THE
MUNIS AND DISCIPLINE
OF THE
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
BY EEV. H. M. TURNER, D. D.
BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT OF
THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN
THE UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA.
REV. THEO. GOULD, DEPT. MANAGER.
FIFTEENTH REVISED EDITION.
PHILADELPHIA:
A. M. E. BOOK CONCERN. 631 PINE ST.
1878.
HISTORICAL PREFACE.
To the Members of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church in the United States of America.
Beloved Brethren:
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 conduciye 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 together, 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 in
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 in
order to build a house of their own, to worship God
under their own vine and fig tree. In this undertak¬
ing they met with great opposition from an elder of
the Methodist Church, (J. M'C.) who threatened that
if they did not give up the building, erase their
names from the subscription paper, and make ac¬
knowledgments for having attempted such a thing,
that in three months they should all be publicly ex-
HISTORICAL PREFACE.
pelled from the Methodist Society. Not considering
themselves bound to obey this injunction, and being
fully satisfied that they should be treated without
mercy, they sent in their resignations.
Being now as outcasts, they had to seek for friends
where they could; and the Lord put it into the hearts
of Dr. Benjamin Rush, Mr. R. Ralston, and other
respectable citizens, to interpose for them, both by
advice and assistance, in getting their building fin¬
ished. Bishop White also aided them, and ordained
one from among themselves, after the order of the
Protestant'Episcopal Church, to be their pastor.
In 1793, the number of the serious people of color
having increased, they were of different opinions
respecting the mode of religious worship; and, as
many felt a strong partiality for that adopted by the
Methodists, Richard Allen, with the advice of some
of his brethren, proposed erecting a place of worship
on his own ground, and at his own expense, as an
African Methodist meeting-house. As soon as the
preachers of the Methodist Church in Philadelphia
came to the knowledge of this, they opposed it with
all their might, insisting that the house should be
made over to the Conference or they would publish
them in the newspapers, as imposing on the public,
as they were not Methodists. However, the building
went on, and, when finished, they invited Francis
Asbury, then Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, to open the house for divine service, which
invitation he accepted, and the house was named
Bethel. (See Gen. xxviii. 19.)
It was now proposed by the resident elder, (J. M'C.)
HISTORICAL PREFACE.
that they should have the church incorporated, that
they might receive any donation or legacy, as well as
enjoy any other advantages arising therefrom: this
was agreed to; and in order to save expense, the
elder proposed drawing it up for them. But they
soon found that he had done it in such a manner as
entirely deprived them of the liberty they expected
to enjoy; so that, by this stratagem, they were again
brought into bondage by the Methodist preaehers.
In this situation they experienced grievances too
numerous 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 hoped
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 pepple were not
willing to give more than two hundred dollars per
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 the 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 strongly 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 in
boarding and salary, provided he would attend to the
duties of the Church, such as visiting the sick, bury¬
ing the dead, baptizing, and administexing 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."
Uhe 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 serve
you on such terms."
Shortly after this, an elder (S. R.) then in Phila¬
delphia, declared, that unless they would repeal the
supplement, 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 edict 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 ne?t 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 must
flourishing congregation.
t St. George's was then a mission post of the M.E. Church, situated
oil Fourth Street below Vine, Philadelphia. It is aow a flourishing
congregation.
HISTORICAL PREFACE.
at the appointed time he came; but having taken
previous advice, they had their preacher in the pulpit
when he came, and the house so fixed that he could
not get more than half way to the pulpit. Finding
himself disappointed, he appealed to those who came
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, and
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 this,
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
they 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 to
call a general convention in April, 1816, to form a con¬
nection; delegates appointed to represent different
THE
gMtrittW atul ^ ts;cij)U«c
Of THB
AFRICAN
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
PART L
ORIGIN, DOCTRINES AND RULES.
CHAPTER I.—Origin.
SECTION L
Of the Origin and Continuation of the
Episcopacy of the African Methodist Episco¬
pal Church.
The preachers and members of our Church
haying become a distinct body of people, by
reason of separation from our white 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 connexion
6
Cb- h I ORIGIN. 7
that wag then formed. The Rev. Richard
A-llen, 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 the
11th day of April, 1816, the said Rev.
Richard Allen was solemnly set apart for
the Episcopal office, by prayer and the
imposition of the hands of five regularly
ordained ministers, one of whom, Absalom
Jones, was a priest of the Protestant Epis¬
copal Church, who was then, and continued
in good standing under the Diocese of the
Right Rev. Bishop White, of Pennsylvania.
At which time the General Conference, in
Philadelphia, did unanimously receive the
said Richard Allen as their Bishop, being
fully satisfied with the validity of his Epis¬
copal ordination.
The connexion having considerably in¬
creased in the course of twelve years, the
General Conference sitting in Philadelphia,
in 1828, found it expedient to have another
Bishop to travel through the connection,
as joint superintendent. The Rev. Morris
Brown, being twelve years an ordained
elder, was duly elected to fill that office, and
on the Sunday, May 25th, 1828, Morris Brown
was solemnly set apart by prayer, and the
8 ORIGIN. Part
imposition of the hands of the Eight Rev.
Richard Allen, first Bishop of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, and five regu¬
larly ordained elders, as a joint Bishop of
the said Church. After the decease of the
Right Rev. Richard Allen, which took place
at his residence in Philadelphia, March 26th,
1831, the labors devolving upon the Right
Rev. Morris Brown, (his successor in office,)
became so great, that the General Confer¬
ence, sitting in Philadelphia, in 1836,
deemed it necessary to appoint a Bishop, as
joint superintendent, to assist in attending
to the business of the connexion. The Rev.
Edward Waters, being a regularly ordained
elder for many years, was duly elected to
fill that office, and on Sunday, May 15th,
1836, Edward Waters was solemnly set apart
by prayer, the imposition of the hands of
the Right Rev Morris, Brown, (second
Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church,) and five regularly ordained elders,
as a joint Bishop of the said Church.
Within a few more years, from the pros¬
perity of the Church and the resignation ol
Bishop Waters, the duties devolving upon
Bishop Brown, in his advanced age, became
more than he could perform. The General
Conference, sitting in Pittsburg, deemed it
011 *»3 *• origin. 9
necessary to appoint another Bishop as joint
superintendent to assist in attending to the
business of the connexion:—whereupon the
Rev. Wm P. Quinn, a regularly ordained
elder for many years, was, after solemn
prayer, duly elected by the Conference, May
7th, 1844, to fill that office, and on Sunday.
May 19th, said Eev Wm. P. Quinn was
solemnly set apart by prayer, the imposition
of the hands of the Eight Eev. Morris
JBrown, (second Bishop of the African M.
E. Church,) and five regularly ordained
elders, as a joint Bishop of said Church
The General Conference, sitting in the
city of New York, deemed it necessary to ap¬
point two other Bishops, to assist in attending
to the business of the connexion, whereupon,
the Eev. Willis Nazrey and Eev. Daniel
A. Payne, regularly ordained elders for
many years, were, after solemn prayer, duly
elected by the Conference, May 7th, 1852,
to fill that office. And on Thursday, May
13th, Eevs. Willis Nazrey and Daniel A.
Payne, were solemnly set apart by prayer,
the imposition of the hands of the Eight
Eev. William Paul Quinn, ( fourth Bishop
of the African Methodist Episcopal Chyych,)
and five regularly ordained elders, as Bishops
of the said church.
10 OEiGnr. Part
The General Conference, sitting in the
city of Philadelphia, deemed it necessary to
appoint two other Bishops, to assist in atten¬
ding to the business of the connexion:
whereupon, the Revs. Alexander Washington
Wayman, and Jabez P. Campbell, regularly
ordained elders for many years, were, after
solemn prayer, duly elected by Conference,
May 16th, 1864, to fill that office. And, on
Monday, May 23d, 1864, Revs. Jabez P.
Campbell and Alexander Washington Way-
man, were solemnly set apart by prayer, the
imposition of the hands of the Eight Rev.
William Paul Quinn, (fourth Bishop of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church,) and
five regularly ordained elders, as Bishops of
the said Church.
The connexion having greatly increased
in the course of four years the General Con¬
ference sitting in the City of Washington,
D. C., deemed it necessary to appoint three
other Bishops to assist in attending to the
business of the connexion, Whereupon, the
Revs. James A. Shorter, Thomas M. D.
Ward, John M. Brown, regularly ordained
Elders for many years, were after solemn
prayer, duly elected by the Conference, May
21,1868, to fill that office. And, on Mon¬
day, May 25, 1868, Revs. James A. Shorter,
Ch. ii, ? 1. ARTICLES OP RELIGION". 11
Thomas M. D. Ward, John M. Brown, were
solemnly set apart by prayer, the imposition
of the hands of the Right Rev. William
Paul Quinn, ( fourth Bishop of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church,) Bishops Daniel
A. Payne, Alexander Washington Way man,
Jabez P. Campbell and other regularly
ordained ministers assisting in the sacred
ceremony.
CHAPTER IL
DOCTBINES.
SECTION I.
ARTICLES OF RELIGION.
I. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity.
There is but one living and true Go4,
everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite
power, wisdom and goodness; the Maker
and Preserver of all things, visible and in¬
visible.—And in unity of this Godhead,
there are three persons, of one substance,
power and eternity—the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost.
12 ARTICLES OF RELIGION. Part I,
II. Of the Word orSon of God, who was
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
sins 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.
Ch.ii, § 1. ARTICLES OF RELIGION. 13
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
Scriptures, we do understand those canon¬
ical books of the Old and New Testa¬
ment, of whose authority was never any
doubt in the church.
The names of the Canonical Books.
Genesis,
Exodus,
Leviticus,
Numbers,
14 ARTICLES OF RELIGION. Part I,
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
Ch. iij 11. ARTICLES OF RELIGION.
15
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.
16 ARTICLES OF RELIGION. Parti,
VIII.. Of Free-WiU.
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 Worlcs.
Although good works, which are the
fruits of faith, and, follow after justifica¬
tion, cannot put away our sins and en-
Cfl.ii, gl. ARTICLES OF RELIGION. 17
dure „ the severity of God's judgment,
yet are they pleasing and 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
XL Of Works 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 Chris't 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
2
18 ARTICLES OF RELIGION. Part I,
such as fall into sm 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
say 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 (jkurch.
The visible church of Christ is a con¬
gregation of faithful men, in which the
pure word of God is preached, and the
sacraments 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.
Ch.ii,gl. ARTICLES OF RELIGION. 19
XV Of speaking in the Congregation
in 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 will 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
say, 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
20 ARTICLES OF RELIGION. Part I,
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
Ch. ii, 11. ARTICLES OF RELIGION. 21
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-
22 ARTICLES OF RELIGION. Part I,
nied to the lay people; for both the parts
of the Lord's Supper, by Christ's ordi¬
nance and commandment, ought to be
administered to all Christians alike.
XX- Of the one Oblation of Ckrist,
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,
but 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.
XXI. 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, aa they shall judge
the same to serve best to godliness.
Ck. ii, 11. ARTICLES OP RELIGION.
23
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
others 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.
24 ARTICLES OF RELIGION. Part I,
XXIII. Of the Rulers of the United
States of America.
The President, the Congress, the Gener¬
al Assemblies, the Governors and the
Councils of State, as the delegates of the
people, are the rulers of the United States
of America, according 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 Men's Goods.
The riches and goods of Christians are
not common as touching the right, title
and possession of the same, as some do
falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every
man ought, of such things as he possess-
eth, liberally to give alms to the poor,
according to his ability.
XXV. Of a Christian Man's Oath.
As we confess that vain and rash swear¬
ing is forbidden Christian men, by our
Ch.ii,§2. CATECHISM ON FAITfi. 25
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
justice, judgment and truth.
SECTION 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
not, is condemned; and every one who
believes, is justified.
Q. 3. But must not repentance, and
works meet for repentance, go before this
faith ?
26
CATECHISM ON FAITH. Part I,
A. Without doubt; if by repentance
you mean conviction of sin, and by works
meet, for repentance, obeying God as far
as we can, forgiving our brother, leaving
off from evil, doing good, and using his
ordinances according to the power we have
received.
Q. 4. What is faith ?
A. Faith in general is a divine, super¬
natural evidence, or conviction of things
not 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 th&
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;
Ch ii, I 2. CATECHISM ON FAITH.
27
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.
Rom. 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.
28
CATECHISM ON FAITH. Part I,
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
he 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 seldom lasts long: that it is fol¬
lowed by doubts and fears; arid 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.
Ch. ii, I 2. CATECHISM ON FAITH.
29
Q. 12. Can faith be lost, for want of
works ?
A. It cannot but through disobedience.
Q. 13. How is faith made perfect by
works?
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 works; 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
same works : St. Paul speaking of works
that precede faith; St. James, of works
that spring from it.
Q. 15. In what sense is Adam's sin im¬
puted to all mankind ?
30 CATECHISM ON FAITH. Part I,
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
Ch.ii, §2. CATECHISM ON FAITH. 31
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 f
A. We are afraid we have.
Q,. 18. Have we not also leaned towards
Antinomianism ?
A. We are afraid we have.
Q. 19. What is Antinomianism ?
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;
5th, 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
32 CATECHISM ON FAITH. Part I,
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 f
A. The coming of certain men amongst
the Oalatians, 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 bv 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.
v. 1.
Ch. ii § 2. CATECHISM ON FAITH. 33
A. Liberty, 1st from the law; 2d, from
sin.
II. Q. 1. How comes what is written
on justification to be so intricate and ob¬
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.
i
34 CATECHISM ON FAITH. Part I,
.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 bis 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.
Ch. ii, I 2. CATECHISM ON FAITH. 35
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 f
A. It does seem that be 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.
36 CATECHISM ON FAITH. Part I,
Q. 13. How then can we maintain
that all works, done before we have a
sense of the pardoning mercie3 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 can not .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 ?
Ch. ii, g 2. CATECHISM ON FAITH.
37
A. It can. x 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.
38 CATECHISM ON FAITH. Part I,
And so we do still among those who need
to be taught the first elements o£ 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.
Sd. 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 h'ave 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 as it is ?
Ch. ii, I 2. CATECHISM ON FAITH.
39
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. Undoubtedly 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 to 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 near 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 one*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. I p. denying all
natural free-will, and all power anlece-
40 CATECHISM ON FAITH. Part I,
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
Ch. ii, I 2, CATECHISM ON FAITH. 41
till all other foundations are overturned,
they cannot build on Christ
Q. 3. 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's
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 ?
42
CATECHISM ON FAITH. Part I,
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 with 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 ;
Ch. ii, I 2. CATECHISM ON FAITH.
43
be 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
terms 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
justified. The very moment he believes
he is jtestified.
• Q. 14. But do we not give up faith and
put sincerity in its place, as the con¬
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
44 CATECHISM ON FAITH. Parti,
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
Ch. ii, I 2. CATECHISM ON FAITH.
45
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 wi£h 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 irf the sight of God.
Q. 19. Are not the assurance of faith,
the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and
46 CATECHISM ON FAITH. Part I,
the revelation of Christ in us, terms 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
to 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
wordsy but the very vitals, the essence of
Christianity is the thing in auest.inn
Ch. ii, I 2. CATECHISM ON FAITH. 47
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 bat 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
48 CATECHISM ON FAITH. Part I,
heart? .Has he then a new heart? Doe3
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. Thkt 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.
Ch. ii, f 2. CATECHISM ON FAITH. 49
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
these who were wholly sanctified.
6th. That, consequently, it behooves Us
to speak in public almost continually of
the state of justification; but more rarely,
at 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 ?
50 CATECHISM ON FAITH. Part I,
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
C'h ii. I 2. CATECHISM ON FAITH. 51
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 aflord
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-.
52
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
Part I,
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 no 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.
Ch. ii, §3. CATECHISM ON FAITH. 53
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
54
CATECHISM ON FAITH.. Part I,
world; looking for the glorious appear¬
ing of our Lo?d 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 wa 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
Ch. ii, § 2. CATECHISM ON FAITH. 55
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
56 CATECHISM ON FAITH. Parti.
moment, and to draw light, and life, and
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.
Ch. iii, ? 1.
GENERAL RULES.
57
CHAPTER III.
GENERAL RULES.
SECTION I.
THE NATURE, DESIGN, AND GENERAL RULES OF
THE UNITED SOCIETIES.
(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),
he gave those advices from time to time,
58
GENERAL RULES. Parti,
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, and 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 more 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 about twelve
persons in a class, of whom one is styled
the " Leader." It is his duty,
L 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.
CK.iii, § 1.
GENERAL RULES.
59
3. To receive what they are willing to
give towards the relief of the preaehers,
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 have
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 tt> come, and to be
saved from their sins. But wherever this
is really 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 takitig the name of God in vain.
The profaning the -day of the Lord,
60
GENERAL RULES. Part I,
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 they
should do unto us.
Doing what we know is not for the
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.
€h.iii,§l. GENERAL KULES.
61
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 which
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 hearts free to do it.
62
GENERAL RULES. Part I,
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 theyshould
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.
Ch.iii,g 1. GENERAL RULES-
63
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.
64
BAND SOCIETIES. Part I,
SECTION II.
Rules of the Band Societies, drawn up
December 2oth, 1738.
Two, three or four true believers who have con¬
fidence in each other, form a band. Only, it is to
be observed, that in one of these bands all must
be men or all women; and all married or all un¬
married.
The design of our meeting is to obey
that command of God—" Confess your
faults one to another, and pray for one
another, that ye may be healed."—James
v. 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
singing or prayer.
4. To speak, each of us in order, freely
and plainly, the true state of our souls,
with the faults we have committed in
tempers, words or actions, and tempta¬
tions we have felt since last meeting.
Ch.iii, I 2. BAND SOCIETIES.
65
5. To end every meeting with prayer,
suited to the state of each person pres¬
ent.
6. To dssire some person among us to
speak of his own state first, and then to
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 in
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 ?
5
66
BAND SOCIETIES. Part I,
8. Do you desire that every one of
us shall tell you, from time to time,
whatsoever is in our hearts concerning
you?
9. Consider: Do you desire we should
tell 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
open, 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 sin or not ?
Ch.iii,£2. BAND SOCIETIES.
67
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.
63
PUBLIC WORSHIP. Part I,
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.
SECTION III.
Public Worship.
Q. 1. What directions shall be given
for the establishment of uniformity in pub¬
lic worship among us on the Lord's
Day?
Ch.iii,§ 4.
SINGING.
69
A. 1. Let the morning service consist
of singing, prayer, the reading of a chapter
out of the Old Testament or one of the
New Testament, and preaching.
2. Let the afternoon service consist of
singing, prayer, the reading of one or two
chapters, and preaching, or a session of
the Sunday-school where our children and
adults may be taught in the Scriptures.
3. Let the evening service consist of
singing and prayer, and preaching.
4. But on the days of administering the
Lord's Supper, the two chapters in the
morning service may be omitted. Let the
Lord's prayer, however, be used at every
service.
5. Let the society meet wherever it is
practicable.
SECTION IV.
The Spirit and Truth of Singing.
Q. 1. How shall we guard against for¬
mality in singing ?
A. 1. By choosing such hymns as are
proper for the congregation.
70
SINGING.
Part I,
2. By not singing too much at once;
seldom more than five or six verses.
3. By suiting the tune to the words.
4. Do not suffer the people to sing too
slowly.
This naturally tends to formality, and
is brought in by those who have either
very strong or very weak voices.
5. In every large society, let them learn
to sing; and let them always learn our
tunes first.
6. Recommend our tune-book; and if
you cannot sing yourself, choose a person
or two at each place, to pitch a tune for
you.
7. Exhort every person in the congre¬
gation to sing—not one in ten only.
8. Sing no hymns of your own compos¬
ing.
9. If a preacher be present, let him
alone give out the words.
10. When the singers would teach a
tune to the congregation, they must sing
the treble only.
11. No person, or persons shall be al¬
lowed to sing in our choirs, who will not
CIl. iii, § 5. CLASS MEETINGS.
71
be subject to our authority. The leader
shall be elected by the choir and con¬
firmed or rejected by the minister or
preacher having charge. And let it be re-
commended to our people not to attend the
schools which are not under our direction.
12. The preacher shall not encourage
the singing of fugue tunes* in our public
congregations.
13. We do not think that fugue tunes
are sinful or improper to be used in private
companies; but we do' not approve of
their being used in public congregations,
because public singing is a part of Divine
worship, in which all the congregation
ought to join.
SECTION Y.
Class Meetings.
Q. 1. How may the leaders of classes
be rendered more useful ?
A. 1. Let each of them be diligently
examined concerning his method of meet¬
ing a class. Let this be done with all
-» Flying Music.
72
CLASS MEETINGS. Part I,
possible exactness, at least once a quar¬
ter. In order to do this, take sufficient
time.
2. Let each leader carefully inquire
how every soul in his class prospers; not
only how each person observes the out¬
ward rules, but how he grows in the
knowledge and love of God.
Let the leaders converse with those who
have the charge of their circuits frequent¬
ly and freely.
Q,. 2. Can any thing more be done in
order to make class meetings lively and
profitable ?
A. 1. Change improper leaders.
2. Let the leaders frequently meet each
other's classes.
3. Let us observe which leaders are
most useful; and let these meet the other
classes as often as possible.
4. See that all the leaders be men of
sound judgment and truly devoted to
God.
Q. 3. How shall we prevent improper
persons from insinuating themselves into
the Church?
Cll. iiij 5. CLASS MEETINGS.
73
A. 1. Give tickets to none until they
are recommended by a leader with whom
they have met at least six months on trial.
2. Give notes to none but those who
are recommended by one you know, or
until they have met three or four times in
a class.
3. Read the rules to them the first time
they meet.
4. Let probationers be placed in sepa¬
rate classes to themselves wherever it is
practicable, at least six months.
Q. 4. And how shall they be received
into full membership ?
A. 1. Let none be "received into the
Church until they are recommended by
a leader, whom they have met at least
six months on trial, and have been bap¬
tized ; and shall on examination by the
minister in charge before the Church, give
satisfactory evidence or assurance both
of the correctness of his or her faith, and
willingness to observe the rules and keep
them.
Nevertheless, should any member from
any other orthodox denomination make
74
CLASS MEETINGS.
Part I,
application to be united with us, without
a letter, and are in good standing in the
Church from which they come, such ap¬
plicants may, by giving satisfaction to the
usual inquiries, be received into full mem¬
bership at once.
Q,. 5. How shall we be more exact in
receiving and excluding members ?
A. The official minister or preacher
shall at every quarterly meeting read the
names of those that are received and ex¬
cluded.
If any leader shall permit an expelled
member to enjoy the privileges of a class
meeting, or furnish such with a ticket for
a love feast, let him be instantly removed
from his office by the elder, deacon, or
preacher having charge.
Q. 6. What shall we do with those
members of our church who wilfully and
repeatedly neglect to meet, their classes ?
A. 1. Let the elder, deacon, or preach¬
er visit them whenever it is practicable,
and explain to them the consequence, if
they continue to neglect—viz.: exclu¬
sion.
Ch.iii, § 6. MARRIAGE.
75
2. If they do not amend, let him who
has the charge of the circuit or station
expel them, showing that they are expelled
for a breach of our rules, and not for im¬
moral conduct; but they shall first be
tried before the society, or a select num¬
ber.
SECTION VI.
Rules relating to Marriage,,
Q. 1. Do we observe any evil which
has prevailed in our church with respect
to marriage?
A. 1. Many of our members have mar¬
ried with unawakened persons. This has
produced bad effects. They have been
either hindered for life, or turned back to
perdition.
Q, 2. What can be done to discourage
this ?
A. 1. Let every preacher publicly en¬
force the Apostle's caution—" Be not un¬
equally yoked with unbelievers." 2 Cor.
vi. 14,
76
MARRIAGE. Part I,
2. Let all be exhorted not to enter into
so weighty a matter without advising with
the most serious of their brethren.
Q. 3. Ought any woman to marry with¬
out the consent of her parents ?
A. 1. In general she ought not. Yet
there may be exceptions. For if, 1st, a
woman believe it to be her duty to marry;
if, 2d, her parents absolutely refuse to let
her marry any Christian; she then, nay,
ought to marry without their consent.
Yet, even then, a Methodist preacher
ought not to be married to her.
Q. 4. Do we not see a great evil arising
from persons who are married leaving
their wives and husbands and marrying
again ?
A. We do, and believe it to be a crime
expressly forbidden in the word of God
Therefore, if any minister, preacher, ex-
horter or member who has been legally
married, and shall separate and marry
again while the former wife or husband is
living, saving for the cause of fornication
the party or parties so offending shall b(
expelled, and shall not be admitted tc
Ch.iii,?7.
DRESS.
77
join any of our churches during the nat¬
ural life of the parties; and any minister
who shall marry such knowingly, shall
forfeit his standing in the connection.
'We do not prohibit our people from
marrying persons who are not of our
<3hurch, provided such persons have the
form, and are seeking the power of god¬
liness ; but we are determined to discour¬
age their marrying persons who do not
come up to this description.
SECTION VII.
Rules Concerning Dress.
Q. 1. Should we insist on the rules
concerning dress ?
A. 1. By all means. This is no time
to encourage superfluity in dress; there¬
fore let all our ministers exhort our peo¬
ple to conform to the spirit of the apostolic
precept, " Not to adorn themselves with
gold, and pearls and costly array." 1 Tim.
ii. 19; 1 Pet. iii. 3. In order to this,
1. Let every one who has charge of a
78
INSTRUCTION OP Parti,
circuit read the thoughts upon dress at
least once a year in every society. 2. In
visiting the classes be very strict, but very
mild.
Each and all our Annual Conferences
shall faithfully carry out this rule at each
session, for the violation of which any
minister in charge may be suspended.
Therefore, all our preachers shall put off
all superfluity and costly apparel.
SECTION VIII.
Rules Concerning the Instruction of
Children.
Q. 1. What shall we do for the rising
generation ?
A 1. Let him who is zealous for God
and the souls of men begin now.
2. "Where there are ten children whose
parents will allow it, meet them once a
week; but where this is impracticable,
meet them once in two weeks.
3. Procure instructions and our cate¬
chisms for them, and let all who can read
commit them to memory.
Ch.iii,$ 8.
CHILDKEJf.
79
4. Explain and impress them upon
their hearts.
5. Talk with them every time you see
any at home.
6. Pray earnestly for them; and dili¬
gently instruct and exhort all parents at
their own houses.
7. Let the elders, deacons, and preach¬
ers take a list of their names, and if any
of them be truly awakened, let them be
admitted into the society.
8. Preach expressly on education: " But
I have no gift for this." Pray earnestly
for the gift, and use every other means to
attain it.
9. As far as practicable, it shall be the
duty of every preacher of a circuit or sta¬
tion, to form Sabbath-schools; to obtain
the names of the children belonging to his
congregation; to form them into classes,
for the purpose of giving them religious
instruction, to instruct them regularly
himself as much as his other duties will
allow. The course of instruction shall not
only embrace the nature of experimental
religion, but also the nature, design, priv-
80 GOVERNMENT OF CHURCH. Part II,
ileges and obligations of their baptism.
It shall be the duty of the pastor, also, to
appoint a suitable leader for each class,
who shall instruct them in his absence—
recommend to the preacher such among
them as he may deem suitable to be re¬
ceived among us on trial. The preacher
shall leave his successor a correct account
of each class thus formed with the name
of its leader. It shall be the duty of all
parents belonging to our church to send
their children to our Sabbath-schools, and
no other.
PART II.
GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH.
CHAPTER I.
The Conferences.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS.
It is desired that all things be consid¬
ered on these occasions, as in the imme¬
diate presence of God; that every person
speak freely whatever is in his heart.
Ch. i, I 1. GENERAL CONFERENCE.
81
Q. 1. How may we best improve our
time at conference ?
A. 1. While we are conversing, let us
have an especial care to set God always
before us.
2. In the intermediate hours, let us re¬
deem all the time we can for private
exercises.
3. Therein let us give ourselves to
prayer for one another, and for a blessing
on our labors.
SECTION I.
Of Composition and Meeting of the Gen¬
eral Conference.'
A. 1. The General Conference shall be
composed of all the General Officers; also
one Delegate for every fifteen members
of each Annual Conference who shall be
an Itinerant Minister, who shall have
traveled four consecutive years immedi¬
ately preceding the session of the General
Conference in our connection, whose char¬
acter and standing is fair, he having been
elected by the Annual Conference prior
82 GENERAL CONFERENCE. Part II,
to the sitting of the General Conference:
Providing, nevertheless, no Annual Con¬
ference shall have less than four Itinerant
delegates.
2. Two delegates from each Annual
Conference district, chosen from the lay¬
men, who shall have been for two con¬
secutive years members in good standing
in our church, possessing good natural
and acquired abilities, who both know
and love the doctrines of our church:
In the following manner: There shall
be one elector from the bounds of each
Quarterly Conference in the district.
Each church shall have power to call a
mass meeting of its members, and elect
one lay delegate, who shall form an elec¬
toral college at such time and place as
shall be designated by the Annual Con¬
ference prior to the *one preceding the
General Conference, for the purpose of
electing two delegates and two alternates
who (iw the event of a failure of the regu¬
larly elected delegates to attend ) shall pos¬
sess the same qualification as the delegates
to represent the Annual Conference Dis¬
trict,t
Ch.i,§l. GENERAL CONFERENCE. 83
It is hereby provided that the electoral
college meet at least three months pre¬
vious to the Annual Conference preceding
the General Conference; and the delegates
elected shall present their credentials,
properly signed by the President and
Secretary of the electoral college, to the
said Annual Conference, and their names
shall be enrolled on the minutes of the
same as lay delegates to the General
Conference.
3. In case of death, resignation, ex¬
pulsion or removal from the district, of
the delegates and alternates, a mass meet¬
ing of the members, where such vacan¬
cies shall occur, shall have power to
nominate and elect another delegate pos¬
sessing the same qualifications as are
prescribed for delegates from the Electoral
College.
4. The General Conference ^liall meet
on the first Monday in May once in four
years perpetually, in such place or places
as shall be fixed on by the General Con¬
ferences, fropa time to time; but the
General Superintendents or acting Bish-
84 POWERS AND RESTRICTIONS. Part II,
ops, with or by the advice of all the
Annual Conferences, or if there are no
General Superintendents, all the Annual
Conferences respectively shall have power
to call a General Conference, if they
judge it necessary, at any time.
5. The General Superintendents shall
request the preachers having the charge
of the different circuits or stations to
notify the delegates appointed by the
Annual Conference to attend at the time
and place appointed; and should there be
two-thirds of the members present after
such notice, those present shall proceed
to business, and their proceedings shall be
lawful.
I. Powers and Restrictions.
Q. What are the powers and restrictions
of the General Conference ?
A. The General Conference shall have
full powers to make rules and regulations
for our Church under the following limi¬
tations and restrictions, viz.
1. The General Conference shall not
revoke, alter, or change our articles of re-
Ch. i, 11. POWERS AND RESTRICTIONS. 85
ligion, nor establish any new standards,
or rules of doctrine, contrary to our pre¬
sent existing and established standards
of doctrine.
2. They shall not change or alter any
part or rule of our government, so as to
do away Episcopacy, or destroy the plan
of our Itinerant General Superintendency.
3. They shall not do away the privi¬
leges of our ministers, or preachers of trial
by a committee, and of an appeal. Nei¬
ther shall they do away the privileges of
our members of trial before the society of
which they are members, or by a com¬
mittee, 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
other than for the benefit of the Bishops,
Itinerant, supernumerary, superannuated
preachers, their widows and orphans: Pro•
vided, nevertheless, That a majority of
two-thirds of the General Conference shall
suffice to alter the fifth restriction and
none other.
86 ANNUAL CONFERENCES. Part II,
2. Of Raising the expenses of Members and
Delegates to and from the General
Conference, &c.
1. It shall be the duty of each member,
and also of each delegate to the General
Conference, to collect previously to the
sitting of the General Conference, the
amount necessary to bear his own expen¬
ses to and from the General Conference.
2. At the close of each and every Gen¬
eral Conference it shall always be the
duty of the Financial Committee first to
pay the incidental expenses of the Gene¬
ral Conference; secondly, to pay over the
balance to the General Book Steward, to
pay for the printing of the minutes of the
General Conference and the book of Dis¬
cipline.
SECTION II.
The Annual Conferences.
Q. 1. Who shall compose the Annual
Conferences ?
A. All the traveling preachers of the
Conference who are in full connection,
and all probationers in the same.
Ch. i, 12. annual conferences. 87
2. All the local preachers who have
been licensed " four full years, recom¬
mended by their Quarterly Conference,
passed their examination at the Annual
Conference, and given satisfaction in the
course of studies prescribed in the book
of Discipline: Provided, That members
coming from another Annual Conference,
in our connection, and probationers in
the Conference, may participate in the
deliberations, but shall have no vote.
Q. 2. Who shall appoint the time of
holding the Yearly Conferences ?
A. The Presiding Bishop; but he shall
allow the Conference to sit a week at least.
Q. 3. Who shall appoint the place of
holding the Yearly Conferences?
A. Each Conference shall appoint its
own sitting.
Q. 4. What is the method wherein we
usually proceed in the Yearly Confer¬
ences ?
A. We inquire—
a. What has been collected for the con¬
tingent expenses ?
b. What for the support of the Pastors ?
88 ANNUAL CONFERENCES. Part II,
c. "What for the support of Sunday
Schools ?
d. What for the Bible cause ?
e. How much percentage has been re¬
ceived from the General Fund, and how
has it been expended ?
5. How much of the Dollar money
has been raised to meet the following
demands:
a. For the support of efficient Bishops.
b. For the support of the Managing Editor and
the General Business Manager.
c. To assist Presiding Elders and Missions.
d. To aid superannuated Bishops and preachers.
c. To aid widows and orphans of itinerant Bi¬
shops and preachers.
/. For Educational purposes.
g. To aid the Publishing Department.
h. To create a fund for the Church Extension
Society.
6. What Preachers are admitted on
trial ?
7. Who remain on trial ?
8. Who are admitted or re-admitted
into full connection ?
9. Who are the Deacons ?
Ch. i, 12. ANNUAL CONFERENCES. 89
10. Who have been elected and ordained
Deacons and Elders this year ?
11. Who have located this year?
12. Who have been elected by the
General Conference to exercise the Epis¬
copal office, and superintend the African
Methodist Episcopal Church ?
13. Who are the supernumerary and
superannuated preachers?*
14. Who have been expelled from the
connection this year?
15. Who have withdrawn from the
connection this year?
16. Are all the preachers blameless in
life and conversation ?
17. Who have died this year?
18. What numbers are in society?
First, What, is the number of members?
Second, What is the number of proba¬
tioners? Third, What number of local
preachers ? Fourth, What number of ex-
* A superannuated preacher is one that is -worn
out in the itinerant service, so as to be incapable
of preaching constantly, but at the same time is
willing to perform any work in the ministry
which the Conference may direct, and which his
strength will enable him to perform.
90 ANNUAL CONFERENCES. Part II,
horters ? Fifth, What number of Churches ?
Sixth, Their value? Seventh, Wh&t the
present indebtedness ? Eighth, What num¬
ber of School houses ? Ninth, Parsonages ?
Tenth, What has been collected for Church
Extension, and how expended ? Eleventh,
How many Subscribers for the Christian
Recorder? How many to the Child's
Recorder ? How many to the African
Methodist Quarterly Magazine ?
19. Where are the preachers stationed
this year ?
20. Where and when shall our next Con¬
ference be held ?
A record of the proceedings of each An¬
nual Conference shall be kept by a Secre¬
tary chosen for that purpose, who shall also
record every decision made on the law and
rules of our Church by any of the bishops,
and the said bishop shall always see that
the said decision is correct. These records
shall be signed by the President and Secre¬
tary; and let a copy of them be sent to the
General Conference.
It shall be the duty of at least one of our
Bishops to be present at each Annual Con¬
ference, to preside therein; but in case of
absence or inability to attend, the Confer¬
ence may appoint a President pro tcm.
Ch.i. g 3. QUARTERLY CONFERENCE. 91
SECTION III.
Composition of the Quarterly Conference.
1. " These meetings shall be held four
times a year (every three months), on
every circuit and mission and at every
station."
Q. 1. Who shall compose the Quarterly
Conference ?
A. 1. The Quarterly Conference shall
consist of the traveling preachers on a
circuit, or in a station, who may be the
stated pastors of that circuit, or station.
2. All the local preachers and exhort-
ers of said circuit or station.
3. All the stewards and class-leaders
of the same, and the male Superintendent
of the Sunday School, provided he belong
to the Church where the Sunday School
is located, but none else.
Each general officer, such as Editor,
General Business Manager and Corres¬
ponding Secretary of the Missionary So¬
ciety, shall be a member of some Quarterly
Conference designated by the Bishops.
92 QUARTERLY CONFERENCE. Part II,
Of the Business of a Quarterly Conference.
These meetings are to be held four
(every three months) times a year, on
every cirouit," and in every station. After
devotional services, they shall proceed as
follows, (First) elect a secretary, or secre¬
taries as the case may require, then the
elder shall ask the following questions:
1. Are there any appeals ?
2. Are there any applications for license
to preach or exhort ?
8. Are there any licenses to be re¬
newed ?
4. How many members have been or
are to be received into full member¬
ship ?
5. How many have been received on
probation ?
6. How many have been received by
certificate ?
7. How many have been expelled ?
8. How many have left without cer¬
tificates ?
9. How many have died this quarter,
and what were their names ?
ch. 1, g 3. quarterly conference. 93
10. What is the number in this society
or on this circuit ?
11."How many removed by; certifi¬
cates?
12. What is the increase fhisquarjEer?'"
13. How many baptizecTand -who were'
they?
14. How much has been collected to
pay the minister or ministers this quarter ?
15. How many Sabbath Schools, and
what number of pupils ?
16. How much for Sabbath Schools ?
17. What number of books in library?
"18 What has been collected for build¬
ing purposes and repairs ?<
19. Plow has this been expended ?
20. What is the present indebtedness ?
After which the Trustees, Stewards,
Sabbath School Superintendents, leader
of the choir, and any other church or¬
ganization, shall present to the Quarterly
Conference a written report of their
doings, for the quarter ending, which
they may receive and adopt, or send
back for correction. This being done,
the Conference shall examine the moral,
94 OFFICIAL BOARDS. Part II,
religious and official character of its
members; the person whose character is
on its passage, (at the request of a mem¬
ber), shall withdraw; this concluded, the
Conference may act upon such motions
and resolutions, as may come before it.
The proceedings of the Conference shall
be kept in a book prepared for that pur¬
pose, which book shall remain in the
hands of the stewards, and for which
they shall be responsible.
SECTION IV.
Official Boards.
1. "What shall constitute the Official
Board in our Church ?
Ans. All the class leaders, stewards
and exhorters, and the preacher in charge,
who, ex officio, shall be chairman.
2. Shall local preachers be regarded as
members of the Official Board ?
Ans. They shall not, unless they are
acting as leaders or stewards; neverthe¬
less, if the minister in charge shall order
Ch. i, I 4. OFFICIAL BOAKDS-
95
them to attend the board, for reasons
which may seem to him to be for the
interest of the Church, they shall do so.
3. Shall this board have power to try,
and expel members from the Church?
Ans. No. And any preacher who
shall thus proceed against a member,
shall be deemed guilty of mal-adminis-
tration, and dealt with accordingly. The
Board, however, may require a member
to appear before it to explain some
rumor, or they may send out committees
of inquiry, and also drop probationers
who absent themselves from Church, or
who wilfully disregard its authority.
4. Shall the Board be vested with any
temporal jurisdiction?
Ans. No. It is chiefly a court of in¬
quiry; nevertheless where there are no
trustees .the board of stewards may exer¬
cise this authority temporarily.
5. Shall the trustees of a church have
the right to take part in the Official Board?
Axis. No; unless they hold one of its
offices, viz: Steward, Leader or Exhort-
er.
96 OFFICIAL BOARDS. Part II,
6. What shall be the duties of the
Official Board?
Ans. 1st. The leaders shall pay into
the hands of the stewards what they
have collected for the preacher, church,
or poor.
2d. The leaders shall report any who
are sick, and those who walk disorderly
and will not be reproved.
3d. The leaders shall report any who
have left without certificate, who neglect
their classes, and those who have died,
that they may be so marked upon the
church record.
4th. The stewards shall pay over to
the preacher what is due him, make any
report the preacher may require of them,
and receive whatever order he may direct.
7. Shall the preacher have power to
remove any member of the Board?
Ans. He shall, on the following condi¬
tions: If the preacher in charge shall
deem a leader unprofitable to the church,
he shall remove him at once; and if he
have sufficient cause he shall have power
to suspend from office a steward until
Ch. i, § 4. OFFICIAL BOARDS.
97
the ensuing Quarterly Conference, and
fill the vacancy created by such removal
until said Conference shall have disposed
of it.*
8. Shall the Official Board have power
to over-rule the preacher in charge?
Ans. No; for the preacher in charge
is the chief executive of the Church, and
as such is accountable to the Annual
Conference, and as the Annual Confer¬
ence cannot hold the members of the
Board responsible for mal-administration,
it would not be legal for them to be al¬
lowed to over-rule the Pastor.
9. How often shall the Official Board
meet the preacher in charge ?
Ans. Once a week in all our stations,
and as often as is practicable in all cir¬
cuits and missions.
The Official Board shall have a Trea¬
sury, in which the class money, collections
for the poor, and all other collections,
except special collections for the trustees,
shall be deposited.
98
THE MINISTRY. Part II,
CHAPTER II.
RESPECTING THE MINISTRY.
SECTION I.
Of the Episcopacy.
Q. 1. How shall a Bishop be consti¬
tuted ?
A. 1. By the election of the General
Conference. Provided, That his charac¬
ter and qualifications be approved by the
vote of a majority of all the members
present.
2. After being thus chosen, he shall be
consecrated by the imposition of the hands
of a Bishop and six Elders.
3. Provided, That in the event of the
death, resignation, or expulsion of a Bish¬
op, there be no one to exercise the Episco¬
pal office; then one Elder chosen from
each District shall, with their joint concur¬
rence, through their correspondence, call
a General Conference forthwith to fill the
vacancy, and said General Conference
shall elect one, and seven Elders shall
ordain him.
ox. ii, § i.
BISHOPS.
99
Q. 2. What are the Duties of a Presid¬
ing Bishop ?
A. 1. To preside in all our Confer¬
ences.
2. To affix in conjunction with the
Associate Bishop and Presiding Elders,
if present, the appointments of all the
traveling preachers, at the Annual Con¬
ference. To appoint presidents, princi¬
pals, and teachers in our seminaries and
colleges, which are or may be under our
superintendence, when requested so to do
by the Annual Conference, where such
college or seminary may be located. Pro¬
vided, that no preacher remain on a cir¬
cuit, or in a station, more than three
years, nor in one city longer than four
years, excepting the Editor, General Busi¬
ness Manager and Financial Secretary.
3. He shall have power, when requested
by the Annual Conference, to appoint an
agent or agents for the benefit of embar¬
rassed churches, and our literary institu¬
tions.
The conference year shall commence
when the appointments are read in the
100
BISHOPS.
Part II,
Annual Conference, and shall continue
until the announcement of the appoint¬
ments at the next ensuing Annual Con¬
ference.
4. In the interval of the Conference,
to change, receive, and suspend preachers,
as necessity may require, as directed and
required'by the rules on these subjects in
the Discipline.
5. To decide all questions of law in
Annual Conferences, subject to an appeal
to the General Conference, but in all
cases the application of law shall be with
the Annual Conferences.
6. To travel through his Episcopal
District at large.
7. To oversee the spiritual and tempo¬
ral business of our societies: Provided,
That no preacher shall be allowed to re¬
main in a circuit or station, where the
evidences are presumptive that his con¬
tinuance will be deleterious to the pros¬
perity of the church: Provided, also, That
no preacher shall be removed, without
his consent, from the bounds of his Dis¬
trict, without at least three months' notice,
Ch. ii, I 1. BISHOPS.
101
prior to the time the Bishop shall desire
Ms removal.
Q. 3- What shall be done to prevent
irregularities concerning transfers'?
Ans. 1. Let the following form of cer¬
tificate of transfer be given by the presid¬
ing Bishop of the conference from which
the member is transferred:
This is to certify that
an Elder [in regular and good standing],
has been transferred from the
Conference of the African M. E,
Church, to the Conference
of the same Church.
The transfer to take place on and after
,18-
Signed,
D. E., Presiding Bishop.
Q. 4. Shall the Presiding officers in
our Annual Conferences, have power to
rule out of Conference anything that
comes up in regular order as a motion,
moved and duly seconded, where positive
law does not control the question ?
A. They shall not, unless the body
over which they preside question the pro*
102
BISHOPS.
Part II,
priety of such a motion being in order.
When called upon the Presiding officer
shall decide whether it is in order or not.
Q. 5. Is there not great danger of
destroying our itinerant general superin-
tendency by dividing the connection into
Episcopal Districts ?
A. We fear there is. Therefore it shall
be the duty of our Bishops to travel at
large among the people and visit every cir¬
cuit and station; and while one may have
charge of a certain portion of the Epis¬
copal labor assigned him, yet in any Dis¬
trict where his presence and the interests
of the connection shall require the action
of a Bishop, in the absence of the one
appointed to that District, or jointly, if
present, to subserve the interests of the
Church, in general, or in all cases of dif¬
ficulty where the presence of a Bishop may
be required, it shall be the duty of the
Bishop nearest to attend, when notice is
given by the officers of the Church.
Q. 6. If a Bishop cease from traveling
at large among the people, shall he exer¬
cise the Episcopal office in any degree ?
Ch. ii, I 2. PRESIDING ELDERS. 103
A. No: lie shall not exercise the Epis¬
copal office over the Church unless he
travel at large throughout his District.
This shall be regulated by the General
Conference; and they shall make pro¬
vision for his traveling expenses.
SECTION II.
Of the Appointment, Duties and Support
of Presiding Elders.
Q,. 1. Shall an Annual Conference
have power to create and establish the
office of Presiding Eldership in our connec¬
tion?
A. Each and every Annual Conference
has power to create and establish the
office of Presiding Elder for the best inter¬
est of the ministry and church, for its own
District, whenever and wherever they may
deem it necessary.
Q. 2. How shall an Annual Confer¬
ence proceed to establish the office of Pre¬
siding Eldership in our Church ?
A. The Annual Conference, seeing the
necessity of the labors of Presiding Elders,
104 PRESIDING ELDERS. Part II,
or by the advice of the Presiding Bishop
of the District, shall proceed to decide by
vote to establish the said office, with the
number that shall be appointed; and in
order to ascertain the number to be ap¬
pointed, it shall divide the Conference
District into Presiding Elder Districts-
In case of a majority of the members vot¬
ing in favor of the office in the Districts,
it shall be the duty of the Bishop of the
District to select according to his best
judgment such Elder or Elders as to him
may seem fit, and appoint the same ac¬
cording to the provisions made by the An¬
nual Conference. In case of a tie vote
the Bishop of the District shall give the
casting vote.
Q. 3. What^shall be the Duties of a
Presiding Elder in his District ?
A. 1. To take charge of all the Elders,
Deacons, Traveling and Local Preachers,
and Extorters in his District.
2. To be present at all the Quarterly
Meetings,'to preside at the Quarterly Con¬
ferences.
3. To travel through his District at
Ch. ii, I 2. PRESIDING ELDERS.
105
large; to take care that every part of our
Discipline be enforced in his District.
Q. 4. Shall he have power to employ a
preacher who has been rejected by the pre¬
vious Annual Conference ?
A. 1. He shall not, without the con¬
sent of a majority of the Quarterly Con¬
ference, and permission from the said An¬
nual Conference so to do.
2. He shall not cease to travel without
the consent of the Annual Conference,
certified under the hand of the President
of the Conference, except in case of
sickness, debility or other unavoidable
circumstances. Nevertheless the final de¬
termination of all such cases is with the
Annual Conference.
3. He shall have power, when the in¬
terest of the church may require it, to
remove or change a Preacher or Preachers
in the interval of the Annual Conference.
4. He shall decide all questions of law
in the Quarterly Conference, subject to
an appeal to the Annual Conference, but
the application of law in all cases shall be
with the Quarterly Conference.
106 PRESIDING ELDEES. Part II,
Q. 5. What shall be done in case of a
Presiding Elder proving himself to be
incompetent, in any way, for the discharge
of the duties devolving upon him ?
A. Whenever it becomes apparent to
the Bishop of the District that the Elder
appointed to the office is incompetent in
judgment of law, prudence in administra¬
tion and government, or purity and holi¬
ness of life, to honor the office and bless
the church, he shall remove him from
the office, and fill the place with another
as soon as may be practicable.
Q. 6. What shall be the time of a Pre¬
siding Elder in a District'(
A. Each Presiding Elder shall remain
in his District for four years, unless in
the judgment of the Presiding Bishop of
the District it appear best to remove him
at an earlier time. The trial of Presiding
Elders shall be as that of Elders in charge,
with the exception that all the preachers
forming the committee shall be Elders and
Deacons.
Whenever a Presiding Elder is appoint¬
ed to serve in a District, his salary shall be
Ch. ii, I 2. PRESIDING ELDERS. 107
the same as that of ail Elder in charge,
which shall be apportioned to the people
in the District to which he is appointed.
But where this is not done let the fol¬
lowing plan obtain:
" Within six weeks after the adjourn¬
ment of the Annual Conference, the Pre¬
siding Elder shall call each pastor in his
charge and one steward to be elected by
the Official Board, together in a district
meeting, and said meeting shall assist the
Presiding Elder in assessing the stations
and circuits in his district to make up his
allowance. And should any station or
circuit not be represented, those compo¬
sing the district meeting shall assess that
station or circuit, and it shall be bound
thereby. And should all the pastors and
stewards refuse, neglect, or fail to meet
the Presiding Elder in a District Meeting,
the Presiding Elder shall assess and col¬
lect his own allowance at his quarterly
meetings ; and any pastor who shall re¬
fuse or neglect to announce the Presiding
Elder's appointments when so requested
shall be subject to the provisions made in
the Discipline for insubordination."
108 TKAVELIXG ELDERS. Part II,
SECTION III.
The Election of Traveling Elders and
their Duty.
Q. 1. How is an Elder constituted ?
A. 1. By the election of a majority of
the Annual Conference.
2. By the imposition of the hands of a
Bishop, and the elders who had examined
him for said office.
3. Provided, That the Annual Confer¬
ence shall be certain, that the candidate
has been thoroughly instructed in the
nature of the vows which he must take
upon himself and perform as an Elder.
Q. 2. What are the Duties of an Elder
having the. charge?
A. 1. To take charge of all the Elders,
Deacons, preachers and exhorters in his
charge.
2. To be present at all the Quarterly
Meetings; to preside in the Quarterly
Conferences in the absence of the Pre¬
siding Elder.
3. To take care that every part of our
Discipline be enforced in his charge.
Ch. ii, I 3. TRAVELING ELDERS. 109
4. To attend the General Superintend¬
ent when present in his charge, and to
give him, when absent, all the necessary
imformation by letter, of the state of the
same.
Q. 3. Shall he have power to employ
a preacher who has been rejected by the
previous Annual Conference?
A. 1. He shall not, without the consent
of a majority of the Quarterly Conference,
and permissioil from the said Annual
Conference so to do.
2. He shall travel and labor through the
charge; administering Baptism and the
Lord's Supper; perform the office of Mat¬
rimony, and all parts of Divine worship.
3. He shall not cease to travel without
the consent of the Yearly Conference,
certified under the hand of the President
of the Conference, except in case of sick¬
ness, debility, or other unavoidable
circumstances. Nevertheless, the final
determination of all such cases is with the
Annual Conference.
4. To meet the societies, classes, and
general Bands.
110 TRAVELING ELDERS. Part II,
5. To visit the sick.
6. To be diligent; never be unem¬
ployed ; never to be triflingly employed.
7. To see that the other preachers in
his charge or circuit behave well.
8. To renew the tickets quarterly, and
regulate the Bands.
9. To meet the stewards and leaders as
often as possible.
10. To appoint all the leaders, and
change them when he sees it necessary;
(but the stewards shall be appointed in
the way the Discipline directs.)
11. To receive, try, and expel members,
according to the form of Discipline.
12. To hold watch-nights and love
feasts.
13. To hold quarterly meetings.
14. To take care that every society is
duly supplied with books.
15. To take an exact account of the
number in society, in their respective cir¬
cuits or stations, and deliver in such ac¬
count to the Annual Conference, that
they may be printed in the minutes.
16. To meet the men and women apart
Ch. ii, § 3. TRAVELING ELDERS.
Ill
in the larger societies, once a quarter,
wherever it is practicable.
17. To overlook the accounts of all the
stewards.
18. To appoint a person to receive the
quarterly collections in the classes, (where
there is no steward.)
19. To see that the public collections
be made quarterly, if need be, to assist in
making up the allowances of the
preachers.
20. To raise a yearly subscription in
those circuits that can bear it, for the
building of churches, and paying the debts
of those which have been already erected,
21. To choose a committee of lay mem¬
bers, to make just applications of .the
money where it is most wanted, (where
there is no steward).
Q. 4. "What other directions shall we
give him ?
A. Several:—
1. To leave his successors a particular
account of the state of the circuit.
2. To see that every Band leader ha£
the rules of the Band.
112 TRAVELING ELDERS. Part II,
3. To enforce vigorously but calmly,
all the rules of the society.
4. As soon as there are four men or
women believers in any place, to put
them in Band.
5. He may suffer the Love feasts to last
an hour and a half.
6. To warn all, from time to time, that
none are to remove from one circuit to
another without a note of recommenda¬
tion from the preacher of the circuit in
these words: " The bearer, A. B., has
been an acceptable member of our society
in C," and to inform them, that without
such a certificate they will not be received
into other societies.
7. To recommend every where decency
and cleanliness.
8. To read the rules of the society,
with the aid of the other preachers in his
charge, once a year in every congrega¬
tion, and once a quarter in every so¬
ciety.
9. He shall take care that a fast be
held in every society in his circuit, on
the Friday preceding every quarterly
Ch. ii, I 4. TRAVELING DEACONS. 113
meeting; and that a memorandum of it
be written on all the class papers.
10. He shall also take care that no un-
ordained local preacher or exhorter in
his circuit shall officiate in public, with¬
out first obtaining a license from the
preacher in charge. Let every such
preacher and exhorter take care to have
this renewed yearly, and let him who
has charge of the circuit insist upon it.
11. He shall call all meetings of the
church or society, for the transaction of
all business, spiritual or temporal, pertain¬
ing to his charge and preside over the
same, except in cases where he is the ac¬
cused.
SECTION" IV.
The Election and Duties of a Traveling
Deacon.
Q. 1. How is a traveling Deacon con¬
stituted ?
A. 1. By the election of a majority of
the Annual Conference.
8
114 TRAVELING DEACONS. Part II,
2. By the imposition of the hands of a
Bishop.
3. Provided, That he shall have tra¬
veled two full years, except in case of
Missions, or when the Annual Conference
may elect him to*the Diaconate sooner, if
they judge it expedient, and the candidate
has given satisfaction in regard to the
course of studies prescribed in the Disci¬
pline.
4. Provided, also, that the Annual
Conference shall be certain that the
candidate has been carefully instructed in
the nature of the vows which he must
take upon himself and discharge as a
Deacon.
Q. 2. What are the Duties of a travel¬
ing Deacon ?
A. 1. To baptize, and perform the office
of matrimony in the absence of the elder.
2. To assist the elder in administering
the Lord's Supper.
3. He shall travel and labor through
his charge.
4. To meet the societies, classes, and
general Bands.
Ch. ii, \ 4. TRAVELING DEACONS. 115
5. To visit the sick.
6. To be diligent; never to be unem¬
ployed ; never to be triflingly employed.
7- To renew the Tickets quarterly, and
regulate the Bands.
8. To meet the stewards and leaders as
often as possible.
9. To receive, try, and expel members
according to the form of Discipline.
10. To hold watch-nights and Love
feasts.
11. To hold Quarterly meetings.
12. To take an exact account of the
number of members in society, in their
respective circuits and stations; and
deliver such an account to the Annual
Conference that they may be printed in
the minutes.
13. To overlook the account of all the
stewards.
14. To appoint a person to receive the
quarterly collections in the classes, where
there is no steward.
15. To see that public collections be
made quarterly, if need be, to aid in mak¬
ing up the allowance to the preachers.
116 TRAVELING DEACONS. Part II,
16. To take care that every society is
duly supplied with books.
Q. 3- What other directions shall be
given him ?
A. Several.
1. To leave his successor a particular
account of the state of the circuit or sta¬
tion.
2. To enforce vigorously, but calmly,
all the rules of the society.
3. He may suffer the Love feast to last
an hour and a half.
4. To warn all, from time to time, that
none are to remove from one circuit to
another without a note of recommendation
from the preacher of the circuit in these
words : " The bearer, A. B., has been an
acceptable member of our society in C-,"
and to inform them that without such a
certificate, they will not be received into
our societies.
5. To read the rules of the society, with
the aid of the other preachers on his cir¬
cuit or station, once a year in the con¬
gregation, and once a quarter in every
society.
Ch. ii, I 4. TRAVELING DEACONS. 117
To take care that every part of our
Discipline be enforced in his charge.
To attend the General Superintendent
and the Elder in charge, when present,
and to give them all necessary' informa¬
tion, by letter, of the state of their charge.
No circuit or station shall be left with¬
out an Elder in charge, who shall visit it
at each Quarterly Meeting Conference to
preside therein, his expenses to be borne
to and from said Conference; the time
and place of holding which shall always
be appointed by and with his consent.
But in his absence the Deacon or preacher
in charge appointed by the Bishop to the
circuit or station shall preside.
No Deacon who ceases to travel without
the consent of the Yearly Conference,
certified under the hand of the President
of the Conference, except in cases of sick¬
ness, debility, or unavoidable circumstan¬
ces, shall on any account exercise the
peculiar functions of his office, or be even
allowed to preach among us. Neverthe¬
less, the final determination in all such
cases is with the Annual Conference.
118 TRAVELING LICENTIATES. Part II,
SECTION V.
Of Traveling Licentiates.
Q. 1. "What shall be the duties and
powers of a traveling licentiate ?
A. It shall be his duty to perform all
the work of a traveling deacon, except
the first and second. He shall travel two
full years before he is eligible to the
office of a Deacon except in the case of
Missions, when the Annual Conference
may elect sooner if he-has given satisfac¬
tion in the course of studies prescribed in
Discipline.
It shall be the duty of all our pastors
upon taking charge of the pastorate, to
organize all of the local preachers and
exhorters into a class for mutual improve¬
ment, and those who refuse to unite with
such a class, shall be reported to the next
Quarterly Conference for reproof, and
removal from the ministry, if thought
best by a majority of said Conference;
and any minister having the charge,
neglecting to attend to said duty shall be
Ch. ii, § 5. TRAVELING LICENTIATES. 119
punishable according to the judgment of
the Bishop and Annual Conference.
Q. 2. How is a Licentiate to be re¬
ceived on probation in the itinerant ser¬
vice ?.
A. 1. By the Annual Conference.
2. In the interval of the Conference,
by a Bishop or an Elder.
Q,. 3. What are the directions given
to a preacher ?
A. 1. Be diligent, never to be un¬
employed, never to be triflingly em¬
ployed ; never trifle away any time; neither
spend any more time at any place than is
strictly necessary.
2. Be serious. Let your motto be,
Holiness unto the Lord. Avoid all light¬
ness, jesting and foolish talking.
3. Converse sparingly and conduct
yourselves prudently with women. 1 Tim.
v. 2.
4. Take no step towards marrying
without consulting your brethren.
5. Believe evil of no one without good
evidence; unless you see it done, take
heed you credit it not. Put the best con-
120 TRAVELING LICENTIATES. Part II,
struction on everything. You know the
judge is always supposed to be on the
prisoner's side.
6. Speak evil of no one, because your
word especially doth eat as a canker.
Keep your thoughts within your own
breast till you come to the person con¬
cerned.
7. 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.
8. Avoid all affectation. A preacher
of the gospel is a servant of all.
9. Be ashamed of nothing but sin.
10. Be punctual. Do everything ex¬
actly at the time. And do not mend our
rules, but keep them; not for wrath but
for conscience' sake.
11. 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 to those who
want you most.
Ch. ii, § 5. TRAVELING LICENTIATES. 121
Observe: It is not your business only
to preach so many times, and to take
care of this or that society, but to save as
many as you can; to bring as many sin¬
ners to repentance as you can ; and with
all your power to build them up in that
holiness, without which they cannot
see the Lord. And remember, a Metho¬
dist preacher is to mind every point,
great and small, in the Methodist Disci¬
pline. Therefore you will need to exer¬
cise all the sense and grace you have.
12. 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.
We may then, if he gives us satisfac¬
tion as to his knowledge of the Discipline
and doctrines of our church; of the un-
122 TRAVELING LICENTIATES. Part II,
derstanding he has in the connection
necessary in a discourse; of his knowledge
of church history, particularly ours, and
all other studies prescribed in the Appen¬
dix, receive him as a probationer, by
giving him the Form of Discipline, in¬
scribed thus : "To A. B- You think it
your duty to call sinners to repentance.
Make full proof of it, and we shall re¬
joice to receive you as a fellow-laborer."
Let him then carefully read and weigh
what is contained therein; that if he has
any doubt, it may be removed.
Should he be destitute of the foregoing
necessary qualifications, he may be re¬
ferred to a committee, who shall examine
him occasionally during the ensuing year,
and if they recommend him, his applica¬
tion may be again presented to the next
Annual Conference.
Observe: Taking on trial is entirely
different from admitting a preacher into
full connection. One on trial may be
either admitted or rejected without doing
him any wrong; otherwise it would be no
trial at all. No preacher shall be admit-
Ch. ii, § 5. TRAVELING LICENTIATES. 123
ted into full connection without the con¬
sent of the Annual Conference. Let
every one who has charge of a circuit or
station explain this to those who are on
trial, and to those who are to be proposed
in future.
But no one shall be admitted on trial
unless he first procure a recommendation
from the quarterly meeting of his circuit,
with the exception of such as may be re-
ceived by the Bishop or Elder in the in¬
terval of the Conference, which shall be
left to the Annual Conference for decision.
After two years' probation, which is to
commence from his being received on
trial at the Annual Conference or when
taken up by a Bishop or an Elder, if he
be examined and approved, by the Con¬
ference, he may be received into full con¬
nection by giving him the Form of Disci¬
pline 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."
If any preacher absent himself from his
circuit without the leave of the General
124 TRAVELING PREACHERS. Part II,
Superintendent, or the Elder in charge,
his place shall be filled with another
preacher, who shall be paid for his labors
out of the allowance of the absent preacher,
in proportion to the usual allowance, ac¬
cording to the time employed.
SECTION VI.
Of the Method of Receiving Traveling
Preachers who have served out their
Probation into full connection.
Q. 1. What method do we use in re¬
ceiving a traveling preacher into full con¬
nection ?
A. 1. After solemn prayer, every per¬
son proposed shall then be asked before
the Conference the following questions,
(with ,any other which may be thought
necessary,) viz: Have you faith in Christ?
Are you going on to perfection ? Do you
expect to be made perfect in love in this
life? Are you groaning after it? Are
you resolved wholly to devote yourself to
God and his work? Do you know the
rules of the society ? Of the bands ? Do
Ch.ii,§6. TRAVELING PREACHERS. 125
you keep them? Do you constantly
attend the sacrament? Have you read
the Form of Discipline? Are you will¬
ing to conform to it? Have you con¬
sidered the rules of a preacher, especially
the first,* tenth, and twelfth ? Will you
keep them for conscience' sake? Are
you determined to employ all your time
in the work of God ? Will you endeavor
not to speak too long or too loud ? Will
you instruct the children in every place ?
Will you visit from house to house ? Will
you recommend fasting or abstinence
both by precept and example ? Are you
in debt ?
2. The Form of Discipline shall then be
given him, inscribed thus : " As long as
you freely consent to and earnestly en¬
deavor to walk by these rules, we shall
rejoice to acknowledge you as a fellow-
laborer."
* Pages, 119-121.
126 RECEPTION OF PREACHERS. Part II,
SECTION VII.
Concerning the Reception of Preachers
from other denominations.
Q,. 1. How shall we receive those minis¬
ters who may offer to unite with us from
other Christian denominations ?
A.* The ministers of the evangelical
churches who may desire to unite with
our connection, whether as local or itine¬
rant, may be received on trial, according
to our usages, on condition of their taking
upon them our ordination vows without
re-ordination, giving satisfaction to our
Annual Conferences of their being in or¬
der, and of their agreement with us in
doctrine, discipline, government, and usa¬
ges ; if the Conference is also satisfied with
their gifts, graces and usefulness, they can
be received on trial in the Annual Con¬
ference.
If any such minister is received, he
shall be furnished with a certificate signed
by one of our Bishops in the following
manner:
Ch. ii, § 7. RECEPTION OF PREACHERS. 127
[This is to certify that A. B. has been
admitted into C. D. Conference as an itin¬
erant preacher or has been admitted as a
local preacher on E. F. circuit, (he having
been ordained to the office of a deacon or
elder, as the case may be, according to
the usages of the church, of which he has
been a member and minister,) and he is
hereby authorized to exercise the func¬
tions pertaining to his office in the Afri¬
can Methodist Episcopal Church, so long
as his life and conversation are such as
become the gospel of Christ.
Given under my hand and seal at A.,
this day of , in the year of our
Lord, &c.]
Q. 2. How shall we receive preachers
of other denominations who are not in
orders ?
A. They may be received as licentiates,
if they give satisfaction to a Quarterly
Conference, that they are proper persons;
the Quarterly Conference being satisfied
that they believe such applicants will be
useful. They shall at the same time man¬
ifest a full agreement with the doctrine,
128 LOCAL PREACHERS. Part II,
discipline, government and usages of our
church, having previously become mem¬
bers proper of our church.
SECTION VIII.
Concerning Local Preachers.
Q. 1. What directions shall be given
concerning local preachers ?
A. 1. Before any person can be licensed
to preach as a local preacher among us,
he shall bring a recommendation from
the society of which he is a member, or a
majority of it, at a special meeting called
by the pastor, and be personally examined
before the Quarterly Meeting Conference,
by the Elder having the charge, touching
his acquaintance with the doctrines of our
Church, and the course of studies pre¬
scribed for him in the appendix, ( to which
he shall declare his assent,) together with
his gifts and his grace for preach ing; and
if he be approved by the Quarterly
Meeting Conference in these respects, and
they believe that he will be generally
useful and acceptable as a preacher, he
Ch. ii, § 8. LOCAL PREACHERS. 129
shall then receive a license, signed by the
preacher in charge, which license he shall
have annually" renewed, in the following
form:
" This is to certify, that the bearer, A.
B., is licensed to preach in the African
Methodist Episcopal Church. Signed in
behalf of the Quarterly Conference of
said church, to be renewed once a year, so
long as his life corresponds with the gos¬
pel, and he submit to the rules of the Dis¬
cipline of said Church. Given under my
hand. D. E., Minister.
2. Every local preacher of four years'
good standing may be eligible to the
office of Deacon, if he have obtained by
request of the church, a testimonial from
the Quarterly Conference of the circuit
or station to which he belongs. Provided,
That he be properly examined by said
Quarterly Conference; and that testimo¬
nials of the same have been signed by the
Elder of the said circuit or station, coun¬
tersigned by the Secretary; and has also
passed an examination before the Annual
Conference.
9
130 LOCAL PKEACHERS. Part II,
3. Such a local deacon may be eligible
to tbe office of an Elder, after he has
preached four years from the time he was
ordained a deacon, and has obtained a
recommendation from two-tbirds of the
Quarterly Meeting Conference of "which
he is a member, certifying his qualifica¬
tions in doctrine, discipline, talents, and
the necessity of his official services as an
Elder in tbe circuit where he resides,
signed by the President, and counter¬
signed by the Secretary. He shall, if he
cannot attend, send to the Annual Con¬
ference such recommendation, and a note
certifying bis belief in the doctrines and
discipline of our church ; the whole being
examined by the Annual Conference,
and if approved of, he may be ordained.
4. Every local Elder, Deacon or
Preacher, shall have his name recorded
on the journal of the Quarterly Meeting
Conference of which be is a member.
And every local Elder, Deacon, and
Preacher, shall have his name enrolled
on a class paper, and meet in class, if the
distance of his place of residence be not
Ch. ii, § 9. EXHORTERS.
131
too great from any class, and shall be re¬
quired to teach and labor in our Sabbath-
schools ; or in neglect thereof, the Quar¬
terly Meeting Conference, if they judge
it proper, may deprive him of his minis¬
terial office.
Provided, That if a local preacher
absent himself for two years from his
Annual Conference, without a lawful ex¬
cuse, he shall lose his membership. All
local preachers or Ministers, members of
the Annual Conference, shall be subject
to the appointment of the Bishops, when¬
ever it may be considered useful. No El¬
der or Deacon shall have special charge
except he be an itinerant.
SECTION IX.
Concerning the Exhorters.
Q. How shall we receive exhorters?
A. All persons applying for license to
exhort in our society, shall produce to
the Quarterly Meeting Conference of his
circuit or station, a recommendation from
the class of which he is a member; and
132 APPLICANTS TO PREACH. Part II,
if 1»hey believe, on examination that he
will be useful, the preacher in charge
shall license him to exhort. After being
thus licensed, he may receive license as a
local preacher by complying with the
rule laid down for local preachers (Sec¬
tion 8.)
And after receiving his license he shall
be required to employ his talents and
time in the Sabbath-school as teacher,
when they are convenient: and it shall
be his duty to lead and manage the
prayer-meeting, under the weekly appoint¬
ments of the Elder, Deacon, or Preacher
having the charge.
But the Elder shall not infringe on his'
temporal concerns.
SECTION X.
Of the Trial of those who thinlc they are
moved by the Holy Ghost to Preach.
Q. 1. How shall we try those who
think they are moved by the Holy Ghost
to preach?
Ch. ii, I 10. APPLICANTS TO PREACH. 133
A. 1. Let the following questions be
asked, viz: Do they know God as a par¬
doning 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. Have they gifts, as well as graces
for the work ? Have they, in some tolera¬
ble degree, a clear, sound understanding,
a right judgment in the things of God?
A just conception of salvation by faith ?
And has God given them any degree of
utterance ? Do they speak readily, justly,
and clearly ?
3. Have they fruit ? are any truly con¬
vinced of sin, and converted to God by
their preaching ?
As long as these three marks concur
in any one, we believe he is called of
God to preach.
These we receive as a sufficient proof
that he is moved by the Holy Ghost
134
PREACHING. Part II,
SECTION XI.
Of the Matter and Manner of Preaching.
Q. 1. What is the best general method
of preaching?
A. 1. To convince. 2. To offer Christ.
3. To invite. 4. To build up. And to
do this in some measure in every sermon.
Q,. 2. What is the most effectual
method of preaching Christ?
A. The most effectual way of preach¬
ing Christ is to preach him in all his
offices ; and to declare his law as well as
his gospel, both to believers and un¬
believers. Let us strongly and closely
insist upon inward and outward holiness
in all its branches.
Q. 3. Are there any smaller advices
which might be of use to us ?
A. Perhaps these; 1. Be sure never
to disappoint a congregation. 2. Begin at
the time appointed. 3. Let your whole
deportment be serious, solemn, and
weighty. 4. Always suit your subject to
your audience. 5. Choose the plainest
text you can find. 6. Take care not to
Ch.ii, §12. DUTY OF PREACHERS. 135
ramble; but keep to your text, and make
out what you take in hand. 7. Take
care of anything awkward, either in
your gesture, phrase or pronunciation.
8 Do not usually pray extempore above
eight or ten minutes at most without
intermission. 9. Frequently read and
enlarge upon a portion of the Scripture ;
and let young preachers often exhort,
without taking a text. 10. Avail your¬
self of the great festivals, by preaching
on the occasion.
SECTION XII.
The Duty of Preachers to God, them¬
selves, and one another.
Q. 1. How shall a preacher be quali¬
fied for his charge ?
A. By walking closely with God, and
having his work greatly at heart; and by
understanding and loving discipline—
ours in particular.
* Q. 2. Do we sufficiently watch over
each other ?
A. We do not. Should we not fre-
136 DUTY OF PKEACHERS. Part II,
quently ask each other, " Do you walk
closely with God ? Have you now fel¬
lowship with the Father and the Son ?
At what hour do you rise? Do you
punctually observe the morning and eve¬
ning hour of retirement ? Do you spend
the day in the manner in which the Con¬
ference advises? Do you converse seri¬
ously, usefully, and closely?" To be
more particular, Do you use all the
means of grace yourself, and enforce the
use of them on all persons? They are
instituted or prudential.
I. The instituted are,—
(1.) Prayer, private, family, public;
consisting of deprecation, petition, inter¬
cession, and thanksgiving ? Do you use
each of these ? Do you forecast daily,
wherever you are, to secure time for pri¬
vate devotion ? Do you practice it every¬
where? Have you family prayer ? Do
you ask everywhere, have you family
prayer ? Do you ask individuals ? Do
you use private prayer every morning
and evening in particular ?
II. Searching the Scriptures by:
Cli.ii, § 12. DUTY OF PREACHERS. 137
(1.) Reading constantly some part
every day ; regularly all the Bible in
order; carefully with notes, seriously
with prayer, before and after: fruitfully
practising what you learn there.
(2 ) Meditating at set times by rule.
(3.) Hearing, every opportunity, with
prayer before, at, and after. Have you
a Bible always about you ?
III. The Lord's Supper. Do you use
this at every opportunity? With solemn
prayer before ? With earnest and delib¬
erate self-devotion ?
IV. Fasting. Do you use «s much
abstinence and fasting every week as your
health, strength, and labor will permit ?
V. Christian conference. Are you con¬
vinced how important and how difficult it
is to order your conversation aright ? Is
it always in grace, seasoned with salt,—
meet to minister grace to the hearer ? Do
you not converse too long at a time ? Is
not an hour commonly enough ? Would
it not be well always to have a deter¬
mined end in view, and to pray before
and after it ?
138 DUTY OF PREACHERS. Part II,
VI. Prudential means we may use
either as Christians, as Methodists, or as
preachers.
(1.) As Christians. What particular
rules have you, in order to grow in grace ?
What arts of holy living ?
(2.) As Methodists. Do you ever miss
your class or band ? As preachers. Have
you thoroughly considered your duty?
and do you make a conscience of execu¬
ting every part of it ? Do you meet every
society ? Also the leaders and bands ?
These means may be used without fruit;
but there are others which cannot, namely,
watching, denying yourself, taking up
the cross, exercise of the presence of
God.
1. Do you steadily watch against the
world, yourself, your besetting sin ?
2. Do you deny yourself every useless
pleasure of sense, imagination or honor ?
Are you temperate in all things, instance,
food r Do you use only that kind and
that degree which is best for your body
and soul ? Do you see the necessity of
this ? Do you eat no more at each meal
Ch.ii,gl3. RULES FOR PREACHING. 139
than is necessary ? Are you not heavy
and drowsy after dinner ? Do you use
only that kind of drink which is best for
your body and soul ? Do you choose
and use water for your common drink,
and only take wine medicinally or sacra-
mentally ?
3. Wherein do you take up your cross
daily ? do you cheerfully bear your cross,
however grievous to nature, as a gift from
God, and in labor to profit thereby ?
4. Do you endeavor to set God always
before you ? To see his eye continually
fixed upon you ? Never can you use
these means but a blessing will ensue.
And the more you use them, the more
you will grow in grace.
SECTION XIII.
Rules by which we should Continue or
Desist from Preaching at any Place.
Q. 1. Is it advisable for us to preach
in as many places as we can without
forming any societies?
A. By no means. We have made the
140
VISITING.
Part II,
trial in various places; and that for a
considerable time. But all the seed has
fallen by the wayside. There is scarcely
any fruit remaining.
Q,. 2. Where should we endeavor to
preach most?
A. 1. Where there are the greatest
number of quiet and willing hearers.
2. Where there is most fruit.
Q,. 3. Ought we not diligently to ob¬
serve in what place God is pleased at any
time to pour out his Spirit more abun¬
dantly ?
A. We ought; and, at that time, to
send more laborers into that part of the
harvest.
SECTION XIV.
Of Visiting from house to house, guarding
against those Shis that are so common
to Professors, and enforcing Practical
Religion.
Q. 1. How can we further assist those
under our care ?
A. 1. By instructing them at their
own houses. What unspeakable need is
Ch. ii, 114.
VISITING.
141
thereof this? The world says," The Meth¬
odists are no better than other people."
This is not true in general. But, first,
personal religion, either towards God or
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 eternity,
deadness to every creature ! How much
love of the world ! Desire of pleasure, of
ease, of getting money! How little bro¬
therly love! What continual judging
one another! What gossiping, evil speak¬
ing, tale bearing! What want of moral
honesty! To instance only one partic¬
ular ; who does as he would be done by,
in buying and selling ?
2. 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
that in good earnest, the Methodists will
be no better.
142
VISITING.
Part II,
Our religion is not deep, universal, uni¬
form ; 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 Salvianus,
is well worth a careful perusal. Speak¬
ing of visiting from house to house, he
says, (page 351,) "We shall find many
hindrances, both in ourselves and the
people.
" 1. In ourselves there is much dulness
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 tem¬
per, so that we let men perish, rather
than lose their love; we let them go
quietly to hell, lest we should offend them.
" 3. Some of us have also a foolish
bashfulness. We know not how to begin,
and blush to contradict the devil.
" 4. But the greatest hinderance is
weakness of faith—our whole motion is
weak> because the spring of it is weak.
Ch. ii, I U. VISITING.
143
" 5. Lastly, we are unskilful 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 condi¬
tions and tempers—to choose the fittest
subjects, 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."
0 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
would dwell in our habitations, and
make us his delight.
But it is objected,—1. This will take
144
VISITING.
Part II,
up so much time, we shall not have lei¬
sure 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 know¬
ledge too. Only sleep not more than you
need. But, 4. If you do but once 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 exam¬
ple of St. Paul. 1. For our general
•business, serving the Lord with all humil¬
ity of mind. 2. Our special work, "take
heed to yourselves and to all the flock."
3. Our doctrine, " Repentance towards
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,
Ch. ii, \ 14. VISITING.
145
" I ceased not to warn every one night and
day, with tears." 6. His innocence and
self-denial herein, " I have coveted no
man's silver or gold." 7. His patience,
"Neither count I my life dear to myself."
And among all our motives, let these be
ever before our eyes: 1. " The Church
of God, which he hath purchased with
his own blood." 2. " Grievous wolves
shall enter in; yea, of yourselves shall
men arise speaking perverse things."
Write this upon your hearts, and it will
do more good than twenty years' study.
Then you will have no time to spare; you
will have work enough. Then, likewise,
no preacher will stay with us, who is as
salt that has lost its savor. For, to such
this employment would be mere drudgery.
And in order to it, you will have need of
all the knowledge you can procure ; and
grace you can attain.
Q. 2. Why are we not more holy?
Why do we not live in eternity, walking
with God all the daylong? Why are
we not all devoted to God, breathing the
whole spirit of missionaries ?
10
146
PRIVILEGES.
Part II,
A. Chiefly because we are enthusiasts,
looking for the end without using the
means. To touch only upon 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
practise it? The neglect of this alone
is sufficient to account for our feebleness
and faintness of spirit. We are continu¬
ally grieving the Holy Spirit of God, by
the habitual neglect of a plain duty. Let
us amend from this hour.
Q. 3. How shall we guard against Sab¬
bath-breaking, evil-speaking, unprofitable
conversation, lightness, expensiveness or
gayety of apparel, and contracting debts
without due care to discharge them ?
A. Let us preach expressly on these
heads.
SECTION XV.
Of the privileges granted to serious persons
who are not members of our society.
Q,. 1. How often shall we permit those
who are not of our society to meet in class?
Cli. ii, 115. PRIVILEGES.
147
A. At every other meeting of the class;
in everyplace let no stranger be admitted.
At other times they may, but the same
person not more than twice or thrice.
Q. 2. How often shall we permit stran¬
gers to be present at our Love Feast ?
A. Let them be admitted with the ut¬
most caution and the same person on no
account more than twice or thrice, unless
he become a member.
When any member of our church has
been expelled, according to Form of Disci¬
pline, no elder, deacon or preacher, shall
be allowed to receive such into any of our
churches in the same city, until such have
complied with the law governing their
case, in the church from which they were
expelled, and any minister in our Church
who shall violate this law shall be dealt
with as in other cases of mal-administra-
tion.
148
TRIAL OP BISHOPS. Part III,
PART III.
JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT.
CHAPTER I.
STATUTORY LAWS RESPECTING THE MINISTRY.
SECTION I.
Trial of Bishops.
Q. What provisions shall be made for
the trial of a Bishop ?
A. 1. At the General Conference each
of the Bishops shall pass an examination
in person by a committee chosen by the
General Conference at each session, as to
his character, traveling among the people
in his district, administration, and deci¬
sion ; and if then and there it be found
upon examination that his character is
not fair, or that he have neglected his
duty, or violated the discipline, or if
found guilty of any crime sufficient to
exclude a person from the kingdom of
grace and glory, or have acted so im-
Ch.i,gl. TRIAL OF BISHOPS. 149
properly as to demand his suspension, or
expulsion, the General Conference shall
suspend him from his Episcopal functions,
or expel him. But if he shall be con¬
demned by the Committee chosen by said
General Conference, he shall be allowed
to appeal to the General Conference in
"whole, who shall have the power to reverse
or approve of the decision of the commit¬
tee. If the said General Conference
shall confirm said decision of the Com¬
mittee, it shall be final. But the Bishop
may have the power to object to any one
of the Committee appointed by the Gen¬
eral Conference.
A. 2. In the interval of the General
Conference, if a Bishop shall be accused
of any crime which is expressly forbidden
in the word of God, the minister in
charge of the circuit or station where
such transaction or crime may have been
committed, shall notify five elders to form
a committee, and shall notify said Bishop
and committee to meet at some stated
time and place, before whom said Bishop
shall be examined; and if, on examina-
150 TRIAL OF PREACHERS. Part HI,
tion, he be found guilty of crime suffi¬
cient to exclude a person from the
kingdom of grace and glory, or if he have
acted so improperly as to demand Irs
suspension, said committee shall have
power to suspend him from all official
functions until the ensuing Annual Con¬
ference, who shall have power to reverse
the decision of the committee, and restore
him to his former functions, if they
determine in his favor. But if found
guilty, the said Annual Conference shall
continue his suspension until the next
ensuing General Conference. But all
accusations shall be given to him in
writing at his first examination, or trial
by those who are to prove the crime or
complaint.
SECTION II.
Trial of Itinerant Licentiates. Deacons
and Elders.
Q. 1. What shall be done when a
traveling preacher is under report of
being guilty of some crime expressly
Ch. i, \ 2. TRIAL OF PREACHERS. 151
forbidden in the word of God, as an un¬
christian practice, sufficient to exclude a
person from the kingdom of grace and
glory ?
A. If any of the traveling Elders,
Deacons or Preachers shall be accused
of any crime, a charge shall be made
known to the stewards of the circuit or
station, who shall speedily lay such charge
before the official board, and it (the
board) shall authorize them if deemed
necessary, to'call in the next neighboring
Elder, if there be no other traveling Elder,
on the circuit or station to bring him to
account; and such Elder shall bring him
to trial before a committee of traveling
preachers; or for want of traveling preach¬
ers, local elders, deacons, or preachers,
the committee to consist of not less than
three. If possible the accused and the
accuser shall be brought face to face.
If the person be clearly convicted, he
shall be suspended from all official stand¬
ing in the church, until the ensuing An¬
nual Conference, at which time his case
shall be fully considered and determined.
152 TRIAL OF PREACHERS. Part III,
If the accused and accuser cannot be
brought face to face, but the supposed de¬
linquent flees from trial, it shall be re¬
ceived as presumptive proof of guilt; and
out of the mouth of two or three witnesses
he shall be condemned. Nevertheless,
even in that case, the Annual Conference
shall reconsider and determine the whole
matter.*
After expulsion, the Annual Confer¬
ence shall demand of him his credentials,
which shall be retained among the records
of the Conference; and should he be ex¬
pelled for the crime of adultery or forni¬
cation, he shall not be admitted again
into the ministry under four years from
the time he joins the Church. Whether
* If any preacher, deacon, or elder, whether,
traveling or local, be accused of immoral conduct
the preacher having the charge of the circuit or
station where he resides, shall, if he be proved
guilty on trial, demand and receive from him his
credentials, which shall be retained among the re¬
cords of the church. And should he refuse to de¬
liver them up, his name shall be published by
said preacher in charge, without delay, as a refrac¬
tory preacher.
Ch. i, | 3. MAL-ADMINISTRATION. 153
he be traveling or local, he must join on
probation, and come again from his
class.
SECTION III.
Of Mal-administration.
Q. 1. What shall be done in cases of
mal-administration, breach of Discipline,
improper tempers, words, or actions ?
A. The person so offending shall be
reproved by a Bishop or Elder; or should
a second transgression take place, one,
two, or three preachers; or for want of
preachers, exhorters or leaders are to be
taken as witnesses. If he be not then
cured, lie shall be tried either before the
Bishop or elder and committee, in the
interval of the Annual Conference, and,
if found guilty, he shall be suspended by
the Bishop if, present, or committee trying
the case. The ensuing Annual Conference
shall fairly try the case thas examined by
the committee of such members, and if
found guilty and impenitent, the said de¬
fendant shall be continued suspended by
154 HERESY AND SCHISM. Part III,
the Conference, and his name so returned
oil the minutes.
Q. 2. What is mal administration ?
A. Maladministration is the adminis¬
tering of the law badly.
SECTION IV.
Of Heresy and Schism.
Q. What shall be done with those
ministers or preachers who hold and dis¬
seminate, publicly or privately, doctrines
which are contrary to our Articles of
Religion ?
A. Let the same process be observed
as in cases of gross immorality, but if the
minister or preacher so offending do sol¬
emnly engage not to disseminate such
erroneous doctrines, in public or private,
he shall be borne with till his case be laid
before the next Annual Conference, which
shall determine the matter.
Ch.i,§5. INEFFICIENT MINISTERS. 155
SECTION Y.
Of Unaccepted)ility or Inefficiency in the
Ministry.
Q. What shall be done with a member
of an Annual Conference who conducts
himself in a manner which renders him
unacceptable to the people as a traveling
preacher ?
A. When any member of an Annual
Conference shall be charged with having
so conducted himself as to render him
unacceptable to the people as a traveling
preacher, it shall be the duty of the Con¬
ference to which he belongs to investigate
the case; and if it appear that the com¬
plaint is well founded, and he do not give
the Conference satisfaction that he will
amend, or voluntarily retire, they may
locate him without his consent—provided
that he shall be at liberty to defend
himself before the Conference in person,
or by his representative. And if he be
located in his absence, without having
been previously notified of an intention
thus to proceed against him, he may ap-
156 MINISTERS IN DEBT. Part III,
ply to the Conference, at its next session,
to be heard in his defence, in which case
they shall reconsider the matter.
SECTION YI.
Concerning Ministers who are in Debt.
Q,. What shall be done with those
ministers or preachers who contract debts,
without a probability of paying them, or
borrow and refuse to pay ?
A. If complaint be made against a
minister or preacher, for non-payment of
debt, in the interval of the Conference, to
an elder, or if there be no traveling
preacher on the circuit or station to one
of the stewards, who shall request the
neighboring elder to call the said in¬
debted preacher; and the contending par¬
ty or parties shall choose each one an
arbiter, one for the plaintiff and another
for the defendant, and the two shall
choose a third one—all of whom shall
be preachers or official members of the
church.
If, on examination, it be proved that
Ch. i, I 6. MINISTERS IN DEBT.
157
the said minister or preacher has neglect¬
ed or refused to pay his debts, it shall be
the duty of the said arbiters to determine
what longer time shall be given to said
preacher for payment.
And if either party be not satisfied with
the decision given, they may apply for a
second arbitration; and each party shall
choose the fifth, and their decision shall
determine the case.
And if judgment in the case shall be
given by the second arbitration against
the said Minister or preacher, and the time
specified for payment, and he refuse to
comply with, the decision in the case, after
sufficient time has been given, he shall be
suspended from all official standing in the
connection until the ensuing Annual Con¬
ference; at which time and place the
contending parties shall appear, either in
person or by their representatives. And
if said Annual Conference should reject
the decision of the arbiters, chosen in the
interval of the Conference, then they
shall determine what is due, and the time
granted for payment; and if not complied
158 TRIAL OP PREACHERS. Part III,
with, he shall be suspended or expelled,
as the ensuing Conference may decide.
All accusations shall be given him. in
writing, on the first examination.
Should there be an omission on the
part of the circuit or station to try the
case of crime in the interval of the Con¬
ference, of any traveling preacher, it shall
not in the least prove any bar to the fullest
and fairest investigation of the character
of any of its members in the Annual
Conference.
Provided, nevertheless, That in all the
above-mentioned cases of trial and convic¬
tion, an appeal to the ensuing General
Conference shall be allowed.
SECTION VII.
The Trial of Local Elders, Deacons and
Licentiates.
Q. What directions shall be given con¬
cerning the trial of local elders, deacons
or preachers ?
A. If an accusation be brought against
a local elder, deacon or preacher, the
Ch. i, I 7. TRIAL OF PREACHERS. 159
preacher having the charge shall summon
three or more local preachers of the neigh¬
borhood ; or, for want of preachers, as
many exhorters or leaders. And if they
or a majority of them, on due examina¬
tion, judge that the local elder, deacon, or
preacher aforesaid, has been guilty of such
a crime, or has publicly or privately dis¬
seminated such false doctrines as require
his suspension from all public offices and
privileges in our church, the preacher who
has the oversight of the circuit, shall ac¬
cordingly suspend him till the ensuing
Quarterly Meeting Conference.
And in such a case, the next Quarterly
Meeting Conference shall proceed upon
his trial, and shall have power to clear,
censure, suspend, or expel him, according
to their judgment. And the preacher
who has the oversight of the circuit, shall
at the commencement of the trial, appoint
a secretary, who shall take down regular
minutes of the evidence and proceedings
of the trial, which minutes when read and
approved, shall be signed by the said
preacher having the charge, and also by
160 TRIAL OF PREACHERS. Part III,
the members of the said Quarterly Meet¬
ing Conference or by a majority of them.
And in case of condemnation, the local
elder, deacon or preacher condemned,
shall be allowed an appeal to the next
Annual Conference, provided that he sig¬
nify to the said Quarterly Meeting Con¬
ference his determination so to do; in
which case, the said preacher having the
charge, shall lay the minutes of the trial
above mentioned before the Annual Con¬
ference, at which time the local elder,
deacon, or preacher, so appealing, may
appear; and the said Annual Conference
shall judge and finally determine from the
minutes of the trial so laid before them.
A. 2. No preacher among us shall
distil, retail, or drink spirituous liquor,
without forfeiting his official standing.
A. 3. All the local elders, deacons,
preachers, and exhorters, shall be in sub¬
jection to the preacher in charge or re¬
ceiving their appointments to preach in,
teach, or labor otherwise in our Sabbath
Schools, as occasion may require. And
should any of the aforesaid elders, dea-
eh. i, § 8. TRIAL OF PREACHERS.
161
cons, or preachers, neglect to fill any of
his appointments, and not give any suffi¬
cient reason for the same, he shall, for the
first offence, be reproved by the preacher
having the charge, and if he persist in so
doing, he shall be summoned to appear
before a committee; and if proper satis¬
faction be not given, he shall be silenced
until the ensuing Quarterly Meeting Con¬
ference, which shall have the power to
take away his license from him.
Provided, That if a local preacher do
attempt (in the absence of the pastor) to
collect moneys for his services, without a
previous agreement between him and such
pastor, he shall, upon conviction, be si¬
lenced for three months.
SECTION VIII.
Of Ministers Interfering in the Pastorate
of others.
Q. Shall it be lawful for any elder,
deacon, or preacher, to interfere with the
business of an adjoining circuit or sta¬
tion?
11
162' TRIAL OF MEMBERS. Part III,
A. It shall not. Therefore, if any elder,
deacon, or preacher, shall be found guilty
of so doing, he shall be dealt with as in
other cases of a breach of the Discipline,
except where he has been regularly called,
as per Discipline; or by the Bishop or
elder.
CHAPTER II.
STATUTORY LAWS RESPECTING THE
TRIAL OP MEMBERS-
SECTION I.
Of the method by which our Lay-Members
shall be brought to trial, convicted, sus¬
pended, reproved, or expelled from
Society.
Q. 1. How shall an accused member
be brought to trial ?
A. 1. Before the society of which he
is a member, or select number of them, in
the presence of an elder, deacon, or
preacher, in the following manner: Let the
accuser and accused be brought face to
Ch. ii, \ 1. TRIAL OF MEMBERS. 163
face ; but if this cannot be done, let the
next best evidence be procured. If the
accused person be found guilty by the
decision of a majority of the members
before whom he is brought to trial, and
the crime be such as is expressly forbidden
by the word of God, sufficient to exclude
a person from the kingdom of grace and
glory, let the preacher who has the charge
of the circuit expel him. 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 presumptive, let him be esteemed as
guilty, and be accordingly excluded.
Witnesses from without shall not be re¬
jected.
But, in case of neglect of duties of any
kind, imprudent conduct, indulging sinful
tempers or words, quarrelling, speaking
evil of ministers, dealing in lotteries or
policies, or disobedience: to the order and
Discipline of the church, first, let private
reproof be given by the preacher or
leader; and if there be an acknowledg¬
ment of the truth, and proper humiliation,
164 TRIAL OP MEMBERS. Part III,
the person may remain on trial. On a
second offence, the preacher or leader may
take one or two faithful friends. On the
third offence, let the case be brought
before the society, or a select number;
and if there be no sign of real humilia¬
tion, the offender must be cut off.
2. If a member of our church shall be
clearly convicted of endeavoring to sow
dissensions in any of our societies by
inveighing against either our doctrines or
Discipline, such person so offending shall
be first reproved by the minister or
preacher in charge; and, if he after¬
wards persist in such pernicious practices,
he shall be expelled from the society.
3. On any dispute between two or more
members of our society, concerning the
payment of debts, or otherwise, which
cannot be settled by the parties concerned,
the preacher who has charge of the cir¬
cuit or station, shall inquire into the
circumstances of the case, and shall re¬
commend to the contending parties - a
reference, consisting of one arbiter chosen
by the plaintiff, and another chosen by
Ch.ii, gl. TRIAL OF MEMBERS. 165
the defendant; which, two arbiters, so
chosen, shall nominate the third; the three'
arbiters being members of our society.
4. But if one of the parties be dissatis¬
fied with the judgment given, such party
may apply to the ensuing quarterly meet¬
ing of the circuit or station, for permis¬
sion to have a second arbitration ap¬
pointed ; and if the quarterly meeting see
sufficient reason, they shall grant a second
arbitration; in which case, each party
shall choose two arbiters, and the four
arbiters shall choose a fifth, the judgment
of a majority of whom shall be final; and
any person refusing to abide by such
judgment, shall be excluded from the
society.
5. And if any member of our society
shall refuse, in case of debt or other dis¬
putes, to refer the matter to arbitra¬
tion, when recommended by him who has
the charge of the circuit, or shall enter
into a law-suit with another member be¬
fore these measures are taken, they shall
be expelled, excepting the case be of such
a nature as to justify a process of law.
166 TRIAL OF MEMBERS. Part III,
6. The preachers who have the over¬
sight of circuits are required to execute
all our rules fully and strenuously against
all fraud, and particularly against dis¬
honest insolvencies, suffering none to re¬
main in our society on any account who
are found guilty of any fraud. And in
all cases where a member of the church
is accused of any crime, and summoned
by the elder or minister in charge to
answer such accusation, it shall be the
duty of the elder or minister, upon the
request of either or both parties, to give
the name or official authority as minister
in charge, for the attendance of such per¬
sons as witnesses, which either party
shall name, together with any documen¬
tary evidence that may be called for, and
it shall be made the duty of the members
of the church upon receiving such notice
to attend pursuant thereto, and to fur¬
nish such evidence as shall be demanded,
if the same be in their possession, and the
minister shall deliver a copy of the
charges preferred, to the accused person
when ordered to trial.
Ch.ii,§l.
TRIAL OP MEMBERS.
167
7. To prevent scandal when any of our
members fail in business, or contract
debts which they are not able to pay, let
two or three judicious members of the socie¬
ty inspect the accounts of the supposed
delinquent; and if he have behaved dis¬
honestly, or borrowed moneys without a
probability of paying, let him be expelled.
8. Whenever a complaint is made
against any member of our church, for
non-payment of debts, when the accounts
are adjusted, and the amount ascertained,
the preacher having the charge shall call
the debtor before a committee of three at
least, to show cause why he does not
make payment.—The committee shall de¬
termine what further time shall be
granted him for payment, and what
security, if any, shall be given for pay¬
ment; aud in case the debtor refuse to
comply, he shall be expelled; but in such
case he may appeal to the Quarterly
Meeting Conference, and their decision
shall be final. And in case the creditor
complain that justice is not done fyhn, he
may lay his grievance before the Quarter-
TRIAL OF MEMBERS. Part III,
iy Meeting Conference, and their decision
shall be final; and if the creditor refuse
to comply he shall be expelled.
9. Nevertheless, if in any of the above
mentioned cases the minister or preacher
in charge differ in judgment from the
majority of the society, or the select num¬
ber, concerning the innocence or guilt of
the accused person, the trial, in such
case, may be referred to the ensuing
Quarterly Meeting by the preacher or
minister in charge.
10. No member of our society shall
give, distil, drink, or traffic in spirituous
liquors. Whosoever shall violate this
rule, the preacher who has charge of the
circuit or station, shall proceed against
such person as in other cases of gross
immoralities and the person so accused
shall be deemed censurable or suspended,
according to his or her conduct, as in
other charges of immorality.
11. We will not receive any person
into our society as a member, who is a
slave-holder, and any that are now mem¬
bers, that have slaves, and refuse to eman¬
cipate them, shall be excluded.
Ch.ii, § 1. TRIAL OF MEMBEES. 169
12. If there be a murmur of complaint
from any excluded person, in any of the
above-mentioned instances, that justice
has not been done, he shall be allowed to
appeal to the next quarterly meeting, ex¬
cept such as absent themselves from trial,
after sufficient notice is given them; and
the majority of the traveling and local
preachers, exhorters, stewards and leaders
shall finally determine the case.
After such forms of trial and expulsion,
such persons shall have no privilege of
society or sacrament in our Church, with¬
out contrition, confession, and proper
trial on probation.
13. Should any member or members
of any of our incorporated churches re¬
fuse to be governed by the Discipline of
the A. M. E. Church, by which they
were made members of the said incorpo¬
ration, he or they shall be called before
the Society, or a select number, as per
Discipline, and if found guilty of in¬
subordination and not retracting, they
shall be expelled for disobedience to the
order and Discipline of the Church.
170 TRIAL BY APPEAL. Part III.
And further, Should any class-leader or
steward intimate that he adheres to the
charter and discards the law of the
Church, as set forth in the Discipline,
the preacher in charge shall remove such
leader or steward, at once.
And should any local Elder, Deacon
or Preacher favor by word, act or influ¬
ence, he shall be called before a commit¬
tee, as per Discipline, and if found guilty,
suspended from all official standing in
the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
CHAPTER III.
FORM OF TRIAL BY AN APPEAL.
Q. How shall an-appeal be tried'!
A. 1. Present the appeal.
2. Read the findings of the case.
3. Motion to admit.
4. State the grounds of the appeal.
5. Read the minutes and documents.
6. Appellant's defence.
Ch.i.gl. RECEIVING members. 171
7. Reply of the conference representa¬
tive.
8. Appellant's reply.
9. The decision rendered after the ap¬
pellant shall have retired.
PART IV.
the ritual.
CHAPTER I.
reception of members.
SECTION I.
Form for Receiving Persons into the
Church after Probation.
Upon the day appointed, all that are
to be received shall be called forward, and
the Minister addressing the Congregation
shall say:
Dearly Beloved Brethren :—The
Scriptures teach us that the Church is the
household of God; the body, of which
172 RECEIVING MEMBERS. Part IY,
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 house of the Lord, that
shall flourish in the courts of our God."
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 the
hearing of God's Word, and sharing
Christ's ordinances; the being placed un-
ch.ijgl. receiving members. 173
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 and 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 they are
proper persons to be admitted into the
Church.
Then addressing the applicants for ad¬
mission, the Minister 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 grace 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 pre the
duties of membership in Christ's Ohurch,
174 RECEIVING MEMBERS. Part IY,
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. 1 do.
Q. 2. Have you saving faith in the
Lord Jesns Christ f
A. I trust I have.
Q. 3. Do you entertain friendly feel¬
ings towards all the members of this
Church ?
A. I do.
Q. 4. Do you believe in the doctrines
of lloly Scripture as set forth in the ar¬
ticles of religion of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church ?
A, I do.
Ch. i, § 1. RECEIVING MEMBERS. 175
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.
Then tlie Minister, addressing the church, shall
say,
Brethren: You have heard the re¬
sponses 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 ?
No objection being alleged, the Minis¬
ter shall say to the candidates:
We welcome you to the communion of
the Church of God; and in testimony of
176 THE lord's supper. Part IV.
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.
SECTION I.
Directions Respecting the Admission of
Proper Persons to the Table of Communion.
Q. 1. Are there any directions to be
given concerning the administration of
the Lord's Supper?
A. 1. Let those who have scruples
concerning the receiving it kneeling,
be permitted to receive it either standing
or sitting.
Ch.ii, § 2. THE LORD'S SUPPER. 177
2. Let no person that is not a member
of our society be admitted to the commu¬
nion without examination, and some
tokens given by an elder or deacon.
3. No person shall be admitted to the
Lord's Supper among us, who is guilty of
any practice for which we would exclude
a member from our Church.
SECTION II.
The Order for the Administration cf the
Lord's Supper.
The elder shall say one or more of these sen¬
tences :
" 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 for yourselves trea¬
sures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rustdoth corrupt, and where thieves do not
break through nor steal." Matt. vi. 19, 20.
12
178 THE LORD'S SUPPER. Part IV,
" 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 in$p the kingdom
of heaven; but he that doeth the will of
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.
8.
" 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 unttf all men, especially
unto them who are of the household of
faith." Gal. vi. 10.
Ch.ii,?2. THE LORD'S SUPPER. 179
" Godliness with contentment is great
gain. For we brought nothing into this
world, and it is certain we can carry no¬
thing out." 1 Tim. vi. 6, 7.
"Charge them that are rich in this
world that they be not high-minded, 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
lay 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 is
well pleased." Heb xiii. 16.
" Whoso hath this world's good, and
seeth his brother have need, and shutteth
up his bowels of compasssion from him,
180 THE LORD'S SUPPER. Part IV.
how dwelleth the love of God in him ?"
1 Johniii. 17.
"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.]
After which the Elder shall say:
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.
[Then shall this general confession be made by
the minister in the name of all those that are
minded to receive the Holy Communion, both he
and all the people kneeling humbly upon tiieir
knees, and saying];
Ch.ii, ? 2. THE LORD'S SUPPER. 181
Almighty God, Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge
of all men, we acknowledge and bewail
our manifold sins and wickedness, 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 Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ's sake; forgive us
all that is past, and grant that we may
hereafter serve and please thee in new¬
ness of life, to the honor and glory of thy
name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Then shall the Elder say:
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 un-
182
THE LORD'S SUPPER. Part IV,
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.
THE 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
of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly
love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy
name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Then shall the Elder say:
It is very meet, right, and our bounden
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,
Ch. ii, § 2. THE LORD'S SUPPER. 183
holy, holy, Lord God of hosts; heaven
and earth are fall of thy glory. Glory
be to thee, O Lord most high. Amen.
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
so 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 of 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 evermore dwell in him
and he in us. Amen.
Then the Elder shall say the prayer of consecra¬
tion as folio weth :
' Almighty God, our Heavenly Father,
who of thy tender mercy didst give thine
only Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer death
upon the cross for our redemption; who
184 the lord's supper. Part iv,
made thereby (his ablation of himself once
offered,) a full, perfect, and sufficient sac¬
rifice, 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
take the plate of bread i i j
into his hand. he had given thanks
(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 his eat, this (3) is my
hand upon all the bread. body which ig bf(£
ken for you. This
do in remembrance
Ch. ii, § 2. THE LORD'S SUPPER.
185
of me; likewise af¬
ter supper he took
(4) the cup and (4) Here he is to take
when he had given Cu-P hand,
thanks, he gave.it
to them saying,
Drink ye all of it,
for this (5) is my (5^ And here to lay his
blood of thp "Npw hand "Pon ail the vessels
Diooa 01 ine IS ew containing the wine.
iestament, 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 be present,) and after that to the
people in order into their hands. And when he
delivereth 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.
186
THE LORD'S SUPPER. Part IV,
And the minister that delivereth the cup shall
say:
The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which was shed for thee, preserve thy soul
and body unto everlasting life. Drink
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:
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:
Ch.ii,g2. THE LORD'S SUPPER. 187
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 Son 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 our
Lord, by whom, and with whom, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and
glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty,
world without end. Amen.
188 THE LORD'S SUPPER- Part IV,
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 Son, 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, may put
up an extemporary prayer; and afterwards shall
let the people depart with this blessing:
May the peace of God, which passeth
all understanding, keep your hearts and
Ch.iii'.gl. BAPTISM.
189
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.
OF BAPTISM.
SECTION I.
Directions Concerning Baptism.
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.
190
BAPTISM.
Part IY,
2. We will on no account whatever
make a charge for administering baptism,
or for burying the dead.
SECTION II.
The Order for the Ministration
of Baptism to Infants.
The minister coining 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, saith, "None can en¬
ter into the kingdom of God, except he
be regenerated and born anew of water
and of the Holy Ghost," I 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.
Ch. iii, I 2.
BAPTISM.
191
Then shall the minister say:
LET US PRAY.
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 Ghost, 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,
192
BAPTISM.
Part IV,
that the new man may be raised in him.
Amen.
Grant that all carnal affections may
die in him, and that all 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, everliving 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,
Ch.iii, §2.
baptism.
193
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 of Pastor 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 shall 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¬
pointed 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 all other things
13
194
BAPTISM.
Part IY,
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-
rually mortifying all corrupt affections and
daily proceeding in 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.
Then shall the people stand up, and the minis¬
ter shall say:
Hear the words of the Gospel written
by St. Mark, in the tenth chapter, at the
thirteenth verse:
"They brought young children to
Christ, 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,
Ch. iii, 12. BAPTISM.
195
Suffer 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 the 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.
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
196
BAPTISM.
Part IV,
lead us not into temptation, but, deliver
us from evil. Amen.
Then shall the minister conclude with an extem¬
poraneous prayer.
SECTION III.
The minister shall use the following, or some
other exhortation, suitable to this holy office:
Order for the Ministration of Baptism
of Adults.
Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men
are conceived and born in sin, (and that
which is born of the flesh is flesh, and
they that are in the flesh cannot please
God, but live 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
Cli. iii, g 3. BAPTISM.
197
that which by nature they cannot have,
that they may be baptized with water and
the Holy Ghost.
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, and 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.
After which he shall say :
Almighty and everlasting God, heav-
198
BAPTISM.
PartlY,
enly Father, we give thee humble thanks,
for that thou hast 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 J esus Christ,
who liveth and reigneth with thee and
the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen.
Then shall the people stand up, and the minis¬
ter shall say:
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 b.y 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. Nico-
Ch. iii, \ 3.
BAPTISM.
199
demus 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 wnich 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."
Then shall the minister speak to the person to
be 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
200
BAPTISM.
Part 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
persons 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
Ch. iii, § 3.
BAPTISM.
201
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 heaven, 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 this
faith ?
A. Tliis 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?
» The Church Universal, and not the Papal
Church of Rome.
202
BAPTISM.
Part IV,
A. I will endeavor to do so, God being my
helper
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 all 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.
A men.
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
Ch. iii, § 3. BAPTISM.
203
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 persons 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
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 thee in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
Then shall be said the Lord's Prayer, all kneel¬
ing.
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;
204
MATRIMONY.
Part IV,
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 IV.
Order for the Solemnization of Matrimony.
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 tliey 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.
At the day and time appointed for solemnization
Ch. iv. MATRIMONY.
205
of matrimony, the persons to be married standing
together, the man on the right hand and the
woman on the left, the minister shall say:
Dearly beloved, we are gathered together
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 Cana 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.
206
MATRIMONY. Part IV,
And also speaking to the persons that are to be
married, he shall say :
I 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.
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? Wilt 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:
Ch. iy.
MATRIMONY.
207
I will.
Then shall the minister say unto the woman:
N., Wilt thou have this man to be thy
wedded husband, to live together after
God's ordinance in the holy estate of
matrimony ? Wilt thou obey him, serve
him, love him, .honor and keep him, in
sickness and in health, and forsaking all
others, keep thee only unto him so long
as ye both shall live ?
The woman shall answer:
I will.
Then tide minister shall cause the man with his
right hand to take the woman by her right hand,
and to say after him as follows:
I, M., take thee N., to be my wedded
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 cherish, till death do us part,
according to God's holy ordinance ; and
thereto I plight thee my faith.
Then they shall loose their hands, and the wo¬
man with her right hand, taking the man by his
right hand, shall likewise say after the minister:
208
MATBI3IONY.
Part IV,
I, N., take thee M., to be my wedded
husband, to have and to hold, from this
day forward, for better, for worse, for
richer, for poorer, in sickness and in
health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till
death do us part, according to God's holy
ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my
faith.
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
and this woman whom we bless in thy
name; that as Isaac and Rebecca lived
faithfully together, so these persons may
surely perform and keep the vows and
covenant betwixt them made, and may
ever remain in perfect love and peace to¬
gether, and live according to thy laws,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. J men.
Then shall the ministerjom their right hands
together and say:
Those whom God hath joined together,
let no man put asunder.
Ch. iv.
MATRIMONY.
209
Forasmuch as M and N have consented
to live together in holy wedlock, and
have witnessed the same 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.,
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.
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 day our daily bread; and
forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
14
210
MATRIMONY•
Part IV,
them that trespass against us ; and lead
us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil. Amen.
Then 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 fulfil 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 and
this woman, that they obeying thy will,
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
Ch. iv. MATRIMONY.
211
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
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.
Then shall the minister say:
Almighty God, who at the beginning
didst create our first parents, Adam and
Eve, and didst sanctify and join them to-
212 ORDER OF BURIAL. Part IY,
gether in marriage, pour upon you the
riches of his grace, sanctify 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 V.
Order of the Burial of the Dead.
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,
saith the Lord ; he that believeth in me,
though he were dead, yet shall he live;
and whosoever liveth and believeth in
me, shall never die." John xi. 25, 26.
"I know that my Redeemer liveth,
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
Ch. V. ORDER OF BURIAL.
213
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.
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 a 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 ?
Yet, O Lord God most 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
214
ORDER OF BURIAL. Part IV,
God most mighty, O holy and merciful
Saviour, thou most worthy Judge eternal,
suffer us not, at our last hour, for any
paius of death, to fall from thee.
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
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
he is able to subdue a,11 things unto him¬
self.
Then shall be said:
Ch. v. ORDER OF BURIAL. 215
"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 us.
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.
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
liveth and believeth in him shall not die
216 ORDER OF BURIAL. Part IV,
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 grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
the love of God, and the fellowship of the
Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore.
Amen.
Ch. yi, § 1. ORDINATION OF DEACONS. 217
CHAPTER YI.
FORM AND MANNER OF CONSECRATING
THE MINISTRY.
SECTION I.
For the Order of Deacons.
[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
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 shall answer;
I.have inquired concerning them, and
also examined them, and think them so
to be.
218 ORDINATION" OP DEACONS. Part IV,
Their names being read aloud, the Bishop shall
say 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 shall 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
Ch. yi, 11. ORDINATION OF DEACONS. 219
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.
the epistle.—1 Tim. iii. 8-13.
Likewise must the deacons be grave,
not 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.
Then shall the Bishop examine every one of
220 ORDINATION OF DEACONS. Part IV,
them 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 Ghost
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 tho 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 he
administereth theholy communion, to help
him in the distribution thereof, and to
read and expound the holy Scriptures; to
Ch. vi, 11. ORDINATION OF DEACONS. 221.
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.
Then the Bishop, laying his hands severally up¬
on the head of every one of them, shall say:
222 ORDINATION OF DEACONS- Part IV,
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.
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. Yerily, 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."
Ch.vijgl. ORDINATION OF DEACONS. 223
[Then shall the Bishop proceed in the commu¬
nion, and all that are ordained shall receive the
holy communion.]
The communion ended, immediately before the
benediction, shall be said the following collects:
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, and 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
224 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. Part IV,
our works, begun, continued, and ended
in thee, we may glorify thy holy name,
and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlast¬
ing life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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.
SECTION II.
For the Order 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
of Christ, and also how the people ought to esteem
them in the office.]
After which, one of 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.
Ch. vi, § 2. ORDINATION OP ELDERS. 225
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.
Then, their names being read aloud, the Bishop
shall 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 are 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 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
15
226 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. Part IV,
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
and adorn them "with the innocency of
life, that both by word and good example,
tbey 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 reign eth with thee and the
Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen,
THE EPISTLE.—Eph. IV. 7-13.
" 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
Ch. vi, g 2. ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 227
that lie 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 he 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
Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto
the measure of the stature of the fulness
of Christ."
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,
sheepfold, 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 his
voice; and he calleth his own sheep by
228 ORDINATION OF ELDEES. Part IY,
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
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
Ch. vi, 12. ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 229
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."
And that done, the Bishop shall say unto them
as hereafter fblloweth:
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, whereunto 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
230 ORDINATION O? ELDERS- Part IV,
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
he bought with his death, and for whom
he shed his blood. The church and con¬
gregation whom you must serve, is his
spouse, and his body. And if it should
happen the same church, or any member
thereof, to take any hurt or hindrance
by reason 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
Ch. vi, I 2. ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 231
have done all that lieth in you, according
to your bounden duty, to bring ?dl 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
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
232 ORDINATION OP ELDERS. Part IY,
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 you have all
weighed and pondered these things with
yourselves long before this time; and
that, you have clearly determined, by
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, Jesug
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;
Ch. vi, \ 2. ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 233
and that ye may so endeavor yourselves
from time to time to sanctify 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 preseDt 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 his
Church, shall demand of you touching
the same.
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 think 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
234 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. Part IV,
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.
The Bishop.—Will you be 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 beiiig my helper.
The Bishop.—Will you be diligent in
prayers, and in reading of the Holy Scrip-
Ch. vi, § 2. ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 235
tures, and in such studies a9 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
my helper.
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
are, or shall be committed to your charge ?
A. I will do so, the Lord being my helper.
The Bishop.—Will you reverently obey
your chief ministers, unto whom is com¬
mitted the charge and government over
you; following with a glad mind and will
236 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. Part IV,
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
this 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.
[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]
After which shall be said by the Bishop (the
persons to be ordained elders all kneeling,) Yeni,
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 unctioa 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
Ch. yi, \ 2. ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 237
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 but one,—
That through the ages all along
This may be our endless song—
Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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 us, hast given us thy only and
most dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to
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 floek 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
238 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. Part IV,
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 as well by these
thy ministers, as by them over whom they
shall be appointed thy,ministers, thy holy
name may forever be glorified, and thy
blessed kingdom enlarged, through the
same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who
liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, world without end.
Amen.
When this prayer is done, the Bishop with the
elders present shall lay their hands severally upon
the heads of every one that receiveth the order
of elders, the receivers humbly kneeling upon
their knees, and the Bishop saying:
Ch. vi, § 2. ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 239
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.
When this is done, the Bishop shall go on in
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 oommunion being done, after the last col¬
lect and immediately before the benediction, shall
be said this collect:
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
240 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. Part IV,
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
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.
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.
^T-If on the same day the order of deacons be
Ch. vi, 13. ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 241
given to some, and that of elders to others, the
deacons 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 dea¬
cons shall be examined and ordained, as above
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 in this
office before appointed.
SECTION III.
For the Order of Bishops.
THE COLLECT.
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-
16
242 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS.
Part IY.
ceive the crown of everlasting glory,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Then 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 un¬
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.
Ch. vi, § 3. ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 243
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 1 take
you to record this day, that I am pure
from the blood of all men. For I have
not shunned to declarer 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,
244 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. Part IV,
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 among all them which are sancti¬
fied.
I Ijiave coveted no man's silver, or gold,
or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know,
that these hands have ministered unto
my necessities, and to them that were
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, sou
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 I
love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my
Ch. vi,$ 3. ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 245
sheep. He saith unto him the third time,
Simon, 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. v
Or this: St. Matthew xxviii. 18-20.
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, and
of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to ob¬
serve all things whatsoever I have com¬
manded you; and lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world.
After the gospel and the sermon are ended, the
elected person shall 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.
246 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. Part IV,
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
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.
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
Ch. vi, I 3. ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 247
by word and deed, lie 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 and the
Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
Then the Bishop shall say to him that is to be
ordained:
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?
248 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. Part IY,
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 Jesus
Christ ? And are you determined, out of
the same Holy Scriptures, to instruct the
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
Ch. vi, 13. ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 249
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 ?
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
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, {he 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 Bishop.—Will you be faithful in
250 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. Part IV,
ordaining, sending, or laying 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.
Then the Bishop 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.
Then shall Yeni, Creator Spiritus, be said:
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.
Ch. vi, I 3. ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 251
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 but one,—
That through the ages all along
This may be our endless song—
Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
That ended, the Bishop shall say:
Lord, hear our prayer.
A. And let our ciy come unto thee.
The Bishop.—Let us pray.
Almighty God, and most merciful
Father, who of thine infinite goodness
hast given thine only and dearly beloved
Son Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer,
and the author of everlasting life, who
after that he had made perfect our re¬
demption by his death, and was ascended
into heaven, poured down his gifts abun¬
dantly upon men, making some apostles,
some prophets, some evangelists, some
pastors and teachers, to the edifying and
(XRDINATI03T OF BISHOPS. Part IV,
_ ^king perfect his church—grant, we
beseech thee, to this thy servant, such
grace that he may be evermore ready to
spread abroad thy gospel, the glad tidings
of reconciliation with thee, and use the
authority given him, not to destruction,
but to salvation; not to hurt, but to help;
so that as a wise and faithful servant,
giving to thy family their portion in due
season he may at last be received into
everlasting joy, through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who with thee and the Holy Ghost,
liveth and reigneth, one God, world with¬
out end. Amen.
Then the Bishop and Elders present shall lay
their hands upon the head of the elected person,
kneeling before them upon his knees, the Bishop
saying:
Pour upon thee the Holy Spirit, for
the office and work of a Bishop in the
Church of God, now committed unto thee,
by the imposition of our hands, in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Amen. And re¬
member that thou stir up the grace of
God, which is given thee, by the imposi-
Ch. vi, I 3. OEDINATION OF BISHOPS. 253
tion of our hands; for God hath not given
us the spirit of fear, but of power, and
love, and soberness.
Then the Bishop shall deliver him the Bible,
saying:
Give heed unto reading, exhortation
and doctrine. Think upon those things
contained in this book. Be diligent in
them, that the increase coming thereby
may be manifest unto all men. Take
heed unto thyself, and to thy doctrine
for by so doing thou shalt both save thy¬
self and them that hear thee. Be to the
flock of Christ a shepherd, not a wolf;
feed them, devour them not. Hold up
the weak, heal the sick, bind up the
broken, bring again the outcasts, seek the
lost, be not so merciful that you may be
too remiss; so minister discipline that you
forget not mercy; that when the chief
Shepherd shall appear, you may receive
the never-fading crown of glory, through
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
[Then the Bishop shall administer the Lord's
supper, with whom the newly ordained Bishop,
and all others present, shall communicate.]
254 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. Part IV,
Immediately before the benediction, shall be
said the following prayer :
Most merciful Father, we beseech thee
to send down upon this thy servant thy
heavenly blessing, and so endue him
with thy Holy Spirit, that he, preaching
thy word, may not only be earnest to re¬
prove, beseech, and rebuke with all pa¬
tience and doctrine, but also may be to
such as believe, a ^wholesome example in
word, in conversation, in love, in faith, in
chastity, and in purity; that faithfully
fulfilling his course, at the latter day he
may receive the crown of righteousness
laid up by the Lord, the righteous Judge,
who liveth and reigneth, with God the
Father, and the Holy Ghost, world with¬
out end. Amen.
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings
with thy most gracious favor, and further
us with thy continual help, that in all
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.
Ch. vii, I 1. LAYING A CORNER-STONE. 2-55
The peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, keep your hearts and
minds in the knowledge and love of God,
and 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.
CHAPTER VII.
FORM AND MANNER OF LAYING CORNER¬
STONES AND THE DEDICATION
OF CHURCHES.
SECTION I.
For Laying Corner-Stones.
This ceremony should be preceded or followed
by the delivery of an appropriate discourse. The
Officers and members of the congregation being
present, the services are introduced by singing a
suitable hymn. If the discourse has not been pro¬
nounced the following prayer may be used:
PRAYER.
Supremely great and glorious Jehovah,
who art the King eternal, immortal, and
256 LAYING A CORNER STONE. Part IV,
invisible, the only wise God, to whom be¬
long honor and glory, for ever and ever!
Thou fillest all space with thy presence,
pervading universal nature, and mani¬
festing thy perfections in all thy works.
"We desire to approach thee in deep
humility, and in the exercise of living
faith. We rejoice that, through .Jesus
Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer, we
have access to thy throne of grace, and
are taught to call thee our God, and to
worship thee as our reconciled Father.
We thank thee for permitting us to as¬
semble on the present occasion, amid
circumstances of so much mercy, to lay
the corner-stone of an edifice which is to
be reared to thy honor, and to be dedicated
to the exclusive worship of the true and
living God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
We earnestly beseech thee to draw nigh
to us as a God of love, and bless us with
thy special presence. May the object
that has called us together be acceptable
to thee, and may the solemnities of this
joyful and interesting occasion meet with
thy sanction and be attended by thy
Ch. vii, § 1. LAYING A CORNER-STONE. 257
blessing. While we devoutly acknow¬
ledge our dependence upon thee, as well
in our attempt to erect a house for thy
worship, as in the prosecution of the
object for which it is intended, we pray thee
that no unholy desire may find place in.
our breast, £hat all our motives may be
pure, and that our great aim may be the
promotion of thy glory, the conversion of
sinners, and the edification of thy people
in the truth as it is in Christ. May we
obtain favor in thy sight, and may thy
rich mercy be upon us.
Pardon our sins, help our infirmities,
and accept our prayer, through the merits
of Jesus Christ, our adorable Saviour.
And to thee, the Triune God, be all
praise, now and evermore. Amen.
[Here a suitable portion of Scripture may be
read : for instance the 96th Psalm, or 1 Cor.
3d chap., or 1 Kings, 5th chap., Haggai, 1st chap.,
from 1-10 verse.]
If the discourse has been preached, then the
preceding prayer may be omitted; also if deemed
necessary, the Scripture lesson; and the exercises,
after an appropriate hymn, may be continued
with the following:
17
258 LAYING A CORNER-STONE. Part IV,
ADDRESS.
Beloved Brethren:
Believing it to be your duty, as well as
privilege, to worship God in a public and
social capacity, and impressed with the
conviction that the interests of Christ's
kingdom and the salvation of souls may
be thereby promoted, you have resolved in
reliance on God's blessing, to erect an edi¬
fice for the purpose of public worship, and
are now assembled to lay the corner-stone.
Though there is no specific law of God
expressly requiring this at your hands, yet
you justly infer from general principles
laid down in the sacred Scriptures, as well
as from the dictates of enlightened reason,
that it is your duty; and hence you tlo
well in uniting for the accomplishment of
a work so important, and holding forth
the promise of so much good «to your¬
selves and your descendants. We trust
that you are actuated by motives which
God approves, and that you sincerely love
Zion, and can truly adopt the language
of the devout Psalmist :
Ch. vii, I 1. LAYING A CORNER-STONE. 259
" How amiable are thy tabernacles, O
Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea,
even fainteth, for the courts of the Lord."
We find 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 stone, 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
260 LAYING A COENER STONE. Part IV,
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 corner¬
stone 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.
Ch. vii, I 1. LAYING A CORNER-STONE. 261
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 joyful,
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
262 LAYING A CORNER-STONE. Part IV,
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
Ch. vil, 11. LAYING A CORNERSTONE. 263
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. But 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
264 LAYING A CORNER-STONE. Part IV,
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
Ch. vii, § 1. LAYING A CORNER-STONE. 265
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 not 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
266 DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. Part IV,
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, sanction our
work, and at last accept us, through the
Son of his love, our only Lord and
Saviour. Amen.
SECTION II.
For the dedication of New or
Remodelled Churches.
The Bishop, or elder, (when the Bishop is not
present,) with the other ministers, shall be met at
the door of the church by the trustees, stewards
and leaders, who shall receive the Bishop, or eld¬
er, with the ministers, and bid them welcome in
God's name, and present to the Bishop, or elder,
the keys of the church in token of the fact that
they will ever after submit to the discipline, doc¬
trine and government of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, and " will at* all times hereafter
permit such ministers and preachers belonging to
said church to preach and expound God's holy
word therein. " After which, the procession shall
pass up the aisle reading the following Psalm.
Ch. vii, § 2. DEDICATION t>F A CHURCH. 267
The Bishop or elder commencing with the first
verse, and the ministers reading each alternate
verse.
PSALM LXXXIY.
Bishop.—How amiable are thy taber¬
nacles, 0 Lord of hosts.
Minister.—My soul longeth, yea, even
fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my
heart and my flesh crieth out for the liv¬
ing God.
Bp.—Yea, the sparrow hath found a
house, and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young, even thine
altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my
God.
Min.—Blessed are they that dwell in
thy house: they will be still praising
thee.
Bp.*—Blessed is the man whose strength
is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of
them.
Min.—Who, passing through the val¬
ley of Baca, make it a well: the rain
also filleth the pools.
Bp.—They go from strength to strength;
268 DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. Part IV,
every one of them in Zion appeareth be-,
fore God.
Min.—O Lord God of hosts, hear my
prayer: give ear O God of Jacob.
Bp.—Behold, O God, our Shield, and
look upon the face of thine Anointed.
Min.—For a day in thy courts is better
than a thousand. I had rather be a door¬
keeper in the house of my God, than to
dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Bp—For the Lord God is a sun and
shield ; the Lord will give grace and glo¬
ry ; no good thing will he withhold from
them that walk uprightly.
Min.—O Lord of hosts, blessed is the
man that trusteth in thee.
The Bishop* with those who are appointed to
lead the exercises will now take their seats in the
pulpit, the rest of the clergy sitting around it, and
the choir will chant the following:
PSALM CXXII.
1. I was glad when they said unto me,
Let us go into the house of the Lord.
*Or Elder.
Ch. vii, § 2. DEDICATION OF a CHURCH. 269
2. Our feet shall stand within thy
gates, O Jerusalem.
3. Jerusalem is builded as a city that
is compact together.
4. "VVhither the tribes go up, the tribes
of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel,
to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.
*5. For there are set thrones of judg¬
ment, the thrones of the house of David.
6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
they shall prosper that love thee.
7. Peace be within thy walls, and pros¬
perity within thy palaces.
8. For my brethren and companions'
sakes, I will now say, Peace be within
thee.
9. Because of the house of the Lord
our God, I will seek thy good.
The Bishop,* kneeling, then shall say the fol¬
lowing prayer:
1 kings viii* 23-51.
Lord God of Israel, there is no God
like thee in heaven above, or on. the
* Or Elder.
270 DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. Part IV,
earth beneath, who keepest covenant and
mercy with thy servants that walk before
thee with all their heart: but will God
indeed dwell on the earth ? Behold, the
heaven of heavens cannot contain thee;
how much less this house that we have
builded! Yet have thou respeot unto
the prayer of thy servants, and to their
supplication, O Lord our God, to hearken
unto the cry and the prayer which thy
servants pray before thee this day: that
thine eyes may be open toward this house,
night and day, even toward the place
of which thou hast said, My name shall
be there ; that thou mayest hearken unto
the prayer which thy servants shall make
in this place. And hearken thou unto
the supplication of thy servants, and of
thy people Israel, when they shall pray
in this place ; and hear thou in heaven,
thy dwelling-place; and when thou hear-
est, forgive. If any man trespass against
his neighbor, and an accusation be laid
against him, and the accusation come
before thee in this house—then hear thou
in heaven, and do, and judge thy ser-
Ch. vii, § 2. DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. 271
vants, condemning the wicked, to bring
his way upon his head; and justifying
the righteous; to give him according to his
righteousness. When thy people Israel
be smitten down before the enemy, because
they have sinned against thee, and shall
turn again to thee, and confess thy name,
and pray, and make supplication unto
thee in this house,—then hear thou in
heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people
Israel, and restore them again to thy ten¬
der mercy and loving-kindness. When
heaven is shut up, and there is no rain,
because they have sinned against thee;
if they pray in this place, and confess thy
name and turn from their sin, when thou
afflictest them, then hear thou in heaven
and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of
thy people Israel, that thou teach them
the good way wherein they should walk,
and give rain upon the land which thou
hast given to thy people for an inheri¬
tance. If there be in the land famine, if
there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, lo¬
cust, or if there be caterpillar; if their
enemy besiege them in the land of their
272 DEDICATION OF A CHUKCH. Part IV,
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-
Ch.vii, 12. DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. 273
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, Jesus 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.
This prayer being oyer, 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 ofthy Son,
Jesus Christ, and the presence of thy Holy
18
274 DEDICATION OF A CHURCH, part IV,
Spirit, may ever fill this house which we
have builded and called by thy name, so
that whensoever the Gospel is preached in
this house, it may descend with all its
purity, power and demonstration, upon
the'hearts of the impenitent, turning them
from darkness to light, and from the pow¬
er of sin and Satan, unto God; that its
sanctifying influences may be felt in the
souls of all believers, lifting their desires,
their hopes, and their affections, from
earth to heaven, and leading back the
wandering sheep of the House of Israel in¬
to the fold of eternal life. Amen.
Hear us, O merciful Father, and grant
that whosoever shall be dedicated to thee
in this house by the holy ordinance of
baptism, they may also receive the fulness
of thy grace; be made useful members of
the church militant, and finally obtain an
abundant entrance into the church tri-
uinphant, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Hear us, O merciful Father, and grant
that whosoever shall in this house partake
of the symbols of the Saviour's broken
Ch. vii, § 2. DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. 275
body, and shed blood, may also realize, by
faith, that he is indeed the Lamb of God
that taketh away the sin of the world;
and thus being regenerated and sanctified,
stand spotless and life-crowned at thy
right hand, world without end. Amen.
Hear us, O thou, who art the spouse of
the Church, and grant that whosoever
shall in this house be joined together in
holy matrimony, may also live, as did
Isaac and Rebecca, in the purest enjoy¬
ment of connubial love, mutually assist¬
ing each other in the way to heaven, and
training up their children for usefulness
in this life, and for glory in that which is
to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
O thou high and Holy One of Israel,
regard, we beseech thee, the prayers of
thy servants, and grant that all who shall
in this house, make confession of their
sins, or lift their voices in praise and
thanksgiving for mercies past, or benefits
received, may also rejoice in the light of
thy countenance, with the peace which
passeth all understanding, with the joy
276 DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. Part IY,
that is unspeakable and full of glory.
Amen.
Great Head of the Church, we beseech
thee to hear us, and grant that whosoever
shall, in this house, be set apart or or¬
dained to the holy office of the ministry,
may also receive the anointing of thy
Spirit, and go forth in the fulness of the
blessing of the Gospel, to preach its un¬
searchable riches to. a ruined world; then
having finished their course, fought the
fight, and kept the faith, receive the crown
of life, and reign with thee, world without
end. Amen.
Thou God of missions, hear us, and
grant that the sacred cause of missions,
with every other institution of Christian¬
ity, may ever find in this house an able
advocacy and an ample support, so as to
be rendered instrumental in hastening on
the day, when the kingdoms of this world
shall have become the kingdom of our
Lord and his Christ. A men.
Thus have we dedicated this house un¬
to thee, O thou that dwellest in heaven.
Receive it, O receive it, among thine
Ch. vii, \ 2. DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. 277
earthly sanctuaries, and grant that all
who may worship thee here from Sabbath
to Sabbath, and from generation to gen¬
eration, even our children's children, may
feel it to be indeed the house of God, and
the gate of heaven! Amen.
Then, may be sung the consecration hymn,
which ought not to exceed six stanzas—then the
sermon; immediately after let the collection be
taken up. Conclude with an appropriate hymn,
and extemporaneous prayer and the benediction.
After such dedication, no minister hav¬
ing the charge of any of our churches,
shall allow them to be used for any other
purpose than the glory of God; and any
minister suffering the violation of this law
shall be deemed guilty of grossly improper
conduct and may be suspended, accord¬
ing to the decision of the Annual Con¬
ference.
278
BOUNDARIES-
Part V.
PART Y.
TEMPORAL ECONOMY.
CHAPTER I.
BOUNDARIES,
SECTION I.
Boundaries o f the Annual Con ferences.
Question—TYliat are the boundaries of
the Annual Conferences?
1. Philadelphia Conference shall in¬
clude Philadelphia city and all that part
of Pennsylvania lying east of Lewistown,
Pa., and Harrisbarg, north of the Susque¬
hanna River, Chambersburg and Carlisle
circuit, and all the State of Delaware.
2. Baltimore Conference shall include
all the State of Maryland and the Dis¬
trict of Columbia.
3. The New Yorh Conference shall in¬
clude all the State of New York.
4. The New England Conference shall
include all the New England States:
Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts,
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
Ch. i, § 1. BOUNDARIES.
279
5. The Ohio Conference shall iuclude
all the State of Ohio, except Salem,
Youngstown and Warren, which shall be
attached to the Pittsburg Conference.
6. The Indiana Conference shall in¬
clude the States of Indiana and Michi-
gan.
7. The 3Iissouri Conference shall in¬
clude all the State of Missouri, except
Kansas City and St. Joseph stations and
the Weston and Plattsburgh Missions
and Westport, which shall be attached to
the Kansas Conference.
8. Louisiana Conference shall include
all the State of Louisiana, Balize, Hon¬
duras and Central America.
9. The California Conference shall in¬
clude all the State of California, British
Columbia, Alaska, Oregon, Washington
Territory, and all points east of it not in¬
cluded in any other Conference.
10. The Virginia Conference shall in¬
clude all the State of Virginia and the
churches in what. is? known as the She¬
nandoah Valley.
11. The North Carolina, Conference
280
BOUNDARIES.
Part V,
shall include all the State of North Car¬
olina.
12. The South Carolina Conference shall
include all the State of Souih Carolina,
save that portion of the State lying within
the bounds of the Columbia Conference.
13. The Georgia Conference shall in¬
clude all the State of Georgia South of
Macon, east and west.
14. The North Georgia Conference shall
embrace all the State of Georgia north
of Macon, east and west.
15. The Florida Conference shall in¬
clude all the State of Florida and the
Bahama Islands.
16. The Alabama Conference shall in¬
clude all the State of Alabama.
17. The Texas Conference. The
boundary of this Conference shall be the
Brazos River up to Waco, running north,
including Dallas, Tyler and Barnano ?
18. Tne West Texas Conference includes
all the State of Texas, except that por¬
tion embraced in the Texas Conference,
including Shearman and Dennison.
19. The Arkansas Conference to em-
Ch. i, I 1. BOUNDARIES.
281
brace all the territory of the State of
Arkansas, lying north of the base line of
the State, and all the parts of the coun¬
ties of Pulaski and Prairie, lying south
of the base line; also the Indian Terri¬
tory.
20. The South Arkansas Conference to
embrace all the territory of the State of
Arkansas lying south of the base line of
the State, including all the counties of
Philips, Monroe, Montgomery and Saline,
lying north of the base line of the State.
21. The Mississippi Conference includes
all the State of Mississippi.
22. The Tennessee Conference is bound¬
ed as follows: Beginning at the south
line of Tennessee and Alabama, running
north so as to include the following coun¬
ties, viz.: Giles, Murray, Williamson,
Davidson, Robertson and all the State
east of these.
23. The West Tennessee Conference to
include all the State of Tennessee not
embraced in the East Tennessee Confer¬
ence, together with Hickman and Fulton
in the State of Kentucky.
282
BOUNDARIES.
Part V,
24. The Kentucky Conference includes
all the State of Kentucky.
25. The Pittsburgh Conference includes
all of Western Pennsylvania as far as
Lewistown Circuit, including Wilkes-
barre, Williamsport, Bloomsburg and
Scranton.
26. The New Jersey Conference includes
all the State of New Jersey.
27. The Illinois Conference includes
all the States of Illinois, Minnesota, Wis¬
consin and Iowa.
28. The Kansas Conference shall in¬
clude the State of Kansas, Nebraska,
Colorado and Kansas City, St. Joseph,
Weston and Plattsburg Missions, and
Westport in the State of Missouri.
29. The Columbia Conference shall
include those portions of South Carolina
not embraced, within the bounds of South
Carolina Conference.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
1. That the Bishops shall have autho¬
rity to organize Mission - Conferences,
Ch. i, § 1.
BOUNDARIES.
283
wherever a majority of them may deem
it for the best interest of the Church.
2. The presiding Bishop of any Con¬
ference may have authority to divide the
same, by and with the consent of a ma¬
jority of said Conference.
284
TRUSTEES.
Part V,
CHAPTER II.
SECTION I.
The Election and Duties Of Trustees.
Q. 1. How shall trustees be constituted
for our church property, and what shall
be their duties ?
A. 1. Each board of trustees shall con¬
sist of not less than three, or more than
nine persons, all of whom shall be twenty-
one years of age, and not less than six
months a member of our church, except
in cases of mission, new work or other
emergencies.
A. 2. In all cases, where the law of
the land requires a specified mode of elec¬
tion, that mode shall be observed.
A, 3. In all other cases, they shall be
elected annually by the members of the
church, under the following regulations :
Itshall be the duty of the minister in charge
to appoint the time and place of holding
the election, of which election due notice
shall be given by the minister in charge,
from the pulpit, at least one Sabbath be-
Ch. ii, I 1.
TRUSTEES.
285
fore the said election. Every member
in full communion in the church, of
twenty-one years of age and upwards,
shall be an elector. Upon the nomination
of the -minister in charge, of persons
to be elected trustees, he shall nominate
twice the number necessary to be elected,
whereupon they shall proceed to cast
their ballot for their choice, and those re¬
ceiving the majority of votes cast shall be
declared the trustees elect, by the minis¬
ter having the charge,
Q. 2. What are the duties of trustees
in the African M. E. Church ?
A. They shall manage all the tempo¬
ral concerns of the church not otherwise
provided for; and have a treasurer of the,
Board elected by the Board.
Q. 3. What then are the temporal
concerns which they are to manage ?
A. 1. They are to guard all the real
estate, churches, parsonages, school-houses,
and other property owned by the people
in the connection.
A. 2. They shall improve the said pro¬
perty or real estate with the consent of a
majority of the legal voters of the church,
286
TKUSTEES.
Part Y,
who shall be called together for that pur¬
pose by the minister in charge. It is
provided, however, that should not a maj or-
ity of the legal voters be present after
the proper call is made, a majority vote
of those present shall be considered legal.
A. 3. It shall be the duty of the trustees
to procure, by purchase or hire, a house
for the preacher's family, and comforta¬
bly furnish the same. But any trustee
ceasing to be a member of our church,
by reason of expulsion or otherwise, shall
immediately cease to be a trustee, except
in case of debt, where he is a joint secur¬
ity, and then in no case longer than such
relief can be given as the creditors will
accept.
A. 4. The minister in charge shall be
chairman of the board of trustees (where
the law of the State does'not otherwise
provide,) and his signature shall be neces¬
sary to make the acts of the trustees
legal.
Nevertheless, in case of the necessary
absence of the minister in charge, he shall
appoint a president pro tem., who shall
Ch. iii, g 1. CHURCH PROPERTY.
287
preside in Lis place; and in all such cases
his signature shall be legal.
And further, it shall be the duty of the
trustees to make a report of all their re¬
ceipts and expenditures every quarter to
the Quarterly Meeting Conference, and
the quarterly conference shall cause a re¬
port of the doings of the trustees to be
made at least once a year to the church.
CHAPTER III.
CHURCH PROPERTY.
SECTION I.
Of building Churches, and the order to be
observed therein.
Q. 1. Is anything advisable in regard
to building ?
A. 1. Let all our churches be built
plainly and decently, but not more ex¬
pensively than is absolutely unavoidable.
2. No person shall be hereafter eligi¬
ble as a trustee to any of our bouses,
288
CHURCH PROPERTY. Part Y,
churches, or schools, who is not a regu¬
lar member of our Church.
3. No person who is a trustee, shall be
ejected while he is a joint security for
money, unless such relief be given him
as is demanded, or the creditors will ac¬
cept.
Q. 2. Is there any exception to the
rule, Let the men and women sit apart ?
A. 2. There is—let them sit together
in all of our churches wherever practica¬
ble.
Q. 3. Is there not a great indecency
sometimes practised among us, viz.,
talking in the congregation before and
after service ? How shall it be cured ?
A. 3. Let all the ministers, preachers,
&c., join as one man, and enlarge on the
impropriety of talking before or after ser¬
vice, and strongly exhort those that are
concerned to do it no more. In three
months this vile practice, if we are in ear¬
nest, will be banished out of our congre¬
gations. Let none stop until he has car¬
ried his point.
Q. 4. What shall be done for the secu-
Ch. iii, I 1. CHURCH PROPERTY.
289
rity of our meeting-houses, and the pre¬
mises belonging thereto ?
A. 4. Let the following plan of a deed
of settlement be brought into effect, in all
possible cases, and as far as the law will
admit, in the respective States. But
each Annual Conference is authorized to
make such modifications in the deed, as
they may find the different usages and
customs, or laws, require in the different
States, so as to secure the premises firm¬
ly, by deed, and permanently to the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, ac¬
cording to the true intent and meaning
of the following form of a deed of settle¬
ment, anything in the said form to the
contrary, notwithstanding:
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-
290
CHURCH PROPERTY. Part V,
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
the 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-
Ch. iii, g1. CHURCH PROPERTY. 291
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,
lying, and being as aforesaid; together
with all and singular the houses, woods,
waters, ways, and privileges thereto 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 place of worship, for the
use of the 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 may 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
19
29 2
CHURCH PROPERTY. Part V,
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 and
in such case it shall be the duty of the
stationed minister or preacher (authorized
as aforesaid,) who shall have the pastoral
charge of the members of said church, 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 to 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
Ch. iii, I 1. CHUECH PEOPEETY. 293
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 in case of an equal number of votes
for and against the said nomination, the
stationed minister or preacher shall have
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 money, on account of said premises,
and they, the said trustees, or their suc¬
cessors, be obliged to pay the said sura
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 the
294 CHURCH PROPERTY. Part V,
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 after 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 such
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 appurte-
Ch. iii, \ 1. church property- 295
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 all persons whatever.
In testimony whereof, the said (if
married, insert the name of his wife,)
have hereto set their hands and seals, the
day and year aforesaid.
Sealed and delivered in ") Grantor's [l. s.]
presence of us: j His wife's [l . s.]
Two witnesses.
Received the day of the date of the
above written Indenture the con¬
sideration therein mentioned in foil.
Witness, j Grantor's [l. s.]
County, ss.
Be it remembered, that on the day
of , in the year of our Lord, one
thousand , personally appeared be¬
fore me, one of the Justices of the Peace,
in the county of and State of
296
CHURCH" PROPERTY. Part V,
the within named (the grantor, if
married, insert the name of his wife,) and
acknowledged the within deed of trust to
be their act and deed, for the uses and
purposes therein mentioned and declared;
and she, the said wife of the said
being separate and apart from her,
the said husband, by me examined,
declared that she had made the said ac¬
knowledgment, freely and with her own
consent, without being induced thereto
through fear or threats of her said hus¬
band.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
Set my hand and seal, the day and year
first above written.
Here the Justice's flame. [l. s.]
N. B.—1. It is necessary that all our
deeds should be recorded, for legal as well
as prudential reasons. And the incor-
{>0ration of all our churches (where the
aw will admit of ifc) should be attended
to as soon as possible.
2. Let nine trustees be appointed for
meeting-houses, where proper persons can
Ch. iv, 11. STEWARDS. 297
be procured; otherwise seven, five or
three.
3. Any church or congregation among
Us, that will not submit wholly to the
spiritual government of our General and
Annual Conferences, shall be disowned.
4. Whereas, Some of the States and Territories have
special acts on their statute books governing religious
bodies, therefore.the meaning and intent of this chap¬
ter, wherever it refers to the law of the State or Terri¬
tory, is to be subject to said statute law, and not to
any individual church corporation, that is now or may
be incorporated.
CHAPTER IV.
Stewards
SECTION I.
Of the Qualifications, Appointments, and Duties of the
Stewards of Circuits and Stations.
Question 1. What- are the qualifica¬
tions necessary for stewards ?
Answer 1. Let them be men of solid
piety, who both know and love the Metho¬
dist doctrine and discipline, and of good
natural or acquired abilities to transact
the temporal business.
Q, 2. How are the Stewards to be ap¬
pointed ?
298
STEWARDS.
Part V,
A. 2. A preacher haying the charge
of the circuit or station, shall have the
right of nomination, but the Quarterly-
Meeting Conference shall confirm or re¬
ject such nomination.
Q. 3. What shall be the time of the
continuation of the Stewards in office ?
A. 3. They shall be elected annually.
Q. 4. What are the duties of the Stew¬
ards?
A. 4. To take an exact account of all
the money or other provisions collected
for the support of the preachers in the
circuit or station ; to make an accurate
return of every expenditure of money,
whether to the preachers, church, sick or
poor; to seek the needy and distressed, in
order to relieve and comfort them; to in¬
form the preachers of any sick or disor¬
derly person; to attend the Quarterly
Meeting of their circuit or station, to give
advice, if asked, in planning the circuit or
station; to attend committees for the ap¬
plication of money to churches ; to give
counsel in matters of arbitration ; to pro¬
vide elements for the Lord's Supper; to
Ch. iv, 11. STEWARDS.
299
write circular letters to the societies in the
circuit, to be more liberal, if need be, as,
also to let them know, when occasion re¬
quires, the state of the temporal concerns
at the last Quarterly Meeting; to register
the marriages and baptisms, and to be
subject to the Bishop, elders, deacons, and
traveling preachers of their circuit or sta¬
tion.
Q. 5. To whom are the Stewards ac¬
countable for the faithful performance of
their duties ?
A. 5. To the Quarterly Meeting Con¬
ference of the circuit or station, who shall
have power to remove them when they
fail or refuse to do their duty.
Q. 6. What number of Stewards are
necessary in each church.
A. 1. Not less than three, nor more
than nine.
,Answer 2. The preacher in charge
may nominate a Board of Stewardesses,
composed of sisters of the Church, of not
less than three nor more than nine, to as¬
sist the Stewards in the discharge of their
duties.
300
STEWARDS. Part V,
Answer 3. The Stewards shall confirm
or reject the nomination of the Steward¬
esses ; and hold them responsible for a
faithful performance of their duty, and
shall with the preacher move them and
fill their places by. the selection of others.
The Board of Stewards shall have a re¬
gularly labelled Church Record, in which
to have baptisms, marriages, and deaths,
and a list of probationers and members
recorded.
The preachers in charge of circuits and
stations shall see that the foregoing is en¬
forced.
Question 7. What shall be done with a
Steward who refuses, neglects, or fails to
discharge his duty ?
Answer 7. The preacher in charge
shall have power to suspend such a Stew¬
ard, and temporarily fill the vacancy
until the next meeting of the Quarterly
Conference, at which time it shall dispose
of the case.
Ch. v, 11. MINISTERIAL SUPPORT. 301
CHAPTER V.
MINISTERIAL SUPPORT.
SECTION I.
Of the Allowance of the Bishops, Editor,
General Book Steward, and, Traveling
Preachers.
Ques. 1. What shall be done to build up
the financial interests of our Church t
Ans. 1. We do hereby establish a
Church Treasury.
2. It shall be the duty of every minister
holding charge in the A. M. E. Church to
collect the sum of one dollar from, or for
each member in his church or churches
for the maintenance of the church trea¬
sury.
3. Should any minister having charge
fail to raise the above collection during
the Conference year, or at least one third
of it according to the number of members
reported in the minutes of the last Confer¬
ence, it shall be the duty of the presiding
Bishop and Annual Conference to inquire
for the cause of said failure; and if on ex-
302 MINISTERIAL SUPPORT. Part V,
amination the said preacher has failed
through indifference, negligence, or re¬
fusal, he shall be suspended or dismissed
from the itinerant work.
This paragraph shall be strictly en¬
forced.
II. This money shall be used for the
following purposes:
1. For the support of efficient Bishops.
2. For the support of the Managing
Editor, the General Business Manager
and the Publishing Department.
3. To assist Presiding Elders and Mis¬
sions.
4. To aid superannuated Bishops and
preachers.
5. To aid widows and orphans of itiner¬
ant Bishops and preachers.
6. For Educational purposes.
7. To aid the Publishing Department.
8. To create a fund for the Church
Extension Society.
9. The balance shall constitute a char¬
tered fund, the interest of which shall be
used for the support of superannuated
Bishops and preachers and widows, and
Ch. v, 11. MINISTERIAL SUPPORT. 303
orphans of Bishops and itinerant
preachers.
III. The Bishops, or a majority of them,
shall have power to appoint a Financial
Secretary from among the traveling min¬
isters, who shall have charge of the
Church Treasury, and shall receive and
disburse all moneys belonging to the trea¬
sury according to provisions hereinafter
made. He shall present a printed report
annually to each Conference within the
bounds of the connection, and also a
quadrennial report to each General Con¬
ference.
IV. The Bench of Bishops, Financial
Secretary, and one traveling preacher
from each Episcopal District shall con¬
stitute a Board of Managers for the
Church Treasury and Chartered Fund.
A majority of the Board shall be a full
business quorum.
1. The Board of Managers shall have
power to remove an inefficient, or other¬
wise disqualified Financial Secretary when
it is clearly necessary for the best interests
of the Church. The Bishops shall fill
all vacancies occurring in the Board.
304 MINISTERIAL SUPPORT. Part V,
2. The Board of Managers shall audit
the Secretary's accounts and advise the
disbursement of all moneys not regularly
provided for.
3. Four regular meetings of the Board
shall be held each Conference year, if
necessary to act upon such business as
may come before them. They shall elect
one of their number chairman.
Y. All moneys collected in the interval
of the Annual Conference shall be sent
immediately to the Financial Secretary;
and all moneys collected at, or brought to
the Annual Conference for the Church
Treasury, shall, in the absence of the Fi¬
nancial Secretary, be paid to the Secre¬
tary of the Conference, who will transmit
the same to the Financial Secretary and
take his written acknowledgment of it.
VI. The Financial Secretary shall open
an account, in some safe and reliable
Bank, where he shall deposit all moneys
not otherwise provided for. His books,
papers, and bank account shall always be
open to the inspection of the Bishops and
also of the traveling preachers.
Ch. V, § 2. SUPPORT OF BISHOPS. 305
2. He shall keep the Bishops and all
the traveling preachers informed of the
state and condition of the treasury, and
shall advise them, if necessary, to use
more diligence to secure the success of
our financial interest.
3. He shall give bonds to the amount
of ($5,000) five thousand dollars for the
faithful performance of his duty.
VII. The columns of all our papers
shall be always open to the interests of the
Church Treasury.
SECTION 2.
The Support of Bishops.
Question 2. Should any provision be
made for the better support of the Bishops f
Answer I. In order that the Bishops
should be untrammeled in their work,
each one should have a competent sup¬
port.
1. The salary of a Bishop shall be
($2,000) two thousand dollars per annum.
2. The Financial Secretary, under the
direction of the Board of Managers, shall
306 SUPPORT OF BISHOPS. Part V,
pay the Bishop's salaries quarterly; but
shall see that there is at no time a total
embarrassment of the treasury.
3. The traveling expenses of the Bi¬
shops shall be paid them by the churches
which they visit and by the Conferences
which they hold. Each church visited
by the Bishop shall pay the cost of his
travel to the next point to be visited by
him. Each Annual Conference shall al¬
so pay the traveling expenses of its Pre¬
siding Bishop from its place of session 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.
4. In case of distant traveling in the
direct interest of the Church, e. g., to the
continent of Europe, to California, to the
Island of Santo Domingo, or elsewhere,
the Bishop about to make such a trip, at
least three months before the time of
starting, shall make application through
the Financial Secretary to the Board of
Managers for the amount necessary to
Ch. v, £ 3. SUPPORT OF OFFICERS. 807
defray his expenses. The Board of Man¬
agers, in all such cases, are hereby au¬
thorized to solicit, if it be necessary,
contributions from our churches to aid in
defraying such traveling expenses of the
Bishop.
SECTION 3.
Support of the Financial Secretary, the
General Business Manager, and the
Managing Editor.
Question 3. Sow shall we provide for
the support of these general officers t
Answer 1. The Financial Secretary
shall be paid out of the Church Treasury.
His salary shall be ($1,500) one thousand
five hundred dollars per annum.
2. The Managing Editor and General
Business Manager of our Publishing De¬
partment shall be paid out of the Church
Treasury. Their salaries shall be ($1,500)
one thousand five hundred dollars per an¬
num to each.
3. The salary of a married traveling
preacher shall be four hundred dol-
808 SUPPORT OF PREACHERS. Part V,
lars, each Conference year, board for
Himself, wife, and children, under fourteen
years of age, and his house rent, fuel and
traveling expenses. Should his wife die,
he shall have the game as if he were
married, for the support or his children,
if he have any.
4. The salary of an unmarried preacher
shall be two hundred dollars per Confer¬
ence year, and his board and traveling
expenses.
SECTION 4.
Support of Presiding Elders.
The Salary of the Presiding Elder shall be the
same as other Traveling Preachers, and the An¬
nual Conference shall apportion it to the differ¬
ent Churches in his District. But should the
(District fail to pay the said apportionment, or any
[part thereof, then such deficiency shall be reported
to the Annual Conference, and certified to by the
Presiding Bishop and the Secretary of the Confer¬
ence, who shall give to such Presiding Elder an
order on the Financial Secretary, who shall pay
the same from the General Treasury, on presenta¬
tion. All Laws, or parts of Laws, in conflict with
this Law, are hereby repealed. This act shall not
apply to those who may be appointed to a station.
Ch. v, | 5. SUPPORT OF PEE^?HERS. 309
SECTION 5
Support of Superannuated Bishops and
Preachers, and of the Widows and Or¬
phans of Bishops and Itinerant
Preachers.
Question 4. What provision do we
make for our worn-out Bishops and Itin¬
erant Preachers and for the Widows and
Orphans of our Itinerant Preachers ?
Answer 1. We hereby settle an annui¬
ty of ($300) three hundred dollars for
our worn-out traveling preachers, to be
paid them quarterly, during the period
of their natural lives, by the Financial
Secretary, such payments to be made al¬
ways subject to the approval of one of
the Bishops and of the Annual Confer¬
ence to which said claimant belongs.
2. The widows of our deceased itiner¬
ant preachers shall each deceive one
hundred dollars per annum. The or¬
phans of such preachers shall each
receive fifty dollars per annum, provided
they are under fourteen years of age, and
no one claimant shall be entitled to the
310
MISSIONARIES.
Part V,
above amount for more than three chil¬
dren. The above support to last no
longer than the time of widowhood.
The provisions of this paragraph shall
not take effect until the condition of the
Treasury, in the judgment of the Board,
shall warrant it.
SECTION 6.
The Support of Missionaries, and the
Endowment of Scholarships in Wilber-
force University.
Question 5. How shall we assist our
Missionaries in their work, and our young
people in their education ?
Answer I. The Board of Managers of
the Church Treasury shall apportion an
equal amount of money to each Confer¬
ence.
1. The Financial Secretary shall see
that each Conference receives the amount
apportioned it, and take its receipt for
the sa>me.
2. Each Conference shall disburse its
own money within its bounds. Should
Ch. y, I 6. MISSIONARIES.
311
there be a balance after such disburse¬
ment then it shall be returned to the
Financial Secretary; who shall place it
to the credit of the Chartered Fund.
II. The Board of Managers of the
Church Treasury shall endow scholar¬
ships in Wilberforce University with as
much celerity as is compatible with the
condition of the Treasury,
Provided, however, that they shall en¬
dow' at least one scholarship each year.
1. The scholarships so endowed shall
be known as the African Methodist Epis¬
copal 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 edu¬
cational department of our Church.
3. These scholarships shall be under
concurrent direction of the Financial Sec¬
retary and the President and Faculty of
Wilberforce University. •
Provided, that no scholarship shall be
endowed until the building of Wilber-
312
BOOK CONCERN.
Part V,
force University shall have been comple¬
ted, or until five thousand dollars shall
have been apportioned from said fund
for that object.
CHAPTER VI.
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
BOOK CONCERN.
SECTION I.
Printing and Circulating Boohs and Pe¬
riodicals of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church Booh Concern.
1. The headquarters of the Publication
Department of the Church shall be lo¬
cated in Philadelphia.
2. It shall be under the regulation of
a Business Manager, a traveling Agent
and an Editor. The Business Manager
is to have charge of the business opera¬
tions of the Concern; the Agent to travel
at large through the connections. The
Ch. vi. g 1.
BOOK CONCERN.
313
Editor is to edit the publications of the
Department.
3. The publications of the Department
shall be The Christian Recorder, Child's
Recorder and African Methodist Quarterly
Magazine, with such books and requisites
as may be deemed profitable to the
Church, and as the funds of said Depart¬
ment may warrant.
4. It shall be the duty of the Business
Manager to supply each Annual Confer¬
ence Book Steward with such books and
church requisites as he may require, and
the General Board, Executive Committee
or Trustees, as provided in the charter, shall
on such requisition, order the books to be
sent as per order; provided that all books
furnished to the preachers, other than
the Annual Conference Book Steward,
shall be on the C. O. D. plan. The An¬
nual Conference Book Steward shall be
required to make remittances in thirty
and sixty days, to the Publishing Com¬
mittee, and within ninety days a final
settlement.
5. The Department shall be under the
314 BOOK CONCEKN. Part Y.
control of the General Board of Mana¬
gers, who shall examine carefully into its
condition, and see that the above orders
are faithfully executed. It shall cause
the Annual Conferences and the General
Conferences to be furnished with reports
of the same. During the interim of the
annual meeting of said Board it shall ap¬
point an Executive Committee of three
or five to act. Either the Board or its
Committee shall have power to suspend
the Business Manager, traveling Agent
or the Editor, for cause to them suffi¬
cient; a notification of which shall at
once be given to the Bishops, who shall
select one of their number to be present
and preside at the investigation, which
shall be before not less than nine mem¬
bers of the General Board, two-thirds of
whom may remove said Business Mana¬
ger, Agent or Editor.
Should a vacancy occur, it shall be
filled by the Bishops, who shall report
the same at the ensuing meeting of the
General Board of Managers.
6. It shall be lawful for the Board to
Ch. vi. § 1. BOOK CONCERN".
315
grant the above mentioned General Offi¬
cers such additional help as they may
request, and as in the judgment of the
Board, is necessary, to the more successful
prosecution of their several duties.
We recommend that there shall be in
each Annual Conference an Executive
Committee of three (one of whom shall
be the Conference Book Steward), whose
duty it shall be to see that their Confer¬
ence be supplied with books, and a faith¬
ful remittance be made according to law,
and a full report be made to the Confer¬
ence.
7. We recommend that the Book De¬
partment shall publish such Catechism,
containing the articles of our religion, as
the Board of Managers may approve;
also the Apostles' Creed, the rise and
progress of African Methodism, and such
other publications as the said Board may
direct.
8. We also recommend that this Gen¬
eral Conference, immediately upon its
rise, order the Financial Secretary to pay
to the Business Manager, from any mo-
316 BOOK CONCERN-. Part V,
ney in his hands not otherwise appropri¬
ated, a sufficient amount to pay all the
debts now resting upon the Publishing
Department.
9. We also recommend that each tra¬
veling preacher in our connection be
required to subscribe to the Christian Re¬
corder, and that the Publisher shall put
his name on the subscription list and
send him the paper for which he shall
pay at the next session of his Annual
Conference.
10. "We recommend that the Board of
Managers shall consist of the Bench of
Bishops, and one traveling preacher from
each Episcopal District, to be nominated
by the Bishops, and confirmed by Gene¬
ral Conference.
11. We recommend that these ques¬
tions be incorporated in the Discipline, to
be asked in the Annual Conference: 1st.
How many subscribers for the Church
paper? 2d. How many subscribers to
the Sunday-school paper? And that
those who fail to do their duty in this
direction be dealt with as in other cases
of neglect.
Ch. vii, I 1. CHURCH EXTENSION. 317
12. "We recommend that it shall be the
duty of the Publishing Committee to ap¬
point an auditing committee, from its own
members, to examine and audit the
monthly reports of the Business Manager,
and when so auditing they shall have
free access to all the books of the De¬
partment.
CHAPTER VII.
CHURCH EXTENSION.
The General Conference recommends :
1st. That the General Board of Managers
have charge and control of the work,
until such time as it is 'practicable to or¬
ganize a Church Extension Society.
2d. That a special fund be created in
the following manner : ^
Each minister having charge shall
collect donations for said fund, to be re¬
ported at the ensuing annual conference
of which he is a member, in answer to
the question: "How much for church
extension ?''
318 CHURCH EXTENSION. PartV,
3d. The amount thus reported shall
be forwarded to the Treasurer of the
Board of Managers, to be controlled by
the Board under the following restric¬
tion :
No part of said fund shall ever be
donated for any purpose, save that for
which it was collected, or used for cur¬
rent expenses; but shall -be preserved a
perpetual fund.
4th. Said fund may be loaned to any
church or society, in small sums, without
interest, in no case exceeding $200 j or
with interest, as occasion may require.
5th. Churches costing over $5,000 shall
not receive aid from this fund.
6th. That loans shall not be made for
a longer period than three years, nor in
sums exceeding $2,000 to any church
or society.
Tth. That the maximum rate of interest
to be charged on loans to chnrches, shall
not exceed six per cent., and that the in¬
terest ehall be pa:d annually.
constitution.
319
CHAPTER Yin.
constitution of the parent mission¬
ary society of the a. m. e. church.
Preamble.
Whereas, "We, the Ministers of the A.
M. E. Church, in General Conference
assembled, have seen for years, and still
see, with the deepest Christian anxiety
the deplorable spiritual condition of our
people—our brethren, " bone of our bond,
and flesh of our flesh," who inhabit both
hemispheres'—which the word of God de¬
clares shall be lighted up with the glori¬
ous rays of the Sun of Righteousness:
And,
Whereas, We further remember, with
deep emotion, the last command of our
ascended Lord," Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel/' and desiring to
prove our love by our obedience, we
therefore resolve, hereby, to form our¬
selves into a Parent Missionary Society,
whose head-quarter3 shall be in the city
320
CONSTITUTION. Part V,
of Philadelphia, and which shall be gov¬
erned by the following:
Article I. This Society shall be
known as the Parent Home and Foreign
Missionary Society of the A. M. E.
Church.
Art. II. The object of this Society
shall be to aid in spreading the news of
man's redemption by the establishment
of schools and churches among the mil¬
lions of our brethren in America as well
as among the more numerous millions in
foreign lands.
Art. III. Any person of orthodox
faith and practice, may, by the payment
of one dollar, become a member of this
Society, which membership may be per¬
petuated by the annual payment of one
dollar. Any person may become a Life
Member by the payment of ten dollars
at one time.
Art. IY. This Society shall meet an¬
nually at the place appointed by the pre¬
vious meeting.
Art. V. The officers of this Society
consist of a President, five Yice-Presi-
constitution.
321
dents, a Recording Secretary, a Corres¬
ponding Secretary and a Treasurer. These
shall constitute an Executive Committee,
and it shall be lawful for them to exer¬
cise full management in the interim.
Art. VI. This Board shall have power,
in connection with the Corresponding
Secretary, to plan the collection and dis¬
bursement of moneys for the support of
the missions and the schools of the same.
Art. VII. The Corresponding Secre¬
tary and the Treasurer shall be appointed
by the General Board of Managers, and
during the interim of a meeting of the
General Board, should any vacancy oc¬
cur, the vacancy shall be filled by the
Bishops. The Corresponding Secretary
shall reside in Philadelphia and occupy
rooms in the Publication Buildings.
Art. VIII. The President shall have
general supervision of all the Missions,
and in connection with the Correspond¬
ing Secretary, shall labor to keep alive
the spirit of missions throughout the
Church. Should the office become va¬
cant by death, resignation or otherwise,1
322
constitution.
Part V,
the Vice President first on the list shall
perform the duties of the office.
Art. IX. Each superintendent of
missions, and where there is no superin¬
tendent, each Missionary shall make a
quarterly Report to the President of the
Society and the Corresponding Secretary,
giving particular account of the condition
and prospect of the mission.
Art. X. Each Bishop shall have the
special supervision of the domestic mis¬
sions within his Episcopal District, and
may, in connection wUh the officers of
the Annual Conference Societies draw
upon the Treasurer of the Parent Society
for the sum needed for the support of the
Mission, or as much as is needed in his
Episcopal District, said sum or sums to
be ordered by a majority vote of the An¬
nual Conference in which he presides.
Art. XI. Each Annual Conference
shall organize a Missionary Society, adopt¬
ing as its constitution the one given be¬
low. It is hereby provided that no An¬
nual Conference shall receive aid from
the funds intrusted to the Parent Society,
constitution.
until it has organized its society accord¬
ing to the provisions herein given, and
have transmitted the percentage named
into the general fund.
Art. XII. This Constitution shall not
be altered but by General Conference
upon recommendation of the General
Board of Managers.
Art. XIII- The Corresponding Sec¬
retary shall be subject to such By-Laws
as may from time to time be adopted by
said Board.
annual conference constitution.
Art. I. This society shall be known
as the Missionary Society of the
Annual Conference.
Art. II. The officers of the society
8h«.ll be a President, a Secretary, and a
Treasurer. The duties of these several
officers shall be those usually enjoined in
similar bodies.
Art. III. There shall be two classes
of members: ministerial members— em¬
bracing all membsrs of Conference; rnd
324
CONSTITUTION- Part Y,
lay members, embracing those of the
laity in whose heart is God's law. The
payment of one dollar annually perpetu¬
ates membership. The payment of ten
dollars at one time entitles to life mem¬
bership.
Art. IV. It shall be the duty of the
pastors to work up their several fields of
labor, to the end that they shall be pro¬
fitable to the Master. They shall report
to the Society and to Conference the fol¬
lowing moneys: (1) Their own annual
dues. (2) The annual dues of those local
members of Conference and the Society,
who cannot attend its meetings. (3) The
annual dues of those of the laity who live
in their charge. (4) An annual collec¬
tion from the Church.
Art. V. Of the moneys reported, it
shall be the privilege of the Conference
to appropriate sixty per cent, of the
amount collected for the work within its
bounds. The remaining forty per cent,
shall be transmitted by the President of
the Society to the Treasurer of the Pa¬
rent body. Should the sixty per cent.
education.
325
retained be insufficient to meet its wants
it shall ask for an appropriation from
the Board of Managers.
Art. YI. The Society shall meet an¬
nually, at the time and place of the Con¬
ference.
Art. YII. It shall be the duty of
Conference, by such rules and regulations
as it may deem wise, to give the Society
the greatest possible efficiency.
CHAPTER IX.
educational department.
What shall be done to increase the
facilities for education among us, and
bring those facilities within the reach of
the masses of our people ?
Ans. 1. We hereby institute a bureau
in the church, to be known as " The Bu¬
reau of Education."
2. The General Conference shall elect
from among the traveling preachers a
Commissioner of Education, who shall
326
EDUCATION.
have charge of thb department and con¬
duct its affairs, in conjunction with the
boards of council hereinafter provided.
3. The Commissioner shall enter im¬
mediately upon the duties of his office,
and continue therein four years as other
general officers of the church, and shall
receive a salary of not more than twelve
hundred dollars ($1200) per annum, as
hereinafter provided for.
4. The Bench of Bishops, Commissioner
of Education and Financial Secretary,
shall compose the general board of coun¬
cil, and they shall hold their annual
meeting at the time and place of meeting
of the Financial Board.
5. The General Board of Council and
the Commissioners shall have full power
to visit and examine the system of gov¬
ernment and methods of instruction em¬
ployed in all the schools under the pa¬
tronage of our Church, and they shall
secure, as far as possible, uniformity of
methods and practice in all the schools.
The Commissioner shall make a full
report to the ensuing General Conference
EDUCATION.
327
of all moneys and subscriptions raised by
him, or for his department. He shall
make an annual report also to the Board
of Counselors, who shall cause the same
to be published in the Christian Recorder.
He shall travel at large, visit the Con¬
ferences, and lay his plans before them,
and the Bishops and Conference shall
give him their aid and encouragement,
and if need be, a collection in aid of the
work.
6. Each Annual Conference wherein
it is desirable to establish a school or
schools, shall elect a local Board to be
composed of three ministers and two lay¬
men who shall have power, with the ad¬
vice of the Commissioner and presiding
Bishop of the district, to locate the school
and hire or purchase buildings, grounds,
etc., for the same. Their annual meeting
shall »be at the same time and place with
that of the Annual Conference.
The Trustees of all schools established
under this chapter shall be appointed by
election of the Annual Conference, in the
bounds of which it is located, and the
328
EDUCATION.
property acquired shall be deeded to
them and their "successors in office for
the people of the connection, as in other
cases of church property. In case of the
death, resignation or expulsion of the
Commissioner of Education, a majority
of the Bishops shall fill the vacancy.
1. It shall be the duty of each Annual
Conference to set apart a day in the
Conference year, to be devoted exclusively
to raising money for the cause of educa¬
tion. Notice of every such collection
shall be given in all our papers, at least
one month prior to the time appointed for
the same in each Conference, and the
pastors of all circuit stations and missions,
shall publish or cause the same to be
done from their pulpits, and by such
other means as the local board may
direct.
2. The local boards shall appoint a
traveling or local preacher, or layman,
one or more as they may see necessary,
as agent or agents for the school of their
district. -The certificates of appointment
shall be signed by the Commissioner and
EDUCATION.
329
the Bishop of the district. Such appoint¬
ment must be renewed annually, or may
be revoked at any time by the Local
Boards. The Local Boards shall provide
for the government of their agents, and
all our pastors shall give them such aid,
information and assistance as may be in
their power.
3. All moneys raised at the annual
collections shall be forwarded to the
Financial Secretary forthwith, as other
public moneys; and all moneys raised
through subscriptions, collections, etc., by
the Commissioner, shall be likewise for¬
warded to the Secretary at least once a
quarter, except such as is necessary for
his traveling expenses, and all the moneys
so received shall be credited by the
Financial Secretary to the " Educational
Fund."
4. The Financial Secretary shall pay
out of this fund the salary of the Com¬
missioner quarterly, as other salaries are
paid; provided, also, that the Financial
Secretary shall pay the Commissioner out
of any fund in the Church treasury not
330
EDUCATION.
otherwise appropriated, a sum not exceed¬
ing sixty per centum of the amount
herein allowed, except for the first quarter,
which may be paid in full; and all
money so paid shall be charged against
that fund, and returned to the treasury as
soon as a surplus sufficient has been
accumulated in the educational fund.
This salary shall be paid on the order of
the Commissioner, or as the bishop and
other general officers are paid.
Parochial schools for primary instruc¬
tion shall be established in all our
charges when practicable, and the element
of moral and religious obligation to God,
to your country and our Church shall
not be neglected in any of our schools.
The Commissioner of Education shall
give counsel and encouragement for the
founding of such schools.
sunday-school.
331
CHAPTER X.
sunday school.
Section 1.—How shall we extend the
influence of the Sunday School ?
Ans. 1.— We hereby create a Sunday
School Department, to be presided over
by the Missionary Secretary.
Article 1-—It shall be the duty of each
Annual Conference at its first session,
next after the adjournment of the Gen¬
eral Conference, to provide for a division
of the Sunday-schools within its limits
into one or more Sunday-school Districts.
The Conference shall also name the time
and place for holding an Annual Meeting
of pastors, superintendents, and teachers
in each district. At each Annual Dis¬
trict Meeting a district superintendent
and district secretary shall be chosen.
Article 2.—Quarterly meetings shall
be held in each district at which time
reports shall be received from the schools
of that district, showing the statistics, and
describing the "methods of instruction
adopted in each school.
332 SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Article 3.—It shall be the duty of the
District Secretary, besides keeping the
minutes of the Annual and Quarterly
Meetings, to make a Quarterly report to
the Missionary Secretary, showing the
condition of the schools in the district for
the quarter.
Article 4.—On the reception of the
Quarterly reports,-the Missionary Secre¬
tary shall publish a condensed report for
the quarter, embracing the returns from
each Annual Conference Sunday-school
district.
Article 5.—The officers of each District
Meeting may provide for the holding of
Teachers' Institutes, Sunday-school Teach¬
ers' Normal classes, or for a series of meet¬
ings, the design of which shall be to better
prepare our teachers for the work assigned
them, and to awaken an increasing interest
in, and improvement of, the Sunday-
schools of our church.
Article 6.—To provide for the uni¬
formity of the reports to be presented
to each Quarterly District Meeting, the
Business Manager of the African M. E.
sunday school.
333
Church Publication Department, shall
publish a series of blank forms s^
arranged as to suggest the information
desired for collation at each Quarterly
District Meeting.
Article 7.—The Sec'ry having general
oversight of the Sunday-school Depart¬
ment shall arrange the questions to be
printed on each blank.
Section IL—Article 1.—It shall be
the duty of the pastors and teachers to
hold (wherever practicable), Quarterly
Concert Meetings, for the purpose of
reviewing the lessons of the quarter,
catechism exercises, and singing or the
preaching of a children's sermon.
Section III.—Constitution of Sunday
Schools of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church.
Article 1.—This Sunday School is con¬
nected with the African Methodist
Episcopal Church at and shall
be known as the Sunday School.
Article 2.—The officers of this school
shall be the pastor in charge, as Superin¬
tendent in chief, a Superintendent, and
334
SUNDAY SCHOOL.
an Assistant Superintendent, a Secretary,
Treasurer and a Librarian, each of
whom shall perform the usual duties of
their respective offices.
Article 3.—The Pastor and Superin¬
tendents shall determine the hours of
holding the school sessions.
Article 4.—On the second in
January (or July) the terms for -which
all the officers are elected shall expire,
and the annual election shall take place.
Article 5.—The teachers shall elect all
the officers (except the pastor,) but the
right to confirm, or reject shall remain
with the pastor.
Article 6.—In the absence of the pastor,
the superintendent shall preside at the
teachers' meeting, and in absence of both,
the assistant superintendent shall preside.
Article 7.—Meetings for the transaction
of business shall be held on the second
in each month. The following
order of business shall be observed: 1st.
Reading of minutes of previous meeting.
2nd. Committee's reports. 3d. Teachers'
reports. 4th. Librarian's report. 5th.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
335
Treasurer's report. 6th. Unfinished busi¬
ness. 7th. Miscellaneous business. The
nomination of any person for teacher
shall be made at the teachers' monthly
meeting. Any person so proposed, by the
consent of a majority and subscribing to
this Constitution may become a teacher,
provided there should be no reasonable
objection by the pastor and superinten¬
dent.
Article 8.—This Constitution can only
be amended at a session of the General
Conference of the African M. E. Church.
Article 9.—By-Laws may be adopted
by the teachers' meeting, provided the
said By-Laws are in accord with all the
provisions of this Constitution.
Article 10.— The Sunday-school ex¬
ercises shall be opened first by singing,
prayer and reading a portion of the
Scriptures by the superintendent, or such
suitable person as may be appointed by
him.
The teachers in all our schools when¬
ever the same is practicable shall be reli¬
gious and of good report.
COURSE OF STUDY
TO BE
Pursued by Candidates for the Ministry
OF THE
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
I.
PREPARATORY.
It is expected of Candidates for Admission
into the itinerant work, to have a fair knowledge
of the following studies:
1. English Grammar.—Smith or Quackenbos.
2. Geography.—Mitchell.
3. Arithmetic.—Brooks or GreenleaJ.
4. Discipline of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church and the Bible.
[Read (1) Payne's Semi-Centenary and Re¬
trospection. (2) Tanner's Apology for African
Methodism. (3) Hawley's Manual of Method¬
ism.]
COUESE OF STUDY.
337
II.
FIRST TEAR.
1. First Lessons in Composition.—Hart.
2. History of the United States and Modern
Europe.— Quackenbos.
3. Church History.— Waddington-
4. Theological Institutes, (Part I).— Watson
or Ralston.
5. Homiletics.—Kidder.
6. Sacred Geography.—Coleman.
7. Mental Philosophy.— Upham.
8. A Written Sermon.
[Read Jamison's Notes on the Twenty-five
Articles. Bishop Way man on the Discipline of
the African M. E. Church.]
III.
SECOND YEAR.
1. Statement and Scripture Proofs of Bible
Doctrine.
2. Theological Institutes, (Part II).— Watson
or Ralston.
3. Church History.—Continued.
4. Moral Science.— Wayland.
5. Baptism.—Hibbard.
G. Written Sermon.
[Read—(]) Wesley's Sermons. (2). Stevens'
History of Methodism. (3) Wliedon on the
Will. (4) Emory's Defense of our Fathers. (5)
Bishop Simpson's Hundred Years of Method-
338.
COURSE OF STUDY.
ism. (6) Gaussen's Origin and Inspiration of the
Bible. (7) Rawlinson's Historical Evidences.
(8) Shedd's Homiletics and Pastoral Theology.]
IT.
THIRD YEAR.
1. Theological Institutes, (Part III).— Watson
or Ralston■„
2. Moral Philosophy.—Haven.
3. Bible Hand-Book.—Angus.
4. Introduction to the Gospel Records.—Nast.
5. Analogy.—Butler.
6. Logic.— Whately.
7. Written Sermon.
[Read—(1) Watson's Sermons. (2) Hagen-
bach's History of Doctrines. (3) Hurst's His¬
tory of Rationalism. (4} I^Aubigne's History
of the Reformation. (5) Wythe's Agreement
of Science and Revelation.]
V.
FOURTH TEAR.
1. Theological Institutes, (Part IV).— Watson
or Ralston.
2. The Bible and Modern Thought.—Birhs.
3. Goodrich's Universal History.
4. Written Sermon.
[Read—(1) Cousin's The True, the Beautiful
and the Good.]
COURSE OF STUDY. 839
Questions on Review to be answered by can¬
didates cn completion of fourth years studies,
or upon examination for Elder's Orders.
PERSONAL RELIGIOUS LIFE AND HABITS.
The very great excellence of the following is
our 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. AVhat are the evidences of a divine call to
the ministry ?
4. State what you consider to be the main
duties of the ministerial office, and the neces¬
sary qualifications for the discharge of them.
5. By what means may these qualifications be
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
of the Scriptures, and with what method do you
study them ?
340
COUKSE OF STUDY.
EXAMINATION ON 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 how it was produced.
8. Give an epitome of the history of the Is¬
raelites from the time of the Exodys to the
death of Joshua.
9. Recount 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.
COURSE OF STUDY.
341
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.
16. 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 ?
ON THE DOCTRINES 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.
6. Give the Scripture proof of the Personal¬
ity, Divinity, and Work of the Holy Spirit.
3-12
COURSE OF STUDY.
7. What was the effect of Adam's sin 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 sanctincation.
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 argu¬
ments by which each is disproved.
19. IIow do you prove that the wicked will
not be annihilated ?
COURSE Otf STUDY. 343
20. State the "Scripture doctrine of the resur¬
rection of the body, and give the proofs.
CHURCH ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNMENT.
1. State the different forma of Church gov¬
ernment.
2. State the character of the organization in
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 powers
of the General Conference and of the Annual
and Quarterly Conferences in the African Me¬
thodist Episcopal Church ?
4. What are the peculiar duties and powers
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 for
its proper exercise, fixed ?
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
1. Enumerate and describe the principal Jew¬
ish sects existing at the time of Christ.
2. Give some account of the early persecu¬
tions of the Christians.
3. Mention some circumstances in the etate>
344
COURSE OF STUDY.
'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
!—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 Wesley an 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 of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church since
it.l organization.
course of study. 345
[Read — Thomson's Evidences of Revela¬
tion ; M'Clintock'a Methodology; Kidder's
Christian Pastorate; Hervey's Christian Rhet¬
oric ; Conybeare and Howson's Life and Epis¬
tles of St. Paul.]
Books op Reference.1—Fleming's Vocabu¬
lary of Philosophy; Smith's smaller Classical
Dictionary; M'Clintock and Strong's Cyclopae¬
dia ; Haydn's Dictionary of Dates."
a recommendation 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
desire most profitably to read the Scriptures, that
they pursue the following course, viz.:—Eead a
portion of the Scriptures each and every day. 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
346
COURSE OF STUDY.
become learned in the Scriptures. Read a few
sentences, or a paragraph, then stop, reflect, and
inwardly digest the subject, 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 the
Scriptures will be the best, the most profitable of
any for you to pursue in the studjr 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.
BENEVOLENCE.
347
" Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think
ye have eternal life, and they are they which tes¬
tify of me," 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 the soul of man
can comprehend. The hundred-and-fourth 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.
THE PRIMITIVE RULE OF GIVING 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.
348 BENEVOLENCE.
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 no com¬
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 instanees 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 early period, it appears most like¬
ly that there was little opportunity afforded, as a
BEXEVOLEXCE.
349
general thing, for laying by their benefactions.
They 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 confess I do not see.
350 BENEVOLENCE.
If the rule was the best one for its original pur¬
pose, why 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 the
Gospel.
IITIDE2C.
Antinomianism, what is it ? 31.
Asburv, Bishop, Preface iv. v. vi.—" We mil
not serve you on such terms."
Attendance upon ordinances, 61, 68.
Annual Conference, 86.
Absent from Work, 123.
Arbitration, 161, 170.
Appeal, 175.
Bethel, Historical Preface, v.
Birch, Robert, Historical Preface, viii.
Baltimore, Action in, Historical Preface, viii.
Borrowing, 61.
Band Societies, 64.
Bishops, decisions of, 90; duties of, 99; trial
of, 153; ordination of, 241; support of, 303.
Band, 109.
Baptism, 189; adult, 196.
Burial Service, 212.
Boundaries, 278.
Catechism on Faith, 25.
Convention, the, Historical Preface, ix.
Choir, 70.
Class-meeting, 71.
Children, 78.
Conference year, when begin, 99.
Communion, 177.
Corner-stone, 255.
352
INDEX.
Doctrines, 11.
Doubt, 37.
Doing good, 61, 62, 67.
Directions to the bands. 67.
Dress, 77, 146.
Deacons, 113; duties of, 113-118; ordination
of, 217.
Desist from preaching, 139.
Dedication, 266.
Emory, John, Historical Preface, viii.
Education, 79.
Expense of Delegates to General Conference, 86.
Elders, 108; duties of, 108-113; ordained, 224.
Exhorters, 131.
Faith, 26.
Family Prayer, 68,141.
Fasting, 63,68, 112.
Fugue Tunes, 71.
Full Membership, 73.
Full Connection, 124.
General Rules, 57-63.
General Conference, 81; restrictions, 84; extra
session called, 98,
Going to law, 171.
Historical Preface, iii.-x.
Helping each other, 62.
Heresy, 159.
Intemperance, 65, 173.
Interfering, 166.
Incorporated Churches. 174.
INDEX.
353
Jews, 242.
Justified, "what is it to be ? 25,
Leaders of Classes, 72.
Lay Delegates, 82.
Local Preachers, 94, 128; their trial, 163.
Licentiates, 118; duties, 118-123.
Lord's Supper, 177.
Merciful, 61.
Marriage, rules relating to, 75; solemnization of,
205.
Ministry, the, 98.
Members, how received ; trial of, 1G7.
Meditation, 137.
Maladministration, 158.
Ornaments, 67.
Official Board, 94.
Other denominations, 126.
Ordination, Deacons, 217; Elders, 224; Bishops,
241.
Public worship, 68.
Probationers, 73.
Presiding Elders, 103.
Preaching, 99, 134, 140.
Preachers, 99, 135, 145; their trial, 155.
Prayer, 135.
Property, 285.
Quarterly Conference, 91.
Roberts, R. R. Historical Preface vii.—" That
man has taken my appointment."
Restrictions, 84.
Reception of members, 171.
354
INDEX.
Sanctification, 39.
Softness, 61, 67.
Sunday, 67.
Singing, 69, 70.
Sabbath-school, 131, 132.
Scriptures, 137.
Serious persons, 152.
Schism, 159.
Sacrament, the, 177.
Stewards, 295.
Support, 299.
Treasures on earth, 61.
Temperance, 67.
Treasury, 97.
Transfers, 101.
Traveling Preachers, 124.
Trial of those moved to preach, 132,
Temporal Economy, 278.
Trustees, 282.
Talking in Church, 286.
Unacceptability in the ministry, 160„
Visiting, 140.
Without letter, 74.