Robert W. Woodruff Library Special Collections emory university THE DOCTRINE AND DISCIPLINE of the Hfrican illctfiodist (Episcopal (Ehurcft. Published by Order of the General Conference, held in Wilmington, N. C., May, 1896. By Rev. T. W. HENDERSON, D.D. compiled under supervision of H. M. TURNER, ABRAHAM GRANT, J. C. EMBRTE- B. F. LEE, B. T. TANNER, B. W. ARNETT, Bishops, and T. W. HENDERSON, Business Manager. TWENTY-FIRST REVISED EDITION. PHILADELPHIA. A. M. E. BOOK CONCERN, 631 PINE STREET. 1896. COPYRIGHf, 1896. BY T. W. HENDERSON, .for the Book Concern of the A. M. E. Church- HISTORICAL PREFACE. To the Jlembers of the African Methodist JSpiscopa5 Church in the United States of America. Beloved Bkethken: We deem it necessary to prefix to our Book of Dis¬ cipline a brief statement of our rise and progress, which we hope will be satisfactory, and conducive to your growth and edification in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. In November, 1787, the colored people belonging to the Methodist Society of Phila¬ delphia convened togetner, in order to take into con¬ sideration the evils under which they labored, arising from the unkind treatment of their white brethren, who considered them a nuisance in the house of wor¬ ship, and even pulled them off their knees, while iic the act of prayer, and ordered them to the back seats. For these, and various other acts of unchristian con¬ duct, they considered it their duty to devise a plan m order to build a house of their own, to worship Goi«. under their own vine and fig tree. In this undertak¬ ing they met with great opposition from an el(l<>r < the Methodist Church, (J. M'C.) who threatened thus if they did not give up the building, erase their names from the subscription paper, and make ac-« knowledgments for having attempted such a tiling, that ia thi;ee months they should all ba publiely e*> i ii HISTORICAL PiiLJb'ACE. yelled from the Methodist Society. Not considering themselves bound to obey this injunction, and being ifully satisfied that tliey should be treated without inercy, they sent in their resignations. Being n entirely deprived them of the liberty they expected to enjoy; so that, by this stratagem, they were again brought into bondage by the Methodist preachers. In this situation they experienced grievances too nr nerous to mention. At one time the. elder, (J. S.) demanded the keys of the house, with the books and papers belonging thereto; telling them at other times they should have no more meetings without his leave, and that the house was not theirs, but be¬ longed to the Methodist Conference. Finding them¬ selves thus embarrassed, they consulted a lawyer, who informed them that by means of a supplement, they could be delivered from the grievances under which they labored. The congregation unanimously agreed to sign the petition for a supplement, which the Legislature of Pennsylvania readily granted; and they were liberated from the difficulties which they had experienced for many years. They now hop€d to be free from any other perplexity; but they soon found that their proceedings exasperated their oppo¬ nents. In order to accommodate matters, they pro¬ posed supplying them with preaching, if they would give six hundred dollars per year to the Methodist Society. The congregation not consenting, they fell to four hundred dollars; but the people were not willing to give more than two hundred dollars per IV HISTORICAL PREFACE. year. For this sum they were to preach for them twice a week during the year. But it proved to be only six or seven times a year, and sometimes by such preachers as were not acceptable to tne Bethel people, and not in much esteem among the Methodists as preachers. The Bethel people being dissatisfied with such conduct, induced the trustees to pass a resolution to give but one hundred dollars per year to the Methodist preachers. When a quarterly pay¬ ment of the last sum was tendered, it was refused and sent back, insisting on the two hundred dollars, or they would preach no more for them. At this time, they pressed stiongly to have the supplement re¬ pealed ; this they could not comply with. They then waited on Bishop Asbury, and proposed taking a preacher to themselves, and supporting him i u boarding and salary, provided he would attend to the duties of the Church, such as visiting the sick, bury¬ ing the dead, baptizing, and administering the sacra¬ ment. The Bishop observed. " He did not think that there was more than one preacher belonging to the Conference, that would attend to those duties, and that was Richard Allen." The Bishop was then informed that they would pay a preacher four or five hundred dollars a year, if he would attend to all the duties of their church that they should expect: he replied, " We will not servc you on such terms." Shortly after this, an eider (S. R.) then in Phila¬ delphia, declared, that unless they would repeal the euppl-ement, neither he, nor any of the Methodist preachers, traveling or local, would preach any more HISTORICAL PREFACE. for them; so they were left to themselves. At length the preachers and stewards belonging to the Aca¬ demy* proposed serving them on the same terms that they had offered to the St. George's! preachers; and they preached for them better than twelve months, and then demanded one hundred and fifty dollars per year. This not being complied with, they declined preaching for them, and they were once more left to themselves, as an «dict was passed by the elder, that if any local preacher served them he should be expelled from the Connection. John Emery, the elder of the Academy, published a circu¬ lar letter in which they were disowned by the Methodists. A house was also fitted up, not far from Bethel, and an invitation given to all who desired to be Methodists, to resort thither; but being disappoint¬ ed in this plan Robert R. Roberts, the resident elder of St. George's charge, came to Bethel, and insisted on preaching to them and taking the spiritual charge, for they were Methodists. He was told, he should come on some terms with the trustees; his answer was, that he did not come to consult with Richard Allen, nor the trustees, but to inform the congrega¬ tion, that on next Sabbath day he would come and take the charge; they told him he could not preach for them under existing circumstances. However, * The Academy Church now known as the Union, is still standing, and is situated on Fourth St. between Market and Arch, a most flourishing congregation fSt. George's was then a mission post of the M.E. Church, situated on Fourth Street below Vine, Philadelphia. It is now a flourishing congregation. Vi HISTORICAL PREFACE. at the appointed time he came; but having takea previous advice, they had their preacher in the pulpit when he came, and the house so fixed that he couid not get more than half way to the pulpit. Finding himself disappointed, he appealed to those who camv with him, as witnesses, that "That man," meaning the preacher, " had taken his appointment." Several respectable white citizens, (who knew the colored people had been ill-used,) were present, ano told them not to fear, for they would see them right¬ ed, and not suffer Roberts to preach in a forcible manner; after which Roberts went away. The next elder stationed at Philadelphia, was Robert Birch, who, following the example of his pre¬ decessor, came and published a meeting for himself; but the afore-mentioned method was adopted, and he had to go away disappointed. In consequence of thi--, he applied to the Supreme Court for a writ of Manda¬ mus, to know why the pulpit was denied him, being an elder. This brought on a lawsuit, which ended in favor of Bethel. Thus, by the providence of God, they were delivered from a long, distressing, and ex¬ pensive suit, which could not be resumed, being determined by the Supreme Court; for this mercy thoy were unfeignedly thankful. About this time the colored people in Baltimore and other places, were treated in a similar manner as those in Philadelphia, who, rather than go to law were compelled to seek places of worship for them¬ selves. This induced the people of Philadelphia t« call a general convention in April, 1810, to form a con-' nection; delegates appointed to represent different HISTORICAL PREFACE. vil churehi-s met thoxe of Philadelphia, and taking into consideration their grievances, and in order to secure their privileges and promote union among them¬ selves, it was Eesolced, "That the people of Philadelphia, Balti¬ more, and all other places who should unite with them, should become one body, under the name and style of the 'African Methodist Episcopal Church.'" We believe that it was the design of a gracious Providence, in thus uniting us, to mark out a way by which the despised African race might have an op¬ portunity of receiving from their own brethren that religious instruction from which they have been kept by persons claiming to be their superiors, and thereby privileged to sit under their own vine and fig tree; and though opposed by the prejudices of the times, persecuted by the tongue of calumny, and buffeted by the great adversary of God and man, we liave had the happiness of seeing the pleasure of the Lord prospering in our hands, to whom we appeal for our good conscience in. Jesus Christ. The work of liod has spread, through our instrumentality, from Philadelphia throughout tha entire United States, and Into Canada, the West Indies, South America and Af¬ rica. We esteem it our duty and privilege, most earnestly to recommend to our Church, our form of Discipline, revised and improved, which has been founded on the experience of a long series of years. We wish to see this little publication in the houses of all our members; and the more so as it contains the articles of religion, more or 'ess maintained, ia Viil HISTORICAL PREFACE. part or in whole, by every Reformed Church in the world. Far from wishing you to be ignorant of our doc¬ trines, or any part of our Discipline, we desire you to read, mark, and inwardly digest the whole. You ought, next to the word of God, to procure the canons of the Church to which you belong. This present edition is cheap, and we can assure you that the pro¬ fits of the sale of it shall be applied to charitable pur« poses. We remain your affectionate brethren and pastors, Who labor night and day, both in public and private, for your good. Henry M. Turner, Wesley J. Gaines, Benjamin W. Arnett, Benjamin T. Tanner, Abraham Grant, Benjamin F. Lee, Moses B. Salter, James A. Handy, William B. Derrick, Josiah H. Armstrong, James C. Embry, Bishops of the A. M. E. Church. THE |frican jjstMist fpiscopal |lnrcli. INTRODUCTION. The Origin and Continuation of the Episcopacy of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The preachers and members of our Church having become a distinct body of people, by reason of separation from our brethren of the Methodist Episcopal Church, found it necessary at their first General Conference in April, 1816, to elect one from their own body, who was adequate to be set apart in the holy orders, to superintend the connection * ORIGIN. (feat waa then formed. The Rev. Richard Allen, being seventeen years an ordained preacher by the Rev. Bishop Asbury, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was unani¬ mously elected to fill that office: and on ference, to the order of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. 'The same were duly ordained on Thurs¬ day, May 20th, 1880, in the following order, viz.:—Henry MacNeal Turner, by Bishop Daniel A. Payne, assisted by Bishop James A. Shorter and six regu¬ larly ordained Elders of the A. M. E. Church; William Fisher Dickerson, by 14 ORKilN. XV Bishop Alexander Washington Wayman, as¬ sisted by Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, and six regularly ordained Elders of the A. M. E. Church ; Richard Harvey Cain, by Bishop Jabez P. Campbell, assisted by Bi&liop John M. Brown, and six regularly ordained Elders of the A. M. E. Church. The Genera". Conferences of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America and of the B. M. E. Church of the Dominion of Canada, having in 1880 agreed upon the appointment of a joint Board of Commissioners to provide ar¬ ticles of agreement for the reunion of the two Churches, the said articles of agreement to be submitted to the several Annual Con¬ ferences of the two connections, the said commissioners having provided said articles of agreement, and they having been ratified by a majority of the annual Conferences, both of the A. M. E. and of the B. M. E. connection, and the further terms of agree¬ ment having beeii fully carried out, the General Conference of the A. M. E. Church, sitting at Baltimore, Md., in the year 1884, and the General Conference of the B. M. E. Church, sitting at Chatham, in the Domin¬ ion of Canada, in the same year, authorized the Bishops of the two connections to issue xvi OEIGIX a proclamation decreeing and affirming the completion of the organic union of the A. M. E. and B. M. E. Churches, which procla¬ mation was duly made by authority of the joint commission of the two churches, on the 4th day of Sept., 1884, thereby consolidat¬ ing the union as provided for by the articles of agreement; and upon the consummation of which union Bishop R. R. Disney became one of the Bishops of the A. M. E. Church, he having been elected Bishop of the B. M. E. Church as the successor of Rt. Rev. Willis Nazrey, and ordained on the 21st day of November, 1875, at Hamilton, in the Do¬ minion of Canada, by Rt. Rev. Alexander W. Wayman, one of the Bishops of the A. M. E. Church. The General Conference sitting in Indian¬ apolis, Ind., on the 19th of May, 1888, elected Revs. Wesley J. Gaines, Benjamin W. Ar. nett, Benjamin T. Tanner and Abraham Grant to the office of Bishop in the African M. E. Church; and on the 24th of said month they were each solemnly consecrated. The General Conference, sitting in Phil- xvia ORIGIN. adelphia, in May, 1892, elected Revs. Benja¬ min P. Lee, Moses B. Salter, and Jame-i A. Handy to ihe office of Bishop in the A. M E. Church, and on the 19th aay of that month at 12 M., they were ordained to that office as fol¬ lows: Benjamin F. Lee by D. A. Payne, W. J. Gaines and A. Grant; Moses B. Salter by A W. Wayman, John M. Brown and H. M. Turner; James A. Handy by T. M. D. Ward, B. W. Axnett and B. T. Tanner. The General Conference, sitting in Wilming¬ ton, N. C., on the 4th of May, 1896, elected Revs. William Benjamin Derrick, Josiah Haynes Armstrong and James Crawford Embry to the office of Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and on the 19th of May, 1596, they were solemnly consecrated. **rtL] ARTICLES OF RELIGION. JOtaaL PART I. ON THE DOCTRINES. CHAPTER I. ON THE ARTICLES OF RELIGION. I. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity. There is but oce living and true God everlasting, without body or parts, of infinit power, wisdom and goodness; the Make and Preserver of all things, visible and in visible. And in unity of this Godhead, therv are three persons, of one substance, powei and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. 17 PartL] ARTICLES OP RELIGION. [Ch. 1 II, Of the Word or Son of God% who wo* made very man. The Son, who is the Word of the Father, the very and eternal God, of one substance ■with the Father, took man's nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin, so that two whole and perfect natures, that is to say, the Godhead and manhood, were joined together in one person, never to be divi¬ ded, whereof is one Christ, very God and very man, who truly suffered, was cruci¬ fied, dead and buried, to reconcile his Fa¬ ther to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for the actual ains of men. III. Of the Resurrection of Christ. Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and took again his body, with all things appertaining to the perfection of man's nature, wherewith he ascended into hea¬ ven, and there sitteth until he return to judge all men at the last day. Pan I.] ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Ch. L IV. Of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory, with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God. V. The Sufficiency of the Holy Scrip¬ tures for Salvation. The Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation; so that whatso¬ ever is not read therein, nor can be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy "^ riptures, we do understand those canon- i ;il books of the Old and New Testa¬ ment, of whose authority was never any doubt in the church. The names of the Canonical Boohs. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers. 19 Fait I.] ARTICLES OF RELIGION. fCh. 1 Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, The First Book of Samuel, The Second Book of Samuel, The First Book of Kings, The Second Book of Kings, The First Book of Chronicles, The Second Book of Chronicles, The Book of Ezra, The Book of Nehemiah, The Book of Esther The Book of Job, The Psalms, The Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, or the preacher, Cantica, or Songs of Solomon, Four Prophets the greater, Twelve Prophets the less, All the books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do, receive and account Canonical. VI. Of the Old Testament. The Old Testament is not contrary to 20 r ut I.J ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Ch. l the New: for both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only Medi¬ ator between God and man, being both God and man. Wherefore they are not to be heard, who feign that the old fathers did look only for transitory promises. Although the law given from God by Moses, as touching ceremonies and rites, doth not bind Christians, nor ought the civil precepts thereof of necessity be re¬ ceived in any commonwealth, yet, notwith¬ standing, no Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments, which are called moral. VII Of Original or Birth Sin. Original sin standeth not in the follow¬ ing of Adam, ( as the Pelagians do vain¬ ly talk,) but it is the corruption of the nature of every man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam, whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and of his own nature inclined to evil, and that continu¬ ally. XL Parti.] ARTICLES OF RELIGION. £Ch. SL VIII. Of Free-Will. The condition of man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turn, and prepare himself, by his own natural strength and works to faith, and calling upon God; wherefore we have no power to do good works, pleasant and acceptable to God, "without the grace of God, by Christ preventing us, that we may have a good will, and working with us, when we have that good will. IX. Of the Justification of Man. We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Sa¬ viour Jesus Christ by faith, and notfor our own works and deservings; wherefore, that we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort. X. Of Good Works. Although good works, which are the fruits of faith, and follow after justifica¬ tion, cannot put away our sins and en* fart I.] ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Oh. t dure the severity of God's judgment, yet are they pleasing arid acceptable to God 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 discerned by its fruits XI. Of WorJcs of Supererogation. Voluntary works, besides over and above God's commandments, which are called works of supererogation, cannot be taught without arrogance and impiety. For by them men do declare, that they do not only render unto God as much as they are bound to do, but that they do more for his sake than of bounden duty is required: Whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all that is com¬ manded you, say, We are unprofitable servants. XII. Of Sin after Justification. Not every sin willingly committed after justification, is the sin against the Holy Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore the grant of repentance is not to be denied to Part I. J ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Ch. J. such as fall into sin after justification. After we have received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and by the grace of God, rise again, and amend our lives. And, therefore they are to be condemned, who nay that they can no more sin as long as they live here; or deny the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent. XIII. Of the Church. The visible church of Christ is a con¬ gregation of faithful men, in which the pu*re word of God is preached, and the saCTaments duly administered, according to Christ's ordinance, in all those things, that of necessity are requisite to the same.. XIV. Of Purgatory. The Romish doctrine concerning pur» gatory, pardon, worshiping, and adora¬ tion, as well of images, as of relics, and also invocation of saints, is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded on no war¬ rant of Scripture, but repugnant to the word of God. Part I.] ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Cli. L XV Of speaking in the Congregation hi such a Tongue as the People understand. It is a thing plainly repugnant to the word of God, and the custom of the primi¬ tive Church, to have public prayer in the Church, or to minister the sacraments in a tongue not understood by the people. XVI. Of the Sacraments. Sacraments ordained of Christ are not only badges or tokens of Christian men's profession, but rather they are certain signs of grace, and God's wiil toward us, by the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our faith in him. There are two sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to «ay, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. Those five commonly called sacraments, that is to say, Confirmation, Penance, Or¬ ders, Matrimony and Extreme Unction, are not to be counted for sacraments of the Gospel, being such as have partly grown out of the corrupt following of the z. Part.I.] ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Ch. L apostles; and partly are states of life al¬ lowed in the Scriptures, but yet have not the like nature of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, because they have not any visi¬ ble sign or ceremony ordained of God. The sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, 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 op¬ eration ; but they that receive them un¬ worthily, purchase to themselves condem¬ nation, as St. Paul saith.—1 Cor. xi. 29. XVII. Of Baptism. Baptism is not only a sign of profes¬ sion, and mark of difference, whereby Christians are distinguished from others that are not baptized ; but it is also a sign of regeneration, or the new birth. The baptism of young children is to be re¬ tained in the church. XVIII. Of the Lord's Supper. The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign of the love that Christians ought to Part I.] ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Ch. ^ have among themselves one to another, but rather is a sacrament of our redemp¬ tion by Christ's death : insomuch that, 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 par¬ taking of the blood of Christ. Transub- stantiation, or the change of the substance of bread and wine in the Supper of our Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ, but is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, overthroweth the nature of a sacrament, and hath given occasion to many superstitions. The body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten in the Supper, only after a heaven¬ ly and spiritual manner. And the means whereby the body of Christ is received and eaten in the Supper, is faith. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was not by Christ's ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshiped. XIX. Of both Kinds. The cup of the Lord is not to be de- Z7 Part 1-1 ARTICLES OF RELIGION. I. nied to the lay people; for both the parts of the Lords Supper, by Christ's ordi¬ nance and commandment, ought to be administered to all Christians alike. XX Of the one Oblation of Christ, finished upon the Cross. The offering of Christ once made, is that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction, for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for sin, bnt that alone. Wherefore the sacrifice of masses, in the which it is commonly said that the priest doth offer Christ, for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, is a blasphemous fable, and dangerous deceit. XXL Of the Marriage of Ministers. The ministers of Christ are not com¬ manded by God'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 Christians, to marry at their own discretion, as they shall judge the same to serve best to godliness. Pwt 1.1 ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Ch. I. XXII. Of the Rites and Ceremonies of Churches. It is not necessary that rites and cere¬ monies should in all places be the same or exactly alike; for they have been always different, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men's manners, so that nothing be or¬ dained against God's word. Whosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of the Church to which he belongs, which are not repug¬ nant to the word of God, and are or¬ dained and approved by common author¬ ity, ought to be rebuked openly, that ethers may fear to do the like, as one that offendeth against the common order of the Church, and woundeth the con¬ sciences of weak brethren. Every particular Church may ordain, change, or abolish rites and ceremonies, so that all things may be done to edifica¬ tion. Parti.] ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Chap. V J[XIII. Of the Rulers of the United States of America. The President, the Congress, the General Assemblies, the Governors and the Councils of State, as the delegates of the people, are the rulers of the United States ot America, ac¬ cording to the division of power made to them by the Constitution of the United States of America, and by the Constitutions of.their respective States. And the said States are a sovereign and independent nation, and ought not to be subject to any foreign jurisdiction.* XXIV. Of Christian lien's Goods. The riches and goods of Christians are not common as touching the right, title and pos¬ session of the same, as some do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought, of such things as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the poor, according to his ability. XXV. Of a Christian Man's Oath. As we confess that vain and rash swear¬ ing is forbidden Christian men, by our * Nevertheless, our ministers and members are required in all countries, whether British, French, Libenan, Ger¬ man, or any other, to be in every respect subject to th» civil powers that be, and are enjoined to pray for and sup¬ port the same wherever they may reside. r Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. LCh. II 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 requireth, in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done according to the prophet's teaching, in iustice, judgment and truth. CHAPTER II. CATECHISM ON FAITH. Question 1. What is it to be justified? Answer. To be pardoned and received into God's favor, into such a state, that, if we continue therein, we shall be finally saved. Q,. 2. Is faith the condition of justifica¬ tion? A. Yes, for every one that believeth Hot, is condemned; and every one who believes, is justified. Q. 3. But must not repenta. and works meet for repentance, go befoi hia faith ? Parti.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. Ifh H A. Without doubt; if by repentance, you mean conviction of sin, and by works meet for repentance, obeying God as far fts we can, forgiving our brother, leaving aff from evil, doing good, and using his ordinances according to the power we haver received. Q,. 4. What is faith ? A. Faith in general is a divine, super- patural evidence, or conviction of things pot seen ; not discoverable by our bodily senses, as being either past, future or spiritual. Justifying faith implies not only a divine evidence or conviction, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, but a sure trust and confidence that Christ died for my sins, that he loved me and gave himself for me. And the moment a penitent sinner believes this, God pardons and absolves him. Q. 5. Have all Christians this faith ? May not a man be justified and not know it? A. That all true Christians have such faith as implies assurance of God's love^ appears from Rom. viii. 15; 2 Cor. xiii. 5 ; I ] CATECHISM ON FAITH- fCh. IX Eph. iv. 32; Heb. viii. 10; 1 John iv. 10; v. 19. And that no man can be jus¬ tified and not know it, appears further from the nature of the thing; for faith after repentance, is ease after pain, rest after toil, light after darkness. It appears also from the immediate, as well as the distant fruits thereof. Q. 6. But may not a man go to heaven without it ? A. It does not appear from Holy Writ that a man who has heard the gospel can, Mark xvi 16, whatever a heathen may do. Kom ii 14. Q, 7. What are the immediate fruits of justifying faith ? A Peace, joy, love, power over all out¬ ward sin, and power to keep down inward. sin. Q,. 8. Does any one believe who has not the witness in himself, or any longer than he sees, loves, and obeys God ? A. We apprehend not, seeing God being the very essence of faith ; love and obedi¬ ence being the inseparable properties of it. an Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. IL Q. 9. What sins are consistent with justifying faith? A. No wilful sin. If a believer wil¬ fully sins, he casts away his faith. Neither is it possible he should have justifying faith again without previously repenting. Q. 10. Must every believer come into a state of doubt or fear, or darkness ? Will lie do so unless by ignorance or unfaithful¬ ness ? Does God otherwise withdraw him¬ self? A. It is certain a believer need never come again into condemnation. It seems he need not come into a state of doubt or fear, or darkness, and that (ordinarily at least) he will not unless by ignorance or unfaithfulness. Yet it is true, that the first joy ^eldoin lasts long: that it is fol¬ lowed by doubts and fears; and that God frequently permits great heaviness, before any large manifestation of himself. Q. 11. Are works necessary to the con¬ tinuance of faith ? A. Without doubt; for many forfeit the free gift of God, either by sins of omission or commission. Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Oh. JX Q. 12. Can faith be lost, for want of works ? A. It caDnot but through disobedience. Q. 13. How is faith made i)erfect by works f A. The more we exert our faith, the more it is increased. To him that hath shall be given. Q. 14. St. Paul says, Abraham was not justified by ivories; St. James, he was justi¬ fied by works. Do they not contradict each other ? A. No. 1st, Because they do not speak of the same justification. St. Paul speaks of that justification which was when Abra¬ ham was seventy-five years old, about twenty years before Isaac was born. St. James of that justification, which was when he offered up Isaac on the al¬ tar. 2d. Because they do not speak of the tame works : St. Paul speaking of works that precede faith; St- James, of works /hat spring from it- Q. 15. In what sense is Adam's sin im¬ puted to all mankind ? 35 Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Cli. H. A. In Adam all die, i. e., 1st, Our bodies then become mortal; 2d, Our souls died, i. e., were disunited from God. And hence, 3d, We are all born with a sinful, devilish nature, by reason whereof; 4th, We are children of wrath, liable to death eternal. Rom. v. 18; Eph. ii. 3. Q. 16. In what sense is the righteous¬ ness of Christ imputed to all mankind, or to believers ? A. We do not find it expressly affirmed in Scripture, that God imputes the right¬ eousness of Christ to any. Although we do find that faith is imputed to us for righteousness. The text, " As by one man's disobedi¬ ence many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one, many were made right¬ eous." we conceive means, by the merits of Christ all men are cleared from the guilt of Adam's actual transgression. We conceive further, Through the obe¬ dience and death of Christ, 1st, The bodies of all men become immortal after the resurrection; 2d, Their souls receive a capacity of spiritual life; and 3d, An 60 Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. II. actual spark or seed thereof; 4th, All be¬ lievers become children of grace, recon¬ ciled to God, and 5th, Made partakers of the divine nature. Q. 17. Have we then, unawares, leaned too much towards Calvinism t A. We are afraid we have. Q. 18. Have we not also leaned towards Antinomianism f A. We are afraid we have. Q. 19. What is Aniinomianism t A. The doctrines which make void the law through faith. Q. 20. What are the main pillars there- of? A. 1st, That Christ abolished the moral law; 2d,That therefore Christians are not obliged to observe it; 3d, That one branch of Christian liberty is liberty from obeying the commandments of God; 4th, That it is bondage to do a thing because it is com¬ manded, or forbear because it is forbidden; oth, That a believer is not obliged to use the ordinances of God to do good works: 6th, That a preacher ought not to exhort to good works; not unbelievers because it Oi Tart I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. IL it is hurtful, not believers, because it is needless. Q,. 21. What was the occasion of St. Paul's writing his epistle to the Gala- tians ? A. The coming of certain men amongst the Galatians, who taught, " Except ye be circumcised and keep the law of Moses, ye cannot be saved." Q. 22. What is his main design herein ? A. To prove 1st, That no man can be saved, or justified by the works of the law, either moral or ritual; 2d, That every be¬ liever in Christ is justified by faith with¬ out the works of the law. Q. 23. What does he mean by the works of the law ? Gal. ii. 16, &c. A. All works which do not spring from faith in Christ: Q. 24. What by being under the law ? Gal. iii. 23. A. Under the Mosaic dispensation. Q. 25. What law has Christ abolished ? A. The ritual law of Moses. Q. 26. What is meant by liberty ? Gal. Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH- [Ca. TL A. Liberty, 1st from the law; 2d, from sin. II. Q,. 1. How comes what is written on justification to be so intricate and oh* scure ? Is this obscurity from the nature of the thing itself, or from the fault or weakness of those who generally treated about it ? A. We apprehend this obscurity does not arise from the nature of the subject; but partly from the extreme warmth of most writers who have treated it. Q. 2. We affirm that faith in Christ is the sole condition of justification. But does not repentance go before that faith ? Yea, and (supposing that there be oppor¬ tunity for them) fruits or works meet for repentance ? A. Without doubt they do. Q. 3. How then can we deny them to be conditions of justification? Is not this a mere strife of words ? A. It seems not, though it has been grievously abused. But so the abuse cease, let the use remain. Q,. 4. Shall we read over together Mr. Part I ] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. IL Baxter's aphorisms, concerning justifica¬ tion ? A. By all means. Q. 5. Is an assurance of God's pardon¬ ing love absolutely necessary to our being in his favor? Or may there possibly be some exempt cases ? A. We dare not possibly say there are not. Q. 6. Is such an assurance absolutely necessary to inward and outward holi¬ ness? A. To inward we apprehend it is: to outward holiness, we incline to think not. Q. 7. Is it indispensably necessary to final salvation ? A. Love hopeth all things. We know not how far any man may fall under the case of invincible ignorance. Q. 8. But what can we say of one of our own society who dies without it, as I. W., at London ? A. It may possibly be an exempt case (if the fact was really so). But we deter¬ mine nothing: we leave his soul in the hands of Him who made it. 40 Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. II. Q. 9. Does a man believe any longer than he feels reconciled to God ? A. We conceive not. But we allow there may be infinite degrees of seeing God; even as many as there are between him that sees the sun, when it shines on his eyelids closed, and he who stands with his eyes wide open in the full blaze of his beams. Q. 10. Does a man believe any longer than he loves God? A. In nowise. For neither circumci¬ sion nor uncircumcision avails, without faith working by love. Q. 11. Have we duly considered the case of Cornelius? Was he not in the favor of God, when his prayer and alms came up for a memorial before God, i. e. before he believed in Christ t A. It does seem that he was in some degree. But we speak not of those who have heard the Gospel. Q. 12. But were those works of his splendid sins ? A. No; nor were they done without the grace of Christ. Eaxt I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. II. Q. 13. How then can we maintain that all works, done before we have a sense of the pardoning mercies of God, are sins ? And as such an abomination to him? A. The works of him who has heard the gospel, and does not believe, are not done as God hath willed or commanded them to be done. And yet we know not how to say, that they are an abomination to the Lord in him who feareth God, and from that principle does the best he can Q. 14. Seeing there is so much difficul¬ ty on this subject, can we deal too ten¬ derly with them that oppose us ? A. We caDnot unless we were to give up any part of the truth of God. Q 15. Is a believer constrained to obey God ? A. At first he often is. The love of Christ constraineth him. After this he may obey or he may not; no constraint being laid on him. Q. 16. Can faith be lost through dis¬ obedience ? 42 -Parti.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. H. A. It can. A believer first inward¬ ly disobeys, inclines to sin with his heart; then his intercourse with God is cut off, i. e., his faith is lost. And after this he may fall into outward sin, being now weak and like another man. Q,. 17. How can such a one recover faith ? A. By repenting and doing the first works. Rev. ii. 5. Q. 18. Whence is it that so great a majority of those who believe, fall more or less into doubt or fear ? A. Chiefly from their own ignorance or unfaithfulness; often from their own not watching unto prayer; perhaps from some defect or want of the power of God in the preaching they hear. Q. 19. Is there not a defect in us? Do we preach as we did at first ? Have we not changed our doctrines ? A. 1st- At first we preached almost wholly to unbelievers. To those there¬ fore we spake almost continually of re¬ mission of sins through the death of Christ and the nature of faith in his blood. *4 Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. II. And so we do still among those who need to be taught the first elements of the Gospel of Christ. 2d. But those in whom the foundation is already laid, we exhort to go on to perfection, which we did not see so clear¬ ly at first, although we occasionally spoke of it from the beginning. 3d. Yet we now preach, and that con¬ tinually, faith in Christ, as our prophet, priest, and king, at least as clearly, as strongly, and as fully, as we did several years ago. Q 20. Do not some of our preachers preach too much of the wrath, and too little of the love of God ? A. We fear that they have leaned to that extreme, and hence some of their hearers have lost the joy of faith. Q. 21. Need we ever preach the ter¬ rors of the Lord to those who know they are accepted of him ? A. No, it is folly so to do; for love is to them the strongest of all motives. Q. 22. Do we ordinarily represent a justified state so great and happy aa it is ? ii Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ca. II. A Perhaps not; a believer walking in the light is inexpressibly great and happy. Q. 23. Should we not have a care of depreciating justification, in order to ex¬ alt the state of full sanctification ? A. Uudoubtedly we should be aware of this ; for one may insensibly slide into it. Q,. 24. How should we avoid it ? A. When we are going Lo speak of en¬ tire sanctification, let us first describe the blessing of a justified state, as strong as possible. Q,. 25. Does not the truth of the Gos¬ pel lie very nt>ar both Calvinism and Antinomianism ? A. Indeed it does, as it were within a hair's breadth ;—so that it is altogether foolish and sinful, because we do not al¬ together agree with oue or the other, to run from them as far as we can Q. 26. Wherein may we come to the very verge of Calvinism? A. 1st. In ascribing all good to the free grace of God. 2d. In denying all natural free-will, and all power anieee- iO Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. II. dent to grace, and, 3d. In excluding all merit from man even for what he has or does by the grace of God. Q,. 27. Wherein may we come to the edge of Antinomianism ? A. 1st. In exalting the merits and love of Christ. 2d. In rejoicing evermore. Q. 28. Does faith supersede (set aside the necessity of) holiness or good works ? A. In nowise. So far from it that it implies both as a cause does its effects. III. Q. 1. Can an unbeliever (what¬ ever he be in other respects) challenge anything of God's justice? A. He cannot, nothing but hell. And this is a point on which we cannot insist too much. Q. 2. Do we exempt men of their own righteousness, as we did at first ? Do we sufficiently labor, when they begin to be convinced of sin, to take away all they lean upon ? Should we not then endea¬ vor, with all our might, to overturn their false foundation ? A. This was at first one of our principal points. And it ought to be so still. For Part I.} CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. II. till all other foundations are overturned, they cannot build on Christ. Q,. 8. Did we not then purposely throw them into convictions ? Into strong sor¬ row and fear? Nay, did we not strive to make them inconsolable, refusing to be comforted ? A. We did. And so should we do still. For the stronger the conviction the speed¬ ier is the deliverance. And none so soon receive the peace of God, as those who steadliy refuse all other comfort. Q. 4. What is sincerity ? A. Willingness to know and do the whole will of God. The lowest species thereof seems to be faithfulness in that which is little. Q. 5. Has God any regard for man'a sincerity? A. So far, that no man in any state can possibly please God without it; nei¬ ther in any moment wherein he is not sincere. Q. 6. But can it be conceived that God has any regard to the sincerity of an un¬ believer ? 47 Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. II. A. Yes, so much that if he perseveres therein God will infallibly give him faith. Q,. 7. What regard may we conceive him to have to the sincerity of a believer ? A. So much that in every sincere be¬ liever he fulfils all the great and precious promises. Q. 8. Whom do you term a sincere believer? A. One that walks in the light, as God is "in the light. Q,. 9. Is sincerity the same with a sin¬ gle eye? A. Not altogether: the latter refers to our intentions, the former to our wills or desires. Q. 10- Is it not all in all ? A. All will follow persevering since¬ rity. God gives everything wifh it; "nothing without it. Q,. 11. Are not then sincerity and faith equivalent terms ? A. By no means. It is at least as near¬ ly related to works as it is to faith. For example, who is sincere before he be¬ lieves ? He that then does all he can ; 48 i^art I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. LCh. II. he that according to the power he has received, brings forth fruits meet for re¬ pentance. Who is sincere after he be¬ lieves? He that from a sense of God's love is zealous of all good works. Q. 12. Is not sincerity what St. Paul terras a willing mind? 2 Cor. viii. 12. A. Yes, if the word were taken in a general sense. For it is a constant dis¬ position to use all the grace given. Q. 13 But do we not then set sincerity on a level with faith ? A. No: for we allow a man may be sincere and not be justified, as he may be penitent and not be justified : (not as yet.) but he cannot have faith, and not be i'ustified. The very moment he believes le is justified. Q. 14. But do we not give up faith an*i put sincerity in its place, as the coi> dition of our acceptance with God ? A. We believe it is one condition of our acceptance, as repentance likewise is. And we believe it is a condition of our continuing in a state of acceptance with God. Yet we do not put it in the place 4y Parti.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. II. of faith. It is by faith the merits of Christ are applied to my soul. But if I am not sincere they are not applied. Q, 15. Is not this that going about to- establish your own righteousness, whereof St Paul speaks? A. St. Paul there manifestly speaks of unbelievers who sought to be accepted for the sake of their own righteousness. We do not seek to be accepted for the sake of our sincerity; but through the merits of Christ alone. Indeed, so long as any man believes he cannot go about (in St. Paul's sense) to establish his own righteousness. Q, 16. But do you consider that we are under the covenant of grace? And that the covenant of works is now abol¬ ished ? A. All mankind are under the cove¬ nant of grace, from the very hour that the original promise was made. If by the covenant of works you mean that of unsinning obedience made with Adam before the fall; no man but Adam was ever under that covenant—for it was Part I ] CATECHISM ON FAITH. fCh. IL abolished before Cain was born. Yet it is not so abolished, but that it will stand, in a measure, even to the end of the world, that is if we do this, we shall live; if not, we shall die eternally; if we do well we shall live with God in glory—if evil, we shall die the second death. For every man shall be judged in that, and rewarded according to his works Q. 17. What, means, then, to him that believeth, his faith is counted for right¬ eousness ? A. That God forgives him that is un¬ righteous as soon as he believes, accepting his faith instead of perfect righteousness. But then, observe, universal righteousness follows though it did not precede faith. Q,. 18. But is faith thus counted to us for righteousness, at whatsoever time we believe ? A. Yes. In whatsoever moment we believe all our past sins vanish away. They are as though they never had been, and we stand clear in the sight of God. Q. 19. Are not the assurance of faith, the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and 51 iParrt.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Oh. IT. the revelation of Christ in us, terras of" nearly the same import ? A. He that denies one of them, must deny all: they are so closely connected. Q. 20, Are they ordinarily, where the pure gospel is preached, essential to our acceptance ? A. Undoubtedly they are, and as such ta be insisted on in the strongest terms. Q. 21, Is not the whole dispute of sal¬ vation by faith, or by works, a mere strife of words ? A. In asserting salvation by faith we mean this: 1st, That pardon (salvation, begun) is received by faith, producing works. 2d, That holiness (salvation con¬ tinued) is faith working by love. 3d, That Heaven, (salvation finished) is the reward of this faith. If you assert salvation by works, or by faith and works, mean the same thing, (understanding by faith, the revelation of Christ in us, by salvation, pardon, holi¬ ness, glory,) we will not strive with you at all. If you do not, this is not a strife of words, but the very vitals, the essence of Christianity is the thing in question. o2 Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. II. Q. 22. Wherein does our doctrine now differ from that preached by Mr. Wesley, at Oxford ? A. Chiefly in these two points: 1st, He then knew nothing of that righteous¬ ness of faith in justification; nor 2d, Of that nature of faith itself, as implying consciousness of pardon. Q. 23. May not some degree of the love of God go before a distinct sense of justification ? A. We believe it may. Q,. 24. Can any degree of holiness or sanctification? A. Many degrees of outward holiness may; yea, and some degrees of meekness, and several other tempers which would be branches of Christian holiness, but that they do not spring from Christian principles- For the abiding love of God cannot spring but from a faith in a par¬ doning God. And no true Christian holiness can exist without that love of God for its foundation. Q. 25. Is every man as soon as he be¬ lieves, a new creature, sanctified, pure in 53 Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. II, heart? Has he then a new heart ? Does Christ dwell therein ? And is he a tem ¬ ple of the Holy Ghost ? A. All these things may be affirmed of every believer, in a true sense. Let us not, therefore, contradict those who maintain it. Why should we contend about words? IY. Q,. 1. How much is allowed by our brethren who differ from us in regard to sanctification ? A. They grant, 1st. That every one must be entirely sanctified, in the article of death. 2d. That'until then a believer daily grows in grace, comes nearer and nearer to perfection. 3d. That we ought to be continually pressing after this, and exhort all others to do so. Q. 2. What do we allow them? A. We grant, 1st. That many of those who have died in the faith, yea, the greater part of those we have known, were not sanctified throughout, or made perfect in love, till a little before death. 54 Pait X.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Cli. II. 2d. That the term " sanctified " is con¬ tinually applied by St. Paul to all that were justified, and were true believers. 3d. That by this term alone, he rarely ^if ever) means, saved from all sin. 4th. That consequently, it is not pro¬ per to use it in this sense, without add¬ ing the words " entirely, wholly," or the like. 5th. That the inspired writers almost continually speak of, or to those who were justified; but very rarely either of or to those who were wholly sanctified. 6th. That, consequently, it behooves us to speak in public almost continually of the state of j ustification; but more rarely, ut least in full and explicit terms, con¬ cerning entire sanctification. Q,. 3. What then is the point wherein we divide? A. It is this : Whether we should ex¬ pect to be saved from all sin, before the article of death. Q. 4. Is there any clear Scripture pro¬ mise of this ; that God will save us from all sin ? £> 5 tart I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Cfc. n» A- There is, Ps. cxxx. 8: " He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities." This is more largely expressed in the prophecy of Ezekiel: "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean ; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you. I will also save you from all your un~ cleannesses," xxxvi. 25, 29. No promise can be more clear. And to this the Apos¬ tle plainly refers in that exhortation : " Having these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Cor. vii. 1. Equally clear and expressive is that ancient promise: " The Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart, and the heart of thy seed to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul." Deut. xxx. 6. Q. 5. But does any assertion answer¬ able to this occur in the New Testament? A. There does, and that laid down in the plainest terms. So 1 John iii. 8: " For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the 56 Part I.J CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Cb. II. works of the devil." The works of the devil without any limitation or restric¬ tion ; but all sin is the work of the devil. Parallel to which is that assertion of St. Paul, Eph. v. 27: " Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it should be holy, and without blemish.'' And to the same effect is that assertion in the eighth chapter of Romans (3d and 4th verses) : " God sent his Son that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Q. 6. Does the New Testament afford any further ground for expecting to be saved from all sin ? A. Undoubtedly it does Both in those prayers and commands, which are equiva¬ lent to the strongest assertions. Q. 7. What prayers do you mean ? A. Prayers for entire sanctification; which, were there no such thing, would be mere mockery of God. Such, in par- 57 Part I.J CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. II. ticular, are, 1st. Deliver us from evil; or rather, from the evil one. Now when this is done, when we are delivered from all evil, there can be 110 sin remaining. 2d. " Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word, that they may all be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us ; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one." John xvii. 20, 21, 23. 3d. " I bow my knees unto the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he would grant you, that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the length, and breadth, and height, and know' the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled with all the fulness of God." Eph. iii. 14, 16, 19. 4th. " The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God, your whole spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blame¬ less unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess. v. 23. 58 Part I.j CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. II, Q. 8. What command is there to the same effect? A. 1st. " Be ye perfect, as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matt. v. 48. 2d. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." Matt. xxii. 37. But if the love of God fill all the heart, there can be no sin there. Q 9. But how does it appear that this is to be done before the article of death ? A. First, from the very nature of a com¬ mand, which is not given to the dead, but to the living. Therefore, " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart," cannot mean, Thou shalt do this when thou diest, but while thou livest Secondly, from express texts of Scrip¬ ture. 1st. " The grace of God, which bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men; teaching us that, denying ungodliness and every worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in the present 59 Parti.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [OH. IL. world; looking for the glorious appear¬ ing of our Lord Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus ii 11, 14. 2d. " He hath* raised up a horn of sal¬ vation for us to perform the mercy pro¬ mised to our fathers, the oath which he sware to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that we being de¬ livered out of the hand of all our enemies, should serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life," Luke i. 69, &c. Q. 10. Does not the harsh preaching of perfection tend to bring believers into a kind of bondage or slavish fear ? A. It does. Therefore we should al¬ ways place it in the most amiable light, so that it may excite only hope, joy, and desire Q. 11. Why may we not continue in the joy of faith, even till we are made perfect ? A. Why, indeed! Since holy grief 6<- Part I.] CATECHISM ON FAITH. [Ch. II. does not quench this joy ; since even while we are under the cross, while we deeply partake of the sufferings of Christ, we may rejoice with joy unspeakable. Q. 12. Do we not discourage believers from rejoicing evermore ? A. We ought not to do so. Let them all their time rejoice unto God, so it be with reverence. And even if lightness or pride should mix with their joy, let us not strike at the joy itself (this is the gift of God), but at the lightness or pride, that the evil may cease and the good remain. Q. 13. Ought we to be anxiously care¬ ful about perfection, lest we should die be¬ fore we have attained it ? A. In nowise. We ought to be thus careful for nothing, either spiritual or temporal. Q,. 14, But ought we not to be troubled on account of the sinful nature which still remains in us ? A. It is good to have a deep sense of this, and to be much ashamed before the Lord. But this should only incite us the more earnestly to turn unto Christ every 01 F»r" t.j CATECHISM ON FAITH [Ch. EU ■moment, and to draw Ii^ht, and life, ancv strength from him, that we may go on conquering and to conquer, And there¬ fore, when the sense of our sins most abounds, the sense of his love should much more abound. Q,. 15. Will our joy or our trouble in¬ crease as we grow in grace ? A. Perhaps both. But, without doubt, our joy in the Lord will increase as our love increases. Q,. 16. Is not the teaching believers to- be continually poring over their inbred sin, the ready way to make them forget that they were purged from their former, sin? A. We find by experience it is; or to make them undervalue, and account it a little thing; whereas, indeed (though there are still greater gifts behind)^ this is inexpressibly great and glorious. - 69 BAND SOCIETIES. [Cb BU CHAPTER III. GENERAL RULES. SECTION 2. Jtules of the Band Societies, drawn up December 25, 1738. Two, three or four true believers who have confidence in other, form a build. Only, it is to be observed, that in on® of these bands all must be men or all women ; and all rssanried or all unmarried. The design of our meeting is to obey that command of God—" Confess your Jkults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed."—James t?. 16. To this end we agree, 1. To meet once a week at least. 2. To come punctually at the hour appointed unless some extraordinary rea¬ son prevent. 3. To begin exactly at the hour with staging or prayer. 4. To speak, each of us in order, freely amd plainly, the true state of our souls, *wifch the faults we have committed in tempers, words or actions, and tempta¬ tions we have felt since last meeting. 63 Parti.] BAND SOCIETIES. [Ch. IBS 5. To eid every meeting with prayer^ suited to uhe state of each person pres¬ ent. 6. To desire some person among us to epeak of his own state first, and then tot ask the rest in order, as many and as- searching questions as may be concern¬ ing their state, sins and temptations. Some of the questions proposed to* every one before he is admitted among us, may be to this effect: 1. Have you had the forgiveness of sins ? 2. Have you peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ? 3. Have you the witness of God's Spirit with yours, that you are a child of! God ? 4. Is the love of God shed abroad imr your heart ? 5. Has no sin inward or outward do¬ minion over you ? 6. Do you desire to be told of your faults ? 7. Do you desire to be told of all your faults, and that plainly and home ? 64 IPttrtl.: BAND Socii.'i i J [' h. IIL 8. Do you desire that every one of «s shall tell you, from time to time, ■whatsoever is in our hearts concerning you? 9. Consider : Do you desire we should iell you whatsoever we think, whatsoever we fear, concerning you ? 10 Do you desire that in doing this, we should come as close as possible, that ■we should cut to the quick, and search your heart to the bottom ? 11. Is it your desire and design to be upon this, and all other occasions, entirely ©pen, so as to speak without disguise and without reserve? Any of the preceding questions may be asked as often as occasion requires, the four following at every meeting: 1. What known sins have you commit¬ ted since our last meeting ? 2. What particular temptations have you met with ? 3. How were you delivered ? 4. What have you thought, said, or done of which you are in doubt, whether it be in or not ? Parti.] BAND SOCIETIES. [Ch llL Directions given to the Band Societies, December 25th, 1744. You are supposed to have the faith that overcometh the world. To you, therefore, it is not grievous:— I. Carefully to abstain from doing evil: in particular,— 1. Neither to buy nor sell anything on the Lord's day. 2. To taste no spirituous liquors, nor dram of any kind, unless prescribed by a physician. 3. To be at a word both in buying and selling. 4. Not to mention the fault of any be¬ hind his back, and stop those short who do so. 5. To wear no needless ornaments, such as rings, ear-rings, necklaces, lace, or ruffles. 6. To use no needless self-indulgence. II. Zealously to maintain good works ; in particular,— 1. To give alms of such things as you possess, and that according to your ability. 66 Parti.] BAND SOCIETIES. [Ch. Ill 2. To reprove those who sin in your sight, and that in love and meekness of wisdom. 3. To be patterns of diligence and fru¬ gality, of self-denial, and taking up the cross daily. III. Constantly to attend on all the or¬ dinances of God: in particular,— 1. To be at church, at the Lord's table, and at every public meeting of the bands at every opportunity. 2. To use private prayer, every day; and family prayer, if you are at the head of a family. 3. Frequently to read the Scriptures and meditate thereon. And, 4. To observe as days of fasting or ab* stinence all Fridays in the year. 67 i"*rt I.j SOCIETY RULES. [Ck. QL SECTION 2. General Rules of the United Societies of 1739, which Should be Bead by the Pastors at Every Love Feast. (1). In the latter end of the year 1739, eight or ten persons came to Mr. Wesley, in London, who appeared to be deeply convinced of sin, and earnestly groaning after redemption. They desired, as did two or three more the next day, that he would spend some time with them in prayer, and advise them how to flee from the wrath to come, which they saw con¬ tinually hanging over their heads That he might have more time for this great work, he appointed a day when they might all come together, which, from thence¬ forward, they did every week, namely, on Thursday, in the evening To these, and as many others as desired to join with them (for their number increased daily), lie gave those advices from time to time, Ob Part I.] SOCIETY rules. fOh. III. which he judged most needful for them ; and they always concluded their meet¬ ings with prayer suited to their several necessities. (2). This was the rise of the United Society, first in Europe, aDd then in America. Such a society is no other than a company of men having the form and seeking the power of godliness, united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation. (3). That it may the mo,re easily be discerned whether they are indeed work¬ ing out .their salvation, each society is divided into smaller companies (called classes), according to their respective places of abode. There are afriut twelve persons in a class, of whom one is styled the " Leader." It is his duty, I. To see each person in his class once a week, at least; in order, 1. To inquire how their souls prosper. 2. To advise, reprove, comfort or ex¬ hort, as occasion may require. 69 I.] SOCIETY RULES. [Cli. IIL 3. To receive what they are willing to give towards the relief of the preachers, church, and poor. II To meet the ministers, and the stewards of the society, once a week ; in order, 1. To inform the minister of any that are sick, or of any that walk disorderly, and will not be reproved. 2. To pay the stewards what they hare received from their several classes in the week preceding. 3. There is only one condition pre¬ viously required of those who desire ad« mission into these societies —a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins. But wherever this i&Teally fixed in the soul, it will be shown by its fruits. It is then expected of all who continue to evidence their desire of salvation : First. By doing no harm ; by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced —such as. The taking the name of God in vain. The profaning the day of the Lord, Part I.] SOCIETY KULES. [Ch- HI either by doing ordinary work therein, or by buying and selling. Drunkenness, or the drinking of spirit¬ uous liquors, unless in cases of necessity. The buying and selling of men, women, and children, with an intention to enslave them. Fighting, quarrelling, brawling; bro¬ ther going to law with brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing ; the using of many words in buying and selling. The buying and selling goods that have not paid duty. The giving or taking things on usury, that is, unlawful interest. Uncharitable or unprofitable conversa^ tion, particularly speaking evil of magis¬ trates or ministers. Doing to others as we would not the) should do unto us. Doing what we know is not for th* glory of God; as, The putting on of gold and costly ap¬ parel. The taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus. 71 Part I.] SOCIETY RULES. [Ch. in. The singing those songs, and the read, ing those books which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God. Softness, and needless self-indulgence. Laying up treasure on earth. Borrowing without a probability of paying; or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them. (4) It is expected of all those who con¬ tinue in these societies, that they shall continue to evidence their desire of sal¬ vation :— Secondly. By doing good; by being in every thing merciful according to 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 whicfc God 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, reprov¬ ing or exhorting all we have any inter¬ course with; trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine, that we are not to do good unless we feel our Iiearu rree to ao it. 72 Part I.] SOCIETY RULES. [Cb. III. By doing good, especially to them that are of the household of faith, or groaning so to be; employing them preferably to others, buying one of another, helping each other in business; and so much the more, as the world will love its own, and them only. By all possible diligence and frugality, that the gospel may not be blamed. By running with patience the race which is set before them, denying them¬ selves, 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. (5) It is expected of all who desire to continue in these societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salva¬ tion :— Thirdly. By attending upon all the ordinances of God. Such are: The public worship of God. The ministry of the word, either read or expounded. Part I.] SOCIETY RULES. [CU. lit The Supper of the Lord. Family and private prayer. Searching the Scriptures, fasting or abstinence. (6.) These are the general rules of our societies; all of which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. All these we know his Spirit 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 who must give an. account. We will admonish him of the error of his ways; we will bear with him for a season; but then if he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We have delivered our own souls. 74 iPart I.] PUBLIC WORSHIP. [<2». IV. CHAPTER IV. ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. SECTION I. Morning Services. 1. A voluntary, either sung by the choir or played on the organ. 2. A hymn, to be given out by the pastor or officiating clergyman, and to tbe sung by the choir and congregation. 3- Prayer, preacher with congregation, all kneeling. 4. Responsive reading of the first Scrip¬ ture Lesson in the following order: the minister to read one verse and the congre¬ gation to read the next one, and so on to the close of the lesson. This shall be the -order whenever and wherever practicable. 5. Reading of the Liturgic service, Including the decalogue by tbe officiat¬ ing minister, and responses by the people. 6. Singing by the choir and congrega¬ tion. 7. A sermon, to be closed with the Xord's Prayer by the minister, whilst he .jind the congregation are all kneeling. 75 Part I.] PUBLIC WORSHIP. [CK IT. 8. Singing by the choir and congrega¬ tion, during which the collection shall be taken up, and after this the singing of a doxology, to be followed by the bene* diction. SECTION II. Afternoon and Evening Services. 1. The same order of exercises ob¬ served in the morning shall be observed afternoon and evening. 2. Omissions can be made on Sacra¬ mental occasions, and when a want of time requires it. 3. Every member of the church and of the congregation should have a Hyma Book in hand, to enable him to engage ia the singing. But when this is not the- case, the minister should give out every verse to be sung. Generally all hymn& should be selected by the minister, SECTION III. Sacramental Services. 1. The Scriptures shall be always reati at the sacramental services, although 76 7»;.rt I.] PUBLIC WORSHIP, [Oh. V. the minister may, if necessary, omit a sermon. 2. The reading of notices shall be dis¬ pensed with on this solemn occasion. CHAPTER Y. REGULATIONS FOR SINGING. SECTION I. On Choirs. 1. The leader of a choir shall be elected by the choir, and confirmed or rejected "by the minister in charge. 2. No person shall be allowed to sing in our choirs who will not be subject to •our authority. H. Let the singers be directed to at¬ tend singing-schools under our govern¬ ment.. SECTION II. On Proper Hymns. The A. M. E. Hymn Book shall be recommended to the people, and hymns used from it instead of hymns of any individual's composition. 77 Part I.] REGULATIONS FOR SINGING- [Ch. T. 2. In every large society let them learn to sing; and let them learn our hymna first. Let every person be exhorted to do this. 3. When a hymn is to be given out to the congregation and a preacher is pres¬ ent, let him alone give it out and line it. He should seldom give out more than five or six verses. SECTION III. ON APPROPRIATE TUNES. 1. The preacher should not encourage the singing of such tunes as cannot be sung by the whole congregation. Public singing is a part of divine worship and should be done by the whole congregation. 2. When a tune is to be taught to a congregation, it should be done in a treble voice, and the words of the hymn should be suited to the tune, and sung in as lively a manner as the tune will permit. 3. When a pastor himself cannot sing he should choose a person or two at each place to pitch a tune for him. 78 Twt L] CLASS MEETINGS. JOfc VL CHAPTER VI. ON CLASS MEETINGS. SECTION I. Class Leaders. 1. Leaders shall be men of sound judgment and truly devoted to God. 2. No pastor or preacher is permitted to appoint a leader to a class who can¬ not read the Holy Scriptures. 3. The pastor or presiding elder shall have the right to examine leaders on Biblical studies once a quarter, and to remove those who fail to pursue such studies. The pastor shall observe which leaders are the most useful, and change all improper ones, and remove every one who gives love-feast tickets or class privi¬ leges to expelled members. 4. The pastor or presiding elder shall take sufficient time, at least once a quar¬ ter, to carefully examine ^*ich leader concerning his method of conducting class meetings. 79 *Wi I-) CLASS MEETINGS. fCh. VI. SECTION II. Duty of Leaders. 1. Each leader shall inquire how every soul in his class prospers, how he observes the outward rules, and grows in the knowledge and love of God. 2. The leaders shall frequently and freely converse with those who have the charge of their circuits and stations, and also frequently meet each other's classes. 3. Leaders shall read the rules to those who meet for the first time in a class, and shall recommend those who have been faithful and have met class six months on probation. Tickets shall be given to none but those who have stood out this probation. 4. Concerning serious persons, at every other meeting of thd class in any place let no strangers be admitted. At other times they may be admitted, but not more than two or three times. They shall be admitted with the utmost caution to the love-feasts, and on no account more than wo or three times without becoming members of the society. 80 Part L] CONCERNING MATRIMONY. [Oi. VIL CHAPTER VII. MATRIMONIAL REGULATIONS. SECTION I. On Marriages. 1. An evil has prevailed in our church by many of our members marrying un- awakened persons. By so doing they have been either hindered for life or turned back to perdition. But our members are not prohibited from marry¬ ing persons who are not of our church, provided those persons have the form and are seeking the power of godliness. 2. Every preacher shall publicly en¬ force the apostle's mandate—" Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbeliev¬ ers," 2 Cor. vi. 14 ver., and shall exhort all concerned not to take such a course without seeking counsel from the most serious of their brethren. 3. A woman ought not to marry with¬ out the consent of her parents. But if she believe it to be her duty to marry and her parents absolutely refuse to let Part L} CONCERNING MATRIMONY. [Ch. VIJ, her marry any Christian, she then ought to marry without their consent. SECTION II. ON DIVORCEMENT. 1. If any minister, preacher, exhorter- or lay-member, male or female, who has been legally married, shall leave his wife or her husband, save for the cause of adultery, and marry again, (which we believe to be a crime expressly for¬ bidden by the word of God,) while the former wife, or husband is living, he or she shall -be expelled and shall not be admitted to any of our churches during the natural life of the forsaken party. 2. Any of our ministers who shall knowingly perform the marriage cere¬ monies for any person who has thus vio¬ lated his or her previous marriage obli¬ gation said minister shall forfeit his standing in the connection. Part II.] GENERAL CONFERENCE. [Oh. L PART II. GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH. Preliminary Remarks. It is desired that all things be consid¬ ered, on these occasions, as in the imme¬ diate presence of God, and that every person shall speak freely whatever is in his heart. That we may improve our time at Conference, while we are conversing let us have an especial care to set God iib,Tays before us. In the intermediate hours let us redeem all the time we can for private exercises. . Therein let us give ourselves to prayer for one another and .Li' a blessing on our neighbors. CHAPTER I. THE> GENERAL CONFERENCE. SECTION I. Composition of the General Conference. 1. It shall be composed of the bishops, the general officers, and not less than two delegates from each annual conference, or 83 Part II.] GENERAJL CONFERENCE. [CU. t one for every thirty members in each annual conference, and also two lay dele¬ gates from each annual conference dis¬ trict. SECTION II. Qualifications of Delegates. 1. Every delegate representing an an¬ nual conference shall be a minister who has traveled four consecutive years, pre¬ ceding the General Conference session, as a minister in the service of the A. M. E» Church. 2. Every delegate representing the lay¬ men of the church shall be a member of the church who has been in good stand- ing four consecutive years preceding the General Conference session, and he shallr moreover, be a man of good natural and acquired ability, and shall know and love the doctrines and discipline of the Church. SECTION" III. Election of Delegates. 1. The election of ministers. The last Annual Conference prior to the sitting of the ensuing General Conference, shall elect SPart II.] GENERAL CONFERENCE. [Chap, r its delegates—two or more—and an alter¬ nate for each delegate. Provided, however, that the Virginia, Baltimore and New Jersey Conferences, owing to the lateness of their ■sessions, shall elect at the Conference next before the last in the quadrennium. The qualifications of an alternate shall be the same as those of a delegate. 2. Every delegate elected in due form by an Annual Conference shall be its represent¬ ative in the General Conference, though he may have been subsequently transferred to another Conference. Only full members of the Conference, however, shall vote or Le voteu for. 3. The election of laymen. The Annual Conference prior to the one preceding the General Conference shall designate the time and place for holding an electoral college to elect lay delegates to the General Conference. 4. The pastors of all the circuits and sta¬ tions in every Annual Conference shall con¬ vene their members at a given time for the purpose of electing lay members—one from each Quarterly Conference district to repre¬ sent their Quarterly Conferences in tbt electoral college?. 85 Part II.] GENERAL CONFERENCE. [Chap. L 5. Every college shall assemble at least three months previous to the last Annual Conference of the quadrennium, organize by electing a president and secretary of their number, observe devotional exercises, and then proceed to the election of two lay delegates to the General Conference, and two alternates. But Annual Conferences, with less than 1500 lay members, slialL be entitled to one lay delegate. 6. Thfe delegates and alternates elected ihall be furnished with credentials of their election, and these credentials shall be duly signed by the president and secretary of the college, and shall be furnished by the presi¬ dent. The delegates and alternates shall present said credentials to the ensuing An¬ nual Conference, that their names may be enrolled in its minutes as lay delegates to the General Conference. 7. All delegates shall be elected by ballot. At an Annual Conference this shall be done on a certain day set apart by the Conference. Two tellers and two secretaries shall be appointed by the Conference to take th& ballots and make a record of them. SECTION IV. Meeting of the General Conference. ]. The Conference shall meet perpetu- 86 Part II.] GENERAL CONFERENCE. [Ch. 1. ally, once in four years, on the first Monday in May. Entertainment Commission. A Commission shall be created, to be knovm as The General Conference En¬ tertainment Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. 1. This Commission shall consist of three Bishops, five Elders, and three Lay Delegates, all of whom shall be des¬ ignated by the preceding General Con¬ ference. 2. At least twelve months before the assembling of the General Conference, the Commission shall meet on tht call of the Senior Bishop on the Commission, and shall cause it to be known through¬ out tie Conneciion that applications will be received for the entertainment of the General Conference. 3. The Commission shall take into consideration, in passing upon applica¬ tions, the ability of the people to prop¬ erly entertain the Conference, access¬ ibility from all parts of the country, 87 Part H.] GENERAL CONFERENCE. [Ch. 1. railroad facilities, rates, and such other matters as, in their judgment, will con¬ tribute to the proper entertainment of the General Conference. 4. Should there be no applications for the General Conference, the Com¬ mission shall proceed to locate it at some point which shall the most fully satisfy the foregoing conditions; pro¬ viding, however, that they shall not select a place whose people, through their pastor, shall file an objection to such selection. 5. As soon as a proper selection shall have been marie notice thereof shall be given in the Christian Recorder and Southern Christian Recorder four con¬ secutive weeks. 6. The Commission shall create a Sub Committee which, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Bishops' Coun¬ cil and Financial Secretary, shall per¬ fect all arrangements for the proper entertainment of the General Confer¬ ence. 87a Part II.] GENERAL COXFEKENCE. [Ch. I. 7. In case of the neglect or failure of the Bishop designated in Section 2 of this bill to call the Commission together, three members of the Commis¬ sion may make such call. 8. The Bishops, with the advice of two-thirds of the Annual Conferences, when necessary shall call an extra session of the General Conference ; but, if there be no bishops, three elders, with the advice of two-thirds of the Annual Con¬ ferences, shall call it. 9. The Bishops, or said three Elders, shall then, in writing, notify the preachers in charge of circuits and stations to inform all the delegates in good standing, as members of the last quadrennial session, t-> attend the extra session at the time and place appointed by the bishops, or said three elders. After notice being thus duly given, if two-thirds of the dele¬ gates be present at the appointed time said place, they shall proceed to business «nd their proceedings shall be lawful. 10. If any Annual Conference should be ■without representation on receiving notice 87b Part II.] GENERAL CONFERENCE. [Ch. L of the extra session, the bishops, or, if no bishops, three elders of that Conerence, shall call an extra session of it, and it shall then elect both ministerial and lay delegates. SECTION" V. Restrictions of the General Conference. 1. The General Conference shall have full power to make rules and regulations for the Church, but it shall not repeal or change the articles of religion nor estab¬ lish any new rules of doctrine. 2. It shall not alter any rule of govern¬ ment to the effect of doing away with the Episcopacy or General Superintendency. 3. They shall not do away the privi¬ leges of our ministers, or preachers of trial by a committee of trial, and an ap¬ peal. Neither shall they do away the privileges of our members of trial before the society of which they are members, or by a committee, and of an appeal. 4. They shall not revoke or change the general rules of the United Societies. 5. They shall not appropriate the sur¬ plus of the Book Concern to any purpose 88 Part II.] GENERAL CO A' FEKEN CE. [Ch. L other than for the benefit of the Bishops, itinerant, supernumerary and superannu¬ ated preachers, their widows and orphans. Provided, nevertheless, That a majority of two-thirds of the General Conference shall suffice to alter the fifth restriction and none other. SECTION VI. Expenses of Delegates. 1. Every pastor in every Annual Con¬ ference shall collect a part of the money needed in said Annual Conference to defray the traveling expenses of its dele¬ gates to the General Conference. 2. The part to be collected shall be according to the per capita taxation of all the members of the Conference District. 3. The amount to be paid to each dele¬ gate shall be calculated at the rate of ten cents per mile, going to the General Con¬ ference, but not on returning from it. 4. The traveling expenses of the Bishops to the General Conference shall be paid eut of the general treasury. 5. The amount of traveling expenses 89 Part II.] ANNUAL CONFERENCES. [Ch. II. to be collected by each pastor shall be presented to the Annual Conference at which the delegates are to be elected; and in no case shall he fail to collect and present, or have presented in due time to said Conference, the amount de¬ cided to be his quota. 6. The Financial Committee, at the rise of every General Conference, shall pay the incidental expenses of the Con¬ ference, and then turn over the balance (if there be any) to the business man¬ ager, to defray the expense of printing the Book of Discipline and General Con¬ ference Minutes. CHAPTER II. ANNUAL CONFERENCES. SECTION I. Their Composition. 1. An Annual Conference shall be composed of all the traveling Eiders, Deacons and Licentiates within the Con¬ ference district, and all local preachers who have been licensed four full years, 90 Part II.] ANNUAL CONFERENCES. [Ch. II. recommended by their Quarterly Conferences, examined m the studies prescribed in the Book of Discipline and accepted by the Annual Con¬ ference But no local preachers shall be ad¬ mitted to membeiship. This does not, however, dismemoer the present local members. 2 Probationers in an Annual Conference, and visiting members from any other Confer¬ ence in the connection, may participate in de¬ bates, but shall not vote. SECTION II. Annual Conference Meetings. 1. Each Conference, at every annual session, shall designate the place where it will hold its next annual'session. 2. The time at which this session shall be held shall he appointed by the Pre¬ siding Bishop, and should be done at each annual session. 3. An Annual Conference year shaJl begin when the appointments are read in the Conference and shall continue until they are read at the next ensuing ses¬ sion. 4. Every session shall be held at least one week. 91 Part II.] ANNUAL CONFERENCES. [Ch. II- SECTION III. Organ king for Business. 1. The secretary of the preceding Con¬ ference, after devotional services, by order of the chairman, shall call the Confer¬ ence roll. 2. Immediately after this the Confer¬ ence shall proceed to elect a Secretary, Recording Secretary and Statistical Secre¬ tary ; after this, the Presiding Officer, u»= less otherwise ordered, shall appoint all committees necessary to carry on the Con¬ ference business 3. The Recording Secretary shall en¬ gross all the proceedings of the Confer¬ ence, and all the decisions rendered by the Bishop as recorded by the Secretary; and the Bishop shall see that his deci¬ sions are correctly entered in the jour¬ nal. 4. One Bishop, at least, shall be pre¬ sent at each Annual Conference, to pre¬ side over it; but in case of absence the Conference shall elect aPresident^ro tem., and he, or the Bishop, and the Secretary rfiall sign the Record, which shall be Part II.] ANNUAL CONFERENCES. [Ch. II. sent to every session of the General Confer¬ ence. The Committee on Finance shall be elected by the Annual Conference. SECTION IV. Mode of Procedure. Each pastor shall report: A. NUMERICAL STATISTICS. Number Persons Converted. " Accessions to Full Membership. " Members in the ChHrne. " Probationers in the Charge. " Exhorters in the Charge. " Local Preachers in the Charge. " Missionary Societies. " Chun h Auxiliary Societies. " C hurches. " Parsonages. " School Houses owned by the Charge. The Seating Capacity of the Church. B. FINANCIAL STATISTICS. (J) Moneys Collected for Connectional and General Purposes. The Dollar-Money Fund. " P., H. and F. Mission Fund. " Women's Union Mission Fund. " College Fund. 93 ANNUAL CONFERENCES. [Ch. II> The Payne Seminary Fund. " College Endowment Fund. " Sunday-school Union Fund. " Church Extension Fund. " Conference Contingent Fund. " Bible Cause Fund. (2) Money Collected for Local Purposes. For Pastor's Support. " Presiding Elders' Support. " Purchasing, Building or Repairing Church Pi operty. " Current Expenses of the Charge. M Charitable Purposes. From Church Extension Board, by Loan or Donation. Total Collected for all Purposes. (5) Miscellaneous- Value of all Church Property on the Charge. Indebtedness of the Charge. Balance in Stewards' Treasury. Balance in Trustees' Treasury. C. SUNDAY SCHOOL STATISTICS. (1) Numerical. No. Sunday-schools. n Officers. " Teachers. 93a Part II.] ANNUAL CONFERENCES. [Oh. IL No. Pupils. '' Conversions. " Circulating Books in Library. " Bibles. u Hymn Books. " Lesson Helps taken Quarterly. " Missionary Societies. " Temperance Societies. (£) Financial. Mone^ s Collected: For Support of Sunday-school. (Not to be included in the Church Statistics,) For All Mission Funds, by Sunday-school. " All Education Funds, by Sunday-school. " Sunday-school Union Funds, by Sunday- school. " Church Extension Funds, by Sunday- school. Total Collected by Sunday-schools. Value of Sunday school Property. Indebtedness of Sunday-school. Balance in Sunday-school Treasury. 94 Part II.] ANNUAL CONFERENCES. [Chap. II, The Bishop shall ask the following questions: 1. What preachers are admitted on trial? 2. Who remain on trial? 3. Who are admitted, or re-admitted to full connection? 4. Who are the Deacons? 5. Who have been elected and ordainedDea- cons a id Elders this year? 6. Who have located this year ? 7. Who have been elected by the General Conference to exercise the Episcopal offi'e in, and to superintend the African Methodist Epis¬ copal Church? 8. Who are the supernumerary preachers? 9. Who are the superannuated preachers? 10. Who have been expelled from the con¬ nection by this Conference? 11. Who have withdrawn this year from this Conference and the connection ? 12. Are al 1 the preachers blameless in life and conversation ? 13. What members of the Conference have died this year? 14 Where are the preachersstationed this year1 15. Where shall our next Conference be held? lfi. Wh^n shall we hold the next annual (ses¬ sion of this Conference ? SECTION V. Conference Literary Exercises. 1. One day at each annual Conference session, shall be devoted to literary ex¬ ercises—namely, to discussions, to essays, 95 Part II.] DISTRICT CONFERENCES. [Ch. III. addresses, and to such other literary exercises as may be determined by the Bishop and Conference, and if time be not convenient at Conference a literary convention should be held during the year at the call of the Bishop of the District. 2. The Bishop, or a President elected by the Conference, shall preside at the meeting held for these exercises, and shall appoint the ministers who are to read and give addresses on these occasions. 3. The Constitution and By-Laws of our Con- nectional, Historical and Literary Association, adopted by the Houie of Bishops, can be found, page 290, in Methodist Polity. CHAPTER III. DISTRICT CONFERENCES. SECTION I. Their Composition. 1, The District Conference shall be composed of all traveling ministers and local preachers, and one steward from each Quarterly Conference within a Pre¬ siding Elder's District. 2. The steward shall be elected h7 ballot at the first Quarterly Conference after the Annual Conference Session, and 96 Part II.J DISTRICT CONFERENCES. [Ch. III. the secretary of the Quarterly Confer¬ ence shall count the ballots and the chairman shall declare the result. SECTION II. District Conference Meetings. 1. The District Conference shall meet Once a year, and in the iirst quarter at the time and place appointed by the Presiding Elder. 2. It shall continue in session not less than two days nor more than three. SECTION III. Organization. 1. The Presiding Elder of the District shall be the chairman of the conference; but if a Bishop be present he shall be invited to preside; but in the absence of both Presiding Elder and Bishop the conference shall elect a chairman and proceed to business. It shall also elect a secretary for the purpose of recording the proceedings. 2. The chairman shall then appoint alJ committees, unless otherwise ordered, 97 Part II.] DISTRICT CONFERENCES. [Ch. Ill to attend to the work of the conference in detail. SECTION IV. Business of the Conference. 1. (a) The Conference shall make provision for obtaining the Presiding Elder's support. (6) The District Conference shall examine by committee all applicants for admission into the traveling rela¬ tion. It shall recommend for presen¬ tation at the Annual Conference such persons only as give evidence of efficiency, and possess the necessary qualifications of an itinerant African Methodist preacher. (c) It shall examine and license the local preaohers, who bring from their respective Quarterly Conferences a cer¬ tificate bearing the signature of the Pastor and the Secretary of the Official Board that the said applicants are in every way worthy and acceptable to the members in the Society; but a com¬ mittee of the Annual Conference shall 98 Part II.] DISTRICT CONFERENCES. [Ch, III. examine and pass upon the fitness of said applicants; if found acceptable, a license to preach in the African Metho¬ dist Episcopal Church shall be issued, signed by the Presiding Elder, but it must be renewed annually (at the Dis¬ trict Conference) after similar examina¬ tion in open Conference. 2. It shall also take into considera¬ tion the following subjects: 1. The financial ability of the people through¬ out the district. 2. Their moral worth, and what the people are doing for Missions. 3. The spiritual condition of the churches. 4. The condition of the public schools. 5. The requirements of Wabbath-schools. 6. The means necessary to make the churches financially more prosperous. 3. Committees shall be appointed up cm all these subjects and shall submit carefully written reports on them to the conference session. 4. Religious services shall be observed at all the meetings and the. Presiding Elder shall preach the opening sermoa 98a Part II.] QUARTERLY CONFERENCES. [Ch. IV. of the session; and furthermore special sermons shall be preached on each even¬ ing daring the session. 5. The conference shall have a record of all its proceedings kept in a book pro¬ vided for the purpose and it shall be the duty of the secretary to preserve it until demanded by the conference. 6. The Conference shall give its at¬ tention to the establishment of district schools. SECTION V. Traveling Expenses. 1. It shall be the duty of the several churches in the district to pay the travel¬ ing expenses of the members of the Dis¬ trict Conference to and from the place of its session. CHAPTER IV. QUARTERLY CONFERENCES. SECTION I. Their Composition. 1. The Quarterly Conference shall con¬ sist of the traveling preachers or pastors Part II.] QUARTERLY CONFERENCES. [Ch. IV. on a circuit, or in a station, the local preachers, exhorters, stewards, class- leaders and the superintendent of the Sunday School, providing that he be a member of the church where the school is located. SECTION II. Quarterly Conference Meetings. 1. The sessions of the Quarterly Con¬ ference shall be held every three months or four times a year, on every circuit and in every station. 2. The time and place of meeting shall be appointed by the Presiding Elder; but if there be no Presiding Elder it shall be appointed by the Pastor. 3. At each conference there shall be a secretary or secretaries elected for the purpose of recording the proceedings; and this shall be faithfully and carefully done in a suitable book supplied for this purpose. Part II.] QUARTERLY CONFERENCES. [Ch. IV. 4. If no efficient secretary can be ob¬ tained, the Presiding Elder himself shall act as secretary of the Quarterly Confer¬ ence. 5. All the questions shall be written out in the book and be answered in gen¬ eral and in particular. SECTION III. Form of Business. 1. Are there any appeals from mem¬ bers of tnis society ? 2. Are there any applications for license to exhort ? 3. Are there any licenses to be re¬ newed for Exhorters 4. How many persons have been re¬ ceived on probation ? 1st. At A 2d. At B 3d. At C Total 101 Part II.] QUARTERLY CONFERENCES. [Ch. IV. 5. How many persons have been re¬ ceived into full membership ? 1st. At A 2d. At B 3d. At C . 6. How many persons are now ready to be received into full membership ? 7. How many members have been re¬ ceived by certificate ? 8. How many have left with certifi¬ cates ? 9. How many have left without certi¬ ficates ? 10. How many have been expelled from this society, or the societies ? 11. How many members have died this quarter and what were their names ? 12. What number of full members in this society, or on this circuit ? If on a circuit—1st At A 2d At B 3d At C Total 13. What number of probationers in this society or on this circuit? If a circuit 1st At A. &c. 102 Fart II.] QUARTERLY CONFERENCES. [Ch. IV. 14. What lias been the increase of foil members this quarter ? 15. How many infants and adults have been baptized this quarter ? 1st Infants 2d. Adults 16. What are the names of those who have been baptized ? 17. How many Sunday Schools and what number of pupils ? Schools. If a circuit Pupils at A B C Total 18. What number of books in the library or in the libraries ? If a circuit 1st at A and so on. 19. How much has been collected for Sunday School purposes ? 1st at A and so on. 20. How and for what purpose has this amount been appropriated ? 21. How much has been collected to pay the minister or ministers this quarter ? 103 Part II.] QUARTERLY CONFERENCES. [Ch. IV For Presiding Elder at A a u u B...... a (i « Q Total For Pastor at A " " B " " C Total How much for other Stewards' pur¬ poses ? 22. How much has been collected by the Trustees ? How has it been expended? 23. What is the present indebted¬ ness? (1) Of the Trustees (2) Of the Stewards 24. How much for general purposes? (1) Dollar Money (2) Education Money (3) Missionary Money (4) Children's Day Money— (а) Sunday School Union. (б) Church Extension 104 Part II.] QUARTERLY CONFERENCES. [Ch. IV. 25. How many subscribers to our periodicals this quartei ? (1) The Christian Recorder. (2) The Southern Christian Re¬ corder. (3) The Vou-e of Missions. (4) The A. M. k. Re,vinw. SECTION IV. Reports. 1. The chairman shall, next in order to the questions, call for:— (1) The Trustees'Report. (2) The Stewards' Report. (3) The Sabbath School Superin¬ tendent's Report (4) The Choir Leader's Report. (5) Extra Reports. 2. All these reports shall be care¬ fully written cut previous to the Quarterly Conference session, and shall be received and adopted by the conference, or shall be sent 104a Part II.] QUARTERLY CONFERENCES. r®». IV. back to their respective departments for correction if necessary. After being sent back they shall be returned to the next Quarterly Conference, unless otherwise ordered- 3. These reports shall contain incidents and particulars concerning the charges which are not drawn forth by the regu¬ lar series of questions. SECTION Y. Miscellaneous Business. 1, The Conference shall next act upon Such matters as are brought before it by proper motions, or resolutions. This be¬ ing done, the Conference shall examine the moral, religious and official character of its members ; the person whose char¬ acter is on its passage, (at the request of a member) shall withdraw; this con¬ cluded, the Conference may act upon such motions and resolutions as may come be¬ fore it. The proceedings of the Confer¬ ence shall be kept in a book prepared for that purpose, which book shall remain in the hands of the stewards, and for which they shall be responsible. fart II.] OFFICIAL BOARDS. ICh. V. CHAPTER V. OFFICIAL BOARDS. SECTION I. Members of the Board. 1. The Board shall be composed of all the class leaders, exhorters and stewards of a circuit^or station. 2. The pastor shall be a member of the Board and its chairman ex-officio. 3. Local preachers shall be regarded as honorary members of the Board and shall be requested to visit it at its regu¬ lar session. SECTION II. Meetings of the Board. 1. The Official Board of every station shall meet at least once every week. 2. The Official Board of every circuit shall meet at least once in every two weeks. 3. Extra meetings shall be called by the pastor whenever he sees it necessary, and shall be promptly attended by the members, whether of a station or circuit. 106 Part II.] OFFICIAL BOARDS. [Ch. V. 4. All meetings of the Board shall be opened with religious service. SECTION III. Business of the Board. 1. It shall annually elect a Secretary, who shall keep a strict account of the proceedings, who should be a Steward. 2. It shall at the same time elect a Treasurer, to hold all moneys collected or obtained by other means under the auspices of the Stewards. 3. The Board shall require the Lead¬ ers to pay over to the Steward, at its sessions, whatever sums they may have collected for the church, the pastor and the poor. 4. It shall see, at its sessions, that the pastor receives his regular support; and it shall devise ways and means to pay him and the Presiding Elder all that is due them. 5. It shall receive-of the Leaders re¬ ports on the following subjects: (1.) On those who walk disorderly and will not be reproved. 107 Part II.] OFFICIAL BOARDS. [Oh. V. (2.) On those who are sick and need the attention of the pastor. (3.) On the deaths of members. (4.) On those who wilfully and per¬ sistently neglect their classes. (5.) On those who have left the church without certificates. 6. The Board shall have power to send out committees for the purpose of making investigation concerning rumors affecting the moral standing of any member; and shall, moreover, have members to appear before it that they may explain such ru¬ mors. 7. It shall, after examination and due deliberation, drop the names of those pro¬ bationers who wilfully and continuously absent themselves from the church and disregard its authority. SECTION IV. Restrictions on the Official Board. 1. It shall not have power to try and expel members of the church. Such a course would make the chairman liable to the charge of maladministration. 108 Part in.] THE EPISCOPACY. [Ch.l 2. It can not overrule the pastor, or reverse ins decisions, or change his plans lor the government of the charge. CHURCH CONFERENCE. 1. A Church Conference is a meet¬ ing of the members and minister resid¬ ing aud worshiping at a given place, for the consideration and transaction of local Church business, the minister in charge being the presiding officer. 2. The duties of the Conference may be many and varied; such as call¬ ing tne roll of membership, for the correction of the roll; recommending persons to the Presiding Elder and members of the District Conference for license to preach the gospel; adopt¬ ing petitions to the Bishop and An¬ nual Conference for the ordination of local Deacons and Elders for the use of the Church; encourage Church love, patriotism and unity ; lecture upon and explain the duties of the members to¬ ward the Dollar-Money Fund; Easter Sabbath, Educational and Children's Part in.] THE EPISCOPACY. [Ch.I. Day collections; give the members information of what is being done in Church work, mission fields, Church schools and colleges; present the claims of our Church literature— Chris¬ tian Recorders, Quarterly Bevietv, Voice of Missions — benefits of supplying themselves with hymn books, disci¬ plines, etc., as well as having Literary Societies, Mite Missionary Societies, Women's Home and Foreign Mission¬ ary Societies, and seek the cooperation of the members in measures of benevo¬ lence and mercy, for the sick, poor and needy; enlist their efforts to buildup the Sabbath School, search out for poor children, and in engaging in what¬ ever will promote the kingdom of God on earth. 3. The Pastor ought to report to the Church his labors, burdens, cares, and point out places where the mem¬ bers, or a portion of them, could work for the glory of God. The officers, also, should give information of their work, explain the indebtedness of the 109a Part III.] THE EPISCOPACY. [Ch. I, Church, agree upon rallies for the pay¬ ment of the same; establish additional prayer-meetings, either in the Church or at the houses of members; find places, if passible, where exhorters could be employed, and applicants £f the connection demands his service. 9. He shall not allow any preacher to re¬ main on a circuit or in a station when it is evident that his continuance is injurious to the prosperity of the Church. 10. He shall not remove a preacher with¬ out his consent beyond the bounds of his district until he shall have given him at least three months' notice prior to the time appointed for his removal. Nor shall the Bishop accept a transferred preacher against whom there is a charge, till after the confer¬ ence shall have full time to examine his character and pass upon the same. Any Bishop who shall knowingly violate this pro¬ hibition shall be proceeded against by the Annual Conference, as per Discipline. 11. The Presiding Bishop, whenever ho transfers a member uf an Annual Conference shall give the following form of certificate : This is to certify (hot a in good and regular standing, has been transferred from the Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to the Annual Conference of (he same Church, the transfer! to take place on ind after , 18 D I?, Presiding Bishop. 112 Part III.J THE EPISCOPACY. [Ch. L 12. He shall entertain all motions duly made and secondeu in an Annual Conference, when they do not come in conflict with positive law. 13. He shall not exercise his episcopal office in any degree over the Church unless he travel at large throughout his district. His duty in this respect shall be regulated by the General Conference, and it shall make provision for his traveling expenses. He shall see that all funds of the Co iference are appropriated according to Discipline. 14. The Bishops shall not ordain any woman to the order of Deacon or Elder in the A. M. E. Church. They shall prepare annually a Year Book of African Methodism, to coniain general knowl¬ edge and facts of our and other Methodisms. Also, it shall contain a condensed form of resolu¬ tions and other matter of interest, such as rulings and decisions of the Bishops on law, as may be settled upon by the House of Bishops, from time to time, for the good of the Church. And to in- 113 Part IIL] PRESIDING ELDERS. [Ch.H. elude any and all interpretations of the law of Methodism that they (the Bi&hops) may have been questioned upon, or as may be agreed upon by the House of Bishops. The said book shall be published by the Book Concern immediately upon its compila¬ tion, and be sold at a small sum for the benefit of the Publishing Department. The first issue of the said Year Book shall begin with the rise of the General Conference of 1896. The second issue to begin in May next, after the adjourn¬ ment of said General Conference, and end with April of the next succeeding year, and bo on annually. CHAPTER II. presiding elders. SECTION 1. The Office. 1. Every Annual Conference shall have not less than one Presiding Elder, and as 113a Part III.] PRESIDING ELDERS. [Chap. IL many more as it and the Bishop think ne¬ cessary for the work. SECTION II. Presiding Elders' Districts. 1. The territory within the bounds of an Annual Conference, when there is more than one Presiding Elder, shall be divided into sub-districts, and each one of these shall con¬ tain not less than thirteen nor more than twenty circuits and stations as charges under the supervision of a Presiding Elder. 2. The districts shall be arranged, so far as possible, to embrace from two to three thou¬ sand members, and to include, as nearly as they can, an equalization of material wealth. Provided, that in conferences where they cannot form districts with the requisite two or three thousand members, the Conference and Bishop, shall together, so arrange the districts as to give the Presiding Elder a pas¬ toral charge. Provided, further, that his own charge shall be in another Presiding Elder's district, in order that every pastor may have a Presiding Elder. SECTION III. Appointments. 1. The Bishop, according to his best judg¬ ment, shall select the most experienced and 114 Pwt III ] PRESIDING ELDERS. [chaP- IL best qualified Elders of an Annual Confer¬ ence to be appointed to this office. He shall, in all instances, select men of high moral standing. 2. When a Presiding Elder is appointed to a district, he may remain in it five years, unless the Bishop see the necessity of remov¬ ing him. SECTIOH IV. Qualifications for the Office. 1. The appointee shall be a man of good health, vigorous and well able to preach and stand the hardships of continuous travel. 2. He shall be able to keep the Quarterly Conference minutes, and to give proper di¬ rections in all the affairs of the Church. SECTION V. Presiding Elders' Duties. 1. A Presiding Elder shall take charge of all the Elders, Deacons, Licentiates, Local Preachers and Exhorters in his district. 2. He shall travel at large in his district, and preside at all the Quarterly Confer¬ ences and Quarterly Meetings, and preach once or mote at every place he visits. 3. He_ shall give decisions on all questions •f law in the Quarterly Conferences, but be 115 Part III.] PRESIDING ELDERS. [Chap. II subjectto appeals to the Annual Conferences. He shall, though, in all cases, leave the appli¬ cation of law with the Quarterly Conferences. 4. He shall change or remove the preachers in the interval of the Annual Conference ses¬ sion, after strict investigation, where the inter¬ est of churches demands it, or he shall remove a preacher when the majority of a congrega¬ tion is dissatisfied and the Official Board in a signed petition requests him to do it—provided he assign said preacher to another held of labor. He may call a committee of investiga¬ tion or for the trial of a case. 5. He may employ a preacher who has been rejected by an Annual Conference, because of failure to stand an examination, provided the Annual Conference give him permission and the preacher be a man of good moral standing. 6. He shall give pastors all the assistance he can at Quarterly Meetings, see that the business of the conferences is kept in strict accord with the Discipline, and endeavor to have satisfac¬ tory appointments of pastors for all the people in his district. He shall thoroughly acquaint himself with the efficiency and acceptability of all the pastors in his district. He shall demand no part of the Connectional Sabbath Day's col¬ lection on his assessment, but all moneys col¬ lected on Educational and Easter Days, etc., must be sont to the proper Treasurer. 116 Psai III.J PRESIDING ELDERS. [Cfa. IL- SECTION YI. Protective Measures. 1. A Presiding Elder shall not cease to travel without the consent of the An¬ nual Conference or the Bishop. 2. He shall be removed from his office for imprudence in administration or im¬ purity of life. in the trial of a Presiding Elder ali the members of the Committee shall be Elders or Deacons and Elders. SECTION VII. A Presiding Elder's Salary. 1. The Presiding Elder's salary shali be the same as other traveling preachers,, and his traveling expenses shall be paid by the churches from one point to the next appointment in his district. 2. 'i his salary shall be apportioned in the district according to the number of members in each charge. A committee, to make this apportionment, should be appointed at the Annual Conference,and the Presiding Elder shall be an advisory member of it 117 JPart III.] TRAVELING ELDERS. [Ch. III. 3. The apportionment made to each circuit and station shall be submitted to the Annual Conference in the form of a report ana published in the minutes. 4. Each pastor, before the Quarterly Conference, shall collect the apportion¬ ment of his charge and have it for the Presiding Elder when he comes so that lie may be unincumbered in Tailoring at the Quarterly Meeting by j reai hing, inviting persons to join the church, and doing all in his power to build up the church, and help the pastor in every particular, even to raise his Conference claims. 5. All deficiencies of the Presiding Elder's support shall be raised by extra collections in his district, ordered by the Annual Conference to be •collected after its annual session ; but the order shall apply only to those circuits and stations which have failed to pay their apportionments. CHAPTER III TRAVELING ELDERS. SECTFON I. Election and Ordination. 1. A preacher who has been ordained to the diaconate shall be constituted an Elder by a majority of an Annual Con- 118 Part III.] TRAVELING ELDERS. [Ch. IIL ference electing him to the office, and by a Bishop and the examining Elders or¬ daining him by an imposition of their hands. 2. The Annual Conference that elects him shall be certain that he has been thoroughly instructed in the nature of the vow3 he must take and perform as ao Elder. SECTION II. The Duty of a Traveling Elder. 1. He shall attend the General Super¬ intendent whenever he is in his charge, and by letter give him when absent all necessary information concerning it. 2. He shall travel through his charge,, administer Baptism and the Lord's Sup¬ per, perform the rite of matrimony, and conduct all parts of Divine worship. 3. He shall not cease to labor in the- itinerancy, except in case of sickness, de¬ bility, or uncontrollable circumstances, without getting the consent of the Annual Conference certified by the hand of the Presiding Bishop. The final determina** 119 Part I [I.] TRAVELING ELDERS. [Ch. IIL tion though of all such cases shall be by the Annual Conference. 4. He shall call all meetings for the transaction of spiritual, or temporal busi¬ ness in his charge, and preside over said meetings—except those in which he is to answer accusations against himself. 5. He shall take charge of all the local Elders and Deacons, Preachers and Ex¬ porters on his circuit, or in his station, and shall be present at all of his Quar¬ terly Meetings and shall preside in the Quarterly Conferences when the Presiding Elder is absent. He shall have every part of the Discipline enforced in his charge. 6. He shall see that no person officiates as a preacher or exhorter in his church or any of his churches, without first ob¬ taining license from the District Con¬ ference ; and moreover he shall' insist that said license shall be renewed once every year. 7. He shall warn his members from time to time, not to remove from one charge to another without getting a note 120 P„:rt III.] TRAVELING ELDERS. [Ch. III. of recommendation from him; and shall aUo inform them that they, without such a note, will not be received into other si pieties. The said note or certificate si Ml remain good for only six months, shall be drawn up according to the following [form.] This is to certify that the bearer has been an acceptable member of our society in Signed 8. He shall be diligent, never unem¬ ployed, never triiiingly employed. 9. He shall meet the societies, classes and general bands, visit the sick, and see that the preachers in his charge or on his circuit behave well. 10. Be shall renew the Love-feast- tickets quarterly and regulate the bands. 11. He shall meet the stewards and leaders as often as possible, appoint all leaders and change them when he sees it necessary. The stewards, though, he 121 Part III.] TRAVELING ELDERS. [Ch. IIL shall appoint in the manner directed by the discipline. 12. He shall receive, try and expel members according to the form of Disci¬ pline, and, at every quarterly meeting, shall read the names of those who have been received and those who have been excluded; he shall hold quarterly meet¬ ings, love-feasts and watch night services. The love-feasts he may permit to last one hour and a half. 13. He shall see that every society is duly supplied with books and take an exact account of the number of members in the Society on his circuit, or in hia station, and deliver such account to the Annual Conference that it may be printed in the minutes. 14. He shall meet the men and women apart in the larger societies once a quarter, whenever it is practicable, and as soon as there are four men or women believers in any place put them in a band. 15. He shall see that every band lead¬ er has the rules of the band, and aided by the other preachers in his charge, shall 122 Part III.] TRAVELING ELDERS. (Ch. III. read the rules of the society once a quar¬ ter to every society, and once a year to every congregation. 16. He shall over-look the accounts of all the stewards, trustees and other or¬ ganizations belonging to the church, and appoint a person to receive the quarterly collections in the classes when there is no steward. 17. He shall see that public collections be made quarterly, if need be to assist in making up the allowances of the preach¬ ers ; and shall raise a yearly subscription on those circuits that can bear it, for the building of churches and the payment of the debts of those which have been built, and shall also choose a committee of lay members where there is no steward, to make a just application of the money to the most needy places. 18. He shall everywhere recommend decency and cleanliness ; enforce vigor¬ ously, but calmly, all rules of the society ; see that in every society on his circuit, a fast be held on the Friday preceding every quarterly meeting, and also that a Part III.] TRAVELING ELDERS. [Ch. Iii memorandum of it be written on all th« class papers. 19. He, and every minister who has charge of a Circuit or Station, at lea^t once a year, in every society, shall read the thoughts upon dress, and exhort the people to conform to the spirit of the Apostolic precepts concerning gold, pearlt and costly array.—1st Tim. ii. chap. 9th verse: 1st Peter iii. chap. 3d verse. All of our preachers shall put off all super¬ fluous and costly apparel. 20. Any minister who violates this rule shall be subject to suspension ; and an¬ nual Conferences shall faithfully give afc- tention to this at their Annual Sessions. 21. An Elder, or Minister, wherever it is practicable, shall assign persons taken on probation, to a class unto them¬ selves, and keep them in it at least six months on probation. 22. He shall receive none into full membership, but those who have stood out their probation, been baptized, been recommended by a leader, and have give* on examination bv himself before the 124 rurt III.] TRAVELING ELDERS. [Ch. ILL church, satisfactory evidence of correct faith and of a "willingness to observe the rules and keep them. 23. He shall give tickets to none but those who have met a leader for six months and have been recommended by him; neither shall he give notes to any but those who have met three or four times in class, or been recommended by some one known to him. 24. Whenever he leaves a .Circuit or Station, or is removed from it, he shall submit to his successor an accurate ac¬ count of its condition. 25. He shall at once remove a leader when he deems him unprofitable to the church. He shall suspend a steward from his office, whenever he has sufficient cause, and shall appoint a substitute to act un¬ til the ensuing Quarterly Conference, which shall make a final disposition of the case. SECTION III. Duty to Children and Sabbath Schools. 1.—Every Pastor shall gather in the ehildren; and wherever there are ten, 125 Part III.] TRAVELING ELDERS. [Ch. ill. whose parents will permit it, he shall meet them once in a week, or once in two weeks for the purpose of giving them in¬ struction and training them in the cate¬ chism. To this end he shall procure our catechisms and have them committed to memory by all who can read. 2. He shall expressly preach on educa¬ tion ; talk with the children at home ; ex¬ plain the nature of religion to them and impress the necessity of it upon their hearts. He shall earnestly pray for them and exhort their parents at home. 3. He shall take the names of those who have been truly awakened and admit them to society. But if he should say," I have no gift for this," he should pray for it and use every other means to obtain it. 4. He shall, so far as it is practicable, take the children of his congregation and form them into Sabbath-schools. 5. He shall take their names and form them into classes for the purpose of giv¬ ing them religious instruction, an-5. to do this as regularly himself as his other duties will permit him. 120 Part 1IL] TRAVELING DEACONS. [Ch. IV 6. He shall teach them the nature of religion : and also the nature, privileges, design and obligations of baptism. 7. He shall, furthermore, appoint a suitable leader for each class to instruct it in his absence and recommend to him those who are suitable to be admitted on trial. 8. He shall leave his successor a cor¬ rect account of each class formed, and also the name of its leader. CHAPTER IV. TRAVELING DEACONS. SECTION I. Election and Ordination. 1. A preacher to be made eligible to the Diaconate, shall travel two full years as a member of an Annual Conference. 2. Whenever the cause of Missions, though demands his services as a Deacon, and he can give satisfaction in the course of studies prescribed in the Book of Discipline, and it is judged to be expe¬ dient, the Annual Conference may elect 127 Part III.} TRAVELING DEACONS. [Ch. IV. him sooner. Provided, that he has been carefully instructed in the nature of the vows he must take to perform his duty as a Deacon. 3. On being elected by a majority of the Annual Conference he shall be or¬ dained to the Diaconate by the impo¬ sition of the hands of a Bishcp. SECTION II. The Ditties of a Deacon. 1. He shall attend the General Super¬ intendent and the Presiding Elder when¬ ever they are present in his charge, and shall give them by letter, all necessary information concerning the condition of his work. 2. He shall perform the baptismal and matrimonial services in the absence of an Elder and assist an Elder in administer¬ ing the Lord's Supper. 3. He shall travel and labor in his charge, and visit the sick, meet the societies, classes and General Bands, regulate the Bands and renew the quar¬ terly tickets. 128 Part III. TRAVELING DEACONS. |Ch. IV. 4. He shall as often as possible, meet the leaders and the stewards, overlook the accounts of the stewards, and have, if need be, quarterly collections taken up to aid in making up the allowance to the preachers: and shall appoint a person, where there is no steward, to re¬ ceive the quarterly collections in the classses. 5. He shall hold Quarterly Meetings, Watch-night meetings and Love-feasts, allowing the Love-feasts to last one hour and a half. 6. He shall enforce rigorously, but calmly, all the rules of the society, and every part of the Book of Discipline; and shall receive, try and expel members according to the forms given in the Book of Discipline. 7. He, aided by the preachers of his circuit or station, shall read 'the rules once a quarter in every society and once a year in the congregation, and he shall see that every society is supplied with books. 8. He shall frequently warn his mew- fart III.] TRAVELING DEACONS. [Ch. IV! bers not to move from his charge to any other without getting from his hand the following note of recommendation : " The bearer has been an ac¬ ceptable member of our Society. " Signed." He shall inform them that without such a note they will not be received into our "Societies. 9. He shall take an exact account of the number of members in the Society on his circuit, or in his station, and pre¬ sent it to the Annual Conference to be printed in the minutes. He shall leave his successor a particular account of the condition of said circuit or station. 10. He shall preside at the Quarterly Con ferenee in the absence of the Presid¬ ing Eider, and when the Conference has been appointed by the Presiding Elder. 11. He shall not act as the Deacon or even preach in our churches, if he cease traveling without the consent of the Annual Conference certified by the president of the Conference, except h« 130 P-rt III.] TRAVELING LICENTIATES. [Ch. V. be incapacitated by sickness, debility or- unavoidable circumstances. All suck cases though shall be finally settled by the Annual Conference. 12. A Deacon shall be diligent; never unemployed or trifiingly employed. He and all pastors in their charges, shall organize the local preachers and ex- horters into a class for mutual improve¬ ment and shall report to the next Quar¬ terly Conference those who refuse to unite with such a class, and there they shall be jeproved; or, if a majority of the Conference think it best shall be re¬ moved from their offices. CHAPTER Y. TRAVELING LICENTIATES. SECTION I. Mode of Reception. 1. A licentiate shall be received ont probation in the itinerant service by the vote of an Annual Conference. In the interval of the Annual Conference he shall 131 ?art III.] TRAVELING LICENTIATES. [Ch. V. be received by the Bishop or a Presiding Elder. 3. A licentiate, to be admitted on tria! by an Annual Conference, shall first pro¬ cure a recommendation from the Dis¬ trict Conference of his circuit or station. The case of those who have been re¬ ceived by the Bishop or the Presiding Elder, shall be decided by the confer¬ ence without said recommendation. 4. After two years' probation, which commences when he is received at the conference or taken up in th,e interval he may be received into full connection after being examined and approved by the conference and given the form of Discipline inscribed thus :— " As long as you freely consent to, and earnestly endeavor to walk by these rules, we shall rejoice to acknowledge you as a fellow laborer." SECTION II. Duty of a Licentiate. 1. He shall do all the work of a trav¬ eling deacon except that of baptizing and l>art III.] TRAVELING LICENTIATE [Cli. Y. 2. He shall travel two full years be¬ fore he is eligible to the Diaconate but for the advantage of Missions, if he give satisfaction in the course of studies pre¬ scribed in the Book of Discipline, the Annual Conference may elect him sooner. SECTION III. Special Instructions. 1. Be diligent. Never be unemployed or triflingly employed. Never trifle away any time ; neither spend any more at one place than is strictly necessary 2. Be serious. Avoid all lightness, jesting and foolish talking. Converse sparingly and conduct yourselves pru¬ dently with women. 1 Tim. v. 2. Be ashamed of nothing but sin. Let your motto be " Holiness unto the Lord." 3. Take no step towards marrying without consulting your brethren. A Methodist preacher ought uot to be married to a woman without the. consent of her parents. 4. Believe evil of no one without good evidence: unless you see it done, take 133 3Pa» III.] TRAVELING LICENTIATES. [Ch. y. heed you credit it not. Put the best construction on everything. You know the judge is always supposed to be on the prisoner's side. 5. Speak evil of no one, because your word especially doth eat as a canker. Keep your thoughts within your own breast until you come to the person con¬ cerned. 6. Tell every one under your care what you think wrong in his conduct and temper, and that lovingly and plainly as soon as may be, else it will fester in your heart. Make all haste to cast the fire out of your bosom. 7. Be punctual. Do everything ex¬ actly at the time: and do not mend our rules, but keep them ; not for wrath, but for conscience's sake. 8. Avoid all affectation. A preacher of the gospel is a servant to all. You have nothing to do but to save souls ; therefore spend and be spent in this work. And go always not only to those who want you, but those to who want you most. It is not your business only to preach so 134 Part III. TRAVELING LICENTIATES. [Ch. V. many times and to take care of this or that society, but to save as many as you can ; to bring as many sinners to repent¬ ance as you can ; and with all your power to build them up in that holiness, with¬ out which they cannot see the Lord. Remember a Methodist preacher is to mind every point great and small in the African Methodist Discipline. You will, therefore, need to exercise all the sense and grace you have. 9. Act in all things not according to your own will but as a son in the gospel. As such it is your duty to employ your time in the manner which we direct; in preaching and visiting from house to house, in reading, meditation and prayer. Above all, if you labor with us in the vineyard of the Lord, it is necessary you should do that part of the work which we advise at those times and places which we judge most for His glory. SECTION IY. Pertinent Observations. 1. If a licentiate give us satisfaction aa 135 Part III. TRAVELING LICENTIATES. [Ch. V. to his knowledge of the discipline and doctrines of the Church; and of his knowledge of the connections necessary in a discourse, and of Church history, particularly of ours, and of all the studies prescribed in the Appendix of the Book of Discipline, we may then receive him as a probationer by giving him the form of discipline inscribed thus,— To A B. " You think it your duty to call sinners to repentance. Make full proof of it, and we shall rejoice to receive you as a fellow laborer." Then let him carefully read and weigh what is contained in the Book of Disci¬ pline, that if he has any doubt it may be removed. 2. If he should be destitute of the fore¬ going necessary qualifications, he may be referred to a committee, who shall ex¬ amine him occasionally during the ensu¬ ing year ; and if they recommend him his application may be again presented to the next Annual Conference. 3. Taking on trial is entirely different from admitting a preacher into full con- 136 LICENTIATES INTO FULL CONNECTION. nection. One on trial may be either ad¬ mitted or rejected without doing him any wrong; otherwise it would be no trial at all. 4. No preacher shall be admitted into full connection without the consent of the Annual Conference. Every one who has charge of a circuit or station should explain this to those who are on trial and to those who are to be pro- posed in the future. 5. If any preacher absent himself from his charge without the leave of the General Superintendent, or the Pre« siding Elder, his place shall be filled by another preacher, who shall be paid in proportion to the time employed, from the salary of the absent preacher. Itinerancy. The extension of the church is best secured through an itinerancy oper- 137 LICENTIATES INTO FULL CONNECTION. ating under a General Superin tendency, which provides, as nearly as possible, for each congregation of believers a minister qualified to presfnt the doc¬ trines of Holy Scripture, and to direct the temporal economy of our Societies. The glorious triumphs attendant upon the labors of our itinerants attests the presence of the Holy Spirit as a witness directing the pulpit and pastoral min¬ istrations of itinerant preachers. CHAPTER VI. DECEIVING LICENTIATES INTO FUIiL CON¬ NECTION. SECTION I. Mode of Procedure. 1. In receiving traveling preachers into full connection who have served out their probation there shall be first aft offering of solemn prayer. 137a LICENTIATES INTO FULL CONNECTION. 2. They shall be asked the questions set forth in this chapter, and others which may be thought necessary by the Conference. SECTION II. Questions to be Propounded. 1. Have you faith in Christ? 2. Are you going on to perfection t 3. Do you expect to be made perfect in love in this life ? 4. Are you groaning after this perfect love? 5. Are you resolved to wholly devote yourself to God and His work ? 6. Do you know the rules of the So¬ ciety and of the bands ? 7. Do you keep them ? 8. Do you constantly attend the sac¬ rament ? 9. Have you read the form of dis¬ cipline? 10. Are you willing to conform to it f 11. Have you considered the rules of 138 LICENTIATES INTO FULL CONNECTION. » preacher, especially the 1st, 7th ami 9th of chap, v., part iii. ? 12. Will you keep them for conscience sake? 13. Are you determined to employ all your time in the work of God ? 14. Will you endeavor not to speak too long or too loud ? 15. Will you instruct the children in every place ? 16. Will you visit from house to house ? 17. Will you recommend fasting or aostinence both by precept and example? 18. Are you in debt ? SECTION III. The Acknowledgment. 1. The Form of Discipline shall be given inscribed thus: " As long as you freely consent to and earnestly endeavor to walk by these rules we shall rejoice to acknowledge you as a fellow-laborer." 139 Part ID.] PREACHERS. [ch. vif- CHAPTER VII. PBKA.CHERS from other DENOMINA¬ tions. SECTION I. Reception of Ordained Preachers. 1. Ministers from other evangelical denominations who wish to join our con¬ nection, whether as local or itinerants, may be received on trial without re-ordi¬ nation. 2. They may be received by an Annual Conference by proving their ordination, by taking the ordination vows, accepting our doctrine, discipline, usages and gov¬ ernment, and by giving satisfactory evi¬ dence of gifts, graces and usefulness, 3. On being received each shall be fur¬ nished with a certificate according to the following— [form] This is to certify that ...... leaving been ordained to the office of according to the usages ti the church in which he has been a 110 Fart III.] PKEACHERS. [Ch. VI I. member, has been admitted into the Conference as preacher, and is hereby authorized, so long as his life and conversation become the gospel of Christ, to exercise his func¬ tions in the African Metho¬ dist Episcopal Church. Given under my hand and seal at this day of. , itn the year of our Lord (Signed) SECTION II. Reception of Licentiates. 1. Preachers who are not in orders, to Ibe received shall first become members proper of our Church. They shall mani¬ fest full agreement with the doctrines, discipline, government and usages of our Church, and satisfy a District or Quar¬ terly Conference that tbey are proper persons and will be useful to the Church. 141 Part III.] LOCAL PREACHERS. [Ch.VIIJ CHAPTER VIII. CONCERNING LOCAL PREACHERS. SECTION I. Those Moved by the Holy Ghost to Preach. Applicants who think that they are moved by the Holy Ghost to preach shall be subjected to an examination on the following qualifications: 1. Their graces.—To this end let the following questions be asked: Do they know God as a pardoning God ? Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do they desire and seek nothing but God ? Are they holy in all manner of conversation ? 2. Their gifts.—Have they gifts as well as graces for the work ? Have they, in some tolerable degree, a clear, sound under¬ standing, a right judgment in the things of God ? Have they a just conception of salvation by faith ? Has God given them any degree of utterance? Do they speak readily, justly and clearly ? 3. Their fruits.—Are any truly con- 142 Tart I1J.J I.'X'AL I'KEACIlICk^. [Ch.VIll. vinced of sin and converted to God by their preaching? When these three qualities are dis¬ cerned in any one we receive him aa Kufficient proof that he is moved by tho Holy Ghost, and believes that he is ■(•ailed of God to preach. SECTION II. On Licensing Preachers. 1. Every applicant to be licensed as st local preacher among us shall first bring to the District Conference a recommen¬ dation from the society of which he is a member, or from a majority of it, at a special meeting called by the pastor. 2. He shall then be personally examined by the Presiding hlder and miiii.-ters before or at Ihe District Conference, on the doctrines of our Church, the course of studies prescribed lor him in the Appendix of the Book of Discipline, and also concerning his gifts and graces for preach¬ ing—to all of which he shall declare his assent. The District Conference shall see that he is in possession of all books required to be studied, before it commences with the examination, and lakes our Church papers. 3. Then if the District O ' ^rence 143 Part III.] LOCAL PREACHERS. [Ch. VIII. approve him in these respects and believe that he will be generally useful and acceptable as a preacher, it shall give him license, signed by the Presiding Elder, or chairman, of the Conference, and have said license renewed once a year. It shall be in the following [form.] . This is to certify that the bearer, , is licensed to preach in the Afri¬ can Methodist Episcopal Church. Signed in behalf of the District Con¬ ference of said Church, to be renewed once a year, so Jong as his life corresponds with the gospel and he submits to the rules of the discipline of said Church. Given under my hand Presiding Elder. SECTION III. Eligibility to the Diaconate. 1. Every local preacher of four years' good standing may be eligible to the office of deacon, if he obtain, by request of his society, a testi¬ monial from the District or Quarterly Confer¬ ence of his circuit or station. 144 Part III.] LOCAL PREACHERS. [Ch.VIII. 2. To this end he shall be properly examined by the District Conference, and testimonials of the examination shalT be signed by the Presiding Elder or chairman of the Conference and be coun¬ tersigned by the Secretary. He shall then pass an examination before the An¬ nual Conference. SECTION IV. Eligibility to the Eldership. 1. A local deacon, after he has preached four years from the time he was ordained, may be eligible to the office of an elder. 2. He may be elected provided he has obtained from two-thirds of his District Conference a recommendation certifying his qualification in doctrine and disci¬ pline and his possession of talents, and Khowing the necessity of his official ser¬ vices, as an elder, in the charge where he resides. Said recommendation shall be signed by the Presiding Elder or Presi¬ dent of the District Conference, and countersigned by the secretary. 3. If he should not be able to attend 145 Part in.] LOCAL PREACHERS. [Ch. VIII. the Annual Conference he shall send the recom¬ mendation to it, and also a note declaring his belief in the doctrines and discipline of the Church. And the Annual Conference mav pro¬ vide for his examination, and the ordination may take place in the interval. SECTION Y. Obligations of Local Elders and Deacons 1. Every Local Elder, Deacon or Preacher shall have his name recorded in the journal of the Quarterly Confer¬ ence where he is a member. 2. He shall also have his name en¬ rolled on a Class-paper and meet in Class, if he live not too far from it. 3. He shall also teach and labor in our Sabbath-schools, and be subject to the preacher in charge in receiving appoint¬ ments to preach, teach or otherwise labor in our Sabbath-schools as occasion may require him; and, if he neglect these duties, the Quarterly Conference, if it see proper, may deprive him of his minis¬ terial office. 4. If a Local Preacher absent him- 146 Part III.] LrOCAL PREACHERS. [Ch. VIW. self two years from his Annual Confer¬ ence, without a lawful excuse, he shall lose his membership. 5. All Local Preachers or Ministers who are members oi an Annual Conference shall be sub¬ ject to the appointment of the Bishops wherever they may be considered useful. ISo Elder or Deacon shall have special charge except lie te an itinerant. No more local preachers can be¬ come members of an Annual Conference here¬ after, by order of the General Conference of 1896; yet the Bishop or Presiding Elder can nee them if they have work for them. SECTION VI. C(/nceniit((j Exhcrters. 1. Every person applying for license to exhort in any of our societies shall pro¬ duce to the Quarterly Conference of his circuit or station a recommendation from the Class of which he is a member. 2. The Quarterly Conference shall ex¬ amine him, and, if they think he will be useful, the Presiding Elder or chairman of the Conference shall license him to txhort. 147 Part IIL] QUALIFYING METHODS. [Ch. IX. He shall be required to employ his talents and time as a teacher in the Sabbath school, when it is convenient. He shall manage and lead the prayer- meetings under the weekly appoint¬ ment of the preacher in charge, but the preacher shall not infringe upon his temporal concerns, which does include the Sabbath day. CHAPTER IX. a preacher's method of qualifying himself for his charge. SECTION i. His Religious Methods. 1. A preacher, to be qualified for his charge, should walk closely with God and have his work greatly at heart. He should understand and love discipline— ours in particular. 2. He should inquire of his brethren (as preachers do not sufficiently watch over one another) if they also walk dosely with God, have fellowship with the Father and the Son, use all the means of 148 Part III.] QUALIFYING METHODS. [Ch. IX. grace themselves, and enforce the use on others. 3. The instituted means of grace is prayer — private, family and public: prayer consisting of deprecation, petition, intercession and thanksgiving. He should ask his brethren if they use this means ; if they daily, everywhere, appoint a time for private devotion, and practice it; and if they have family prayer, and ascertain whether 01* not others have it, and also private prayer morning and evening. 4. A preacher should "search the Scriptures," by constantly, regularly, care¬ fully, seriously and prayerfully reading them all in order, and taking notes of the same. He should then meditate at set time by rule, and practice what he learns. He should in prayer, moreover, hear them read at every opportunity. To this end he may be asked, Have you a Bible always with you ? 5. Concerning the Lord's Supper it should be asked, Do you in solemn prayer, and with earnest and deliberate self-devotion, use the Lord's Supper at 149 Part III.] QUALIFYING METHODS. [Ch. IX. every opportunity ? Concerning fasting, Do you addict yourself to as much absti¬ nence and fasting every week as your health, strength and labor will permit ? Wherein do you take up your cross daily and cheerfully bear it, however grievous to nature, as a gift from God and in labor to profit thereby ? Do you endeavor to set God always before you, and have His eye continually fixed upon you ? 6. Prudential means may be used, either as a Christian, Methodist or Preacher. As a Christian, What arts of holy living and particular rules do you have in order to grow in grace ? As a Methodist he may ask, Do you ever miss your Class or Band ? As a Preacher he may be asked, Have you thoroughly considered your duty, and do you make a conscientious execution of every part of it ? Do you meet every society, and also ihe leaders and bands? These means may be used without fruit; but there are others T\hich cannot, namely, watching, denying one's self, taking up the cross, and exercise of the presence of God. Part III.] QUALIFYING METHODS. (Oh. IX. SECTION II. The Moral Methods. Here the questions may be asked— (1.) Do you punctually observe the morning and evening hour of retirement ? (2.) Do you spend the day in the man¬ ner in which the Conference advises ? (3.) Do you converse seriously, use¬ fully and closely ? (4.) Are you convinced how important and how difficult it is to order your con¬ versation aright ? (5.) Is it always in grace, seasoned with salt—meet to minister grace to the hearer ? (6.) Do you not converse too long at a time ? and is not an hour commonly long enough ? (7.) Would it not be well, in con¬ versing, always to have a determined end in view, and to pray before and after it ? (8.) Do you steadily watch against the world, yourself, your besetting sin ? (9.) Do you deny yourself every use¬ less pleasure of sense, imagination or honor ? 151 Part III.] PREACHING. [Ch. X. 10. Are you temperate in all things; for instance, food ? (11.) Do you use only that kind and that degree which is best for your -body and soul? (12.) Do you see the necessity of this ? (13.) Do you eat no more at each meal than is necessary ? (14.) Are you not heavy and drowsy after dinner ? (15.) Do you use only that kind of drink which is best for your body and soul ? (16.) Do you choose and use water for your common drink, and only take wine medicinally or sacramentally ? 2. Never can you use these means but a blessing will ensue: and the more you use them the more you will grow in grace. CHAPTER X. MATTER AND MANNER OF PREACHING. SECTION I. The Matter. 1. The most effectual way of preach* 152 Part III.] PREACHING. [Cb. X. ing is to preach Christ in all His offices, and to declare His law as well as His gospel, both to believers and unbelievers, and to strongly and closely insist upon inward and outward holiness in all its branches. 2. A Preacher should, first, choose the plainest text he can find ; secoml, take care not to ramble, but keep to his text and make out what he takes in hand; third, he should always suit his subject to his audience. 3. The objects in view should be : (1.) To convince. (2.) To offer Christ. (3.) To invite. (4.) To build up. This, in some measure, should be done in every sermon. 4. All our preachers shall expressly preach against Sabbath-breaking, evil- speaking, unprofitable conversation, light¬ ness, expensiveness or gaiety of apparel, and contracting debts without due care to discharge thein. 153 Part III.1 PREACHING. [Ch.X. SECTION II. The Manner. 1. A Preacher should begin at the designated time and be sure never to dis¬ appoint a congregation. 2. His whole deportment should be serious, solemn and weighty. 3. He should guard against anything awkward, either in gesture, phrase or pro¬ nunciation. 4. Usually he should not pray extem¬ pore more than eight or ten minutes at most without intermission. 5. He should frequently read and en¬ large upon a portion of the Scripture, and young preachers should often exhort with¬ out a text. He should avail himself of the great festivals by preaching on such occasions. SECTION III. Desisting from Preaching. 1. It is by no means advisable for us to preach in as many places as we can without forming societies. We have made the trial for a considerable time in 154 Part III.] PASTORAL VISITS. [Ch. XI. various places, but all the seed has fallen by the way-side. There is scarcely any fruit remaining. 2. We should, therefore, endeavor to preach most where there are the greatest number of quiet, willing hearers and the most fruit. 3. vVe ought to diligently observe in what place God is pleased, at any time to more abundantly pour out His Spirit, and then we should send more laborers into that place. CHAPTER XI. PASTORAL VISITS AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF PRACTICAL RELIGION. SECTION I. Personal Religion. We can further assist those under our care by instructing them at their own houses. What unspeakable need is there of this ! The world says, " The Metho¬ dists are no better than any other people." This is not true in general. But, first, personal religion, either towards God or Part III.] PASTORAL VISITS'. fCh. XI. man, is too superficial among us. We can but just touch on a few particulars. How little faith is there among us! How little communion with God ! How little living in heaven, walking in eter¬ nity, deadness to every creature ! How much love of the world, desire of pleasure and ease, and of getting money ! How little of brotherly love! What continual judging of one another! What gossiping, evil-speaking and tale-bearing! What want of moral hotiesty! To instance one particular: Who does as he would be done by, in buying and selling ? SECTION II. Instructing from House to House. Family religion is wanting in many branches. And what avails public preach¬ ing alone, though we could preach like angels? We must, yea, every traveling preacher must instruct the people from house to house. Till this be done—and in good earnest—the Methodists will be no better. Our religion is not deep, universal, 156 Part III.] PASTORAL VISITS. [Ch. XI. uniform ; but superficial, partial, uneven. It will be so till we spend half as much time in thus visiting as we do now in talking uselessly. Can we find a better method of doing this than Mr. Baxter's ? If not, let us adopt it without delay. His whole tract entitled Gildas Salviani/s is well worth a careful perusal. Speaking of visiting from house to house, he says (page 351): "We shall find many hin¬ drances, both in ourselves and the people." SECTION III. The Hindrances. "1. In ourselves there is much dull¬ ness and laziness so that there will be much ado to get us to be faithful to the work. "2. We have a base, man-pleasing temper, so that we let men perish rather than lose their love. We let them go quietly to hell, lest Ave should offend them. " 3 Some of us have also a foolish bashfulness. We know not how to be¬ gin, and blush to contradict the devil. 157 Part III.] PASTORAL VISITS. [Ch. XL " 4. But the greatest hindrance is weak¬ ness of faith. Our whole motion is weak, because the spring of it is weak. " 5. Lastly, we are unskillful in the work. How few know how to deal with men so as to get within them and suit all our discourses to their several conditions and tempers—to choose the fittest sub¬ jects, and follow them with a holy- mixture of seriousness, terror, love and meekness! " But undoubtedly this private applica¬ tion is implied in those words of the apostle—" I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing, preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke with all long suffering." O Brethren, if we could but set this work on foot in all our societies, and prosecute it zealously, what glory would redound to God! If the common luke- warmness were banished, and every shop and every house busied in speaking of the word and works of God. surely God lob Part III.] PASTORAL VISITS. [Ch. XI. would dwell in our habitations and make us His delight. SECTION IV. Objections Offered. But it is objected,—1. This will take up too much time, we shall not have leisure to follow our studies. We answer, 1. Gaining knowledge is a good thing—but saving souls is a better. 2. By this very thing you will gain the most excellent knowledge of God and eternity. 3. You will have time for gaining other knowledge too. Only sleep not more than you need. But, 4. If you do but one let your studies alone. We ought to throw by all the libraries in the world rather than be guilty of the loss of a soul. It is objected,—2. The people will not submit to it. If some will not, others will; and the success with them will repay all your labor. Oh, let us herein follow the example of St. Paul I 159 Part III.[ PASTORAL VISITS. [Ch. XI. 1. For our general business, serving the Lord with all humility of mind. 2. Our special work, — "Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock." 3. Our doctrine, —" Repentance to¬ wards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ." 4 The place,—" I have taught you publicly and from house to house." 5. The object and manner of teaching, —" I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears." 6. His innocence and self-denial here¬ in,—" I have coveted no man's silver or gold." 7. His patience, — "Neither count I my life dear unto myself. Above all things let us keep before our eyes " the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood;" and let us remember that it is written " Grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock." Write these things upon your hearts, and it will do more good than twenty years study. Then Part III.] PASTORAL VISITS. [Ch. XI. you will have no time to spare; you will have work enough to do. Then, likewise, will no preacher, who is as salt that has lost its savor, stay with us. To such this employment would be mere drudgery. In order then to perform your duty, far above your knowledge, you will have need of all the grace you can obtain. SECTION Y. Personal Dejections. Why are we not more holy for the per¬ formance of these duties ? Why do we not live more in eternity and walk with God all the day long ? Why are we not all more devoted to God and breathing the whole missionary spirit ? Chiefly because we are enthusiasts, looking for the end without usiug the means. Let us touch upon only two or three instances. Who of us rises at four, or even at five when we do not preach? Do we know the obligation and benefit of fasting or abstinence ? How often do we practice it ? The neglect of this alone Part IV.] TRIAL OF BISHOPS. [Ch. I is sufficient to account for our feebleness and faintness of spirit. We are continue ally grieving the Holy Spirit of God by the habitual neglect of our plain duty. Let us amend from this hour. PART IV. CONCERNING TRIALS. CHAPTER I. ON THE TRIAL OF BISHOPS. SECTION I. Intervening Committee. 1. In the interval of the General Con¬ ference if a Bishop be accused of any crime, expressly forbidden in the word of God, the minister in charge of the cir¬ cuit or station where such transaction or crime may have been committed, shall notify five elders to form a committee. 2. He shall then notify said Bishop and committee to meet at some stated 162 Part IV.] TRIAL OF BISHOPS. [CkL time and place that the said Bishop may¬ be examined. 3. All accusations against him by those who are to prove the crime or complaint, shall be given to him in writing before this examination. SECTION II. Committee's Decision. 1. If at this examination he be found guilty of crime sufficient to exclude a person from the kingdom of grace and glory, or to have acted so improperly as to justify suspension, said committee shall have power to suspend him from all official functions until the ensuing An¬ nual Conference. 2. The Annual Conference then, if it determine in his favor, shall have power to reverse the decision of the commit¬ tee and restore him to his former func¬ tions. If though, it should find him guilty it shall continue hissupension until the next ensuing General Conference. f.W Fart IV.] TRIAL OF BISHOPS. [Ch. t SECTION III. Inspection of Character. 1. The General Conference at each session shall choose a committee before which each Bishop in person shall pass an examination. 2. The examination shall concern his traveling among the people in his dis¬ trict, his administration and decisions. 3. If he should be condemned by the committee, he shall be allowed to appeal to the General Conference in whole, and may be permitted to object to any one of said committee. SECTION IY. Final Determination. 1. The General Conference shall have power to reverse or approve the decision of the committee, and if it approve, its decision shall be final. 2. If on examination it be found that a Bishop's character is not fair—or that he has neglected his duty, or violated the discipline, or been guilty of any crime sufficient to exclude a person from the 164 Part IV.] TRIAL OF ITINERANTS. [Ch. U kingdom of grace and glory, or has acted so improperly as to justify suspen¬ sion, or expulsion the General Confer¬ ence shall suspend or expel him from his episcopal functions. CHAPTER II. THE TRIAL OF ITINERANT PREACHERS. SECTION 1. Concerning the Accusation. 1. If any traveling elder, deacon or preacher, shall be accused of any crime expressly forbidden in the Word of God or any practice sufficient to exclude a person from the kingdom of grace and glory a charge shall be made known to the stewards of the circuit or station and they shall speedily lay it before the of¬ ficial board 2. The board shall then, if deemed necessary, authorize the stewards to call the Presiding Elder to bring the accused to trial. 165 V»rt *V.] TRIAL OF ITINERANTS. [Ch. IL SECTION II. Order of Trial. 1. The Presiding Elder shall form a committee of not less than three travel¬ ing preachers, if they can be obtained ; if not, then of local elders, deacons, or preachers. If possible the accused and the accuser shall then be brought face to face. 2. If the accused, though, flee from trial, it shall be taken as presumptive proof of guilt, and out of the mouth of two or three witnesses he shall be con¬ demned. 3. If he should be clearly convicted, he shall be suspended from all official standing in the church until the ensuing Annual Conference. SECTION III. The Decision of the Conference. 1. When the case is laid before the Conference it shall fully consider and determine it even though it be one in which the accused has fled from trial. 2. If the result be expulsion, the An- 166 Part IV.l TRIAL OF ITINERANTS. [Ch. II. nual Conference shall demand the cre¬ dentials of the accused which on being obtained shall be filed away among the Conference records. 3. If the accused be expelled for the crime of adultery or fornication he shall not be admitted again to the ministry under four years from the time he join the church, whether he be traveling or local, he must join on probation and come again from his class. 4. If any preacher, deacon or elder, whatever, traveling or local be accused of immoral conduct, the Presiding Elder shall, if he be proved guilty on trial de¬ mand and receive from him his cre¬ dentials which shall be retained among the records of the church. And should he refuse to deliver them up his name shall be published by the Presiding Elder without delay as a refractory preacher. 167 Part IV.] TRIAL OF LOCAL PREACHERS. [Ch. Hi CHAPTER III. THE TRIAL OF LOCAL PREACHERS. SECTION I. Examination by the Committee. 1. If the accusation be brought against a local elder, deacon or preacher the minister in charge shall summon three or more local preachers of the neighbor¬ hood, or for want of preachers as many exhorters or leaders. 2. If said committee, then, or a major¬ ity of them, on due examination, find the accused guilty of whatever crime, or has been guilty of publicly or privately dis¬ seminating such false doctrines as require suspension from all public offices and privileges in our church, the committee shall suspend him until the ensuing Quar¬ terly Conference. SECTION II. TJie Case before the Conference. 1. "When the case is laid before the Quarterly Conference it shall proceed to 168 J»art IV.] TRIAL OP LOCAL PREACHERS. [Ch. in the trial of the accused local preacher, deacon or elder, and shall have power to clear censure, suspend or expel him ac¬ cording to their judgment. 2. The Presiding Elder, at the com¬ mencement of the trial before the con¬ ference shall appoint a secretary to take regular minutes of the evidence and pro¬ ceedings. 3. The said minutes when completed shall be read and approved, and then signed by the Presiding Elder and also by the members of the Quarterly Con¬ ference or by a majority of them. SECTION III. Concerning the Condemnation. 1. In case of condemnation the local ^lder, deacon or preacher, by giving no¬ tice to the Quarterly Conference of his determination to do so, shall be allowed an appeal to the next Annual Confer¬ ence. 2. When said appeal is presented to the Annual Conference, the minister in charge of the said circuit, or station from which 169 Pert IV.] IMPEACHMENTS. [Ch. IV. the appeal comes, shall also present the minutes of the trial kept in the Quarterly- Conference. 3. The condemned local elder, deacon or preacher may then appear in behalf of his appeal, and the Annual Conference after hearing it shall finally render its judgment upon the minutes laid before it. CHAPTER IV. CAUSES FOR IMPEACHMENT. SECTION I. Dealing in Liquors. 1. No preacher among us shall distil, retail, or drink spirituous liquors without forfeiting his official standing. SECTION II. Concerning Mal-administration. 1. A preacher charged with badly ad¬ ministering the law, improper temper, words or actions shall be reproved by the Bishop or the Presiding Elder. 2 In case of a second transgression,, one, two or three preachers, or if preachers 170 Part IV.] IMPEACHMENTS. [Ch. IV. cannot be obtained, exhorters or leaders shall be taken as witnesses. 3. If the foregoing admonitions be of no avail, he shall then be tried either before the Bishop, or the Presiding Elder and a committee in the interval of the Annual Conference, and if found guilty, be suspended by the Bishop or com¬ mittee. The Annual Conference ensuing shall fairly try the case, and if the suspended preacher be found guilty, and impenitent, Ms suspension shall be continued and noted in the minutes. SECTION III. Concerning Heresy and Schism. 1. Ministers or preachers who hold -and publicly or privately disseminate doctrines which are contrary to our Ar¬ ticles of Religion shall be dealt with as in cases of gross immorality. 2. But if he solemnly promise not to disseminate any more such doctrines, either in public or private shall be en¬ dured until his case can be laid before 171 Part IV.] IMPEACHMENTS. [Ch. IV. tite next Annual Conference, and it shall finally dispose of it. SECTION IV. Unacceptability in the Ministry. 1. When any member of an Annual Conference is charged with having con¬ ducted himself in such a manner as to render him unacceptable to the people as a traveling -preacher, his case shall be in¬ vestigated by the Conference and if it appear that the complaint is well founded and he should give no satisfaction that he will amend his ways, and will not consent to voluntarily retire, the Annual Conference shall locate him. 2. In this event, though, he shall be at liberty before the Conference to defend himself in letter or by representative. If though he should be located in his absence and without having been pre¬ viously notified of the intention thus to proceed against him, he shall have the privilege to apply to the next session of tehe Conference for a hearing in his de- 172 f-artiv.j , IMPEACHMENTS. [Ch. IV. fense and then shall have a reconsidera¬ tion of his case. SECTION V. Neglect of Appointments. 1. Should any local elder, deacon or preacher neglect to fill any of his ap¬ pointments, and give no sufficient reason for doing so, the minister in charge shall reprove him for the first offense. 2. If a local elder, deacon or preacher •persist in neglecting his appointments, he shall be summoned to appear before a committee: and should he then fail to give satisfaction, said committee shall silence him until the ensuing Quar¬ terly Conference which shall have power to take his license from him. 3. If any local preacher, without a previous agreement between himself and his pastor, attempt in the absence of the pastor, to collect money for his services, he shall upon conviction be silenced for three months. 173 Part IVJ MINISTERS' DEBTS. lCh.V. SECTION VI. Pastoral Interference. 1. No elder, deacon or preacher in any charge shall interfere with the business of an adjoining charge. 2. If any should be found guilty of so doing without having been called accord¬ ing to discipline, or by the Bishop or Pre¬ siding Elder, he shall be dealt with as in other cases of a violation of the dis¬ cipline. CHAPTER V. minister's debts. SECTION I. Concerning the Complaint. 1. Complaint against a minister or preacher, in the interval of the Annual Conference, for non-payment of debt or for contracting debts without a probabi¬ lity of paying them or for borrowing and refusing to pay, may be made to the presiding Elder or a steward of the cir¬ cuit or station. 174 Part IV.] MINISTERS' DEBTS. [Ch. V. 2 The Elder shall then call the in¬ debted preacher and the contending par¬ ties together, and have each to choose for himself an arbiter, and the two arbiters to choose a third, all of whom shall be preachers, or official members of the church. SECTION II. The Examination. 5. It shall be the duty of said arbiters to examine the claims upon said minister or preacher; and they, if it be proved that he has neglected or refused to pay his debts, shall determine how long a time shall be given to make a settlement. 2. If either party be not satisfied with the decision, he or they may apply for a second arbitration; and each shall be permitted to choose two more, and the four shall choose the fifth, all of whom shall be preachers or official members of the church, and their decision shall be iinaL 175 Part IV.] MINISTERS' DEBTS. [Ch. V. SECTION III. The Second Arbitration 1. If judgment in the second arbitration be given against said minister or preacher, and the time be specified for him to make payment, and he refuse to comply with the decision, after sufficient time has been given him, he shall be suspended from all official standing in the connec¬ tion until the ensuing Annual Conference. 2. At the Conference Session the con¬ tending parties shall appear either in per¬ son or by representatives, and then the case shall be brought up for consideration. 3. Should the Annual Conference re¬ ject the decision of the arbiters, then it shall determine what is due and grant the time for payment. If the indebted preacher fail to comply with its decision he shall he suspended or expelled accord¬ ing to the decision of the ensuing Annual Conference. SECTION IV. Intervening Omissions. 1. Should the proper officials in the in* 176 Part IV.] TRIAL OF LAY MEMBERS. ICh. VL terval of the- Annual Conference sessions fail to bring any traveling preacher to account in case of crime shall by no means prevent the fullest and fairest in¬ vestigation of his character at the Annual Conference Session. 2. Provisos. All accusations against a preacher shall be given to him in writing before the first examination. In all cases of trial and conviction he shall be allowed an appeal to the ensuing General Conference. CHAPTER VI. ON THE TRIAL OP LAY MEMBERS. SECTION I. The Arraignment. 1. When a lay member is accused of any crime or misdemeanor he shall be brought to trial before the Society or a committee selected from it. 2. The trial shall take place in the •presence of an elder, deacon, or preacher, and the accused and accuser shall be brought face to face; but if this cann.ot 177 Part IV.] TRIAL OF LAY MEMBERS. [Ch. VI be done the next best evidence shall bo procured. 3. If the accused person evade a trial by absenting himself after due notice being given him and the circumstances of the accusation be strong and presump¬ tive, let him be esteemed as guilty and be accordingly excluded. Witnesses from "without shall not be rejected. SECTION II. The Verdict. 1. If the accused person be found guilty by the decision of a majority of the members before whom he is tried and the crime be such as is expressly forbidden by the Word of God—sufficient to ex¬ clude a person from the kingdom of grace and glory, let the preacher who as the charge of the circuit or station expel him. 2. If the minister or preacher in charge differ in judgment from the majority of the society, or the select number, as to the guilt or innocence of the accused person the trial may then by 178 Fart IV.] TRIAL OF LAY MEMBERS. [Ch. VL him be referred to the ensuing quarterly Conference. SECTION III. 0)1 Insubordination. 1. Should any member or members of any of our incorporated churches refuse to be governed by the discipline by which he, or they was or were made a member or members of said incorporated church, he or they shall be called before the society, or a select number of it according to discipline, and tried for insubordination. 2. If said person or persons should be found guilty of insuboi'dination, and will not retract, then he or they shall be ex¬ pelled for insubordination or disobedience to the order and discipline of the church. 3. Should any class-leader or steward intimate that he adheres to the Charter and discards the law of the church as set iorth in the book of Discipline, said class-leader or steward shall be removed at once by the preacher in charge. 4. Should any local elder, deacon or preacher favor by word, act or influence 179 Pert IV.] TFcIAL OF LAY MEMBERS. [Ch. VL the Charter instead of the discipline, he shall be called before a committee accord¬ ing to the discipline, and if found guilty of pursuing such a course shall be sus¬ pended from all official standing in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. SECTION IV. Concerning Dissensions. 1. If any member of our church should be clearly convicted of endeavoring to sow dissensions in any of our societies bj- inveighing against either our doctrines or discipline he shall first be reproved bv the minister or preacher in charge. 2. Should he subsequently persist in. such a pernicious practice he shall be ex¬ pelled from the Society. SECTION V. Wilful Neglect of Class Meetings. 1. Those members of our church who wilfully and repeatedly neglect to meet their classes shall be visited by the elder,, deacon or preacher, whenever it is prac¬ ticable, and informed that exclusion will XSO Part IV.] TRIAL OF LAY MEMBERS. [Cb. VI. be the consequence of their continued neglect. 2. If they should not amend, then they shall be tried before the society, or a select number of it, and expelled by the preacher in charge, who at the same time shall state that they are expelled for a breach of rules and not for immoral conduct. SECTION VI. Improper Conduct 1. Whenever a member shows disobe¬ dience to the order and discipline of the church, or neglects duties of any kind; or indulges in imprudent conduct, sinful tempers, words and quarreling; and in speaking evil of ministers; and in deal¬ ing in lotteries or policies, attenmog dances and horse-races; and engages in playing cards, and in the pursuit of such other games and diversions as cannot be carried on in the name of our Lord Jesus, let private re¬ proof be given by a leader or the preacher in charge. 181 .Part IV.] TRIAL OF LAY MEMBERS. [Ch.VL 2. If the member on being reproved acknowledge the truth and show proper humiliation he may remain on trial. If he should be charged with the second offence the leader or preacher may take one or two faithful friends with him to give reproof. On the third ofifence the case must be brought before the society, or a select number of it, and then the offender must be cut off if there be no real humiliation. SECTION VII. Concerning Spirituous Liquors. 1. No member of our Society shall give, dis¬ til, drink, or traffic in spirituous liquors; or rent, lease, or permit his house or other property to be used for such purpose. 2. Whosoever violates this rule shall be denlt with, by the preacher in charge, as he would be dealt with in other cases of gros-s immorality. If found guilty he shall be deemed censurable, or liable to suspension according to his conduct, SECTION VIII. On Frauds and Insolvencies. 1. The preachers who have charge of 182 •Part IV] TRIAL OF LAY MEMI5ER3. [Ch VI. circuits and stations are required to fully and strenuously execute all our rules against till fraud, and particularly dis¬ honest inso! vencies. 2. In :J1 cases, in which a member of our church is accused of such crimes and is summoned by the minister in charge to answer said accusation, it shall be the duty of the minister, by request of the parties concerned to give his official authority for the summoning of such witnesses as either party may name. 3. He shall also order the submission ■of all documentary evidence which may be demanded by either party ; and it shall be the duty of church members, who possess said evidence, to attend the invest¬ igation and submit it according to order. 4. The'minister shall deliver a copy of the charges preferred to the accused person when ordered to trial. 5. We will receive no person in our society as a member who is a slave holder; and members who have slaves and refuse to emancipate them shall be excluded. 183 IVDEBTS AND ARBITRATIONS. [Civ. VII- CHAPTER YII. ON DEBTS AND ARBITRATIONS. SECTION I. Disputes Between Members. 1. On any dispute between two or more members of our society, concerning the payment of debts, or other subjects which cannot be settled by the dispu¬ tants, the preacher in charge of the cir¬ cuit or station shall inquire into the case and recommend an arbitration. 2. The committee for the arbitration shall be formed by the disputants on each side selecting some member of the society as an arbiter, and the two arbi¬ ters selecting the third from the society. SECTION II. Concerning the Decision. 1. When the judgment is given and any of the parties be dissatisfied he may apply to the ensuing Quarterly Confer¬ ence of the circuit or station for permis¬ sion to have a second arbitration. 184 Part IV.] DEBTS AND ARBITRATIONS* [Ch. VII. 2. In this event, if the Quarterly Con¬ ference see sufficient reason, it shall grant the request. 3. The disputants then, on each side, shall choose two arbiters trom the society; and the four shall choose the fifth one from the society, and the judgment ren¬ dered by a majority of them shall be final. Should any refuse to abide by this decision he shall be excluded from the society. SECTION III. On Rejecting Arbitration. 1. If any member of our society in a dispute over debt, or any other cause, refuse an arbitration when recommended by the minister in charge, or should he before submitting to an arbitration enter into a law-suit (except the case be of such a nature as to justify a process of law) with another member, he shall be expelled. SECTION IV. Non-payment of Debts. 1. Whenever any of our members fail 185 Part IV.] DEBTS AND ARBITRATIONS. [Ch. yil. in business, or-contract debts which they are not able to pay, in order to prevent scandal let their accounts be inspected by two or three judicious members of the society. 2. If it be discovered that they have acted dishonestly, or borrowed money without a probability of paying it, let them be expelled. 3. Whenever a complaint is made against any member of our church for non-payment of debts, after the accounts have been adjusted and the amount as¬ certained, the preacher in charge shall call him before a committee of three, at least, to inform them why he has not made payment. 4. The committee, then, shall deter¬ mine what further time shall be granted him and what security, if any, shall be demanded of him. 5. If he should refuse to comply, he shall be expelled; but even then he may appeal to the Quarterly Conference, and its decision shall settle the case. . 6. If the creditor complain that justice 186 Part IV.] DEBTS AND ARBITRATIONS. [Ch. VII. has not been done him he, too, may appeal to the Quarterly Conference for its decision ; bnt if he refuse to abide by it he shall be expelled SECTION V. Concerning Expelled and Withdrawn Members. 1. If any expelled person, except those who absent themselves from trial after receiving due notice to attend it, should complain that lie has not received justice, he shall have the right to appeal to the next Quarterly Conference of the circuit or station. His case shall then be settled by a decision of a majority of the Conference. After such form of trial and expulsion no person, without contrition, confession and acceptance on probation, shall have any privilege of society or sacrament in the church. Neither shall any elder, deacon or preacher receive him into any of our churches in the same city, unless he com¬ ply with the law governing his case in the church from which he was expelled. Part IV.] ORDER OF APPEALS. [Ch. VIII. If any minister violate this provision, he shall be dealt with as in other cases of mal-admin- istration. 2. The Official Board shall have power to declare as having withdrawn without certificate all members v\ho unite'with other churches, or wilfully absent themselves from the public wor¬ ship or class, and who f ul or refuse t<> contribute to the suppoit of the gospel, church and poor for the period of one year, provi. ed they will not be reproved and give evidence of amendment. CHAPTER VIII. THE ORDER OF APPEALS. SECTION I. The Tiv'ers of Appeals. 1. Each Annual Conference shall select five judicious and experienced Elders, to be known as the Triers of Appeals.. SECTION II. Formation of the Court. 1. Whenever a member of an Annual Confer¬ ence takes exception to his trial and expulsion from the Conference, or to the decision! fa Bishop, lie shall make it known to the Bihhop that he ap¬ peals and desires him to call the court of triers. 2. When such notice is given to the Bishop, he shall designate three of the marest Conferences from which he will call the triers, and call them to meet at a given point within three months after 1S"& Part IV.] ORDER OF APPEALS: [Ch. VIII. notification, and they shall have a reason¬ able time for their session. SECTION III. jRights of Appellants. 1. The appellant shall have the right to object to any member of the court, provided his objection does not reduce the number to less than ten, which num¬ ber shall be necessary to form a quorum. 2. In all cases where an appeal is made, the appellant, or his representa¬ tive, shall state the grounds of his ap¬ peal, showing cause why he appeals; and no interruption shall be allowed in the exercise of his right. SECTION IV. Method of Proceeding. 1. When the appeal is taken from a Bishop's decision, the triers may be called from only two neighboring Con¬ ferences, as the appellant's Conference m$y be the third. 189 pari IV.] ORDER OF APPEALS. ICh. VIII. 2. The court shall have one of its members to act as president and one to f\ct as secretary. 3. The secretary shall keep a faithful record of the court's proceedings, which shall be subject to the order of the next General Conference for its review. 4. In all cases which are brought up as appeals, the following method shall be observed: (a) A statement or communication from the appellant setting forth his ap¬ peal and the grounds of it. (5) The charges, specifications and the Judgment of the court below are heard. (c) Inquiring if conditions of appeal are met. (d) Reading the records of the trial. (e) The appellant himself, or counsel, Is heard. (J) The court below, by its representa¬ tives, replies. 190 Part V.] BECEIVING MEMBERS. [Ch. I (ff) The appellant closes. ([h) The appellant and other rep*G» sentatives retire, and the Conference de¬ cides the case. PART V. concerning rites. CHAPTER I. receiving members into full CON¬ nection. Address to the Congregation Upon the day appointed, all that are to be received shall be called forward, and the min¬ ister addressing the congregation shall say: Dearly beloved Brethren :—The Scriptures teach us that the Church is the household of God; the body, of which 191 Part V.] RECEIVING MEMBERS. [Ch. I. Christ, is the Head, and that it is the de¬ sign of the Gospel to bring together in one all who are Christ's. The fellowship of the Church is the communion that its mem¬ bers enjoy one with another. The end of this fellowship are the maintenance of sound doctrine, and of the ordinances of Christian worship, and the exercise of that power of godly admonition and dis¬ cipline which Christ has committed to his Church for the promotion of holiness. It is the duty of all men to unite in this fellowship, for it is only those that " be planted in the hous? of the Lord, that shall flourish in the courts of our God.'s Its more particular duties are, to promote peace and unity; to bear one another's burdens; to prevent each other's stum¬ bling ; to seek the intimacy of friendly society among themselves; to continue steadfast in the faith and worship of the Gospel; and to pray and sympathize with each other. Among its privileges are— peculiar incitements to holiness from thr> hearing of God's Word, and sharing Christ's ordinances; the being placed un- 192 Part V.J RECEIVING MEMBERS. [Ch. I. der the watchful care of Pastors, and the enjoyment of the blessings which are pro¬ mised only to those which are of the household of faith. Into this holy fellow¬ ship the persons before you, who have already received the sacrament of Bap¬ tism aud have been under the care of proper leaders for six months on trial, come seeking admission. We now propose, in the fear of God, to question them as to their faith and pur¬ poses, that you may know that tney are proper persons to be admitted into the Church. Address to the Applicants. Tho.n addressing the applicants for admission, the Miuisti r shall say : Dearly Beloved: You are come hither seeking the great privilege of union with the Church our Saviour has pur¬ chased with his own blood. We rejoice in the gracQ of God vouchsafed unto you, in that he has called you to be his fol¬ lowers, and that thus far you have run well. You have heard how blessed are the privileges and how solemn are the duties of membership in Christ's Church, m Part VJ RECEIVING MEMBERS. [Ch. I. and before you are fully admitted thereto, it is proper that you do here publicly re¬ new your vows, confess your faith, and declare your purpose by answering the following questions: Q. 1. Do you here in the presence of God, and of this congregation, renew the solemn promise contained in the Baptis¬ mal Covenant, ratifying and confirming the same, and acknowledging yourselves bound faithfully to observe and keep that covenant, and all things contained there¬ in? A. I do. Q. 2. Have you saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ f A. I trust I have. Q 3. Do you entertain friendly feel- 5ngs towards all the members of this Church? A. I do. Q 4. Do you believe in the doctrines of Holy Scripture as set forth in the ar¬ ticles of religion of the African Methodist Episcopal Church ? P.'r' V.] RECEIVING MEMBERS. [Ch. I, Q 5. Will you cheerfully be governed by the Discipline of the African Metho¬ dist Episcopal Church, hold sacred the ordinances of God, and endeavor, as much as in you lies, to promote the welfare of your brethren, and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom ? A. I will. Q 6. Will you contribute of your earth¬ ly substance according to your ability, to the support of the Gospel, Church, and poor, and the various benevolent enter¬ prises of the Church ? A. I will. Address to the Church. Then the Minister, addressing the church, shall say Brethren : You have heard the res¬ ponses given to our inquiries. Have any -of you any reason to allege why these persons should not be received into full membership in the Church ? The Reception. No objection being alleged, the Minister shall say Jo the candidates : We welcome you to the communion of the Church of God; and in testimony of 195 l>art V.] THE LORD'S SUPPER. [Ch. II. our Christian affection and the cordiality with which we receive you, I hereby ex¬ tend to you the right hand of fellowship; and may God grant that you may be a faithful and useful member of the Church militant till you are called to the fellow¬ ship of the Church triumphant which is without fault before the presence of God. Then shall the Minister offer an extempore prayer. CHAPTER II. THE LORD'S SUPPER. Preliminary. Those persons who have scruples about kneeling to receive the Lord's Supper may be permitted to receive it whilst either sitting or standing. Let no person who is not ,a member of our society be ad¬ mitted to the Supper without examination and some tokens given by an elder or a deacon. No person shall be admitted to the Supper among us who is guilty of any practice for which we would exclude a member from our church. Pari V.] THE LORD'S SUPPER. [Ch. U. Scripture Selections. The elder shall say one or more of these setences : "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt. v. 16. "Lay not up for.yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up lor yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." Matt, vi. 19, 20. " Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets." Matt. vii. 12. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of 197 Part V.] THE LORD'S SUPPER. [Ch. II, my Father which is in heaven." Matt, vii. 21. "Zaccheus stood and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusa¬ tion, I restore him fourfold." Luke xix. S. " He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his own heart, so let him give; not grudg¬ ingly, nor of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7. " As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men. especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Gal. vi. 10. " Godliness with contentment is ^eat gain. For we brought nothing intr this world, and it is certain we can carr no¬ thing out." 1 Tim. vi. 6, 7. 198 PartV.] THE LORD'S SUPPER. [Ch. II. "Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high-miuded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the liv¬ ing God ; who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good ; that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lav hold on eternal life." 1 Tim. vi. 17, 18, 19. " God is not unrighteous* to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Heb. vi. 10 " To do good and to communicate, for¬ get not; for with such sacrifices God ie well pleased." Heb. xiii. 16. " Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him ? " 1 John iii. 17. 199 fart V.J THE LORD'S SUPPER. [Ch. H. "He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given, will he pay him again." Prov. xix. 17. [While these sentences are in reading, some fit persons, appointed for that purpose, shall receive the alms for the poor, and other donations of the people, in a decent basin, to be provided for that purpose, and then bring it to the Elder, who shall place it upon the table.J After which the Elder shall say: The Solicitation. Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways—draw near with faith and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Al¬ mighty God, meekly kneeling upon your knees. The General Confession. [Then shall this general confession be made by the minister in the name of all those that are- miiidedto receive the Holy Communion, both he and all the people kneeling humbly upon tiitrt knees, and saying all u gether]: 200 fart V.] THE LORD'S SUPPER. [Ch. It Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men we acknowledge and bewail, our manifold sins and wicked ness,which, we from time to time, most grievously have committed, by thought, word and deed, against thy divine Majesty, provo¬ king, most justly, thy wrath and indigna¬ tion against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry, for these our mis¬ doings: the remembrance of them is grievous unto us. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for thy Bon, our Lord Jesus Christ's sake; forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may hereafter, serve and please thee, in new- of life, to the honor and glory of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Ftrd Collect. Then shall the Elder miy: O, Almighty God, our heavenly Fath¬ er, who of thy great mercy hast promised forgiveness of sins to all them, that with hearty repentance and true faith turn an- 201 Part V.] THE LORD'S SUPPER. [Ch. If. to thee, have mercy upon us; pardon and deliver us from all our sins; confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, Second Collect Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration ef thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Prayer of Adoration. Then shall the Elder say: It is very meet, right, and our bounders duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God. Therefore, with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy holy name—ever¬ more praising thee, and saying, Holy, 202 PnrtV.] THE LORD'S SUPPER. [Oh. If. holy, holy, Lord God of hosts; heaven and earth are full of thy gl^ry. Glory be to thee, 0 Lord most high. Amen. Prayer of Humiliation. Then shall the Elder say: We do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our ■own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy go much as to gather the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy; Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh ot'thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful souls and bodies may be made clean by his death and washed through his blood ; and, that we may evejmore dwell in him and he in us. Amen. Prayer of Co'wwation. Then the Elder shall say tM prny«rof consecration as folioweth : Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who of thy tender mercy didst give chine only Son, Jtsus Christ,to suffer death on the cross for our redemption; -who made ?03 Part v.] THE LORD'S SUPPER. [Ch. IL there by his oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sac- 1; See, oblation and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy gospel command us to con¬ tinue 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 remem¬ brance 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 (1) Here the elder is to bread, (1) and when bread tehadgive, thank, (2) And here to break he brake it (2) and the bread. . gave it to his disci¬ ples, saying, Take* (3) And here to lay hi's eat, this (3) is my baud upon all the bread. body which ig bro, ken for you. This do in remembrance •204: *»art V.] THE LORD'S SUPPER. ICh. il of me; likewise af¬ ter supper he took (4) the cup and (4) Here he is to take when he had given the cup into his hand thanks, he gave it to them saying, Drink ye all of it, for this (5) is my ,An hi« blood of the New ^Sg Testament, which is shed for you, and for many for the remission of sins : do this, as often as ye shall drink, it in remem¬ brance of me. Amen. Then shall the minister first receive the com¬ munion in both kinds himself, and then proceed to deliver the same to the other ministers in like manner, (if any he present,) and after that to the people in order into their hands. And when he 'lelivereth 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. Part V.l THE LORD'S SUPPER. [Ch. II. And the minister that delivereth the cup shall •ay: The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy soul and body unto everlasting life jDrink this in remembrance that Christ's blood was shed for thee and be thankful. [ If the consecrated bread and wine be all spent before all have commemorated the elder may con¬ secrate more by repeating the prayer of consecra¬ tion.] [When all have commemorated, the minister shall return to the Lord's table and place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated elements, cov¬ ering the same with a clean linen cloth.] Then shall the elder say the Lord's Prayer: Lord's Prayer. Our Father, which art in heaven, hal¬ lowed be thy name, thy kingdom come,, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven^ give us this day our daily bread, and for¬ give us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen. After which shall be said as follows: 20b y«rl V THE LORD'S SUPPER. [Ch. 11 Prayer of Thanksgiving. O Lord, our heavenly Father, we thy humble servants, desire thy fatherly good¬ ness, mercifully to accept this our sacri¬ fice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Won Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and thy whole church may obtain re¬ mission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And here we "offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy and lively sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee that all we who are par¬ takers of this holy communion, may be filled with thy grace and heavenly bene¬ diction. And although we be unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech thee to accept this, our bounden duty and service: not weighing our merits, but pardoning ■our offences, through Jesus Christ out- Lord, by whom, and with whom, in th;j unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen. ■Part V.] THE LORD'S SUPPER. [Ch. tL Prayer of Exfoliation. Then shall be said: Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good-will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory. O Lord God, Heav¬ enly King, God, the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only begotten $on, Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy, thou art the Lord, thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Then the Elder, if he see it expedient, mav put up «n extemporary prayer; and afterward shall let the people depart with this blessing: Benediction. May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and 2u8 Part V.] BAPTISM OF INFANTS. ICh. HL minds in the knowledge and love of God, and his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord ; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Fath¬ er, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. N. B.—If the Elder be straitened for time, he may omit any part of the service, except the prayer of consecration. CHAPTER III. BAPTISM OF INFANTS. Special Directions. 1. Let every adult person, and the parents of every child to be baptized, have their choice either of immersion, sprinkling, or pouring. But in no case shall our ministers re-baptize any person. And if any knowingly violate this pro¬ hibition, he shall be subject to suspension or location as the Annual Conference may judge. Part V.] BAPTISM OF INFANTS. [Ch.IU, 2. We will on no account whatever make a charge for administering baptism, or for buryiug the dead. Exhortation. The minister coming to the font, which is to be filled with pure water, shall use the following, or some other exhortation suitable to the sacred office. Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin, and that our Saviour Christ, saitli, "None can en¬ ter into the kingdom of God, except he be regenerated and born anew of water and of the Holy Ghost," 1 beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous mercy he will grant to this child that thing which by nature it cannot have, that it may be baptized with water and the Holy Ghost, and received into Christ's holy church, and be made a lively member of the same. 2LU I*rt V.) BAPTISM OF INFANT8. [Ch. UL Prayer of Sanctijication. Then shall the minister say : LET US PEAY. Almighty and everlasting God, who of thy great mercy didst save Noah and his family in the ark, from perishing by wa¬ ter, and also didst safely lead the children of Israel, thy people, through the Red Sea, figuring thereby thy holy baptism ; and by the baptism of thy well beloved Son, Jesus Christ, in the river of Jordan, didst sanctify water for this holy sacra¬ ment, we beseech thee of thine infinite mercies, that thou wouldst look upon this child; wash him, and sanctify him with the Holy Ghos^, that he being received into the ark of Christ's Church, and be¬ ing steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in love, may so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that finally he may come to the land of everlasting life; there to reign with thee, world without end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O merciful God, grant that the old Adam in this child may be so buried, 211 Part V.] BAPTISM OF INFANTS. [Ch. TIL that the new man may be raised in him. Amen. Grant that all carnal affections may- die in him, and that a 1 things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in him. Amen. Grant that he may have the power and strength to have victory, and to tri¬ umph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen. Grant that whosoever is dedicated to thee by our office and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded through thy mer¬ cy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live, and govern all things, world without end. Amen. Almighty, everliv'ing God, whose most dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, didst shed out of his most precious side both water and blood, and gave commandment to his dis¬ ciples that they should go teach all na¬ tions, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; regard, we beseech thee. Part V.] BAPTISM OF INFANTS. [Ch. IIL the supplications of thy congregation, sanctify this water for this holy sacrament, and grant that this child, now to be bap¬ tized, may receive the fulness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Address to Parents Or Guardians, Dearly Beloved : Forasmuch as this child is now presented by you for Christian baptism, you must remember that it is your part and duty to see that he be taught as soon as he sin 11 be able to learn the nature and end of this holy sacrament. And that he may know these things the better, you shall call upon him to give regular attendance upon the ap poiuted means of grace, such as the min¬ istry of the Word and the public and private worship of God ; and further, you shall provide that he shall read the Holy Scriptures, and learn the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Catechism, and ail other things 213 Part V ] BAPTISM OF INFANTS. [Ch. III. which a Christian ought to know and be¬ lieve to his soul's health in order that he may be brought up to lead a virtuous and holy life, remembering always that bap¬ tism doth represent unto us that inward purity which disposeth us to follow the example of our Saviour Christ. That as he died and rose again for us, so should we who are baptized die unto sin and rise again unto righteousness, contin¬ ually mortifying a11 corrupt affections and daily proceeding m all virtue and godli¬ ness. Do you therefore solemnly engage to fulfill these duties so far as it lieth in your power, the Lord being your helper ? Answer—We do. The Ceremony. Then shall the people stand up, and the minibter eliall say: Hear the words of the Gospel written by St. Mark, in the tenth chapter, at the thirteenth verse : "They brought young children to Oirist, that he should touch them ; and his disciples rebuked those that brought them; but when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, I art v.] BAPTISM OF INFANTS. [Cli. lii Buffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily, I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the king¬ dom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them." And the minister shall take tlie child into his hands, and say to the friends of the child, NAME THIS CHILD. And then naming it after them, he shall sprin¬ kle or pour water upon it, or if desired, immerse it in water, saying : N , I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. The Lord's Prayer. Then shall be said, all kneeling: Our Father, which art in heaven, hal¬ lowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heav¬ en ; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we for¬ give those that trespass against us; and 215 Part V.] BAPTISM OF ADULTS. [Ch. IV. lead us not into temptation, but, deliver us from evil. Amen. Then shall the minister conclude with an extem¬ poraneous prayer. CHAPTER IV. BAPTISM OF ADULTS'. Exhortation. The minister shall use the following, or some other exhortation, suitable to this holy office: Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin, (aad that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and they that are in the flesh cannot please God, but Jive in sin, committing many actual transgressions,) and that our Sa¬ viour Christ saith, None can enter into ,the kingdom of God, except he be regen¬ erated and born anew of water and of the Holy Ghost, and received into Christ's holy Church, and be made lively mem¬ bers of the same: I therefore beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous goodness he will grant unto these persons Part V.] BAPTISM OP ADULTS. [Ch. IV. that which by nature they cannot have, that they may be baptized with water and the Holy Ghost. 'First Prayer. Then shall the minister say: Almighty and immortal God, the aider of all that need, the helper of all that flee to thee for succor, the life of them that believe, aud the resurrection of the dead, we call upon thee for these persons, that they coming to thy holy baptism, may receive the remission of their sins by spir¬ itual regeneration. Receive them, O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy well- beloved Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you : So give now unto those that ask ; let us that seek find; open the gate unto us that knock; that these persons may enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly washing, and may come to the eternal kingdom which thou hast promised by Christ our Lord. Amen. Second Prayer. After which he shall say : Almighty and everlasting God, heav- 217 Part V.I BAPTISM OF ADULTS. |CIi. IV. enly Father, we give thee humble thanks, for that thou bast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace, and faith in thee; increase this knowledge and confirm this faith in us evermore. Give thy Holy Spirit to these persons, that they may be born again, and made heirs of everlasting salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen. Scripture Lesson. Then shall the people stand up, and the minister shall nay: Hear the words of the gospel written by St. John in the third chapter, begin¬ ning at the first verse: " There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do the miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. N ico- 218 Part V.] BAPTISM OF ADULTS. (Ch. IV. deraus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." Address to the Candidate. Then phall the minister speak to the person to b« baptized, on this wise : Well beloved, who are come hither de¬ siring to receive holy baptism, ye have heard how the congregation hath prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouch¬ safe to receive you, and bless you, to re lease you of your sins, to give you the kingdom of heaven and everlasting life. And our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised 229 Part VO BAPTISM OF ADULTS. . [Cti. IV. in his holy word, to grant all those things we have prayed for, which promise he, for his part, will most surely keep and perform. Wherefore, after this promise made by Christ, you must also faithfully, on your part, promise, in the presence of this whole congregation, that you will re¬ nounce the devil and all his works, and constantly believe God's word, and obe¬ diently keep his commandments. Then shall the minister demand of each of the persona to be baptized, Q. 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 of the flesh, and that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them ? A. I renounce them all. Q. Dost thou believe in God the Fa¬ ther Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth ? • And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord? And that he was conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of 220 Part V.] BAPTISM OF ADULTS. ICh. IV. the Virgin Mary ? That he suffered un¬ der Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried ; that he arose again the third day ; that he ascended into heayen, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Fa¬ ther Almighty; and from thence shall come again at the end of the world, to judge the quick and the dead ? And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church,* the communion of saints, the remission of sins, the resurrection of the body, and everlasting life after death ? A. All this I steadfastly believe. Q. Wilt thou be baptized in tL:« faith ? A. This is my desire, Q. Wilt thou then obediently keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of thy life? A. I will endeavor to do so, God being my helper. * The Church Universal, and not the Papa] Church •f Rome. 221 Part V.] BAPTISM OF ADULTS. ICh. IV. The Collects. Then shall the minister say: O merciful God, grant that the old Adam in these persons may be so buried, that the new man may be raised in them. Amen. Grant that all carnal affections may die in them, and that ail things belong¬ ing to the Spirit may live and grow in them. Amen. Grant that they may have power and strength to have victory, and triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen. Grant that they, being here dedicated to thee by our office and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded, through thy mer¬ cy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live and govern all things, world without end Amen. Almighty, ever living God, whose most dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, didst shed out of his most precious side both water and 222 Part V.] BAPTISM OP ADULTS. TCh. TV. blood; and gave commandment to his disciples, that they should go teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, regard, we beseech thee, the supplications of this congregation ; and grant that the persona now to be baptized, may receive the fulness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen The Ceremony. Then shall the minister take each person to be baptized by the right hand, and placing them con¬ veniently by the font, according to his discretion, shall ask the name: and then shall sprinkle or pour water upon him, (or if they desire, shall im¬ merse them in water,) saying: N , I baptize thes in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. The Lord's Prayer. Then shall be said the Lord's Prayer, all kneeling. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallow¬ ed be thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; 2^3 Prt. V.] SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. L h. V. give us this day our daily bread, and for¬ give us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Then let the minister conclude with an extem¬ porary prayer. CHAPTER V. SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. Publishing the Bans. First, the bans of all that are to be married to¬ gether, must be published in the congregation three several Sundays in the time of divine ser¬ vice, unless they be otherwise qualified according to law, the minister saying, after the accustomed manner: I publish these bans of marriage be¬ tween M of , and N of . If any of you know just cause or impedi¬ ment why these two persons should not be joined together in holy matrimony, you are to declare it. This is the first, [second, or third] time of asking. 224 Prt T.| SOLEMNIZATION OP MATEIMONT. [Cfc. T. Address to the Assemblage. At the day and time appointed for the solemnise tion, the persons to be married standing together,the man on the right side and the woman on the left, the minister shall say: Dearly beloved, we are gathered togethei here in the sight of God, and in the pre¬ sence of these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matri¬ mony ; which is an honorable estate, in¬ stituted by God in the time of man's in- nocency, signifying unto us the mystical union which is between Christ and his Church ; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and the first miracle that he wrought at Caoa of Galilee, and is commended of St. Paul to be honorable among all men, and there¬ fore not by any to be entered upon or taken in hand unadvisedly, but reverent¬ ly, discreetly, advisedly, and in the fear of God. Into which holy estate these persons come now to be joined. Therefore, if any can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace. fit T.J SOLEMNIZATION OP MATRIMONY. [Ch. T The Solemn Charge. ARd also speaking to the persons that are to b© toa-ried, he sh <11 sav: 1 require and charge you both, (as you will answer at the dreadful day of judg¬ ment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed,) that if either of you know any impediment why you may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony you do now confess it. For be ye -well assured, that so many as are coupled to¬ gether otherwise than God's word shall allow, are not joined together by God, neither is their matrimony lawful. 1. Address to the Man. If no impediment shall be alleged, then shall the minister say unto the man : M Wilt thou have this women to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony ? V\ ilt thou love her, com¬ fort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto her as long as ye both shall live ? The man shall answer: I will. tM. ▼.] SOLEMNIZATION OP MATRIMOST. 10*.?. 2. Address to the Woman. Then shall the minister say unto the woman: N Wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live t ogether after'»od'» ordinance in the holy estate of matri orny f Wilt thou obey him, serve him, love hiui, honor and keep him, in sicknoss and m health, and forsaking all othe s, keep thee only unto him so long as ye both shall bve? The woman shall answer : I will. The Man's Pledge. Then the minister shall ca^se theman with hia right hand to take the woman by her right nand, and to say after him as follows: J,M take thee N to be my wed J fed wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cher¬ ish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plignt thee my faith. The Woman's Pledge. Then they shall loose their hands, and the wo¬ man with her right hand, taking the luan by his right hand, shall likewise say after the minister; I, N take thee M to be my wedded Prt. V.] SOLEMNIZATION OF S1ATRIMONY. [Ch. f, husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in i-ickuess and in health, to love, cherish, mid to obey, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance ; and thereto I plight thee my faith. The Covenant Prayer. Then shall the minister say: Let us pray. O, Eternal God, creator, preserver of all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author of everlasting life, send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man aud this woman whom w^ bless in thy name; that as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully to¬ gether, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vows and covenant betwixt them made, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Service with the Ring. [If the parties desire it, the man shall here hand a ring to the Minister, who shall return it to him, aud direct him to place St on the third finger of the woman's left hand. And the maa shall say to the woman, repeating after the Minister, With this ring I thee wed, and with my 228 Prt. V.] SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. [Ch. V. worldly goods I thee endow, in the name of the Father, and of the Sou, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.J The 3linister s Declaration. Then shall the minister join their right hands together and say: Those whom Gol hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Forasmuch as M and N have consented to live together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the fame before God and this company, and thereto have pledged their faith to each other, and have de¬ clared the same by joining hands: I pro¬ nounce that they are man and wife to¬ gether, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen, The Benediction. And the minister shall add this blessing. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that you may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life ever¬ lasting. Amen. trt V.J SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. [Ch. T The Lord's Prayer. Then shall the minister say Our Father, who art in heaven, hal¬ lowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in hea¬ ven, give us this dav our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. The Closing Invocation. Ihen shall the minister say O God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, bless this man and this wo¬ man, and sow the seeds of eternal life in their hearts, that whatsoever in thy holy word they shall profitably learn, they may indeed ful61 the same. Look, O Lord, mercifully upon them from heaven and bless them. And as thou didst send thy blessings upon Abraham and Sarah, to their great comfort, so vouchsafe to send thy blessings upon this man anci this woman, that they obeying thy will, 230 prt. V.] SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. [Ch. * and always being in safety under thy protection, may abide in thy love unto their lives' end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God. who by thy mighty power hast made all things of nothing, who also (after other things set in order,) didst ap¬ point that out of man, (created after thine own image and similitude,) woman should take her beginning; and knitting them together, didst teach that it should never be lawful to put asunder those whom thou, by matrimony, hast made one; O God, who hast consecrated the state of matrimony to such an excellent mystery, that in it is signified and represented the spiritual marriage and union betwixt Christ and his Church,—look mercifully upon this man and this woman; that both this man may love his wife according to thy word, (as Christ did love his spouse, the Church, who gave himself for it, loving and cherishing it even as his own flesh,) and also that this woman may be loving and obedient to her husband; and in all quietness, sobriety and peace, be a 231 Part V.] BURIAL SERVICES. [Ch. VS. follower of holy and godly matrons. O Lord, bless them both, and grant them to inherit thy everlasting kingdom, through. Jesus Christ our Lord Amen. The Closing Benediction. Then shall the minister say: Almighty God, who at the beginning didst create our first parents, Adam and. Eve, and didst sanctify and join th^m to¬ gether in marriage, pour upon you the riches of his grace, sanctity and bless you that ye may please him both in body and soul, and live together in holy love unto your lives' end. Amen. CHAPTER VI. THE BURIAL SERVICES. Scripture Quotations. N. B.—The following, or some other solemn ser¬ vice, shall be used. The minister meeting the corpse, and going be¬ fore it, shall say: " I am the resurrection and the life, eaith the Lord ; he that believeth in me, W2. Part. V.J BURIAL SERVICES. [Ch. VL though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever Iiveth and believeth in me, shall never die." John xi. 25, 26. "I know that my Redeemer Iiveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God; whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another." Job xix. 25, 26, 27. "We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." 1 Tim. vi. 7; Job i. 21. Supplication at the Grave. At the grave, when the corpse is laid in the earth, the minister shall say: " Man that is born of a woman hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up and is cut down like i flower; he fleeth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in one stay." In the midst of life we are in death ; of whom may we seek for succor, but of thee, O Lord, who for our sins art justly dis¬ pleased ? Tart V.] BUKIAL SERVICES. [Ch. \ I, Yet, O Lord God roost holy, O Lord most mighty, Oholy and merciful Saviour, deliver us not unto the bitter pains of eternal death. Thou knowest, Lord the secrets of our hearts, shut not thy merciful ears to our prayers, but spare us, Lord most holy, O God most mighty, O holy and merciful Saviour, thou most worthy Judge eternal, suffer us not, at our last hour, for any pains of death, to tall from thee. The Commitment. Then, while the earth shall be cast upon the coffin by some person standing by, the minister shall say: Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God, in his wise providence, to take out of this world the soul of our deceased brother, we therefore commit his body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, looking for the general resurrection in the last day, and the life of the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ; at whose second coming in glorious majesty to judge the world, the earth and the sea shall give up their ■2U Part V.J BURIAL SERVICES tch.n dead, and the corruptible bodies of those who sleep in him shall be changed, and made like unto his own glorious body ac¬ cording to the mighty working whereby lie is able to subdue all things unto him¬ self. Then shall be said: "I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, write—From henceforth, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: even so, saith the Spirit; for they rest from their labors." Then shall the minister say : Lord, have mercy upon m. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Our Father who art in heaven, hal¬ lowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; •give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. MT.] J80RIAL SERVICES* Oil. Vt f%e Final Prayer, THE COLLECT. O merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life, in whom whosoever believeth shall live, though he die ; and whosoever iiveth and believeth in him shall not die eternally. "We meekly beseech thee, O Father, to raise us from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness, that when we shall depart this life, we may rest in him; and at the general resurrection at the last day, may be found acceptable in thy sight, and receive that blessing which thy well-beloved Son shall then pro¬ nounce to all that love and fear thee, saying, " Come ye blessed of my Father* receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world." Grant this, we beseech thee, O merciful Father,, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. Amen. The Solemn Benediction. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore^ fert V.) ORDINATION OF DEACONS. [Ch, VII CHAPTER VII. THE ORDINATION OF DEACONS. Sermon. [When the day appointed by the Bishop is come there shall be a sermon or exhortation, declaring tlie duty and office of such as come to be admitted deacons.] Presentation of Deacons. After which one of the elders shall present unto the Bishop the persons to be ordained deacons, saying these words: Reverend Father in God, I present unto you these persons present, to be admitted deacons. The Bishop.—Take heed that the per¬ sons whom you present to us be apt and meet, by their godly conversation, to exer¬ cise their ministry duly to the honor of God and the edifying of his Church. The elder shafl answer: I have inquired concerning them, and also examined them, and think them so to be. 237 r-irt V.J ORDINATION OF DEACONS. [Ch. VIL Their names being read aloud, the Bishop shall Bay unto the people : Brethren, if there be any of you who know any impediment or crime in any of these persons presented to be ordained deacons, for the which he ought not to be admitted to that office, let him come forth in the name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is. [ If any crime or impediment be objected, the Bishop shall cease from ordaining that person, until such time as the party accused snail be found clear of that crime.] Then shall be read the following collect and epistle: THE COLLECT. Almighty God, who by thy Divine Providence hath appointed divers orders of ministers of thy Church, and didst in¬ spire thy Apostles to choose to the order of deacons, the first martyr, St. Stephen with others ; mercifully behold these thy servants now called to the like office and administration; replenish them so with the truth of thy doctrines, and adorn 238 fart v.] ordination op deacons. |ch. vu them with the innocency of life, that both by word and good example they may faithfully serve thee in this office, to the glory of thy holy name, and the edifica¬ tion of thy Church, through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and forever. Amen. Scripture Instruction. the epistle.—1 Tim. iii. 8-13. Likewise must the deacons be grave, cot double-tongued, not given to much wine ; not greedy of filthy lucre ; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure con¬ science. And let these also first be proved, then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the dea¬ cons be the husband of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. .For they that have used the office of a deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Jesus Christ. 239 Fart v.] ORDINATION OF DEACONS. [Ch. VII Examination of Candidates. Then shall the Bishop examine every one'of thero that is to be ordained, in the presence of the people, In the following manner: The Bishop.—Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghosf to take upon you the office of the minis¬ try in the Church of Christ, to serve God for the promotion of his glory, and the edifying of his people ? A. I trust so. The Bishop.—Do you unfeignedly be¬ lieve all the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testament? A. I do believe them. The Bishop. - Will you diligently read and expound the same unto the people whom you shall be appointed to serve ? A. I will. The Bishop.—It appertaineth to the office of a deacon to assist the elder* in Di¬ vine service. And especially when lie administereth theholy communion, to help him in the distribution thereof, and to read and expound the holy Scriptures; to 240 Part V.] ORDINATION OF DEACONS. [Ch. VIL instruct the youth, and, in the absence of the elder, to baptize. And, furthermore, it is his office to search for the sick, poor, and impotent, that they may be visited and relieved. Will you do this gladly and willingly ? A. I will do so, by the help of God. The Bishop. — Will you apply all your diligence to frame and fashion your own lives (and the lives of your families,) ac¬ cording to the doctrine of Christ; and to make both yourselves and them, as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples of the flock of Christ ? A. I will do so, the Lord being my helper. The Bishop.—Will you reverently obey them to whom the charge-and govern¬ ment over you is committed, following with a glad mind and will, their godly admonitions ? A. I will endeavor so to do, the Lord being my helper. The Ordination. Then the Bishop, laying his hands severally npon the head of every one of them, shall say: 241 Pftftv.] ORDINATION OF DEACONS- jCn. VII. Take thou authority to execute the office of a deacon in the Church of God, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then shall the Bishop, deliver to every one of them the Holy Bible, saying: Take thou authority to read the Holy Scriptures, and to preach the same in the Church of God. Scripture Selection. Then one of them, appointed by the Bishop, shall read the Gospel, Luke xii. 35-38 : " Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watch¬ ing. Verily, I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those ser¬ vants." 242 Part Y.J ORDINATION OP DEACONS. [Ch. VOL [Then shall the Bishop proceed in the commu¬ nion, and all that are ordained shall receive the koly communion.] The communion ended, immediately before the benediction, shall be said the following collects: The Ordination Prayer. Almighty God, giver of all good things, who, of thy great goodness, hast vouch¬ safed to accept and take these thy ser¬ vants into the office of deacon in thy Church; make them, we beseech thee, O Lord, to be modest, humble, and con¬ stant in their ministration, and to have a ready will to observe all spiritual dis¬ cipline ; that they having always the tes¬ timony of a good conscience, aud continu¬ ing ever stable and strong in thy Son Jesus Christ, may so well behave them¬ selves, in this inferior office, that they may be found worthy to be called unto the higher ministries in thy Church, through the same, thy Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and honor, world without end. Amen. Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continued help, that in all xi? ftirt V-l ORDINATION OF DEACONS, tch. VIT.. our works, begun, continued, and ended iu thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlast¬ ing life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Benediction. The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, -and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen. Part V.J ORDINATION OF ELDEBS. tCh. VUL CHAPTER VIII. THE ORDINATION OF ELDERS. [When the day appointed by the Bishop is come there shall be a sermon or exhortation, declaring the duty and office of such as come to be admitted elders ; how necessary that order is in the Church t,f Christ, and also how the people ought to esteem &hem in the office ] I'refutation of Canrfidafes. After which, oneof the elders shall present unto the Bishop all them that are to be ordained, and say: Reverend Father in God, I present un¬ to you these persons present, to be ordained elders. The Bishop —Take heed that the per¬ sons whom you present unto us be apt and meet, by their godly conversation, to exer¬ cise their ministry duly to the honor of God, and the edifying of the Church. The elder shall answer, I have inquired concerning them, and also examined them, and think them so to be. 24 r, Pnrf V.I ORDINATION OF ELDERS. fCh. VTIL Then, their names being read aloud, the Bishop ehall say unto the people: Brethren, these are they whom we pur¬ pose, God willing, this day to ordain eld¬ ers. For, after due examination, we find not the contrary, but they ave lawfully called to this function and ministry, and that they are persons meet for the same. But if there be any of you, who knoweth any impediment or crime in any of them, for the which he ought not to be received into this holy ministry, let bim come forth in the name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is. [If any crime or impediment be objected, the Bishop shall cease from ordaining that person until such time as the party accused shall be found clear of the crime.] Then shall be said the Collect, Epistle and the Gospel. THE COLLECT. Almighty God, giver of all good things, who by thy Holy Spirit hast appointed divers orders of ministers in thy Church ; mercifully behold these thy servants, now called to the office of elders, and replen¬ ish them so with the truth of thy doctrine 24!) Part V.I ORDINATION OF ELDERS. [Ch. VIIT. and adorn fhem with the innocency of life, that both by word and good example, they may faithfully serve thee in this office, to the glory of thy name and the edification of thy Church, through the merits of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the -Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen. THE EPISTLE.—Epll. iv. 7~lo. " Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, when he as¬ cended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth ? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And be gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the perfec¬ ting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the 247 ^ * V.J OROINATIOX OF ELDERS. jCh. YIIL Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Compel Selection. After this shall be read, for the Gospel, part of the tenth chapter of St. John ( x. 1-16); " Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the ,-theepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the por¬ ter openeth; and the sheep hear hia voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him ; for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him ; for they know not the voice of stran¬ gers. This parable spake Jesus unto them; but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them, " Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the Part VJ ORDINATJON OF ELDERS. fCh. VIH door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; by me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to de¬ stroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. " But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd." 249 rartV/J ORDINATION OF ELDERS. [Ch. VIIL The Bishop's Address to the Candidates. And that done, the Bishop shall say unto them as hereafter followeth: You have heard, brethren as well in your private examination, as in the ex¬ hortation which Was just made to you, and in the Holy lessons taken out of the gospel, and in the writings of the Apos¬ tles, of what dignity and of how great importance this office is, whereuuto you are now called. And now again we ex¬ hort. you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you have in remembrance into how high a dignity and to how weighty an office ye are called; that is to say, to be messengers, watchmen and stewards of the Lord, to teach and to pre- monish; to feed and provide for the Lord's family, to seek for Christ's sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for his children who are in the midst of this evil world, that they may be saved through Christ for ever. Have always therefore, printed in your remembrance, how great a treasure is committed to your charge. For they are the sheep of Christ, which Pnrf V.7 ORPTNATTON OF ELDERS. ("Ch. Vlf! he bought with his death, and for whom he shed his blood. The church and cod- gregation whom you must serve, is hip spouse, and his body. And if it should happen the same church, or any member thereof, to take any hurt or hindrance by r*ason of your negligence, you know the greatness of the fault, and also the horrible punishment that will ensue. Wherefore consider within yourselves the end of the ministry towards the children of God, towards the spouse and body of Christ, and see that you never cease your labor, your care and diligence, until you have done all that lieth in you, according to your bounden duty, to bring all such as are, or shall be committed to your charge, unto that agreement in the faith, and to that ripeness and perfectness of age in Christ, that there may be no place left among you, either for error in re¬ ligion, or for viciousness in life. Forasmuch, then, as your office is both of so great excellency, and of so great difficulty, ye see with how great care and study ye ought to apply yourselves, as well that ye may show yourselves dutiful Part V.I ORDINATION OF ELDERS. [Ch. VIIL and thankful to that Lord, who hath placed you in so high a dignity, as also to beware that neither you yourselves offend, nor be occasion that others offend. How- beit, ye cannot have a mind and will thereunto of yourselves; for that will and that ability is given of God alone; there¬ fore ye ought and have need to pray earnestly for his Holy Spirit. And seeing that ye cannot by any other means__ com¬ pass the doing of so weighty a work, pertaining to the salvation of man, but with doctrine and exhortation taken out of the Holy Scriptures, and with a life agreeable to the same; consider how stu¬ dious you ought to be in reading and learning the Scriptures, and in framing the manners both of yourselves and of them that specially pertain unto you, ac¬ cording to the rules of the same Scrip¬ tures ; and this self-same clause, how ye ought to forsake and set aside ( as much as ye may ) all worldly studies. We have good hope that yon have all weighed and pondered these things with yourselves long before this time; and that, you have clearly determined, by 252 Part V.] ORDINATION OP ELDERS. [Ch. VIII God's grace to give yourselves to this office, whereunto it has pleased God to call you ; so that as much as in you lieth, you will apply yourselves wholly to this one thing, and draw all your cares and studies this way, and that you will continually pray to God the Father by the mediation of our only Saviour, Jesus Christ, for the Heavenly assistance of the Holy Ghost; that by daily reading and weighing of the Scriptures, ye may wax riper and stronger in your ministry; and that ye may so endeavor yourselves from time to time to sanctity the lives of you and yours, and to fashion them after the rule and doctrine of Christ, that ye may be -wholesome and godly examples and patterns for the people to follow. And now that this present congrega¬ tion of Christ, here assembled, may also understand your minds and wills in these things, and that this your promise may the more move you to do your duties, ye shall answer plainly to these things, which we, in the name of God and nis Church, shall demand of you touching the same. 253 Part V.] ORDINATION OF ELDERS. [Ch. VIII Obligations of the Candidates. Do you think in your heart that you are truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the order of elders ? A. I thiuk so. The Bishop.—Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrine required of necessity, for eternal salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ? And are you determined, out of the said Scriptures, to instruct the people commit¬ ted to your charge, and to teach nothing as required of necessity to salvation, but that which you shall be persuaded, may be concluded and proved by Scripture ? A. I am so persuaded, and have so determined by God's grace. The Bishop.—Will you then give your faithful diligence, always so to minister the doctrine and sacraments and disci¬ pline of Christ, as the Lord hath com¬ manded ? A. I will do so, by the help of the Lord. 254 Parf V.) ORDINATION OF ELDERS. fCh. VIH, The Bishop.—Will you he ready, with all future diligence, to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrines, contrary to God's word; and to use both public and private monitions and ex¬ hortations, as well to the sick as to the whole within your charge, as need shall require and occasion shall be given ? A. I will, the Lord being my helper. The Bishov.—Will you be diligent in prayers, and in reading of the Holy Scrip¬ tures, and in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same, laying aside the study of the world and the flesh ? A. I will endeavor so to do, the Lord being my helper. The Bishop.—Will you be diligent to frame and fashion yourselves, and your families, according to the doctrine of Christ; and to make both yourselves and them, as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ ? A. I shall apply myself thereto, the Lord being THy helper. Part \ ./ ORDINATION OF ELDERS. [Ch. VIII. The Bishop.—Will you maintain and set forth, as much as lieth in you, quiet¬ ness, peace and love among all Christian people, and especially among them that we, or shall be committed to your charge ? A. I will do so, the Lord being my helper. The Bishop.—Will you reverently obey four chief ministers, unto whom is com¬ mitted the charge and government over fou; following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions, submitting your¬ selves to their godly judgments ? A. I will do so, the Lord being my helper. Then shall the Bishop, standing up, say: Almighty God, who hath given you Ihis will to do all these things, grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same, that he may accomplish his work which he hath begun in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Yeni, Creator, Spiritus. [After this the congregation shall be desired, se¬ cretly in their prayers to make their humble sup¬ plications to God for all these things, for the which prayers, there shall be silence kept for a space] 250 Part V.} ORDINATION OF ELDERS. [Ch. vm. After which shall be said by the Bishop (the persons to be ordained elders all kneeling,) Veni, Creator, Spiritus, the Bishop beginning, and the elders and others that are present answering by voice, as followeth; Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire And lighten with celestial fire. Thou the anointing Spirit art, Who dost thy sev'nfold gifts impart. Thy blessed unction from above, Is comfort, light, and fire of love. Enable with perpetual light The dulness of our blinded sight— Anoint and cheer our soiled face With the abundance of thy grace,— Keep far our foes, give peace at home, Where thou art guide no ill can come. Teach us to know the Father, Son, And thee of both to be b>U one,— That through the ages all along This may be our endless song— Praise to thy eternal merit, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Installation Prayer. That done, the Bishop shall pray in this wise and say: LET US PRAY. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of thine infinite love and goodness towards ns, ha«* given us thy only and most dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to •267 *»*rtV.] ORDINATiuN OF ELDERS. f'Jh. VtK be our Redeemer, and the author of ever¬ lasting life, who, after he had made per¬ fect our redemption by his death, and was ascended into heaven, sent abroad into the world his apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers and pastors—by whose labor and ministry he gathered to¬ gether a great flock in all parts of the world, to set forth the praise of thy holy name; for these, so great benefits of thy eternal goodness, and for that thou hast vouchsafed to call these thy servants, here present, to the same office and minis¬ try, appointed for the salvation of man¬ kind, we render unto thee most hearty thanks ; we praise and worship thee; and we humbly beseech thee by the same, thy blessed Son, to grant unto all, who either here or elsewhere call upon thy name, that we may continue to show ourselves thankful unto thee for these and all thy* other benefits, and that we may daily in¬ crease and go forward in the knowledge and faith of thee and thy Son, by the Holy Spirit. So that a3 well by these thy ministers, as by them over whom they shall be appointed thy minister?, thy holy 208 Fart V.] ORDINATION OF ELDERS.- LCh. VilL name may forever be glorified, and tLy blessed kingdom enlarged, through same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen. The Ordination Ceremony. When this prayer is done, the Bishop with the elders present shall lay their hands severally upoa the heads of every one that receiveth the order of elders, the receivers humbly kneeling upon their knees, and the Bishop saying: The Lord pour upon thee the Holy Ghost for the office and work of an elder in the Church of God, now committed unto thee by the imposition of our hands. And be thou a faithful dispenser of the word of God, and of his holy sacraments. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then the Bishop shall deliver to every one of them, kneeling, the Bible into his hands, saying; Take thou authority to preach the word of God, and to administer the holy sacrament, in the congregation. ?*rtV.] ORDINATION OF ELDERS. [Ch.VUL The Communion. When this is done, the Bishop shall go on ia the service of the communion, which all they who receive orders shall take together, and remain in the same place where hands were laid upon them, until such times as they have received the commu¬ nion. The communion being done, after the last col¬ lect and immediately before the benediction, shall be said this collect: Collects. Most merciful Father, we beseech thee to send upon these thy servants, thy hea¬ venly blessings, that they may be clothed with righteousness, and the word spoken by their mouths may never be spoken in vain. Grant, also, that we may have grace to hear and receive what they shall deliver out of thy most holy word, or agreeably to the same, as the means of our salvation; and that in all our words and deeds we may seek thy glory, and the in¬ crease of thy kingdom, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help, that in all Part V 1 ORDINATION OT ELDERS. [Ch. Vflt our works, begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and finally by thy mercy, obtain ever¬ lasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Benediction» The peace of God which passeth »U understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Loi'd; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen. oil the same day the order of deacons be fiven to some, and that of elders to others, the eacons shall be first presented, and then the elders. The collects shall be both used; first that for dea¬ cons, then that for elders. The Epistle shall be, Eph. iv. 7 to 13, as before in this office. Immedi¬ ately after which they that are to be ordained dca- eons shall be examined and ordained, as z bove prescribed. Then one of the elders having read the Gospel, •which shall be St. John x. 1, as before in this office, they that are to be ordained elders, shall likewise be examined and ordained, as m tix\» •ffice before appointed. 2P1 *Wrt V.j ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. {Ch. Ut. CHAPTER IX. THE ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. The Introductory Prayer. Almighty God, who, by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy holy Apostles many excellent gifts, and didst charge them to feed thy flock,—give grace, we beseech thee, to all the ministers and pastors of thy Church, that they may diligently preach thy word, and duly minister the godly discipline thereof; and grant unto the people that they may obe¬ diently follow the same; that all may re¬ ceive the crown of everlasting pJory, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Scripture Selections. Tben shall be read by some of the elders, the Epistle, Acts xx. 17-35. From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the Church. And when they were come to him, he said u»* •art V.l OKDINATION OF BTPHOPS. [Ch. TX to them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, ser¬ ving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the laying in wait of the Jews ; and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you pub¬ licly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit un¬ to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there; save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, say¬ ing that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, nei¬ ther count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take Part V.] ORDITfATION OF BISHOPS. «3h. tX you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speak¬ ing perverse things, to draw away disci¬ ples after them. -Therefore, watch, and remember, that by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheri¬ tance amoDg all them which are sancti¬ fied. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto mv necessities, and to them that were 2CA f art V.] ORDINATION OP BISHOPS. fCh. I*. with me. I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Then another Elder shall read the Gospel. St, John xxi. 15-17. Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son ■of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these ? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou k no west that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith unto him again, the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me ? He saith un¬ to him, Yea, Lord ; thou knowest that 1 k-vethee. He saith unto him, Feed my ? 11 ep. He saith unto him the third time, bimon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou know¬ est all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, feed my sheep. Or this : St. Matthew xxviii. 18-20. Part V.] QUDTNVriON OF BISHOPS. [Ch.IX. Jesus came and spake unto them, say¬ ing, All power is given unto me, in hea¬ ven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the> name of the Father, and of the Son, of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to • >>)- serve all things whatsoever I have com¬ manded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Presentation of the Reverend Candidate. After the gospel and tlie sermon are ended, th« elected person aha)] be presented by the two Elders unto the Bishop, saying: Reverend Father in God, we present unto you this holy man to be ordained a Bishop. Then the Bishop shall move the congregation present to prayer, saying thus to them: Brethren, it is written in the Gospel of. St. Luke, that our Saviour Christ con¬ tinued the whole night in prayer, before he chose and sent forth his twelve apos¬ tles ; it is written also in the Acts of the Apostles- that the disciples who were at Antioch did fast and pray before they 200 frrtV.] ORDINATION OP BISHOPS. iCh. IX laid hands on Paul and Barnabas and sent them forth. Let us therefore, fol¬ lowing the examples of our Saviour Christ and his apostles, first fall to prayer before we admit and send forth this person pre¬ sented to us, to the work whereunto we trust the Holy Ghost hath called him. Prayer for Special Qualification. Then shall be said this prayer, following: Almighty God, giver of all good things, who, by thy Holy Spirit, hast ap¬ pointed divers orders of ministers in thy church, mercifully behold this thy ser¬ vant, now called to the work and minis¬ try of a Bishop, and replenish him so with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn him so with innocency of life, that, both by word and deed, he may faithfully serve thee in this office, to the glory of thy name, and the edifying and the well- governing of thy church, through the merits of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee aud the fitoly Ghost, world wi'hout end. A.then 207 Part V.] ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. [Ch. IX. Direct Examination. Then the Bishop shall say to him that is to be ordamed: Brother, forasmuch, as the Holy Scrip¬ tures command, that we should not be hasty in laying on hands, and admitting any person to government in the church of Christ which he hath purchased with no less price than the affusion of his own blood; before I admit you to the admin¬ istration, I will examine you in certain articles, to the end that the congregation present may have a fair trial, and bear witness how you are minded to behave yourself in the church of God. The Bishop.—Are you persuaded that you are truly called to this ministration according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ? A. I am so persuaded. - The Bishop.—Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrine required of necessity to eter¬ nal salvation, through faith in Jesu& Christ ? And are you determined, out of the same Holy Scriptures, to instruct the 268 5Part V.] ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. [Ch. IX people committed to your charge, and to teach and maintain nothing as required of necessity to eternal salvation, but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the same ? A. I am so persuaded and so determined, by God's grace. The Bishop.—Will you then faithfully exercise yourself in the same Holy Scrip¬ tures, and call upon God, by prayer, for the true understanding of the same, so as you may be able by them, to teach and exhort with wholesome doctrine, and to withstand and convince gainsayers ? A. I will do so, by the help of God. The Bishop.—Are you ready with faith¬ ful diligence to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrine con¬ trary to God's word, and both privately and openly to call upon and encourage others to do the same r A. I am ready, the Lord being my helper. The Bishop —Will you deny all ungod¬ liness and worldly lusts, and live righteous¬ ly, soberly, and godly in this present 2i>y Part V.] ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. [Ch. IX. world, that you may show yourself in all things an example of good works unto others, that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing to say against you? A. I will do so, the Lord being my helper. The Bishop.—Will you maintain and set forward, as much as shall lie in you,, quietness, love and peace among all; and such as shall be unquiet, disobedient, and criminal within your district, correct and punish, according to such authority as you have by God's word, and as shall be committed unto you ? A. I will do so, by the help of God. The Bishon —Will you be faithful in ordaining, sending, or iaying hands upon others ? A. I will do so, by the help of God. The Bishop.—Will you show yourself gentle and merciful, for Christ's sake, to the poor and needy people, and to all strangers destitute of help ? A. I will so show myself, by- God's help. 270 Part V.] OPDTXATION OF IlISilOT'S. [Ch. IX. Then the Uisiiop shall say : Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who hath given you a good will to do all these things, grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same ; that he may accomplish in you the good work which he hath begun, that you may be found perfect and irreprehensible at the last day, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth forever. Amen, TheD shall be said: Veni, Creator, Spiritus. Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire And lighten with celesti God approves, and that you sincerely love Zion, and can truly adopt the language of the devout Psalmist : 279 PfirtVI LAYING CORNER-STONES. fCn. X " How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth, for the courts of the Lord." We tiod frequent allusions in God's word to the corner-stone. " Behold, " says the Lord, in Isaiah, " I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a stone, a tried stoue, a pre¬ cious corner-stone, a sure foundation : he that believeth shall not make haste." And in the Epistle to the Ephesians, the Apostle remarks: " Being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief corner-stone." Thus it appears that the corner-stone was a part of the foundation on which the edifice rested. Having its place in the corner, it united and bound together two walls. One corner-stone was laid upon another; and the same was done at each of the four corners of the building. The corner-stones were, therefore many; but all of them taken collectively, were spo¬ ken of as one. A single stone, larger, stronger, and more beautiful than the others, was laid in one of the corners, either at the top or the bottom of the 280 Part V.] LAYING CORNER-STONES. [Ch. X. foundation wall, as the representative of all the rest, and of the whole foundation; and was emphatically termed the corner¬ stone, the chief corner-stone, or the head of the corner. Hence Jesus Christ is call¬ ed both the foundation and the comer- done in the stupendous edifice of Christi¬ anity. By which is meant, that he is the support and strength of his Church, preserving it firm and unshaken, and ex¬ tending its borders till it shall encompass the earth; that he unites and binds to¬ gether its members by the cords of that love which forms the strongest of all incentives to harmony of feeling and action; and that he is also the glory of the Church, both because of the elevating and sanctifying influences of his doctrines on the moral characters of his followers, and on account of his supreme personal excellence. He is, therefore, most appro¬ priately denominated " a chief Corner¬ stone, elect, precious," sustaining the whole system, and without which Chris¬ tianity would cease to be Christianity, and soon fall to the ground. 2R1 /'art v.J LAYING CORNER-STONES. [Ch. X. By laying the corner-stone of a house of worship, you perform a decisive act; you publicly announce that a commence¬ ment is made to build the house, and that it is your determination by the help of God, to complete it. This decisive act so full of promise, and waking up emo tions and prospects so pleasing and jpyful, is justly made a prominent one, and ac¬ companied by solemnities suited to the occasion, and adapted to inspire us with an abiding sense of God's goodness, and our insufficiency without him. It is right and proper that we should publicly ac¬ knowledge our dependence on him, both in the attempt to erect an edifice, and in the discharge of the solemn duties for which it is intended. Such an acknowledgment gives to God an honor, which is due to him, and at the same time impresses our hearts with rev¬ erence and awe towards him. " Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it." This was the senti¬ ment of Solomon, the wisest and richest of the kings of Israel, whose prosperity 282 Part V.l LAYING CORNER-STONES. [Ch. X. in all his great undertakings was so remarkable and brought so much glory to his reign. It becomes us, like him, on all occasions, especially in every im¬ portant matter, to be deeply sensible of the power, the universal dominion, the all-wise, holy and irresistible government of God; to feel that we are his needy creatures, and dependent on his pleasure for each moment of our existence ; that the success of all our exertions is the re¬ sult of his blessing; and that when we design to honor him, or promote the pub¬ lic good, it is for him to say whether we are the instruments and our measures the means which he will choose to employ for those ends. When David contemplated the erection of a house of God, the Lord forbade him, and said, " I have chosen thy son to build me a house." Let us therefore humble ourselves be¬ fore the Lord, confess his name and seek his blessing in fervent prayer. PRAYER. O Thou, whom the heaven of heavens 283 Part V ] LAYING CORNER-STONES. [Ch X. cannot contain! Thou fillest the universe with thy presence, and all the praise of angels and men can add nothing to thy majesty and glory. Bat though thou needest not our worship, we adore thee that thou art too good to despise it, and that millions have experienced that thou art a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God. We rejoice that thou hast estab¬ lished the church here on earth, and preserved the same against all the as¬ saults of its enemies; that the blessed sound of the gospel has also saluted our ears, and that thou hast in this place gathered a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ. We render thanks unto thy name that thou hast put it into the hearts of thy people to rear a temple to thine honor at this place, where thy name may be re¬ garded, and thou may est come to them and bless them. We extol thy grace for enduing them with a spirit of liberality, and inclining them to contribute of their substance to prosecute this laudable un¬ dertaking. May they indeed esteem it a Part V.] LAYING CORNER-STONES. [Oli. X high privilege to lend unto the Lord, and may many others cooperate in this holy work, and all labor together in concord and love until the habitation of thy house shall be completed and be held in possess¬ ion free from debt and all incumbrance as a standing memorial of their Christian benevolence, and an evidence to future generations of their attachment to thy cause. May the work of this house be per¬ formed without hurt or accident to any person; may harmony and enlightened zeal animate every heart, and may discord, jeal¬ ousy and every selfish aim be far removed. And when thou shalt have prospered this enterprise, and a house of God shall stand here as a monument to thy glory, may it be filled with the fulness of every gospel blessing, that through the preaching of thy truth, many blood-bought souls may here be awakened, enlightened, justified and sanctified, and thus be prepared for an entrance into the mansions of bliss We beseech thee to seal unto us the par¬ don of all our offences, to own us as thy ransomed people through Jesus Christ, to ^85 Part V.J LAYING CORNER-STONES. (Oh X. sanctify us thoroughly by thy Spirit, to guide us through life by thy counsels, to secure us by thy grace, and to exalt us at last to an inheritance that is incorrupt¬ ible, undefiled, and that fadeth net away. These and all other needful blessings we ask for the sake and in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with the Father and Holy Spirit, be endless praise. Amen. The preceding prayer, or any other suitable one having been offered, the stone shall be laid and ad¬ justed. The officiating minister deposits the docu¬ ments in the excavation prepared in the stone for their reception. These documents may be the articles of subscription and names of the subscrib¬ ers : a list of the church officers, the pastor and building committee, and of the ministers offici¬ ating on the occasion, the Discipline of the church, Hymn Book, Bible, the names of the highest offi¬ cers of government, religious papers of the church, ,&c., &c. The minister then concludes with the .following: DECLARATION. In the name of the Triune God, the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, we lay this stone for a foundation of a house of 286 Part V.] DEDICATION OF CHURCHES. fCh. XL worship to be consecrated to his service. In so doing we acknowledge his all-ruling providence, and proclaim Jesus Christ as the great corner-stone of his church, and the foundation of all our hopes of salva¬ tion in time and eternity; and may the God of all grace hear us, sancti< n our work, and at last accept us, through the Son of his love, our only Lord and f^viour. Amen. CHAPTER XI. ON CHURCH DEDICATIONS. For New or Re modelled Churches. The Bishop, or elder, (when the Bishop is not {►resent,) with the other ministers, shall be ir mercy and loving-kindness. When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, bf)cau-=e they have sinned against thee; if they pray in this place, and confess thy nsime and turn from their sin, when thou aHictest them, then hear thou in heaven ai;d forgive the sin of thy servants, and of fciy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, aijd give rain upon the land which thou hnst given to thy people for an inheri¬ tance. If there be in the land famine, if tkere be pestilence, blasting, mildew, lo- cfcst, or if there be caterpillar; if their etiemy besiege them in the land of their 292 Tnrt V.] DEDICATION OF CHURCHES. [Cli. XL cities ; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be; what prayer and sup¬ plication soever be made by any man or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands in this house —then hear thou in heaven, thy dwelling- place, and forgive and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; that they may fear thee all the days of their lives. Moreover, concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake; when he shall come and pray within this house; hear thou in heaven, thy dwelling-place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all the people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which we have builded, is called by thy name. If' thy people sin against thee, for there is no man that sinneth not, and thou be angry with them, yet, if they shall bethink themselves and repent, and make suppli- 293 Part V.] DEDICATION OF CHURCHES. [Cb. XL cation unto thee, saying, We have sinned and done perversely, we have committed wickedness ; and so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul; then hear thou their prayer and supplica¬ tion in heaven, thy dwelling-place, and forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, for they shall be thy people, and thy inheritance, which thou hast bought with the precious blood of thy Son, Jems Christ, our Lord; to whom with thee and the Holy Spirit, be glory, praise and power, by all on earth, and all in heaven. Amen. The Dedicatory Address. This prayer being over, the Bishop or Elder shall stand up and say: And now, O Lord God, most high, whom the heaven, and heaven of heavens cannot contain, we dedicate this house to thy service; receive it, we humbly beseech thee, receive it unto thyself, and number it among thine earthly sanctuaries; that thine own presence, the presence of thy Son, Jesus Christ, and the presence of thy Holy 'jue all that part of the State of Florida east of the Aucilia river and north of the Florida East Coast Line Railroad, the Georgia and Florida Railroad, to Olustee creek, the Santa F4 and Swanee rivers, and a line drawn to the gulf, except Lake Butler, in Bradford county. Sec. 14.—South Florida.—The South Florida Conference >hall comprise all that part of the State not included in the Florida Conference and the East Florida Conference. This em¬ braces Lake Butler, Bradford county and Bahama Islands. Sfc. 15.—Georgia. —The Georgia Conference shall include all that part of Georgia southeast and west of the Macon Conference and the 301 Part VI.] CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. [Ch. U northern line, dividing Burks county by the Augusta branch of the Central R. R., up to Richmond county. The dividing line between the North Georgia and Macon Conferences shall be the northern line of the following counties: Harris, Talbot, Monroe, Jones, Putnam, Hancock and Columbia. Sec. 16.— Georgia, Macon.— The Georgia, Macon and North Georgia Conferences are granted the privilege of dividing and fixing new boundary lines. Sec. 17.—Macon.—The Macon (Georgia) Con¬ ference shall include the following counties, to wit:'Steward, on the Chattahoochie river; Websier, Sumter, Dooley, Twigg-, Lawrence, Johnson, Jefferson and Richmond. Sec. 18.—Georgia, North.—The North Georgia Conference shall include the counties of Monroe, Jones, Putnam, Hancock and Columbia, together with all the State of Georgia lying northeast and west of the following line: The line of the Macon (Georgia) Conference, between the North Georgia Conference and the Macon Con¬ ference, shall include the counties of Harris, on the Chattahoochie; Tolbert, Barnesville Sta¬ tion, in Pike county, and all of that county not attached to the North Georgia Conference. 302 Part VI.] CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. [Ch. I. Sec. 19.—Indian Mission.—The Indian Mis¬ sion Conference desires to set apart the Terri¬ tory of Oklahoma ami the Cherokee Strip as a distinct Conference under the name ol the Oklahoma Conference. Your committee would recommend that the request be granted. Sec. 20.—Indiana.—The Indiana Conference shall include all the Staie of Indiana, excepting Port Wayne, South Bend, and Wabash ciicuit. Sec. 21. Illinois.—The Illinois Conference shall comprise all that part of the State of Illi¬ nois south of a line extending from the Indiana boundary on the shore of Lake Michigan to "Warsaw, through the towns of Mattison. Wil¬ mington, Sireator. Wisona, Chillicothe, Yates, Bashner and Carthage. Sec. 22.—Iowa.—The Iowa Conference shall include all the states of Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and that part of the State of Illinois not included in the Illinois Confer¬ ence. Sec. 23 —Kansas.—The Kansas Conference shall include the States of Kansas and Nebraska. Sec. 24.—Kentucky.—The Kentucky Confer¬ ence shall comprise that part of the State of Kentucky east of a line extending from Dayton to (ireensburg, thence due south to Tennessee. 303 Part VI.] CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. [Ch. I. Sec. 25.— West Kentucky.—The West Ken¬ tucky Confeience shall comprise all that part of the State of Kentucky weat of the Kentucky Conferences. Skc. 26.—Liberia.—-The Liberia Conference shall include the Republic of Liberia, all the west coast of Africa south of Liberia to the Congo. Sec. 27.—Louisiana.—The Louisiana Confer¬ ence shall comprise all that part of the State of Louisiana south of the 31st parallel, and also of Osyka^ Mississippi. Sec. 2b. — Nvrth Louisiana.— The North Louisianna Conleropte shall include all that part of the State of Louisiana north of the 31st parallel. Sec. 29.—Missouri.—The Missouri Conference shall comprise all that part of the State of Mis¬ souri south of the Missouri river Sec. 30.—North Missouri.—The North Mis¬ souri Conference shall comprise all that part cf the State of Missouri north of the Missouri river. Sec. 31.—Mississippi.—The Mississippi Cok ference shall comprise all that part of the State of Mississippi south of a straight line extew> 304 Part VI.] CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. Ch. I ing from Warrenton, through Macon to Ala¬ bama, excluding Jackson and Osvka, but in¬ cluding Merridan, and also Yellow Pine. Sec. 32.—North Mississippi.—The North Mississippi Conference shall comprise all that part of the State of Mississippi north and west of the Southern Railroad, and including Green¬ ville and West Point. Sec. 33.—Central Mississippi (the Conference asks to have this title instead of Middle Mis¬ sissippi).—The Central Mississippi Conferences shall comprise all that part of the State of Mississippi not included in other Conferences, as described. This embraces Jackson. Sec. 34.—Michigan.—The Michigan Confer¬ ence shall include the State of Michigan, and that part of the State of Indiana not included in the Indiana Conference, as described. Sec. 35.—New England.—The New England Conference shall include the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhod« Island and Connecticut. Sec. 36.—North Carolina.—The North Caro¬ lina Conference shall include all that part of the State of North Carolina east of the follow¬ ing irregular line, to wit: The east boundary 305 Part VI.] CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. [Ch. I. lines of the counties of Vance, Franklin, Wake, southeastern section of Chatham, Moore and Richmond. Sec. 37. — Western North Carolina.—The Western North Carolina Conference shall com¬ prise all that part of the State of North Caro¬ lina not included in the North Carolina Con¬ ference, as described. Sec. 38.—New Jersey.—The New Jersey Con¬ ference shall include all the State of New Jersey, including Stroudsburg and Easton in Pennsylvania. Sec. 38J.—Nova Scotia.—The Nova Scotia Conference shall include all the Province of Nova Scotia, Prince Edwards Islands and New Brunswick. Sec 39.—Ohio.—The Ohio Conference shall comprise all that part of the State of Ohio south of a line corresponding with the Balti¬ more and Ohio Railroad, from Beflaire to Co¬ lumbus, thence south and southtast c f a line corresponding with the Little Miamie Railroad to Cincinnati. It shall also include the towns of Barnesville, Cambridge, Columbus, South Charleston, Selma, Cedarville, Wilbertorce, Xenia and Cincinnati, except Harveysburg and Mainville. Sec. 40.—North Ohio.—The North Ohio 306 Part VI.] CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. [Ch. I. Conference shall comprise all that part of the Stale of Ohio not included in the Ohio Confer¬ ence, as described, and Harveysburg and Main- ville. Sec. 41.—Ontario.—The Ontario Conference shall include all the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Sec. 42.—Philadelphia.—The Philadelphia Conieren e shall compiise the counties ot Pike, Northampton, Schuyikill, Dauphin, Cumber¬ land, Frani-lin. and Shamokin in Northumber¬ land county, Fulton and all that part of Penn¬ sylvania east of said counties, excepting Strouda- burg and Easton. It shall also include the State of Delaware. Sec. 43.—Pittsburg.—The Pittsburg Confer¬ ence shall comprise all that part of the State of Pennsylvania not included in other Confer¬ ences; also, the State of West Virginia, except¬ ing the county ot' Jefferson and Olean and Jamestown, both in New York. Sec. 44.—Paget Sound.—The Pueet Sound Conference shall include all the States of Ore¬ gon, Washington and Idaho, the Province of British Columbia and the Territory of Alaska. Sec. 45.—Sierra Leone.—The Sierra Leone Conference shall include all the Colony of Sierra Leone and adjacent territory. 307 Part VI ] CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. [Ch. 1, Sec. 46 —^outh Carolina—The South Caro¬ lina Conference shall comprise all that part of South Carolina embraced in the counties of Beaufort, Charleston, Berkeley, Georgetown, Colleton, Barnesville, Aikin, Williamsburg and Hampton. Sec. 47.— Northeast South Carolina.-—The Northeast South Ca olina Conference shall com¬ prise the counties of Marion, Horee, Florence, Darlington, Marlborough, Che^tertield, Claren¬ don, Orange burgh, Sumter, Kershaw and all that part of Richland west of the Wateree- river, to and including Ea toner. Sec. 48. — Columbia, South Carolina. — The Columbia Conference shall comprise all that pat t of the Stute of South Carolina Conference ant the Northeast South Carolina Conference- as described, and county. Sec. 49.—Tennessee.—The Tennessee Confer¬ ence t-hall comprise all that part of the State of Tennessee included in the counties of Giles, Maury, Williamson, Davidson, Robertson aud Sumner, and all east of said counties. Sec. 50.— West Tennessee.—The West Ten¬ nessee Conference shall comprise all that part of the State of Tennessee west of the Tennessee Conference. 308 Part vl] conference boundaries. [Ch. Sec. 51.—Texas.—The Texas Conference shall compr be all that part of the State of Texas eaat ©i tiie Brazos river, south cl an irregular line corresponding with the south boundary lines of the counties of Falls, Limestone, Freestone, Henderson, Smith, Gregg and Harrison. Sec. 52. -Central Texan.—The Central Texas Conference shall comprise all that part of the State of Texas south of ihe Texas and PaciBc ii«ilroa l and west of an irregular line corre¬ sponding with the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Kail road fr*6 —The work in the West Indies and South America shall he designated as " The West Indian and South American Mission Work," in lieu of Conierence boundaries. EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS. first district. Bishop Abraham Grant, D.D., Philadelphia New York, .New England, New Jeibe_\, Ber¬ muda and .Nova Sootia Conferences. second district. Bishop James Anderson Handy, D.D., Bal¬ timore, North Carolina, Virginia, Western North Carolina, Hayti and San Domingo Con¬ ferences. third district. Bishop "Benjamin Franklin Lee, D.D., LL.D., Ohio, Pittsburg, North Ohio, Ontario and Demr erara Conferences. 310 Part V I.J EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS. iCh.1 FOURTH DISTRICT. Bishop Benjamin William Arnett, D.D., Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Michigan Confer¬ ences. FIFTH DISTRICT. Bishop Benjamin Tucker Tanner, D.D, XL.D.. Missouri, North Missouri, Kansas and ■Colorado Conferences. SIXTH DISTRICT. Bishop Henry MeNeal Turner, D.D., LL.D., D C.L., Georgia, Nortli Georgia, Macon, Ga., Alabama, North Alabama, Central Alabama, Sierra Leone, Liberia and South African Con¬ ferences. SEVENTH DISTRICT. Bishop James Crawford Embry, D.D., South Carolina, Columbia and Southeastern South Ca-oiina, Florida, East Florida and South Florida Conferences. EIGHTH DISTRICT. Bi-hop William Benjamin Derrick, DD., Arkansas, South Arkanwn, West Arkansas, Mississippi, North Mississippi and Central Mia« eissippi Conferences. NINTH DISTRICT. -Bishop Moses Buckingham Salter, D.D, 311 Part VI.] EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS. [Ch. I. Tennessee, West Tennessee, Kentucky and West Kentucky Conferences. TENTH DISTRICT. Bishop Josiah Haynes Armstrong D.D., Texas, West Texas, Northeabt Texas, Central Texas, Louisiana and North Louisiana Con¬ ferences. ELEVENTH DISTRICT. Bishop Wesley John Gaines, D.D., Cali¬ fornia, Indian, Puget Sound and Oklahoma Conferences. 31* Part VI.] CHURCH EXTENSION. (Chap. IL CHAPTER II. CHURCH EXTENSION. Preamble. The need of some plan by which weak and struggling societies throughout our wide connection, and also our mission woik could be aided in securing and erecting suitable houses of worship, has been long lelt in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Next after the cry of perishing souls for the word of life is that f >r a suitable place to feed the hungry souls. Wherever the messenger of God has been able to gather the outcast into an organization (called a church) then comes next the urgent demand for a christian home or church building where the Word of Go! may be regularly administered, and those forming new organi¬ zations firmly settled through the siid of the general Church, thus enabling the missiona¬ ries to hold the ground already taken with¬ out overburdening the little band. To this end the following constitution, for the working and government of the Church Extension Society, of the A'ricaa Methodist Episcopal Church, i? adopted. 313 Pwt VI.] CHURCH EXTENSION. [Chap. II. CONSTITUTION. Art. 1. There f^hall be a Board of Church Extension, consisting of a Presideut, Vice- President, Corresponding Secretary, Treas¬ urer and a Board of Managers, consisting of eleven elective members, five ministerial a id two laymen. The same to be nominated by the Bishops, but continued by the Geueial Conference and to continue in office until their successors a.e electrd. The B shops shall be ex-officio members of the Hoard one of whom shall be the President of ihe Bo rd; the others, Vice-Presidents, according to seni¬ ority. Art. 2. The Board shall present a state¬ ment of its business annually to the several Conferences, and submit a quadrennial report to the General Con Terence. The Board shall fill all vacancies that may occur during the intervals between "General Conference-*. Art. 3. The Board elected by this General Conference s all «t once procure under the laws of the St-ite where this Board shall be located, nn ant of incorporation whereby they and their successors in office in per¬ petual succession shall be made a b dy corporate under the name of "The B >ard of Church Extension," with powers of 314 Part VI.] CHURCH EXTENSION. [Chap. II. contracting and being contracted with, sueing and bein^ sued, and all other powers deemed necessary for the successful prose¬ cution of the work, not inconsistent with these articles. Art. 3. The Corresponding Secretary shall conduct the correspondence of the Hoard under its direction, and shall be subjec! to the authority and control ol the Board. He shall be a member of thj A. M. E. Church, but shall reside where the Board is locatrd. He shall keep the Church constantly ad¬ vised of the work and wants of the depart¬ ment of Church Extension. He shall super¬ vise and superintend the church extension work of the connection, deviling ways and menns for collecting funds and labor to the extent of his power to bring this depart¬ ment to thf broadest field of usefulness. Art. 4. The Board shall be located at such placf as the General Conference may direct, and shall m< et annually at such time as it may deem best for the intere-ta of the department, and at such other time as the President and Corresponding Secre¬ tary may appoint. Five members shall constitute a quorum. Art. 5. Revenues.—The revenues of this department shall be: 1 St. Ten per cent, of 31-5 CH EXTENSION. [Ch. IL the entire dollar of the Dollar f md now allotted to the general treasury. Said per reniage to be forwarded directly to the Corresponding Secre¬ tary of the Church Extension Society by the Chairman of the Commiuee on Dollar Money in each of our Conferences, certified to by the Pre¬ siding Bishop, with such other moneys as may be collected for the cause of Church Ex tense n. (2d) Fifty per cent. (50) of all Children's Day m >nev shall be devoted to church ex¬ tension, and shall be immediately forwarded to the Corresponding Secretary. (3d) The admission foe and annual dues of the woman's department of church extension. (4th) Special collections br the Corres¬ ponding Secretary, Bishops, Presiding El¬ ders and Pastors. (5th) Gits, devises and bequests. Art. 6. It shall be lawful lor the Board to accent contributions toils funds from any person capable of making the same, subject to annuities payable to the order of the person or persons making such donations, but all amounts so received shall be loaned by said Board on adequate security or securi¬ ties, and the aggregate amounts that the Board shall assume to pay shall never be. allowed to exceed one half of the annual interest receivable ou the loans made by said Board. 316 Part VI ] CHURCH EXTENSION. [Chap. H. Art. 7. The Board shall have authority to regulate its own proceeding-, to appropriate in>nevs to pav incidental expenses, t ) deter¬ mine wliiit amount niav be dona ed or loaned to each applicant, and to d • Mich business as may be legitimate and proper f<>r them t<> do, provided that the Board shall not involve itself in debt beyond the amount of its available asset*. Art. 8. Tne Board shall have authority to rai-e and administer a "Loan Fund," which Bhall be held separ te from funds raised for general distribution, which shall be used only in loans on adequate security, said set urity to be determined by a regular coa- ve^ancer, the B >ard to receive and hold in tiu-i for the African Methodist, Episcopal Church, and convey the same for the usea and objects herein declared. Art. 9. All applications lor aid shall set forth : 1. A description of the bu'ldings for which aid is a»ked. 2. The estimate *nd probable cost when completed. 8. The amount of c sh and reliable s-ubser ption on hand. 4. The nature of the title, itft valid'tv, whether held in trust for the Afri¬ can Methodist Episcopal Church. 5. The Barnes of the Board of Trustees. 6. Any Additional facts thaf may be deemed neces* 317 Part TI.J CHURCH EXTENSION. [Chap. IX «aiy or useful to the Board in making a de¬ cision. In no case shall a loan be made ex¬ cept on first mortgage, and that at not more than 50 per cent, of the actual market value of the property, provided, however, that a mortgage may be taken on good property at 60 per cent, of its value above firat mort¬ gage. Art. 10. Each annual conference shall organize a Conference Board of Church Extension Composed of five members, three ministerial and two laymen. The pre.-idmg bishop to be ex-officio president. They shall have power to elect their vice-presi¬ dent, secretary and treasurer, which shall constitute the executive committee of the Conference Board of Church Extension within the bounds of their conference tin ier the supervision of the Corresponding Secre¬ tary and ihe General Board, aud snail be auxiliary to the General Board. The Conference Board of Church Exten¬ sion shall pass upon all applications to the General Board lor aid from their confer¬ ences where such applications are presented to them with the recommendation of the Presiding Elder from whose district the ap¬ plication is made. They shall keep a record of all the indebtedness of churches within 318 Part VI.] CHURCH EXTENSION. [Chap. I» their conference, and for this purpose qttar* terly reports shall be rendered to the Con¬ ference Board of Church Extension, en¬ dorsed by the Presiding Elder, and any past>r whose charge is a beneficiary of the society failing to send such quarter y state- mints of trustees' indebtedness, shall be deemed guilty of neglect of duty, and shall be dealt with as in other cases of neglect or failure by the Annual Conference. Art. 11. It shall be the duty of the bishops, presiding elders and pastors to bring the subject of Church Extension be¬ fore the district and quarterly conferences and churches, and see to it that the most efficient plans are adopted for raising the amounts apportioned to the charge. Art. 12. The bishops shall call forareport of the Annual Conference Board in the regu¬ lar order of conference proceedings, and direct attention to the subject. Art.-13. The Bond and Salary of thb Secretary.—The Corresponding Secretary of the Church Extension Society shall give bond-< and security in a sum not less than two thousand dollars, and his salary shall be the same as other general officers. 319 Part \ IJ CONFERENCE BOARD. [CUap. IL Conference Board 1st. The Conference Board of Church. Extension shall consist of the Presiding Elders of each Conference and two lay¬ men, said laymen to be elected by the Annual Conference; the Presiding Bishop of the Conference to be Chair¬ man of said Conference Board. Each of the Presiding Elders shall make annual reports to the Board as to the number, amounts and location of loans placed by the General Board, and see that the interest and principal are paid promptly as they fall due; while the Secretary of the Conference Board shall submit a report annually to the Con¬ ference and the Corresponding Secre¬ tary of the General Board as to the mortgage indebtedness of the churches within the Conference and the general condition of the work. 2d. The Corresponding Secretary sha11 tie, and is hereby,authorized to organize 319a Part VI.] CON /ERENCE BOARD. [ .•hap. tt in all of our churches and Sunday- schools, direct through the pastors,or other interested parties, the Women's Auxiliarj So;ietj of Church Extension. 3d. In each of the Annual Confer¬ ences one evening shall be devoted to a Church Extension Anniversary, when addresses shall be made on the subject of Church Extension—its work, its need?, etc.—by the General Secretary (if present), members of the Con f'erence Board, or others selected by the Con- ference. 4th. On said occasion a collection shall be lifted; the same, with other funds which may be secured /or said purpose, to constitute what (Shall be known as the African Church Exten¬ sion Fund, to be used only for the erection of churches in the mout hope¬ ful of our African mission fielcs. 319b MISSIONARY CAUSE, [Chap. Ill- CHAPTER TIL Constitution of the Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the African M. £. Church. PREAMBLE. Whereas, We the members of the African M. E* Church, in General Conference assembled, have teen for years, and still see, with deepest Christiun anxiety, the deplorable spiritual and mental con¬ dition of our people—our brethren, " bone of our bow, and flesh of our flesh"—who inhabit both kemiifftheres, which the Word of God declares shall be lighted up with the glorious rays of the " Suit of Righteousness and Whereas, We further remember with deep emotion the last command of our ascending Lord, "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel," and de- airing to prove our love by our obedience, ue, there¬ fore, revolve hereby to form ourselves into a Parent Missionary Society for the purposes and objects hereinafter mentioned: ARTICLE I. This Inst'tution shall be designated the- Home and J-oreign Missionary Department of the African Alethod st Episcopal Church. ARTICLE II. Its objects are to diffuse more generally the elessings of education and supporting mis- lion schools and churches throughout the United States and in for-ign land?, under such. 320 Part VI.] MISSIONARY CAUSE. fChap. HI. rules and regulations as the General Confer¬ ence and General Missionary Board, acting •as such, may from time to time prescribe. ARTICLE III. Any person of good moral character m*y become a member, and said membership is continued upon the annual payment of one dollar. The payment ot ten dollars at one time constitutes a life membership,or twenty dollars an honorary manager for life, and the contribution of fifty dollars shall constitute the donor an honorary patron /or life. Any such manager or p itmn shall be entitled to a seat, with all the pri vileges of regular mem¬ bers, except voting. ARTICLE IV. Managers. The management "hall be vested in a Board, consisting of the Bishops, eleven traveling ministers, nine laymen, and the Correspond¬ ing Secretary, to be elected at the General Conference. Vacancies in the Board >hall be filled by the Bi-hops. Tne Board shall have power to make by-laws not inconsistent with the constitution, or the genius ol Methodism, fill all vacancies that may occu; among tha Part VI.J MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Cbap.nt. officers of its own election, select fields to be occupied, appoint missionaries, and arrange fcr the general conduct of the aflairs of tha Society. It shall also present a statement of its transactions to the church annually, and submit a report quadrennially to the General Conference. ARTICLE v. Missionary Secretary. There shall be a Secretary of this Depart¬ ment elected by the General Conference, whose salary shall be the same as other general officers. Assistance may be given this de¬ partment only at such time as the Board may deem absolutely necessary for the advance¬ ment of the work. The Secretary shall be subject to the direction of the Board, and be exclusively employed in conducting the cor- respondeuce of the Society, and otherwise in providing the Church with missionary in¬ telligence, supervising all missionary inter¬ ests, devising ways and means for the col- lect'on of funds, &c., and by all the means at his command labor to bring the Society and the Church into the broadest field of Christian activity and usefulness. Should the office become vacant by death, resigna¬ tion. or otherwise, the Bishops, or a ma- 322 y&rt VL] THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. (Ch. Ut Jority of them, shall appoint his sao- eessor. ARTICLE VI. President. One of the Bishops appointed by the General Conference shall be President. By virtue of their office the remaining Bishops are Vice-Presidents. The Presi¬ dent shall have general supervision of all the mission fields of the Church, except 6uch as are under the immediate control and support of Annual Conferences. ARTICLE VII. Nine Managers at any meeting of the Board shall constitute a quorum. ARTICLE VIII. Each Annual Conference shall have a Missionary Society, composed of all its members and any others who may elect to unite; said society to be auxiliary to the parent body, and shall be under such regulations as the Annual Conference shall respectively prescribe. Provided, however, that said regulations do not P»Mt Vl.l THE! MISSIONARY CAUSB. [Cb. Hi conflict with the general missionary plan. ARTICLE IX. Missionary Committee. The General Conference shall consti¬ tute e tch Annual Conference a mission distr :t represented by a committee-man elect d for that purpose, whose duty it shaJ be to confer with the General Ma ugers as to ways and means, and ass in carrying out the plans of the So lety in his district, that the church m; v' be the more speedily organized and th largest amounts of money raised for m jsion purposes. The committee-man sb ill in conjunction with the Corres- p< tiding Secretary, hold, or cause to be h( Id, an Annual Missionary Convention in each of the said districts The place of meeting to be fixed by the presiding Bishop. The objects of said meetings are: lbt. To diffuse mif-sioi.ary intelligence bj adopting plans to circulate the Voice of Missions and other missionary literature. ad. To otganize our churches and Sabbath- schoolfl into missionary societies. 324 Part VI.] THE MISSIONARY vAUSE. [Ch. Ill 3d. To collect missionary funds. The committee-man of each district shall furnish a report to his Annual Con¬ ference of all the doings of his district at each sitting. Also a copy to the Corres- sponding Secretary for publication in the Missionary Annual Blanks for reports to be supplied by the General Missionary Department. article x. Disciplinary Requirements. That there may be uniformity in work, and a more judicious and equitable dis¬ bursement of mission funds, it is made the duty of the General Board of Man¬ agers to determine each year the amount necessary to carry on the home and foreign enterprise of the Church, and divide the same pro rata between the several Annual Conferences for collec¬ tion 2d. Each Annual Conference, through its Bishop and Local Missionary Board, eh all apportion the above assessment to the churches several I v within the district, 325 PartVL) THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch. I1L according to the membership, or th® ability to pay. 3d. Each pastor knowing the amount due from bis charge, shall use every exertion by ill fair means to collect the same, and report to his Conference, on the Bishop asking the question, " How much collected for missions this year?" Said collection to embrace the following: 1st. The pastor's annual dues to the Conference Missionary Society. 2d. The dues of local members of the Conference and of the Society, who canJ not attend its meetings. 3d. The annual dues of the laity in each charge. 4tli. An annual collection from each church and Sabbath-school, including the entire Missionary Day, which is held on Easter Sunday of each year, and all moneys thus collected shad be held sacred to the Department of Mis¬ sions, and forwarded at once to the Treasurer of said Department. 5th. Every congregation and Sun day-school is a Missionary Society, and 326 rart VI.] THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch. Ill our pastors and superintendents shall so rule and so teach the people. 6th. The pastors of our churches shall adopt and en orce the general mission¬ ary plan for raising funds not only on Easter Sabbath, but by lifting Annual Conference Missionary Collections, giving concerts, etc. 7th. Any Conference or Church is at liberty to engage in local missionary enterprises, after it has complied with the foregoing requirements. 8th. It is earnestly recommended that it be considered as an indispensable part of our Christian duty to pray to Al¬ mighty God for a blessing upon this and -.lilar organizations engaged in the pro¬ pagation <>f the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To this end Easter Sunday is set apart to be observed in all our churches and Sabbath-schools as Missionary Day, and monthly or quarterly concert and prayer meetings are to be made special seasons ti invocation and o he rings lor the sacred cause of missions. 327 Part VI.] THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch. lit 9th. Pastors of the respective churches are required to lift a mission¬ ary collection independent of Easter Sabbath, and report the same to their Annual Conferences, which, together with the annual dues of the pastors and other members of the Conference, may¬ be divided thus: Sixty per cent, for the work within its bounds; the re¬ maining forty per cent, shall be trans¬ mitted to the Treasurer of the Mission¬ ary Department. 10c.li. Wilful violations of these role® shall be treated as all other cases of neg¬ lect of duty. It is made the duty of each Presiding Bishop to see that thi» law is strictlj enforced. 11th. These rules and regulations are in effect from the date of adoption, and can only be amended, altered, or abridged by the General Conference,and all previous legislation not in accord with the same is hereby annulled. 328 J&rt VI.] THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [C* HI, SECTION II. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS of the Women's Parent Mite Missionary Society, uing year. ARTICLE VII. A special meeting of the society may be called at any time by the President upon the request of five of the Mana¬ gers, or at the request of a majority of the Bishops. ARTICLE VIII. This Constitution may he altered at any regular meetinSr of the Society by a vote of three-fourths of the members; present, notice in wriiing of the in¬ tended alteration having been given afc a previous meeting. 328d Part VI.] THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch. 111. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION. Amendment 1. There shall be an Auxiliary Branch Society organized in every Conference throughout the Connection, which Con¬ ference Branch shall report quarterly through its Corresponding Secretary to the Parent Society, according to the By-Laws for the Auxiliaries, stating the number of its Auxiliaries; the work accomplished by them; the moneys received from thiem, and other matters of interest. Amendment 2. The President of each Conference Branch shall be Vice-President of the Parent Society, and whenever possible shall be present at its meetings. Amendment 3. Each Conference Branch shall organ¬ ize its own Auxiliaries, and shall have charge of them, requiring quarterly re¬ ports from them, according to the By- .Laws for the Auxiliaries. Each Con- 328e Part VI.] THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch. HI. ference Branch shall also have charge of its own home work, and shall have annual meetings at such time and place as they may fix, subject to the Presiding Bishop and Annual Conference. The maneys of the society shall be divided in the same proportion as the mission¬ ary money of the Church for foreign missionary work, to be sent to the Treasurer of the Women's Parent Mite Missionary S®ciety, located in Phila¬ delphia, Pennsylvania. Amendment Jf. The Parent Society shall call a Con¬ ference of all the Auxiliary Branch Conference Societies, once every four years, in the month of November, pre¬ ceding the Quadrennial meeting of the General Conference of the A. M. E. Church. At this Conference, reports of ■> he W. H. and F. M. Societies of the A. M. E. Church shall be laid before the body, with suggestions and recom¬ mendations as to its furtherance and 828f Part VI.j THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch.IIL sup >ort, the place for the holding of this meeting to be hereinafter stated. R> commendation First. It is recommended that the Parent Society shall elect a Secretary whose business it shall he not only to pee that reports from the Conference Branch Societies, and other matteis o» interest relating to the women's misf-ii narjr work s-hall, fr>m time to tirne he ] lib' lislud in the columns of the Christian Recorder, but shall as lar^eh as- her Other duties wi'l permit travel through the bounds of the Church and pee that Auxiliaries are organized in keeping with the Constitution. Her salary shnll not esctfd $ 00 p»r annum. The quarterly report of ihp C< r-tererce Branches of the W. P. M \1. Society shall he innludtd in the r« pott of the Pr< siding Eldeis 'or information and to perpetuate history. Recommendation Second. It is recommended that a represen- 328g Part vl] the missionary cause. [ch. iii. tative from the W. P. M. M. Society shall, fro in time to time, meet with the Men's Board of Foreign Missions, to the end that there may be a better understanding of their work in the foreign fields, and for what part of it the women are especially responsible. A lack of definite knowledge c^ncern- inor these facts has been a great draw¬ back to the success of the Women's P. H. and F. M. S. of the A. M. E. Church. BY-LAWS. ARTICLE I. The Board of Managers shall hold its stated meetings on the first Tuesday of August, November,February and May, at 10 a m.. in such place as it shaii appoint. Five members shall consti¬ tute a quorum. ARTICLE II. The President shall preside at all the 328h Part VI.] THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch. m. meetings of the Board, appoint all com¬ mittees not otherwise provided for, and such other duties as are usual to th'e office. Stie shall call special meetings at the request of three members, and shall be ex officio member of all stated committees. ARTICLE III. The Vice-President first mentioned on the roll present shall,in the absence of the President, perform all the duties of her office. ARTICLE IV. The Treasurer shall receive and hold and keep an account of all money com- ing to the society, and shall disburse it as the Board of Managers shall direct, subject to Article II of the Constitu¬ tion. She shall report the state of the treasury at each regular meeting. Her annual report shall be examined by three auditors appointed by the so¬ ciety. 328i Fait VI.] THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch.ITL ARTICLE Y. The Recording Secretary shall keep a fair record of the proceedings of the Board and give proper notice of special and stated meetings. ARTICLE YI. It shall be the duty of the Corre¬ sponding Secret iry to conduct the of¬ ficial correspon ience ot the society. She shall prepare an annual report of the Board of Managers. Missionaries supported in whole or in part by this society shall be required to make regu¬ lar reports to her. ARTICLE YII. All auxiliary societien must make quarterly reports to the Correspond¬ ing Secretary on or before the first Tuesday in August, November, Febru¬ ary and May, remitting at the same time such funds as they may have on hand to the Treasurer of ihe same. She shall give such security as the 328j Part VL] THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch.IIL Board of Managers say. Receipts for money shall be sent directly to the so¬ cieties, as well as through the columns of the Recorder. ARTICLE VIII. Any Manager who shall be absent for three successive meetings of the Board, without notifying the same of the reason of her absence, shall forfeit her position and her place may be filled. ARTICLE IX. Notice of the annual meetings of this soci^ny shall be duly given in the organ of the Cuarch with a synopsis of the business to be presented,together with a synopsis of whatever missionary news the Recording Secretary may have in her possession. No means shall be spared to make these annual meetings profitable to the cause in hand. ARTICLE X. These By-La v. s may be amended at any meeting of the society, by a vote 328k Bart VI.] THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch. IH. of three-fourths of the members present, but notice of any proposed amendment must be given in writing at the meeting preceding such vote. CONSTITUTION FOR THE AUXILIARY SOCIETY. ARTICLE I. This society shall be called the Branch of the Women's P. M. M. So¬ ciety of the A M. E. Church. ARTICLE II. Its object shall be to aid the Parent Society in its efforts to support the foreign movements of the Parent H. and F. Missionary Society of the A. M. E. Church. ARTICLE III. Any person may become a member of this Auxiliary Society by the pay* snent of monthly. 3281 Fart VI.] THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Clk Itt ARTICLE IV. The officers of this society shall be aPresident, two Vice-Presidents, two Secretaries and a Treasurer. ARTICLE V. The President shall preside afc all meetings and have a general oversight of the work ; in her absence the Vice- President. ARTICLE VI. It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to record the proceedings of the society, give notice of the meetings and prepare the annual report. *fue Corresponding Secretary shall keep the Parent Society informed of the condi¬ tion of the Auxiliary and forward a list of officers and the report with that of the Treasurer. This shall be done quarterly. ARTICLE VII. The Treasurer's duty shall be to re¬ ceive the money of the Auxiliaries and 328m Part VI.] THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch.IIL forward the Fame quarterly to the Treasurer of the Parent body. ARTICLE Till. This society shall hold regular monthly meetings, when all suitable measures shall l»e taken to increat-e the interest in the cause. An annual meet¬ ing shall be held to elect officers and hear the annual report. Tlie quarterly mns;azineknown as The Woman's Light ai td Lovefor Heathen Afrv-a is accepted as a proper medium by which the women of the church may expresst h center, and the names of the. officers sent to the Corresponding Secretary of the Conference Soviet*. But when two thirds of the members present ayrree, the officers may hoid over for twelve months, when an elec¬ tion must be had by ballot. ARTICLE VIII. Auxiliary societies, in addition to the weekly or monthly dues, may solicit money from the public, give lectuivs, jestivals, lairs, bazaars, literary and musical entertainments, etc ; but in no instance shall ardent spirits or in- 32Sz3 Part VI.J THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch. IIL toxicating drinks be allowed at any entertainineij t. ARTICLE IX. The officers and members shall solicit membership tor their respective aux lian societies, ana eudtuvcr to interest ever) female member in our Churches iu the mission woib; andr wherever consistent, organise oiiur auxiiiaiy societies, whetbtr the per¬ sons be members of our Church or Congregational attendants. Gentlemen ma) be honorary members by pa\ing the reyu'ar tee, aim may speak, but shall not be entitled t" a vote in the transaction ot'any important business. ARTICLE X. Auxiliary societies are presumed to send all moneys, both for the h«»me and foreign missions to the Tieasnrer of the Conference S /ciety. But they may make special efforts for any par- 328z4 Part VL] THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch. III. ticnlar mission and send the same, should they ho desire. And even this mast l>e reported 'o the Corresponding Secretary ot the Coaierence Society. ARTICLE XT. Any auxiliary society so disposed may elect a Librar an,or the President may appoint oue, to collect books, minerals; bones, shells, and various specimens of natural history, for the study and intellectual enlightenment of its members. Also, telescopes to examine the heavens, microscopes to examine the objects invisible to the natural eye, and other literary and scientific apparatus,and preserve the same. And members are expected to donate and collect such apparatus for the Librarian, and make the auxiliary society a means of general enlighten¬ ment as well as an assistance to the ■cause of missions. 328z5 Part VI.J THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [Ch, HL ARTICLE XII. The auxiliary societies,after meeting and disposing of their regular mission¬ ary affairs, shall devote the remainder of their time to reading original poemsr lectures upon the various subjects con¬ nected with life, and thus carry the Missionary and Literary Departments together. And any member who shall write, discover, or project anything of high merit shall receive a certificate of commendation, signed by the Presi¬ dent and Secretary, as a memento. ARTICLE XIII. This Constitution, as well as the- Constitution of the conference socie¬ ties, may be amended or modified by the connectional Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society, when as» sembled in conventional form; but th& 328z6 I1 art VI.] the douix money. [Ch. IT. bishops and the ministers to use the greatest possible diligence in collecting the money thus asked for. Sec. 6. The Board shall have power to appoint an Executive Committee of its mem¬ bers, which, in cases of emergency, may meet at the request of the Financial Secretary or •call of the President, and transact such busi¬ ness as the case requires. Sec. 7. The Board of managers shall audit the Secretary's accounts, and advise the dis¬ bursement of all moneys not regularly pro¬ vided for. Sec. 8. 1—All money collected in the in¬ terval of the Annual Conference session shall be sent immediately to the Financial Secretary by the pastors so collecting; and all Dollai Money so collected and brought to the Annual Conference for the church treasury shall be turned over to the Committee of the confer, ence on Dollar Money, whose duty it shall be to ascertain the amount forwarded in the in¬ terval to the Secretary; (the same to be d& termined by the receipts of the Secretary, oi such other evidence as shall be conclusive) together with the amount returned to the con¬ ference. Having thus ascertained the exact- amount of Dollar Money, the chairman shall report the same in open conference, when the Conference Secretary shall transmit immediate¬ ly an official statement of the total amount 330 >art VI.] »he moLLAR money. [Ch.r* ©f Dollar Money collected by the said confer, enca, to the Financial Secretary, the same to be certified to by the Presiding Bishop. 2—It shall then be the duty of the Dollar Money Committee to make the division of the said Dollar Money, per Discipline. The Con. ference Treasurer shall forward the same di¬ rect to the Secretary of the Financial Depart¬ ment. Mo part of said Dollar Money, due to the Department, shall be paid to any person whatsoever, except upon a written order, signed by the Financial Secretary, bearing the stamp or official seal of the department. Sec. 9. The Financial Secretary shall operx an account in some safe and reliable bank or banks, where he shall deposit all moneys not otherwise provided for. His books, papers and bank account shall always be opened to the inspection of the bishops and also of the traveling preachers. Sec. 10. He shall keep the bishops and all the traveling preachers informed of the state and condition of the treasury, and shall ad¬ vise them, if necessary, to use more diligence to secure the success of our financial interest. Sec. 11. He shall give bonds to the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for the faithful performance of his duty. The columns of all our papers shall beal«j ways open to the interests of the Churchj Treasury. Hi 1»art VI.] the dollar money. [Ch. iv Sec. 12. It shall not be lawful for any bish¬ op, elder or preacher to use or appropriate any part or portion of the money belonging to the treasury, excepting as appropriated by law. Any person so offending shall, upon conviction thereof, ba censured or suspended from official standins. Sec. 13. There shall be a Board of Mana- r^rs for ths Church Treasury, consisting of the Financial Secretary, six itinerant elders and three laymen, who shall be elected by the General Conference, and shall serve for four years, unless removed by death, resignar tion or otherwise. No person shall be a mem¬ ber of the Board to whom the Connection is indebted. They shall present, through the Financial Secretary, a printed report, annu¬ ally, to each Conference in the bounds of the Connection, of all their proceedings, and also a similar quadrennial report to the General Conference. The Board of Managers shall elect its own vice-chairman. Sec. 14. The Board of Managers shall have power to remove an inefficient or otherwise disqua'.ilied Financial Secretary, when it is clearly necessary for the best interest of the Church, provided an immediate investigation be had in all such cases, as required by our Discipline in like causes, as applied to traveling weachers. Sec. 15. The Board of Managers, to* 331 Part VI.J THE DOLLAR MONEY, fCh. IV. gether with the College of Bishops, shall lill all vacancies in the Board which may occur during the interval of the General Conference, namely: The bishop of the district where said vacancy occurs shall nominate some one of the same grade in the church to fill said vacancy. If the Council of Bishops, or a majority of them, agree to said nomination, then the name shall be sent to the Financial Secretary, who shall report the same to the Finan¬ cial Board. Skc. 16. The Board of Managers shall hold its meetings on the third Wed¬ nesday in April in each year, and six members shall constitute a quorum lor the transaction of business, after due notice having been given to all members. In the absence of the President the Board shall elect a Chairman pro tern. Sec. 17. At their meeting the Financial Board or Board of Managers shall consider all the claims upon the Treasury provided by law, and shall make appropriations for the same. The appropriation shall be on the pro rata basis. fart VI.] THE DOLLAR MONEY. tCh.IT. Sf.c. 18. Each Annual Conference shall retain of the dollar money collected within its bounds, forty per cent, of the amount, the said amount to be appropri¬ ated by the Conference to assist the widows and orphans, and to assist the worn-out preachers, and also to assist those who have not received their allow¬ ance. The amount thus returned shall be reported to the Financial Secretary. The whole shall be distributed according to the law of distribution passed by the General Conference. Sec. 19. The money collected under the provisions of this section shall be used for the following purposes: 1. For the support of efficient and inefficient bishops. 2. For the purposes of the general of¬ ficers hereafter named in this chapter. - 3. To aid in the Publication Depart¬ ment. 4. To aid our needy colleges. 5. To aid the cause of missions. 6. For the relief of widows and orphans of deceased ministers and bishops. 3;j PartVLl THE DOLLAR MONEY. [Ch.IV. ^ 7. To aid the Church-Extension-So¬ ciety. Sec 20. The balance shall constitute a chartered fund, the interest of which shall be used for the suport of superannu¬ ated bishops, and preachers, and widows, and orphans of bishops and itinerant preachers. the support of bishops. Sec. 21. Question 2. Should any provision be made for the better support of the bishops ? Answer 1. In order that the bishops should be untrammeled in their work, each one should have a competent sup¬ port. Sec. 22. The Episcopal Committee of the General Conference, during the sitting thereof, shall consult with each of the bishops, and make an estimate of the amount necessary for their comfortable support, and report the same to the next meeting of the Financial Board, which shall place the same in its Budget of appropriation, and the Financial Secre- fart VI.1 THE DOLLAR MONEY. [Ch. IV. tary shall pay the same monthly, or as nearly as possible. The amount shall not exceed $2,000 00 per annum. Sec. 23.—The traveling expenses of the bishops shad be paid them by the churches which they visit, and by the conferences which they hold. Each church visited by the bishop shall pay t'he cost of his travel to the next point to be visited by him, and the pastor shall report the amount to the next annual conference. Sec. 24.—Each Annual Conference shall also pay the traveling expenses of" its presiding bishop from its place of ses¬ sion to his next point of destination. Provided, That said expenses shall never exceed ($30) thirty dollars, in which case all over thirty dollars shall be paid out of the church treasury. Sec. 25.—In case of distant traveling in the direct interest of the church, for example, to the continent of Europe, to California, to the Island of Santo Do¬ mingo, or elsewhere, the bishop about to make such a trip, at least three month* 33ti I'arr Vi.l THE DOLLAR MONEY. [On. IV, before the time of starting, shall make application through the financial secretary to the Board of Managers for the amount necessary to defray his expenses. The Board of Managers in all such cases, are hereby authorized to solicit, if it be ne¬ cessary, contributions from our churches to aid in defraying such traveling ex¬ penses of the bishop. support OF THE GENERAL OFFICERS. Section 26.—Question. How sha 1 we pro¬ vide for the supp.ut of the general officers? Answer 1. They tlia 1 re* eivetheirsala v from the Financial Secretary, out of the general treas¬ ury, according to the provision of Jaw by the Generat Conference of lh%, as follows: per annum. General business manager $1,350 00 Financial Secretary 1,50'J 90 Missionary Secretary 1,350 00 Editor of Christian Recorder ].3 <■ v Edit' r of the A. M. E Review 1,350 00 Secretary of Education 1,350 00 Secretary of S. S. Union, from S. S. Union funds 1,3"0 00 Editor of Southern Christian Recorder. 1,350 00 Sec. Ck. Ext, from funds of Ch. Ext., 1,350 00 337 Stat VI.] THE DOLLAR MONEY. [Chap. IV. widows and orphans of bishops AKD itinerant preachers Section 28. Question 4. What pro- ■vision do we make for worn out bishops and itinerant preache s, and for the widows and orphans of our itinerant preachers ? A preacher who has maintained a good and regular standing in our itin¬ erancy five years, on being superan¬ nuated, ahull receive $25 per ve«r. A preacher who has maintained a good and regular standing in our itin¬ erancy more than five years and less than ten year-*, on being superannuated, ski 11 receive $50 per \ear. A preacher who has maintained a good and regular standing in our itin¬ erancy more thsin ten > earsand le^s than fifteen years. <»n being superannuated, shall receive $100 per year. A preacher who has maintained a good and reyular standing in our itin¬ erancy more than fifteen a ears ami less than twenty years, on being superan¬ nuated, shall receive $150 per year. 338 Part VI.] THE DOLLAR MONEY. [Chap.FK, A preacher who has maintained ft good and regular standing in our ifcia- erancy more than twenty years shall receive $200 per year. The widow of a preacher (active or superannuated) shall receive $50 per year, and each of his children under fourteen years of age $10 per year. The widow of a Bishop shall receive? $250 per year, and each of his children lander fourteen years of age $15 per year. A'l proper allowances and claims of superannuate preachers, and widows and orphans of deceased preachers, shall hive priority overall other claims- on the Conference forty per cent, fundi of dollar money. The claims of super¬ annuate Bishops, and widows and or- pha ns of Bishops, shall he paid from the general Connectional treaswry. Should the fortv per cent. pund be- insufficient the Conference shall pro¬ vide security for the payment of the tame. 338a Part VI.] THE DOLLAR MONEY. Chap. TV.) The provisions of this paragraph shall not take effect until the condition of the treasury, in thejudgment of the Financial Board, shall warrant it. "INEFFICIENT BISHOPS ANp THEIR SUP¬ PORT. Section 29. What shall we do to sup 3>ort our worn out Bishops? Answer 1. We do hereby settle an an¬ nuity on each and every one of our Bishops, who may become unable to per¬ form their official duty, the mm of one thousand dollars anuually, to be paid monthly, during the period of their na¬ tural lives, by the financial secretary, out of the general treasury, in the same manner as are the other Bishops aad .general officers paid. THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS OF THE DECEASED BISHOPS. Section 30. What shall we do for their support? Answer 1. The financial secretary shah pay twenty-five d >llars per mouth U» 339 p»ityj.j the dollar money. [chap. iv. riich widow of our deceased Bishops, so long as t-he remains in the state of widow¬ hood, and in good standing in the A. M. E. Church In ease the widow should die before the children cease to be wards of the Church, the financial secretary and Financial Board shall continue to pay the same amount to the children until they become fourteen years of age, as is provided for the children of itinerant preachers. the support of missionaries and the endowment of scholarships in wilberforce university. Section 31. Question o. How shall we assist our missionaries in their work, and our young people in their educa¬ tion ? Answer 1. The Board of Managers of the church treasury shall apportion such amount of money to each conference as the state of the treasury will warrant. Sec. 32. The financial secretary shall receive from each conference the amount apportioned by the percentage, and keep 340 Part VI.] THE DOLLAR MONEY. [Chap. IV. an account of the same in a book kept for that purpose. feec. 33. Each conference shall disburse its own money within its bounds. Should there be a balance after such disburse¬ ment, then it shall be sent to the financial secretary, who shall place it to the credit of the Chartered Fund. Stc. 34. The Board of Managers erf the church treasury shall endow scholar¬ ships to Wilberforce University with as much celerity as is compatible with the condition of the treasury; provided, however, that they shall endow at least one scholarship each year Sec. 35. The scholarships so endowed shall be known as the African Methodist Episcopal Church scholarships. 2. They shall be used for the purpose of preparing young men for the ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and also for the purpose of pre¬ paring young women to labor in the educational department of our church. Sec. 36. These scholarships shall be under the concurrent direction of the 341 Part vi.j the dollar money. [Chap. iv. financial secretary and the president oi the Wilberforce University. ISfc-c. '61. The financial secretary shall pay all salaries first, and then the Finan¬ cial Board shall make all appropriations aot authorized by the General Conier- ence. But all the appropriations of the General Conference shall be paid as the state of the treasury will warrant. Sec. 38. The financial secretary ia authorized to visit the Annual Confer¬ ences on invitation of the presiding bishop, by the direction of the Financial Board, or in case of special business. 8upport op traveling preachers. Stc. 39. The salary of a married travel¬ ing preacher shall be four hundred dollars each conference year, with board for him¬ self, wile, and children under fourteen years of age, and his house rent, fuel, and traveling expenses. The amount of pas¬ tor's support shall be paid by the church or churches he may serve. Should his wife die he shall have the same as if he 342 Ftlfc VI.J THE DOLLAR MONEY. [Chap. were married, for the support of his chil¬ dren if he have any. The salary of an unmarried preacher shall be two hundred dollars per confer¬ ence year, and his board and traveling expenses. CHAPTER V. ON EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. How shall we promote the educational interes s of our church? Au-wer. We do hereby establish aud organize an Educational Department. Sec. 1. Tue management oc* tljjs de¬ partment sliall be placed in the hands of a General Board ol Education and a Secretary of Education, who shall be elected by the General Conference. The B ard of Education shall consist -f one member from each Episcopal Dis¬ trict, nominated by the Council of Bishops and confirmed by th - General Conference, not less than one-third of whom shall be laymen, and wh^se tenure of ottice shall be four years. 343 PartVi.] EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. [Ch.V. (o) In the event of death, resignation, dis¬ ability, gross neglect of duty or change of dis¬ trict. the Board shall declare the p'ace of such a member vacant anil from his district appoint his mrcessor, with the special provision that in the event of an emergency the Bishop of the district shall have power to nominate and fill the vacancy until the regular meeting of the Board. (6) The Secretary of Education shall be an tx-offirio member of suit! B ard. Th is Board s-hall be presided over by a Bishop selected by the Council of Bishops. It shall hold an annual s< ssion at siuh place as it may sel»-r increasing the educatio' al funds and advancing the educational interests of the Ctmrch; to consider at its regular or called meetings all claims upon the tovas- 344 Pari VIJ EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. [Ch. T. ary, and to make such appropriations m have been authorized by the General Conference, and in the manner pre¬ scribed. (6) It shall audit annually the Secre¬ tary s accounts, and arrange for all dis¬ bursements of money not otherwise pro¬ vided for, and sball make, through the Secretary of Education, an annual re¬ port to each annual conference, ar>d a quadrennial report to the General Con¬ ference. (c) In case of the death, resignation or incapacity of the Secretary of Edu¬ cation, this Board shall have power, in the interim of the General Conference, to appoint his successor. dotter op the secretary op education. It shall be the duty of the Secretary of Education to receive, receipt for and account all moneys raised for Educational purposes. He shall open an account, and deposit in some reliable bank all moneys received, and make all disbursements under the direction of the Board of Edu- 345 Part VI.] EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. [Chap. V cation. He shall faithfully execute all orders of said Board, and use his ut¬ most ability to make the department successlul in operation and result. He shall cooperate with the trustee boards of every institution assisted by this department in the investment of the funds thus appropriated, and shall personally inspect the operation of such institutions, and keep the de¬ partment informed of the general condition of the Educational work. (a) When in his judgment necessity requires, he may, in conjunction with the President of the Board, call special meetings, for which ten days' notice shall be given to all members. He shall receive for his services the sum of $1,350 per year and the game be paid from the General Treasury. For the faithful performance of his duty the Secretary shall give satisfac¬ tory bond in the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) to the Board of Edu¬ cation. 346 Part VI.] EDUCATIONAL INTEREST& [Ch. Y. The Secretary shall be an honorary member of each and all the trustee boards of our educational institutions. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The Board shall hare power to ap¬ point an Executive Committee of five members, including the Secretary, which, in cases of emergency, may meet at the request of the Secretary and transact such businets as the case re¬ quires, or which may be delegated to it by the General Board. CONFERENCE BOARD OP EDUCATION. (a) At the holding of the first An¬ nual Conference following the General Conference there shall be nominated by the Bishop, and confirmed by the Conference, a Conference Board of Ed¬ ucation, consisting of three ministerial and two lay members, which shall con¬ tinue active for four years, except in case of death, resignation, inefficiency or removal from the Annual Confer¬ ence district. 847 Part VI1 EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS [Ch. V (b) This Board shall immediately elect its own Chairman, Secretary and a Treasurer. The Secretary and Treas¬ urer shall keep in substantial books a proper record of its doings. (c) Thelocal Board of Education shall receive all moneys raised at the Annual Conference and send the same to the District Secretary, provided there is no connectional school in that Episcopal District. If there is a school it shall be paid to the treasury of said school. The Secretary of the Conference Board of Education at the rise of the Annual Conference shall furnish to the District Secretary a statement of all moneys raised on Endowment Day or any other time whatever, and in the interim of the Annual Conference, and shall see that these intereots of the Church are properly sustained, and in all possible ways shall cooperate with the General Secretary of Education in advancing tb.e work. 348 SRartVL] EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. [Ch. V. EDUCATIONAL DISTRICTS. fa) The Educational Districts shall ^embrace tbe same territory and coincide with the Episcopal Districts, except in teasfi of the First Educational District, "winch shall comprise the First, Third mad Fourth Episcopal Districts. 2d. All moneys raised by the connec¬ tion for educational work in the First District shall be divided equally be¬ tween Payne Theological Seminary and Wilberforce University. 3d. The salary of the " Dean " of the institution shall be $1 200.00 per an¬ num. The same to be paid by the Financial Secretary out of the per cent, of the " Dollar Fund " as provided for ed ucation according to our book of ■discipline. (b) The Local Board in each Con- tfereace within the district shall &lect one of their number to be 348a fart VI.] EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. [Ch. V- a member of the District Educational Board. This Board shall have general super¬ vision of the educational work within ite district, shall regulate and authorize the establishing of schools, may appoint dis¬ trict secretaries of education, and desig¬ nate and arrange for their compensation. It shall apportion the funds appropriated to the educational work of its district, and submit annual and quadrennial re¬ ports to the Secretary of Education. It shall determine its place of meeting and such times as may enable it to forward its reports to the Secretary of Education^, at least two weeks prior to the meeting of the General Board. Any vacancies in local or district boards shall be filled by appointment of the Bishop of the Con¬ ference in which such vacancy occurs. All local and district boards and officers shall be subsidiary and amenable to the General Board and such officers w handle educational funds shall give bond of not less than one thousand dollars, ($1,000). v 349 Part VL] EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. [Ch. V. Each district shall have the super- Tision of a District Secretary, nomi¬ nated by the Presiding Bishop and confirmed by the General Board of Education. He shall receive all moneys paid or sent to him for educational purposes, and pay over the same to the school or schools of the districts under i;he direction of the General Board of Education or Presiding Bishop He shall furnish to the General Secretary of Education a full report of his do¬ ings at least one month previous to the annual meeting of the General Board of Education, and at times vhen re¬ quested to do so. For neglect of duty, inability or inefficiency, the General Board of Education may remove him and request the Presiding Bishop to nominate his successor. The term of office of the Presidents or heads of our institutions of learning shall be four years. ESTABLISHMENT OP SCHOOLS. No school shall be established look- 349a IONAL INTERESTS. [Ch. V. ing to the support of the Church with¬ out first receiving the recommendation of the Conference in whose bounds it is located, and the District Board which controls the educational work in tha onference, and then the endorse¬ ment of the General Board of Educa¬ tion; and any school attempting to operate contrary to this provision shall not be recognized in the general distri¬ bution of educational funds. APPROPRIATIONS. The following annual appropriations shall be made by the General Financial Secretary to our educational institu¬ tions : Wilberforce University, of which one- fourth shall be used to erect a library hall .11,800 00 349b Fart VI ] EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. [Ch. V. Allen University $1,200 00 Paul Quinn College. 1,200 00 Morris Brown 1,200 00 Kittrell Institute 1,200 00 Edward Waters College 1,000 00 Western University 1,000 00 Campbell College 500 00 Payne Institute 300 00 Harper Institute 200 00 Delhi Institute 200 00 Turner Normal and Industrial Insti¬ tute 200 00 Shorter University 400 00 Wayman Institute, Harrodsburg.... 250 00 Payne Theological Seminary 1,500 00 Stringer Academy. 100 00 Sisecn. 250 00 Fleger High School 300 00 Bermuda Institute 300 00 349c Tut VI. J EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. [Chap. V. 8UPP0RT OF EDUCATIONAL. DEPARTMENT. How 6hall moneys be raised for tliis depart¬ ment? 1. By private donations and bequests, which shall be applied according to the wish of tha donor. 2. Bv appropr ati ns of the Financial Board through the Secr> tary of Education. 3. By the contributions of educational socie¬ ties formed in the churches «f the Connection, and which are recommended to be estab¬ lished generally. 4. By public appropriations. 5. By maturing of lire insurance policies or oihervvise. 6. (a) Eac^i pastor shall pay to the Confer¬ ence Board i f Education such am >unts a-< n ay be sent from his charge for educational pur¬ poses. (/>) Every Annual Conference shall devote one evening to the Educational Anniversary, at which a collection shall be taken for the support of our Connectional work of Edu- cation • 7. By the establishment of a day through¬ out the Connection upon which all the 850 fart VI.] EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. [Chap. V. churches sha'l lift a coTle tion, the avai's of which are to be used exclusively as an endowment lund for our several correctional ins ituiions after present indebtedness is met. Tlii-i ann versary shall be known as Endow¬ ment Day and be set for the third S-bbatii in each September. The services of the day. both in churches and Sabbath-schools, shall have special reference to educational work, and the entire i ollections of the day, in both departments, shall be sacredly set apart lor this purpose. DISTRIBUTION OF ENDOWMENT FOND. The distribution of the Endowment Fund shall be as lollows:—The whole amount ot rrt'-ney thus collect d shall be sent by pas¬ tors to :he secretaries of the districts in which it is collected. Each pastor shall fill out such blank" as may be furnished by the sect-Wy, and s«hall report his receipts and dt'P icate b anks to the loed Board of Fduca- tit >11 at the next session of the Annual Conference, Notice of every such collection shall be given in all our papers at least one month prior to the tim« appointed, and the pastors of all circuits, stations and missions sliall publish, <-r cause the same to be done, from all their pulpits, and in such other ways as 'V* Secreta-y of Education may direct. .»• is ?eeoxnniended that the sitting of the 651 Part Yl.] PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT. [Ch. Tt Annual Conference shall be so arranged a» not to require the absence of any pastor from his post of duty at this important period. Each Bishop, Presiding Elder, and Pastot is requested to lay before our well-to-do members and friends the necessities of our schools, and also seek to obtain students for the same. RECOMMENDATIONS. 1. That at least one scholarship in each annual conference in the connec¬ tion, on the basis of $u0 per annum for each scholarship, to be annually re¬ ported in the regular bill of appropria¬ tions as reported by the Finance Com¬ mittee of each annual conference; said appropriation to be made payable to the Secretary of Payne Theological Seminarj for each beneficiary in actual attendance at the Seminary. 2. That a Memorial Building for 352 Part VI.] EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. [ChApwVt Payne Theological Seminary be erec¬ ted by the Board of Directors as soon as the financial condition will warrant it. But the Board shall n ot at any time during the erection of said building incur one dollar of indebted¬ ness upon it. 3. We recommend the establishment of English and correspondence courses in Theology in our colleges for our ministers and others who desire the advantages of an education. 4. In order to firmly establish a ? s aining School of Theology in Pauf- i^uinn College, we recommend aa ap¬ propriation of $1,000 from the general treasury, payable at the rate of $250 annually during the quadrennian, to the secretary of tbe college, and to be paid on salary of the Professor of Theology. 352a PaitTL] PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT. [Chap. Yt. CHAPTER YI. THE PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT. SECTION I. Its Location. 1. The Publishing Department of the African Methodist Episcopal Church shall be located in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., and shall be designated by the corporate title of 1855, the "Book Concern of the A. M. E„ Church." SECTION II. Its Management. L The Department shall be under the control ef a General Business Manager and two Editor. 2. The Business Manager is to have charge of the business as printer and publisher of the De¬ partment. He shall be the custodian of its prop¬ erty and the treasurer of its funds. 8. The supervision of the department shall be in the hands of nine Trustees (sic 352b. Part VI.] PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT. [Ch. VJ. Ministers and three Laymen), three of whom shall be citizens of Pennsylvania, as the law leq iires. They shall he regulaly incorporated acc >rr at least one month in all our official journals, to the end that all may know what they are. SECTroN v. Filling Vacancies. 1. Whenever a vacancy occurs, it sbalt be filled in the following manner: 1st, The Bishop presiding over the Board of Publica¬ tion together with two other Bi-hops of the next adjoining Episcopal District shall Maine one or more persons as successor; the Board of Publication shall then con firm the nominee; and he shall then enter upon the discharge of his duty, and shall receive such compensation as may be agreed upon by the Board. 2. In all cases of trial for any offence be¬ fore the Board, the Bishop shall preside. SECTION VI. Books bent to Preachers, 1. When books are sent to an itinerant preacher by his order and he then refuses or neglects to take ihem out of the express office, charges shall be preferred ag-dtis him «,t his Annual Conference 4)y the General .Manager, either in person or by letter, and 3f>4 PftitVI.] PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT. [Ch. VI the same preacher shall be dealt with as in case» of wilful dishonesty (See Pa*t II, p. 186). 2. All books shall be sold, except to mer~ chants and regu ar dealers, for cash only ; pro¬ vided, however, lhat the Manager and Board may adopt such regulations as the nature of trade may require, taking care that the rule be published and that no bills are allowed to run. 3. All traveling and local preacht-rs in the Con»ie tion are required to subscribe to the Christian Recorderf Southern Christian Recots. Ituhall be the duty of the Bishop to see that this rule is observed. SECTION VII. 1. The publications of the Department shall be the Christian Recorder, Southern Christian. Recorder, Voice of Missions, Quarterly Review^ 355 Part VI.] PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT. [Ch. VI. jind such books and other publications as may bo deemed necessary and profitable by the Manager and Board of Publication. 2. The columns of the church papers shall be open to the Bishops and General Officers of the Church for all communications on official matters pertaining to their several departments. 3. The quadrennial reports of the General Manager and liditois shall be submitted to the Bishops' Council, prior to their being made to tie General Conference. 4. All laws, or parts of laws, in conflict with this, are hereby repealed, and this law shall take effect on its passage. 5. The Editor of the Christian Recorder «hall have exclusive control of its columns, respecting its literature, and shall pa>s upon all matters relating to its editorial management, subject to the Boatd of Publication. 6. The Quarterly Review shall be exclusively in the hands of an editor, wlio^e ng for pastors, superintendents, and teachers in each district. At each annual meeting a district superintendent shall be chosen. 2. Each pastor shall send, or cause to be sent, a quarterly report to the district superintendent, giving the statistics, and describing the methods of instruction pursued by the schools in his work. 3. It shall be the duty of the district superintendent to make a quarterly re¬ port to the corresponding secretary of 363 Part VI.] S. S. DEPARTMENT _ fCh. VII. the Sunday-school Union, showing; the condition of the schools in his district for the quarter. The corresponding sec¬ retary shall publish a condensed report for the quarter, embracing the returns from each annual conference Sunday- school district. 4. The officers of each distriet meet¬ ing may provide for the holding of teachers' institutes, normal classes, or for a series of meetings, the design of which shall be to better prepare our teachers for the work assigned them, and to awaken an increased interest in, and im¬ provement of, the Sunday-schools of the .A. M. E. Church ; provided, that noth¬ ing shall be done contrary to or in con¬ flict with the plans and operations of the Sundav-school Union. 5. To provide for the uniformity of the reports to be presented at each annual and quarterly district meeting, the corresponding secretary of the Sun¬ day-school Union shall furnish a series of blank forms, so arranged as to suggest the information desired. <>u4 Part VI.] S. S. DEPARTMENT. "(Oh. Vli. SECTION III. CONSTITUTION FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SUNDAY-SCHOOLS OF THE AFRICAN METHODTST EPISCO¬ PAL CHURCH. I. This Sunday-school shall be under the jurisdiction of the Correctional Sun¬ day-school Union of the African Metho¬ dist Episcopal Church, and shall be known as the Sunday-school, con¬ nected with A. M. E. Church, at ii. The officers of this school shall be the pastor in charge, who shall be chief superintendent, a superintendent, assistant, superintendent, a secretary, an assistant secretary, treasurer, a librarian, and a chorister, each of whom shall perform the usual duties of their respective offices, and, together with the teachers, shall constitute the Sunday-school Board. ill. The pastor shall nominate the officers, and they shall be elected by the Sunday school Board, 365 Part VI.] S- S. DEPARTMENT. [Cb. V1L iv. The Sunday-school Board shall hold monthly meetings for the transac¬ tion of business, at such time as may be •agreed on, when the following order of business shall be observed : 1. Religious exercises 2. Reports of officers. 3. Re¬ ports of teachers. 4. Reports of com¬ mittees. 5. Unfinished business. 6. Mis¬ cellaneous business. V. The nomination of any person for teacher shall be made at a regular meet¬ ing of the Board, and any person so pro¬ posed, by the consent of a majority, and subscribing to this constitution, may be¬ come a teacher. VI. The teachers in all our schools, wherever the same is practicable, shall be religious and of good report. In every case they must at least possess a good moral character. vir. By-laws may be adopted by the Sunday-school Board, provided the said by-laws are in accord with all the pro¬ visions of this Constitution and the Con¬ stitution of the Sunday-school Union. vni. An annual meeting of the Sun- iit>G Hart VI.] 8. S. DEPARTMENT. [Ch. VH. day-school Board shall be held, at which time all the officers .-hall be elected. The officers elect shall assume the duties of their respective positions the first Sunday alter their election. IX. Thnt there shall be held in connection with each Annual Conference Session a Sunday-school Anniversary to be conducted by the Committee on Sunday-schools, at which time said committee shall make its report. This anniversary shall be placed on an equal footing with the missionary and educational anniversaries, and shall be held on some night during the Annual Confer¬ ence Session. It shall be the duty of each Bishop to see that this provision is strictly enforced. x. That the question, How much has been collected on Children's Day? shall be in¬ serted as question eleven, under the head ot Mode of Procedure, section 4, part i, page 94 of the Book of Discipline. xi. That the traveling preachers in each Annual Conference shall be required to re¬ port to the Committee on Sundav-schoolb, the following Sunday-si-hool statistics: 1. Number of Sunday-schools. 2. Number of officers. 3. Number of scholars. 367 Part VI.] 8. 8. DEPARTMENT. [Ch. VII. 4. Amount raised for support of school. 5. Number of conver.-ions. 6. Number of books in library. All laws and parts of laws that conflict with these laws are hereby repealed. xii. Immediately after the annual election of . officers, it shall be the duty of the pastor to send, or cause to be sent, a certified list of the names of the officers elect to the corresponding secretary of the Sunday-school Union, and in every case the proper post-office address of the superintendent and secretary must be given. xiii. It shall be the duty of the pastor, in connection with the Sunday-school Board, to arrange for the holding of weekly teachers' meetings, quarterly re¬ views, and the Children's Day anniver- sary. xiv. The pastor shall be ex-officio chair¬ man of the teachers' weekly meeting and the meeting of the Sunday-school Board. In his absence the superintendent shall preside, and if neither are present the assistant superintendent shall preside. 368 Part VI.] 8. S. DEPARTMENT. £Ch. VII. xv. Each Sunday-school shall observe the order of the opening and closing ser¬ vices of each session that may be recom¬ mended by the Sunday-school Union, copies of which, together with this con¬ stitution shall be furnished to each Sun¬ day-school. xvi. It shall be the duty of the Sunday-school Board to adopt such pub¬ lications as the Sunday school Union may be authorized to issue in the name of the A. M. E. Church, and each pastor is enjoined to see that this provision is faithfully carried out. xvn. In no case, or under no circum¬ stances, shall any Sunday-school appro¬ priate all, or any *part, of the money raised on Children^ Day for its own use but the entire amount shall be immedi¬ ately forwarded to the Corresponding Secretary of the Sunday-school Union, who will return a receipt showing the amount received, and said receipt shall be read by the Secretary to the school in open session. xviii. This Constitution can only be 369 Part VI.] DOCTRINE AND USAGES. [Ch. VHL altered or amended at a session of the General Conference of the African M. E. Church. All moneys collected, both in Church and Sunday-schc.ol, on our connectional days, to wit: Easter Day, Endowment Day and Children's Day, shall be sacredly appropriated to tlie ob¬ ject for which the day was set apa't, and no ch urch officers, pastor, Presiding Elder or Bishop shall divert or use the said money otherwise. CHAPTER YII (a). CHRISTIAN ENDEAVCR. Christian Endeavor Societies are approved in our Connection, and pastors of our churches are Advised to organize them wherever practicable. CHAPTER VIII. ON DOCTRINE AND USAGES. SECTION I. Concerning Apostolic Succession. Whereas, we have heard with deep regret the dogma of Apostolic Succession and tlu dis¬ tinct and separate priesthood of the ministry preached in our pulpit, And whereas, there are those amongst n% members of this body, who are said 10 lie seek¬ ing reordination at the hands of the Episcopal bishops; and whereas, we have strong reasons 370 Slart VI.] DOCTRINE AND USAGES. [Ch. VIII for believing lhat what is thus reported has some foundation in fact: Thereiore be itresoi ved bv this, the Eighteenth General Conference, now assemb ed, that we set fonh the following declarations, and that any person or persons who are not in harmony with the same or cannot subscribe thereto are hereby declared out of harmony with the standaid- of Methodism and are liable to impeachment for propagating error and sowing dissension, to wit: We hold and believe thut there is no separate priesthood, under the Christian sys em set over the Church. That, the sacerdotal theory oi the Christian ministry is a dishonor to our Lord Jesus, and is especially condemned by the tienor of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Second, That whilst there is a separate min¬ istry in the New Testament representing the universal priesthood or membership of the Church, yet, as has been affirmed above, each and every member is a king and priest unto God. Third, That we recognize the two orders and the one offi< e in o ir Church to be the regularly or.lained mini*try, and that we are satisfied with the ordination of the same, holding it to be Talid and true in every respect. Fourth, That the doctrine of Apos- tol c Succession, according to our belief as Methodists, is erroneous. That there 371 Part VI.] DOCTRINE AND USAGES. [Ch: viii. ic an uninterrupted succession of minis¬ ters which the divine eye can trace up to the Apostolic times there can be no doubt. But it is utterly impossible to prove that in any part of the world there is a min¬ istry that can trace its orders up through episcopal hands to the Apostles. Fifth, " That the Apostles had and could have no successors Irom the fact that their authority, indicated in two ways, was first to teach Christianity by word and writing, for which they had the gift of inspiration in a special sense ; and secondly, to found the Church, for which they had the power of the keys of binding and loosing, that is, of uttering unchangeable decrees of ecclesiastical government, 'that a succession of such men would not have been in harmony with the known will of Christ.'" Sixth, That there is an identity be¬ tween the Bishops and Elders or Presby¬ ters, as is evident from Acts 20 : 17, 28; Titus 1: 5, 7 ; First Peter 5 : 1, 2; PhiL 1:1; First Tim. 3 : 1, 8. But as every body must have a head, the Bishops Part VI.] DOCTRINE AND USAGES. [Ch. VITk among us are Primi inter pares—" Chiefs among the Elders." Seventh, That a reordination of any Bishop, Elder or Deacon by any oth$r ecclesiastical authority can not and will not be tolerated in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Eighth : — Any person or persons who shall violate these Declarations by preaching the Dogma of Apostolic Suc¬ cession shall be guilty of a breach of Discipline, and shall be tried, and, if found guilty, be suspended or expelled, at the discretion of the committee before whom such person shall be tried. SECTION II. Concerning Ritualism. Whereas, We believe that the doc¬ trines, practices, usages and genius of American Methodism, as believed, ob¬ served and conformed to by the founders of African Methodism and their success¬ ors to the present day, should, in their Part VI.] DOCTRINE AND USAGES. [Ch. VIII. entirety, without modification, restriction or enlargement, be believed, practiced and conformed to by us, and by those en¬ trusted with the continued preservation and development of African Methodism in its historic and progressive relations; and, Whereas, We further believe that in all things essential as touching the doc¬ trines, government, service, order and work of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, there should be oneness of pur¬ pose, concurrent opinion, continuity of methods and harmony of feeling and relation between the several factors that compose the whole. Resolved 1st, We hold as the result of our best knowledge, based upon the facts of history, and the teachings of ex¬ perience, (the same resulting primarily from the origin and development of American Methodism, and secondarily from the origin and development of African Methodism), that it is highly inexpedient and unwise to permit any innovation on the concurrent 374 Part VI.] DOCTRINE AND USAGES. [Oh. VIII. beliefs, practices and usages of African Methodism ; and in view of this, we do not hesitate to affirm thqt the dogma of Apostolic Succession is Ibreign and re¬ pugnant to the concurrent beliefs and teachings of African Methodism, and that no bishop or minister ox the African Methodist Episcopal Church should be allowed to publicly proclaim opinions and views favorable thereto. Se-'Ond, as touching the usages and practices of the African Methodist Epis¬ copal Church, we are free to aver that while it is desirable to secure uniformity in the order of the public services, and to enlist, so far as possible, the thought and spirit of the people in the same, and while we grant that the orderly repeti¬ tion of the Decalogue, the Apostles' ('reed, and the responsive reading of the Scriptures may conduce to the attain¬ ment thereof, we strenuously deny that the presence and use of a heavy and prosy ritualistic service in our public ■congregations, will, in any sense, in¬ crease their spiritual interest, and 375 Part VI.] " DOCTRINE AND USAGES. [Ch. IX. we deprecate any and all efforts that favor the introduction of ritualism in connection with our public service. Third, That the wearing of robes, gowns or surplices by the bishops or ministers of the African Methodist Epis¬ copal Church is at variance with the simplicity of Methodistic usages, and should therefore be discontinued. Resolved, That all laws or parts of laws in conflict with the spirit and lan¬ guage of these resolutions be and the same are hereby repealed. CHAPTER IX. church property. SECTION I. Instruction Concerning Deeds. 1. For the security of our meeting¬ houses and the premises belonging there¬ unto let the following plan of a deed of settlement be brought into effect in all Part VI.] CHURCH PROPERTY. [Ch. IX. possible cases wherever the law will per¬ mit it in any state. 2. If necessary, though each Annual Conference may make such modifications in the deed as may be required by the laws of any State, so as to firmly secure the premises to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. 3. It is necessary that all our deeds should be recorded for legal as well as for prudential reasons. 4. The incorporation of all our churches, where the law will permit it, should be attended to as soon as possible. SECTION II. [The Form of Deed.] This Indenture, made this day of , in the year of our Lord one thou¬ sand hundred and , between of the , in the State of , [if the grantor be married, insert the name of his wife] of the one part, and trustees, in trust for the use and purposes herein- Part VI.] CHURCH PROPERTY. [Ch. IX. after mentioned, all of the in the State of aforesaid, of the other part, Witnesseth, that the said , [if mar¬ ried, insert the name of his wife,] for and in consideration of the sum of- spe¬ cie, to in hand paid, at and upon the sealing and delivery of these pre¬ sents, the receipt whereof is hereby ac¬ knowledged, hath or have given, granted, bargained, sold, released, confirmed, con¬ veyed, and by these presents doth or does give, grant, bargain, sell, release, confirm, and convey unto them the said trustees and their successors, (trustees in trust for tbe uses and purposes hereinafter men¬ tioned and declared,) all the estate, right title, interest, property claim, and de¬ mand whatsoever, either in law or equi¬ ty, which he, the said [if married here insert his wife's name.] hath (or have) in, to, or upon all and singular, a certain lot or piece of land, situate, lying, and being in the and State afore¬ said, bounded as follows to wit: [here in¬ sert the several courses and distances of the land to the place of beginning,] con- fart VI.J CHURCH PROPERTY. [Ch. IX. taming and laid out for acres of land, together with all and singular the houses, woods, waters, ways, privileges, and ap¬ purtenances thereto belonging, or in any wise pertaining: to have and to hold all and singular the above mentioned and described lot or piece of land, situate, l\ing, and being as aforesaid; together with all and singular the houses, woods, waters, ways, and privileges tnereto be¬ longing, unto the said and their successors in office, forever, in trust, that they shall erect, or cause to be built there¬ on, a house or plac« of worship, for the use of th^ members of the African Metho¬ dist Episcopal Church in the United States of America, according to the rule and discipline of said church, which from time to time m*y be adopted and agreed upon by the ministers and preachers of the said church, at their General Con¬ ferences, in the United States of Ameri¬ ca ; and in further trust and confidence, that they shall at all times forever, here¬ after, permit such ministers and preach¬ ers belonging to said church, as shall Part VI.] CHURCH PROPERTY. from time to time be duly authorized by the General Conferences of the ministers and preachers of the said African Metho¬ dist Episcopal Church, or by Annual Conferences authorized by the said Con¬ ferences, to preach and expound God's holy word therein ; and in further trust and confidence, that as often as any one or more trustees, hereinbefore mentioned, shall die, or cease to be a member or members of said church, according to the rules and discipline aforesaid, then find in such case it shall be the,duty of the stationed minister < r preacher (authorized a« aforesaid,"* who shall have the pastoral charge of the members of said c hurch, to call a meeting of the members, for the election of all the Board, or a part accord¬ ing to law, as soon as conveniently may be; and when so met, the said minister or preacher shall proceed to nominate one or more persons t<>- fill the place or places of him or them whose office or offices has (or have) been vacated as aforesaid: Provided the person or persons so nominated shall have been Part VI.] CHURCH PROPERTY. [Ch. IX. one year a member or members of the said church immediately preceding such nomination, and be at least twenty- one years of age; and the said mem¬ bers, so assembled, shall proceed to elect, and by a majority of votes, appoint the person or persons so nominated, to fill such vacancy or vacancies, in order to keep up the number of trustees forever; and iu case of an equal number of votes for and against the said nomination, the stationed minister or preacher shall hava the casting vote. Provided, nevertheless, That the said trustees, or any of them, or their succes¬ sors, have advanced, or shall advance, any sum or sums of money, or are, or shall be responsible for any sum or sums of mouey, on account of said premises, ami they, the said trustees, or their suc¬ cessors, be obliged to pay the said sum or sums of money, they or a majority of them, shall be authorized to raise the said sum or sums of money, by mortgage on the said premises, or by selling the said premises, after notice given to tjie Part VI.] CHURCH PROPERTY. [Ch. IX- pastor or preacher that has the oversight of the congregation attending divine ser¬ vice on the said premises, if the money due be not paid to the said trustees, or their successors, within six months a i ter such notice has been given: And if such sale take place, the said trustees, or their suc¬ cessors, after paying the debt, and other expenses which are due, from the money arising from such sale, shall deposit the remainder of the money produced by the said sale, in the hands of the steward or stewards of the Society belonging to or attending divine service on said premises, which surplus or the proceeds of sucK sale, so deposited in the hands of the said steward or stewards, shall be at the dis¬ posal of the next Annual Conference, au¬ thorized as aforesaid; which said Annual Conference shall dispose of the said money, according to the best of their judgment, for the use of the said Society. And the said doth, by these presents, warrant and forever defend all and singu¬ lar the above mentioned and described lot or piece of ground, with the appurtftr 382 •furl VI.] CHURCH PROPERTY. [Ch. ix. nances thereto belonging, unto them the said and their successors chosen and appointed as aforesaid from the claim or claims of him, the said , his heirs and assigns, and from the claim or claims of ail persons whatever. In testimony whereof, the said (if married, insert the name of his wife,) have hereto set their bands and seals, the /. Botany—"From Seed to Leaf."—Newell. Mental Philosophy. Genesis Re-read.—Steward. Compendium of Methodist History.—Stevent. Principles of Rhetoric.—Hill. Ge ology. —Shaler. History of the Christian Church.—Hurst. Theological Lectures.— Tanner. STUDIES FOR THE FOURTH YEAR. Systematic Theology —Miley. Theory and Practice 011 Extemporaneous Preaching -Buckly. Moral Science. The Supernatural Book —Foster. Biblical Hermeneutics.— Terry. Chemistry. readings. For reading before applying for admission: Glimpses of Africa.—Smith. 405 Appen.] COURSE OF STUDIES. [CH.H, The Story of the Bible.—Foster. Bible Reasons Why—Dick and Fitzgerald. Key to the study of the Scriptures.—Coppin. FIRST YEAR. The Divine Logos.—Johnson. The Color of Solomon— Tanner. The Suppression of the African Slave Trade to the United States of America, 1638-1870.—DuBois. SECOND YEAR. Wesley's Sermons. Domestic Education.—Payne. THIRD YEAR. History of Preaching.—Broadus. " The Greatness of Christ." Sermons.—Orummd. Amanda Smith's Own Story.— Smith. FOURTH YEAR. "The Land of Promise."—Seaton. The Races of Man.—Peschell. The Reign of Law.— The Duke of Argyle. Analogy of the Christian Religion.—Butler. Toussaint L'Ouverture.—Mossell. Each preacher must secure a good dictionary of the English language, a dictionary of the Bible, and a Biblical cyclopedia. At the end of the second, third and fourth years, >ach preacher shall present a written sermon to the Conference 405a Appen.] COURSE OF STUDIES. [Ch. II MINISTERS'ASSOCIATE COURSE OF STUDIES. The associate course of studies consists of some of the higher branches with which every minister must be more or less acquainted. It is entitled Associate Course, because those who have not studied the books included at college may associate one or more of then) with the regular studies of any year; namely, 1st, 2d, 3d or 4th year. The Bishop and Conferences must see that the regular examining committees do not ovirlook this course, or the Bishop may appoint a special coir^nittee whose business it will be to examine upon studies hereia designated. 1. Latin. 2. Greek. 3. Hebrew. 4. Elements of Geometry. 5. Natural Philosophy. 6. Chemistry. 7. Geology. 8. Political Economy. No special books are named in ttiis course. Th% student minister can therefore avail himself of any books upon the studies which he may find convenie COURSE OF STUDIES FOR EXHORTERS. All persons making application before any of out Quarterly Conferences for License to Exhort, must, is uldition to the ordinary questions propounded touch¬ ing his life, conversion, growth in grace, and his Chris-- tian experience; be examined by the Presiding Elde* or any member of the Quarterly Conference desiring; upon the following studies: 1. Spelling, Reading, Writing and Grammar. 2. The Holy Bible. 3. Catechism. 406 Appen.] COURSE OF STUDIES. 4. Milk for Babes. 5. The Men of Galilee —Hay good. 6. Discipline A. M. E. Church. 7. The Hymn Book of the A. M. E. Church, An exhorter is an incipient preacher; hewaeaeBwas although he does not take a regular text. llisxefcNfr he is compelled to deal with theology, kenee- the? requirement to study " Binney's Compend of Theology" or, " Embry's Digest of Theology," both of which canoe1, procured from our general publisher at Philadelphia. COURSE OF STUDIES FOR LOCAL PREACHERS. Local Preachers should study as hard, be as ableaa£S learned, as the traveling minister, and in every parti¬ cular be his intellectual and moral equal, excelling hizna in pulpit power if possible. Therefore they should gas through the same course of studies in every respect, as they have the same people to preach to and instruct But after years of observation and experience wse have concluded to give the Local Preachers a mosoi limited course, and require the Presiding Elders im hold them rigidly to it. Therefore Local Preachers must pass a fair examination upon the following studies, or have their license revoked. The Presiding; Elder and Quarterly Conference however may exercises charity in consideration of old age and infirmities.. PREREQUISITES FOR LICENSING LOCAJL PREACHERS AFTER PASSING A FAIR EXAMINATION. 1. Spelling, Reading, Writing, Geography,, mar. Arithmetic and History. 2. The Holy Bible and Catechism. 3. Story of the Bible.—Chas. Foster. <1. Bread for Children.—Schieffelin. 6. Digest of Christian Theology.—Ernbrtf.. 407 Appea.] COURSE OF STUDIES. [Cb. II FIRST YEAR'S STUDIES. 71. 2)igest of Christian Theology.—Embry. .2. Methodist Polity.—Turner. 3. Outlines of Church History.—Hurst. SECOND "YEAR'S STUDIES. Christian Theology.—Field. ?3. Bible Readings. THIRD YEAR'S STUDIES. 3L StoTy of Creation.—S. M. Campbell. 2&. History of the Christian Church.— 3?. Bible Geography. 4L "Outlines of History of A. M. E. Church.—Tarmer, FOURTn YEAR'S STUDIES. X. Moral Science.—Wayland. 300KS TO BE PURCHASED AND BEAD AT ANY TIMS. Introduction to the Study of the Scripture*.- IMcholls. Astronomy.—Warren. Relation of Baptized Children to the Church.— /fhppin. Physiology and Hygiene.—Culler. Domestic Education.—Payne. Divine Logos.— Johnson. Ministers from other denominations applying for ^admission to the traveling work naturally go before "the Committee on Admissions, where'they must be ««xamined upon their standing in the church from Whence they came, under what conditions they left It, 408 Appen.] COURSE OF STUDIES. [Ch. IS, also submit their ministerial papers if they are ordaktsd^, to the committee, and be questioned upon their educa¬ tional advantages and attainments, Christian expa**- iences, and the motives that led them to the A. ML E Church. And if these conditions are satisfactory: They must be examined upon the Discipline of ttMfc A. M. E. Church, and so much of our theological doe» trines as to enable the committee to determine whether they agree with our doctrines, rules and regulations r. And if the committee think it advisable, it shalfc require them to read such books as they may recom¬ mend, notwithstanding their admission. Nevertheless, ministers coming from other denon>- Inations must be examined by the Presiding Eld«« before some Quarterly Conference and be recommended by the same to the Annual Conference. Yet the Annual Conference han primary jurisdiction and recommend# for admission upon the strength of its own examine tions. The examination however is not to be the samm MS is required of a minister coming up through our regular uo ui z(> of studies, but must be extensive enough to en&^v- committee to determine his fitness foe the Work. 40S #pp«n.J SPECIFIC EXAMINATION. tCh.UI CHAPTER III. SPECIFIC EXAMINATION. Questions on Review to be answered by can* ^iidates cn completion of fourth year's studies, gr upon examination for Elder's Orders. I. PERSONAL RELIGIOUS LIFE AND HABITS. The very great excellence of the following is mur excuse for copying it from the Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church (1878). 1. State your views of the character and •source of the Christian life. 2. How may we know that we are partakers '-of this life? 3. What are the evidences of a divine call to the ministry ? 4. State what you consider to be the main ctuties of tlic ministerial office, and the neces¬ sary qualifications for the discharge of them. 5. By what means may these qualifications bo -cultivated ? 6. Give your views of the nature and im¬ portance of Pastoral Visitation, and state the amount of attention you give to it. 7. Inform us of your general habits of study. 8. Name all the books you have read each year since your admission on trial in the travel¬ ing ministry. 9. How much time do you devote to the study «sf the Scriptures, and with what method do you ifcody them ? 410 Ippen.] SPECIFIC EXAMINATION. [Ch. lit. II. EXAMINATION OF THE BIBLE. ; 1. In what sense do you consider the Bible to be the word of God, and by what arguments do you sustain your views ? 2. Explain what is meant by the phrase " Canon of Scripture." 3. Distinguish between the genuineness, and authenticity, and credibility of a book. 4. Give a synopsis of the argument by which the genuineness of the books constituting our received Canon of the Old Testament is estab¬ lished. 5. Give a synopsis of the argument establish¬ ing the genuineness of the books contained in the received Canon of the New Testament. 6. In what sense do Protestants affirm and .Romanists deny that the Scriptures form a com¬ plete and infallible rule of faith and practice? 7. State when the authorized version of the Bible appeared, and bow it was produced. 8. Give an epitome of the history of the Is¬ raelites from the time of the Exodus to the death of Joshua. 9. Becount the leading facts connected with the revolt of the Ten Tribes. 10. Name the great Annual Festivals of the Jews; and also state what they were designed to commemorate, and how they were observed. 11. Name the principal prophets, the periods in which they prophesied, and the particular burdens of their prophecy. 411 Apfren.] SPECIFIC EXAMINATION. [Ch. IIL 12. Give from the life of our Lord some il¬ lustrations of his regard for the Old Testament (Scriptures. 13. What predictions relate to Christ, espe¬ cially to the time of his coming? his character? office? death? 14. Of what periods of the life of our Lord have we historical records ? and over how long a period did his ministry extend.? 15. Describe the principal events and locali¬ ties of his ministry. 1G. State the leading facts recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. 17. What is a miracle? In what way do miracles authenticate a divine revelation ? III. ON TIIE DOCTKIXES OF THE BIBLE. 1. In what manner does the Bible make known the existence of God ? 2. What Scripture proof is there of a Trinity of Persons in one Godhead ? 3. Enumerate the attributes of God, and give Scripture proofs of each. 4. Give the Scriptural doctrine of the Incar¬ nation, and show how it is connected with the Gospel scheme. 5. Give a summary of the Scripture argument for the Divinity of Christ. Give the Scripture proof of the Perstnal- ity Divinity, and Work of the Holy Spirit. 412 Appen.J SPECIFIC EXAMINATION. [Ch. III. 7. What was the effect of Adam's ein upon himself? upon his posterity ? 8- What is the relation of the vicarious death of Christ to the forgiveness of our sins ? 9. State the proofs by which the resurrection of Christ is established. 10. Show the nature and value of Christ's in¬ tercession as taught in the Scriptures. 11. What are the doctrine and proof of the "Witness of the Spirit? 12. State concisely the doctrine of Christian perfection as taught by Mr. Wesley, and sup¬ port it by Scripture proofs. 13. Explain the difference between regenera¬ tion or the new birth, and entire sanctification. 14. State the Arminian doctrine respecting the perseverance of the saints, and show its har¬ mony with the Scriptures. 15. State the nature, design, and obligation of Baptism; and the proofs of each. 16. State why baptism of infants should be retained in the Church. 17. What are the phrases used in Scripture to designate the Lord's Supper? what their im¬ port ? what the ground of obligation on Chris¬ tians to observe this sacrament ? 18. State the Romish doctrine of Transub- stantiation ; also the Lutheran doctrine of Con- substantiation ; and give an outline of the a? gu- ments by which each is disproved. 19. How do you prove that the wicked 411 not be annihilated ? Appen.] SPECIFIC EXAMINATION. [Ch. m. 20. State the Scripture doctrine of the resuiv rection of the body, and give the proofs. XV. CHURCH ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNMENT. 1. State the different forms of Church gov< ernment. 2. State the character of the organization iij Great Britain ; in what respects it differs from, and in what it agrees with, that of the Method¬ ist Episcopal Church and of the African Me- thodist Episcopal Church in the United States, 3- What are the respective duties and power» of the General Conference and of the Annua> and Quarterly Conferences in the African Me¬ thodist Episcopal Church? 4. What are the peculiar duties and power* vested in the following officers of the Church respectively, namely: Bishops, Presiding El-> ders, Elders, Deacons, Preachers in Charge, Local Preachers, Stewards, Trustees of Churches and Class Leaders ? and how is the limitation of the power, and the amenability of each fot its proper exercise, fixed ? V. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 1. Enumerate and describe the principal Jew ish sects existing at the time of Christ. 2. Give some account of the early persecv tions of the Christians. 3. Mention some circumstarv-^es in the Am* 414 Appen.] SPECIFIC EXAMINATION. [Ch. III. of the world which assisted the early progress of Christianity. 4. State the doctrines of the Gnostics, and show their evil influence upon the early Church. 5. State the chief causes which led to the sep¬ aration of the Greek from the Latin Church, and the period when it took place. 6. Give an account of the religious state of the world immediately prior to the time of Luther. 7. Give an account of the Great Reformation I—the causes that led to it, and the principal characters engaged in it. 8. Give an account of the Reformation in England ; also of the Puritans. 9. Give an account of the origin and rise of Methodism in Great Britain, and the leading .characters in the Wesleyan movement. 10. How did Methodism take its origin in this country ? who were its principal founders ? what were the principal characteristics of the movement ? 11. What were the circumstances that led to the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ? what were the circumstances that led to the organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church ? what were the time, place, and circumstances under which these organiza¬ tions were effected ? 12. State the leading events in the histoiy ol the African Methodist Episcopal Church since its organization. Appen.] RECOMMENDATIONS. [Ch. IV. [Read — Thomson's Evidences of Revela¬ tion ; M'Clintock's Methodology; Kidder's Christian Pastorate; Hervey's Christian Rhet¬ oric ; Convbeare and Howson's Life and Epis¬ tles of St. Paul.] Books of Reference.—Fleming's Vocabu¬ lary of Philosophy; Smith's smaller Classical Dictionary; M'Clintock and Strong's Cyclopae¬ dia ; Haydn's Dictionary of Dates." CHAPTER IV. RECOMMENDATIONS TO STUDENTS. We recommend those who are candidates for either exhorter's or preacher's license, and also those who are probationers in the Conference, and those who are traveling, and local deacons, who r}p«ire most profitably to read the Scriptures, that tr. -y pursue the following course, viz.:—Read a portion of the Scriptures each and everyday. Let nothing prevent you in this good undertaking. Read a lesson of one or two chapters from the Old, and the same number from the New Testament. Do not attempt to master a lesson of more than two chapters from the Old, and two from the New Testament. These four chapters will be quite as much as you will be able to study profitably. Let your course of reading be regular, and study from day to day. Do not skip about from book to book, and from place to place. Such a course of study will profit you very little, and by it you can never 4it> Appen.] RECOMMENDATIONS. [Ch. IV. become learned in the Scriptures. Read a few sentences, or a paragraph, then stop, reflect, and inwardly digest the subje'ct, then proceed again in like manner with a few more sentences, or another paragraph, and so continue until you have com¬ pleted your Scripture lessons. This will do more good than an attempt to commit the whole to memory. The course marked out for the study of th" Scriptures will be the best, the most profita-i.o >;f any for you to pursue in the study of those works which we have enjoined, with this simple differ¬ ence, that we recommend you to take a lesson. A certain number of pages for a daily lesson, in¬ stead of a certain number of chapters. For in¬ stance, two or four pages of Watson's Institutes read and studied per day, would be a sufficiently large lesson for any one pursuing a regular course of study, and a most certain course to pursue in order to become master of that work. The same truth holds good of all other books contained in the course. We have recommended several books to be read which are given at the end of the course for each year. Candidates will not be examined in these, except as to the fact of reading. They may be asked if they have read them. But relative to those pointed out in the course, they must expect to pass a strict examination upon their particular contents. Through much prayer and watchfulness, our hearts are made better by study. "Through de¬ sire a man having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom." Proverbs xviii. 1. 4V Appen.] RULES FOR GIVING 5Ch. v. "Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which tes¬ tify of ine," says the Saviour. " Study to be ap¬ proved, a workman that needeth not to be asham¬ ed," says the Holy Spirit by the sainted Paul. In conclusion, we say, there is not a book on earth so favorable to all the kind, and all the sub¬ lime affections; or so unfriendly to hatred and per¬ secution, to tyranny, to injustice, and every sort of malevolence, as the Gospel. It breathes nothing throughout, but mercy, benevolence and peace. Poetry is sublime, when it awakens in the mind any great and good affection, as piety or patriotism. This is one of the noblest effects of the art. The Psalms are remarkable, beyond all other writings, for their power of inspiring devout emo¬ tions. But it is not in this respect only, that they are sublime. Of the divine nature they contain the most magnificent,descriptions that thesoulof mau can comprehend. The hundred-and-fburth Psalm, in particular, displays the power and goodness of Providence, in creating and preserving the world, and the various tribes of animals in it. with such majesty in brevity and beauty, as it is in vain to look for in any human composition. CHAPTER Y. THE PRIMITIVE RULE OF GIVTNG FOR BENEVOLENT PURPOSES. Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. —1 Cor. xvi. 2. 418 Appen.] RULES FOR GIVINO. [Ch. V. Such a system it is my present object to unfold. I can lay no claim to novelty; but this I do not regret, since I am able to commend the plan to be brought forward as scriptural. I may also add, it Is exceedingly simple and feasible. It has nocom- plicated impracticable details. It was acted on by many of the disciples of Jesus, eighteen centuries ago; and has, doubtless, to some extent, been fol¬ lowed by the benevolent in subsequent ages. It is to be feared, however, that the instances are wide apart in which it is adhered to at the present day, though a mere inspection of it is enough to show that a better cannot be framed, as might also be argued from the fact of its having an in¬ spired apostle for its authority. All the elements of this system are contained in the direction of the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, respecting collections for the needy saints in Judea. I refer to the passage:—" Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come"—1 Cor. xvi. 2. We learn from the verse preceding, that the Apostle had given the same direction to the churches of Galatia. It is therefore probable, that the rule was extended to all the churches that were solicited to contribute for the same purpose. Whether it was the practice of the primitive Chris¬ tians to lay by them in store for all their pious and benevolent objects, on the first day of every week, we have not the means of determining. When we consider, however, the circumstances of believers in that ea rly period, it appears most like¬ ly that there was little opportunity afforded, as a 419 ApfienJ RULES FOK GIVING [Ch. V. feneral thing, for laying by their benefactions. hey were themselves on strictly missionary ground, subject to all the demands and embarrass¬ ments of such a position ; and they could not ex¬ cept occasionally, as in the case to which the rule specifically refers, have operated for the benefit of the distant. It was in their power to do but little beyond what was pressingly needed on the spot, and was appropriated as soon as it accrued. Bringing in promptly, and disbursing without de¬ lay, must ordinarily, with them, have superseded laying by them in store. But even as the case, stood, it is hardly to be doubted, that their be¬ nevolent contributions were made weekly, on the Lord's day, and that "every one " was expected to give " as God had prospered him." Still, they did not do for others beyond their own neighborhood, and where opportunities for forwarding their donations must have been unfre- quent. Now, observe—in the only case of this Kind, of which we have particular information, they were instructed not to defer their prepara¬ tion until these opportunities should offer, but lay by them in store in anticipation of these oppor¬ tunities. Let us now suppose other cases similar to have arisen, in which they were called on to bestow for objects that could be reached only at intervals greater than a week; why would not the rule apply to these cases with full as much force as to the former ? That is, why would not the rule apply in its full force to every case in which it was convenient only occasionally to convey their quotas to the general treasury? I confess1'I do not see. 420 Append 1 /LES FOR GIVING [Ch. V. If the rul was the best one for its original pur¬ pose, wi / is it not the best for every purpose where funds are not to be appropriated on the spot, and as fast as they can be raised ? It is difficult to conceive of a case of religious donation, to which the rule may not be substantially, if not literally applied. I would not claim too much for this rule. I pretend not to say that the apostle contemplated for it universality and perpetuity. I pretend not to say that any anathema awaited those who did not practise it, even at Corinth. Still less would I say, that it is obligatory in such a sense as to render it a test of piety. But it was clearly the very best that could be followed by those to whom Paul sent it; and a better cannot be found to guide the pious and the philanthropic of the present day. In the name of God and of humanity, let all who love our Lord Jesus Christ, adopt some system by which they shall both do what they can, and do it the most effectually for the promotion of tbe Gospel. m INDEX. PAGH A FRICAN Methodist Episcopal Church { "A. M. E. Quarterly Review" 35( Annual Conferences, Composition of % Meetings 91 Business Organization of 92 Mode of Procedure 93 Literary Exercises of.... 95 Apostolic Succession 370 Appeals, Order of 188 Triers of 188 Appellant Rights 189 Appendix 394 Appointments, Neglect of 173 Appropriations to Educational Institutions 349b Arbitrations 184 Rejecting of 185 In Case of Ministers 175 Of Laymen 184 Articles of Religion 17 Auxiliary Society, Constitution of 3281, 328z 422 INDEX. 423 PAGE. BAND Societies 63' Baptism 26 * Of Infants 209 Of Adults 216 Benevolence 418 Bethel ii Bishops, Active, Support of. - 335 Districts of. 310 Duties of 110 Election of. 109c Inefficient, Support of 339 Inspection of Character of. 164 Ordination of 264 Trial of. 162 Board of Education 347 Managers Sunday-school Union 359 Missions 324 By-Laws 328 Publication 353 Book Concern 352 Burial Service 232 /CATECHISM on Faith 31 ^ Canonical Books 19 Certificat e of Membership 121 Children and the Sunday-schools, Pastors' Duties to 125 Choirs 77 Christian Endeavor 370 Christian Men's Goods, Doctrine Concerning 30 " Christian Recorder " 355 Church Conference 109 Doctrine of the 24 Extension 313 Constitution of 314 Conference Board of. 319a Secretary of 315 Government £3 Property 376 Records 393 424 INDEX. PAGE. Class Leaders 79 Duty of 80 Class Meetings » 79 Wilful Neglect of 180 Conference Board of Education 347 Connectional Sunday-school Union 357 Corner-stones, Laying of 276 Courses of Study 4»3 Deacons, Local 146 Traveling 127 Ordination 237 Debts and Arbitrations 184 Of Ministers ' 174 Non payment of. 185 Decorum in Churches 390 Dedication of Churches 287 Deeds 376 Form of. 377 Diaconate, Eligibility to the 144 Dissensions 180 District Conferences, Composition of 96 Meetings 97 Organization of 97 Business of 98 Traveling Expenses to 99 Districts Educational 348a Divorcement 82 Doctrines .. 17 Doctrine and Usages 370 Dollar Money 328, 328z7 Dress, Thoughts on 124 Drunkenness 71 EASTER DAY Collection 328p Editor " Christian Recorder " 352 "Southern Christian Recorder" 356 " A. M. E. Review 356 Educational Districts 348a Institutions 349c Interests 313 INDEX. 425 A . PAGE. Educational District Boards 348 Secretary of. 345 Executive Committee 347 Local Boards 347 Support of. 350 Elders, Tiaveling 118 Ordination of 245 Local 146 PrpQ'^irxr ll^ft Eldership, Eligibility to the 145 Endowment of Scholarship in Wilberforce Uni¬ versity 340 Entertainment Commission 87 Episcopacy, the 109c Of A. M. E. Church, Origin and Continua¬ tion of. ix Episc pal Districts 310 Exhnrters 147 Course of Study for 406 Expelk-d Members. 187 Expulsion of Trustees 389 TjiAITH Defined 32 Fruits of 33 in the Holy Trinity, Doctrine of 17 Fasting *— 123 Financial Board 331 Secretary 329 Foreign Fields 328n Frauds and Insolvencies 182 FreeWill, Doctrine Concerning 22 Full Connection, Members Received into 191 Member hip in Conference, Preachers Re¬ ceived into 137 /"I ENERAL Conference 83 Composition of Election of Delegates °4 Entertainment Commission 87 426 IUDEX. General Expenses of Delegates 83 Extra Session of S7b Restrictions of the 88 Rules for 394 of Order 397 Qualifications of Delegates 84 Time of Meeting 86 General Officers, Their Support 337 Rules 63 Good Worb=, Doctrine of 22 Goods Possessed by Christians 30 Government of the Church 83 TTERESY and Schism 171 Hindrances 151 ^Historical Preface 1 Holy Ghost, Doctrine of 19 Scriptures, their Sufficiency for Salvation 19 Home and Foreign Missionary Society 328q House to House Instruction 156 Hymns and Hymn Book of A. M. E. Church 77 [tMPEACHMENT, Causes for 170 Improper Conduct 181 Improvement ot Church Property 388 Insolvencies 182 Instruction from House to House 156 Insubordination 179 Interference With Other Pastors' Charges 174 Itinerancy 137 Itinerant Preachers, Trial of 165 |j USTIFIC ATI ON 22 LAYING Corner stones 276 Licensing Preachers 143 Licentiates. Mode of Reception on Probation 131 Mode of Reception as Full Members 137a Pertinent Observations to 1H5 SpecinI Instructions to 133 Traveling 133 INDEX. 427 PAGE Liquors, Dealing m 170 Spirituous 182 Literary Exercises at Annual Conferences 95 Local Elders and Deacons, Obligations of. 146 Preachers 142 Their Eligibility to the Diaconate 144 to Elders' Orders 145 Trial of 168 Lord's Prayer 206, 215, 223, 230 Supper 26,196 Love Feasts 122 -]\TAL ADMINISTRATION 170 Marriages 81 Marriage of Ministers 28 Matrimonial Regulations 81 Matrimony, Solemnization of 224 Members, Concerning Expelled and Withdrawn. 187 Receiving, Into Full Connection 191 Ministers' Debts 174 " Missionary Annual" .... 325 Cause 320 Managers 321 Secretary 322 President 328 Committee 324 Disciplinary Requirements 325 Day—Easter 327 Society at Annual Conferences 325 Morning Services 75 OATH of a Christian 30 Oblation of Christ 28 Official Board, Members of 106 Meetings of. Business of. Restrictions of Old Testament, Doctrine Concerning. Ordination of Bishops Elders Deacons 428 INDEX. PAGE. Origin of A. M. E. Episcopacy 9 Original Sin 21 PASTORAL Interference 174 Visits 155 Objections Offered 159 Personal Defections 161 Personal Religion 155 Practical Religion, Enforcement of. 155 Preacher, His Religious Methods 148 Moral Methods 151 His Support 342 Preachers from Other Denominations 140 Preaching. Matter of. 152 Manner of. 154 Desisting from 154 Preface, Histor cal i Presiding Elders, Office of 113a Districts of 114 Appointment of. 114 Qualification and Duties of 115 Salary of 117 Protective Measures 117 Probationers 124 Public Worship 75 Publishing Department 352b Purgatory '— 24 QUARTERLY Conferences, Composition of 99 Time of Meeting 100 Form of Business 101 Reports 104a Miscellaneous Business 105 "Quarterly Review " 357 HECEIV1NG Members into Full Connection 191 Reception of Ordained Preachers from Other Denominations 140 of Licentiates 141 Records, Church 393 Regulation of the Ministry 109c UTDKX. 429 FAG*. Bdlglon, Personal and Practical 156 Resurrection of Christ 1» Bites 191 and Ceremonies of Churches 29 Ritualism ..... 37$ Balers of United States of America. 30 QING1NG, Regulations for . 77 C Slavery. 71 Society Rules 68 "Southern Christian Recorder" 355 Spirituous Liquors 182 Stewards. 390 Duty of 391 Accountability of 393 Stewardesses 893 Students, Recommendations to 413 Sunday-school Department 857 Constitution of. 357 Secretary of. 360 Sunday-schools of the A. M E. Church, Constitu¬ tion for Their Government. 365 Supererogation, Works of. 23 Superintendents of Sunday-schools 100 8upport, of Bishops 835 Of Inefficient Bishops 339 Of General Officers 337 Of Widows and Orphans of Deceased Bishops 339 Of Traveling Preachers 842 Sabbath-schools, Pastors' Duty to 125 Sacraments 25 Sacrament in Both Kinds 27 8acrameatal Services 7ft 8chism 171 Scholarships, Endowment of 841 Secretary of Education, His Duties 846 Services, Morning 75 Afternoon and Evening 7ft Sacramental 7ft 8fa» Original w Birth.. & 430 INDEX. PAGE. TEMPORAL Economy 299 Transferring Preachers 112 Traveling Deacons, Election and Ordination of... 127 Duties of 128 Elders, Election and Ordination of 118 Duty of. 119 Duty to Children and Sabbath schools.... i 25 Licentiates, Mode of Reception 131 Duty of 132 Special Instructions to 133 Pertinent Observations 135 Preachers, Their Support 342 Tria! of Bishops 162 Traveling Elders, Deacons and Licentiates... 165 Local Preachers 168 Lay Members 177 Trinity, Doctrine of 17 Trustees of Church Property 385 Their Number and Qualifications 385 Mode of Election 386 The Chairman of Board 387 Duty of. 387 Reports of 389 Expulsion of 3*9 Tunes, Concerning Appropriate 78 UNACCEPTABILITY in the Ministry 172 United Societies of 1739, General Rules of... 68 VACANCIES of the Episcopacy, How Filled.... 109c v " Voice of Missions" 328o "WATCH Nighls 122 *' Widows and Orphans of Bishops and Itinerant t'reac.iers 338 Wilberforce University, Endowment of, etc. 340 Woman's " Light and Love for Heathen Africa". 328n Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society. 328q Women's Parent Mite Missionary Society 328a Women Preachers 310 Word or Son of God Made Very Man «... 18