strength and works, to faith, and calling upon (lod; wherefore we have no power to do good works, pleasant and accei)table to ( lod, without the grace of ( lod by Christ j)reventing us, that we may have a good will, and work- ing with us, when we have that good will. IX. Of THK jusTiFiCATiox OF M A\. We are accounted righteous before (lod only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by faith and not for our own works or deservings. Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort. X. (looi) Works. Although good works which are the fruits of faith, and follow after justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of (lod's judgements, yet are they pleasing and acceptable tf) (lod in Christ, and spring out of a true and lively faith, insomuch that by them a lively faith may be as evidently known as a tree is discernetl by its fruit. XI. Of Works of Supkrerocation. -Voluntary works — besides, over, and above (lod's commandments —which are called works of supererogation, cannot b^; taught without arrogancy and impiety. For by them men tlo declare that they do not only render unto (lod as much as they are bound to do, but that they do more for his sake than of bounden duty is retiuired ; whereas Christ saith plainly. When ye have done all that is commanded you, say, Wc are unprofitable servants. lO TMK |)(n llA<;KS XII. Or Si\ Ai' I i.K jrsTiFK A'liox. Not every sill wil- lingly coiiimiltfd after justification is the sin against the Holy V Ihost, and iin|)ar(l()nal)le. Wherefore, the grant of repentance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin after justification : after we have received the Holy (Ihost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and, by the grace of (lod, rise again and amend our lives. And therefoie they are to be condemned who say they can id more sin as long as they live here ; or deny tiie place of forgiveness to such as truly repent. XIII. ()i iiiK ('Hi'KtH. The visible Church of Ciirist is a congregation of faithful men, in whi<'h the pure word of Ciod is preached, and the sacraments duly ad'iiinistered, ac- cording to Christ's ordinance, in ail those things that of neces- sity are re(|uisite to the same. XI\'. ()!•■ I'l'KdATOkV. The Romish doc trine concern- ing i)urgatory, j)ardon, worshipj)ing and adoration, as well as images of relics, and also invocation of saints, is a fond thing vainly invented, and grounded upon no warrant of Scripture, but rejjugnant to the word of ( lod. X\'. ()i Si'KAKiNd IN riiK Co\(;rk(;a'ii().\ in such a TixvcTK as thk Pkoim.k Un'dkrsianh. It is a thing plainly repugnant to the word of (loJ, and the custom of thi:; primitive Church, to have public prayer in thj Church, or to administer the Sacraments, in a tongue not understood by the people. X\'I. Of thk Sacramknts. Sacraments ordained of Christ are not only badges or tokens of Christian men's pro- fession, but rather they are certain signs of grace, and Cod's good will towards us, by the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only (|uicken, but also strengthen and confirm our faith in him. There are two Sacramehts ordained of Christ our Lord in the CiOS{)el : that is to say : Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. Those five commonly called sacraments, that is to say, con- firmation, penaiK^e, orders, matrimonv, and extreme unction, 1 ;^ are not to be counted for sacraments of the (ios|)el ; l)eing such as have j)artly grown out of tlie^vvvv/// following of the Ajjostles, and partly are states of life allowed in the Scriptures, hut yet have not the like nature of Baptism and tiie i-ord's Supper, because they have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of (lod. The sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be ga/ed ui)on, or to be carried about ; but that we should duly use them. And in such only as worthily receive the same, they have a wholesome effect or operation : but they that receive them un- worthily, purt-hase to themselves conilenmation, as Saint Paul saith, I Cor. .\i. 29. XVII. Of Kai'IIsm. Baptism is not only a sign of pro- fession, and mark of difference, whereby Christians are distin- guished from others that are not baptized : but it is also a sign of regeneration, or the new birth. The l)a[)tism of young child- ren is to be retained in the Church. XVIII. Of thk I.oud's Slmm'KR. The Supj)er of the Lord is not only a sign of the love that Christians ought t(j have among themselves one to another, but rather "s a sacrament of our redemption by Christ's death; insomucli diat to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith receive the same, the bread which we break is a partaking of the body of Christ ; and likewise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blootl of Christ. Transubstantiation, or the change of the substance of bread and wine in the SuppL-r of our I>ord, cannot 1)l' proved by Holy \\ rit, but is repugnant to the j)lain words of Scripture, overthrowcth the nature of a sacrament, and hath given oc- casion to many supc^r itions. The bod of Chi * is given taken, and eaten in the Sup- per, only aftei a heavenl) nd s[)iritual manner. And the means whereby the body of Christ is receix d and eaten in the Supper, is faith. 12 THK DOCTRINES, INSTITUTIONS AND USACIES The Sacraniunt of the Lord's Suf)per was not by Christ's ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshipped. XIX. Ok p.oth Kinds. The Cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the Lay People ; for both the parts J the Lord's Supper, by Christ's ordinance and commandment, ought to be administered to all Christians alike. XX. Of the one Obligation of Christ, finished UPON THE Cross. — The offering of Christ, once made, is that perfect redemption, pro{)itiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole world, both original ana actual ; and there is none other satisfaction for sin but that alone. Wherefore the sacrifice of masses, in which it is commonly said that the priest doth offer (.'hrist for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, is a blasphemous fable and dangerous deceit. XXL Of the Marria(;e of Ministers.- — The Minis- ters of Christ are not commanded by (iod's law either to vow the estate of single life, or to abstain from marriage ; therefore it is lawful for them, as for all other C^hristians, to marry at their own discretion, as they shall judge the same to serve best to godliness. XXI L Of the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church. —It is not necessarv that rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same, or exactly alike ; for they have always been different, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men's manners, so that nothing be or- dained against Crod's word. ^Vhosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of the Church to which he belongs, which are not repugnant to the word of Cod, and are ordained and ap- [)roved by common authority, ought to be rebuked openly, that others may fear to do the like, as one that offendeth against the common order of the Church, and woundeth the consciences of vvepk brethren. ^i' ^ • OF THE METHODIST CHURCH. 13 f -. # Every particular Church may ordain, change, or abolish rites and ceremonies, so that all things may be done to edifica- tion. XXIII. Of the Civil Goverx.ment. — We believe it is the duty of all Christians to be subject to the powers that be ; for we are commanded by the word of Cod to respect and obey the Civil Government : we should therefore not only fear God, but honour the King. XXIV. Of Christian Men's Cioons. -The riches and goods of Christians are not common, as touching the right, title, and possession of the same, as "^ome do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought, of such things as he possess- eth, liberally to give alms to the poor, according to his ability. XXV. Of a Christian Max's Oaph. — As we confess that vain and rash swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ and James his Apostle : so we judge that the Christian religion doth not prohibit, but that a man may swear when the magistrate re(iuireth, in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done according to the prophets teaching, in justice, judgement and truth. GENERAL RULES. (,<• I. t£ > Members of the Church are divided into classes, one in each class being styled ^/le Leader. It is his business :— (i.) To see each person in his Class once a week at least, in order to inquire how their souls prosjier ; to advise, reprove, comfort, or exhort, as occasion may require ; to receive what they are willing to give, towards the support of the Gospel. (2.) To meet the Ministers and Stewards of the Society cnce a week, in order to inform the Minister of any that are sick, or of any that walk disorderly, and will not be reproved, 14 THK DOCTRINES, INSTITUTION'S AND USAGES to pay to the Stewards what they have received of their several classes in the week preceding ; and to show their account of what each person has contributed. In ere "s only one condition previously required in thor.j who desire admission into these Societies; viz, "« desire tofiee from the 7vrath to come, to h saved from their sins T But wher- ♦ ever this is really fixed in the soul, it will be shown by its fruits, It is therefore expected of all who continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation : — Firsts By doing no harm, by avoiding evil in every kind ; especially that which is most generally practised. Such as the taking the name of (lod in vain. The profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work thereon, or by buying or selling. 1 )runkeness ; buying or selling spirituous liijuors, or drinking them, unless in cases ol extreme necessity. Fighting, quarrelling, brawlifig ; brother ^^/;;^ /^ AmMvith brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing ; the using many 7Vords in buying or selling. The buying or selling uncustomed goods. The giving or taking things on usuary ; i. e., unlawful in- terest. Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation ; particularly speaking evil of Magistrates or of Ministers. Doing to others as we would not they should do unto us. 1 )oing what we know is not for the glory of God ; as the putting on of gold or costly apparel. * The taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name . of the ToRD Jesus. The singing those songs or reading those books which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God. Softness, and needless self-indulgence. Laying up treasures upon eaith. # 1 ! C PRBFACK. The following pages have been especially prepared for the benefit of persons about to unite with our Church, in order to tlieir intelligently understanding what will be required of them. The need of something of this character has been greatly felt by our ministers, and to meet that need this pamphlet is now , sent forth. That it may serve the interests of the Church and be helpful to our people generally is the sincere prayer of the* writer. RoiiERT Wilson. St. John, N. H., 1893. i ■ A. 'fi' ;% .> 0: OF THK MKTHODIST CHURCH. 15 % # \^l. Borrowing without a probability of paying ; or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them. It is expected of all who continue in these Societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation. Secondly, By doing good, by being in every kind merciful after their power ; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and as far as is possible to all men : To their bodies, of the ability that (iod giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or help- ing them that are sick or in prison : To their souls ; by instructing, reproving, or exhorting all they have any intercourse with ; trampling under foot that en- thusiastic doctrine of devils, that " we are not to do good, un- less our heart be free to it.''^ By dcing good especially to them that are of the house- hold of faith, or groaning so to hd ; employing them perferably to others, buying one of another, helping each other in business; and so much the more, because the world will love its own, and them on/y. By all possible diligence and frugality, that the Gospel be not blaimed. By running with patience the race that is set before tliem, denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily ; submitting to bear the reproach of Christ ; to be as the filth and offscouring of the world : and looking that men should say all manner of evil of them falsely, for the Lord's sake. It is expected of all who desire to continue in these Societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation. Thirdly, By attending upon all the ordinances of God; ;such are, 'i'he public worship of God : The ministry of the word, either read or expounded ; The supper of the Lord ; P^amily and private prayer ; Searching the Scriptures ; and Fasting or al)stinence. 10 IHK DOC'IRIXKS, INSTITUTIONS AND USAdES 'J'hcse arc the (Icneral Rules of our Societies; all which we are taught of (iod to observe, even in His written word, the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these we know Hi^ Sj)irit writes on every truly awakened heart. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be known unto them who watch over that soul, as they that must give an ac- count. We will admonish him of the error of his ways ; we will bear with him for a season. Hut then, if he repent not, he hath no more place among us. W'e have delivered our own souls. NoTK. The (leneral Rules are to be understood as for- bidding neglect of duties of any kind, im{)rudent conduct, in- dulging in sinful tempers or words, the buying, selling, or using intoxicating licjuors as a beverage, dancing, playing at games of chance, encxiuraging lotteries, attending theatres, horse races, circuses, dancing parties, patronizing danc'ing schools, taking such other amusements as are obviously of a misleading or questionable moral tendency, and all acts of disobedience to the Order and Discipline of the Churc^h. ■^ As the spirit of the New 'J'estament is, "manifestly against the use of costly or gaudy apparel, and the wearing of needless ornaments," the ministers are to "discourage in the Church, whatever in this respect is contrary to ('hristian simplicity." Members of the Church are cautioned against marrying "with careless //-//rmvrXvv/tY/ persons," are exhorted, "to take no steps in so weighty a matter without earnest prayer to ( lod, and consultation with judicious Christian friends." And "in gen- eral, i.o young woman should marry without the consent much less without the knowledge, of her })arents or natural guardians. Nevertheless there may be exceptional cases, as when they re- fuse to allow her to marry at all, or to marry any Christian." But even in such cases she is advised to seek counsel of those com})etent to advise wisely. «^ 7 17 OF THK NfKTHODIST CHURCH. m THE MEANS OF GRACE. ^ Methodism is rich in religious ordinances. In addition to the JHvinely instituted she has others that have been Divinely endorsed again and again. These are the weekly class and prayer meetings, the quarterly Love-feasts, and the annual Watchnight and Covenant services. In these the gifts and talents of the membership are develoi)ed, their piety promoted, their spiritual power increased, and their love for and interest in each other greatly strengthened. At the quarterly visitation of the classes, the pastor is brought into direct touch with the people, and is enabled to form a pretty correct estimate of the fitness of the Church for effective work. The character and order of these several services may be gathered from the follow- ing : 'J'he Sabbath Services open with the Doxology, after which there is a Hymn, Prayer, Anthem, one lesson from the Old and one from the New Testament, Hymn, Sermon, Prayer, Collection and Anthem, Notices, Hymn, Benediction. In the evening service but one lesson is read, and at the close of each, the congregation bows the head for a brief period in silent prayer. The Sacramental Service is elsewhere described, as is the Class meeting. The Prayer service is too well known to require more than mention. The Love-feast is simply a fellowship meeting for all the members of the Church, over which the pas- icv P'-esides, and is conducted after this order : Singing, prayer, adci, on the nature of the service, singing a grace, partaking of bread and water passed round by members of the Church, singing the Thanks, Collection for the poor, relation of experi- ence interspersed with singing, doxology and benediction. l'/3 I'HK !)()( TklXKS, IN'STI I r'l"K)\S AND USACKS I 8 The W'ati-hiiight service is held during the closing hours of the last night of the year, and is usually one of great j)r'jfit. 'J'he singularity and ai)i)ro[)riateness of tiie hour, the simple s(;leninity of the service, the entombing of one division of time and the inauguration of another, in a manner so intimately con- nected with the great end of life, {X)mbine to |)roduce a i)ro- found imj)ression upon the mind. 'I'iie heart must have grown very hard that can remain unmoved during the silent {)ause, amid which the dying year with all its faults and failings, its [)romises unfulfilled, its resolutions l)roken, its good undone, passes to the great ac(X)unt ; and strangely constituted must be that nature that fails U) be moved to a better life while listen- ing to the stirring song in which the godly ones avow their de- termination to " anew " gird themselves for the work of the year. The order usually observed is : singing, [)rayer, sermon, singing, silent j)rayer, pastor's " Hapi)y New Year to all ' and singing and benediction. The Renewal of the Covenant is held on the first Sabbath of the year, and is an e\cei)tionally solemn and impressive ser- \]cc. After the usual preliminary exercises the minister reads an exhortation from the l)iscii)line on the nature of the obliga- tions proi)osed to be taken, at the close of which all who are willing to engage in this exercise are requested to stand u[). 'J'hen all kneeling, the minister, in the name of the congrega- tion offers an apjjropriate j)rayer, followed by a brief period in silence, after which led, by the minister, all are sup[)osed to use these words : -- Now, Almighty (Hod, Searcher of Hearts, Thou knowest that I make this Covenant with Thee this- day without any known guile or reservation, beseeching Thee, if Thou espiest any flaw or falsehood therein, that Thou wouldst discover it to me, and help me to do it aright. O Great Jehovah, the Tord Cod Omnipotent, Father, Son, and Holy Chost, Thou art now become my covenant-friend, 4^' % ti/ OF THE MKTHODIST CHURCH. 19 •I €»' % and I, tlirougli Thine infinatc grace, have l)ecome Thy cove- nant-servant. Amen. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratfied in heaven. [The Minister may here conclude with singing and extern? poraneous prayer.] The opening prayer in every service is to be closed with the Lord's Prayer, and all parts of j: blic worship, including singing, are under the control of the i)astor. - Repeated non-attendance at any of the means of grace, without sufficent reason is enough to exclude the neglecter from che membership of the (Jhurch, if peristed in after reproof and admonition. The offender has, however, the privilege of bring- ing his case before the Leaders' Meeting or (Quarterly Hoard. BAPTISM OF INFANTS. e filled with purs water, shall use the fo/hnving or some other exhortation suitable to this sacred office. Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin, and that our Saviour Christ saith, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot (?liter into the king- dom of God, I l)eseech you to call upon (lod the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that having of his bounteous mercy redeemed [this child] by the blood of his Son. He will grant that [he] being baptised with water may also be baptised with the Holy Ghost, be received into Christ's Holy Church, and become \a lively mend)er\ of the same. * * -H- * -^ Then shall the people stand up and the Ministers shall read at least one of the following passages of Scripture— Gen. 18 : 7 ; Acts 2 : 39 ; L^zek. 36 : 25. , 20 THK DOCTRIXKS, INSTITUTIONS AND USAdFS They brought young (hildrcn to Christ, that he should touch them. And His (hsciples rebuked them that brought them. But when Jesus saw it ht was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of ( lod. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall not enter therein. And he took them up m His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them. Then the Minister shall take the child in his arms, and say to the parents or friends of the child : NAME THIS CHILD. And then naming it after them, he shall baptise the child y saying: N, I baptise thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy (Ihost. A.men. We receive this child into the congregation of Christ's flock, that he may be instructed and trained in the doctrines, privileges, and duties of the Christian religion, and trust that he will be Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his life's end. The Minister may close with extempore prayer. We hold that all children are by virtue of the unconditional benefits of the atonement, members of the Kingdom of God, and, therefore, graciously entitled to baptism. By this means they are placed in visible covenant relation with God, and un- der the si)ecial care and supervision of the Church. Ministers are required, as far as is in their power, to look after their spirit- ual interests, and further, " Whenever a baptised child shall, by orphanage or otherwise, become deprived of Christian guardian- ship, the Superintendent shall ascertain and report to the Lead- ers' Meeting the facts in the case ; and such provision shall be made for the Christian training of the child as the circumstances may admit and require." " ■^ % ■ "^ ■•• ,» ■4 ' * d ' It d, e, Iv < ♦ , ■** % of 1 )k :d "le Sk 1 t's 1 1 -s, at d. # al d, ns )« n- ■' ' rs it- by n- . d- es 1 "^...^•, OK IHK MKTHODIST CHURCH. ai BAPTISM OF ADULTS. After a Ijrief address from the Minister, each candidate is required to answer the following (questions :— Ques. Dost thou renounce the devil and all his works the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires ot the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow nor be led by them ? Afis. I renounce them all. Ques. Dost thou believe in (lod the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth ? and in Jesus Christ His only be- gotten wSon our I.ord ? and that He was conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of the Mrgin Mary ? that he suffered under Pon- tius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried? that He rose again the third day ? that He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of (lod the Father Almighty, and from thence He shall come again, at the end of the world, to judge the quick and the dead ? And dost thou believe in the Holy (Ihost ; the holy Catholic Church ; the communion of saints ; the remission of sins ; the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Ans. All this I steadfastly believe. Ques. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith ? . Ans. This is my desire. Ques. Wilt thou then obediently keej) ( iod's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of thy life ? Arts. I will endeavor so to do, Cod being my helper. Then shall the Minisferask the name of the person to be baptized^ and repeating the same shall baptize him, saying: A\ I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amex. - 'I'his is followed by exhortation and prayer. 22 THK TXU IKINF.S, I\STnrTir)\s WD USAHF.S RECEPTION or MEMBERS. 'J'his service iisimlly follows the sermon, when the Minister, after a short exhortation on the duties and j)rivileges of inem- ])ershi|) shall refjuire each candidate to answer the following questions : — Ques. Do you here in the ))resence of (lod and of tliis congregation, renew the solemn consecration ofyoursjlf to (iod, and take upon you the sacred obligations involved and set forth in the holy ordinance of Ha|)tism, and do yoj purpose that in heart and life, in death and for ever, you will he a true ser\ant of Ood and of Christ ? Ahs. I do ; such is my j)urj)()se, by (lod's help. Qui's. Do you believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, as the only and all-sufficient propitiation for the sins of mankind, and do vou look to him for the remission of sin and eternal life? Ahs. Such is my faith and hope. Ques. 1 )o you believe in the inspiration and divine authority of the Holy Scriptures, and acce{)t the same as a sufficient rule of fiiith and practice ? Ans. I do. Qiu's. Will you cheerfully be governed by the rules of the Methodist Church, hold sacred the ordinances of (iod, and en- d' vour as much as in you lies, to promote the welfare of your b. jthren and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom ? Afis. I will. Ques. Will you contribute of your earthly substance, ac- cording to your ability, to the support of the (lospel and the various benevolent enterprises of the Church ? A?is. I will. Then the Minister, (vJi/n'ssin^ the Church, shall say : Brethren, you have heard the responses given to our en- (juiries. Have any of you any reason to allege why these per- sons should not be received into full membershi[) in the Church ? if ^ 4 ' i-r ( nrKCM. 23 . '■* <«r IC- he ^n- er- h? • Xo objection />i'iH!^(i//cor(f, the Minister shall say to the ( 'ondidotcs: ^\'^' \vc'l<-()nu' you to tin- Coiiiiminion of the Cluirch of Ciod ; and, in testimony of our Christian affection and the cor- diaiitv with whicii we receive vou, I hereby extend to vou the right hand of fellowship ; and niav ( iod grant that vou niav he a faithful and useful nieniher of the church militant, until you are called to the fellowship of the ( "luirch triumphant, which is "without fault before the throne of Cod." Then shall the Minister offer exteinf^ore f^royer. THE LORD'S SUPPER. This Sacrament is usually administered on the first Sabbath evening of every month, antl the following order, omitting such portions as are optional with the administrator, is the one given in the Discipline. While one or more j)assages of Scripture are being read, a (^ollection for the poor is taken, after which the Minister says : "Ve that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins and are in love and charity with your neighl)ours,and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of Cod, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways ; ilraw near with faith and take this Holy Sacrament to your comfort ; and make your humble confession to Almighty (Jod, meekly kneeling on your knees. * * i5- * -X- Then the Minister shall offer the J^rayer of Consecration as ffolhnveth : Almighty Cod, our heavenly Father, who of Thy tender mercy didst give Thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the (Toss for our redem})tion ; who made there, by His oblation of Himself once offered, a ^ull, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole 24 THK DOCTRIXKS, INSTITUTIONS AND USACES ill lit world, and did institute, and in His holy (lospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that His precious death until his coming again : hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech Thee, and grant that we, receiving these Thy creatures of bread and wine, according to Thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of His death and passion, may be partakers of His most blessed body and blood ; who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took Vjread ; and when he had given thanks. He brake it and gave it to His disciples, saying, Take eat : this is My body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of Me. Likewise after supper He took the cup ; and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, saying. Drink ye all of this : for this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins : this do ye, as often as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of Me. Amen. Jlicn shall the Minister or Ministers first receive the Communion in Iwth kinds : and proceed to deliver the same to the people also, in order, into their uncovered hands. And ivhe?*, he di'livereth the bread he shall say : The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy soul and body unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on Him in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving. And the Minister that delivereth the cup shall say : The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy soul ivnd body unto everlasting life. Drink of this in remembrance that Christ's blood was shed for thee, and be thankful. If the consecrated bread or ivine be all spent before all have com- muned, the Minister may consecrate more by repeating the Prayer of Consecration. \ 1»A ^'^w 'f ■c 1 OF THE METHODIST CHURCH. 25 ^' M 't "*>.^ i- JF/ie/i all have commuued, the Minister shall return to the Lord's Table, and place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated elements, covering the same with a fair linen cloth. * * -K- ^ After which may follow an extempore prayer, closing with the Benediction. GOVERNMENT. Reason, Revelation, and the highest human authority con- cur in declaring government to be a divine institution. Legis- lation is necessary not only to prevent the commission of crime or to punish the transgressor, but also to promote what is good and to protect the virtuous. A judicious administration of wise laws is as essential to the peace, order, and prosperity of the Church as of the State, and the carrying out of the gracious pur- poses of the Almighty largely depends thereon. Hence the best thought of the best thinkers has been given to furnish a system of church government, that would meet the recjuirements of the case. As the Bible nowhere indicates what the form shall be the largest liberty is allowable, and the excellence of any system must be tested by practical results. To this test we are quite wiring that ours should be subjected, for by a wise adjustment and general recognition of Rights and Privileges, of Duties and Obligations, the most magnificent results have been realized. The General Conference legislates for the whole Church, meets (juadrennially, is presided over by the (ieneral Superintendent who holds office for eight ycirs, and is composed of an etjual number of ministers and laymen elected at the preceding Annual Conferences, the number of ministers now being one in every twelve. Laymen must be at least twenty- five years of age,, and must have been members of the church 20" THK DOCTKIXKS, INSTITUTIONS AND LS.ViKS continuously for the five years immediately previous to their election. September is the month of meeting. Fifty members constitute a (juorum. Its power to make Rules and Regula- tions for our (.'hurch is subject to the following limitations and restrictions, viz. : — 1. It shall not revoke, alter, or change any Article of Religion, nor establish any new standards or rules of doctrine contrary to our existing and established standards of doctrine. 2. It shall not destroy the plan of our Itinerant system. 3. It shall not make any change in the (General Rules of our Society. 4. It shall not do away with the j)rivileges of our minis- ters or ])rol)ationers for the ministry, of trial by a Committee, and of an ai)peal ; neither shall it do away with the j)rivileges of our members of trial l)efore the Society, or by a Committee, and of an api)eal. NoTK. -The (leneral Conference may, by a constitutional vote, vary or change an)- of the rules of our Society embraced in the 3rd of the above restrictive rules. The General Conference Special Committee consists of twelve ministers and twelve laymen, and attends to all mat- ters recjuiring to be dealt with during the quadrennium. The Court of Appeal consists of six ministers and six laymen, and deals with all disj)uted questions referred to it for adjudication. And the Committee on Transfers determines whether or not applications for transfers from ministers or circuits shall be enter- tained. It is understv;od in all cases that no minister can be transferred without his consent. The Annual Conference is largely an administrative body, must meet sometime in May or June, is composed of all the ministers whose names are in the Minutes, and an equal number of laymen elected by the laymen at the preceding Dis- trict Meetings, and whose (jualifications in regards to age and { OF THE MKTHODIST 'IHUKCH. 27 membership are the same as for lay delegates 10 the (Itneral Conference. It is presided over on alternate days by the (len- eral Superintendent when present, and a President elected from among its ministerial members. Ilie work of the Conference is the examination of ministerial character in reference to morals, belief and fitness for the itinerancy, the admission of candidates for the ministry, and the ordination of such as have completed their period of i)robation, the placing of those on the super- numerary list who are unec^ual to effective service, the reception of reports from the District Meetings concerning the condition of the Church, and the adoption of such measures as are best calculated to ])romote the prosperity of the cause of (iod. Each Annual Conference has a Sj)edal Committee consisting of the President, Secretary, the Chairmen of Districts, and five other ministers appointed by the Conference. It deals with all questions re(|uiring attention during the year, which were un- foreseen at the close of the Conference. There is also a Station- ary Committee composed of the Chairmen of Districts and one minister from each District which shall station the ministers and preachers for the year. Hut no minister or preacher shall be appointed to the same Circuit or Mission for a longer period than three years, nor a second time to the same Circuit or Mis- sion until after an absence of six years therefrom. The District fleeting is really a Committee of the Con- ference, and deals with the same questions only within narrower limits. Applications for admission to the ministry, ordination, or to become Supernumeraries must pass the ! )istrict ; Circuit Re- turns of membership. Sabbath School Statistics, and contribu- tions to Connexional funds are put in shape for the larger body. Members of Conference Committees are (^hosen, and laymen elect laymen in ec[ual numbers with the ministers to attend the Conference. The members of the Meeting are the ministers and probationers stationed within its territory, and an equal number of laymen elected by the several (Quarterly Boards. 28 THK DOCTRIXES, INSTITUTIOXS AND USAOES Another meeting is held in the autumn of each year, of the Superintendent of each Circuit or Mission, and a layman, at which time arrangements are made for holding the Missionary, Sustentation and Educational Services, and the receipts of the several ('ircuits for the year and the claims of the Missions upon the Missionary Fund are estimated. There is a ministerial session at the opening of each District Meeting and Conference for the transaction of business of a purely ministerial character. The Quarterly Official Board is the highest Circuit Court, and consists of *^he ministers and probationers stationed thereon, the Tvocal Preachers, Exhorters, Class Leaders and their Assistants, Superintendents of Sabbath Schools, the Cir- cuit Stewards and an equal number of representatives elected by the members of the Church at a meeting held for that pur- pose, one representative from each Board of Trustees, and the Presidents of E^pworth Leagues, provided in the case of the two last named they are members of the Church. It hears and tries appeals, pays the salaries of the ministers and probationers ap- pointed thereto, transacts the business of the Local Preachers* and Leaders' Meetings where these cannot be held, recommends candidates for the ministry, elects representatives to the District Meeting in the proportion of one for every minister and proba- tioner stationed on the circuit, and attends to all other matters of local concern. Women in anv of the above oflfices are mem- bers of the Board. On every Circuit or Mission where there are six or more Local Preachers of three years standing a meeting is held once in three months, composed of the Ministers, Probationers, IvOcal Preachers and Exhorters. Its business refers entirely to the admission and examinations of candidates, dealing with ques- tions of character and fitness for service, and all matters con- cerning the work of local preachers on the circuit. The Ministers, Leaders and Stewards constitute the Lead- ers' Meeting, the l)usiness of which is the appointment or removal ♦ OF THE METHODIST CHURCH. 29 ^Jff of Class Leaders, and to look after the distinctively religious interests of the Church. The Stewards meet once a quarter to estimate the financial needs of the circuit, and to recommend to the Quarterly Board the ways and means of providing for the sane. Trustee Boards consists of not fewer than five nor more than twenty members, meet as occasion may require, according to the provisions of the Act of Parliament incorporating the several sections of the Methodist Church in Canada, and are required to lay before the Quarterly Board at its first meeting after the first of January in each year, a full financial statement of all business pertaining to the Trust. BENiiVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. "Christianity in Earnest " was the expressive designation given to Methodism by the great Dr. Chalmers, of the Free Church of Scotland. That earnestness has been manifested in various ways throughout her whole career, and especially in the numerous benevolent institutions to which she has given birth. Essentially aggressive from the first she has ever stood ready to undertake any work to which she might be called, and the re- cord wull show she has not been disobedient to the call. At the twenty-sixth Conference held in Leeds in 1763, in response to an appeal from Methodists in America, Richard Boardman and Joseph Pillmoor were sent to New York, and a collection of jC']o was taken up to defray their expenses. And from that small beginning has grown the various Missionary organizations in connection with the several sections of Methodism through- out the world. _ The riissionary Society of our Church is managed by a Board appointed quadrennially by the General Conference. Its present income is about a quarter of a million of dollars, and 30 THi: DOCTRIXES, IXSTITUTIOXS AND USAGES i its work is (^arricd on in the poorer districts of the several provinces of the Dominion; in Newfoundland and Labrador; among tlie French and Indians, and in Japan and China. Each Annual ('onference has its AuxiHary Society, the business of which is managed by a committee of ministers and laymen in e{[ual numbers There is also a ]\'onian s Missionary Society with brandies in the several Annual Conferences, managed by a committee of women and which has missions in the North- west, in British Columbia and in Japan. Similar in its object is the Stisteutation Society, authorized by the (ieneral Conferences, but which is controlled entirely by each Annual Conference. Its purpose is to aid our weaker charges. In the Conference of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island there is IVonian's Siistentatation Society, officially recognized, which has don<,' good work in this important field of effort. The Educational Society exists for the purpose of providing a High Class training for the young of our Church, at moderate rates amid safe surroundings, and to aid indigent but worthy young men desirous of entering the ministry, by loans or otherwise, to ecjuip themselves for the ^sork. The Society is managed by a Committee ({uadrennially a[)pointjd, with Branches connected with and controlled by the several Annual Conferenc^es. The Sabbath School Aid Society is su})ported by an annual collection in all ()ur Sabbath Schools, and the funds thus obtained are devoted to the j)urchase of books and papers, to be given away in whole or in part towards the su])port of new or i)oor schools in any part of our work. As in the fore- going cases it is a General Conference Institution with Branches in the Aiuiual. The Epworth League is a Society of very recent origin, having been first recognized as an institution of our Church by the General Conference of 1890. Its object is to promote the m If H d -^ OF IHK .MKTHODlsr CfirucH. wP « piety and dcvelope the talents of our youth, and to train them for effective service in the Master's cause. U'he members are Active, Associate, and Honorary. Tlie officers are a President who must be a member of the Church and who while in office is a member of the (Jiuarterly Official Hoard ; an Honorary President who shall be the Pastor, four Vice-Presidents, a Sec- retary and 'JVeasurer. J<:ach Annual Conference has a Com- mittee of one minister and one layman elected by each District to which all matters concerning the work of the I.eague is en- trusted. 'Inhere is also a (General Conference Committee which takes an oversight of the work throughout the entire Church. The Supernumerary Fund provides for Ministers who are unable to do Circuit work. l":ach minister has to pay $ 1 2 per annum, and when he becomes a claimant is entitled to receive at the rate of $fo for each year he has travelled, —i. e.— a minister of twenty years standing has a claim for ^200. The only exception to this is that ministers of less than ten years standing only receive at the above rates for an ecjual number of years in which they have paid into the fund. \\'idows of min- isters receive one half the above. The Conting^ent Fund is intended to relieve cases of special affli( tion in the families of ministers, and to defray ex- traordinary exj)enses incurred in the se!vi(-e of the Church. In some of the Confereni^es, however, the cost of printing the Min- utes, as well as the exi)enses of the President and Secretary, are m- le a fu'st charge on the Fund. It is managed l)y a Conmiittee of the Annual Conference. The Union Church Relief Fund was created for the relief of such Trustee P)oards as were in debt at the time of the Union, and whose Churches had to be sold being no longer necessary. The congregations having been merged in others, the Trustees had to be [)rotected. It is not intended to be a permanent institution. 3- IHE DOCTKINKS, INSTITUTIONS AND USAC.KS The General Conference Fund is intended to meet all expenses connected with the meeting and work oftheCien- eral Conference, such as the expenses incurred by the delegates in attendance thereat, a certain proportion of the salary of the General Superintendent, and whatever outlay is retjuired for the proper administration of the government of the Church during the quadrennium. In some of the Conferences needy Parsonage Trustee Boards are aided by gifts or loans from the Parsonage Aid Fund. Most of the funds named above are supported by annual collections in our several places of worship, by subscription, donations and legacies. Each is a necessity for the effective carrying on of the work of God, and while the complaint is sometimes heard of " So Many Calls " it is well to remember that God's claims are the first and strongest and cannot be either honestly or safely set aside. CHURCH DISCIPLINE. The enforcement of law is a; necessary in the ecclesi- astical realm as in the civil, and society re(iuires that offenders should not go unpunished. Citizenship and church member- ship alike partake of the character of a contract, by which each party engages to do or not to do certain things, and failure on either side constitutes an offence for which reparation should be made. Methods of procedure differ according to circum- stances, but the purpose in all cases is to vinditcate the rights and bring the transgressor to penitence and reformation. The following is a brief synopsis of our discipline proceedings : — It is a recognized principle of our economy, that a minister must preside in all our Courts and Meetings, unless otherwise specially provided for. Charges must be made by a member of the Church, but any one can give evidence. The Court of P t OF THE METHODIST CHURCH. 3^ ^, '^^ f Trial shall consist of five persons, three of whom shall form a quorum, and, if they agree, can render a verdict. Charges must be made in writing at least one week previous to trial by the officer appointed to preside. The accused may appear in per- son or by a representative who must be a member of the Church. The decision must be reported to both parties within three days after the Court rises. The penalties may be expulsion, suspension or reproof according to the merits of th^ case. Ap- peal is allowed if made within two weeks after decision is ren- dered. A General Superintendent must be tried by a Committee of Chairmen of Districts, presided over by the President of the Conference within which he resides. A President of an Annual Conference or a Chairman of a District, by a Committee of Chairmt.i of Districts, or if a sufficient nnmber of these are not available; Circuit Superintendents may be substituted. The Senior Chairman presiding. Other ministers by ministers. Local Preachers by local preachers or other officers, and mem- bers by a Committee of members in the District. Except in special cases members of the Quarterly Board to which the parties belong are excluded. MINISTERIAL. SUPPORT. The duty of suitably supporting the ministry is strongly insisted upon in Scripture, and in our Service for the Reception of Members into the Church every candidate promises such support according to his or her ability. The scale of allow- ances as decided upon by the Conference is $750 and a fur. nished house for married minister; $520 for an ordained unmarried one, and $400 for a probationer, and Circuits pay- ing the above sums in full rank as first-class in their respective departments. Circuits are designated, Independent as above ; H 34 THK DOCTRINES, INSTITUTIONS AND l'SA(;i;s OF THK METHODIST CHURCH. Dependent, those which raise less than tlie above ; and Domestic Missions, those receiving grants from (Conference funds the Missionary or Siistentation. As a rule pew rents go towards the support of the C'hurch etlifice, collections and subscrij)tions towards the ministry and incidental expenses. In the j)receding pages we have endeavoured to give as full and clear an epitome of our Doctrines and Usages as our limits would allow. We are willing to have them tested by Scripture and experience, and ask for them the prayerful con- sideration of all who are looking for a church home. And to all such we commend the words of that well known and genial minister of Christ, Rev. (1. (). Huestis, in his " Mauual of Methodism," in which he speaks of it as "A holy movement," full of grace and j)ower of (lod, and not only characterized by a high toned morality, but promotive of intelligence and refine- ment of manners. Among its preachers were men of superior Scholarshii)s and remarkable mental ability whose productions find a conspicuous ()lace among the literature of the nineteenth century. Its hymnolgy is unsurpassed. Its mission is yet far from being accomj)lished. And we believe among the numerous agen("ies employed by the head of the Church for the extension of His Kingdom, Methodism will be one of the most prominent until " The Kingdoms of this world shall have became the King- doms of our Ciod and of his Christ." t SAINT JOHN BUSINESS COLLEGE SHORT^ HAND^ iNs flf UTE. The object of this inBtitntion is to ^ive young men and young women such » knowledge of commercial subjects as will enable them to fill honorable and remunerative |)08itions. This is done by giving them just such work as will be reijuired of them when they enter a merchant's or accountant's office. We give more thorough (.\)ur8e8 of training than ctin l»e obtained in any other (college in ('ana'>«u*'tti>"it^'W'*ta«"«M'"w''^<«i«">ui»hiHitM>'«ii("iii>"iii>'< t>'«ii<"»«^Mi<''<».»"W' > 4 A Commentayy on the Sunday School Lessons for iSg4, hx Rev. K N. Pelouhet, D. D., 'and M. A. Peloubet. Illu'strated^ $i.2S. IV. A. IVilde 6- Co., 25 Bromfield St., Boston. These notes will be a peculiar help during 1894, be- cause the first six months' lessons, being from the earlier books of the Old Testament, introduce many perplexing questions that must be squarely answered, and Dr. Peloubet has been extremely wise and judicious in so presenting these controversial subjects that they become incidental rather than prominent, and thus do not ob- scure or tend to lead away from the main teachings of the lesson. In handling the lesson on the life of Christ for the last half of the year, the author has drawn from his incomparable store of past study and thought the brightest, most trenchant expressions and teachings of the world's students. ' i % ! i. I > i a i fy HAVK von HBBN THP^ ^^J\e w Yost T^pe Writer? If you purchase a typewriter without seeing the New Yost you will make a very great mistake. If you buy after having seen it, there is no clanger of you making a mistake, you will have nothing else. It is the latest and bust maehine, has all the good jKjints of its predecessors, none of their defects, and it is full of new ideas and improvements peculiar to it alone. Stenographers and experienced operators are unanimous in praising it. . No antiquated Log Cabin with lean-to attachments. The same old ink ribbon, double scales and rickety print will not pass in this electric age. Something all modern architecture, with electric bell and all the new conveniences, is what the people want at the present day. Bad aligrnment. lUegrible work. Foul ink ribbons. Bothepsome Shift-keys. Double Scales, etc., are no longer to be tolerated or pardoned. T/ie New Yost has abofifthefl them and no other machine can retain them and live. IRA CORNWALL J General Agent for riaritime Provinces, Boartl of Trade Building, Cauteil)ury Street, St. John, N. B. Local Agents at all important points. ^^'Sccond hanri Uibhon an paid at a cost to the than those of other c deceased of less than licensed companies. \ $23,000 in premiums. For fiirthc/ information, etc., apply to CHARLES CAMPBELL, Secretary, ST. JOHN, N. B. Actiti and iotelligeDt Agents wanted, to whom liberai terms will lie given. The only Safe thing- to do In selecting a Sewing* Maohlne Is to choose one that practical tests have ppoved to be the BEST. Fop such go to E. CRAWFORD, f 14 Charlotte Street, - St. John, N. B. SOLE REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW BRUNSWICK FOR ^ THE DOMESTIC SEWING MACHINE CO. % CHAIN STITCH. TWO MACHINES \H ONE! THE WONDER OF THE AGE I LOCK STITCH, ALSO FO t- The Standard, WHICH TOOK FIRST PRIZE AT THE WORLD'S FAIR. -f > >- Sewing Machine Findings of all kinds always In Stock. """" '''"•'••''w''>«••"'>••"'"••>••<•"'•l»•Ml«"^.l