THE DOCTRINES
AND
D I  S  C  I  P   L   I  N 
OF THE
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIIHUCIl.
iltCilnnnati
PUBLISHED BY SWORPIMSTEDT & POE,
Corner of Main and Eighthl streets.
R. P. TIOMPSON, PRINTER.
185-1.




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 185.
BY CARLTON & IHILLIPFS,
In the Clerk's Office of the Disti ict Court )f the South'
ern District of Ne w-York.




TO THE MEMBERS
OF THE
MEIHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
DEARLY BELOVED BRETHIREN, —-      Ve
think it expedient to give you a brief
account of the rise of Methodism, both
in Europe and America.  "In 1729,
two young men, in England, reading
the Bible, saw they could not be saved
without holiness: followed after it, and
incited others so to do. In 1737, they
saw, likewise, that men are justified
before they are sanctified: but still holiness was their object. God then thrust
them out to raise a holy people."*
In the year 1766, Philip Embury, a
local preacher of our society, from Ireland, began to preach in the city of
* These are the words of Messrs. Wesley themWlveY,




4             ADDRESS.
New-York, and formed a society pf his
own countrymen and the citizens; and
the same year, Thomas Webb preached
in  a hired room  near the barracks,
About the same time, Robert Straw.
bridge, a local preacher fiom Irelandc
settled in Frederick county, in the state
of Maryland, and, preaching there, formed some societies.  The first Methodist
church was built in New-York in 17G8
or 1769; and in 1769 Richard Board
man and Joseph Pilmoor came to NewYork; who were the first regular Methodist preachers on the continent. In the
latter end of the year 1771, Francis Asbury and Richard Wright, of the same
order, came over.
We believe that God's design in raising up the preachers called Methodists
in America, was to reform the continent,
and spread Scripture holiness over these
lands. As a proof hereof, we have seen,
since that time, a great and glorious work
of God, from New-York, through the
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North and South Caro



ADDRESS.              5
lina, and Georgia; as also, of late, to
the extremities of the western and eastern states.
We esteem it our duty and privilege
most earnestly to recommend to you, as
members of our Church, our FORM OF
DISCIPLINE, which has been founded on
the experience of a long series of years;
as also on the observations and remarks
we have made on ancient and modern
Churches.
We wish to see this little publication
in the house of every Methodist; and
the more so, as it contains the articles
of religion maintained more or less, in
part or in whole, by every reformed
Church in the world.
Far from wishing you to be ignorant
of any of our doctrines, or any part of
our discipline, we desire you to rea,!
mark, learn, and inwardly digest, th-"
whole.  You ought, next to the ivord
of God, to procure the articles and canons of the Church to which you belong.
This present edition is small and cheap,
and we can assure you that the profits




vi           ADDRESS.
of the sale of it shall be applied to cha
titable and religious purposes.
We remain your very affectionate
brethren and pastors, who labour night
and day, both in public and in private,
for your good.
BEVERLY WAUGH,
THOMAS A. MORRIS,
EDMUND S. JANES,
LEVI SCOTT,
MATTHEW SIMPSON,
EDWARD R. AMES,
OSMAN C. BAKER.




CONTENTS.
PART 1.
ORIGIN, DOCTRINESt AND ADMINISTRATIVE RULES.
CHAPTER I.
ORIGIN AND AlTICLES.
Sec. 1. Origin of the Methodist E. Church Page 13
Sec. 2. Articles of religion........................ 15
CHAPTER II.
GENERAL RULES, AND RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
Sec. 1. The nature, design, and general rules,
of our United Societies.......................... 25
Sec. 2. Of receiving members into the Church  30
CHAPTER   I.
OF THE CONFERENCES.
Sec. 1. Of our deportment at the Conferences 81
Sec. 2. Of the General Conference................  82
Sec. 3. Of the Annual Conferences............. 34
Sec. 4. Of the Quarterly Conferences............ 37




8                    CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
OF THE MMISTERS.
Sec. 1. Of the election  and consecration  of
Bishops, and of their duty.................. l'age 
Sec. 2. Of the Presiding Elders, and of their
duty....................................................  43
Sec. 3. Of  the  election  and  ordination  of
travelling Elders, and of their duty...........  45
Sec. 4. Of the election and ordination of travelling Deacons, and of their duty..............  45
Sec. 5. Of the  reception  of preachers from
the Wesleyan Connexion and from  other
denominations.......................................  48
Sec. 6. Of the examination of those who think
they are moved by the Holy Ghost to preach   49
Sec. 7. Of the method of receiving travelling
preachers on trial...................................  50
Sec. 8. Of receiving travelling preachers into
full connexion.......................................  51
Sec. 9. Of the rules for a preacher's conduct  53
Sec. 10. Of the  duty  of preachers to  God,
themselves, and one another....................  55
Sec. 11. Of the duty of those who have charge
of circuits or stations..............................  58
Sec. 12. Of the matter and manner of preaching......................................................  64
Sec. 13. Rules by which we should continue
or desist from  preaching at any place......  64
Sec. 14. Of visiting  from   house  to  house,
guarding against those things that are so
common to professors, and enforcing practical religion...........................................  65




CONTENTS.                           9
Sec. 15. Of  employing  our time  profitably
when we are not travelling, &c........... Pa'ge 71
Sec. 16. Of the necessity of union among ourselves................................................  72
Sec. 17. Of supernumerary and superannuated
or worn-out preachers.............................  73
Sec 18  Of local preachers......................  74
CHAPTER V.
OF THE MEANS OF GRACE.
Sec. 1. Of public worship............................  77
Sec. 2. Of the spirit and truth of singing.......  78
Sec. 3. Of class-meetings and love-feasts........  79
Sec. 4. Of band societies............................   81
CHAPTER VI.
OF THE INSTRUCTION OF CHILDREN.
Of Sunday schools and the religious instruction of children....................................  85
CHAPTER VII.
OF THE PRINTING AND CIRCULATION OF RELIGIOUS
TRACTS.
Of the printing and circulation of religious
tracts...................................................  87'CHAPTER VIII.
OF DRESS AND MARRIAGE.
Sec. 1. Of dress........................................  88
8eo. 2. Of marriage................................  88




10                   COXTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
OF BRIIGtiOG MTTISTERS  AND MEMBtRS TO TRIAl,
AND OF THE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES.
Sec. 1. Of the trial of a Bishop...............Page 90
Sec. 2. Of the method of proceeding against
accused travelling ministers or preachers...  91
Sec. 3. Of the trial of local preachers............  96
Sec. 4. Of bringing to trial, finding guilty, and
reproving, suspending, or excluding, disorderly persons from  society  and Church
privileges............................................  98
PART II.
THE RITUAL.
CHAPTER I.
THE ORDER OF BAPtISM.
Sec. 1. Of general directions respecting baptism....................................................   103
Sec. 2. Of the  ministration  of baptism   to
infants...............................................  103
Sec. 3. Of the ministration of baptism  to such
as are of riper years.............................. 107
CHAPTER II.
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
Sec. 1. General  directions  respecting  the
Lord's supper....................................... 11
Sec. 2. The order for the  administration  of
the Lord's supper............................ 118




CONTEXTS.                   11
CHAPTER III.
FORMS OF ORDINATION.
Sec 1. The form of ordaining aBishop...Page 122
Sec. _. The form  and manner of ordaining
Elders.................................................. 132
Sec. 3. The form  and manner of making of
1)ea ons...............................................  14
CHAPTER IV.
THE FORM OF SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY.
The form of solemnization of matrimony...... 149
CHAPTER V.
ORDER OF THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD.
The order of the burial of the dead.............. 155
PART III.
TEMPORAL ECONOMY.
CHAPTER I.
OV THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCES,
Of the boundaries of the Annual Conferences. 158
CHAPTER II.
OF CHURCHES AND CHURCH PROPERTY.
ec -1. Of building churches, and the order to
be ouserved therein................................ 169
Sec. 2. Form of a deed of settlement............ 171
Sec. S. Of trustees....................................  175




12                  CONTENTS.
CHAPTER III.
OF SUPPORT AND SUPPLIES.
Sec. 1. Of the support of bishops............Page 178
Sec. 2. Of the  allowance  to  ministers  and
preachers, and to their wives, widows, and
children............................... 
Sec. 3. Local preachers to have an allowance
in certain cases................................... 182
Sec. 4. Of the qualifications, appointment, and
duty, of the stewards of circuits and stations...................................................   182
Sec. 5. Of raising annual supplies for the propagation of the gospel, &c......................... 184
Sec. 6. Of building and renting houses for the
use of the travelling preachers................. 188
CHAPTER IV.
THE SUPPORT OF MISSIONS.
The support of missions............................. 190
CHAPTER V.
OF THE CHARTERED FUND.
Of the Chartered Fund.............................. 195
CHAPTER VI.
PRINTING AND CIRCULATING OF BOOKS.
Of printing and circulating of books............ 197
CHAPTER VII.
OF SLAVERY.
Of slavery............................................... 200




TIIE
DOCTRINES AND DISCIPLINE
OF TilE
METHODIST E. CHURCI.
PART I.
rffgni, Boctriuav, diarb.;mbnilltvraitBe
CTIAPTERl I.
ORIGIN AND ARTICLES.
SECTION I.
Of the Origin of the Mlethodist E. Church.
TxI  preachers andt members of our society
in general, being convincted that there was
a great deficiency of vital religion in the
Church of IEnl^andl in America, an(t being
in many places destitlute of the Christian
sacraments, as several of the clergy lhad forsaken their churches, reqluested the late Rev.
Jchn I'esley to take such measures, in his
wisdom anr  pruldeltce, as would aito rd them
suitable relief in their distress.
In con1sequence of this, our venerable
friend, who, under (;-o, had been the tfther
of the great revival of religion now extending over the earth, by the means of the




14      ARTICLES OF RELIGION.  Part I,
Methodists, determined to ordain ministers
for America; and fbr this purpose, in the
year 1784, sent over three regularly ordained  clergy: but preferring the episcopal
mode of Church government to any other,
he solemnly set apart, by the imposition of
his hands and prayer, one of them, name'y
Thoom.a Coke, Doctor of Civil Law, late of
Jesus College, in the University of Oxford,
and a presbyter of the Church of England,
for the episcopal office; and having delivered to him letters of episcopal orders, commissioned and directed him  to set apart
Francis Asbury, then general assistant of the
Methodist Society in America, for the same
episcopal office; he, the said Francis Asbury.
being first ordained deacon and elder. In
consequence of which, the said Frarcis Asbury was solemnly set apart for the said
episcopal office by prayer, and the imposition of the hands of the said Thomas Coke,
other regularly ordained ministers assisting
in the sacred ceremony. At which time the
General Conference, held at Baltimore, did
unanimously receive the said Thomas Coke
and Francis Asbury as their bishops, being
fully satisfied of the validity of their episcw
pal ordination.




Ch.i, ~ 2. ARTICLES OF RELIGION.       15
SECTION II.
ARTICLES OF RELIGION.
I. Of Faith in the Iloly Trinity.
TnrEr is but one living and true God,
everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite
power, wis(om, and goodness: the maker
and preserver of all things, visible and invisible.  And in unity of tils (Godhead, there
are three persons, of one substance, power,
and eternity;-the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Ghost.
II. Of the Word, or Son of God, who was
rllme very Mlan.
The Son, wo is the Word of tle Fatxer,
thei 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 divided, whereof
is one Christ, very God and very man, who
truly suffered, was crucified, dead and buried, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be
a swerifice, not only for original guilt, but
also for 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 ap
pertaining to the perfection of man s nature,




16      ARTICLES OF RELIGION.  Part I,
wherewith he ascended into heaven, and
there sitteth until he return to judge all men
at the last day.
IV. Of the Ioly Ghost.
The Iloly Ghost, proceeding from  the
Father and the Son, is of one substance,
majesty, andl lory, with the Father and the
Son, very and eternal God.
V. Tlte Sufficiency of thle Holy Scriptures
for Sauvation.
The Holy Scriptures contain all things
necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever
is not read therein, nor may 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 Ioly Scripture,
we do understand those canonical books of
the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.
The Names of the Canonical Books.
(Genesis,
Exodus,
Leviticus,
Numblers,
Deuteronomy,
Joshua,
Judles,
Ruth,
The First Book of Samuel,
The Second Book of Samuel,




Ch. i, ~ 2. ARTICLES OF RELIGION.      17
The First Book of Kings,
The Second Book of Kins,
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:
411 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 the
New; for both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to mankind by
Christ, who is the only Mediator 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
Ly  loses, as touching ceremonies and rites,
doth not bind Christians, nor ought n he civil
precepts thereof of necessity be received in
any commonwealth; yet, notwithstanding,
no Christian whatsoever is free from the
obedience of the commandments which are
called moral.
2




18      ARTICLES OF RELIGION. Part I,
VI. Of Original or Birth Sin.
Original sin stantleth not in the following
of Adam, (as the Pelagians do vainly talk,)
but it is the corruption of the nature of evert
man, that naturally is engendered of the off:
pmrin^  At am, ^wT^k.\ mum is ~\^\y f U
gone from original righteousness, and of lhb
own nature incilined to evil, and that con.
tinually.
HIII. Of Free Will.
The condition of man after the fall of Adam
is such, that he cannot turn and prepare himself, by his own natural strength and works,
to ftith, anrd catl;g^ upon G(od; wbereforo
we have no power to (lo good works, pleasant and acceptable to God, without the grace
of God by Christ preventinl us, that we may
have a good will, and working with us, when
we have that Tood will.
IX. Of the Justcfication of Mlan.
We are accounted righteous before Cod,
only fi)r tthe merit of our Lord and Saviour
)elsus Christ biv fith, and not for our owr,
works or (teservin's: —Wherefore, tlhat we
are justified by- faith only, is a most whole.
some doctrine, aond very full of comfort.
X. Of Good Tforkls.
Altlhouglh oo, d col ws, which are the fruits
of faith, and follow after justification, cannot
put away our sins, and endure the severity




Ch.i, ~ 2. ARTICLES OF RELIGION.       19
of God's judgments; yet are they pleasing
and acceptable to God in Christ, and spring
out o' a true and lively faith, insomuch that
by them a lively faith may be as evidently
known as a tree is discerned by its fiuit.
XI. Of Works of Supererogation.
Voluntary  works,-besides, over, and
above God's commandments-which are called works of supererogation, cannot be taught
without arrogancy and impiety. For by
them men ldo declare that they do not only
render unto God as much as they are bound
to do, but that they do more for his sake than
of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ
saith plainly, When ye have done all that is
commanded you, say, We are unprofitable
servants.
XII. Of Sin after Justfication.
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 such as
fall into sin after justification: after we have
received the Holy Ghost, we may depart
from grace given, and fall into sin, and, by
the grace of God, rise again and amend our
lives. And therefore they are to be condemlned who say they can no more sin as
long as they live here: or deny the place of
forgivaeness to such as truly repent.




20     ARTICLES OF RELIGION.  Part I
XIII. Of the Church.
The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of' fiithful men, in which the pure
word of God is preached, and the sacraments
duly administered, according to Christ's or.
dinance, in all those things that of necessi't
are requisite to the same.
XIV. Of Purgatory.
The Romish doctrine concerning purgatory, pardon, worshipping, and adoration, as
well of images as of relics, and also invocation of saints, is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded upon no warrant of Scripture, but repugnant to the word of God.
XV. Of spealing 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 primitive
Church, to have public prayer in the Church,
or to minister the sacraments, in a tongue
not understood by the people.
XVI. Of the Sacranments.
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 good-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.




Ch.i, ~ 2. ARTICLES OF RELIGION.       21
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, orders,
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 apostles; and partly
are states of life allowed in the Scriptures, but
yet have not the like nature of baptism and
the Lord's supper, because they have not any
visible 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 operation: but
they that receive them unworthily, purchase
to themselves condemnation, as St. Paul
saith, I Cor. xi, 29.
XVII. Of Baptism.
Baptism is not only a sign of profession,
and mark of diflerence, whereby Christians
ire distinguished from others that are not
baptized: but it is also a sign of regeneration, or the new  birth.  The baptism  of
voung children is to be retained 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 have




22      ARTICLES OF RELIGION. Part I,
among themselves one to another, but rather
is a sacrament of our redemption 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 partaking of the blood of Christ
Transubstantiation, 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 bath given occasion to mans
superstitions.
The body of Christ is given, taken, and
eaten in the supper, only after a heavenly
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 worshipped.
XTX. Of both k:inds.
The cup of the Lord is not to be denied
to the hly people: for both the parts of the
Lord's supper, by Christ's ordintan' e and
commanI dment, ought to be administered to
all Christians alike.
XX. Of the one Oblation of Christ, finished
upon the Cross.
The offering of Christ, once made, is that
perfect redemption, propitiation, and satis



Ch.i, ~2. ARTICLES OF RELIGION.       23
faction 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 (lead,
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 commanded by God's law either to vow the
estate of single life, or to abstain from marriage: therefore it is lawful for them, as for
all other Christians, to marry at their own
discretion, as they shall judge the same to
serve best to godliness.
XXII. Of the Rites and Ceremonies of
C7turches.
It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same, or
exactly alike; for they have been always
different, and may be changed according to
the d,'versity of countries, times, and men's
manners, so that nothing be ordained 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 repugnant to the word of God, and
are ordained and approved by common authority, ought to be rebuked openly, that
others may fear to do the like, as one that




24       ARTICLES OF RELIGION.  Part I,
offendeth against the common order of the
Church, and woundeth the consciences of
weak brethren.
Every  particular Church may  ordain,
change, or abolish, rites and ceremonies, so
that all things may be done to edification
XXIII. Of the Rulers of the United Statet
of America.
The president, the congress, the general
assemblies, the governors, and the councils
of state, as the delegates of the people, are the
rulers of the United States of America, ac
cording to the division of power made to
them  by  the constitution of the United
States, 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,
* As far as it respects civil affairs, we believe it
the duty of Christians, and especially all Christian
ministers, to be subject to the supreme authority
of the country where they may reside, and to use
all laudable means to enjoin obedience to the pow
ers that be; and therefore it is expected that all ouI
preachers and people, who may be under the Brit.
ish, or any other government, will behave them.
selves as peaceable and orderly subjects.




Ch.ii,~1.   GENERAL RULES.           25
of such thins as he possesseth, liberally
to give alms to the poor, according to his
abilty.
XXV. Of a Ciristian lMan's Oath.
As we confess that vain and rash swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord
Jesus Christ and James his apostle; so we
judge that the Christian religion doth not
prohibit, but that a man may swear when
the magistrate requircth, in a cause of faith
and charity, so it be done according to the
prophet's teaching, in justice, judgment, and
truth.
CHAPTER II.
GENERAL RULES, AND RECEPTION OF
MEMBERS.
SECTION I.
The Nature, Design, and General Rules of
our United Socielies.
(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 for
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 continually hanging




26          GENERAL RULES.         Part I,
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 thenceforward they did every
week, namely, on Thursday, in the evening,
To these, and as many more as desired to
join with them, (for their number increased
daily,) he gave those advices from time to
time which he judged  most needful for
them; and they always concluded their
meeting with prayer suited to their several
necessities.
(2) This was the rise of the UNITED SO
CIETY, 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 ma~ help each other to work out their
salvation."
(3) That it may the more easily be discerned whether they are indeed working
out their own 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;
one of whom is styled the leader. It is his
duty,
I. To see each person in his class once a
week at least; in order,
1. To inquire how their souls prosper.
2. To advise, reprove, comfort, or exhort,
as occasion may require.
3. To receive what they are willing to




Ch. 11, ~ 1.   GENERAL RULES.            27
give toward the iellef of the preachers,
church, and poor.*
II. To meet the ministers and the stewards of the society once a week; in order,
1. To inform the minister of any that are
sick, or of any that walk disorderly, and
will not be ieproved.
2. To pay the stewards what they have
Teceived of their several classes in the week
preceding.
(4) There is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies, "a desire to flee
from  the wrath to 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 therefore expected  of all
who continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
First, By doiln no harm, by avoiding evil
of every kind, especially that which is most
generally practiced; such as,
The taking of the name of God in vain.
The profaliing the day of the Lord, either
ty doing ordinary work therein, or by buying or selling.
I)runkenness,     buying or selling spirituous
liquors, or drillkin  them, unless in cases of
extreme necessity.
Thle buing and s.ellin  of men, women,
and childlren, with ai intention to enslcave thlem.'ilyhitng, quarrelling, brawling, brother
* This part refers to towns and cities; where the
poor are geac rally numerous, and church expenses
UonM derable.




28          GENERAL RULES.         Part 1!
going to law with brother; returning evil
for evil; or railing for railing; the usino
many words in buying or selling.
The buying or selling goods that have not
paid the dutty.
The giving or taking things on usury, i. e.
unlawful interest.
Uncharitable or unprqfitable conversation,
particularly speaking evil of magistrates or
of nministers.
D)oing to others as we would not they
sliouid do unto us.
Doing what we know is not for the gloty
of (od: as,
The putting on of gold and costly apparel.
The taking such diversions as cannot be
used in the name of the Lord Jesus.
The singing those songs, or reading those
books, whi;.h do not tend to the knowledge
or love of God.
Softness and needless self-indulgence.
Laying up treasure upon earth.
Borrowing without a probability of paying; or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them.
(5) It is expecte(l of all who continue in
these societies, that they should continue to
evidence their desire of salvation,
Secondly, By doing good, by being in
every kind merciful after their power, as
they have opportunity, doing good of every
possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all
men.
To their bodies, of the ability which God
giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by




Ch.ii,~ 1.   GENERAL RULES.            29
clothing the naked, by visiting or helping
them that are sick or in prison.
To their souls, by instructing, reproving,
or exhorting all we have any intercourse
with; traml)ling under tbot that enthusiastic
doctrine, that "we are not to do good unless
our hearts be free to it."
By doing good, especially to them that are
of the household of fiith, or groaning so to
be; employing them  preferably to others,
buying one of another, helping each other
in business; and so much the more because
the world will love its own, and them only.
By all possible diligence and frugality, that
the gospel be not blamed.
By running with patience the race which
is set up before them, denying themselves, and
taking upl their cross daily; submitting to
bear the reproach of Christ, to be as the
filth and olTscouring of the world; and looking that men should say all manncer of evil
of tlhen fitdseli for the Lord's sake.
(6) It is expected of' all who desire to
continue in these societies, that they should
continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
Thirdly, By attending upon all the ordi
nances of God: such are,
The public worship of God:
The ministry of the word, either read or
expounded:
The supper of the Lord:
Fam;lv and private prayer:
Searching the Scriptures, and
Fasting or abstinence.




30     OF RECEIVING MEMBERS.  Part 1,
(7) These are the general rules of our
societies: all which we are taurght of God
to observe, even in his written word, whicb
is the only rule, and the sufficient rule both
of our faith and practice.  And all these we
know  his Spirit writes on truly awakened
hearts.  If there be any among us who ob
serve them  not, who habitually break any
of them, let it be known unto them  who
wratch 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 if then he repent not, he
hath no more place among us.  We have
delivered our own souls.
SECTION II.
Of Receiving Members into the Church.
Quest. 1. How shall we prevent inipropel
persons froml insinuating themselves into the
Church?
Answ. 1. Let none be received  into thli
Church until they are recoLmelnded 7by a leader with whom they have met at least six mon1th
on trial, and have been baptized; and shall on
examination by the rinister in charge, before
the Church, give satisfactor.y assurances both
of the correctness of their fiith, and their' illingness to observe and keep the rules of the
Church. Nevertheless, if a member in good
standing in any other orthodox Church shall
desire to unite with us, such applicant may,
by giving   satisfactory answers to the usual




Ch. iii,~ 1.    DEPORTMENT.            31
inquiries, be received at once into full fellowship.
2. Let none be admitted on trial, except
they are well recommended by one you know,
or until they have met twice or thrice in
class.
3. Read the rules to them the first time
they meet.
Quest. 2. HIow shall we be more exact in
receiving and excluding members?
Ans.w. The official minister or preacher
shall, at every quarterly meeting, read the
names of those that are received into the
Church, and also those that are excluded
therefrom.
CHAPTER III.
OF THE CONFERENCES.
SECTION 1.
Of our Deportment at the Conferences.
IT is desired that all things be considered
on these occasions as in the immediate prec
sence of God: that every person speak freely
whatever is in his heart.
Quest. How may we best improve our time
at the conferences?
Answ. 1. While we are conversing, let
us have an especial care to set God always
before us.
2. In the intermediate hours, let us redeem all the time we can for private exercises.




32       GENERAL CONFERENCE.  Part 1,
3. Therein let us give ourselves to prayer
for one another, and for a blessing on our
labor.
SECTION II.
Of the General Conference.
Quest. Whlo shall compose the Genera!
Conference, and what are the regulationu
and powers belonging to it?
Answ. 1. The General Conference shall
be composed of one member for every
twenty-one members of each annual con.
ference, to be appointedl either by seniority
or choice, at the discretion of such annual
conference: vet so that such representatives
shall have travelled at least four fill calendar
years from the time that they were received
on trial by an annual conference, and are
in full connextion at the time of holding the
conference.
2. The General Conference shall meet
on tlie first day of' May, in the year of our
Lord 1812, in the city of New-Yolk, and
thencefbrward on the first (lay of May once
in four years perpetually, in such place or
places as shall be fixed on by the General
Conference fiom time to time: but the general superintnenets, with or by the ad.
vice of all the annual conferences, oi if tiere
be no general superintendent, all the annual conferences respectively, shall have
power to call a General Confterence, if they
judge it necessary, at any time.
3. At all tinms when the General Conference is met, it shall take two-thirds of the




Ch. iii,  2. GE-ERAL CONFERENCE.         33
representative; of all the annual conferences
to make a quonlm for transacting business.
4. One of he general superinten(lent
shall preside in he General Conference; but
in case no gentral superintendent be pre.
sent, tle Gener,l Conference shall choose a
president pro ten.
5. The Gene-al Conference shall havy,
full powers to nake ru!es and( reg'lationl
for our Church, under the tollowing limitations and restrictions, namely: —
1. The Generl  Conference shall not revoke, alter, oi change our articles o' religion, nor establish any new standards or
rules of doctrine contrary to our present
existing and established standards of doctrine.
2. They shall not allow of more than one
representative for every fourteen mermbe;rs of the annual conference, nor allow
of a less n:mlher than one for every thirty:
provided, nevertheless, that when there
slhall be in any annual conference a fraction of two-thirds the number which shall
be fixed for the ratio of representation,
such annual conference shall be entitled
to an additional deleeate for such fraction;
and provided, also, that no conference shall
be denied the privileg'e of two delegates.
3. They shall not chang'e or alter any parl
or rrlle of our government, so as to do
away episcopacy, or destroy the ilan of
our itinerant general superintendency.
4  rThey shall not revoke or change the general rules of the UJnted Societies.
3




34       ANNUAL CONFERnCES.  Part I,
5. They shall not do away tie privileges of
our ministers or preachrs of trial by
a committee, and of an ppeal: neither
shall they do away the pivileges of our
members of trial before tie society, or by
a committee, and of an appeal... They shall not approprhte the produce
of the Book Concern, n(r of the Charter
Fund, to any purpose oher than for the
benefit of the travelling, supernumerary,
superannuated and worn-out preachers,
their wives, widows, and children.  Pr'ovided, nevertheless, that upon the concurrent recommendation of three-fourths of
all the members of the several Annual
Conferences, who shall be present and vote
on such recommendation, then a majority
of two-thirds of the General Conference
succeeding shall suffice to alter any of the
above restrictions, excepting the first article: and also, whenever such alteration
or alterations shall have been first recommended by two-thirds of the General
Conference, so soon as three-fourths of
the members of all the Annual Conferences
shall have concurred as aforesaid, such al
teration or alterations shall take effect
SECTION III.
Of the Annual Conferences.
Quest. 1. Who shall attend the Annual
Conferences?
Answ. All the travelling preachers-both




Ch. iii, ~ 3. ANNUAL CONFERENCES.    35
those who are in full connexion, and those
who are on trial.
Quest. 2. Who shall appoint the times of
holding the Annual Conferences?
Answ. The Bishops: but they shall allow
the Annual Conferences to sit a week at
least.
Quest. 3. Who shall appoint the places of
holding the Annual Conferences?
Answ. Each Annual Conference shall
appoint the place of its own sitting.
Quest. 4. Who shall preside at the Annual Conferences?
Answ. The Bishop. In case no Bishop
be present, a Presiding Elder, appointed by
a Bishop, by letter or otherwise, shall preside. But if no appointment be made, or
if the Presiding Elder appointed do not
attend, the Conference shall in either of
these cases elect the President by ballot,
without a debate, from among the Presiding
Elders.
Quest. 5. What is the method wherein we
usually proceed in the Annual Conferences?
Anesw. Ve inquire,
1. What preachers are admitted on trial?
2 Who remain on trial?
3 Who are admitted into full connexion?
4 Who are the Deacons?
5 Who have been elected and ordained
Elders this year?
6. Who have located this year?
7. Who are the supernumeraries?
&. Who are the superannuated or worn-out
preachers?




86      ANNUAL CONFERENCES. Part 1,
9. Who have been expelled from the connexion this year?
10. Who have withdrawn from the connexion this year?
1-1. Are all the preachers blameless in life
and conversation?
12. Who have died this year?
13. What is the number of members, aLd
what of probationers, in society?
14. What amounts are necessary for tho
superannuated preachers, and the widows
and orphans of preachers, and to make
up the deficiencies of those who have not
obtained their regular allowance on the
circuits?
15. What has been collected on the foregoing accounts, and how has it been applied?
16. What has been  contributed for the
support of Missions, what for the SundaySchool Union, what for the publication
and circulation of tracts, and what to aid
the American Bible Society?
17. Where.are the preachers stationed this
year?
18. Where and when shall ournext Conference be hfeld?
Quest. 6. Is there any other business ta
be done in the Annual Conferences?
Answz. 1. The electing and ordaining of
Deacons and Elders.
2. It shall be the duty of' each Annual
Conference to examine strictly into the state
of the domestic missions within its bounds,
and to allow none to remain on the list of




Ch. ii, ~ 4. QUIARTERLY:CO.NF-.RENCES.'37
its missions which, in the judgment of the
Conference, is able to support itself.
Quest. 7. Are there any other directions
to be given concerning the Annual Conferences?
Answ. There shall be thirty-nine Conferences in the year.  (See part iii. ch. 1,
page 158.)
A record of the proceedings of each Annual Conference shall be kept by a Secretary, chosen for that purpose, and shall be
signed by the President and Secretary; and
let a copy of the said record be sent to the
General Conference.
9 —For other special duties of the Annual Conference, with reference to Missions,
Sunday schools, and Tracts, see pages 190,
85, 87.
SECTION IV.
Of the Quarterly Conferences.
Quest. 1. Of whom shall the Quarterly
Conferences be composed?
Answ. Of all the travelling and local
preachers, exhorters, stewards, and classleaders of the circuit or station, and none
else. But the male superintendents of Sunday schools, being members of our'hurch,
shall, by virtue of their office, have a seat in
the Quarterly Conference having supervision
of their schools, with the right to speak.and
vote on questions relating to Sunday schools,
and on such questions only; and the Mis



88    QUARTERLY CONFERENCES. Part I,
sionary Committee (part iii, ch. iv, page 191)
shall have the right to a seat during the
action of the Conference on the subject of
Missions, but at no other time.
Quest. 2. Who shall preside in the Quarterly Conferences?
Answ. The Presiding Elder, and in his
absence the preacher in charge.
Quest. 3. How shall the minutes of the
Quarterly Conference be kept?
Anstw. The Quarterly Conference shall
appoint a Secretary to take down the proceedings thereof, in a book kept by one of
the Stewards of the circuit for that purpose.
Quest. 4. What shall be the regular business of the Quarterly Conference?
Answ. 1. To hear complaints, and to receive and try appeals.
2. To appoint a committee to make an
estimate of the amount necessary to furnish
fuel and table expenses for the family or
families of the preacher or preachers of the
circuit or station, which estimate shall be
subject to the action of the Quarterly Conference.  (See part iii, ch. iii, ~ 2, art. 6,
page 180.)
3. To take cognizance of all the local
preachers in the circuit or station, and to
inquire into the gifts, labours, and usefulness,
of each preacher by name; to license proper
persons to preach, and renew their license
annually, when in the judgment of said
Conference their gifts, grace, and usefulness,
will warrant such renewal; to recommend
to the Annual Conference suitable candi



Ch. iii, ~ 4. QUARTERLY CONFERENCES. 39
dates in the local connexion for Deacons'
or Elders' orders, and for admission on trial
in the travelling connexion; and to try,
suspend, expel, or acquit any local preacher
in the circuit or station against whom charges
may be brought.  Provided, that no person
shall be licensed to preach without the
recommendation of the society of which he
is a member, or of a leaders' meeting; nor
shall any one be licensed to preach, or recommended to the Annual Conference to travel,
or for ordination, without first being examined in the Quarterly Conference on the
subject of doctrines and discipline. (See
~ 6, p. 49, and ~ 18, p. 75.)
4. To appoint Stewards, the preacher in
charge having the right to nominate, (see
part iii, ch. iii, ~ 4, quest. 2, p. 183, and quest.
4, p. 184;) and to examine the characters
of exhorters annually, and  recommend
them, if approved, for renewal of license.
(See part i, ch. iv, ~ 11, quest 2, answ. 13,
p. 62.)
5. To appoint District Stewards as provided for in part iii, ch. iii, ~ 2, ans. 2, p. 181,
and a Parsonage Committee, if necessary.
(See part iii, ch. iii, ~ 6, answ. 3, p. 189.)
6. To appoint a Missionary Committee,
as provided for in part iii, ch. iv, art. 4,
p. 191.
7. To receive the annual reports of Trustees, as provided for in part iii, ch. ii, ~ 3,
art. 6, p. 177.
8. Each Quarterly Conference shall have
supervision of all the Sunday schools and




40              BISHOPS.           Part I,
Sunday-School Societies within its bounds.
(See part i, ch. iv, ~11, quest. 1, answ. 19,
p. 60; and ch. vi, answ. 1, p. 85.)
CHAPTER IV.
OF THE MINISTERS.
SECTION I.
Of the Election and Consecration of Bishops,
and of their Duty.
Quest. 1. How is a Bishop to be constituted?
Answ. By the election of the General
Conference, and the laying on of the hands
of three Bishops, or at least of one Bishop
and two Elders.
Quest. 2. If by death, expulsion, or other.
wise, there be no Bishop remaining in our
Church, what shall we do?
Answ. The General Conference shall elect
a Bishop; and the Elders, or any three of
them, who shall be appointed by the General Conference for that purpose, shall ordain
him according to our form of ordination.
Quest. 3. What are the duties of a Bishop?
Answ. 1. To preside in our Conferences.
2. To form the districts according to his
judgment.
3. To fix the appointments of the preachers, provided he shall not allow any preacher
to remain in the same station more than two
years successively; except the Presiding
MElders, the Corresponding Secretary of the




Ch. iv, ~ 1.    BISHOPS.               41
Mfissionary Society, the Editors and Agents
at New-York and Cincinnati; the Editors at
Auburn, Pittsburgh, Chicago, St. Louis, and
San Francisco; the supernumerary, superannuated and worn-out preachers, missionaries among the Indians, Welsh, Swedes,
Norwegians, and other missionaries among
foreigners, (not including the Germans,)
where supplies are difficult to be obtained,
missionaries to our people of colour and on
foreign stations, chaplains to state prisons,
and in the army or navy, those preachers
that may be appointed to labour for the special benefit of seamen,!and for the American
Bible Society, also the preacher or preachers
that may be stationed in the city of New-Orleans, and the presidents, principals, or teachers, of seminaries of learning, which are or
may be under our superintendence; and also,
when requested by an Annual Conference,
to appoint a preacher for a longer time than
two years to any seminary of learning not
under our care: provided, also, that, with
the exceptions above named, he shall not
continue a preacher in the same appointment more than two years in six; nor in the
same city more than four years in succession;
nor return him to it, after such term of service, till he shall have been absent four years.
He shall have authority, when requested by
an Annual Conference, to appoint an agent,
whose duty it shall be to travel throughout
the bounds of such Conference, for the purpose of establishing  and aiding Sabbath
Schools, and distributing tracts, and also to




42               BISHOPS.           Part I,
appoint an agent or agents for the benefit
of our literary institutions, and an agent for
the German publishing fund.
4. In the intervals of the Conferences, to
change, receive, and suspend preachers, as
necessity may require, and as the Discipline
directs.
5. To travel through the connexion at
large.
6. To oversee the spiritual and temporal
business of our Church.
7. To ordain Bishops, Elders, and Deacons.
8. To decide all questions of law in an
Annual Conference, subject to an appeal to
the General Conference; but in all cases
the application of law shall be with the
Conference.
9. To point out a course of reading and
study, proper to be pursued by candidates
for the ministry for the term of four years.
10. A  Bishop may, when he judges it
necessary, unite two or more circuits or
stations together, without affecting their separate financial interests, or pastoral duties.
Quest. 4. If a Bishop cease fiom travelling
at large among the people, shall he still
exercise his episcopal office among us in any
degree?
Answ. If he cease from travelling without
the consent of the General Conference, he
shall not thereafter exercise the episcopal
office in our Church.
Quest. 5. What shall be done when there
is no bishop to travel at large?




Ch. iv, ~ 2. PRESIDING ELDERS.         43
A nswt. In case there be no Bishop to travel
through the districts and exercise the episcopal office, on account of death, or otherwise,
the districts shall be regulated in every respect by the Annual Conferences and the
Presiding Elders in the interval of General
Conference, ordination excepted.
SECTION IL
Of the Presiding Elders, and of their Duty.
Quest. 1. By whom  are the Presiding
Elders to be chosen?
Answ. By the Bishops.
Quest. 2. By whom  are the Presiding
Elders to be stationed and changed?
Answ. By the Bishops.
Quest. 3. How long may a Bishop allow
an Elder to preside in the same district?
Answ. For any term not exceeding four
years; after which he shall not be appointed
to the same district for six years.
Quest. 4. What are the duties of a Presiding Elder?
Answ. 1. To travel through his appointed
district.
2. In the absence of the Bishop, to take
charge of all the Elders and Deacons, travelling and local preachers, and exhorters, in
his district.
3. To  change, receive, and  suspend
preachers in his district during the intervals
of the Conferences, and in the absence of the
Bishop, as the Discipline directs.
4. In the absence of a Bishop, to preside




44         PRESIDING ELDERS.    Parti,
in the Conference. (See part i, ch. iii, ~ 3,
quest. 4, p. 35.)
5. To be present at, as far as practicable,
and to hold all the quarterly meetings; and
to call together at each quarterly meeting, a
Quarterly Conference, (see part i, ch. iii,
~ 4, p. 37,) consisting of all the travelling anld
local preachers, exhorters, stewards, and
leaders of the circuit, and none else, to hear
complaints, and to receive and try appeals,
and to transact such other business as is provided for in part i, ch. iii, ~ 4, pages 38, 39.
6. To oversee the spiritual and temporal
business of the Church in his district, (see
page 189,) and to promote, by all proper
means, the cause of Missions, (see page 191,)
and Sunday Schools, (see page  85,) and
the publication, at our own press, of Bibles,
tracts,  and  Sunday-School Books; and
carefully to inquire, at each Quarterly Conference, whether the rules respecting the
instruction of children (see page 85) have
been faithfully observed; and to report to
the Annual Conference the names of all
travelling preachers within his district who
shall neglect to observe these rules.
7. To take care that every part of our
Discipline be enforced in his district. And
to decide all questions of law in a Quarterly
Conference, subject to an appeal to the
President of the next Annual Conference;
but in all cases the application of law shall
be with the Conference.
8. To attend the Bishops when present
in his district; and to give them, when ab



Ch. iv, ~ 3. TRAVELLING ELDERS.        4sent, all necessary information, by letter, of
the state of his district.
9. To direct the candidates who are admitted on trial, to those studies which have
been recommended by the Bishops.
10. To explain to those preachers who
are on trial, as well as to those who are in
future to be proposed for trial, that they
may be either admitted, or rejected without
doing them any wrong.
I1. If any preacher absent himself from
his circuit, the Presiding Elder shall, as far
as possible, fill his place with another preachPr, who shall be paid for his labours out
of the allowance of the absent preacher, in
proportion to his usual allowance.
Quest. 5. Shall the Presiding Elder have
power to employ a preacher who has been
rejected at the previous Annual Conference?
An.w. He shall not, unless the Conference
should give him liberty, under certain conditions.
SECTION III.
Of the Election and Ordination of Travelling
Elders, and of their Duty.
Quest. 1. How is an Elder constituted?
Answ. By the election of a majority of
the Annual Conference, and by the laying
on of the hands of a Bishop, and some of the
Elders that are present.
Quest. 2. What is the duty of a Travelling Elder?
Answ. 1. To administer baptism and the




46        TRAVELLING ELDERS.  Part I,
Lord's supper, and to perform the office of
matrimony, and all parts of divine worship.
2. To do all the duties of a travelling
preacher.
No Elder that ceases 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,
shall on any account, exercise the peculiar
functions of his office, or even be allowed to
preach among us:  nevertheless, the final
determination in all such cases is with the
Annual Conference.
Quest. 3. What shall be the time of probation of a Travelling Deacon for the office
of an Elder?
Ans1v. Every  Travelling  Deacon shall
exercise that office for two years, before he
be eligible to the office of Elder; except in
the case of missions, when the Annual Conferences shall have authority to elect for the
Elder's office sooner, if they judge it expedient.
When a preacher shall have passed his
examination, and been admitted into full
connexion, and elected to Deacon's office,
but fails of his ordination through the absence of the Bishop, his eligibility to the
office of Elder shall run from the time of his
election to the office of a Deacon.




Ch.iv,~ 4. TRAVELLING DEACONS.    47
SECTION IV.
Of thle Election and Ordination of Travelling
Deacons, and of their Duty.
Quest. 1. How is a Travelling Deacon
constituted?
Answ. By the election of a majority of
the Annual Conference, and the laying on
of the hands of a Bishop.
Quest. 2. What is the duty of a Travelling
Deacon?
Ansto. 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. To do all the duties of a travelling
preacher.
N. B. Whenever a preacher on trial is
selected by the Bishop for a nission, he
may, if elected by an Annual Conference,
ordain him a Deacon before his probation
ends.
No Deacon who ceases 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,
shall on any account, exercise the peculiar
functions of his office, or even be allowed
to preach among us: nevertheless, the final
determination in all such cases is with the
Annual Conference.




48   RECEPTION OF PREACHERS. Part I,
SECTION V.
Of the Reception of Preachers from  the
WVesleyan  Connexion, and from  other
Denominations.
Qucst. 1. In what manner shall we receive those ministers who may come to us
from  the Wesleyan connexion in Europe
or Canada?
Answ. If they come to us properly accredited from  either the British, Irish, or
Canada Conference, they may be received
according to such credentials, provided they
give satisfaction to an Annual Conference of
their willingness to conform to our Church
goernmnent and usages.
Quest. 2. How  shall we receive those
ministers who may offer to unite with us
from other Christian Churches?
Answ. Those ministers of other evangelical Churches, who may desire to unite
with our Church, whether as local or itinerant, may be received according to our
usages, on condition of their taking upon
them  our ordination vows, without the reimposition of hands, giving satisfiction to an
Annual Conference of their bein  in ord(.rs,
and of' their agreement with us in doctrine,
discipline, government, and usages: provided the Conference is also satisfied with
their gifts, grace, and usefulness.  Whenever any such minister is received, he shall
be furnished with a certificate, signed by
one of our Bishops, in the following words,
namely:



Ch. iv, ~.6.   CALL TO PREACH.         49
This is to certify, that       has been
admitted into      Conference as a travelling preacher, [or has been admitted as a
local preacher on      circuit,] he having
been ordained to the office of Deacon, [or
an Elder, as the case may be,] according to
the usages of the        Church, of which
he has been a member and minister; and ho
is hereby authorized to exercise the functions
pertaining to his office in the 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, this
day of, in the year of our Lord 
Quest. 3. How shall we receive preachers
of other denominations who are not in
orders?
Answ. They may be received as licentiates, provided they give satisfaction to a
Quarterly'or an Annual Conference that
they are suitable persons to exercise the
office, and of their agreement with the doctrines, discipline, government, and usages of
our Church.
SECTION VI.
0)r the Examination of those who think they
are moved by the Holy Ghost to preach.
Quest. How shall we try those who profess
to be moved by the Holy Ghost to preach?
Answ. 1. Let the following questions be
asked, namely:-Do they know God as a pardoning God? Have they tile love of God
4




50      RECEIVING PREACHERS. Part 1,
abiding in them?  Do they desire nothing
but God? And are they holy in all manner
of conversation?
2. Have they gifts (as well as grace) foi
the work?  Have they (in some tolerable
degree) a clear, sound understanding, a right
judgment in the things of God, a just conception of salvation by faith? And has Godl
given them any degree of utterance? Do
they speak justly, readily, 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 sufficientproof
that he is moved by the Holy Ghost.
SECTION VII.
Of the Method of Receiving Travelling
Preachers on Trial.
Quest. How is a preacher to be received
on trial?
Answ. 1. By the Annual Conference.
2. In the interval of the Conference, Aft
a Bishop, or the Presiding Elder of the dir
trict, until the sitting of the Conference.
But no one shall be received unless le
first procure a recommendation from the
Quarterly Conference of his circuit or station. We may then, if he give us satisfaction, receive him on trial.  And before any
such candidate is received into full connexion, or ordained Deacon or Elder, he shall




Jh. iv, ~ 8. RECEIVING PREACHERS.    51
give satisfactory evidence respecting his
knowledge of those particular subjects which
have been recommended to his consideration.
When a preacher's name is not printed in
the Minutes, he must receive a written
license from a Bishop, or Presiding Elder.
Observe! taking on trial is entirely different from admitting a preacher into full
connexion.  One on trial may be either
admitted, or rejected  without doing him
any wrong:-otherwise it would be no trial
at all.
At each Annual Conference, those who
are received on trial; or are admitted into
full connexion, shall be asked whether they
are willing to devote themselves to the missionary work; and a list of the names of all
those who are willing to do so shall be taken
and reported to the Corresponding Secretary of the Missionary Society; and all such
shall be considered as ready and willing to be
employed as missionaries whenever called
for by either of the Bishops.
SECTION VIII.
Qf Recez'vng Travelling Preachers into ]Full
Connexion.
Quest.  What method do we use in receiving a preacher at the Conference into
full connexion?
Ar4sw'. After:' solemn fasting and prayer,
every person proposed sltall then be asked.
before tlhe Confereince, tiht! following  qces



52      RECEIVING PREACHERS. Part I,
tions, (with any others which may be thought
necessary,) namely:-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 to devote yourself wholly
to God and his work?  Do you know the
rules of society?-of the bands?  Do you
keep them?  Do you constantly attend the
sacrament?  Have you read the form of
Discipline?  Are you willing to conform to
it? Have you considered the rules of a
preacher, (see ~ 9,) 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 endeavour not to speak too long
or too loud?  Will you diligently 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?
Then if he give us satisfaction, after he
has been employed two successive years in
the regular itinerant work on circuits or in
stations, which is to commence from  his
being received on trial at the Annual Conference, and being approved by the Annual
Conference, and examined by the President
of the Conference, he may be received into
full connexion.
N. B.  A  Missionary employed on a
Foreign Mission may be admitted into full
connexion, if recommended by the Superintndlent of the Mission where he labours,




Ch. iv, ~ 9.  PREACHER'S RULES.         58
without being present at the Annual Conference for examination.
SECTION IX.
Of the Rules for a Preacher's Conduct.
Quest. 1. What are the directions given
to a Preacher?
Answ. 1. Be diligent.  Never be unemployed: never be triflingly employed. Never trifle away time: neither spend any
more time at any place than is strictly necessary.
2. Be serious.  Let your motto be, Holiness to the Lord.  Avoid all lightness, jesting, and foolish talking.
3. Converse sparingly, and conduct yourself prudently with women. 1 Tim. v, 2.
4. Take no step toward marriage without
first consulting with your brethren.
5. Believe evil of no one without good
evidence; unless you see it done, take heed
how you credit it. Put the best construction on everything.  You know the judge is
always supposed to be on the prisoner's
eide.
6. Speak evil of no one; because your
word, especially, would eat as doth a canker.
Keep your thoughts within your own breast,
till you come to the person concerned
7. Tell every one under your care what
you think wrong in his conduct and temper,
and that lovingly and plainly as s6on as may
be: else it will fester in your heart.  Make
all haste to cast the fire out of your bosom.




54         PREACHER'S RULES.   Part I,
8. Avoid all affectation.  A preacher of
the gospel is the servant of all.
9. Be ashamed of nothing but sin.
10. Be punctual. Do everything exactly
at the time. And do not mend our rules,
but keep them; not for wrath but conscience' sake.
11. You have nothilg to do but to save
souls: therefore spend and be spent in this
work; and go always not only to those that
want you, but to those that want you most.
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 sinners as you
can to repentance, and with all your power
to build them up in that holiness without
which they cannot see the Lord. And remember!-a Methodist Preacher is to mind
every point, great and small, in the Methodist Discipline! Therefore you will need
to exercise 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 empl)oy your time in
the manner in which we direct: in preaching, and visiting from  house to house; in
reading, meditation, and prayer. Above all.
if you labour with us in the Lord's vineyard,
it is needful you should do that part of the
work which we advise, at those times and
places which we judge most for his glory.
Quest. 2. Are there any smaller advices
which might be of use to us?
Answ. Perhaps these: 1. Be sure never




Ch. v, ~ 10. DUTY OF PREACIERS.    F5
to disappoint a congregation.  2. Begin at
the time appointed.  3. Let your whole deportment be serious, weighty, and solemn.
4. Always suit your subject to your audience.  5. Choose the plainest texts you can.
6. Take care not to ramble, but keep to
your text, and make out what you take in
and.  7. Take care of anything awkward
or affected, either in your gesture, phrase.
er pronunciation. 8. Do not usually pray,,xtempore, above eight or ten minutes (at
most) without intermission.  9. Frequently
read and enlarge upon a portion of Scripture; and let young preachers often exhort
without taking a text.  10. Always avail
yourself of the great festivals, by preaching
on the occasion.
SECTION X.
Of the Duty of Preachers to God, themselves,
and one another.
Quest. 1. What is the duty of a preacher?
Answ. 1. To preach.
2. To meet the societies, classes, and general bands.
3. To visit the sick.
4. To preach in the morning where he
can get hearers.  We recommend morning
preaching at five o'clock in the summer, and
six in the winter, wherever it is practicable.
Quest. 2. How shall a preacher be qualified for his charge?
Answt. By walking closely with God, and
having his work greatly at heart: and by




56       DUTY OF PREACHERS.  Part I)
understanding and loving discipline, ours in
particular.
Quest. 3. Do we sufficiently watch over
each other?
Answ. We do not.  Should we not frequently ask each other, Do you walk closely
wTith God?  Have you now fellowship with
the Father and the Son?  At what hour
do you rise?  Do you punctually observe
the morning and evening hours of retirement?  Do you spend the day in the manner which the Conference advises? Do you
converse seriously, usefully, and closely?
To be more particular- Do you use all the
means of grace yourself, and enforce the
use of them on all other persons? They
are either instituted or prudential.
I. The instituted are,
1. Prayer: private, family, and public;'onsisting of deprecation, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving. Do you use each
of these? Do you forecast daily, wherever
You are, to secure time for private devotion?
D)o you practise it everywhere?  Do you
a'sk everywhere, Have you family prayer?
Do you ask individuals, Do you use private,avyer every morning and evening in par.
ticular?
2. Searching the Scriptures, by
(1) Reading: constantly, some part of
every day; regularly, all the Bible in order; carefully, with notes; seriously, with
prayer before and after; fruitfully, immediately practising what you learn there?
(2) Meditating: At set times? By rule?




Ch. i, ~ 10.  DUTY OF PREACHERS.    57
(3) Hearing: Every opportunity? WVith
prayer before, at, after? Have you a Bible
always about you?
3. The Lord's supper: Do you use this
at every opportunity? With solemn prayer
before? With earnest and deliberate selfdevotion?
4. Fasting: Do you use as much abstinence and fasting every week, as your
health, strength, and labour will permit?
5. Christian conference: Are you convinced 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 hearers? Do
you not converse too long at a time? Is not
an hour commonly enough?  Would it not
be well always to have a determined end in
view?  And to pray before and after it?
II. 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 never miss
vour class or band?
3. As Preachers: Have you thoroughly
considered your duty? And do you make a
conscience of executing every part of it?
Do you meet every  society?  Also, the
leaders and bands?
These means may be used without fruit.
But there are some means which cannot;
namely, watching, denying ourselves. taking
up our cross, exercise of the presence of God.




rt8     PREACHERS IN CHIARGE. Part I,
1. Do you steadily  watch against the
world?  Yourself?  Your besetting sin?
2. Do you deny yourself every useless
pleasure of sense? Imagination? Honour?
Are you temperate in all things? Instance
in food: (1) Do you use only that kind and
that degree which is best both for body and
soul?  Do you see the necessity of this 
(2) Do you eat no more at each meal than
is necessary? Are you not heavy or drowsy
after dinner?  (3) Do you use only that
kind, and that degree of drink, which is
best both for your body and soul?  (4) Do
you choose and use water for your common
drink?  And only take wine medicinally
or sacramentally?
3. Wherein do you take up your cross
daily? Do you cheerfully bear your cross,
however grievous to nature, as a gift of
God, and labour to profit thereby?
4. Do you endeavour 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 XI.
Of the Duties of those who have the Charge
of Circuits or Stations.
Quest. 1. What are the duties of the
Elder, Deacon, or preacher, who has the
special charge of a circuit?
Answ. 1. To see that the other preachers
in his circuit behave well, and want nothing.




Ch.iv,~ 11. PREACHE'RS IN CHARGE.   59
2. To renew the tickets for the admission
of members into love-feast quarterly, and
regulate the bands.
3. To meet the Stewards and Leaders as
often as possible.
4. To appoint all the Leaders, to change
them when he sees it necessary, and to examine each of them, with all possible exactness, at least once a quarter, concerning his
method of meeting a class.  (See part i.
ch. v, ~ 3, page 79.)
5. To receive, try, and expel members,
according to the form of Discipline.
6. To hold watch-nights and love-feasts.
7. To hold quarterly meetings in the absence of the Presiding Elder.
8. To take care that every society be
duly supplied with books.
9. To take an exact account of the members in society, and of the probationers, in
their respective circuits and stations, keeping the names of all local Elders, Deacons,
and preachers, properly distinguished, and
deliver in such account to the Annual Conference, that their number may be printed
in the Minutes.
10. To give an account of his circuit
every quarter to his Presiding Elder.
11. To meet the men and women apart,
ix the large societies, once a quarter, whereevei it is practicable.
12. To examine the accounts of all the
Stewards.
13. To appoint a person to receive the
quarterly collection in the classes.




60      PREACIIERS IN CIIARGE.  Part I,
14. To see that public collections be made
quarterly, if need be.
15. To encourage the support of missions
(see part iii, ch. iv) and  Sunday schools.
and the publication  and distribution  cf
Bibles, tracts, (see part iii, ch. vi,) and Sun.
day-school books, by forming societies and
making collections for these objects in such
way and manner as the Annual Conference
to which he belongs, shall from time to time
direct.
16. To publicly catechise the children in
the Sunday school and at special meetings
appointed for that purpose. It shall also be
the duty of each preacher, in connexion
with reporting the Sunday-school statistics
at each Quarterly Conference, to state to
what extent he has publicly or privately
catechised the children of his charge.
17. To form Bible classes for the larger
children and youth, and to attend to all the
duties prescribed for the training of children
in part i, ch. vi, page 85.
18. If the Annual Conference to which
he belongs should not give any directions
on the subject, to take up a collection in the
course of the year, or raise a subscription,
as lhe may judge expedient, the proceeds of
which shall be at his disposal in the purchase and distribution of tracts.
19. To lay before the Quarterly Conference, at each quarterly meeting, as far as
practicable, to be entered on its journal, a
written statement of the number and state
of the Sunday schools in the circuit or sta



Ch.iv,~ 11. PREACHERS IN CHARGE.  61
tion, and to report the same to his Annual
Conference according to the form published
by the Sunday-School Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church, together with the
amount raised for the support of missions,
and for the publication of Bibles and ti acts.
20. To take an annual collection in each
of his appointments in behalf of the Sunday-School Union.
21. To raise a yearly subscription in those
circuits that can  bear it, for building
churches, and paying the debts of those
which have been already erected.
22. To choose a committee of lay members to make a just application of the money
where it is most wanted.
Quest. 2. What other directions shall we
give him?
Answ. Several.
i. To take a regular catalogue of the
societies in towns and cities, as they live in
the streets.
2. To leave his successor a particular account of the circuit, including an account
of the subscribers for our periodicals.
3. To see that every band-leader have
the rules of the bands.
4. To enforce vigorously, but calmly, all
the rules of the society.
5. As soon as there are four men or women believers in any place, to put them into
a band.
6. To suffer no love-feast to last above an
hour and a half.
7 To warn all from  time to time, that




62     PREACHERS IN CHARGE.  Part 1,
none are to remove from  one circuit to
another, without a note of recommendation
fron the preacher of the circuit in these
words:-" A. B., the bearer, has been an ac,
ceptable member of the MlIethodist Episcopal
Church."  And to inform them that, without
such a certificate, they will not be received
into the Church in other places.
8. To recommend everywhere decency
and cleanliness.
9. To read the rules of the society, with the
aid of the other preachers, once a year in
every congregation, and once a quarter in
every society.
10. The preacher who has the charge of a
circuit shall appoint prayer meetings whereever he can in his circuit.
11. Wherever it is practicable, he shall so
arrange the appointments as to give the local
preachers regular and systematic employmcnt on the Sabbath.
12. lHe shall take care that a fast be held
in every society in his circuit, on the Friday
preceding every quarterly meeting: and
that a memorandum of it be written on all
the class papers.
13. To license such persons as he may
Judge proper to officiate as exhorters n the
Church, provided no person shall be so licensed without the consent of the leaders'
meeting, or of the class of which he is a
member, where no leaders' meeting is held;
and the exhorters so authorized shall be subject to the annual examination of character
in the Quarterly Conference, and have their




Ch. iv, ~ 11. PREACHERS IN CHARGE.  63
license annually renewed by the Presiding
Elder, or the preacher having the charge, if
approved by the Quarterly Conference.
N. B. The preachers who have the oversight of circuits are required to execute all
our rules fully and strenuously against all
frauds, and particularly against dishonest insolvencies; suffering none to remain in our
Church on any account who are found guilty
of any fraud.
W1  For the mode of procedure in case
of insolvency of members, and in settling
disputes, &c., as to the payment of debts or
otherwise, see part i, chapter ix, section 4,
quest. 2, 3, pages 100-102.
Quest. 3. What can be done to supply the
circuits during the sittings of the Conferences?
Answ. 1. Let all the appointments stand
according to the plan of the circuit.
2. Engage as many local preachers and
exhorters as will supply them; and let them
be paid for their time in proportion to the
allowance of the travelling preachers.
3. If preachers and exhorters cannot atcend, let some person of ability be appointed
in every society. to sing, pray, and read one, f Mr. Wesley's sermons.
4. But if that cannot be done, let there be
prayer meetings.




64      RULES ON PREACHING.   Part I,
SECTION XII.
Of the Matter and Manner of Preaching.
Quest. 1. What is the best general method of preaching?
Answv. 1. To  convince: 2. To  offer
Christ: 3. To invite: 4. To build up: And
to do this in some measure in every sermon.
Quest. 2. What is the most effectual way
of preaching Christ?
Answ. The most effectual way of preaching Christ is, to preach him in all his offices;
and to declare his law, as well as his gospel,
both to believers and unbelievers. Let us
strongly and closely insist upon inward and
outward holiness in all its branches.
SECTION XIII.
Rules by which we should continue, or desist
from, Preaching at any Place.
Quest. 1. Is it advisable for us to preach
in as many places as we can, without forming any societies?
Answ. By no means. We have made the
trial in various places; and that for a cc n
siderable time. But all the seed has fallen
by the way-side.  There is scarce any fruit
remaining.
Quest. 2. Where should we endeavour to
preach most?
Answ. 1. Where there is the greatest
number of quiet and willing hearers.




Ch. iv, ~14.    VISITING, ETC.            65
2. Where there is most fruit.
Quest. 3. Ought we not diligently to observe in what places God is pleased at any
time to pour out his Spirit more abundantly 
Ansiw. We ought: and at that time to
send more labourers than usual into that
part of the harvest.
SECTION XIV.
Of Visiting from House to House, Guarding
agnlinst those things that are so common to
ProfJssors, and Enforcing Practical Keligion.
Quest. 1. How can we further assist those
under our care?
Answ. By instructing them at their own
houses.  What unspeakable need is there of
this! The world says, "'1/e iMefhoflists are
no lbeffer than o'lhr people."   This is not
true in the general: but, 1. Personal religion, either toward God or man, is too sul. erficial among us.  We can but just touch on
a few particulars.  I low little faith ks there
among us!  Iow  little communion  witl
God, how little living in heaven, walking in
eternity, deadness to every creature! Iow
much love of' the world!  Desire of pleasure, of ease, of getting money!  -How little
brot'rrly love! What contin,.al judging
one another! What gossipping, evil-speaking, tale-bearing!  What want of m6ral
honesty!  To instance only one particular;
5




66          VISITING FROM           Part I,
who does as he would be done by in buying
and selling?
2. Family religion is wanting in many
branches.  And what avails public preaching alone, though we could preach like
angels?   We must-yea, every travelling
preacher must-instruct the people from
house to house.  Till this be done, and that
in good earnest, Methodists will be no Lete
ter.
Our religion is not sufficiently deep, uni.
versal, uniform; but superficial, partial, uneven.  It will be so till we spend half as
much time in this visiting, as we now do 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 Sahlianus, is well worth
a careful perusal. Speaking of this visiting
from house to house, he says, (p. 351,) "We
shall find many hinderances, 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 faithfil in the work.
2. We have a base, man-pleasing temper}
so that we let them perish rather than lose
their love; we let them go quietly to hell,
lest we should offend them.
3. Some of us have a foolish bashfulne-:s.
We know not how to begin, and blush to
contradict the devil.
4. But the greater hinderance is weakness
of faith. Our whole motion is weak, because
the spring of it is weak.




Ch.iv, ~ 14.  HOUSE TO HIOUSE.        67
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 discourse
to their several conditions and tempers: to
choose the fittest subjects, and follow them
with a holy mixture of seriousness, terror,
love, and meekness!
But undoubtedly this private application
is implied in those solemn 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, exhort, 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 lukewarmness were
banished, and every shop, and every house,
busied ii speak ing of the word and works
of God, surely God would dwell in our habitations, and make us his delight.
And this is absolutely necessary to the
welfai e of our people, some of whom neither
repent nor believe to this day. Look round,
and see how many of them are still in apparent danger of damnation. And how can
you walk and talk, and be merry with such
people, when you know their case? When
you look them in the face, you should break
forth into tears, as the prophet did when he
looked upon Hazael, and then set on them
with the most vehement exhortations.  0,
ior God's sake, and the sake of poor souls,




68            VISITING FROM         Part 1,
bestir yourselves, and spare no pains that
may conduce to their salvation!
W\hat cause' have we to bleed before the
Lord that we have so long neglected this
gool worK! If we had but engaged in It
soonerl, how many more might have been
brought to Christ! And how much holier and
happier might our societies have been before
now! And why might we not have done it
sooner?  There were many hinderances;
and so there always will be. But the greatest hinderance is in ourselves-in our littleness of faith and love.
But it is objected,. " This will take up
so much time, we shall not have leisure to
follow our studies." We answer, 1. Gaining
knowledge is a good thing, but saving souls
is a better.  2. By this very thing you will
gain the most excellent knowledge-that of
God and eternity.  3. You will have time
for gaining other knowledge  too.  Only
sleep no more than you need; " and never
be idle, or triflinrly employedl." But, 4. If you
can do but one, let your studies alone. We
ought to throw by all the libraries in the
woll, rather than be guilty of the loss of
one soul.
It is objected, II. " The people will not
submit to it."  If some will not, others will.
And the success with them  will repoy all
your labour.  0 let us herein follow the example of St. Paul! 1. For our general
business, &Sercing the Lord Kwith  tll hiutrility
of mind: 2. Our special work, Talte heed to
yourselves, and to all thie flocck: 3. Our doc



Ch.iv,~14.  HOUSE TO HOUSE.               69
trine, Repcntance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ: 4. The place,
I have taught you publicly, and from house
to house: 5. The object and manner of
teaching, I ceased not to warn erery one,
night and day, with tears: 6. Iis innoucr cc
and self-denial herein, I have coveted no
man's silver or gold: 7. His patience, N'ei.
ther count I my life dear unto nyself.  And
among all other motives, let these be ever
before our eyes: 1. Tle Church of God,
which he hath purcha.ed with his ownc 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 you 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 savour.  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.
The sum is, Go into every house in course,
and teach every one tlerein, young and old,
to be Christians inwardly and outwardly;
make every particular plain to their understandings; fix it in their minds; write it
on their hearts.  In order to this there
must be line upon line, precept upon precept.  What patience, what love, what
knowledge, is requisite for this! We must
needs do this, were it only to avoid idleness.




70          VISITING, ETC.          Part I
Do we not loiter away many hours in every
week?  Each try himself: no idleness is
consistent with a growth in grace.  Nay,
without exactness in redeeming time, you
cannot retain the grace you receive in justification.
Quest. 2. Why are we not more holy?
Why do we not live in eternity?  AValk
with God all the day lon?  Why are we
not all devoted to God?  Breathing the
whole spirit of missionaries?
Answ. Chiefly because we are enthusiasts; looking for the end without using the
means.  To touch only upon two or three
instances:-WVho 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?  IHow often do we practise
it?  The,neglect of this alone is siffic(ient
to account for our feebieness and faintness
of spirit.  We are continually grieving the
Holy Spirit of God by the habitual neglect
of a plain duty.  Let us amend fiom this
hour.
Qu.est.. 3. How  shall we ouard against
Sabbath-breaking, evil-speaking, unrofitable conversation, lightness, expensiveness
or gayety of apparel, and contracting debts
without due care to dischlarge them?
Arnsl. 1. Let us preach expressly on each
of these heads.  2. Read in every society
the sermon on evil-speaking.  3. Let the
leaders closely examine and exhort every
person  to put away the accursed  thing.
4. Let the preachers warn every society that




Ch. iv, ~ 15. EMPLOYING TIME.          71
none who is guilty herein can remain with
us. 5. Extirpate buying or selling goods
which have not paid the duty laid upon
them by government out of our Church.
Let none remain with us who will not totally abstain from  this evil in every kind
and degree.  Extirpate bribery, receiving
anything, directly or indirectly, for voting
at any election.  Show no respect to persons herein, but expel all that touch the accursed thing.  And strongly advise our people to discountenance all treats given by
candidates before or at elections, and not to
be partakers, in any respect, of such iniquitous practices.
SECTION XV.
Of Em~ploying our Time profitably, when we
are not travelling, or engaged in Public
Exercises.
Quest. 1. What general method of employing our time shall we advise?
Answ. We advise you, 1. As often as possible to rise at four.  2. From four to five
in the morning, and from five to six in the
evening, to meditate, pray, and read the
Scriptures with notes, and the closely practical parts of what Mr. Wesley has published.
3. From six in the morning till twelve, (allowing an hour for breakfast,) read, with
much prayer, some of our best religious
tracts.
Quest. 2. Why is it that the people under
our care are not better?




72       NECESSITY OF UNION.  Part  
Answ. Other reasons may concur, but the
chief is, because we are not more knoi,;og
and more holy.
Quest. 3. But why are we not r ore
knowing?
Answ. Because we are idle. We foJrget
our first rule, " Be diligent.  Never be unemployed. Never be triflingly employed.
Neither spend any more time at any place
than is strictly necessary."  We fear there
is altogether a fault in this matter, and that
few of us are clear. Which of us spend as
many hours a day in God's work as we did
formerly in man's work? We talk,-talk
or read what comes next to hand.  We
must, absolutely must, cure this evil, or betray the cause of God. But how? 1. Read
the most useful books, and that regularly
and constantly. 2. Steadily spend all the
morning in this employment, or at least five
hours in the four and twenty. " But I have
no taste for reading." Contract a taste for
it by use, or return to your former employment. " But I have no books." Be diligent
to spread the books, and you will have the
use of them.
SECTION XVI.
Of the Necessity of Union among ourselves.
Let us be deeply sensible (from what we
have known) of the evil of a division in
principle, spirit, or practice, and the dreadful consequences to ourselves and others.
If we are united, what can stand before us?




Ch. iv, ~ 17. SUPERNUMERARIES, ETC.  73
If we divide, we shall destroy ourselves, the
work of God, and the souls of our people.
Quest. WVhat can be done in order to a
closer union with each other?
Answ. 1. Let us be deeply convinced of
the absolute necessity of it.
2. Pray earnestly for, and speak freely to,
each other.
3. When we meet, let us never part without prayer.
4. Take great care not to despise each
other's gifts.
5. Never speak lightly of each other.
6. Let us defend each other's character
in everything so far as is consistent with
truth.
7. Labour in honour each to prefer the
other before himself.
8. We recommend a serious perusal of
The Causes, Evils, and Cures of Heart and
Church Divisions.
SECTION XVII.
Of Supernumerary and Superannuated or
Worn-out Preachers.
A supernumerary preacher is one so worn
out in the itinerant service as to be rendered
incapable of preaching constantly; but at
the same time is willing to (do any work in
the ministry which the Conference may
direct, and his strength enable  him  to
perform.
A supernumerary preacher, who refuses
to attend to the work assigned him, unless
in case of sickness, or other unavoidable




74         LOCAL PREACHERS.    Part I,
cause or causes, shall not be allowed to exercise the functions of his office, nor even to
preach among us; nevertheless, the final
determination of the case shall be with the
Annual Conference of which he is a member,
who shall have power to acquit, suspend,
locate, or expel him, as the case may be.
Every superannuated preacher, who may
reside without the bounds of the Conference
of which he is a member, shall annually
forward to his Conference a certificate of his
Christian and ministerial conduct, together
with an account of the number and circumstances of his family, signed by the Presiding Elder of the district, or the preacher
in charge of the circuit or station within
whose bounds he may reside; without which
the Conference shall not be required  to
allow his claim.
SECTION XVIII.
Local Preachers.
Quest. What directions shall be given
concerning local preachers?
Answ. 1. The Quarterly Conference shall
have authority to license proper persons ta
preach, and renew their license annually,
when, in the judgment of said Conference,
their gifts, grace, and usefulness, will warrant such renewal; to recommend suitable
candidlates to the Annual Conference for
Deacons' or Elders' orders in the local connexion, for admission on trial in the travelling connexion, and to try, suspend, expel,
or acquit, any local preacher in the circuit




Ch.iv,~ 18. LOCAL PREACHERS.          75
or station against whom  charges may be
brought. Provided, that no person shall be
licensed to preach without the recommendation of the society of which he is a member,
or of a Leaders' meeting. Nor shall any
one be licensed to preach, or recommended
to the Annual Conference to travel, or for
ordination, without first being examined in
the Quarterly Conference on the subject of
doctrines and discipline. (See part i, ch. iii,
~ 4, page 39.)
2. A licensed local preacher shall be
eligiule to the office of a Deacon, after he
has preached four years from the time he
received a regular license, and has obtained
a testimonial from the Quarterly Conference, after proper examination, signed by
the President, and countersigned by the Secretary; and after his character has passed in
examination before, and he has obtained
the approbation of, the Annual Conference.
3. A local Deacon shall be eligible to the
office of an Elder, after he has preached
four years from the time he was ordained
a Deacon, and has obtained a recommendation from the Quarterly Conference of wlhich
lie is a member, certifying his qualifications in doctrine, discipline, talents, and
usefulness, signed by the President, and
countersigned by the Secretary. IHe shall,
if he cannot attend, send to the Annual
Conference such recommendation, and a
note certifying his belief in the doctrine and
Discipline of our Church. The whole being
examined by the Annual Conference, and




76         LOCAL PREACHERS.   Part I
if approved he may be ordained: provided,
nevertheless, no slaveholder shall be eligible
to the office of an Elder or Deacon, where
the laws will admit of emancipation, and
permit the liberated slave to enjoy freedom.
4. Every local Elder, Deacon, or preacher, shall be amenable to the Quarterly
Conference  where  he  resides, for his
Christian character and the faithful performance of his ministerial office. He shall
have his name recorded on the journal of
said Conference, and also enrolled on a
class paper, and shall meet in class; and in
neglect of the above duties, the Quarterly
Conference, if they judge it proper, may
deprive him of his ministerial office. And
when a preacher is located, or discontinued
by an Annual Conference, he shall be
amenable to the Quarterly Conference of
the circuit or station where he had his last
appointment, or at the place where he shall
reside at the time of his location.
Whenever any Elder, Deacon, or preacher, shall remove from one circuit or station
to another, he shall procure fiom the Presiding Elder of the district, or from  the
preacher having charge, a certificate of his
official standing in the Church at the time
of his removal, without which he shall not be
received as a local preacher in other places.
5. The Presiding Elders and the preachers
in charge, are required so to arrange tie
appointments, wherever it is practicable, as
to give the local preachers regular and
systematic employment on the Sabbath.




Ch. v, ~ 1.  PUBLIC WORSHIP.            77
CHAPTER V.
OF THE MEANS OF GRACE.
SECTION I.
Of Public WTors7lip.
Quest. I. WHAT directions shall be given
for the establishment of uniformity in public
worship among us, on the Lord's day?
Answ. 1. Let the morning service consist
of singing, prayer, the reading of a chapter
out of the Old Testament, and another out
of the New, and preaching.
2. Let the afternoon service consist of
singing, prayer, the reading of one or two
chapters out of the Bible, and preaching.
3. Let the evening service consist of
singing, prayer, and preaching.
4. But on tlhe days of administering the
Lord's supper, the two  chapters in the
morning service may be omitted.
5. In administering the ordinances, and
in the burial of the dead, let the form of
Discipline invariably  be used.  Let the
Lord's prayer also be used on all occasions
of public worship in  concluding the first
prayer, and the apostolic benediction  in
dismissing the congregation.
6. Let the society be met, wherever it is
practicable, on the Sabbath-day.
Quest. 2. Is there not a great indecency
sometimes practised  among us, namely,
talking in the congregation before and after
sr,-ice.  H-ow shall this be cured?




78            OF SINGING.          Part 1,
Answ. Let all the ministers and preachers
join as one man, and enlarge on the impropriety of talking before or after service;
and strongly exhort those that are concerned
to do it no more. In three months, if we
are in earnest, this vile practice will be
banished out of every Methodist congrega.
tion. Let none stop till he has carried his
point.
SECTION II.
Of the Spirit and Truth of Singing.
Quest. Iow shall we guard against formality in singing?
Answ. 1. By choosing such hymns as are
proper for the congregation.
2. By not singing too much at once; seldom more than five or six verses.
3. By suiting the tune to the words.
4. By often stopping short, and asking
the people, " Now! do you know what you
said last? Did you speak no more than you
felt?"
5. Do not suffer the people to sing too
slow. This naturally tends to formality, and
is brought in by those who have either very
strong or very weak voices.
G. In every large society let tlem clarn
to sing; and let them  always learn our
tunes first.
7. Let the women constantly sing their
parts alone. Let no man sing with them
unless he understands the notes, and sings
the base as it is composed in the tune-book.




Ch. V, ~ 3. OF CLASS-MEETINGS.         79
8. Introduce no new tune till they are
perfect in the old.
9. Recommend our tune-book. And if
you cannot sing yourself, choose a person or
two at each place to pitch the tune for you.
10. Exhort every person in the congregation to sing; not one in ten only.
11. Sing no hymns of your own compoir'g.
12. If a preacher be present, let him alone
give out the words.
13. When the singers would teach a tune
to the congregation, they must sing only the
tenor, [the air.]
14. Let it be recommended to our people
not to attend the singing schools which are
not under our direction.
15. The preachers are desired not to encourage the singing of fugue tunes in our
congregations.
1 G. We do not think that fugue tunes are
sinful or improper to be used in private
companies; but we do not approve of their
being1 used in our public congregations, because public singing is a part of divine worship in which all the congregation ought to
join
SECTION III.
Of Class-meetings and Love-feasts.
Quest. 1. How may the Leaders of classes
be r-ndered more useful?
Answv. 1. Let each of them be diligently
examined concerning his method of meeting




80        OF CLASS-MEETINGS.    Part 1,
a class. Let this be done with all possible
exactness, at least once a quarter.  In order
to this, take sufficient time.
2. Let each Leader carefully inquire how
every soul of his class prosper-: not only
how each person observes the outward rul.s,
but low he grows in the knowledge and lovt
of God.
3. Let the Leaders converse with those
who have the charge of their circuits, frequently and freely.
Quest. 2. Can anything more be done in
order to make the Class-meetings lively and
profitable?
Answ. 1. Change improper Leaders.
2. Let the Leaders frequently meet each
other's classes.
3. Let us observe which Leaders are the
most useful; and let these meet the other
classes as often as possible.
4. See that all the Leaders be not only
men of sound judgment, but men truly cdevoted to God.
Quest. 3. What shall we do with tlhoef,
memlbers of our Church whco wilfulfly as5
repeatedly neglect to meet their class'
Au,,;r. 1. Let the Elder, Deacon, or one;'
the preachers, visit them, whenever it i5
practicable, and explain to them the coni.equence if they continue to neglect, namely,
exclusion.
2. If they do not amend, let him who Ihas
the charge of the circuit or station bring
their case before the society, or a select
number, before whom they shall have been




Ch. v, ~4.   BAND SOCIETIES.           81
cited to appear; and if they be found guilty
of wilful neglect by a decision of a majority of the members before whom their case
is brought, let them  be laid aside, and let
the preacher show that they are excluded
for a breach of our rules, and not for immoral conduct.
Quest. 4. How  often shall we permit
serious persons who are not of our Church
to meet in class?
Answ. At every other meeting of the
class in every place let no stranger be admitted. At other times they may; but the
same person not above twice or thrice.
Quest. 5. How  often shall we permit
strangers to be present at our Love-feasts?
Answ. Let them  be admitted with the
utmost caution; and the same person on no
account above twice or thrice, unless he become a member.
SECTION IV.
Of the Band Societies.
Two, three, or four true believers, who have
confidence 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 unmarried.
[Rules of the Band Societies, drawn up
Dec. 25, 1738.]
The design of our meeting is to obey that
command of God, Confess your faults one to
6




82          BAND SOCIETIES.         Part I,
another, and pray one for 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 ap
pointed, without some extraordinary reason
prevents.
3. To begin exactly at the hour with sing.
ing 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 the temptations we
have felt, since our last meeting.
5. To end every  meeting with prayer
suited to the state of each person present.
6. To  desire some person among us to
speak his own state first, and then to ask the
rest in order as many and as searching
questions as may be, concerning their state,
sins, and temptations.
Some of the questions proposed to one
before he is admitted among us may be to
this effect:
I. Have you the forgiveness of your sins?
2. Have you peace with GOD, through
our LORD JESUS CHRIST?
3. Have you the witness of GOD'S Spirit
with your spirit, 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?




Ch. v, ~ 4.   BAND SOCIETIES.           83
7. Do you desire to be told of all yonxr
faults, and that plain and homie?
8. I)o you desire that every one of us
should tell you, from time to tine, whatsoever is in our heart concerniing you?
9. Consider! Do you desire we should
tell you whatsoever we thiink, whatsoever
we fear, whatsoever we hear, concerning
you?
10. Do you desire that in doing this, we
should come as close as possible, that we
should cut to the (uick, and search your
heart to the bottomi?
11. Is it your desire and desifgn to be on
\wNs w \\ V    owt  o\eeasio s 1enilue'y 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 committed
since our last meeting?
2. What particular temptations have you
met with?
3. Iow were you delivered?
4. What have youl thought, said, or done,
of which you doubt whether it be sin or not?
Directions gieen to the Band Societies,
Decemb<ler 25, 1744.
You are supposed to have the faith that
overcome/h the world.  To you, therefore, it
is not grievous:
1. Carefully to abstain from doing evil: in
particular,




84          BAND SOCIETIES.          Part I,
1. Neither to buy nor sell anything at all
on the Lord's day.
2. To taste no spirituous liquor, no 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 faults of any behind
his back, and to stop those short that do.
5. To wear no needless ornaments, such as
rings, ear-rings, necklaces, lace, or ruffles.
6. To use no needless self-indulgec(e.
II. Zealously to maintain good works: in
particular,
1. To give alms of such things as you
possess, and that according to your ability.
2. To reprove those who sin in your sight,
and that in love and meekness of wisdom.
3. To be patterns of diligence anld frugality, of self-denial, and taking up the cross
daily.
III. Constantly to attend on all the ordinances of God: in particular,
1. To be at church, and at the Lonr's
table, and at every public meeting of the
bands, at every opportunity.
2. To use private prayer every day; ard
family prayer, if you are the head of a
family.
3. Frequently to read the Scriptures, and
meditate thereon. And,
4. To observe, as days of fasting, or abstinence, all Fri'days in the year.




Ch.vi. LNSTRUCTION OF CIILDREN.  85
CHAPTER VI.
OF SUNDAY SCHOOLS AND THE RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION OF CHILDREN.
Quest. WHAT shall we do for the rising
generation?
Ansiw. 1. Let Sunday schools be formed
in all our congregations where ten children
can be collected for that purpose. And it
shall be the special duty of preachers having
charge of circuits and stations, with the aid
of the other preachers, to see that this be
done; to engage the co-operaticn  of as
many of our members as they can; to visit
the schools as often as practicable; to preach
on the subject of Sunday schools and religious instruction in each congregation at
least once in six months; to lay before the
Quarterly  Conference at each quarterly
meeting, to be entered on its journal, a
written statement of the number and state
of the Sunday schools within their respective
circuits and stations, and to make a report
of the same to their several Annual Conferences. Each  Quarterly Conference shall
have supervision of all the Sunday schools
and Sunday-school societies  within  its
bounds, which schools and societies shall be
auxiliary to the Sunday-School Union of the
Methodist Episcopal Church; and each Anll
nual Conference shall report to said Union
the number of auxiliaries within its bounds,
together with other facts presented in the




86   INSTRUCTION OF CHILDREN. Part I
annual reports of the preachers as above
directed.
2. It is recommended that each Annual
Conference, where the general state of the
work will allow, request the appointment of
a special agent, to travel throughout its
bounds, for the purpose of promoting the
interests of Sunday schools; and his ex.
penses shall be paid out of collections which
he shall be directed to make, or otherwise,
as shall be ordered by the Conference.
3. Let our catechisms be used as extensively as possible, both in our Sunday schools
and families; and let the preachers faithfully
enforce upon parents and Sunday-school
teachers the great importance of instructing
children in the doctrines and duties of our
holy religion.  Let the preachers also pub.
licly catechise the children in the Sunday
school, and at special meetings appointed for
that purpose. It shall also be the duty of
each preacher in connexion with reporting
the Sabbath-school statistics at each Quarterly Conference, to state to what extent he
has publicly or privately catechised the
children of his charge.
4. It shall be the special duty of the
preachers to form Bible classes wherever
they can, for the instruction of larger children and youth; and where they cannot
superintend  them  personally, to appoint
suitable leaders for that purpose.
5. It shall be the duty of every preacher
of a circuit or station to obtain the names of
the children belonging to his congregations,




Ch. vii.    RELIGIOUS TRACTS.                  87
and leave a list of such names for his successor; and  in  his pastoral visits he shall
pay special attention to the children, speak
to them personally, and kindly, on experimental and practical godliness, according to
their capacity, pray earnestly for them, and
diligently instruct and exhort all parents to
dedicate their children to the Lord in baptism  as early  as convenient; and  let all
baptized children be faithfully instructed in
the nature, design, privileges, and obligations, of their baptism.  Those of them who
are well disposed may be admitted to our
class-meetings and love-feasts; and such as
are truly serious, and manifest a desire to
flee the wrath to come, shall be advised to
join society as probationers.
CHAPTER VII.
OF THE  PRINTING  AND CIRCULATIONO 7
RELIGIOUS TRACTS.
Provision is made for the publication at the Boic.;
Concern of cheap books and tracts, in our own an,
foreign languagres. For the duties of the Editor of
tracts and Corresponding Secretary of the Tract Society, see part iii, ch. vi, art. 3, page 198. Our Tract So
ciety is designed to aid in the difthsion of religious
knowledge by the circulation of our evangelical publications.
1. IT is recommended to ourpeople everywhere to form Tract Societies, auxiliary to
the Tract Society of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.




88          OF MARRIAGE.           Part 1,
2. It is recommended to preachers in
charge, to make annually in their several
congregations, collections in behalf of the
Tract Society of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
CHAPTER VIII.
OF DRESS AND MARRIAGE.
SECTION I.
Of Dress.
Quest. SHOULD we insist on the rules
concerning dress?
Answ. By all means.  This is no time to
give encouragement to superfluity of apparel. Therefore receive none into the Church
till they have left off superfluous ornaments.
In order to this, 1. Let every one who has
charge of a circuit or station read Mr. Wesley's Thoughts upon Dress, at least once a
year in every society.  2. In visiting the
classes be very mild, but very strict.  3. Allow of no exempt case: better one sufilpr
than many. 4. Give no tickets to any that
wear high heads, enormous bonnets, ruffles,
or rings.
SECTION II.
Of Marriage.
Quest. 1. Do we observe any evil which
has prevailed in our Church with respect to
marriage?




Ch. viii, ~ 2. OF MARRIAGE             89
Answ. Many of our members have married with unawvakened persons.  This has
produced bad effects; they have been either
hindered for life, or have turned back to
perdit ion.
Quest. 2. What can be done to discourage
this?
Answ. 1. Let every preacher publicly
enforce the apostle's caution, "Be ye not
unequally yoked together with unbelievers."
2 Cor. vi, 14.
Q Let all be exhorted to take no step in
so weighty a matter, without advising with
the most serious of their brethren.
Quest. 3. Ought any woman to marry
without the consent of her parents?
Answ. In general she ought not. Yet
there may be exceptions.  For if, 1. A woman believe it to be her duty to marry: if,
2. Her parents absolutely refuse to let her
marry any Christian: then she may, nay,
ought to marry without their consent. Yet
even then a Methodist preacher ought not
to be married to her.
We do not prohibit our people from marrying persons who are not of our Church,
provided such persons have the fbrm, and
are seeking the power, of godliness; but we
are determined to discourage their marrying
persons who do not come up to this description.




90       TRIAL OF A BISHOP.   Part I,
CHAPTER IX.
OF BRINGING MINISTERS AND MEMBERS
TO TRIAL, AND OF INSOLVENCIES, AND
THE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES.
SECTION I.
Of the Trial of a Bishop.
Quest. 1. To whom is a Bishop amenable
for his conduct?
Answ. To the General Conference, who
have power to expel him for improper conduct, if they see it necessary.
Quest. 2. What provision shall be made
for the trial of a Bishop, if he should be accused of immorality in the interval of the
General Conference?
Answ. If a Bishop be accused of immor
ality, three Travelling Elders shall call upon
him, and examine him on the subject; and
if the three Elders verily believe that the
Bishop is guilty of the crime, they shall call
to their aid two Presiding Elders from two
districts in the neighbourhood of that where
the crime was committed, each of which Presiding Elders shall bring with him  two
Elders, or an Elder and a Deacon. The
above-mentioned nine persons shall form a
Conference, to examine into the charge
brought against the Bishop: and if two-thirds
of them verily believe him to be guilty of
the crime laid to his charge, they shall have




Ch.ix,~ 2.  TRIAL OF MINISTERS.         91
authority to suspend the Bishop till the ensuing General Conference, and the districts
shall be regulated in the mean time as is
provided in ch. iii, ~ 3, and ch. iv, ~~ 1, 2;
but no accusation shall be received against
a Bishop except it be delivered in writing,
signed by those who are to prove the crime;
and a copy of the accusation shall be given
to the accused Bishop.
SECTION II.
Of the Method of Proceeding against accused
2Travelling MAinisters or Preachers.
Quest. 1. What shall be done when an
Elder, Deacon, or preacher, is under report
of being guilty of some crime expressly forbidden in the word of God, as an unchristian practice, sufficient to exclude a person
from the kingdom of grace and glory?
Answ. 1. In the interval of the Annual
Conference, let the Presiding Elder, in the
absence of a Bishop, call as many travelling
ministers as he shall think fit, at least three:
and, if possible, bring the accused and the
accuser face to face: and cause a correct
record of the investigation to be kept and
transmitted to the Annual Conference. If
the person be clearly convicted, he shall be
suspended from all ministerial services and
Church privileges until the ensuing Annual
Conference, at which his case shall be fully
considered and determined.  But if the accused be a Presiding Elder, the preachers




92       TRIAL OF MINISTERS.    Part I,
must call in the Presiding Elder of the
neihbourinc district, who is required to attend and preside at the trial.
If the accused and accuser cannot be
brought face to face, but the supposed delinquent flees from trial, it shall be received
as a 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.
And if the accused be a superannuated
preacher, living out of the bounds of the
Conference of which he is a member, be
shall be held responsible to the Annual
Conference within whose bounds he may
reside, who shall have power to try, acquit,
suspend, locate, or expel him, in the same
manner as if he were a member of said
Conference.
2. If the charge be preferred at the Conference, the case may be referred to a committee, in the presence of a Presiding Elder,
or a member appointed by the Bishop in his
stead, who shall cause a faithful record of
the proceedings and testimony to be laid
before the Conference;  on which, with
such other evidence as may be admitted,
the case shall be decided.
Quest. 2. What shall be done in cases of
improper tempers, words, or actions.
Answ. The person so offending shall be
reprehended by his senior in office. Should
a second transgression take place, one, two,
or three ministers or preachers, are to ba




Ch. ix, ~ 2. TRIAL OF MINISTERS.        93
taken as witnesses.  If he be not then cured,
he shall be tried at the next Annual Conference, and, if found guilty and impenitent,
shall be expelled from  the connexion, and
his name so returned in the Mlinutes of the
Conference.
Qi/est. 3. What shall be done when a
member of an Annual Conference fails in
business, or contracts debts which he is not
able to pay?
Ans.'. Let the Presiding Elder appoint
three judicious members of the Church to
inspect the accounts, contracts, and circumstances of the supposed delinquent, and if,
in their opinion, he has behaved dishonestly,
or contracted debts without the probability
of paying, let the case be disposed of according to the answer of question one of this
section.
Qutest. 4. What shall be done with those
ministers or preachers who hold and disseminate, publicly or privately, doctrines
which are contrary to our articles of religion?
Anrew. Let the same process be observed
as in case of gross immorality: but if the
minister or preacher so offending do solemnly engage not to disseminate such erroneous doctrines in public or in private, he
shall be borne with, till his case be laid before the next Annual Qonference, which
shall determine the matter
Quest. 5. What shall be done when a
travelling minister is accused of being so unacceptable, inefficient, or secular, as to be no
longer useful in his work?




94      TRIAL OF MINISTERS.    Part I,
Answ. The Conference shall investigate
the case, and if' it appear that the complaint
is well founded, and the accused will not
voluntarily retire, the Conference may locate him wvithout his consent.
Plociilled, nevertheless, that in all the
above-mentioned cases of trial and conviction, an appeal to the ensuing General Conference shall be allowed, if the condemned
person signify his intention to appeal, at the
time of his condemnation, or at any time
thereafter whlen he is informed thereof.
In all the above-mentioned cases it shall
be the (duty of tle secretary of the Annual
Conference carefully to preserve the minutes
of the trial, whether taken before a committee or before the Conference, and all the
documents relating to the case, togetler with
the charge or charges, and the specification
or specifications; which minutes and documents only, in case of an appeal from the
decision of an Annual Conference, shall be
presented to the General Conference, in evidence on the case.  And in all cases, wlen
an appeal is made, and admitted by the General Conference, the appellant shall either
state personally, or by his representative,
(who shall be a member of the Conference,)
the grounds of his appeal, showing cause
why lie appeals, and lie shall be allowed to
make his defence without interruption. After which, the representatives of' the Annual
Conference from whose decision the appeal
is made, shall be permitted to respond in
presence of the appellant, who shall have the




Ch. ix, ~ 2. TRIAL OF MINISTERS.          95
privilege of replying to such representatives,
which shall close the pleadings on both sides.
This (lone, the appellant shall withdraw, and
the  Conference shall deci(le.  And  after
such form of trial and expulsion, the person
so expelled shall have no privileges of society or sacraments in our Church, without
contession, contrition, and satisfactory reformation.
A preacher on trial who may be accused
of crime shall be accountable to the Quarterly Conference of the circuit on which he
travels.  The'Presiding Elder shall call a
committee of three local preachers, who
may suspend him; and the Quarterly Conference may expel him: nevertheless, he
shall have a right to an appeal to the next
Annual Conference.
When any travelling elder or deacon is
deprived of his credentials, by expulsion or
otherwise, they shall be fi!ed with the papers
of the Annual Conference of whic1h he was
a member; and should he at any future
time give satisfactory evidence to said Conference of his amendment, and procure a
certificate of the Quarter ly Conference of
the circuit or station where he resides. or of
an Annual Conference who may have admitted him  on trial, recommending to the
Annual Conference of which he was a
member formerly the restoration of his credentials, the said Conference may restore
them.




96       TRIAL OF MINISTERS.   Part I,
SECTION III.
Of the Trial of Local Preachers.
Quest. 1. What shall be done when a local Elder, Deacon, or preacher, is reported
to be guilty of some crime expressly fbrbid.
den in the word of God, sufficient to exclude
a person from  the kingdom of grace and
glory?
Answ. 1. The preacher having charge
shall call a committee, consisting of three or
more local preachers, before whom it shall
be the duty of the accused to appear, and
by whom he shall be acquitted, or, if found
guilty, suspended until the next Quarterly
Conference.  And the preacher in charge
shall cause exact minutes of the charges, testimony, and examination, together with the
decision of the committee, to be laid before
the Quarterly Conference, where it shall be
the duty of the accused to appear. If the
accused refuse or neglect to appear before
said committee, he may be tried in his absence.
And the president shall, at the commencement of the trial, appoint a secretary, who
shall take down regular minutes of the evi.
dence of the trial; which minutes, when
read and approved, shall be signed by the
president, and also by the members of the
Conference who are present, or a majority
of them. And in case of condemnation, the
local preacher, Deacon, or Elder, shall be allowed to appeal to the next Annual Confer



Ch ix, ~ 3. TRIAL OF MINISTERS.         97
ence, provided that he signify to the said
Quarterly Conference his determination to
appeal; in which case the said president
shall lay the minutes of the trial above mentioned before the said Annual Conference,
at which the local preacher, Deacon, or Elder, so appealing, may appear: and the said
Annual Conference shall judge, and finally
determine, from  the minutes of the said
trial, so laid before them.
2. When a local Elder, or Deacon, shall be
expelled, the Presiding Elder shall require
of him the credentials of his ordination, to be
filed with the papers of the Annual Conference within the limits of which the expulsion
has taken place.  And should he, at any
future time, produce to the Annual Conference  a  certificate  of his restoration,
signed by the president, and countersigned
by the secretary, of the Quarterly Conference, his credentials may be restored (to
him.
Quest. 2. What shall be done in cases of
improper tempers, words, or actions?
Answ. The person so offending shall be
reprehended by the preacher having charge.
Should a second transgression take plac-t,
one, two, or three faithful friends, are to bo
taken as witnesses.  If he be not then
cured, he shall be tried at the next Quarterly Conference, and if found guilty and
impenitent, he shall be expelled from the
Church.
QCe.rt. 3. Wrhat' SaP he do'.   a;aen a, ocal Elder, Deacon, or preacher, farls in buhi7




98        TRIAL OF MEMBERS.   Part I,
ness, or contracts debts which he is not able
to pay?
Answ. Let the preacher in charge appoint three judicious members of the Church
to inspect the accounts, contracts, and circumstances, of the supposed delinquent;
and if in their opinion he has behaved dishonestly, or contracted debts without the
probability of paying, let the case be disposed of according to the answer to question
one of this section.
SECTION IV.
7Of bringing to Trial, finding guilty, and reproving, suspending, or excluding, Disorderly Persons from  Society and Church
Privileges, and of Insolvencies, and the
settlement of Disputes.
Quest. 1. How shall an accused member
be brought to trial?
Answt. 1. Before the society of which he
is a member, or a select number of them, in
the presence of a Bishop, Elder, Deacon, or
preacher, in the following manner:-Let
the accused and accuser be brought face to
face; but if this cannot be done, let the
next best evidence be procured. If the
accused person be found guilty by the deci.
sion 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 minister or preacher who has the charge
of the circuit expel him. If the accused




Ch. ix, ~ 4.  TRIAL OF MEMBERS.         99
person evade a trial, by absenting himself,
after sufficient notice given him, and the
circumstances of the accusation afford strong
presumption of guilt, let him be esteemed as
guilty, and be accordingly excluded.  Witnesses from without shall not be rejected.
2. But in cases of neglect of duties of any
kind, imprudent conduct, indulging sinful
tempers, or words, the buying, selling, or
using, intoxicating liquors as a beverage, or
disobedience to the order and discipline of
the Church: (see part i, ch. v, ~ 3, quest. 3,
page 80:) First, let private reproof be
given by a preacher or leader; and if there
be an acknowledgment of the fault, and
proper humiliation, the person may be borne
with.  On a second offence, the preacher
or leader may take one or two  faithful
friends. On a third offence, let the case be
brought before the society, or aselect number; and if there be no sign of real humiliation, the offender must be cut off.
3. If a member of our Church shall be
clearly convicted of endeavouring to sow
dissensions in any of our societies, by invei(ghing against either our doctrines or discipline, such person so offending shall be
first reproved by the senior minister or
preacher of his circuit, and if he persist in
such pernicious practices, he shall be expelled from the Church.
4. INeiertf1eless, if in any of the abovementioned cases the minister or preacher
dif'er in judgment from the majority of the
ociety, or the select number, concerning




100       TRIAL OF MEMBERS.   Part 1,
the innocence or guilt of the accused person, the trial, in such case, may be referred
by the minister or preacher to the ensuing
Quarterly Conference.
5. If there be a murmur or complaint
from any excluded person, in any of the
above-mentioned instances, that justice has
not been done, he shall be allowed an ap.
peal to the next Quarterly  Conferen'e:
except such as absent themselves from trial,
after sufficient notice is given them: and
the majority of the Travelling and Local
Preachers, Exhorters, Stewards, and Leaders
present, shall finally determine the case.
After such forms of trial and expulsion,
such person shall have no privileges of society or of sacraments in our Church, without contrition, confession, and satisfactory
reformation.
Quest. 2. How  shall disputes between
members of our Church concerning the payment of debts or otherwise be settled?
Answ. 1. On any dispute between two or
more of the members of our Church, concerning the payment of debts, or otherwise,
which cannot be settled by the parties con.
cerned, the preacher who has the charge of
the circuit shall inquire into the circumistances of the case; and shall recommend to the
contending parties a reference, consisting
of one arbiter chosen by the plaintiff, and
another chosen by the defendant; which
two arbiters so chosen shall nominate the
third; the three arbiters being members of
our Church.




Ch. ix, ~4. TRIAL OF MEIMBERS.         101
But if one of the parties be dissatisfied
with the judgment given, such party may
apply to the ensuing Quarterly Conference
of the circuit, for allowance to have asecond
arbitration appointed; and if the Quarterly
Conference 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
judg-:nent of the majority of whom shall be
final: and any person  refusing to abide
by such judgment shall be excluded the
Church.
And if any member of our Church shall
refuse, in cases of debt or other disputes, to
refer the matter to arbitration, when recommended by him  who has the charge of the
circuit, or shall enter into a lawsuit with
another member before these measures are
taken, he shall be expelled, unless the case
be of such a nature as to require and justify
a process at law.
2. Whenever a complaint is made against
any member of our Church for non-payment
of debt; when the accounts are adjusted,
and the amount ascertained, the preacher
having the charge shall call the debtor before a committee of at least three, to show
cause why he does not make payment.
The committee shall determine what further
time shall be granted him for payment, and
wvhat security, if any, shall be given for payment; and in case the debtor refuses to
comply, he shall be expelled; but in such
case he may appeal to the Quarterly Con



102       TRIAL OF MEMBERS.   Part I.
ference, and their decision shall be final.
And in case the creditor complains that
justice is not done him, he may lay his
grievance before the Quarterly Conference,
and their decision shall be final; and if the
creditor refuse to comply, he shall be expelled.
Quest 3. What shall be done in case of
insolvency on the part of any of our mem.
bers?
Anast. 1. The preachers who have the
oversight of circuits are required to execute
all our rules fully and strenuously against
all frauds, and particularly against dishonest
insolvencies: suffering none to remain in
our Church on any account who are found
guilty of any fraud.
2. 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 Church inspect the accounts, contracts, and circumstances of the case of the supposed delinquent; and if he have behaved dishonestly,
or borrowed money without a probability
of paying, let him be expelled.




Ch.i, ~ 2. BAPTISMT  OF INFANTS.      10.
PART II.
E) z  l  it  a l.
CHAPTER I.
THE ORDER OF BAPTISM.
SECTION I
General Directions.
1. LET  every adult person, and the parents of every child to be baptized, have
the choice either of immersion, sprinkling
or pouring.
2. We will on no account whatever make
a charge for administering baptism, or for
burying the dead.
SECTION II.
The Ministration of Baptism to Infants.
The minister coming to the font, which is to be
filled with pure water, shall use the follow:ng.
Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men are
conceived and born in sin, and that our
Saviour Christ saith, None can enter into
the kingdom of God, except he be reereerate 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




104      BAPTISM OF INFANTS. Part 1;
grant to this child that thing which by nature he cannot have, that he may be baptized
with water and the Holy Ghost, and received
into Christ's holy Church, and be made a
tvely member of the same.
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 water; 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 Jordan, didst sanctify water for
this holy sacrament: we beseech thee, for
thine infinite mercies, that thou wilt look
upon this child: wash him and sanctify him
with the Holy Ghost; that he, being deliv'ered fiom thy wrath, may be received into
the ark of Christ's Church, and being 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:eign
with thee, world without end, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
0 merciful God, grant that the old Adam
in this child may be so buried, that the new
man may be raised up in him. Amen.
Grant that all carnal affections may die
in htim, and that all things belonging to the
Spirit may live and grow in him. Amen.




Ch. i, ~ 2. BAPTISM3 OF INFANTS.       105
Grant that he may have power and strength
to have victory, and to triumph 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 mercy, O blessed
Lord God, who dost live and govern all
tli Sgs, world without end.  Amen.
Almighty, ever-living God, whose most
dearly-beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the
forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his
most precious side both water and blood,
and gave commandment to his disciples that
they should go teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; regard,
we beseech thee, the supplications of thy
congregation; sanctify this water for this
holy sacrament; and grant that this child
now to be baptized may receive the fullness
of thy grace, and ever remain in the number cfthy faithful and elect children, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the people stand up; and the ministershall say,
tlear the words of the Gospel written by St. Mask
in the tenth chapter, at the thirteenth verse.
They brought young children to Christ,
hat h-e should touch them. And his dis-iples rebuked those that brought them; but
when Jesus saw it, he -was nmuch displeased,
and said unto them, Suiler the little chil



106       BAPTISMI  OF INFANTS.  Part II,
dren to come unto me, and forbid them not,
for of such is the kinodom of God.  Verily
1 say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive
the kingdom 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.
1'hen the minister shall take the child into hie hands,
and say to the friends of the child,
Name this child.
And then, naming it after them, he shall sprinkle o0
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 who art in heaven, hallowed
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 ties*
pass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Then shall the minister conclude with extemporary
prayer.




Ch. i, ~ 3.     BAPTISM.               107
SECTION III.
The Ministration of Baptism to such as are
of Riper Years.
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 Saviour Christ saith, None can
enter into the kingdom of God, except he
be regenerate 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 goodness
he will grant to these persons that which by
nature they cannot have; thathey may be
baptized with water and the Ioly Ghost,
and received into Christ's holy Church, and
be made lively members of the same.
Then shall the minister say,
Almighty and immortal God, the aid 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
remission of their sins, by spiritual regeneration.  Peceive them, 0 Lord, as thou hast




108       BAPTISM OF SUCH AS   Part n,
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 us 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 king,
dom  which thou hast promised by Christ
our Lord. Amen.
After which he shall say,
Almighty and everlasting God, heavenly
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 tIhey may be born again,
and be made heirs of everlasting salvation
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth
and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.  Amen.
Then shall the people stand up, and the minister shal
say,
fHar the words of the Gospel, written by St. Johrq
in the third chapter, beginning at the first verse.
There was a man of the Pharisees, named
Nicodemnus, a ruler of the Jews: the same
came to Jesus by night, and said unto him,
tRabbi, we know that thou art a teacleli
cone from God: for no man can (lo these
miracles that thou doest, except God bA




Ch. i, ~ 3. ARE OF RIPER YEARS.      109
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.'icodemus 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?  Jestm
answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born of water, and of the
Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of
God. That which is born of the flesh is
flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit
is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee,
Ye must be born arfain. 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 the minister shall speak to the persons to be
baptized on this wise:Well beloved, who are come hither, desiring to receive holy baptism, ye have heard
how the congregation hath prayed that our
Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to receivo you, and bless you, to release you of
your sins, to give you the kingdom of heaven, and everlasting life. And our Lord
Jesus Christ hath promised, in his holy
word, to grant all those things that we have
prayed for: which promise he for his part
will most surely keep and p:erform.
Wherefore after this pronmise mnad  by
Christ, you must also faithfully, for your




110       BAPTISM OF SUCI AS   Part II,
part, promise, in the presence of this whole
congregation, that you will renounce the
devil and all his works, and constantly believe God's holy word, and obediently keep
his commandments.
Then shall the minister demand of each of the personi
to be baptized, severally,
Quest. 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, so
that thou wilt not follow or be led by them?
Answ. I renounce them all.
Quest. Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth?
and in Jesus Christ his only-begotten Son
our Lord? and that he was conceived by
the Ioly Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary?
that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, dead, and buried: that he rose
again the third day; that he ascended into
heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God
the Father 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?
Answ. All this I steadfastly believe.
* By the holy catholic Church is meant the
Church of God in general.




Ch. i, ~ 3. ARE OF RIPER YEARS.      11l
Quest. WV ilt thou be baptized in this faith?
Answ. This ic my desire.
Quest Wilt thou then obediently keep
God's holy will and commandments, and
wvlk in the same all the days of thy life?
An.sw. I will endeavor so to do, God being
my helper.
Then shall the minister say,
0 merciful God, grant that the old Adam
in these persons may be so buried, that the
new man may be raised up in them. Amen.
Grant that all carnal affections may die in
tiem, and that all things belonging 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 mercy, O
blessed Lord God, who dost live and govern
all things, world without end. Amen.
Almighty, ever-living God, whose most
learly-beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forliveness of our sins, did shed out of his most
precious side both water and blood; and
_ave commandment to his disciples that
they should go teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: regard, we
beseech thee, the supplications of this con



112           BAPTISM, ETC.           Part II,
gregation; and grant that the persons now
to be baptized may receive the fullness 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 bapti.aj
by the right hand: and placing him conveniently by
the font, according to his discretion, shall ask the
name; and then shall sprinkle or pour water upon
him, (or if he shall desire it, shall immerse him ii
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 kneeling.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed
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.
[Then let the minister conclude with extemporary
prayer.]




Ch. ii, 5 2. THE LORD'S SUPPER.          113
CIHAPTER II.
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
SECTION I.
General Direclions.
Quest.  ARE there  any directions to;"-,
given concerningr the administration of thl
Lolrd's supper?
Antvs.   1..Let those who have sc-:unles
conc(erning the receiving of it kneelilng, be
permitted to receive it either standing or
sitting.
2. No person shall be admittld  t the
Lord's supper anmonic us who is guilty of an-r
practice obr which we would exclude a men, —
ber of our Church.
SECTION II.
The Order for the Adminiistration, cqJ th
Lord's Supper.
The elder shall say one 3r more of these::i
tences:Let your light so shine before nmen.  tat
they may see your goodl works, and glifit?
your Father which is in heaven. 3Matt. i, 1;.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upoin
earth, where moth and rust dloth corrupt,
and where thieves break through and steal:
but lay up for yourselves treasures in h-eaven, where neither moth nor rust doth coro
8




114       THE LORD'S SUPPER.   Part I,
rupt, and where thieves do not break through
nor steal. Matt. vi, 19, 20.
Whatsoever ye would that men should do
to you, do ye even so to them: for this is
the law and the prophets. Matt. vii, 12.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord,
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of ny 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 accusation, I restore
him fourfold. Luke xix, 8.
He which soweth sparingly shall reap also
sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully
shall reap also bountifllly.  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let
him  give; not grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. ix,
6, 7.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us
do good unto all men, especially unto them
who are of the household of faith. Gal. vi, 10.
Godliness with contentment is great gain;
for we brought nothing into this world, and
it is certain we can carry nothing out. 1 Tin.
vi, 6, 7.
Charge them  that are rich in this world,
that they be 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.
I Tim. vi, 17-19.
God is not unrighteous to forget your




Ch. ii,  2. TIHE LORD'S SUPPER.             115
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, forget
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 compassion from  him, how d welleth the love of God in him? 1 John iii, 17.
He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth
unto tile Lord; and that which he  hath
given will he pay him again. Prov. xix, 17.
Blessed is he that considereth the poor;
the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble
Psalm xli, 1.
[While these sentences are in reading, some fit
person, appointed for that purpose, shall receive
the alms for the poor, and other devotions 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 reper.t of
Tour sins, and are in love and charity with
your neighbors, and intend to lead a new
life, following the conmmanldmnents of (od,
and walking firom  henieforth in his loly
ways; draw  near with fhith, and take this
holy sacrament to your comfort: and make
your humble confession to Almighty God,
maekly kneeling upon your knees.




116        THE LORD'S SUPPER.   Part II,
Then shall this general confession be made by tha,
minister in the name of all those who are minded to
receie the holy communion, both he and all the people kneeling humbly upon their knees, and saying,
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all n en:
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 Di ine
Majesty, provokingY most justly thy wrath
and indignation against us. We do earnestly
repent, and are heartily sorry for these our
misdoings; 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 ever hereafter serve and please thee
in newness of life, to the honor and glory
of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Then shall the elder say,
0 Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
who of thy great mercy hath promised for.
giveness of sins to all them that with hearty
repentance and true faith turn unto 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 I-crd.
Anmen.




Ch. ii, ~ 2. TIE LORD'S SUPPER.      117
The collect.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be
open, all desires known, and from whom no
secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our
hearts by the inspiration of thy Ioly Spirit,
that we may perfectly love thee, and worthili
magnify thy holy name, through Christ om
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, 0 Lord, holy
gather, almighty, everlasting God.
Therefore with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven, we laud
and magnify thy glorious name, evermore
praising thee, and saying, Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are
full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, 0 Lord
most high. Amen.
Then shall the elder say,
We do not presume to come to this thy
table, 0 merciful Lord, trusting in our own
righteousness, but in thy manifold and great
mercies. We are not worthy so much as to
gather up 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
on Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood,




118        TIHE LORD'S SUPPER.   Part II,
that our sinful souls and bodies may be made
clean by his death, and washed thlrough his
most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us.  Amen.
Then, the elder shall say the prayer of consecration,
as followeth: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 made there
(by his oblation of himself once offered) a
full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the
whole world; and did institute, and in his
holy gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death
until his coming again: hear us, 0 merciful
Father, we most humbly beseech thee, and
grant that we, receiving these thy creatures
of bread and wine, according to thy Son
our Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution,
in remembrance of his death and passion,
may be partakers of his most blessed body
and blood; who in the
same night that he was   (1) Ifere the eldes
betrayed, took bread; (1) is to take the plat of
and when he had given bread into his hand.
thanks, he broke it (2)   (2) And here to
and gave it to his disci- break the bread.
ples, saying, Take, eat;
this (3) is my body which   (3) And here to lay
is given for you; do this his hands upon alltke
in remembrance of me. bread,




Ch. ii,  2. THE LORD'S SUPPER.              119
Likewise after supper he
took  (4) the  cup;  and   (4) Here he is to
when he had given thanks, take the cup in his
he gave it to them, sayinr, hand.
Drink  ye all of this: for
this (5) is my blood of the   (5)And here to lay
New Testament, which is his hand upon all the
efor you and/ for many, vessels which contain
sher or you and for many, the wine.
for the remission of sins;
do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.  A7en.
Then shall the minister first receive the communion in
both kinds himselj; and then proceed to deliver the
sane to the other ministers in like manner, (if any
be present,) and after that to the people also, 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.
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 or wine be all spent before all have communicated, the elder may conse
crate more, by repeating the.,rayei of consecration.]




120        THE LORD'S SUPPER.   Part II,
[When all have communicated, the minister shall
return to the Lord's talle, and place upon it what
reniaineth of the consecrated elements, covering the
same with a fair linen cloth.]
Then shall the elder say the Lord's Prayer; the peo
pie repeating after him every petition.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed
be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will'be done on earth as it is in heaven: give us
thlis 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, for thine is the
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for
ever and ever. Amen.
After which shall be said as followeth:0  Lord and heavenly Father, we thy
humble servants desire the fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice
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 remission of our sins,
and all other benefits of his passion. And
here we offer and present unto thee, 0 Lord,
ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonab)le, holy, and lively sacrifice unto thee;
humbly beseeching thee that all we who are
partakers of this holy communion, may be
filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction. And although we be unworthy, through
our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sa



Ch. ii, ~ 2. THE LORD'S SUPPER.       121
crifice, yet we beseech thee to accept this
our bounden duty and service; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offenses,
through Jesus Christ our Lord: by whom,
andl with whom, in the unity of the IHoly
Ghost, all honor and glory be unto thee, O
Father Almighty, world without end. Amen
Then shall be said,
Glory be to God on high, and on earth
peace, good-will toward 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, heavenly 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 sins 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 only 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 extempore prayer; and afterward shall let the
people depart with this blessing:May the peace of God, which passeth all
understan ling, keep your hearts and minds




122           ORDINATION          Part 11,
in the knowledge and love of God, and of
his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: and the
blessing of God Allnighty, the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among you,
and remain with you always. Amen.
N. B. If the elder be straitened foi time, ie may
omit any part of the service except the prayer of
consecration.
CHAPTER III.
FORMS OF ORDINATION.
SECTION I.
7Te Form of ordaining a Bishop.
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 administer the godly discipline
thereof; and grant to the people that they
may obediently follow the same; that all
may receive the crown of everlasting glory,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall be read by one of the elders
The Epistle. Acts xx, 17-35.
From Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus, and
called the elders of the Church.  And when




Ch. ill, ~ 1.    OF BISHOPS.       128
they were come to him, he said unto them,
Ye know from the first day that I came into
Asia, after what manner I have been with
you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all
humility of mind, and with many tears and
temptations which befell me by the lying in
wait of the Jews; and how I kept back
nothing that was profitable unto you, but
have showed you, and have taught you
publicly 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 unto Jerusalem, not
knowing the things that shall befall me there;
save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in
every city, saying that bonds and afflictions
abide me. But none of these things move
me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with
joy, and the ministry which I have received
of the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of
the grace of God. And now, behold, I
know that ye all, among whom I have gone
preaching the kingdom of God, shall see
my face no more. Wherefore I take you
to record this day, that I am pure from the
blood of all men. For I have not shunned
to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and
to all the flock, over the 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
~""  "-J ~~~~~r"'~ —-3~1.




124           ORDINATION         Part II,
enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise,
speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and
remember that by the space of three years,
I ceased not to warn every one night aad
day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his
grace, which is able to build you up, and to
give you an inheritance among all them
which are sanctified. I have 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.
Th.'  another shall read
The Gospel. St. John xxi, 15-17.
Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of
Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He
saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that
I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my
lambs. He saith to him again the second
time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?
He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest
that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed
my sheep. He saith unto him the third
time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?
Peter was grieved because he said unto him




Ch. iii, ~ 1.    OF BSISOPS.           125
the third time, Lovest thou me?  And he
said ulnto him, Lord, thou knowest all things;
thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith
unto him, Feed my sheep.
Or this: St. {Matt. xxviii, 18-20.
Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,
All power is given unto me in heaven 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 IIoly Ghost;
teaching them  to observe all things whatsoever [ have commanded 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,
We present unto you this holy man to be
ordained a bishop.
Then the bishop shall move the congregation present
to prab, saying thus to them:Brethren, it is written in the Gospel of St.
Luke, that our Saviour Christ continued the
whole night in prayer before he did choose
and send forth his twelve apostles.  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, following the example of our




126            ORDINATION          Part,
Saviour Christ, and his apostles, first fall to
prayer before we admit, and( send forth this
person presented to us, to the work whereunto we trust the Holy Ghost hath called
him.
Then shall be said this prayer followzng:Almighty God, Giver of all good th;ng,
who by thy Holy Spirit hast appointed divers
orders of ministers in thy Church: rmercifully behold this thy servant now called to
the work and ministry of a bishop, and replenish him so with the truth of thy doctrine,
and adorn him with innocency of life, that
both by word and deed le may faithfully
serve thee in this office, to the glory of thy
name, and the edlifing and 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 Scripture
colmmands that we should not be hasty in
laying on hands, and a(dmitting any person to
government in the Church of Christ, which
he hath purchased with no less price than
the eflusion of his own blood; before I admit you to this3 administration, I will examine
you on certain articles, to the end that the
congregation present may have a trial, and
ZD 0 ~  ~    ~    av    fli




Ch. iii,~ 1.  OF BISHOPS.             127
bear witness how you are minded to behave
yourself in the Church of God.
Are you persuaded that you are truly
called to this ministration, according to the
will of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Anssw. I am so persuaded.
The bishop.  Are you persuaded that the
Hloly Scriptures contain sufficiently all doctine required of necessity for eternal 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 or maintain
nothing as required of necessity to eternal
salvation but that which you shall be persuaded may he concluded and proved by
the same?
Aslo.sw. I am so persuaded and determined,:y God's grace.
The bishop. Will you then faithfully exercise yourself in the same Holy Scriptures,
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 the gainsayers?
Antas. I will so do, by the help of God.
The bishop. Are you ready with faithful
diligence to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange do(trines contrary to
God's word, and both privately and openly
to call upon and encourage others to the
same?
Ansto. I am ready, the Lord being my
helper.




J28           ORDINATION           Fart II,
The bi.hop  Will you deny all ungod(liness
and worldly lust, and live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, that
you may show yourself in all things an ex
ample of good works unto others, that the
adversary may be ashamed, having nothing
to say against you?
Answ.  I will so do, the Lord being my
helper.
The bishop. Will you maintain and set
forward, as much as slall lie in you, quietness, love, and peace, among all men: 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 slC,. I will so do, by the help of God.
The bishop. Will you be faithful in orllaining, sending, or laying  hands upon,
others?
Anslv. I will so be, by the help of God.
/The bishop. Will you show yourself gentle, and be mercifitl for Christ's sake, to poor
and needy people, and to all strangers destitute of help?
Answ. I will so show myself, by God's help.
Then the bishop shall say,
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who
hath given yo u a good will to do all these
things, grant also unto you strength and
power to perform the same; that he accomplishing in you the good work which he hath




Ch. il, ~ 1.     OF BISHrOPS.               129
beguii, vou may be ftltid perfect andl irrlrehensib!e at the last day, tlrouhll Jesus Christ
our Lord. lAmen.
Then shall Vent, Creatoi Spiritus, be said.
Come, HIoly Ghost, our souls inspire.
And li(/htcln i(ilh celestitl fire.
Thou the. anointilng Spirit art,
I1'/ho lost thIy seel'f;)ld  /if/j  impart.
T'hy blessed uncltilon f'romi above
I, com(fbrt, life, tld. fire of love.;Enable with perpetual light
The dullness of our blindedl sight;
Alloint and cheer our soiled face
Wl'ith the abunclarce o)' tly (trace;
Keep far our foes, give peace at home,
Wh'ere thou art Guilde, no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
A lnd thee of both to be but onie;'T'lat throuigh the ages all along,
T'i is lct#j be/ oIur et }less so)ry:
Praise to thy eternal merit,'ilt/er,,Son, and 11ol0y Spir t.
That ended, the bishop shall say,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Answ.. And let our cry come unto thes
Bishop. Let us 1ir)y.
Almighty God and most merciful Father,
who of thine infinite goodliess hast given
thine only and  dea.rly-beloved  Son Jesus
9




130           ORDINATION           Part II,
Christ to be our Redeemer, and the author
of everlasting life; who after that he had
made perfect our redemption by his death,
and was ascended into heaven, poured down
his gifts abundantly upon men, making some
apostles, some prophets, some evangelists,
some pastors, and doctors, to the edifying and
making perfect his Church: grant, we beseech thee, to this thy servant, such grace
that he may evermore be 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 the fainily 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 without end. Amen.
Then the bishop and elders present shall lay their hands
upon the hradl of the elected person, kneeling before
them upon his knees, the bishop saying,
Receive the Holy Ghost for the office and';ork of a bishop in the Church of God now
c:mmllitted unto thee by the imposition of
cur hands, in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the IHoly Ghost.-Amen.
And renember that thou stir up the grace
of God whicl is given thee by this imposition
of our han(ds; for God hath not given us the
spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and
soberness.




Ch. iii,~ 1.   OF BIsHOPS.               131
Then the bishop shall deliver him the Bible, saying,
Give heed unto reading, exhortation, and
doctrine.  Think upon the 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 thyself' and them  that hear thee.
Be to the flock of Christ a shepherd, not a
wolf: feed them, devour them not.  Iold up
the weak, heal the sick, bind up the broken,
bring again the outcast, seek the lost, be so
merciful that you may not 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 sup?
per, with whom the newly-ordained bishop and other
persons present shall communicate.]
Immediately before the benediction shall be said the
followiog prayers: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 reprove, beseech, and reouke with all patience 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 ful'illing his course, at the latter day he




132             ORDN lATION             Part I1,
may receive the crown of rihteoul:cssis laid
up hy the Lord, the riolhteoLis,tu(7l, who
livetll and reigneth, oie God withi tle IF.tler
and the IIoly Gllost,world without cid.  n ten.
Prevent us, 0 Lord, in all our doiis. with
thy most gracious favor, and further us with
thy continual help, that in all our works lbe
gun, continued, and eiided in thee, we nmal
glorify thy holy name; and finally, by thy)
mercy, obtain everlasting life throulgh Jesus
Christ our Lord. Arnen.
The peace of God which passeth all un
derstanding, keep your hearts and milnds 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 Hloly Ghost, be among you, and remain
with you always. Amen.
SECTION  II.
The Form and Manner of ordaining Elders.
[When the day appointed b;y the bishop is come,
there shall be a sermon or exhortation, declaring
the duty anid office of such as come to be at;uilttc
elders; how necessaiy that order is in tle C('-irce.
of Christ, and also how the people ought to esleein
them in their office.]
After which, one of the elders shall present unto
the bishop all them that are to be ordareld, and
say,
I present unto you these persons present
to be ordained elders.




Ch. iii, ~ 2.   OF ELDERS.                133
Then their names being rpad a!ond, the bishop shag
say unto the people,
Brethren, these are they whom  we purpose, God willing, thijs day to ordain elders.
For after due examination, we find not to,
the contrary, but that 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
whichl he ourht 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.
[ff any crime or impediment he o!jected, the
Dishop shall surcease rom ordaining thal. person
until such time as the purty accused shall be found
clear of the crime.]
Then shall be said the collpet, epistle, and gospel, as
followeth.
The Collect.
Almi.hty God, Giver of all good things,
vho bv thy Holy Spirit hast appointed divers  ordlers of ministers in  thy  Church,
mercifully behold these thy servants now
called to the office of elders, and replenish
them so with the truth of thy doctrine, and
adorn them with inno'ency of life, that both
by word a-,l good example they may faithfully serve thee in this office, to the glory
of thy  name, and  the edification  of thy
Church, through the merits of our Saviour




134            ORDINATION            Part II,
Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with
thee and the Holy Ghost, world without
end.  Amen.
The Epistle. Eph. iv, 7-13.
Unto every one of us is given grace ac,
cording to the measure of the gift of Christ
Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up
on high, he led captivity captive, and gave
gifts unto men.  (Now  that he ascended,
what is it but that he also descended first
into the lower parts of the earth?  te 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 teachlers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the vwork of the ministry, for the edifving of the body of Christ,
till we all come in the unity of the faith, and
of the knowledgte of the Son of (od, unto
a perfect man, unto the measure of the
stature of the fullness of Christ.
After this shall be read for the Gospel, part of the
tenth chapter of St. John.
St. John x, 1-16.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that
entereth not by the door into the shbepfold,
but climnietlh up sonme other way, the same
is a thief and a robber.  But he that entereth in bv the door is the shepherd of the
sheep.''o himnn the porter openeth, and the
sheep hear his voice, and he calleth his own




Ch. iii, ~ 2.    OF ELDERS.          135
sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And
when he putteth forth his own sheep, he
goeth before them, and the sheep follow him,
for they know his voice. And a stranger
will they not follow, but will flee from him,
for they know not the voice of strangers.
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 destroy; I am
come that they might have life, and that
they might have it more abundantly. I am
the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is a
hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own
the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming,
and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the
wolf'catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
The hireling fleeth because lie is a hireling,
and careth not for the sheep. I am the
gooL shepherd, and know my slheep, 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 Lave which are not of this fold:
them also I must bring, and they shall hear
my vo;ce, and there shall be one fold and
o," oewpherd.




136           ORDINATION          Part II,
And that done, the bishop shall say unto them as
hereafter followeth:You have heard, brethren, as well in your
private examination as in the exhortation
which was now made to you, and in the
holy lessons taken out of the Gospel, and
the writings of the apostles, of what dignity
and of how great importance this office is
whereunto ye are called.  And now again
we exhort you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you have in remembrance,
into how high a dignity and to how weighty
an office ye are called: that is to say, to be
messengers, watchmen, and stewards, of the
Lord, to teach and to premonish, 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 congregation whom  you
must serve, is his spouse and his body.
And if it shall happen, the same Church, or
any member thereof, do take any hurt or
hinderance by reason of your negligence,
ye know the greatness of the fault, and also
the horrible punishment that will ensue.
Wherefore consider with yourselves the
end of the ministry toward the children of




Ch. iii, ~ 2.  OF ELDERS.            137
God, toward the spouse and body of Christ;
and see that you never cease your labor,
our care and diligence, until you have
d6ne all that lieth in you, according to your
bounden duty, to bring all such as are or
shall be committed to your charge, unto
that agreement in the faith and knowledge
of God, and to that ripeness and perfectness
of age in Christ, that there be no place left
among you, either for error in religion, 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 unto 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. Howbeit ye cannot have a mind and will thereto of yourselves; for that will and ability is given of
God alone; therefore ye ought, and have
need to pray earnestly for his Holy Spirit.
And seeing that ye cannot by any other
means compass the doing of so weighty a
work, pertaining to the salvation of man,
but with doctrine and exhortation taken
out of the Holy Scriptures, and with a life
agreeable to the same; consider how studious ye cught to be in reading and learning
the Scriptures, and in framing the manners,
both of yourselves and of them that specially pertain unto you, according to the rule
of the same Scriptures; and for this self



138           ORDINATION          Part II,
same cause, how ye ought to forsake and
set aside (as much as you may) all worldly
cares and 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 wholly to this officet
whereunto it hath pleased God to call you:
so that, as much as lieth in you, you will
apply yourselves wholly to this one thing,
and draw all your cares and studies this
way, and that you will continually pray to
God the Father, by the mediation of our
only Saviour Jesus Christ, for the heavenly
assistance of the Holy Ghost; that by daily
reading and weighing of the Scriptures, ye
may wax riper and stronger in your ministry; and that ye may so endeavor yourselves from time to time to 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 present congregation
of Christ, here assembled, may also understand your minds and wills in these thing,
and that this your promise may the more
move vou to do your duties: ve 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 aire
truly called, according to the will of our
Lord Jesus Christ, to the order of elders.




Ch. iii, ~ 2.  OF ELDERS.             139
Answv. 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 Scriptures
io instruct the people committed to your
charge, and to teach nothing as required of
necessity to eternal salvation, but that which
you shall be persuaded may be concluded
and proved by the Scripture?
Answ. 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 discipline  of
Christ, as the Lord hath commanded?
Arnsw. I will so do, by the help of the Lord.
The bishop. Will you be ready with all
faithful 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 exhortations, as well
to the sick as to the whole within your
chargre, as need shall require and occasion
shall be given?
AnswL'. I will, the Lord being my helper.
The bishop. Will you be diligent in prayers, and in reading of the HIoly Scriptures,
and in such studies as help to tle know!ledge
of the same, laving aside the study of the
world and the flesh?
Answ. I will endeavor so to do, the Lord
being my helper.
The bishop. Will you be diligent to fiame




140            ORDINATION            Part 11,
and fashion Tourselves, and your familis,
according to the doctrine of Christ: abd to
make both yourselves and them, as mrnlh as
in you lieth, wholesome examples ana patterns to the flock of Christ?
Answ. I shall apply myself there.), the
Lord being my helper.
The bisfhop. Will you maintain and set
forward, as much as lieth in you, quietness,
peace, and love, among all Christian people,
and especially among them that are or shall
be committe(d to your charge?
Anslw. I will so do, the Lord being my
helper.
The bishop. Will you reverently  obey
your chief ministers, unto whom is committed the chatrge and government over you;
following with a glad mind and will their
godlly admonitions, submitting yourselves to
their godly jud!gments?
A nsw. I will so do, 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 untc
you strength and power to pelform  the
aame; that he may accomplish his work
which le hath begun n  you, through Jesus
Christ our Lord.  Amen.
[After this the congregation shall be desired secretly in their prayers to make their humble supplications to God for all these things  for the which
prayers there shall be silence kept tor a space.]




Ch. iii, ~.     OF ELDERS.                 141,After which shall be said by the bishop, (the persons
to oc ordained elders all knteelinn,) Vntli, Creatol
St-.-::tus, the hishop beginnling, and the elders and
otle:s thatt are present answering by verse, as fol
loweth:Come, HIoly Ghost, our souls inspire,
A rid li!hten t ith celestitl fire.'Thou the anointing Spirit art,
TVo dost thy sevenafolld!ifis i.ipart.
Thv blessed unction firom above
Is co'ort/;'t, life, ald fire of love.
Enable with p)erpetual ligiht
The dlllness  f'our blinded siqht,
Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abunedance of thy grace:
Keep far our foes, give peace at home,
WIthere thou art guide no ill can ceole:
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee of both to he but one:
That throiugh the ares all along,
T'h is Tatyj be ot Lr e1dless sot.g:
Prais;e to thy eternal merit,
]Ftth.er, Son, and Hloly Spirit.
Chat done, the bishop shall pray in this wise, and
say,
Let us pray.
Almihty God and heavenly Father, who
cf thilne infinlite lo,-e and goodness toward
us, hast eiven to us thv only and most dearly
belovetd Soin,Jesus Christ to be our lRedeemer, ain t'ie autllor of everlasting life; who,
a f'{  1:',1ad madle perfect our redemption
by Li:.:  tjh, and. was ascended into heaven,
selt:l'-:.id  into  the  world  his apostles,




142            ORDINATION          Part lt
prophets, evangelists, doctors, and pastors,
by whose labor and ministry he gathered
together a great flock in all parts of the
world, to set forth the eternal praise of thy
holy name: for these so great benefits of
thy eternal goodness, and for that thou hast
vouchsafed to call these thy servants here
present to the same office and ministry appointed for the salvation of mankind, 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 other thy benefits,
and that we may daily increase 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 be for ever glorified,
and thy blessed kingdom enlarged, through
the same, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord:
who liveth and reirneth with thee in the
unity of the same Holy Spirit, world with*
out end.  Amen.
When this prayer is done, the bishop, with the elders
present, shall lay their hands severally npon the head
of every one that receiveth the order of elders; the
receivers humbly kneeling upon their knees, and the
bishop saying,
The Lord pour upon thee the Holy Ghost
for the office and work of an elder in the




Ch. iii, ~ 2.  OF ELDERS.            143
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 sacraments in the congregation.
Then the bishop shall say,
Most merciful Father, we beseech thee to
send upon these thy servants thy heavenly
blessings, that they may be clothed with
righteousness, and that thy word spoken by
their mouths may have such success, that it
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
cf our salvation; and that in all our words
and deeds we may seek thy glory, and the
increase of thy kingdom, through Jesu:
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prevent us, 0 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 everlasting life, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.




144              ORDINATION             Part II,
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 Lordt; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son,
and the Ioly Ghost, be amongo you, and remain with you always.  Amen.
*** [If on the same day the order of deacone a.
given to some, and that of elders to others,:he deacons shall be first presented, and then the elders.
The collects shall both be used: first that for dea.
cons, then that for elders. The epistle shall be
Ephes. iv, 7 to 13, as before in this office.  Immediately after which, they that are to be ordained
deacons shall be examined and ordained as is above
prescril)ed   Then one of them 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.
T7ie Form and Manner of making 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 uito ths
bishop the persons to be ordained deacons, and their
names berng read aloud, the bishop shall say unto
the people:Brethren, if there be any of you who knoweth any impediment or crime in any of these
persons presented to be ordained deacons,
for the which he ought not to be admitted to




Ch. iii, ~ 3.    OF DEACONS.           145
that office, let him come forth in the name
of God, and show what the crime or impediment is.
LIf any crime or impediment be oibjected, the
bishop shall surcease from ordaining that person
until such time as the party accused shall be tound
clear of that crime.]
Then shall be read the following collect and epistle:The Collect.
Almighty God, who by thy divine Providence hast appointed divers orders of ministers in thy Church, and didst inspire thy
apostles to choose into the order of deacons
thy 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 doctrine, and adorn them with innocency of
life, that both by word and good example
they may faithfully serve thee in this office
to the glory of thy name, and the edification
of thy Church, through the merits of our
Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost now and
for ever. 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 conscience.  And let
these also first be proved; then let them use
10




146            ORDINATION           Part II,
the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.  Let the
deacons be the husbands 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 de.
gree, and great boldness in the faith which
b in Christ Jesus.
Then shall the bishop examine every one of those wlho
are to be ordained, in the presence of the people, af
ter this manner following:Do you trust that you are inwardly moved
by the Holy Ghost to take upon you the office of the ministry in the Church of Christ,
to serve God for the promoting of his glory
and the edifying of his people?
Answ. I trust so.
The bishop. Do you unfeignedly believe
all the canonical Scriptures of the (Od and
New Testament?
Ans.Vw. I do believe them.
The bishop. Will you diligently read or
expound the same unto the people whom
you shall be appointed to serve?
Alnsw. I will.
The bishop. It appertaineth to the office of
a deacon to assist the elder in divine service.
Aind especially when he ministereth the holy
communion, to help him  in the distribution
thrceof, and to read and expound the Hloly
Scriptures; to instruct the youth, and in the
absence of the elder to baptize.  And furthermore, it is his office to search for the sick,




Ch. iii, ~ 3.  OF DEACONS.               147
poor, and impotent, that they may be visited
and relieved.  Will you do this gladly and
willingly?
Answ. I will do so by the help of God.
T/Pe bishop. Will you apply all your diligence to frame and thshlion your own lives
(and the lives of your families) according 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?
Answ. I will do so, the Lord being my
helper.
The bishop. Will you  reverently  obey
them  to whom  the char(ge and government
over vou is comnmittedl, lllolwi n  witi a glad
mind and will their (odly admonitions?
Answ. I will endeavor so to do, the Lord
being my helper.
Then the bishop, laying his bandrs severaly tpon the
head of every one of them, shall say,
Take thou authority to execute the office
of a (leacon in the Church of (Cod; in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and the
Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then shall the bishop deliver to everv one of them tkft
Holy Bible, saying,
Take thou authority to read the Toly
Scriptures in the Church of God, and to
preach the same.
Then one oJ them appoznted by the bishop shall read
ie (o.pel.




148          ORDINATION, ETC.    rart 11,
Luke xii, 35-38.
Let your loins be girlded about, and your
lights burning, and  ye' ourselves like unto
men that wait for their Lord, wler, he will
return  from  the weddiln, that when  he
cometh and knockeith, they may open unto
him immnediatelv. Blessed are those servants
whoni the Lord wlhn he cometh shall find
watching.  Verily I say unto you, that he
shall girdl himselnfl and mal;ke them to sit down
to meat, and will comle forth and serve them.
And if lhe slhall come in the second watch,
or conme in the third watch, and find  them
so, blessed are those servants.
[Then shall the bishop proceed in the conmmnion,
ani all that are ordained shall receive the holy
conimminion.]
The crrmunion ended, immediately before the benedictzor shall be said these collectsfollowing:Almilhtv God, Giver of all good things,
who of' thy great (godness hast vouchsafed
to a(.ccept and take these thy servants inta
the ollice of' deacons in thy Church: make
them, w e leseechi tliee,   ILord, to be rnodest;
humble, and constant in their ministration,
and to have a ready will to observe all spiritual discipline; tilat they having  always
the testimony of a (ool conscience, and continuing ever stalle and strong in thy Son
Christ, nlav so well tbehave themselves in this
inferior office, tlhat they may be foundl  worthy to be called into the higher ministries in




Ch. iv.        MATRIMONY.                149
thy Church, throughl the same, thy Son our
SaviourJesus Christ; to whom be glory and
honor, world without end. Amen.
Prevent us, 0 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 everlasting life, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. imen.
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 IIoly Ghost, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
CHAPTER IV.
THE FORM  OF SOLEMNIZATION OF
MATRIMONY.
First, the banns of all that are to be married together
must he published in the congregation three severaJ
Sundays in the time of divine service, (unless they
be otherwise qualified according to law,) the minis
ter saying after the accustomed manner,
I PUBLISIt the banns of marriage between
M. of      -, and N. of  a.  f-any of
you know cause or just impediment whj
these two persons should not be joined together in holy matrimony, ye are to declare




150           MATRIMONY.           Part I,
it.  This is the first [second or third] time
of asking.
At the day and time appointed for solemnization 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,
)early beloved, we are gathered together
here in the sight of God, and in the presence
of these witnesses, to join together this man
and this woman in holy matrimony: which
is an honorable estate, instituted of God in
the time of man's innocency, signifying unto
us the mystical union that is between Christ
and his Church; which holy estate Christ
adorned and beautified with his presence,
and first miracle that he wrought in Cana
of Galilee, and is commended of St. Paul to
be honorable among all men; and therefore
is not by any to be enterprised, or taken in
hand unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly,
advisedly, and in the fear of God.
Into which holy estate these two persons
present 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 for ever hold his
peace.
And also speaking unto the persons that are to be mar
ried, he shall say,
I require and charge you both (as you
will answer at the dreadful day of judgment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be
disclosed) that if either of you know any




Ch. iv.        MATRIMONY.                 151
impediment why yol, mlay not be lawfully
joined together in matrimony, you do now
confess it: for be ye well assured, that so
many as are coupled  together otherwise
than God's word doth allow, are not joined
together by G od, neither is their matruiony
lawful.
-f no impediment be alledged, then shall the minister
say unto the man,
f., Wilt thou have this woman to thy
wedded wife, to live together after God':
ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony?
Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and
keep her, in sickness and in health: and,
forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her,
so long as ye both shall live?
The man shall answer
I will.
Then shall the minister say unto the woman,
T., Wilt thou have this man to thy wed.
ded husband, to live together after God's
ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony?
Wilt thou obey him, serve him, love, honor,
and keep him, in sickness and in health:
and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto
him, so long as ye both shall live?
The woman shall answer,
I will.
Then the minister shall cause the man with his right
hand to take the woman by her right hand, and to
say after him asfolloweth:



152            MATRIMONY.           Part II,
I At. take thee N. to be my wedled 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 us do part, according to
God's holy ordinance: and thereto I plight
thee my faith.
Then shall they loose their hands, and the woman with
her right hand taking the man by his right hand,
shall likewise say after the minister:I N. take thee AI. 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 us do part,
according to God's holy ordinance: and
thereto I give thee my faith.
Then shall the minister say,
Let us pray.
0, eternal God, Creator and 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 vow and covenant between them
made, and may ever remain in perfect love
and peace together, and live accoiding to
thy laws, through Jesus Christ our  olrd
Anlen.




Ch. iv.       MATRIMONY.               153
Then shall the minister join their right hands together,
and soly,
Those whom  God hath joined together
let no man put asunder.
Foralsmuch as l. and N. have consented
togetller in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have pledged their faith
either to other, and have declared the same
by joining of' hands; I pronounce that they
are main and wife together, in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Ioly
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 ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come
ye may have life everlasting. Amen.
Then the minister shall say,
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed
be thy name; thy kincgdom  come; thy will
be done on earth, as it is in heaven: give
as 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.
Then shall the minister say,
O God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of




154          MATRIMONY.          Part II,
Jacob, bless this man and this woman, and
sow the seed of eternal life in their hearts,
that whatsoever in thy holy word they shall
profitably learn, they may indeed fulfill the
same. Look, O Lord, mercifully on 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.
0 God, who by thy mighty power hast
made all things of nothing; who also (after
other things set in order) didst appoint that
out of man (created after thine own inagee
and similitude) woman should take her beginning; and knitting them together, didst
teach that it should never be lawful to put
asunder those whom thou, by matrimony,
hadst made one: 0 God, who hast consecrated the state of matrimony to such an
excellent mystery, that in it is signified and
represented the spiritual marriage and unity
between Christ and his Church: look mercifully upon this man and this woman; that
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
amiable, faithful and obedient to her husband; and in all quietness, sobriety, and
peace, be a follower of holy and godly ma



Ch. v.   BURIAL OF TIiE DEAD.          155
trons.  O Lord, bless them both, and  rrant
them  to inherit thv everlasting kingdom,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the minister say.
Almighty God, who at the beginninrg did
create our first parents, Adam and Eve, and
did sanctify and join them together in marriage, pour upon yout 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. Anmen.
CHAPTER V.
ORDER OF TIE BURIAL OF TIIE DEAD.
The minister, meeting the corpse, and going before it,
shall say,
I AM the resurrection and the life: 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 for myself, and mine
eyes shall behold, and not another. Job xix,
25-27.




156       BURIAL OF THE DEAD.  Part II,
lVe brought nothing into this world, and it
is certain we can carry nothing out.  The
Lord gave, and the,ord 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, Lhe
minister shall say,
Man that is born of a woman hath but a
short time to live, and is full of mi.ery.  Iie
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,
0  Lord, who for our sins art justly displeased?
Yet, 0 Lord God most holy, 0 Lord most
mighty, 0 holy and most merciful Saviour,
deliver us not into 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, 0 God
most mighty, 0 holy and merciful Saviour,
thou most worthy Judge eternal, suffer us
not at our last hour for any pains of death
to fall from thee.
Then shall be said,
I heard a voice from heaven saying unto
me, Write; from henceforth blessed are the
dead who die in the Lord: even so, saith the
Spirit; for they rest from their labors.




Ch. V.    BURIAL OF THE DEAD.           157
Then shall the minister say,
Lord have mercv -upon us.
Chr.ist have merCe!?iP,9: /i.:
Lord have mercy upon us.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed
be tlhy name; thy kingdoml  come; thlv will
be d(one on earth as it is in heaven: (ive us
tils 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 andl the
life; in whom whosoever believeth slall live,
thourgh he die: and whosoever liveth and believeth in him, shill not die eternally.  We
meekly beseech thee, 0 Father, to raise us
from the death of sin unto the life of ri(hteousness; that when we shall depart this life
we may rest in him; and at the general resurrection on the last day may be found acceptalle in thy sight, and receive that blessing which thy well-beloved Son shall then
pronounce to all that love and fear thee
saying, Come ve blessed children of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you
from  the beginning of the world.  Grantthis. we beseech thee, 0 merciful Father,
through Jesus Christ our Mediator and Redeemer.  Ai men.
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.




PART III.
TtmporaI  ttneoms.
CHAPTER I.
OF THE BOUNDARIES OF  THE ANNUAL
CONFERENCES.
1. The NFw-YORK CONFERENCE shall
consist of the territory now included in the
New-York, Porlghkeepsie, Rhinebeck, Delaware, and Nevwburo Districts.
2. The NN I:w-Yoi i EAST CONFEREXCE
shall consist of the East New-York, the
New-Tlaven, the IHartfbrd, and the Long
Island Districts, includling in the city of
New-York, all those charges lying east of a
line running through the Third Avenue,
Bowery, Chatham-street, and Broadwav.
3. T111h PRlOVXII:NxcS  CONFERENCE shall
include that part of the State of Connecticut
lying e:ist of the Connecticut River, all the
State of Rhode Island, with Millville and
Bla kstone stations in Massachusetts, and
also that part of the State of Massachustts
lying south-east of a line drawn from  the
north-east corner of the State of Rhode
Island to the mouth of the Neponset River,
which line shall so run as to leave Walpole
station and Quiney Point within the bounds
of the New-England Conference.




Ch.     ANNUAL CONFERENCES.          159
4. NFW-ENXGLANT,      CONFERFECE shall.nclu(le all the State of Massachusetts lying
east of tie Green Mountains, not embraced
in the New-HIampshire and Providence Conferences.
5. The MIAINE CONFERENCE shall include that part of the State of Maine lying
west of the Kennebeck River, from  the
mouth to the Great Bend below Skowlhegan,
and of a line running( from thence north to
the State line, (inclluding Skowhlegan and
Augusta stations iln Maine Conference,) and
that part of New-llampshire lying east of
the NWhite Ilills, and nortl of the waters of
the Ossipee Lake.
6. The EAST MAINE CONFERENCE shall
include that part of the State of Maine not
includedl in the Maine Conference.
7. The NE\W-IIAIAMPSIIhI   CONIFEn.ENCE
shall include all the State of New-Ilampshire not embraced in the Maine Conference, and that part of the State of Massachusetts north-east of' the Merrimack Rliver.
8. The VERMIONT CONFERIENCE shall
include the State of Vermont, except that
part yIing west of' the top of the (Green
Mountains, embraced in the Troy Conference.
9. The TiROY CONFERENCE shall include
the Troy, Albany, (enbracing Ricihmondville station,) Saratoga, Poultney, Bulrlington, Plattsburg, and St. Albans Districts.
10. The BLACK  RIVER CON F IENCE
shall include, together with Rose Circuit,
that part of the State of New-York west of




160      BOUNDARIES OF TIIE  Part III.
the Troy Conference, not embraced in the
East Genesee Conference, as fhr south as
the Erie Canal, and all the societies on the
immediate banks of said canal, except Utica,
Canistota, Monteznma, and Port Byron.
11. The ONEIDA CONFERENCE shall include that part of the State of New-York
south of the Black River Conference, and
east of Cayuga Lake, and north of a line
running east from  Newfield  to Ithaca.
From thence, following the Catskill turnpike to Greene, and from thence following
the same line of road through Masonville to
the New-York Conference, including all the
charges through which said line passes.
From thence on the west line of the Troy
Conference to the Erie Canal, including
Fort Plain.
12. The WYOMING CONFERENCE shall
include that part of the State of New-York
not included in the Oneida, East Genesee,
and New-York Conferences, and the Susquehanna and Wyoming Districts in the
State of Pennsylvania, including Stoddaitsville circuit.
13. The EAST GENESEE CONFERENCE
shall contain all that part of the State of
New-York, west of Black River, Oneida,
and Wyoming Conferences, and east of the
Genesee River, excepting Lima station, including the city of Rochester, together with
so much of the State of Pennsylvania as is
included in the Elmira and Corning Districts.
14. The GENESEE CONFERENCE shall




Ch. i.   ANNUAL CONFERENCES.           16i
include all that part of the State of NewYork, includinr Lima station, west of the
East Genesee Conference, except so much
as is included in the Erie Annual Conference, and also Smithport, Cudersport, and
Braiiford circuits, in Pennsylvania.
15. The ERIE CONFERENCE  slhall be
bounded on the north by Lake Erie, on
th(. east by a line commencing at the mouth
of Catt raugus Creek, thence up said creek
to tle village of Lodi, leaving said village- in
the Genesee Conference, thence to the Aileghany  River, at the mouth of Tunarnquant Creek, thence up said creek eastward
to the ridle dividing between the waters of
Clarion and Sinnamahlonin  Creeks, thence
south to the he1ad of Mahoning Creek, thence
down said creek, exclusive of the Milton
society, to the Alleghany River, thence
across said river in a north-westerly direction to the Western Reserve line, including
the north part of Butler and New-Castle
circuits, and also incluling Petersburgh,
thence west to the Ohio Canal, thence along
said canal to Lake Erie, including Akron
and Cleveland city.
16. The PITTSBURGH CONFERENCE sIhall.) bounded on the north by the Erie Conftrence, on the east by a line running along
the tops of the Alleghany Mountains to the
southern line of the State of Pennsylvania,
thence west alon(r the line of the \estern
Virginia Conference to the Ohio River,
thence down said river to the mouth of the
Muskingum River, thence up said river, ex11




162       BOUNDARIES OF THE  Part In.
elusive of the towns of Marietta and Zanes.
ville, to the Tuscarawas River, thence up
said river, exclusive of the town of Massillon,
to the line of the Erie Conference.
17. The WESTERN VIRIINIA  CONFER
ENCE shall be bounded as follows:-Beginninll at the south-west corner of the Pennsylvania line, thence alono said line to the
north-east corner of Ohio County, Virginia,
so as to include Wheeling Creek mission
and Triadelphia circuits; thence the most
direct way to Short Creek, so as to include
the Short Creek and Liberty circuit, thence
down said creek to the Ohio River, thence
down said river to the mouth of Bio Sandy
River, thence up said river, so as to include
the Charleston district; on the south and
east it shall be bounded by the Baltimore
Conference to the Pennsylvania State line,
thence westward by said line to the place of
beginning.
18. The OtIIO CONFERENCE shall commence at the south-east corner of the North
Ohio Conference, and thence south, following the course of the Muskingum River to
its junction with the Ohio River, including
the city of Zanesville, and the town of Marietta, thence down the Ohio River to the
mouth of Ohio Brush Creek, thence north
to the south-east corner of Fayette County,
leaving Sinking Spring circuit and Bethesda and Rapid Forge societies in Highrland
County, west of tllis line, and Washington
circuit east, except Fairfield, which shall be
left west of said line, thence north-west to




Ch. i.   ANNUAL CONFERENCES.           163
the western boundary of said county of
Fayette, thence in a due-north direction to
the southern boundary of the North Ohio
Conference, leaving Vienna circuit west of
said line, thence east witl the southern line
of the North Ohio Conference to the place
of beginning.
19. The CINCINNATI CONFERENCE shall
commence at the mouth of Ohio Brush Creek,
and shall be bounded on the south b1) the
Ohio River, and on the west by the Indiana
State line, to the southern bounds of the
North Ohio Conference, at the south-west
corner of Dark County, thence eastwardly
along said line, so as to ex(clude the Sydney
and  e)claware districts of the North Ohio
Conference, to tlhe boundary of the Ohio
Conference at its junction with the southern
line of the North Ohio Conference, thence
in a south-eastwardly direction with said
western line of the Ohio Conference to the,
place of beginning.
20. The KENTUCKY CONFERENCE shall
include the State of Kentucky, excepting
5o much of said State as is included in the
tVesterr Virginia Conference.
21. The NolTHI  Oiiio  CONFERENCE
hall embrace all that part of the State of
Dhio not included in the Ohio, Cincinnati,?ittsbur'gh and( Erie Conferences.
22. The MrICIGAN CONFEREN-CE shall
tinclude the State of Michigan.
23. The INDIANA CONFIFRENFCE shall be
bounded as follows, viz.:-1Beginning at tlie
mouth of Silver Creek, on the Ohio River,




164      BOUNDARIES OF THE  Part III,
thence with said creek to the Jeffersonville
Railroad, thence by said railroad to Rockford, thence by the East Fork of White
River to Columbus, thence by the Madison and Indianapolis railroad to Franklin,
thence by the Plank Road to the Bluffs if
White River, thence north by said river to
the southern line of the Ionation of Indianapolis, thence east by said line to Meridianstreet, thence north by said street to its
intersection with Market-street, thence west
by Market-street to the Donation line, then
south by said Donation line to the National
Road, thence by the National Road west to
the intersection of the Greencastle State
road, one-and-a-half miles west of Stilesville, thence with said State Road to the
town plat of Greencastle, thence due south
to Seminary-street, thence by said street to
College-street, including the second charge
in Greencastle, together with lot No. 153,
thence due south to the southern border of
the college grounds, upon a line equally dividing the college campus and building;
thence due west to the Walnut Fork of Eel
River, thence down said river to its in.
tersection with the National Road, thence
with said road to the western line of the
State, including all the towns on the National Road west of Indianapolis in Indiana
Conference, except the city of Terre Haute;
thence by the State line to the mouth of
the Wabash River, thence by the State line
to the mouth of Silver Creek, the place of
beginning.




Ch. i.  ANNUAL CONFERENCES.         165
24. The  NORTHI-WESTERN  INTIANA
CONFERENCE shall embrace all of NorthWestern Indiana, bounded north by the
State and Lake of Michigan, east by the
Michigan Road, and St. Joseph River,
south by Indiana Conference, and west by
the State of Illinois; also the city of Terre
Haute, with so much of the city of Indianapolis within the Donation as lies north of
Market-street, and west of Meridian-street,
with all the towns on the Michigan Road
except Logansport.
25. The NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE
shall include all of North-Eastern Indiana,
bounded north by Michigan, east by Ohio,
south by the National Road, and west by
the Michigan Road as far north as South
Bend, thence down St. Joseph River to the
Michigan State Line; also the town of
Logansport, all the towns on the National
Road east of Indianapolis, and so much of
the city of Indianapolis within the Donation
as lies north of Market-street, and east of
Meridian-street.
26. The  SOUTH-EASTERN   INDIANA
CONFERENCE shall include all of SouthEastern Indiana, bounded north by the National Road, east by Ohio, south by the
Ohio River, and west by the Indiana Conference; so much of the city of Indianapolis within the Donation, as lies south of
Market-street and east of Meridian-street,
and all the towns and societies on the line
between Indiana and South-Eastern Indiana
Conferences.




1I6      BOUNDARIES OF THE  Part III,
27. The ROCK RIVER CONFERENCE shall
include all of the State of Illinois lying
north of the line of the Illinois Conference,
not included in the Wisconsin Conference.
28. The WISCONSIN CONFERENCE shall
include the territory embraced in the State
of Wisconsin, with the addition of so much
of Council Hill and Monroe circuits as lies
within the State of Illinois, and all the
territory of Minnesota.
29. The IOWA  CONFERENCE shall inelude the State of Iowa, and the territory
of Nebraska; except so much as is occupied
by the Indian Mission, now in connexion
with the Missouri Conference.
30. The ILLINOIS  CONFERENCE  shall
include that part of Illinois not included in
South Illinois Conference, south of the following line, namely: Beginning at Warsaw
on the Mississippi River, thence to Vermont,
thence to the mouth of Spoon River, thence
to the Indiana State line, embracing Warsaw, Vermont, Havana circuit, Bloomington
station, and Danville circuit.
31. The SOUTHERN ILLINOIS CONFERENCE shall include all the State of Illinois
lying south of the following line-beginning
on the Mississippi River at Gilead, in Calhoun County, thence east to the north-west
corner of Jersey County, thence with the
Northern line of said county, thence with
the Macoussin Creek east of Carlinville,
thence east to Hillsboro, in Montgomery
County, toleave Hillsboro, Carrolton, Green.
ville, Carlinville, and Hillsboro circuits




Ch. i.   ANNUAL CONFERENCES.        16 7
within the Illinois Conference; thence east
through Fayette and Effingham  counties,
to the north west corner of Jasper County,
thence with the north line of Jasper and
Crawford counties, to Wabash River and
Indiana State line.
32. The MISSOURI CONFERENCE shall
include the State of Missouri, except that
part lying south of the Osage River, and
west of Miller, Pulaski, and Ashley counties,
and that part of the Nebraska territory,
embracing the Indian Missions in said territory.
33. The ARKANSAS CONFERENCE shall
include the States of Arkansas, Texas, and
so much of New-Mexico as lies east of the
Rocky Mountains, and that part of the Indian
territory west of Arkansas, and so much of
the State of Missouri as is not included in
the Missouri Conference.
34. The BALTIMORE CONFERENCE shall
include all that part of Virginia not embraced in the Western Virginia, Pittsburgh, and
Philadelphia Conferences, and which is
bounded by a line commencing at the mouth
of the Rappahannock River, running with
said river to the head waters thereof, (including Fredericksburg,) thence by the
BRue Ridge to New River, taking in Floyd
Circuit, thence by New River, to the boundary of the Western Virginia Conference;
and the western shore of Maryland, except
a small portion included in the Western
Virginia Conference, and that part of Pennsylvania lying east of the Alleghany Moun



168       BOUNDARIES, ETC.  Part III,
tains and west of the Susquehanna River,
including Huntington and Northumberland
districts.
35. The PHILtADELPHIA CONFERENCE
shall include the Eastern Shore of Maryland
and Virginia, the State of Delaware, and all
that part of Pennsylvania lying between the
Susquehanna and Delaware rivers, except
so much as is included in Baltimore, AVyoming, and New-Jersey Conferences.
36. The NEW-JERSEY  CONFERENCE
shall include the whole State of New-Jersey,
Staten Island, and so much of the States of
New-York and Pennsylvania as is now included in the Newton and Paterson districts.
37. The  OREGON  CONFERENCE shall
embrace the territory of Oregon.
38. The  CALIFORNIA  CONFERENCE
shall embrace the State of California, the
Territory of Utah, and so much of the Territory of New-Mexico as lies west of the
Rocky Mountains.
39. The LIBERIA CONFERENCE. There
shall be an Annual Conference on the Western Coast of Africa, to be denominated the
Liberia Mlission Annual Conference, pos.
sessing all the rights, powers, and privileges
of other Annual Conferences, except that of
sending delegates to the General Conference, and of drawing its annual dividend
from the avails of the Book Concern and
of the Charter Fund.




Ch.ii,~ 1. BUILDING OF CHURCHES.  169
GERMAN WORK.
1. The Pittsburgh, the North Ohio, and
the Cincinnati Districts, with the exception
of Lawrenceburg, are connected with ths
Cincinnati Conference.
2 The North Indiana District, as it now
is, and the Indiana District, with the addition
of Lawrenceburg, are connected with the
South-Eastern Indiana Conference.
3. The St. Louis, Missouri, and the Quincy
Districts, with the exception of Pekin and
Peoria Missions, are connected with the
Illinois Conference.
4. The Wisconsin and Iowa Districts,
with the addition of Pekin and Peoria Missions, are connected with the Rock River
Conference.
5. The German Missions in the east,
remain in connexion with the New-York
Conference.
CHAPTER II.
OF CHURCHES AND CHURCH PROPERTY.
SECTION I.
Of building Churches, and the Order to be
observed therein.
Quest. 1. Is anything advisable in regard
to building churches?
Answ. 1. Let all our churches be built




170   BUILDING OF CHURCHES. Part III,
plain and decent, and with free seats whereever practicable; but not more expensive
than is absolutely unavoidable-otherwise
the necessity of raising money will make
rich men necessary to us.  But if so, we
mur;t be dependent on them, yea, and governedl by them. And then farewell to Meth.
odist discipline, if not doctrine too.
2. In order more effectually to prevent
our people from contracting debts which
they are not able to discharge, it shall be the
duty of the Quarterly Conference, of every
circuit and station, where it is contemplated
to build a house or houses of worship, to
secure the ground or lot on which such
house or houses are to be built, according
to our deed of settlement, which deed must
be legally executed; and also said Quarterly
Conference shall appoint a judicious committee of at least three members of our
Church, who shall form an estimate of the
amount necessary to build; and three-fourths
of the money, according to such estimate,
shall be secured or subscribed before any
such building shall be commenced.
In  all eases where debts for building
houses of worship have been, or may be, incurred contrary to, or in disregard of, the
above recommendation, our members and
friends are requested to discountenance, by
declining pecuniary aid to all agents who
shall travel abroad beyond their own circuits or districts for the collection of funds
for the discharge of such debts: except in
such peculiar cases as may be approved
* See note on page 210.




Ch. ii, ~ 2. DEED OF SETTLEMENT.    171
by an Annual Conference, or such agents
as may be appointed by their authority.
3. In future we will admit no charter,
deed, or conveyance, for any house of worship to be used by us, unless it be provided
in such charter, deed, or conveyance, that
the trustees of said house shall at all times
permit such ministers and preachers belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church as
shall from time to time be duly authorized
by the General Conference of the ministers
of our Church, or by the Annual Conferences, to preach and expound God's holy
word, and to execute the discipline of the
Church, and to administer the sacraments
therein, according to the true meaning and
purport of our deed of settlement.
SECTION II.
Of the Form of a Deed of Settlement.Quest. What shall be done for the security of our preaching-houses. and the premises
belonging thereto?
Answ. Let the following plan of a deed of
settlement be brought into effect in all possible cases, and as far as the laws of the
States respectively will admit of it.  But
each Annual Conference is authorized to
make such modification in the deeds as they
may find the different usages and customs
of law require in the different States and
Territories, so as to secure the premises firmly
by deed, and permanently to the Methodist
o For the old and full form of this deed, see page 210.




172     DEED OF SETTLEMENT. Part III,
Episcopal Church, according to the true intent and meaning of the following form of a
deed of settlement: anything in the said
form to the contrary notwithstanding.
THIIs INDENTURE, made this
day of             in the year of our Lord
one thousand        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 after mentioned, all of the            in the State
of             aforesaid, of the other part,
WITNESSETH, that the said              (if
married, insert the name of his wife,) for and
in consideration of the sum of
specie, to                in hand paid, at
and upon the sealing and delivery of these
presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath (or have) given, granted,
bargained, sold, released, confirmed, and conveyed, and by these presents doth' (or do)
give, grant, bargain, sell, release, confirm,
and convey unto them the said
and their successors, (trustees, in trust for
the uses and purposes herein after menticned and declared,) all the estate, right, title,
interest, property, claim, and demand whatsoever, either in law or equity, which he the
said                                   (if
married, here insert the name of his wife)
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




Ch. ii, ~ 2.  DEED OF SETTLEMENT.   173
aforesaid, bounded and butted as follows, to
wit, (here insert the several courses and
distances of the land to the place of beginning,) containing and laid out for
acres of land, together with all and singular
the houses, woods, waters, ways, privileges,
and appurtenances thereto belonging, or in
anywise pertaining: TO  IIAVE  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 belonging, or in
anywise appertaining unto them  the said
and their successors in office
forever in trust, that they shall erect and
build, or cause to be erected and built
thereon, a house or place of worship for the
use of the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America, according to the rules and discipline
which from time to time may be agreed upon and adopted by the ministers and preachers of the said Church at their General
Conferences in the United States of America; and in further trust and confidence
that they shall at all times, forever hereafter, permit such ministers and preachers
belonging to the said Church, as shall from
time to time be duly authorized by the
General Conferences of the ministers and
preachers of the said Methodist Episcopal
Church, or by the Annual Conferences authorized by the said General Conference,
to preach and expound God's holy word




174    DEED OF SETTLEMENT. Part II1,
therein;  And the said              doth by
these presents warrant, and forever defend,
all and singular the before-mentioned and
described lot or piece of land with the appurtenances thereto belonging unto them
the said               and their successors,
chosen and appointed as aforesaid, from the
claim or claims of him the said
llis 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)
the presence of us
(Two witnesses.)      )
Grantor's (L. S.)
his wife's (L. S.)
Received the day of the date 
of the  above-written  in- 
denture, the consideration 
therein  mentioned in full.
Witness.]               Grantor's (L. S.)
County, ss.
BE IT RITEM BEIRED, that on the
day of            in the year of our Lord
one thousand         personally appeare d
befbre me, one of the justices of the peace,
in and for the county of        and State
of         the within-named           the
grantor (if married, insert the name of his
wife) acknowledged the within deed of
trust to be their act and deed, for the




Ch. ii, ~ 3.     TRUSTEES.              1'75
uses and purposes therein mentioned and
declared; and she the said           wife
of the said           being separate and
apart from her said husband, by me examined, declared that she had made the
same acknowledgment, freely and with
her own consent, without being induced
thereto through fear or threats of her said
husband.  In testimony whereof I have
hereto set my hand and seal, the day and
year first above written.
Here the justice's name.          (L. S.)
SECTION III.
Of Trustees.
1. Let nine trustees be appointed  for
holding church property, where proper persons can be procured; otherwise seven or
five.
2. When a nev board of trustees is to be
created, it shall be done (except in those
States and Territories  where the statutes
provide differently) by the appointment of
the lpreacher in charge, or the Presiding
Eldei of the district.
3. When any one or more of the trustees
shall die, or cease to be a member or members of the said Church according to the
rules of the discipline as 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 the said Church,
(except in those States and Territories where




176             TRUSTEES.         Part IT,
the statutes provide differently,) to call a
meeting of the remaining trustees 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 persona
so nominated shall have been one vear a
member or members of the said Church immediately preceding such nomination, and
be at least twenty-one years of age; and the
said trustees, 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 nine 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 neverftheess, That if the said
trustees, or any of them, or their successors,
have advanced, or shall advance, any sum
or sums of mnoney, or are or shall be responsible for any sum or sums of money, on account of the said premises, and they the said
trustees, or their successors, be obliged to
pay the said sums of money, they, or a majority of them, shall be authorized to raise
the said sum or sums of money by a mortgage on the said premises, or by selling the
said premises, after notice given to the pastor or preacher who has the oversight of the
congregation attending divine service on the




Ch.ii,~ 3..    TRUSTEES.                177
said premises, if the money due be not paid
to the said trustees, or their successors, within one year after such notice given; and if
such sale take place, the said trustees, or
their successors, 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 c'
Stewards of the society belonging to or attending divine service on said premises:
which surplus of the produce of such sale, so
deposited in the hands of the said Steward
or Stewards, shall be at the disposal of thl
next Annual Conference  authorized  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.
4. No person shall be eligible as a trustee
to any of our houses, churches, or schools,
who is not a regular member of our Church.
5. No person who is a trustee shall be
ejected while he is in joint security for
money, unless such relief be given him Ras
is demanded, or the creditor will accept.
6. The Board of Trustees of every ciicuit or station shall be responsible to tLeo
Qualterly  Conference of said  circuit or
station, and shall be required to present a
report of its acts during the preceding year.
12




178     SUPPORT OF BISHOPS. Part III
CHAPTER  III.
OF SUPPORT AND SUPPLIES.
SECTION I.
Of the Support of Bishops.!..Wesl. WHAT  shall be allowed for tha
support of a Bishop, and how shall it be
raised?
Ansu. 1. The annual allowance of a married Bishop shall be two hundred dollars,
and his travelling expenses.  The annual
allowance of an unmarried bishop shall be
one hundred dollars, and his travelling expenses.
2. Each child of a Bishop shall be allowed
sixteen dollars annually to the age of seven
years, and twenty-four dollars annually from
the age of seven to fourteen years.
3. Each Annual Conference shall pay its
proportionate part toward the allowance of
the widows and orphans of Bishops.
4. Each Annual Conference in which a
Bishop or Bishops may reside, shall annual*
ly appoint a committee of three or more,
whose duty it shall be to estimate the
amount necessary to furnish a house, fuel,
and table expenses, for said Bishop or
Bishops, subject to the action of the Conference, and they are authorized to draw on
the funds of the Book Concern for said
amount; and also for the amount of their
quarterage and travelling expenses.




Ch. iii,~ 2.   ALLOWANCE, ETC.         179
SECTION II.
Of  the Allowance to the Ministers and
Preachers, and to their Wives, Widows,
and Children.
1. The annual allowance of the married
travelling, supernumerary, and superannuated preachers, shall be two hundred dollars,
and their travelling expenses.
2 The annual allowance of the unmarried travelling, supernumerary, and superannuated preaclhers, shall be one hundred
dollars, and their travelling expenses.
3. Each child of a travelling preacher
shall be allowed sixteen dollars annually, to
the age of seven years, and twenty-four
dollars annually from the age of seven to
fourteen years; and those preachers whose
wives are dead shall be allowed for each
child annually a sum sufficient to pay the
board of such child or children during the
above term of years: Nevertheless, this rule
shall not apply to the children of preachers
whose families are provided for by other
aleans in their circuits respectively.
4. The annual allowance of the widows
of traveling, superannuated, worn-out, and
supernumerary preachers, and the Bishops,
shall be one hundred dollars.
5. The orphans of travelling, supernumerary, superann.uated, and worn-out preachers, and the Bishops, shall be allowed by the
Annual Conferences, the same sums respect



180          ALLOWANCE           Part III,
ively which are allowed to the children of
living preachers.  And on the death of a
preacher leaving a child or children without
so much of worldly goods as should be
necessary to his, her, or their support, the
Annual Conference of which he was a member shall raise, in such manner as may be
deemed best, a yearly sum for the subsistence and education of such orphan child ot
children, until he, she, or they, shall have
arrived at fourteen years of age.  The
amount of which yearly sum shall be fixed
by a committee of the Conference at each
session in advance.
6. It shall be the duty of a committee appointed by the Quarterly Conference, who
shall be members of our Church, to make an
estimate of the amount necessary to furnish
fuel and table expenses for the family or
families of preachers stationed with them,
which estimate shall be subject to the action
of the  Quarterly  Conference; and  the
Stewards shall provide, by such means as
they may devise, to meet such expenses,
in money or otherwise: provided the Stewards shall not appropriate the moneys collected for the regular quarterly allowance
of the preachers to the payment of familyi
expenses. 
Quest. How shall the Presiding Elders be
supported?
Answ. 1. If there be a surplus of the
public money in one or more circuits in his
district, he shall receive such surplus; provided he do not receive more than his an




Ch. iii, ~ 2.  TO MINISTERS.             181
nual allowance.  In case of a deficiency in
his allowance, after such surplus is paid
him, or if there be no surplus, he shall
share with the preachers of his district in
proportion with what they have respectively
received, so that he receives no more than
the amount of his allowance  upon  the
whole: he shall be accountable to the Annual Conference for what he receives as his
allowance.
2. There shall be a meeting in every
district, of one Steward from  each station
and circuit, to be selected from among the
Stewards by  the  Quarterly  Conference,
whose duty it shall be, by and with the
advice of the Presiding Elder, (who shall
presi(de in such nlceting,,) t take into consideration the gelneral state of the district
in regard to temporalities, and to furnish a
house, fuel, and table expenses, for the Presiding Elder, and to apportion his entire
claim among the different circuits and stations in the district according to their several ability.
The more effectually to raise the amount
necessary  to  meet the  above-mentioned
allowances, let there be made weekly class
collctions in all our societies where it is
practicable: and also for the support of missions and missionary schools under our care.
If the above allowances are not raised as
provided for, the Church shall not be accountable for the deficiency, as in a case of debt.




182             STEWARDS.          Part III,
SECTION III.
Local Preachers to have an Allowance in
certain Cases.
1. Whenever a local preacher fills the place
of a travelling preacher by the approbation of
the Presiding Elder, he shall be paid for his
time a sum proportional to the allowance of
a travelling preacher; which sum shall be
paid by the circuit at the next quarterly
meeting, if the travelling preacher whose
place he filled up were either sick or necessarily absent: or, in other cases, out of the
allowance of the travelling preacher.
2. If a local preacher be distressed in his
temporal circumstances, on account of his
service in the circuit, he may apply to the
Quarterly Conference, who may give him
what relief they judge proper, after the allowance of the travelling preachers and of
their wives, and all other regular allowances,
are discharged.
SECTION IV.
Ofthe Qualifications, Appointment, and. Duty,
of the Stewards of Circuits and Stations.
Quest. 1. What are the qualifications necessary for Stewards?
Answ. Let them  be men of solid piety,
who both know and love the Methodist doctrine and discipline, and of good natural and
acquired abilities to transact the temporal
bushiiess.




Ch. iii, ~ 4.  STEWARDS.               183
Quest. 2. How  are the Stewards to be
appointed?
Answ. The preacher having the charge
of the circuit shall have the right of nomination; but the Quarterly Conference shall
confirm or reject such nomination.
Quest. 3. What are the duties of Stewards?
A usw. To take an exact account of all
the money or other provisions collected for
the support of preachers in the circuit; to
make an accurate return of every expenditure of money, whether to the preachers, the
sick, or the poor; to seek the needy an(t
distressed in order to relieve and comfort
them; to inform  the preachers of any sick
or disorderly persons; to tell the preachers
what they think wrong in them; to attend
the quarterly meetings of their circuit; tot
give advice, if asked, in planning the circuit; to attend committees for the application of money to Churches; to give counsel
in matters of arbitration; provide elements
for the Lord's supper; to write circular let;
ters to the societies in the circuit to be mot e
liberal if need be; as also to let them know.
when occasion requires, the state of the
temporal concerns at the last quarterly
meeting; to register the marriages and baptisms; and to be subject to the Bishops, the
Presiding Elder of their district, and the
Elder, Deacon, and travelling preachers of
their circuit.  (See also ~ 5, art. 2, p. 184,
and ~ 6, answ. 2, page 189.)
Quest. 4. To whom are the Stewards a,



184        ANNUAL SUPPLIES.   Part III,
countable for the faithful performance of
their duty?,lnsw. To the Quarterly Conference of
the circuit or station, which shall have powex
to dismiss or change them at pleasure.
Quest. 5. What number of Stewards are
necessary in each circuit?
ilzswv. Not less than three, nor more than
even, one of whom shall be the Recording
Steward.
SECTION V.
Of raising Annual Supplies for the Propa7ation of the Gospel, nmakiny up the Allowcnce of the Preachers,  cc.
I. Every preacher who has the charge of:; circuit shall earnestly recommend to every
class or society in his circuit to raise a
quarterly or annual collection by voluntary
contribution, or in such other way or manner as they may judge most expedient from
ime to tille; and the moneys so collected,hall be lodged with the Steward or Stewards of the circuit, to be brought or sent to
the Annual Conference, with a regular account of the sums raised for this purpose in
the classes or societies respectively.
2. Wherever there remains in the hands
of the Stewards a surplus of the moneys
raised for the use of the circuit preachers,
after paying the allowance of the preachers
in the circuit, let such surplus be brought or
ent to the Annual Conference.;, Every preacher who has the charge of




Ch. iii, ~.   ANNUAL SUPPLIES.        185
a circuit shall make a yearly collection, and,
if expedient, a quarterly one, in every congregation where there is a probability that
the people will be willing to contribute;
and the money so collected shall be lodged
in the hands of the Steward or Stewards,
and brought or sent to the ensuing Annual
Conference. To this end, he may read and
enlarge upon the following hints:
" llow shall we send labourers into those
parts where they are most of all wanted?
Many -are willing to hear, but not to bear
the expense. Nor can it as yet be expected
of them.  Stay till the word of God has
touched their hearts, and then they will
gladly provide for them  that preach  it.
Does it not lie upon us, in the mean time,
to supply their lack of service?  To raise
money out of which, from time to time, that
expense may be defrayed?  By this means,
those who willingly offer themselves may
travel through every part, whether there be
so:ieties or not, and stay wherever there is
a call, without being burdensome to any.
Thus may the gospel, in the life and power
thereof, be spread from sea to sea. Which
of you will not rejoice to throw in your mite
to promote this glorious work?
"Besides this, in carrying on so large a
work through the continent, there are calls
for money in various ways, and we must
frequently be at a considerable expense, or
the work must be at a full stop. hlany, too,
are the occaeional distresses of our preachers, or their families, wvhich require  an im



186       ANNUAL SUPPLIES.  Part I1
mediate supply, otherwise their hands would
hang down, if they were not constrained to
depart from the work.
" The money contributed will be brought
to the ensuing Conference.
"'Ien and brethren, help! Was there
ever a call like this since you first heard the
gospel sound?  Help to relieve your companions in the kingdom of Jesus, who are
pressed above measure. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of
Christ. Help to send forth able and willing
labourers into your Lord's harvest: so shall
ye be assistants in saving souls from death,
and hiding a multitude of sins.  Help to
propagate the gospel of your salvation to
the remotest corners of the earth, till the
knowledge of our Lord shall cover the land
as the waters cover the sea.  So shall it appear to ourselves and all men, that we are
n(leed one body, united by one spirit; so
shall the baptized heathens be yet again constrained to say,' See how these Christians
love one another!'"
4. A public collection shall be made at
every Annual and every General Conference, for the above purposes.
5. Let the annual produce of the Chartel
Fund, as divided among the several Confer
ences, be applied with the above contribu
tions: but so as not to militate against th.
rules of the Charter Fund; and also the annual dividend arising from the profits of the
Book Concern.  Out of the moneys so collected, and brought to the respective An



Ch. iii, ~ 5. ANNUAL SUPPLIES.         187
nual Conferences, let the various allowances
agreed upon in the second section be made
up; but each Annual Conference shall have
full power to determine, by a vote of two-thirds
of all the members present and voting, who
among the superannuated and supernumerary preachers, and the widows and orphans
of deceased preachers belonging to the Conference, shall be claimants on the funds of
said Conference, and what amount each
claimant shall receive fiom  year to year.
But in no case shall an allowance be made
to any travelling preacher who has travelled
in any circuit where he might, in the judgment of the Annual Conference, have obtained his full quarterage, if he had applied
for it; and if at any Conference their remain a surplus after making up all such allowances, the Conference shall send such
surplus forward to that Conference they
judge to be the most necessitous.
6. Every Annual Conference has fall liberty to adopt and recommend such plans
and rules as to them may appear necessary
the more effectually to raise supplies for the
respective allowances. Each Annual Conference is authorized to raise a fund. if they
judge it proper, subject to its own control,
and under such regulations as their wisdom
may direct, for the relief of the distressed
travelling, superannuated, and supernumerary preachers, their wives, widows, and
children, as also for missionary purposes.
7. It shall be tLe duty of each Annual
Conference to tale measures, from year to




188           PARSONAGES.         Part IB
year, to raise moneys in every circuit and
station within its bounds, for the relief of itg
necessitous superannuated and supernumerary ministers, widows, and orphans.  And
the Conference shall annually appoint a
committee to estimate the several sums necessary to be allowed for the extra expenses
of such necessitous claimants, who shall be
paid in proportion to the estimates made and
the moneys in hand.
8. To defray the expenses of the delegates
composing the General Conference, a collection shall be taken up in each circuit and
station some time previously to the sitting
of the Conference, and the sums so collected
shall be brought up to the General Conference, and applied to the object herein contemplated in proportion to the expenses of
the several delegates.
SECTION VI.
Of Building and Renting Houses for the Use
of the Travelling Preachers.
Quest. What advice or direction shall be
given concerning the building or renting of
dwelling-houses for the use of the married
travelling preachers?
Answ. 1. It is recommended by the General Conference to the travelling preachers,
to advise our friends in general to purchase
a lot of ground in each circuit, and to build
a preacher's house thereon, and to furnish
it with, at least, heavy furniture, and to




Ch. ii, ~ 6.    PARSONAGES.           189
settle the same on trustees appointed by the
Quarterly  Conference, according  to  the
Deed of Settlement published in our form
of Discipline.
2. The General Conference recommend
to all the circuits, in cases where they are
not able to comply with the above request,
to rent a house for the married preacher
and his family, (when such are stationed
upon their circuits respectively) and that
the Annual Conferences do assist to make
up the rents of such houses as far as they
can, when the circuit cannot do it.
The Stewards of each circuit and station
shall be a standing committee, (where no
trustees are constituted for that purpose,) to
provide houses for the families of our married preachers, or to assist the preachers to
obtain houses for themselves when they are
appointed to labour among them.
3. It shall be the duty of the Presiding
Elders and preachers to use their influence
to carry the above rules respecting building
and renting houses for the accommodation
of preachers and their families into effect
In order to this, each Quarterly Conference
shall appoint a committee, (unless other
measures have been adopted,) who, with
the advice and aid of the preachers and
Presiding Elders, shall devise such means as
may seem fit to raise moneys for that purpose. And it is recommended to the Annual Conferences to make a special inquiry
of their members respecting this part of their
duty.




190     SUPPORT OF MISSIONS. Part III,
4. Those preachers who refuse to occupy
the houses which may be provided for them
on the stations and circuits where they are
from time to time appointed, shall be allowed
nothing for house rent, nor receive anything
more than quarterage for themselves, their
wives, and children, and their travelling
expenses.  Nevertheless, this rule shall not
apply to those preachers whose families art
either established within the bounds of thei
circuits, or are so situated that in the judg
ment of the Stewards, or the above-men.
tioned committee, it is not necessary, for the
benefit of the circuit, to remove them.
CHAPTER IV.
THE SUPPORT OF MISSIONS.
1. THE support of missions is committed to
the Churches, congregations, and societies,
as such.
2. It shall be the duty of each Annual
Conference, where missions have been or
are to be established, to appoint a standing committee, (which shall keep a record of
its doings, and report the same to its Conference,) whose duty it shall be, in conjunction
with the President of the Conference, to
make an estimate of the amount necessary
for the support of each mission and mission
school, in addition to the regular allowance
of the Discipline to preachers and their




Chl. iv.   SUPPORT OF MISSIONS.        191
families from  year to  year: for which
amount the President of the Conference
for the time being shall draw on the Treasurer of the Society in quarterly instalnents.
3. It shall be the duty of each Annual
Conference to form  within its bounds a
Conference Missionary Society, which shall
Appoint its own officers, fix the terms of
membership, and otherwise regulate its own
administration.  But it shall pay all its
funds into the treasury of the parent society.
4. It shall be the duty of each Presiding
Elder to bring the subject of our missions
before the Quarterly Conference of each
circuit and station within his district, at the
first Quarterly Conference in each year; and
said Conference shall proceed to appoint a
committee, of not less than three nor more
than nine, (of which the preacher in charge
shall be chairman,) to be called the Committee on Missions, whose duty it shall be to
aid the preacher in charge in carrying into
effect the disciplinary measures for the support of our missions.
5. It shall be the duty of the preacher in
charge, aided by the Committee on Missions,
to provide for the dafuson of rrssiona'ry
intelligence in the Church and congregation.
6. It shall be the duty of the preacher in
charge, aided by the Committee on Missions,
to institute a monthly missionary prayermeeting, or lecture, in each  society, or




192     SUPPORT OF MISSIONS. Part IIr
Church and congregation, wherever practicable, for the purpose of imploring the divine blessing on missions; for the diffusion
of missionary intelligence; and to afford an
opportunity for voluntary offerings to the
missionary cause.
7. It shall be the duty of the preacher in
charge, aided by the Committee on Missions,
to appoint missionary collectors, and furnish
them with suitable books and instructions,
that they may call on each member of the
society, or Church and congregation, and
on other persons, at their discretion, for
his or her annual, semi-annual, quarterly,
monthly, or weekly contributions for the
support of missions. Said collectors shall
make monthly returns (unless otherwise instructed by the committee) to the preacher
in charge, or to the Missionary Treasurer
of the Church, if there be such treasurer
appointed by the Committee on Missions.
Such returns shall be fairly entered in a
book, which the committee shall provide,
together with collections and contributions
received from other sources. Such entries
shall set forth the name of each collector,
the real or assumed names of the contributors to each collector, with the amount contributed by each.
8. Each preacher in charge shall report
at Conference, to the Executive Committee,
or Board of Managers of the Conference
Missionary Society, a plain transcript of the
record of the returns provided for in section
seven, comprehending the name of each




Ch. iv.  SUPPORT OF MISSIONS.        193
collector in his charge, and the name, real
or assumed, of each contributor to each collector of fifty cents or upwards during the
year; and the aggregate sum of all contributions under fifty cents each, that they
may be by said Executive Committee, or
Board of Managers, properly arranged by
districts, and by charges, for publication in
the Annual Report of the Conference Missionary Society; together with the contributions and collections received from other
sources, unless the Conference shall by vote
declare such transcript returns, and such
publication, not to be advisable.
9. It shall be the duty of the preacher in
charge, with the aid of the Committee on
Missions, to present once in the year, to the
Societies, or the Churches and congregations, the cause of missions, and to ask public collections and contributions for the
support of the same.  The manner of asking and taking such collections and contributions shall be at the discretion of the
pastor and the Committee on Missions, with
this injunction, that the pastor shall preach,
or cause to be preached on the occasion, ore
or more sermons: and with the recommendation that one whole Sabbath day be given
to the cause, on this annual presentation of
missions, in our principal Churches and
congregations.
10. It is earnestly recommended that each
Sunday school in our Churches and congregations be organized into a Missionary Society, under such rules and regulations as
13




194     SUPPORT OF MISSIONS. Part it,
the pastor, the superintendent, and teachers
may prescribe.
11. Each Annual Conference shall desig.
nate the month or months in which the
public  collections and  contributions  for
missions shall be taken within its bounds.
12. The President of the Conference, at
each session, shall appoint one of its members, with an alternate, to preach a mission.
ary sermon during its next succeeding
session, at such time and place as the
officers of the Conference Missionary Society shall designate, and said officers shall
cause timely notice of such sermon to be
published abroad.
13. It will be expected in the examination in the Annual Conference, reference
will be had to the faithful performance of
the duty of preachers on this subject in the
passage of character.
14. Each Presiding Elder is charged with
seeing that the foregoing provisions, so far as
applicable to his district, are faithfully executed within his district.
15. The Corresponding Secretary of the
Missionary Society of the Methodist Episco.
pal Church shall be a member of such An.
nual Conference as he may, with the approbation of the Bishops, select.
16. Any Annual Conference may, at its
option, by a vote of two-thirds of its members,
assume the responsibility of supporting such
missions, already established within its own
limits, as have hitherto been reported under
the head of " Missions in the Destitute Por



Ch. V,    CHARTERED FUND.           195
tions of the Regular Work;" and for this
purpose it shall be at liberty to organize a
Conference Domestic Society, with branches;
provided such organization shall not interfere
with the collections for the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as
required by the Discipline. Provided, also,
that in case more funds shall be raised for
such missions than are needed, tie surplus
shall be paid over to the Treasurer of the
Parent Society of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, at New-York, to be appropriated to
such mission or missions, under the care of
the Society, as may be designated by said
Conference.
CHAPTER V.
OF THE CHARTERED FUND.
Quest. 1. WHAT further provision shall be
made for the distressed travelling preachers,
for the families of travelling preachers, and for
the superannuated and worn-out preachers,
and the widows and orphans of preachers?
Answ. There shall be a Chartered Fund,
to be supported by the voluntary contributions of our friends: the principal stock of
which shall be funded under the direction
of trustees, chosen by the General Conference, and the interest applied under the direction of the General Conference, according to the following regulations, namely:1. The Elders, and those who have the




196       CHARTERED FUND.  Part In
oversight of circuits, shall be collectors and
receivers of subscriptions, &c., for this fund.
2. The money shall, if possible, be conveyed by bills of exchange, or otherwise,
through the means of the post, to the general
Book Agents, who shall pay it to the trustees
of the fund: otherwise, it shall be brought
to the ensuing Annual Conference.
3. The interest shall be divided into thir'
ty-eight parts, and each of the Annual Con.
ferences shall have authority to draw one
thirty-eighth part out of the fund; and if in
one or more Conferences a part less than one
thirty-eighth be drawn out of the fund in
any given year, then in such case or cases,
the other Annual Conferences, held in the
same year, shall have authority, if they judge
it necessary, to draw out of the fund such
surplus of the interest which has not been
applied by the former Conferences; and
the Bishops shall bring the necessary information of the state of the interest of the
fund, respecting the year in question, from
Conference to Conference.
4. All drafts on the Chartered Fund shall
be made on the President of the said fund,
by order of the Annual Conference, signed
by the President, and countersigned by the
Secretary of the said Conference.
5. The money subscribed for the Chartered Fund may be lodged, on proper securities, in the States respectively in which it has
been subscribed, under the direction of
deputies living in such States respectively;
provided, such securities and such deputies




Ch.vi. CIRCULATING OF BOOKS.    197
be proposed as shall be approved of by the
trustees in Philadelphia; and the stock in
which it is proposed to lodge the money bs
sufficiently productive to give satisfaction
to the trustees.
Quest. 2. How shall vacancies in the board
of trustees of the Chartered Fund be filled?
Answ. The Board of Trustees shall have
power to fill any vacancy or vacancies that
may occur in their body by death, resignation, or otherwise, subject, however, to the
approval of the first General Conference;hat may be held after such vacancy or
vacancies shall have occurred.
CIAPTER VI.
PRINTING AND CIRCULATING OF BOOKS,
TRACTS, AND PERIODICALS.
1. THE principal establishment of the
Book Concern shall be in the city of NewYork; and there shall be such other establishments as the General Conference may
deem expedient.
2. There shall be an Editor of the Methodist Quarterly Review and general books,
and an Editor for the Christian Advocate
and Journal, who, if chosen from among the
travelling preachers, shall be members of
such Conferences as they may, with the approbation of the Bishop, select.  There
shall be an Editor at New-York of Sundayschool publications, whose duty it shall be,




198   CIRCULATING OF BOOKS. Part IV,
in connexion with the Book Agents, to
superintend all such publications issued at
our Book Room, and to have charge of the
Sunday School Advocate or other Sundayschool periodicals, and he shall be subject to
the same regulations and restrictions which
govern the other Editors in New-York,.
The Editor of Sunday-school publications
shall also be the Corresponding Secretary
of our Sunday-School Union.
3. There shall be at New York an Editor
of a Monthly Magazine and of Tracts, who
shall be subject to the same regulations and
restrictions which govern other Editors at
New-York, and who shall also be the Corresponding Secretary of our Tract Society:
as Editor of Tracts, he shall have charge of
the publication of tracts in our own and
foreign languages; as Corresponding Secretary of the Tract Society, it shall be his duty
to raise funds in behalf of the Society, to
promote the formation of Conference and
other auxiliaries, to co-operate with the
auxiliary societies, to make all proper efforts
for the general diffusion of religious reading,
and to make arrangements with the Book
Agents for the cheap publication of any book
or books, specially adapted to promote evangelical and practical religion.
4. There shall be an Agent and an Assistant Agent, both of whom shall be chosen
from among the travelling preachers, and
shall be members of such Conferences as
they may, with the approbation of the
Bishops, select.




Ch. i. CIRCULATING OP BOOKS.    199
5. The Agents shall have authority to regulate the publications and all other parts
of the business of the Concern, except what
belongs to the editorial departments, as the
state of the finances will admit, and the demands may require. It shall be their duty
to send an exhibit of the state of the Book
Concern at New-York to each session of the
Annual Conferences, and report quadrennially to the General Conference. They
shall also inform  the Conferences of any
within their respective bounds who neglect
to make payment, that measures may be
taken to collect or secure such debts; and
they shall not allow any claim to run beyond
one year from the time it was due without
reporting it to the Conference. They shall
publish such books and tracts as are recommended by the General Conference, and
may, if approved by the Editors, publish
such as are recommended by the Book Committee at New-York, or recommended by an
Annual Conference; and they may reprint
any book or tract which has been once approved and published by us, when in their
judgment, and in the judgment of thle
Editors, the same ought to be reprinted;
or they may publish any new work whichl
may be approved by the Editors.
6. The Book Committee at New-York
shall consist of seven travelling ministers, to
be chosen by the General Conference. Duiing the intervals of the General Conference,
they shall have power to fill any vacancy
that may occur in their own body. It shall




200  CIRCULATING OF BOOKS. Part Il,
be the duty of the Book Committee to examine into the condition of the Book Concern,
to inspect the accounts of the Agents, and
make a report thereof yearly to all the Annual Conferences, and to the General Con.
ference. They shall also attend to such
matters as may be referred to them by the
Editors or Agents for their action or counsel.
And they shall have power to suspend an
Editor or Agent from his official relation as
such, if they judge it necessary for the interests of the Church and the Concern. And
a time shall be fixed, at as early a day as
practicable, for the investigation of the official conduct of the said Editor or Agent, at
which two or more of the Bishops shall be
requested to attend; and by the concurrence
of the Bishops present, and of the majority
of the Committee, he may be removed from
office in the interval of the General Conference. And in case a vacancy occurs in
any of the agencies or editorial departments
authorized by the General Conference, it
shall be the duty of the Book Committee,
and two or more of the General Superintendents, as soon as practicable, to provide for
such vacancy until the next General Ccn.
ference.
7. There shall be an Agent and an Assistant Agent to conduct the Book Concern in
Cincinnati, to be chosen from among the
travelling preachers, who shall manage the
business in the western country, so as to cooperate with the Agents at New-York, and
shall be members of such Conferences as




Ch. vi. CIRCULATING OF BOOKS.    201
they may, with the approbation of the
Bishops, select.
(1.) They shall have authority to publish
any book or tract which has been previously
published by the Agents at New-York, when
in their judgment, and in the judgment of
the Book Committee, the demand for such
publication will justify, and the interests of
the Church require it. Provided, they shall
not reprint our large works, such as the
Commentaries, quarto Bible, Wesley's and
Fletcher's Works, or any other work containing more than seven hundred pages.
And the Agents at New-York shall fill the
orders for the Agents at Cincinnati for the
plates of such books or tracts; and when the
Agents at New-York are about to issue any
new work of less than seven hundred pages,
they shall, when practicable, give notice to
the Agents at Cincinnati, and furnish, if ordered by them, duplicate plates, which, with
the above, shall be at cost.
(2.) They shall publish such books and
tracts as are recommended to them for publicatiohfby the General Conference; and
they may publish any new work which shall
ie approved by the Editors; and may publish any work recommended by the Book
Comrtlittee at Cincinnati, or by an Annual
Conference, if approved by the Editors.
(3.) Printed sheets ordered by the Agents
from New-York shall be sent at fifty per
cent., and bound books of the General Catalogue at forty per cent., discount from the
retail prices; and those ordered from Cin



202   CIRCULATING OF BOOKS. Part IHI
cinnati to New-York to be sent on the same
terms, the agency sending the books to be
charged with the expense of transportation.
(4.) It shall be the duty of the Agents to
send an exhibit of the state of the Book Concern at Cincinnati to each session of all the
Annual Conferences, and report quadrennially to the General Conference. They shall
also inform the Conferences of any within
their respective bounds who neglect to make
payment, that measures may be taken to
collect or secure such debts; and they shall
not allow any claim to run beyond one year
from the time it was due without reporting
it to the Conference.
(5.) The Book Committee of this department of the Book Concern shall consist of
seven travelling ministers, to be chosen by
the General Conference, whose powers and
duties in reference to this establishment
shall be the same as those of the Book Committee at New-York in relation to the Concern there.
(6.) The Agents of this establishment shall
remit to the Agents at New-York durino the
current year as largely and frequently as
their funds will allow, and to the full aniount
of stock furnished, if practicable. They shall
also remit any surplus funds that may be in
their hands after defraying the expense of
conducting their business, which shall be
added to the profits of the Concern at NewYork, and appropriated to the same purposes.
(7.) There shall be an Editorofthe Ladies'




Ch. V1. CIRCULATING OF BOOKS.    203
Repository, general books and tracts, except
those in the German language, and an Editor
of the Western Christian Advocate, who, if
chosen from among the travelling preachers, shall be members of such Conferences
as they may, with the approbation of the
Bishops, select.
(8.) There shall be an Editor in the German department, who shall have charge of
the Christian Apologist, and perform all the
editorial duties necessary in the printing of
such books and tracts as may be recommended to the agents as above, for publication in
the German language.
8. Every Annual Conference shall appoint a committee, who, in the absence of the
Agent, shall attend to the collection of the
accounts sent out from the Book Concern,
and return an accurate report of the same.
They shall also report to the Conference
any claims which may have been one year
due, that they may be collected or secured.
Every Presiding Elder, minister, and preacher, shall do everything in his power to recover
all debts due to the Concern, for books or
periodicals, within the bounds of his charge.
If any person,* preacher, or member, be indebted to the Book Concern, and refuse or
neglect to make payment, or to come to a
just settlement, let him be dealt with in the
same manner as is directed in other cases of
debt and disputed accounts.  (See part i,
chap. ix, sec. 4.)
9. Whenever a member of an Annual
Conference applies for a location, it shall be




204   CIRCULATING OF BOOKS. Part ImI
asked in all cases, Is he indebted to the
Book Concern? and if it be ascertained
that he is, the Conference shall require him
to secure said debt, if they judge it at all
necessary or proper, before they grant him
a location. Whenever any claimant on the
funds of a Conference shall be in debt
to the Book Concern, the Conference of
which he is a member shall have power
to appropriate the amount of such claim,
or any part thereof, to the payment of said
debt.
10. In addition to the Christian Advocate
and Journal, and the Western Christian
Advocate,.there shall be similar papers
established in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Auburn, NewYork; Chicago, Ill.; St. Louis, Mo., (when
the agents at Cincinnati deem  it advisable;) and San Francisco, California. The
Pittsburgh Conference shall appoint from
their own members a Publishing Committee,
consisting of three, whose duties shall be
similar to those of the Book Committees of
New-York and Cincinnati, so far as they
may be applicable to the Pittsburgh Christian Advocate. In the case of the Northern
Christian Advocate, the Publishing Committee shall be appointed by the Oneida,
Gcnesee, East Genesee, Black River, and
Wyoming Conferences, and shall consist of
one member from each of these Conferences,
to be chosen annually.  There shall be a
Publishing Committee for the North-Western
Christian Advocate, consisting of one member from each of the following Conferences,




Ch. vi.  CIRCULATING OF BOOKS.    205
to be selected by the Conferences respectively; namely, Rock River, Michigan, NorthWestern Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin; whose duty shall be similar to that cf the
Book Committee at New-York and Cincinnati, so far as it may be applicable to the
establishment.  A committee of one from
the Illinois, one from the Southern Illinois,
one from the Iowa, one from the Arkansas,
and one from the Missouri Conferences, to
be selected by the Conferences respectively, shall superintend the publication of
the paper authorized to be published at
St. Louis, Mo.; and on the nomination of
said committee and recommendation of the
Missouri Conference, the Presiding Bishop
shall be requested to appoint an editor
for said paper, when the Book Agents at
Cincinnati shall have determined on its
publication; and the duties of said committee shall be similar to those of the Publishing Committee at Chicago. There shall
be a Publishing Committee, consisting of
four members, to be selected by the California, and one by the Oregon Annual
Conference, whose duties shall be similar
to the Book Committees at New-York and
Cincinnati, so far as they may be applicable
to the California Christian Advocate.
11. The editors of the papers at Pittsburgh,
Auburn, Chicago, and San Francisco, shall
be elected by the General Conference. And
in case of vacancy by death, resignation, or
otherwise, in either of these establishments,
the Annual Conference where it is located




0O6   CIRCTULATING OF BOOKS. Part Ift,
shall have authority to fill such vacancy as
above provided.
12. The Publishing Committee in each of
these establishments shall keep an account
of the receipts and expenditures for the
paper, correspond with the agents at NowYork, hold all moneys, after defraying current expenses, subject to their order, and
shall report annually on the state of the
establishment to their Conference, and to
the agents at New-York.  And whenever
it shall be found that such papers do not
fully support themselves, it shall be the duty
of the Annual Conferences within whose
bounds they are established, to discontinue
them, and report to the agents at New-York
the state of the accounts on the final settlement of the business; and if there be any
loss, the said agents shall take the earliest
opportunity to discharge the debt
13. The Annual Conferences are affectionately and earnestly requested not to
establish any more Conference papers; and
where such papers exist, they may be discontinued when it can be done consistently
with existing obligations.
14. There shall be a depository of ouir
books at Pittsburgh, Pa.; at Boston, Mass.;
and at San Francisco, Cal., furnished by the
agents at New-York with full supplies of the
books of our General Catalogue, Sundayschool books and tracts, to be sold for the
Concern on the same terms as at New-York.
Provided, that there shall not be i.ore than
fifteen thousand dollars' worth at Pittsburgh,




Ch. vi.  CIRCULATING OF BOOKS.    207
nor more than ten thousand dollars' worth at
Boston. There shall also be a depository at
Chicago, II1., and one at St. Louis, Mo., to
be supplied by the agents at Cincinnati.
Depositories shall also be established at
Buffalo and Auburn, N. Y., and at Washington, D. C., at the discretion of the NewYork Book Agents.
i5. The expenses incident to the transportation, management, and sale of our
books at these depositories, having been met
out of the sales according to an arrangement
with the agents at New-York, the net proceeds shall be forwarded to said agents as
fast as possible.
16. Full statements shall be made to the
agents at New-York semi-annually, at dates
fixed by them, of the amount of sales,
and of expenses; distinguishing cash sales
from  those on credit.  And also, annual
statements shall be made of the amount of
stock.
17. If it shall appear to the agents at
New-York that the business at either of the
depositories is not well managed, or that
remittances are not duly made, they shall
give notice thereof to the committee or cominissioners acting for the Annual Conference,
or to the Annual Conference, who shall immedittely correct the error complained of,
or cause the affairs of the depository to be
wound up.
18. The salaries for th( support of editors
and ageOts in all our book and periodical
establishments, shall be filcd by the General




208   CIRCULATING OF BOOKS. Part III,
Conference, or by committees appointed by
that body.
19. No books shall hereafter be issued on
commission, either from New-York, Cincinnati, or any other depository or establishment under our direction.
20. The profits arising from the Book
Concern, after a sufficient capital to carry
on the business is retained, shall be regularly applied to the support of the deficient
travelling preachers and their families, the
widows and orphans of preachers, &c. The
Book Agents shall every year send forward
to each Annual Conference an account of
the dividend which the several Annual Conferences may draw that year: and each
Conference may draw for its proportionate
part on any person who has book money in
hands, and the drafts, with the receipt of
the Conference thereon, shall be sent to the
Book Agents, and be placed to the credit of
the person who paid the same.
21. Any travelling preacher who may
publish any work or book of his own, shall
be responsible to his Conference for any
obnoxious matter or doctrine therein contained.
22. No editor, agent, or clerk, employed
in the Book Concern, or in any department
belonging to it, shall be allowed in any case
to publish or sell books as his own private
property.




Ch. vii.        SLAVERY.               209
CHAPTER VII.
OF  SLAVERY.
Que.t. WHAT shall be done for the extirpation of the evil of slavery?
Answ. 1. We declare that we are as much
as ever convinced of the great evil of slavery:
therefore no slaveholder shall be eligible to
any offici l station in our Church hereafter,
where the laws of the State in which he lives
will admit of emancipation, and permit the
liberated slave to enjoy freedom.
2. When any travelling preacher becomes
an owner of a slave or slaves, by any means,
he shall forfeit his ministerial character in
our Church, unless he execute, if it be practicable, a legal emancipation of such slaves,
conformably to the laws of the State in which
he lives. \
3. All dur preachers shall prudently enforce upon our members the necessity of
teaching their. slaves to read the word of
God; and to allow them time to attend upon
the public worship of God on our regular
days of divine service.
4. Our coloured preachers and official
members shall have all the privileges which
are usual to others in the district and Quarterly Conferences, where the usages of the
country do not forbid it. And the Presiding
Elder may hold for them a separate District
Conference, where the number of coloured
local preachers will justify it.
14




210             SLAVERY.           Part III,
5. The Bishops may employ coloured
preachers to travel and preach, when their
services are judged necessary, provided that
no one shall be so employed without having
been recommended by a Quarterly Conference:
o. NoTE.-The phrase, "wherever practicable," at the top of page 170, though authorized
by the recorded Journal of the General Conference of 1852, is believed by many of the Delegates to be without authority.




FORM OF A DEED OF SETTLEMENT.
Quest. 4. WHAT shall be done for the security of
our preaching-houses, and the premises belonging
thereto?
Answ Let the following plan of a deed of settlement be brought into effect in all possible cases, and
as far as the laws of the states respectively will
admit of it. But each annual conference is authorized to make such modification in the deeds as
they may find the different usages and customs of
law require in the different states and territories, so
as to secure the premises firmly by deed, and permanently to the Methodist Episcopal Church, according to the true intent and meaning of the following form of a deed of settlement; anything in
the said form to the contrary notwithstanding.
THIS INDENTURE, made this          day of
in the year of our Lord one thousand      hundred
and      between           of the           in the
state of        (if the grantor lie married, insert
the name of his wife) of the one part, and
trustees, in trust for the uses and purposes hereinafter mentioned, all of the                 in the
state of               aforesaid, of the other I art,
WITNESSETH, that the said              (if married,
insert the name of his wife) for and in consideration
of the sum of          specie to          in hand
paid; at and upon the sealing and delivery of these
presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath (or have) given, granted, bargained, sold,
released, confirmed, and conveyed, and by these
presents doth (or do) give, grant, bargain, sell,
release, confirm, and convey unto them, the said
and their successors, (-trustees in trust
for the uses and purposes hereinafter mentioned and




212        DEED OF SETTLEMENT.
declared,) all the estate, right, title, interest, property
claim, and demand whatsoever, either in law oi
equity, which he the said         (if married, here
insert the name of his wife) 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 aforesaid, bounded and butted as follows, to
wit, (here insert the several courses and distances
of the land to the place of beginning,) containing and
laid out for     acres of land, together with all and
singular the houses, woods, waters, ways, privileges,
and appurtenances 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 belonging, or in any wise
appertaining unto them the said          and their
successors in office for ever in trust, that they shall
erect and build, or cause to be erected and built
thereon, a house or place of worship for the use of
the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church
in the United States of America, according to the
rules and discipline which from time to time may
be agreed upon and adopted by the ministers and
preachers of the said Church at their General Conferences in the United States of America; and in
further trust and confidence that they shal. at all
times, for ever hereafter, permit such ministers and
preachers belonging to the said Church, as shall from
time to time be duly authorized by the General
Conferences of the ministers and preachers of the
said Methodist Episcopal Church, or by the annual
conferences authorized by the said General Conference, to preach and expound God's holy word
therein; and in further trust and confidence, that
as often as any one or more of the trustees herein
before mentioned shall die, or cease to be a member
or members of the said Church according to the riles
and discipline as aforesaid, then and in such case it
shall be the duty of the stationed minister or preacher
(authorized as aforesaid) who shall have the pas.




DEED OF SETTLEMENT.    213
toral charge of the members of the said Ch Ir(h, to
call a meeting of the remaining trustees 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) beei
vacated as aforesaid. Provided, the person or per
sons so nominated shall have been one year a mem
ber or members of the said Church immediately
preceding such nomination, and be at least twenty
one years of age; and the said trustees, 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 nine trustees for ever; 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 if the said trustees, or
any of them, or their successors, 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 the said premises, and they, the said
trustees or their successors, be obliged to pay the
said sums of money, they, or a majority of them. shall
be authorized to raise the said sum or sums of money,
by a mortgage on the said premises, or by selling
the said premises, after notice given to the pastor
or preacher who has the oversight of the congregation attending divine service on the said premises,
if the money due be not paid to the said trustees, or
their successors, within one year after such notice
given; and if such sale take place, the said trustees,
or their successors, after paying the debt and other
expenses which are due from  the money arising
fiom 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 of the produce of such sale, so deposited in
the hands of said steward or stewards, shall be at
the disposal of the next annual conference author




214        DEED OF SETTLEMENT.
ized 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 for ever defend, all and singular the
before-mentioned and described lot or piece of land,
with  the appurtenances 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
the presence of us 
(Two witnesses.)    )
Grantor's (L. S.)
his wife's (L. S.)
Received the day of the date 
of the above-written in- 
denture, the consideration (
therein mentioned in full. )
Witness.]                   Grantor's (L. S.)
County, ss.
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the             day of
in the year of our Lord one thousand
personally appeared before me, one of the justices
of the peace, in and for the county of     and
state of        the within-named            the
grantor (if married, insert the name of his wife)
acknowledged the within deed of trust to he theis
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 said husband, by me examined, declared that
she had made the same acknowledgment, freely
and with her own consent, without being induced
thereto through fear or threats of her said husband
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand
and seal, the day and year first above written.
Here the justice's name.              (L S.)




ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
Allowance to Bishops, 178; to preachers, 179.
American Bible Society, collections for, to be
reported  at Conference, 36; agents may be
appointed for more than two years, 41.
Amusements, sinful, forbidden by the General
Rules, 28.
Annual Conference. [See Conference.]
Annual Conferences, boundaries of the, 158.
Appeal, right of, guaranteed to ministers and people, 34; from arbitration, 100; of travelling
preachers to General Conference, 94; of local
preachers to Annual Conference, 96; of members
to Quarterly Conference, 100.
Arbitration, to settle disputes, 100.
Arkansas Conference, boundaries of, 167.
Articles of religion, 15; not to be altered by General Conference, 33.
Asbury, F., ordained Bishop, 14.
Baltimore Conference, boundaries of, 167.
Band Societies, rules, &c., of, 81-83.
Baptism, (article of religion,) 21; prerequisite of
Church membership, 30; form in Discipline to
be used invariably, 104; general directions for,
103; order in ministration to infants, 103; to
those of riper years, 107.
Baxter's Gildas Salvianus recommended, 66.
Bible classes, preachers' duty to form, 86.
Bible Society.  [See American Bible Society.]
Bishops, [see Episcopacy,] how constituted, 40;
ordination in case no Bishop survive, 40; duties
of, 40,41; ceasing to travel, 42; procedure in




216       ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
case of a vacancy in the office, 43; trial of, 90;
form of ordination, 122; support of, 178.
Black River Conference, boundaries of, 159.
Books, preachers to see societies supplied with, 60;
preachers to be diligent in spreading, 72; printing and circulating of, 197; publication of by
travelling preachers, 208; by Editors, Agen ts, or
clerks, 208.
Book Agents.  [See Book Concern.]
Book Committee, 199.
Book Concern, appropriation of its produce, 3t,
187, 208; to pay expenses of Bishops, 178; its
organization, &c., 197; Agents of, 198, 200; at
Cincinnati, 200, 202; publications of, by whom
selected, 199, 201; annual exhibit of, 199.
Books Canonical, names of the, 16.
Borrowing, without a probability of paying, forbidden, 28.
Boston, depository at, 206.
Boundaries of the Annual Conferences, 158.
Bribery at elections, 71.
Building of churches, 169.
Burial of the dead, form in Discipline to be used
invariably, 77; form of service for, 155.
California Conference, boundaries of, 168.
Call to preach, signs of, 49.
Candidates for the ministry must be recommended
by Quarterly Conferences, 39; must pursue four
years' course of study, 42; may be admitted, or
rejected without wrong, 45, 51; for Deacon's
orders, two years' probation, 46; for Elder's, 46;
examination of, 49.
Catechisms, to be used as extensively as possible, 86.
Celibacy of the clergy rejected, 23.
Certificate to removing members, 62; to local
preachers, 76.
Chaplains to state prisons, military posts, and
naval stations, 41.
Chartered Fund, appropriation of its produce, 34,
186, 195; its organization, &c., 195.
Children, instruction of, 60, 85; catechization, 60.
Christian Advocate and Journal, 204.




ALPHABETICAL INDEX.               217
Christ, person of, 15; resurrection of, 15; pres
ence of, in the supper, 22.
Church, visible, 20; rites and ceremonies of, variable, 23.
Churches, building of, 169.
Cincinnati, Book Concern at, 200.
Cincinnati Conference, boundaries of, 163.
Circuits, may be united by Bishops, 42; supply for,
during Conference, 63.
Class, origin and objects of, 26; collections, 26, 59;
weekly, 181.
Class-leaders, duty of, 26, 27, 80; appointed bythe
preacher, 59; to be examined by him  quarterly, 80.
Class-meetings, rules for, 80; neglect of, 80;
missionary collections in, 192, 193.
Cleanliness recommended, 62.
Coke, Dr. ordained by Mr. Wesley, 14.
Collections, [see Class,] quarterly, 60,184; Sunday
school, 60, 61; tract, 60, 61; missionary, 61, 192,
193; for church building, 61; fifth collection,
184; at Annual and General Conference,187, 188;
for delegates, 188.
Colleges, agents may  be  appointed for, 41;
preachers stationed at, 41.
Community of goods, not Scriptural, 24.
Conferences, 31, 32; deportment at, 31.
Conference, General, 32; ratio of delegation, 32, 33;
time of meeting, 32; Bishops have power to
summon, with advice of Conferences, 32; quorum
at, 32; President of, 33; powers of, 33; restriction of, 33; expenses of delegates to, 188.
Conference, Annual, 34, 35; members of, 34; times
and places of, how fixed, 35; order of business
at, 35, 36; number of, 37; records of, 37; president of, 35; to appoint mission committee, 191;
conference missionary society recommended, 191.
Conference, Quarterly, members of, 37, 38; president of, 38; business of, 38; secretary of, 38;
to appoint house committee, 189; to appoint
committee on missions, 191.
Course of study, 227-232.
Credentials to Le given up on expulsion, &c., 95,97




218       ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
Deacon, travelling, how constituted, 47; duties
of, 47; term of probation of, 46, 52; ceasing to
travel, 47; form of ordination, 144; local Deacon, 74.
Debts, not to be contracted without probability of
paying, 63; procedure on complaint for nonpayment, 101; of travelling preachers, 93; of local
preachers, 97; to Book Concern, 203.
Deed of settlement, 171.
Delegates to General Conference, expenses of,
188.
Depositories. [See Chicago, Boston, Buffalo, and
Pittsburgh, &c.,] 206, 207.
Disputes, settlement of, 100.
Dissensions, 99.
Districts, formed by Bishops, 40.
Domestic missionary society authorized in each
Conference, 191.
Doctrines, false, procedure in case of preacher disseminating, 93; preacher to drive away, 139.
Dress, 88.
Drunkenness, forbidden, 27.
Duty, neglect of, 99; paramount to feeling, 29.
East Genesee Conference, boundaries of, 160.
East Maine Conference, 159.
Editor, general, term of service, 40, 197; of National Magazine and Tracts, 198; of Christian
Advocate and Journal, 41,197; of Sunday-school
books, &c., 41,197; of Ladies' Repository, 202; of
Western Christian Advocate, 41,203; at Auburn,
41, 204; at Pittsburgh, 41, 204: of Christian
Apologist, 41, 203; Chicago, Ill., St. Louis, Mo.,
&c., 204.
Education. [See Seminaries and Colleges.
Elders, Presiding.  [See PResiding Elders.]
Elders, travelling, how constituted, 45, 47; duties
of, 45, 47; ceasing to travel, 46; form of ordination of, 132.
Elections, treating at, 71.
Episcopacy, form of government preferred by Mr.
Wesley, 14; not to be done away by General
Conference, 33.




ALPHABETICAL INDEX.               219
Episcopal Address to members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, 3.
Erie Conference, boundaries of, 161.
Estimating committees.  [See Expen8es.1
Evil-speaking prohibited, 28, 70, 73.
Exclusion from the Church to be announced at
quarterly meeting, 31.
Exhorters, members of Quarterly Conference, 37;
license of, 39, 62; may be employed to fill
absence of preachers, 63.
Expenses, table, of preachers, committee to estimate, 38, 181; of Bishops, 178; of Presiding
Elders, 181.
Faith, the condition of justification, 18; means of
eating Christ's body, 22.
False doctrine.  [See Doctrine.]
Family prayer, required of members, 29; of
preachers, 56.
Fast, quarterly, 62.
Fasting enjoined, 29, 57.
Full connexion, preachers received into, 51.
Funds, special, Conferences authorized to raise, 187.
General Conference.  [See Conference.]
General Rules.  [See Rules.]
Genesee Conference, boundaries of, 160.
German missionaries, 169.
German publications, 203.
German publishing fund, agents for, 42.
German work, Conference connexions, 169.
Goods of Christian men not common in right or
title, 24.
Good works, the fruit and evidence of faith, 18.
Government of United States, 24.
Grace, means of. [See IcMans.]
Holiness, causes for deficiency of, among preachers, 70.
Holy Ghost, article of the, 16; calls to the ministry, 49.
Home missions.  [See Missions and Domestic.1
House, preacher's, to be furnished, 188.




220    ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
Illinois Conference, boundaries of, 166.
Improper tempers, words, or actions, in travelling
preachers, 92; in local preachers, 97.
Indiana Conference, boundaries of, 163.
Infant baptism, form of administering, 103.
Insolvencies, dishonest, 101; procedure in, 101.
Instruction of children. [See Children.]
Intoxicating liquors as beverage, buying, selling,
using, 99.
Iowa Conference, boundaries of, 166.
Itinerancy, not to be done away by General Coaference, 33.
Justification by faith, 18.
Kentucky Conference, boundaries of, 163.
Law, moral, its obligation, 17.
Law, questions of, to be decided by Bishops, 42;
application of, left with the Conferences, 42;
decided by Presiding Elders at Quarterly Conference, 44.
Leaders, [see Class-leaders,] meetings of, 62.
Liberal charity, a duty, 25.
Liberia Mission Annual Conference, 168.
Liquors, spirituous, their use forbidden, 27.
Local preachers, members of Quarterly Conference,
37; licensed by do., 38, 74; when accused, tried
by do., 39, 74; examined for license, 39; to be
paid when supplying circuits, 63, 182; directions concerning, 74; when eligible to orders,
75; removal of, 76; trial of, 96; relief of din
tressed, 182.
Local Deacons or Elders, 75.
Located preachers, where amenable, 76.
Location of preachers against their consent, 94.
Lord's Prayer, use in public worship, 77; in forms,
106, 112, 120.
Lord's supper, (article of religion,) 21; to be administered in both kinds, 22; duty of partaking, 57; form in Discipline to be used invariably,
77; general directions for, 113; order of, 113.
Love-feasts, tickets for, to be renewed quarterly,




ALPHABETICAL INDEX.              221
59: to be held, 59; not to last above an hour
and a half, 61; how often strangers to be admitted to, 81.
Magistrates, not to be ill-spoken of, 28.
Maine Conference, boundaries of, 159.
Marriage, preachers not to take steps toward,
without advice, 53; with unawakened persons,
89; without consent of parents, 89; form of
solemn.ization, 149.
Mass, unscriptural, 23.
Matrimony, form of solemnization, 149.
Means of grace, 29, 56, 77, 84.
Members, reception of, 30; to be received, tried,
&c., by the preacher, 59; numbers of, to be
taken by preacher, 59; not to remove without
certificate, 61; trial of, 98.
Membership in society, conditions of, 27.
Michigan Conference, boundaries of, 163.
Ministers, marriage of, 22; not to be ill-spoken
of, 28; classes of, &c., 40, 76. [See Candidates.]
Missionaries, not limited to two years' station, 41;
may be ordained earlier, 52; support of, 190.
Missionary secretary, 40, 194.
Missionary societies to be organized in the circuits and stations, 190; in the Annual and
Quarterly Conferences, 191; in Sunday schools,
193.
Mission committee, to be appointed by each Conference, 190; by each Quarterly Conference, 190.
Missions, collections for, to be reported at Conference, 190; by preachers, 192; special funds
may be raised by each Conference, 187; general
plan for support of, 190; Conference missionary
societies recommended, 191; annual, to be
taken up in each Conference, 193.  [See Domestic, 191.1
Missouri Conference, boundaries of, 167.
Necessitous claimants, provision for, 188.
New-England Conference, boundaries of, 159.
New-Hampshire Conference, boundaries of, 159.
New-Jersey Conference, boundaries of, 168.




222       ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
New-York Conference, boundaries of, 158.
New-York East Conference, boundaries of, 158.
Northern Christian Advocate, 204.
North Indiana Conference, boundaries of, 165.
North Ohio Conference, boundaries of, 163.
Oaths, 25.
Oblation of Christ, 22.
Ohio Conference, boundaries of, 162.
Old Testament, 17.
Oneida Conference, boundaries of, 160.
Ordinances, forms of Discipline to be used invaria.
bly, 77; forms, 103, 107, 113.
Ordination, [see Bishop,] forms of, 122, 144; of
Bishops, 122; of Elders, 132; of Deacons, 144.
Oregon Conference, boundaries of, 168.
Origin of Methodist Episcopal Church, 13.
Original sin, 8.
Orphans of preachers, &c., allowance of, 179.
Parsonages, building of, recommended, 188; renting, 189; committee of Quarterly Conference,
189; preachers refusing to occupy, 190.
Pastoral visiting.  [See Visiting.]
Periodicals, account of subscribers to be kept, 61
Perseverance, 19.
Philadelphia Conference, boundaries of, 168.
Pittsburgh Christian Advocate, 204.
Pittsburgh Conference, boundaries of, 161.
Pittsburgh, depository at, 206.
Prayer, duty of, 29, 56.
Prayer meetings, to be appointed by preacher, 623
to supply lack of preaching, 63.
Preachers' expenses, estimating committee. [?.e
Expenles.]
Preachers, to be admitted on trial, must be recommended by Quarterly Conference, 39, 50; appointments, fixed by Bishops, 40; not to remain
more than two years in one station, except in
New-Orleans, 41; nor more than four in same
city, 41; reception of, from other denominations, 48; mode of receiving on trial, 50; into
full connexion, 51; absenting themselves from




ALPHABETICAL INDEX.               223
their circuits, 45; rules of conduct, 53; duty to
God, themselves, and one another, 55; supernumerary, 73; superannuated, 73; trial of, 91;
inefficient, 93; allowance of, 179; houses for,
188; must occupy houses provided, 190; duty
in regard to annual supplies, 185; to parsonages,
189; to missions, 192, 193; to Book Concern,
203; coloured preachers, 209.
Preacher in charge, duties of, 58; to children, 86;
to supplies, 184; to parsonages, 189; to missions, 191,192, 193.
Preaching, best method  of, 54, 64; morning
preaching enjoined, 55; when to continue or
desist in a place, 64.
Presiding Elders, term of service, 43, 45, how
chosen, stationed, and changed, 43; duties of,
43; support of, 180; duties to missionary cause,
191; to Book Concern, 203.
Prisons, chaplains to.  [See Chaplains.]
Probation of six months before admission to membership, 30.
Probationers, numbers of, to be taken separately
by preacher, 59.
Providence Conference, boundaries of, 158.
Publishing committees, 199, 204, 206.
Purgatory, 20.
Quarterly Conference. [See Conference.]
Quarterly meetings, Presiding Elder to be present
at, 44; preacher in charge to hold, in absence
of Presiding Elder, 59.
Quarterly Review, 197.
Representation, ratio of, to General Conference, 33.
Resurrection of Christ, of the, 15.
Riches, worldly, of, 28.
Rites and ceremonies may be changed, 23.
Ritual, 103, 122.
Rock River Conference, boundaries of, 166.
Rulers, civil, duty of Christians to, 24.
4ules, General, of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
25; not to be revoked or changed by General
Conference, 33; to be read by preacher, 62; re



224    ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
strictive, on the powers of General Conference,
33; for a preacher's conduct, 53; for continuing
or desisting to preach at any place, 64.
Sabbath, observance of, enjoined, 27, 70.
Sacraments, (article of religion,) 20; number of,
21; falsely so called, 21; uses of, 21. [See Baptism and Lord's Sutpper.]
San Francisco depository, 206.
Scriptures, (article of religion,) 16; canon of, 17
study of, 56; to be read in public, 77.
Seamen, preachers to, 41.
Seats in churches, 170.
Self-denial enjoined, 57, 58.
Self-indulgence, of needless, 28.
Seminaries, preachers appointed to, 41; agents
for, 41.
Sin, original, 18; after justification, 19.
Singing, spirit and truth of, 78, 79.
Slavery, 27, 209.
Slaves, buying and selling of, forbidden in General Rules, 27.
Smuggling forbidden, 28, 71.
South-Eastern Indiana Conference, boundaries of,
165.
Southern Illinois Conference, boundaries of, 166.
Spirituous liquors, buying, selling, or drinking, 27;
using as beverage, 99.
St. Louis depository, 207.
Stewards, to be met by preacher once a week, 27
members of Quarterly Conference, 37; nomi.
nated by preacher, and appointed by Quarterly
Conference, 39; accounts to be overlooked ty
preacher, 59; qualifications, appointment, and
duty of, 182; to whom responsible, 183; to send
surplus money to Annual Conference, 184; to
send collections also, 185.
Stewards, district, 181.
Study, course of, Bishops to point out, 42.
Sunday schools, interests of, under charge of Quarterly Conference, 39, 85; and of Presiding Elder,
44; preachers may be appointed agents, 41, 86;
preachers to encourage, 60, 85; and report, 60.




ALPHABETICAL INDEX.    2Q2
St. L )uis depository, 207.
Sunday School Advocate, 198.
Sunday-School Union, 85; collections for, to be
reported at Conference, 36; and to be taken annually by preachers, 60.
Superannuated preachers, 73; trial of, 92; allowance of, 179.
Supererogation, works of, 19.
Superintendents.  [See Bishops.1
Supernumerary preachers, 73; allowance of, 179.
Support and supplies, 178, 190.
Surplus moneys, to be sent by Stewards to Conference, 184; by Conference to Conference, 187.
Table -epensems   [See Expenwee..
Temperance in eating and drinking enjoined, 58.
Testament, relation of Old and New, 17.
Time, means of securing, for pastoral duty, 68;
employing profitably when not on duty, 71.
Tracts, preacher to encourage distribution of, 60;
printing and circulation of, 87.
Transportation of books to depositories, 207.
Transubstantiation rejected, 22.
Treasure, of earthly, 28.
Treating at elections prohibited, 71.
Trial of ministers and members, 90; of a Bishop,
90; travelling preacher, 91; local preacher, 96;
members, 98.
Trinity, article of the, 15.
Trustees of churches, duties of, 171, 175; mode
of choosing, &c., 175; responsible to Quarterl
Conference, 177.
Troy Conference, boundaries of, 159.
Union, necessity of, among ourselves, 72; means
of, 73.
United Societies, general rules of, 25; origin of, 26.
United States, allegiance to, 24.
Usury forbidden, 28.
Vermont Conference, boundaries of, 159.
Visiting, pastoral, 65, 69.
15




226      ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
Watch-nights to be held, 59.
Wesley, J., ordains Dr. Coke as superintendent,
14; forms the first society, 26.
Wesleyan  Connexion, reception  of  preachers
from, 48.
Western Christian Advocate, 204.
Western Virginia Conference, boundaries of, 162.
Widows of Bishops, preachers, &c., allowance of,
179.
Will, freedom of, 18.
Wisconsin Conference, boundaries of, 166.
Word, the, or Son of God, 15.
Worn-out preachers, 73.
Works. [See Good Works.]
Worship, attendance on it enjoined, 29; public,
directions for, 20, 77.
Wyoming Conference, boundaries of, 160.




COURSE OF STUDY
For Probationers and Travelling Deacons
in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
FIRST YEAR.
The Bible-Doctrines.
The Existence of God; the Attributes of
God, namely, Unity, Spirituality, Eternity,
Omnipotence, Ubiquity, Omniscience, Immutability, Wisdom, Truth, Justice, Mercy, Love,
Goodness, Holiness; the Trinity in Unity
the Deity of Christ; the Humanity of Christ
the Union of Deity and Humanity; Personality and Deity of the Holy Ghost; Depravity;
Atonement; Repentance; Justification  by
Faith; Regeneration; Adoption; the Witness
of the Spirit; Growth in Grace; Christian
Perfection; Possibility of Final Apostasy;
Immortality of the Soul; Resurrection of the
Body; General Judgment; Rewards and
Punishments.
[The examination on the above to be strictly Biblical, requiring the candidate to give
the statement of the doctrine and the Scripture proofs. To prepare for this, he should
read the Bible by course, and make a memorandum of the texts upon each of these topics
as he proceeds.]




228        COURSE OF STUDY.
Systematic Divinity.
Watson's Institutes, First Part; Wesley's
Plain Account of Christian Perfection.
Common English.
English Grammar; Modern Geography.
Composition.
Essay or Sermon.
[Read Wesley's Sermons and Notes; Wat.
son's Life of Wesley; and Watson's Apology.]
SECOND YEAR.
The Bible-Sacraments.
The Sacrament of Baptism-Its Nature,
Design, Obligation, Subjects, and Mode; The
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper-Its Nature,
Design, and Obligation.
[Mode of study and examination same as
upon the Bible in the first year.]
Systematic Divinity
Watson's Institutes, Second Part; Peck's
Christian Perfection, new  12mo. edition;
Fletcher's Appeal
Church Government.
Methodist Discipline; Stevens's Church
Polity.0




COURSE OF STUDY.           29
Composition.
Essay or Sermon.
[Read Bishop Emory's Defence of our Fathers; Powell on Apostolical Succession; Dr.
Emory's History of the Discipline; Wesley on
Original Sin, and Wesley's Doctrinal Tracts;
Johnston's Natural Philosophy.0]
THIRD YEAR.
The Bible-History and Chronology.
Candidates to be prepared upon the leading events recorded in the Old and New Testaments.
Reference Books: Horne's Introduction and
Hibbard's Palestine.
Systematic Divinity.
Watson's Institutes, Third Part; Butler's
Analogy; Peck's Rule of Faith; Hibbard on
Baptism.0
History, Ac.
Ruter's Church History; Tytler's General History; Newman's Rhetoric; Hedge's
Logic.
Composition.
Essay or Sermon.
[Read Bangs's History of the Methodist
Episcopal Church; Elliott on Romanism;
Fletcher's Works; Rollin's Ancient History;
Smith's Patriarchal Age; Hallam's Middle
Ages;0' Russell's Modern Europe.-]




230         COURSE OF STUDY.
FOURTI YEAR.
Review of the whole course.
Systematic Divinity.
Watson's Institutes, Fourth Part.
Preaching.
Claude's Essay on the Composition and
Delivery of a Sermon.
Biblical Criticism.
Horne's Introduction, abridged.
Composition.
Essay or Sermon.
[Read Smith's Hebrew People; Mosheim's
Ecclesiastical History; Townley's Illustrations of Biblical Literature; Watson's Sermons; History of the United States.]
o Those works in the course marked with an
asterisk are optional with the annual conferences.
Those so marked among the books to be read are
recommended as highly important, but are not
enjoined. The examination as to the other works
required to be read, but not included in the course
of stady, shall extend only to the fact of reading




COURSE OF STUDY.         231
COURSE OF STUDY
Recommended for Local Preachers who
are Candidates for Deacon's and Elder's Orders.
CANDIDATES FOR DEACON'S ORDERS.
The Bible-Doctrines.
The Existence of God; the Attributes of
God, namely, Unity, Spirituality, Eternity.
Omnipotence, Ubiquity, Omniscience, Immutability, Wisdom, Truth, Justice, Mercy, Love.
Goodness, Holiness; the Trinity in Unity;
the Deity of Christ; the Humanity of Christ;
the Union of Deity and Humanity; Person
ality and Deity of the Holy Ghost; De
pravity; Atonement; Repentance; Justification by Faith; Regeneration; Adoption; the
Witness of the Spirit; Growth in Grace;
Christian Perfection; Possibility of Final
Apostasy; Immortality of the Soul; Resurrection of the Body; General Judgment; Rewards and Punishments.
The Bible-Sacraments.
The Sacrament of Baptism-Its Nature,
Design, Obligation, Subjects, and Mode; the
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper-Its Nature,
Design, and Obligation.
[The examination on the above subjects is
to be strictly Biblical, requiring the candidates to give the statement of the doctrine




232        COURSE OF STUDY.
and the Scripture proofs. To prepare for
this, he should read the Bible by course, and
make a memorandum of the texts upon each
of these topics as he proceeds.]
Systematic Divinity.
Watson's Institutes, Part First and Second:
Wesley's Plain Account of Christian Perfeo.
tion; Fletcher's Appeal.
Church Government.
Methodist Discipline.
Common English.
English Grammar; Modern Geography.
[Read Watson's Life of Wesley; Wesley's
Sermons; Emory's Defence of our Fathers;
Powell on Apostolical Succession.]
CANDIDATES FOR ELDER'S ORDERS.
Review of the previous course.
Bible-History.
The leading events recorded in the Old and
New Testaments.
Systematic Divinity.
Watson's Institutes, Part Third and Fourth.
Composition.
An Essay or Sermon.
[Read Fletcher's Checks; Smith's Hebrew
People; Ruter's Church History; Porter's
Compendium of Methodism.]